American Idol definitely has a tribe and a VERY loyal tribe at that. Viewers are loyal to their individual contestants and to the show as a whole. They engage each other on the message boards and such.

So in this case, I don’t think Internet killed the TV star but rather supplemented it.

I agree with you and am simply looking at once specific case here. Creating a more interactive relationship with the consumer is the now and the future.

Interesting you mention the culture of the internet – perhaps it’s bigger than that, perhaps it is a true reflection of society.

Our global communications tool has become flexible and simple enough for anyone to use it, I think it is becoming a reflection of us, directly.

This is a fascinating topic. The dynamics of the Internet and social networks are changing everything, from the way of doing business to the way we live our lives.

I am particularly interested on the falling from relevance of the mainstream media. I believe that their slow demise comes not only for not embracing the technology but also the culture of the Internet.

What I mean by that is that it is impossible to assemble and maintain a loyal following if you don’t have a bias or a strong opinion about something. The MSM has prided itself for decades of being “objective”, which basically means toning down their message in order not to offend anybody. The result is usually bland or boring coverage of the issues.

Bloggers for example don’t have that problem. They can speak their mind without being afraid of offending “top management”, “legal” and other guardians of the status quo. If the MSM don’t evolve, take a position and serve a niche rather than a mainstream that no longer exists they will not be around in a few years.