OJ: You personify the word...say it real slow...m..a..n..i..a...<ggg>
Yes, the internet is going to change our lives even more as it becomes more of a appliance as has the TV and the majority becomes attached to what it offers.
I have been a proponent of the net for years. Heck, I was one of the first surfing way back when...but the reality is it is not going to replace your corner 7/11 or the shopping mall where all the kids hang out or the factory (what few are left) down the road or the auto body shop you used after your last crash or the folks down at firestone who put on your last set of tires or the guy at the bate shop that sold you your worms the last time you went fishing.
It will compete with some brick and mortar stores, but mainly it is competing with:
Printed materials: Junk mail, newspapers, magazines, brochures, financial information, etc.
Services: Ones that can be replaced by the computers as opposed to talking on the phone. IE: Brokers, Insurance Agents, Loans, Ticketing, etc.
Products: Those that are normally purchased via catalogs with some additional competition to certain brick and mortar stores. IE: Video & Audio media.
Conferencing via the Net: Some travel/transportation will be impacted.
Eventually the TV and the Internet will meld...however, most products will still be sold via the conventional market place. Most folks will still want to do the deal with someone in the flesh. Most companies will create a Site on the Net that will NOT stand out in an ever-increasing crowd. And most folks are still going to want to touch, feel and smell the merchandise before the buy...that is just the nature of humans!
Eventually this mania will crash back into the realm of traditional valuations. They always do...always! So, bud...chew your gum and listen to it pop. Then, roll down those bobby socks and prepare to flail you arms into the air as you enjoy the lift to the top...but listen diligently for the last click of the chain...as the coaster joggles as it nears the top...because what comes next is the fast and furious, but exciting ride to equilibrium...reasonable valuations!
Regards,
LG
|
