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Send an email to: sponsor@viodi.com<\/strong><\/p>\n Please forward<\/strong> this free publication to anyone you know who is involved in some way with independent telephone companies. <\/p>\n Mission of the Viodi View:<\/strong><\/p>\n In this on-line publication, we share our analysis, opinions and direction on the interactive television news and views that we believe will be of interest and use to our friends associated directly or indirectly with independent telephone companies. For more information as to the various ways Viodi works with independent telephone companies, please go to http:\/\/www.viodi.com\/alliance\/<\/a><\/p>\n Disclaimer:<\/strong><\/p>\n The Viodi View [Viodi, LLC] and its associates used their best efforts in collecting and preparing the information published herein. However, the Viodi View [Viodi, LLC] does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any and all liability for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions resulted from negligence, accident, or other causes.<\/p>\n All displayed trademarks, logos and service marks are the property of their respective owners. \u00a9 2005Viodi, LLC<\/a>. All Rights Reserved. Viodi View Newsletter – November 9th, 2005 <\/strong> <\/p>\n Our Packet Lives – Implications for Independent Telcos <\/strong><\/p>\n By Ken Pyle, ken.pyle@viodi.com, Managing Editor, Viodi View<\/p>\n Multi-tasking<\/strong> was a metaphor that became popular sometime in the 1990s to describe what I am doing right now; watching a baseball game and writing this column. Most non-computer professionals probably do not realize that this phrase was originally used to describe computers that were able to perform more multiple tasks at once. To some extent, humans could multi-task long before the advent of the personal computer (at least those of us who could walk and chew gum at the same time). <\/p>\n Technology, however, provided us with many more opportunities to multi-task; we can now do things such as talk on the phone while we drive or listen to music while we garden. In short, technology has allowed us to become more like the computing machines<\/strong> that were supposed to be our servants. A similar transformation may be occurring, except this time the network will provide the metaphor.<\/p>\n That is, thanks to technology like email, instant messaging and ubiquitous wireless connectivity an increasing percentage of the population is online, all the time. This technology is allowing people to not only multi-task, but to behave like the packets<\/strong> that carry their communications. That is, instead of completing tasks in a serial fashion, as was the normal way of doing things 20 years ago, now people routinely jump from the task at hand to check email or send an instant message and then they jump back to what they were doing. <\/p>\n Technology is even changing the communications with a whole new language of abbreviations and symbols to make things more efficient. \ud83d\ude09 With their embrace of cellular text messaging, instant messaging, blogs, etc., young people are at the leading edge<\/strong> of this evolution. Overall, this ability to communicate and to receive the information that one wants when they want it and in the form they want is probably going to be a net gain for society. <\/p>\n There are rumblings, however, that this sort of on-demand, packet life could have some negative repercussions. For instance, in an article titled, The Dot.Com Kids and the Demise of Frustration Tolerance<\/strong><\/em>, Dr. Marilyn Benoit suggests that the immediate feedback provided by a world of computers and communications is impeding upon the normal development process<\/strong> of young children. Benoit writes:<\/p>\n \u201cThe problem I see emerging in children is decreasing frustration tolerance. In lay language, this translates into a lack of patience<\/strong>, that old-fashioned virtue<\/strong> that people of my generation had preached to us repeatedly, \u201cPatience is virtue\u201d\u2026\u2026\u2026We must concede that the rapidity of these technological changes, and their impact on our youngsters must have significant influence upon the way kids perceive, experience and adapt to their world.\u201d<\/p>\n Her comments are reinforced by the widespread, anecdotal comments I hear everyday from other parents regarding the importance of limiting children\u2019s \u201cscreen time<\/strong>.\u201d <\/p>\n Could these concerns lead to a backlash against the purveyors of the broadband networks<\/strong> that enable this screen time? Although it is clearly the parent\u2019s responsibility for how much time his child spends watching television, sitting at the computer or text messaging, it is not too hard to imagine broadband providers getting the blame for junior\u2019s lack of attention. Other industries, such as tobacco, soft-drink and television programming, have certainly been restricted based upon their influence upon children. <\/p>\n Instead of waiting for lawsuits or government mandates, Independent Telcos should proactively<\/strong> take steps to help parents fight the negative aspects of broadband access. These steps could take many forms, including:<\/p>\n By being proactive about ameliorating the negative effects of children\u2019s packet life, an independent telco has the opportunity to provide some unique product enhancements that will make for better balanced kids<\/strong>, happier parents and a customer-base that is less likely to churn <\/strong>to the competition. <\/p>\n Next Article<\/a><\/p>\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n Previous Issue<\/a><\/p>\n Viodi View Subscribe<\/strong><\/p>\n Click Here to Learn How to Contribute to the Roger Brown Family Fund<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n IP Video Tracks at TELECOM 05<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Order the CD-ROM!<\/p>\n send an email to CD-ROM Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n Sunday, October 23rd <\/a><\/p>\n Monday, October 24th <\/a><\/p>\n
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