Two of the bigger stories in the past week have been Google's rumored interest in Twitter (which it should have), and the AP throwing its weight around in terms of web copyright. Numerous blogs exist on the two subjects, but while people see Twitter's value in terms of real time search, it occurred to me that someone could leverage Twitter to be the new AP.
My Dad in Beyond Search, posted a good story on the technorati fighting back at the AP here:
One of the funnier comments is how little value the AP actually provides. The value in the AP is having a reporter in a certain place at a certain time and sending out a blurb on what happened, usually filled with quotes with little editorial content. Certainly there is value in that, but what if there was a more efficient way to send information from a certain location, one where you did not have to pay writers to attend and submit stories? Would be that far a cry for someone to create a Twitter channel and submit tweets on newsy moments? The Beyond Search blog pointed out the the cash cow of the AP is the state capital stories. Can't someone just send a tweet with the quote or news?
I do believe that there is role in editorial messaging for proper journalism and distribution, but when the even is event driven, say "Italian aftershocks" (which just happened), what more do you need to know? Magnitude of earthquake, deaths, injuries? What else is there for news?
Sure, you can add editorial value, but real value is in knowing that as it happened. Before Twitter, the answer was an AP feed. Now, take a look at the twitter search when the earthquake happened. A quick scan gives me the relevant information.
This seems like a better, cheaper model than the AP to me. While they purchased technology they are operating on businesses processes that are over 100 years old.
I think I just convinced myself. Any VC's want to fund an AP competitor leveraging Twitter???
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