Local 2.0
Just reading a post at Read Write Web - Re-localization Opportunities - Local 2.0. It’s about localised services delivered within the Web 2.0 world. Whilst the idea isn’t new, it’s good to see it still being written about. RWW use the term ‘re-localisation’. Here are some choice quotes:
“Re-localization is about locals. It is about people who like being in one place and interacting with neighbors.”
“People don’t live online. Re-localization is all about human interaction face to face. If you think community = online…ahem, get a life!”
This article reflects our take on the strength of the local video store. At APPLEBOX, we’ve been surprised by the quality of the in-store interactions we see. I’ve never seen it in other stores, and I think the reason is this. DVDs held on racks and shelving force you to continually move when searching for a movie. This prevents people connecting, even though they’re in the same space for the same purpose, and are often more than willing to share tips on movie selections. Whereas at APPLEBOX without the shelving, people sit and spend time browsing. It’s easy to strike up a conversation with others or with myself/Sarah/Mara. At times its like a party with all our iMacs being used and people talking all manner of movie info. Of course, for those that don’t want to chat (and I know how that feels), they can find a movie from home and get a 2 minute dose of community vibe without them necessarily being involved. That also works.
I do recognise the raw convenience to future VOD and current mail-order models, but face-to-face community building can only happen one way .. and that’s face to face. People like it. For this reason, I reckon the local video store will always have a place - it’s just gotta find a model that’ll remain viable into the future…