September 7, 2009 Update: I just submitted this business idea and patent details to ABC's Shark Tank, a reality TV show for entrepreneurs, business people and investors. At this point, I'm thinking there is nothing to lose and much to gain. Plus, if I'm selected to appear on the show to pitch this business/product idea -- I will rely on the creatorbase community to involve a lot of people in the preparation process and potential payoff. I know submitting to ABC's Shark Tank is a stretch but today is Labor Day and being an entrepreneur or creator is a labor of love every day -- and in this economy -- a necessity as well. Here's a clip from a recent episode. Stay tuned!
Original Post in 2007: New product ideas come and go, and the same can often be said for market trends. But it's safe to say that Web 2.0 (Amazon, Google, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, TelePresence, Flickr, eBay, this blog like millions of others, etc.) has helped to turn around the Telecom industry, and new Internet and mobile Web services are increasing in popularity everyday with incredible adoption and usage worldwide. Similar to the rapid growth of TV infrastructure, programing, services and viewers in the last century when television went from black & white to color [and now, reality TV] -- people from all walks of life are discovering and relying on Web 2.0 content, services and communities to live, work, play, learn, share and be mobile.
Remember the infamous TV Guide that rested on millions of coffee tables and was THE periodic source for programming info, editorial content and sponsored ads? Maybe it's time for a Web 2.0 Guide, next to every desktop computer, so people of all ages can be reminded of and access specific content, services, tips and offers via the Internet. And wouldn't it be great if this new Web 2.0 Guide was updated periodically based on preferences from people on the Web, helped to protect the environment (made from recycled materials), and replaced millions of old copy/book stands from companies like Fellowes?
Check out the "Media Support and Display Device, Method and System" (patent # 6488251) that I believe is the new Web 2.0 Guide that an innovative brand or investor will recognize is the next best thing since sliced bread. Remember, there was only one TV Guide necessary per television set and the same logic applies for a Web 2.0 Guide with on-demand, printed media refreshes when people choose to receive them in the mail.
