Way back in college, I discovered the genius of The Onion when I picked up a free rag in the student union (rag = old school paper news thing). Since then, I’ve visited their website, subscribed to their podcast, and now watch their videos online like a TV show. Now I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t even have a print version anymore.
That, by itself, is a great example of the sea change in the way people consume media. Much of it is exclusively online… and the social interaction we’ve come to enjoy around it provides a richer experience (for the still few who choose to participate in blogs, comments and twitter-like stuff) than ever before in the days of, say, going to the store and renting a movie. Sure, you might bump into your friend down the street while at the store, but now you get a recommendation from a friend in another country without even having to ASK them! How cool is that?
Anyway, those of us who find comfort in never having to actually talk to people in person will love this Onion video about Blockbuster-as-relic:
Historic �Blockbuster� Store Offers Glimpse Of How Movies Were Rented In The Past