Join the 3rd Party Revolution

I talk to friends and coworkers about the usual stuff-- the weather, what's on TV, politics... and it got me thinking. Many people are Republicans because they don't want to be Democrats, Democrats because they don't want to be Republicans. I know some that would vote Libertarian, but think they would just be throwing their vote away. In almost all cases, people don't agree with most of their own party's politics. A friend of mine is almost the ideal Democrat, but is against abortion so votes Republican. Another would literally need a party formed around them to be happy.

I know not everyone can be completely happy with the wide range of issues a party deals with, but they could be happier.

There's my rational. Now a little background on me: First, I've never been into politics. I was always the last to enter a political conversation and the first to leave. I consider myself moderate. I do vote, but never criticize people who don't. This is why I think I can start the ball rolling at Politicl. Politicl.com is my new website to form a community around a new political party.

The internet is allowing us to connect in ways we never have before. Look at the power of social networks. MySpace and Facebook have a user base so populous that it is easy for me to believe that Politicl can grow to a number of supporters beyond the current third parties in a matter of years. Strong enough that by the presidential election of 2012, we will have candidate of our own in position to truly compete and defeat the big two parties of today.

Politicl.com is currently closed. Comment here if you like the idea and I'll let you know when it's running again.

The Ad-supported Cellphone

Now that everyone has had a chance to play with Apple's take of cellphones, who wants to see what Google can do? I believe Google is on that path.

Recently Google has acquired a variety of interesting cell and VoIP companies including GrandCentral.com, a start-up I mentioned in a previous post. Most importantly, they are taking part in the auction for the analog spectrum now open from television's switch to digital. They, or a major cell company most likely, will be purchasing the spectrum for over ten billion dollars. The winner would be in position to offer cell coverage cheaper than ever... or as expensive as ever while taking a much bigger profit.

If Google wins this I believe they will enter the cellular arena with an ad-supported phone. A phone that would involve either a free or cheap monthly plan as a trade off for ad placement. I could see ad placement taking advantage of the phone's built in GPS so the advertisments would be localized. Google knows a device you carry with you and listen to constantly is very valuable of real estate.

Even if Google is trying to take over the world, I hope this victory will be theirs. Cell companies as they are now take advantage of their customers to no end. They either need to be put out of business or change their business model.