In response to Maggie’s post...Do you think our generations and younger generations rely too much on technology?

Times are changing.  In many ways we do rely too much on technology.  For example, many people can't navigate streets they drive nearly every day without a GPS.  This seems like a minor ordeal, but it is a major difficulty.  It is taking the responsibility away from the humans.  Something that is nice sometimes, but we need to still be able to step up to the plate.  There are times when humans shouldn't have to rely on anything else, also if there is ever a technological failure humans need to be able to take things into their own hands, take responsibility solve the issue.  

Technology has also changed us socially.  In college, kids are able to spend more time in their room as they have internet, tv and pretty much anything else they will ever need.  This allows people to be less social, meet less people, and make less connections for the real world.  When one walks down Appian Way, most of the kids are either listening to music or on their cell phone.  I am a victim of this as well.  People aren't enjoying the outdoors and nature for what it is.  Sometimes it is good for people to unplug from everything and just experience the day.  

Technology has been a huge help for me as well.  I have friends all over the world, and as a result of Facebook, I don't need to keep track of their ever changing addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses.  I can communicate with them whenever I please, share pictures and videos as if I was sitting next to them.  

Facebook has its positives and drawbacks, do you think it has been more of a benefit to you or hindrance?

Amazon and Viacom make a deal

Amazon Inks Mega Dealwith Viacom for Instant Streaming Bonanza

The media giant Viacom has partnered up with the internet conglomerate giant Amazon once again.  This time in regards to Amazon’s new streaming service, Amazon Prime.  Viacom and Amazon agreed on a pact that will allow Amazon to stream two thousand additional titles to their collection, from TV stations such as MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, TV Land, to VH1 and HBO.  This will put their total number of streamable items up to 15,000. 

This is clearly a way to compete against Netflix.  Although Netflix had some problems this year, they tried to split into two separate companies, the streaming part, and the physical dvd section of it as well.  They also struggled with changing up the billing scheme and almost went out of business in the three days they had the new structure enacted.  They have since reverted to their traditional ways that have made them the industry leader in their field. 

Netflix has just surpassed P2P as the highest useage of bandwith in the US.  Amazon has since seen the potential in this market and has been working tirelessly on trying to make their product compete with Netflix.  At $79 a year amazon’s prime is much cheaper than Netflix. 

Due to Netflix’s recent marketing issues, and maybe not being able to relate to the customer as they once did, would you consider putting your money in an alternative such as Amazon’s prime feature?  What margin for error does the customer relations department in Netflix do you think they have?