If you hadn’t yet realized that Apple iPods were everywhere, or soon will be, then take a look at the new iPod player ”slash” bathroom tissue dispenser. It just goes to show that there are markets, products, and services yet to be exploited. All we need is a large marketplace with relatively affluent and lifestyle-focused consumers.
I suppose cultural managers should take heart in the fact that some people absolutely have to have music with them wherever they go (and I do mean ”go”). But I’ll admit that products like this make me wonder about the capitalist system just a bit.
Maybe arts organizations could sell branded versions of such hybrid devices in their stores or through their websites? Maybe they could sell sponsorship and imprint logos and corporate messages on the individual sheets with corresponding audio pitches?
Maybe songs, book readings, subliminal messages and other audio programming could be triggered at the same time so that you would have access to a highly focused, receptive, distributed audience on a national or global basis?
Maybe you could add a recording mechanism so that participants taking a break from board meetings would never lose their best and most creative insights?
Maybe I should end it there 🙂