Up for Debate
Digital vs Physical Goods
Video killed the radio star, file sharing killed the record store, and now Netflix is killing the video store with movies rentals streaming on-demand. As more and more media moves to the digital space, especially digital distribution, we will see huge shifts in demand and availability. On the other hand, there is definitely cultural backlash, such as the sudden resurgence of Vinyl Records for music buffs.
Form vs Function
Increasingly fragmented social groups, unlimited options, and savvy consumers are driving the growth of smart design. From stores like IKEA and Target, to online product design showcases like Notcot.org, fashionable goods and accessories are hotter than ever. Don't forget the functionality however, today's customers want it all, and often the function drives form.
Integration vs Specialization
For the past few years technology has been driven closer and closer to integration - multi-use appliances that do-it-all, such as the iPhone (camera + phone + mp3 player +web browser + kitchen sink?). However, more and more we're seeing a pushback in favor of specialization, individual products that do one job extremely well. For instance, Nintendo's Wii stands out from its competitors with its steadfast focus on gaming.
Anonymity vs Fame
Internet communities offer two appealing, yet contradictory masks for participants. Bask in the glory of anonymity and feel free to say whatever is on your mind and explore new fantasies, topics and relationships with ease and finesse. Or carve out a niche for yourself and discover micro-fame within a niche group of online activists. Make it easy for new customers to keep their privacy while enabling vocal fans to create a name for themselves.
Privacy vs Convenience
Privacy is an important issue for many people, but people sacrifice this every day in lieu of convenience (save my information for later) and value (special deals, recommendations, and targeted content). However, still a sensitive topic, companies must tiptoe around the concept and offer a substantial value proposition in exchange for private information, and then guard and treat that information just like any other asset.
Official vs Amateur
In The Cult of the Amateur, the author makes the point that when everyone is credible, no one is credible. Digital media gives everyone a voice to express their ideas democratizing news and information, but the problem for consumers becomes verifying and trusting that information. Common mindset today suggests there is truth in mass, hence the validity of Wikipedia articles (or Squidoo) and peer product reviews. However, this dichotomy tends to serve in practice as a set of checks and balances for "official" media sources.
