[NU Sports] TV for Wisconsin Game

[Jonathan Michael Hawkins]

>> I can see that old people who don't understand the internet might try

> Can I do that?
> Don Williams C55

I think that simply by posting on this list you demonstrate that you, an 
individual of presumably superior age, understand the internet - at least 
to the extent that your understanding vastly surpasses that of someone who 
would try to tie a subscription service to an ISP.  My comment would've 
meant something dramatically different had I written this: "old people, 
who don't understand the internet, might try...".  I hope no one read my 
comment in this way - I apologise for not being more clear.

I was referring specifically to the subset of those over 35 who don't 
understand the internet.  This type of individual, with vast personal 
wealth or a position of leadership in a business, and the opportunity to 
make an internet-related business decision, generally makes decisions 
which carry negative consequences for their monetary interests or those of 
their company.  Savvy CEOs will screen out these types so that bad 
business decisions regarding the internet are avoided.  It is important 
that decision makers understand the cultural and technical realities 
underlying the internet.  ESPN clearly does not.

In this case, what's important for ESPN to realize is that the Internet is 
not a cable company.  Yet that's the model ESPN is attempting with 
ESPN360.  That ESPN is even trying this indicates that the executives who 
hatched this brain-dead plan fail to possess even a cursory knowledge of 
how the Internet works to bring information of all forms to a user.

Jonathan

-- 
Jonathan Michael Hawkins
spiritu at northwestern.edu
Northwestern University
WCAS '03,  Law '09