How do you watch TV? Is it even ...on TV?

I'm hooked on a news series on NETFLIX. Called House of Cards it's the story of a "Ruthless and cunning, Congressman Francis Underwood." Think of it as The West Wing, minus the idealism.

Kevin Spacey, arguably one of the best in the business stars. He's also Executive Producer. Robin Wright and the rest of a terrific cast make for great entertainment. NETFLIX obviously believes in it because they've invested $100 Million in the series.

What makes the viewing experience different:

• It's on a streaming video channel which you can watch on your iPad or TV through various devices. You do have to subscribe to NETFLIX to view the series.
• All 13 episodes of the first season are available for viewing at your convenience. Watch when, where and on what you want. I used to watch Entourage the same way. Why subscribe to en entire premum channel when you just want to watch one series?

As someone who is old enough to remember being the first house on our street with a TV, and just one channel that signed on at 4pm, this sort of thing always amazes me. Technology empowers us, including how we watch TV. I watch House of Cards on an iPad mini with Bose headphones. So am I even watching TV? Long answer: No, I'm consuming video content on a mobile device. Short answer: I'm being entertained on my own terms.

There is no difference between watching a program on a 60 inch big screen or an iPad mini because it's not the size of the screen, it's how close you are to the screen.  So kicking back with my iPad a foot or so away from my eyes and the awesome sound from those Bose headphones is as good as any home theater experience.

Of course while I'm watching the show, I'm not watching traditional TV, nor the ads that still run on the bulk of TV whether it be off-air or via satellite or cable. The way we watch programming is changing with the rapid evolution of the technology we use to consume it.

It's empowering and an important step forward for us.

We as consumers are achieving a long-time goal, "A la Carte" programming. Just watching and paying for what we want to watch. Like at our house, if you subscribe to a satellite or cable television service, you buy program "bundles." You buy a package of channels, maybe watch 10 of them but are stuck paying for another hundred channels you never watch. It makes sense as consumers to pay for just what we consume, right? Up to now, those who control content distribution have prevented us from doing that.

To be fair to satellite and cable companies, they're victims to some extent of major programmers who say "If you want to carry this channel from us, you have to also carry these other channels. Take it or leave it." We as subscribers ultimately end up picking up the tab. A growing added cost for us are the so-called regional sports channels. Many cable systems have no choice but to provide them  at extra cost to us, even though we could care less about the teams or sports covered. It's about to change and here's why:

• We can get an amazing amount of digital channels, many in HD using a simple off-air antenna.
• Companies like NETFLIX are providing a huge and growing number of programs like House of Cards via the Internet.
• Technology like Apple TV is yet another video content pipeline. Ditto for YouTube, already producing several series, they've just announced a new country music channel.
• Many networks themselves are providing their shows on-demand. Watch how, when and where you like.
• We're willing to give up a little, to gain a lot AND save a lot. Heck, I'm willing to give up ESPN if they don't stop creating financial and fan-killing monstrosities like the Longhorn Network.

Consumers have a funny way of getting what they want, and these days are more than willing to shop around for what meets most their needs and save the most money. Outlets like NETFLIX get that.

When I told my wife about YouTube's plans, she said it's time to cancel our DISH Network service, or at least cut way back on it. I don't think she was kidding.

Brian Olson
Owner/Consultant
Conversation Starters Public Relations
"We start the conversation about you"

iPad + 99

According to Computer World it's raining tablets at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. They predict almost a hundred tablet devices on display. A good number of them won't survive beyond the show.

For those not familiar with CES, it's about 88 football fields full of tech toys. Words can't describe the enormity of it all, although I just tried.

All these tablets are designed to take on the iPad and many have stuff the iPad doesn't like inputs and cameras. The iPad is expected to have these things when the rumored next generation iPad debuts in April.

We have an iPad at our house, and use it for work and play. We'll be among the first in line when the next generation model is on store shelves.

Many of the new tablets debuting at CES may indeed be better than the iPad. But consumers are a funny breed (I'm one of them) and need a compelling reason to switch to something new. Bells and whistles usually don't pass the "compelling" test. "Cool" does and the iPad is cool My daughter commented when she got hers and was at the airport, people kept on coming up to her and asking about the device. I experience the same thing when I pull it out at a meeting.

Back in the day when home video tape was the big thing (way back in the day) the competition was between two emerging technologies--Betamax and VHS. Technically Betamax was a far better format, But VHS won the day. It simply was better marketed and frankly, VHS rolled off the tongue better than its erstwhile competition.

