Open Source Democracy

One of the topics that we have discussed in class on the Rushkoff was the give and take the Internet has given rise to. This is specifically seen in which “one-click” checkouts at online retailers have become more popular as a means of checkout for the consumer. The article in question comes from infoworld.com and the link can be found at the bottom of the post. We all know that the Internet has caused us to watch less TV and according to Rushkoff, 9 hours less. This means that now people are not seeing these advertisements for products on TV and therefore must rely on consumer’s online presence to gain sales. While TV still uses product placement and advertisement that are appealing to consumers, once consumers are online, there must be a way to keep them there to buy the product. When you are accessing the Internet and see an article, YouTube video or come across a new song from ITunes, you might be interested in buying the product. While the give and take has been achieved by now showing you these products online instead of through the TV ads or product placement a way to get consumers to buy is next in order. The article from inforworld talks about how once a customer fills a “virtually cart” most of them forget about it, never to see it again. While if you were in a grocery store this might not be the best option since you are physically leaving a cart sitting there, but in the online world it vanishes as quick as it was created. People are not interested in taking the time to fill out the address requirements, billing requirements and all of the hassle that comes with online purchases. Must consumers are used to going to the store and swiping the card and the transaction is complete. So one way in which this can be solved is through the use of this “one-click” checkout. There are programs out there that can be installed on your PC that allow you to basically upload your information with one click, so that you are saved the hassle of having to entered all of the information. The downside of this is that you are installing software and it can only be used on that PC. From my standpoint this is a major disadvantage because I know I have bought items before while out of town or while in a computer lab. The alternative option is to trust you data to a server held by a third party. To me this throws up flags left and right, I would never want my data to be stored by someone I do not know. The security hazard of them obtaining my credit card number is something that I do not want to face. Thus, we are faced with this give and take that Rushkoff spoke of. While we can go online and “virtually” select products to purchase, we are faced with the issues presented with being able to upload our information quickly in order to buy the product. Some might find this method easier, while other hesitant to use it. Only time will tell if our “one-click” world will be transformed into a normal everyday occurrence.

Link : HERE