Broad Thinking. Narrowcasting. Brilliant Writing.
I have to imagine that Ken Goldberg was the kid who liked to take stuff apart to see how it worked. Only that Ken could put it back together, not have any pieces left over, and make the thing run better than it did before.
Who is Ken?
Ken is the CEO of Real Digital Media, a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions provider. They make the NEOCAST Media Management System.
Like my first Bloggers Unite! subject, Bill Gerba, Ken plays the role of service provider in the industry. But, his insight goes way beyond the fans of hardware and ones and zeroes of software.
Ken’s partner in the blog is Jason Broom, Real Digital Media’s VP of Marketing. Like Ken, Jason’s pedigree is deep and his value to Real Digital Media is directly a result of his background in software management.
What Do They Write?
Ken and Jason write the blog Broad Thinking, Narrowcasting. Until 2009, the blog had sparse entries. But this year sees more posts than 2005 through 2008 combined. This is a direct reflection of the industry’s activity. (Heck, I started writing in January myself.)
Ken writes from just about every angle of the industry, reading all kinds of stuff and taking it apart and telling you what you should know. The detail is closer than the usual 30,000 foot view – his posts average around 900 words, a little more than “my .02” – but not quite microscopic. His insight is more than an opinion. I don’t think Ken has been around the block. I think he threw a little mortar in his day.
Why Should I Read This Blog?
Each post yields something interesting, and I’m happy I read it when it comes through. Ken’s not afraid to give his opinion, worrying less about the politics and more about the truth behind the matter. (See the post on Wal-Mart DVD fuss. I have yet to see an apology.)
Overall, their insight is valuable to those who wish to see the digital signage is much more than just a screen, and computer, and a customer.
Three To Read
Digital Signage and Kiosk Apps: A Future of Coexistence (November 16, 2009)
Ken gives a high-level comparison between digital signage and kiosks, and, more importantly, he shows the main reasons these two disciplines are having a hard time integrating more cleanly, and he’s spot on.
Can We Take It Up A Notch? (October, 26, 2009)
“But it would help everyone if people redoubled their efforts to act with integrity and honesty.” Like all industries, we have the good, the bad, the ugly. Ken does a splendid job of showing the bad and the ugly while being a good guy about it.
Kicking Off The Crystal Ball Season (September 4, 2009)
Our entire world is in love with the “Top 10” something-or-other approach to bringing in the new year. Ken wrote seven predictions to start the season of conferences and big press releases; he didn’t need 10. I read this right before we launched The Preset Group. The man is clairvoyant, I tell you! I can’t say he’s a bettin’ man, but something makes me want to hang out with him in Vegas in February for the Digital Signage Expo.
Do you read a blog I should be following that is worth showcasing here? Send me a link. If I like it, I’ll write about it.