So while you may need an umbrella at CES look for the iPad to remain the cool tablet device for 2011.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters Public Relations
"We start the conversation about you"

Remembering Election Nights Past

Back in the day when I was a News Director and/or News Anchor, election night was what we lived for. The day starts early and runs long into the night. The latest I recall ever being on set was around 2:30am during an extremely close Senate race in Wyoming.

Our lead political reporter had done his homework and we were able to project Senator Malcolm Wallop the winner, then signed off and went to bed. Our projection was spot on. Our competition trumpeted the fact they stayed on until dawn until the final official results were in. A few bleary eyed folks likely stayed up with them but we were comfortable with both the call, and the decision to call it a night.

My other election memory is the late, great Tim Russert's legendary coverage of the 2000 Presidential Election. It was Bush vs Gore, with Tim pulling out a decidedly analog white board tracking the numbers and predicting accurately it would be the state of Florida which would decide who won and who didn't. Actually it was the Supreme Court, but ultimately based on what Tim predicted about Florida. About the only thing Tim didn't predict was hanging chads.

Flipping around the channels it looks like the networks will have some dazzling imagery to help tell the story. I doubt any of them will match what Tim Russert did with a simple dry erase board. (Which resides in the Smithsonian by the way) Although if Tim were still around, he'd likely use an iPad tonight. But Tim kept it all understandable, which is what a reporter is supposed to do. Tonight I'm just a viewer like you. Here's hoping the focus of coverage is solid information and analysis, not show business, light shows and incessant spin.

I sure miss Tim.

-Brian Olson

Conversation Starters LLC

"We start the conversation about you"

Can one great Apple spoil the barrel?

A story that didn't get much attention yesterday, should have. It involved Apple. (Disclosure-I own Apple Stock)

Shares dropped $15 because of a RUMOR that Apple's COO Tim Cook was leaving the company. The story turned not NOT to be true. The stock rebounded and the sun rose this morning.

But a market that moves on rumor instead of fact is a dangerous one, especially for investors who live along Main Street USA. In the above-mentioned story, writer Vincent Fernando, CFA makes the point that should a powerful and major market presence like Apple take a hit based on rumor, it could drag the rest of the market down with it.

The issue isn't the strength of Apple, it's sitting on $50 Billion in cash and has a ton of great products in the pipeline (when doesn't it?) including a new generation iPad next spring. (It will have a camera and USB port-HOORAY!)

But to my original point, when Wall Street has a tizzy based on rumor, it's bad for us here on Main Street. That's wrong.

Is anyone in charge?

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

All the news that fits...

I try and start out each morning checking out my favorite news websites. It's good to start the day half-way informed. Normally none of this is blog material, and might not be but hey, it's my blog and I'll blog if I want to.

First out of the gate is this column by my friend and Dow Jones Newswires writer Al Lewis. It's about corporate brown-nosing, i.e. sucking up. Al has a knack for rooting out the problems and foibles of corporate America, and this column is no different. Sucking up works, which ends up with companies not working.

In other news...you might remember the story about a thief who tried to rip-off an iPad from a victim at a mall in Denver, darn near ripping off the victim's thumb at the same time. In an dictment of a lousy legal system, the crook then tried to order a hit on the victim from his jail cell. The crook was allowed access to all the victim's records connected to the case, even his home address. The charges have escalted from theft to attempted murder. But something is wrong with a system that allows criminals to order hits from jail. Something very wrong.

Finally from our "It takes all types to make a world" department, this story about a mother who thought it was funny to take a picture of her 11 month child with a bong. Ha ha! She even posted the picture on Facebook. Surprise, surprise, someone noticed and she got busted. You are what you post.

Maybe some or all of the above will get some conversations started. It's an interesting world.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We get the conversation started about you"

Take time for bubbles.

One of my favorite comic strips is Luann. Yesterday's strip had Luann and best friend Bernice hanging as usual and talking about when they first met as young kids. They remembered the fun they had blowing bubbles.

Both then looked down at their laptops and PDA's and how they entertain themselves in this 24/7 connected world. The last panel showed them outside blowing bubbles and having a grand time. (Real bubbles, not the iPad App)

It's hard to resist the temptation not to get on Facebook, or worse yet check your business e-mails on a Sunday. Even if you do that, there are texts requesting meeting for the next day as I got last night. (Which I answered)

I think Luann is on to something. Whatever your particular "Bubbles" is, take time to turn off the electronic gizmos and enjoy time away from them. Even if just for a short while.

