In brief: The discussion of paid content comes to a head with Murdoch's decision to charge for content – no matter what. Is this prudent? What options are available to publishers? We take a look at some ideas and profile a path-breaking new concept from mobile visual search/recognition company Kooaba that may allow old media to leapfrog into new profits. Plus: an invitation to cool digital companies to contact me...

Judging from the high level of interest in social search-related companies and concepts - such as Taptu, abphone, and people-powered answers search from ChaCha - expressed by participants at conferences where I have spoken, I am confident social search is more than just another hot topic. In fact, this new breed of services, which combines mobile social networking fun and community with the utility of mobile searc...

The realization that mobile advertising is ripe for a re-think (and the stark possibility that traditional advertising inventory may be dead on the mobile platform, as Alan Moore, author luminary and founder of the communication consultancy SMLXL, suggests) forces operators, brands, enablers and agencies to focus on what many are calling engagement marketing. At the other end of the spectrum, this shift in mindset...

Regular readers will know that MSG has teamed up with AltSearchEngines (published by my friend, colleague and the “voice of alternative search” Charles Knight) to enhance its mobile search coverage and ultimately create a forum where the two communities can explore the greater issues around search, discovery and recommendation. This week, Charles and I take a [...]...

Just a quick note to update (and thank!) the many mobile companies who contacted me to be considered for inclusion in the eContent 100, a list of the 100 companies that matter most in the digital content industry. I was chosen to judge the categories Mobile Content, Search Engine & Technologies, Collaboration and Social Media. [...]...

MSG has impact. Online destinations, partner sites, event organizers and universities consult regularly with MSG to develop projects, plan industry conferences and discuss editorial contributions. Beyond a significant increase in the number of visitors, the site has grown a reputation for in-depth analysis, thought leadership and integrity – qualities that ensure MSG’s voice is heard [...]...