http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/attention_economy_overview.php
Quotes from the article:
The economical aspect of keeping the attention of users in an increasingly more vast info-sphere, reducing “false positives” (an expectation of a user that is not met by a service or a product), and of giving away services in return for a users attention:
“When information is abundant, the false positives are very costly – they are basically deal breakers.”
” The idea behind the Attention Economy is to create a marketplace where consumers are happy, because if they are shown relevant information – then retailers are happy too, because happy consumers spend money!”
“a marketplace where consumers agree to receives services in exchange for their attention. The ultimate purpose is of course to sell something to the consumer, but the selling does not need to be direct and does not need to be instant. For example news feeds illustrate the point well, since they ask for consumers attention in exchange for the opportunity to show him/her advertising”
NB:
This system is an example of what many deem to be the nature of web 3.0:
- personal customization based on your individual desires, needs, wants.
I.o.w privacy, personal control of your attention, relevance of information .
Tailor-made and automatic (via software) distribution and channeling of goods and services to each end-consumer.
—
The passionate consumer/user
vs
Compassionate participant