The rise and rise of Digital Media importance

 I read this morning about Fairfax Media selling its jewel in the crown 51% stake in TradeMe.co.nz. My first thoughts are that this is pure suicide from Fairfax. TradeMe is a very successful business that brings in valuable revenue but also valuable learnings on the Digital Media landscape. Sure New Zealand is more isolated than most places but they certainly know how to do online, and TradeMe is a prime example of that, keeping eBay out of the country! Who Else has done that around the world?
 So why would Fairfax sell such a valuable asset? I understand reduction of debt so they can invest in other digital media assets but why sell the cash cow?
 When working for the Trading Post as their National Sales Manager of General Merchandise Online, we were going through a massive transition towards Online and the print side of the business was really not performing or making money, yet despite this, the print Sales & Marketing teams were reluctant to 'cannibalise' their existing print business (maybe job preservation?). I pushed pretty hard to have the business focus more on the Online side of the business and transition as quickly and smoothly as possible but nobody wanted to listen or co-operate. Despite us being on the same team, our 'Online' side of the business was on the outer. We continued to bleed money chasing the print business. Large staff numbers were the biggest overhead that could have been reduced dramatically if we had of gone full power towards Online. And there was good management in place for the digital side of the business!
 Of course it was inevitable that the print version had to be closed but ti still took another 3 years or so after I left. In the mean time it continued to make losses.
 This brings me to the main question. With the rise and rise of digital media, when is the right time to transition your business from traditional print to digital, or can you continue to do both?
Just stopping one and going to the other could be disastrous and even fatal. I know how long it can take to build an online business and build a revenue stream from it, so where is the 'tipping point'?
I think it's obvious! When you're traditional business model isn't making money, you've left it too long but when there is an obvious decline in traditional media revenues and an increase in new digital media revenue streams, shift your focus very sharply! Hire the people with the right connections and experience to build your online media profile very quickly!
At least it appears Fairfax are looking to hire very good people to take them forward with Digital Media in mind. Good luck to them!

Let it go Louis! Julia Gillard AMU Scandal...

I'm completely over this Julia Gillard / AMU scandal. There is nothing to be gained for the country by continuing to go over this. Either it's a matter for the police to investigate or it's not, and if it's not then let it go!
We have the opposition going for the jugular on this one in order to try and discredit the PM and perhaps strengthen their chances of getting back in power. Sure that's one tactic but how about telling us what you're going to do to run the country rather than just rubbish everything and dirt monger?
Trust me, I personally don't like what I'm seeing with the Labour government but Tony and the Coalition, this is not the way to get my respect, or vote (If i could vote!).
The trouble is that the current Labour government are no better when it comes to dirt mongering, so you can't really just point the finger at one. It's pretty much all!

They all seem to forget that the true job of the politician is the RUN THE COUNTRY , represent the people that voted them in, and not to play the game of politics!
I've decided that should I be able to run for government I would call my party 'Australia Incorporated'. I think this is the most fitting, as I'm only interested in running the country as if it was a business but a business with a social conscience.

When the crap of todays politics arises, why not straight bat it? Send it back with the respect it deserves, with something like "don't be a dick!" This current issue isn't a reality. If it was, there would be a police investigation. Is there a police investigation? I don't think so, so LET IT GO LOUIS!

Policy? What's that?

One thing I've really noticed about the current political situation here in Aus is that neither of the 2 big parties like to put policy out there. It seems that when they do, it's never very detailed and then the opposition (Whichever didn't put the policy out there) just rip into them like children in a school yard trying to antagonise. Why can't we just have a proper discussion about some of these things and try and meet some sort of compromise that works for everyone, so that at least something gets done?
I know this is perhaps a little naive to think that our politicians can actually be grown ups and work together but it would certainly help the country to move ahead! Reality is that this should happen though! The squabbling in the house and on TV needs to stop. If you don't agree with a policy, explain why and what you would do differently. Just saying it's wrong and crap and that the Blah Blah Blah has know idea is bloody pointless! Explain why and give me something to mull over? Maybe the other guys might listen and god forbid actually take on board some of what you have suggested. Sure it was your idea and you want credit for it but if you're in politics for yourself, then bugger off. You're not helping the country by being in it for yourself!I started following Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott on twitter the other day. Not a lot to follow really though! I'm as interesting as them when I look at it ;-).

Anyway, that's my wee rant for today! 

Thanks America!

Congrats to Obama! We can all sleep a little easier tonight.

Why am I doing this blog?

Well, I've decided to start a blog. A bit tongue in cheek really but being the opinionated guy that I am, I thought it would be entertaining to many people.
The funniest thing about this blog is that the title would suggest that you should vote 'Dave for Prime Minister' but I'm not even able to cast a vote myself, so I'm sure I can't be voted in!
That won't stop me putting my crazy ideas out there though...
So, if I was to run for Prime Minister, why should you vote for me?
Firstly, I'm what most people would call 'politically incorrect'. I don't agree with that. I would say that I'm up front, in your face but truthful! You know when kids say things that are the truth but sometimes a little embarrassing? Well that's me and I'm now 41.
I look at the current crop of Australian politicians and wonder how they got there? Lets be honest, neither of the 2 major party leaders, being Julia Gillard & Tony Abbot have the charisma (or nous by the seems) to lead people, let alone lead them in the right direction. Tony Abbot would be my preference of the 2 though.

My real preference would be to see John Key, the New Zealand Prime Minister take over Australia too as he's actually got a clue when it comes to running business and leading people! All you Aussies can settle down, i'm not suggesting we become one country with New Zealand (Although it would benefit NZ greatly to become a state of Australia) but he just happens to be a good leader that is out and about right now.

My own political allegiance is often seen as warped. I don't have a preference for any party as such but I do prefer (given the limited choice) the policies of Nat Lib Coalition. I'm definitely a capitalist but I do have a social conscience. I see great merits Communism but for the fact that we're all greedy and can't be trusted, plus I don't want to prop up lazy buggers that can't be bothered putting in a good days work!
The US parliamentary system seems one of the most screwed up of them all though, with massive over regulation that holds everything up, and the dumb shits don't seem to see that they are actually holding their own country back. I guess they're too far down the track to chance their system now though????

Anyway, that gives you a little insight into me and my rantings. I'll come back with some more pointed views on a regular basis, so keep an eye out!

Dave for PM