In my search for more information and perspective on changing media trends, I was suddenly compelled to read this:
http://kperspectives.khazanah.com.my/Get_To_Know_Us-@-A_Kodak_Moment.aspx
This article first appeared in The Edge Weekly and (for those of you too lazy and/or stupid to go and read it), it is about what made Kodak great and why it died.
In essence, the article tells us, Kodak was born when the US had two great resources in abundance: scientists and technologists (knowhow) and entrepreneurs (knowwhatthefuck).
Kodak was the product of American ingenuity and innovation. At a time when failure was just a step towards success. There was a lot of experimentation going on, a lot of failures, but the thought is that out of 10 failures, if there is only one success, that would have been fantastic.
The writer of the article, Dr. Nungsari Ahmad Radhi, suggests that Malaysia and its industries would do well to invest in innovations and entrepreneurship rather than doing more of the same.
Malaysia's economy is highly dependent on oil. And if you remember Dr M, he once said that businessmen and corporations must do more than just build houses and sell them.
The Man saw what was coming. All these economic activities are not renewable. One day, there will be no more oil. One day, there will be no more land on which to build houses. What then? Are we to depend on US Foreign Aid? Should we have a civil war? What, motherfucker, what?
In the context of the media, I agree fully that we should not and cannot continue to do only the same thing, even if it is working. It is working wonderfully. For now. But the media industry is changing more rapidly than the oil industry. Do you really expect to do the same thing 50 years from now?
Maybe you believe that should be decided by your sons and daughters, and it is really not your problem. In that case, you should not have children. In fact, cut off your own balls because you are a selfish retard.
The media industry is changing so hard, we may not be able to recognise it five years down the line. I thought we had 50 years, but seriously? If it is to remain a vibrant industry and not a subsidized zombie, many risks must be taken. Losses and losers must exist before we can find a few winners.
Personally? I just want to retire. I hate the fact that for the next 10 or 20 years of my career, I might have to roll up my sleeves and fail even more times, rather than stick to what I do best and be done with it.
I'm not the Goddamn Batman. But like Batman, I always have a plan.
