The past has shown us that walled media gardens simply do not work in an age where consumers have virtually unfettered access to media. This, in my opinion, is part of the reason that the Dataportability movement was essential. If you do not give people access to use their data the way that they want, they will find another service or media outlet; lowered barriers to entry into the media and technology sectors have made it so there are plenty of alternatives for virtually everything.

Open

: Image via Wikipedia

Facebook is beginning to realize this, and it seems their realization is leading them down a glorious path; the path to OpenID. While we are not certain what it will mean, Facebook has pledged support for OpenID; the protocol that allows users single sign in access across any part of the web that has adopted it. Facebook has already created a successful product called Connect, but this product is not completely open; it does not adhere to web standards, and only sites that have implemented it, can take advantage of it.

Closed

: Image via Wikipedia

On the flip side, I heard some news today that made me cringe. Apple (the king of the closet) is denying access to Facebook from many of their retail outlets--what!?

Pretty bad, huh.

I realize that people are probably abusing Apple stores; hanging out and loitering, checking Facebook etc., but denying access to Facebook is not the solution. Take a look at Starbucks,where people are invited to loiter, in hopes they will buy a cup of joe. Sure, this is a little different a, s iPods and laptops are not impulse buys, but the idea of, Apple Store as experiential marketing is not something that Apple should be messing with. Honestly, I thought that was the whole point of the retail outlet to begin with.

Will the future of media and technology be open or closed; what do you think?