New media can certainly no longer be ignored. I remember when I first heard that radio programs MIGHT be broadcast/available on the Internet, I thought "don't bug me about this until it happens." It wasn't that I was short sighted, the Web just seemed like a distraction from what I was doing, which was making radio programs. The time is clearly here, when a Web presence for everything we do is REQUIRED. It's INTEGRAL to what we do.

    I've been intrigued by the discussion about a Web channel that distributes independent work. It sounds like a great idea. But I think there has to be a fee structure unless we can convince a funder to give a lump sum to a non-profit to pay independents for their work. What a great way to get independent work out to the wider world and make it available (making sure that all those rights issues get dealt with beforehand!).

    I know that when I want more information about ANYTHING, I go to the Web. If I don't find a site because there isn't one, I think "gee, THEY are behind the times." It's almost an automatic response, to go to the Web.

    What is clear to me, though, is that as many of us become "content providers" across multiple platforms, we'll need to be up to speed in all these areas. My particular concern in this respect is training. Making sure that our radio skills are stellar (so people want to hear what we do), that our business skills are developed and that our Internet capabilities keep pace. I think we can use each other, in our varying expertises, to improve these skills, for consultation, and to collaborate. I would be very interested in helping others where I am skilled, and consulting others who can help me develop where I need help.