"But OkiTech How does Netscape compete in this environment?" you ask (notice I did not say business model. I know nothing of Netscape business model). It is simple and Netscape is on its way in the right direction. I feel the pretense of the Web 2.0 (not on Netscape's part but just the pervasive use of the term and all the "posers") will do it in.
Google already has the readership and contributors. Now in the new API of the Google toolbar release version 4 the buttons are excellent and really customizable but one not in by default (...yes there is a menu system for the buttons also). There is a button to vote on web pages.
They (Google) already have the whole net archived and tagged.
I also feel Jason's math was a bit "fuzzy" it was almost very "spot-on" in one of his recent postings on one of his blog sites. In a nutshell he described it as a self licking ice cream cone. He (Jason) hires folks - they train us (the contributors) and we draw the readership (the eyeballs). Eyeballs are what the the whole model leans on is the bottom line. I still believe Jason drinks from a cup of foresight and innovation with great clarity!
***Side note to self encourage Jason to consolidate all his personal blogs to one kickass blog.***
With the additions of a few more diverse categories to assist "eyeballs" in weeding out the developments would go along way. These few suggestions on categories, eyeball experience and community interactivity...I think will help crack the proverbial nut. (note "I think" and "help")
Another statement by a cool dude in glasses whom I have nothing against and has so far been one of the most positive reinforcers on the staff there. I do not not know him personally but everybody starts with 100 points and works down from there and that dude still has all his points with me. That said, his statement:
Face it gang If users had 10 bookmarks for sites to visit like CNN, BBC, Engadget, MSNBC, etc. They would have the information they want and generally much before it gets "contributed" and in many less clicks with all the facts from the originating source. The comments provided through the use of Netscape are often whimsical and sometimes provide another point of view or contention but....there is no shortage of "talking heads". You guys neither have the staff or manpower to compete on the fact-checking, getting follow-up interviews, more in-depth look level. Again the ability to follow a development from cradle to grave is key. So if there was a breaking development contributed, we should not let it go with the single posting. Tagging alone will not work because it is (as it should be) left to the person contributing. Instead we as a community should continue to post even though the story dropped from the front page so if we run across an article from a different originating source and adds to the information originally posted...go for it. Netscape will conquer with eyeball experience...enhance the experience and avoid becoming a RSS parser.
Moving in the right direction but consistently missing the mark.
C.K.'s cute ipod video was a brain fart in the right direction but you (Netscape) missed the mark with the opportunity to do the video with Engadget over the cingular issue whom you said you spoke with directly. why didn't you borrow C.K.'s mic and video camera?. I think if you had done that as quick as posting the comment, then you would have hit the nail on the head for "something you won't find anywhere else". Do not do simple audio cast! Video and the "eyeball" experience is how to gain readership.
Now for the biggy go get you sodas, thick skin suit Navigators and anchors....
All the "stuff" should be transparent to the eyeballs. Changing code on the fly which could have unintended consequences on the contributors or eyeballs in unacceptable in a production environment! At least announce it prior to the event. I know this is beyond your control but you (anchors and navigators) are our voice to the team there! We have heard so much about developing in this direction or that direction... screw it call something beta and provide the use! Most of us are familiar with "beta" and are understanding enough to accept a few glitches. Going back to "Jason's math" take your top contributors and train them. You guys are obviously too swamped doing informative 15 year old capable ipod videos about games to work with an API or heaven forbid another browser and site interaction. (C.K. my son said you need to hold the mic closer next time.)
The Community at large has asked many, many, many times for a forum directed specifically at at our community (contributors anchors, navigators, development team, etc) your total lack of response in the direction of supporting the community has really miffed a few folks. But you need to read through all the "send messages" and "story comments" to either find the remedy or the odd posting when you guys grace us with some knowledge. Listening to and responding to the eyeballs should be paramount! Put a face on it and call it a forum. Jason will buy you an additional graphics card and monitor..run the anchoring and navigating on one screen then the forum on the other. I know the old saying "multi-tasking" is bit used but maybe give up ipod game videos and leave those to the community at large to contribute.
The sad thing is that all this belongs in a forum and will leave the focus of the Netscape community as soon as it leaves the front page. :(
All this said I like using the site and get a kick out of seeing the anchors and navigators playing darts on a spinning dart board, blind folded, using plastic tips.
Don't forget to vote and leave a comment to the effect that Jason needs to send OkiTech a Netscape pocket T. Pocket T is important detail so I could hold my pen and pencil pocket protector.
Some of the information and suggestions I have received in on form or another, e-mail, send message or story comments but most are my own views. If I stepped out of bounds or you feel offended or have a general comment got to OkiTech and leave a message if you feel uncomfortable commenting in the open forum of the story comments. If your not added as a friend just add me and I will be quick to add back. Any other comments or questions are greatly appreciated.