That’s some pretty powerful stuff!

As a programmer, I remember not long ago wondering why I should learn about xml and what purpose it could serve outside being able to share business data among non-compatible applications.

There should be no question now how powerful widespread use and adoption of xml and web standards could be…

Michelle:

The video was great the professor was right on target the web is us, we control the machine by providing content, links, pictures, sharing files, etc. However, the fact remains – in 1999, when I first came online, music was being purchased at Tower records (now defunct) on CDs ’cause digital downloads were still only a concept. Then iTunes came along ’cause Apple had the big bucks to launch that portal and thus MP3 downloads became a reality.

The web is changing everyday before our eyes, big business is now realizing that online is the next phase and they are coming with their big dollars and the rules are therefore changing rapidly. How is the small business going to survive online? What can we do on small budgets to compete with these bigger players?

Not so long ago, Google Adwords for some relevant keywords used to be charged as little as 0.05-cents to the sky would be the limit. Nowadays, those same keywords may still be relevant but in order to get shown for any of them, you have to start bidding at minimum $10 and higher.

So my question, Michelle, is how will the small guys stay in the game and still remain relevant? Will we have to concentrate only on niche areas? Do we focus on providing only content and hope that we can then sell that content to the bigger guys?

As I watched the professor’s video, these are some of the thoughts that entered my mine and I wanted to share this with you and the others here.

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http://www.rap4abuck.com – the place where indie artists get individual, undivided attention. Fans can find and listen to new original music away from the “clutter of mainstream MP3″ – the indies’ answer to iTunes.