Being too connected can make you disconnected. That said, time to get connected this Monday morning and get back to work. Sigh.

Brian Olson
Conversation Staters LLC
"We start the conversations about you"

News you can use.

A few online articles caught my attention this morning that I want to share with you. The first is from columnist Al Lewis of Dow Jones Newswires. I've known Al for several years and frankly have no idea what his personal politics are But his points about the recent IPO of Tesla Motors are biting...and hit the mark. He's an equal opportunity shamer and goodness knows there's plenty of shame to go around these days.

Al has an uncanny way of sorting through the hype and delivering facts in a way that make you think...and laugh at the same time. (Ok, maybe cry too)

I should note that I read Al's column on my iPad,* later switching over to this article on Bloomberg Businessweek about the growing use of the device by companies like Wells Fargo and SAP. It took some of these companies years to figure out the iPhone was a must-have for staffers. It took them just weeks to start issuing iPads.

It's no wonder when you see the growing number of iPad Aps that are strictly for business. I recently was talking with a realtor who has a PC-based business and while liking the iPad, was hesitant to buy one because of compatibility. I think she'd like Remote Desktop.

Personally I'm finding more and more business uses for my iPad. Not the least of which it being a great way to demo videos and the like to clients. It's handy in a one-on-one session, and for larger groups you just plug it into a video projector.

Anyways, as Ellen Degeneres would say, a few articles worth sharing with you this morning.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We get the conversation started about you!"
* (I own Apple Stock)

The Art of the Sale(sman)

Just read (twice) this great article in the June 14-20 edition of Bloomberg Businessweek. It's a profile of Apple CEO Steve Jobs. Writer Devin Leonard portrays Jobs as the ultimate marketer. (Disclaimer time: I'm an Apple Shareholder)

I have no idea as to the value of the free publicity Apple receives compared to what they pay for traditional PR and Marketing. But the ratio has to be top heavy with the former.

When Apple roles out a product, it's a news event, a happening, with bloggers and analysts building up pre-launch "Mo" for days and weeks in advance. BUZZ louder than those horns you hear at the World Cup.

The most recent examples of course, are the new iPhone and the iPad. The new iPhone buzz started when an Apple Engineer "lost" a prototype at a restaurant. Tech Blog Gizmodo got its hands on the device and the free PR machine rolled into action.

At the "official" unveiling, Jobs quipped, "Stop me if you've seen this before." Wow. We should all be so skillful.

As Businessweek writer Leonard points out, "With the media landscape so fragmented, stopping the world in its tracks isn't easy anymore." But he adds that Jobs is the least great pitchman. Until the next great pitchman comes along.

All this gets back to my belief that what's key in communicating your message, is content. Regardless of the pipeline, you have to have a message and product that captures the hearts and minds of your target audience.

My daughter, who like me is an iPad owner, told me that while using it at the airport recently, several people came up to her and asked her about the device. When was the last time anyone came up to you and asked you about the laptop you were working with?

So even though you post on Facebook and Twitter, have videos on YouTube or just pitch to the local morning show keep one thing in mind: You, your message and product/service have to connect with Main Street.

It's a "Buzz" thing. Buzz is good.

Brian Olson
CEO and Founder
Conversation Starters LLC
"We get the conversation started." About You!

Paper to Laptop to iPad

It wasn't that long ago my morning routine included three things:

1. Coffee
2. Monitoring news, weather and business channels, in multi-screen mode
3. The Rocky Mountain News

I like to start the day prepared.

The first two have stayed the same, but #3 continues to evolve. The Rocky is no longer with us. So after a short period of mourning the demise of yet another big city daily, my laptop took its place. It worked great until we got our iPad. Laptop? I don't need no stinkin' laptop!

Before I proceed further, this disclaimer: I own Apple Stock.

Ads for iPad say "You already know how to use it." They're absolutely right. I can't recall a more intuitive device with an instruction manual that essentially tells you how to turn it on.

The challenge is really all about learning about, then using the thousands of apps available. As for ease and comfort of use, it beats a laptop anytime. It's like a magazine that's a portal to the world. (It weighs not that much more than a magazine) Battery life continues to amaze, with at 10 hours of heavy use before a quick recharge.

Does your organization or business realize the potential of the iPad? Do you have an aptitude for apps and the attitude to use them in today's social media driven world of communication?

It's what we do at Conversation Starters. Check us out.

Brian Olson
CEO and Founder
Conversation Starters LLC