Saw EMC post this video contest today ... thought it was worth a mention.
http://www.emc.com/events/2007_video_contest/
Works for me on a couple of levels.
First, it introduces a new word -- "inforati". More on that later.
Second, I think this is the first time EMC has ever done a creative contest. More on that as well.
So, What Is An "Inforati"?
Well, it could have two meanings, I guess.
One meaning could someone who spends most of their waking hours consuming information from various on-line sources. I'm talking about the people who've got filters built on top of custom RSS feeds, delivered to their wireless smart phone -- folks who just love real-time, filtered and relevant information during every waking hour.
That's describing me, to a certain extent. A blackberry is a good start, but -- sheesh! -- there's so much more to do!
The second meaning could be someone who keeps all that information flowing: keeps the systems on-line, ensures there's enough bandwidth, and generally speaking keeps the river information flowing in real-time for the other guy. Sort of an IT guy.
I tend to orient towards the first meaning -- I think the word speaks more to those of us who are now becoming immersed in real-time information feeds wherever we may roam.
So, if we can agree a meaning, what do we inforati want?
- We expect our information to be accurate.
- We expect our information to be relevant.
- We like our information correlated, organized and in-context.
- We expect our information to be near-real-time.
- We detest popup ads, irrelevant CC's and other infospam that comes our way.
And, since we can process information at the speed of the human optic nerve, we expect it to be delivered that way -- all the time, wherever we go, no excuses and no needless complexity.
And (marketing types, please pay attention!) we will pay a premium to get what we want, just like anything else.
Don't make me go to multiple web sites.
Don't make me establish a separate billing relationship with every WiFi provider on the planet.
Don't make me remember all the usernames and passwords I've created.
Don't make me buy another separate device when I go to Japan.
And please, please don't infospam me -- life is too short, thanks.
Just tap me into the universal feed, on my universal device that runs on the universal network that knows what I want to know.
Could this be the inforati manifesto?
I think of an "inforati" as a discerning information consumer. Someone who knows the value of a good information feed, and is willing to pay for it.
And, when I think about it a bit more, I know more emerging inforati than just about any other type ...
And Then There's This Contest ...
So, for the upcoming EMC World, there's kind of interesting contest. Create a funny (or poignant, or whatever) video in a couple of different categories, all around this inforati theme.
There's a chance to win some decent prizes.
(Actually, a very good chance if there aren't too many videos submitted!)
And, of course, to let all that creative energy shine through so everyone can see it ...
What's interesting is that it's the first time EMC has done anything like this, to the best of my recollection.
And that's kind of cool in its own way ...
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