Interwebs = Ult Friz

AOL's Armstrong: Web Content Evolution Coming in 2010 [MediaWk 09.21.09]:

According to Tim Armstrong, CEO of AOL, what we've seen to date on the Web, content-wise, is the equivalent of ultimate frisbee.

During a keynote session on Monday (Sept. 21) at the Mixx Conference in New York, Armstrong predicted that over the next decade the Internet will enter a new phase during which the quality of content online will reach the medium's potential. In making that prediction, he alluded to an old highlight from the early days of ESPN when longtime anchor Chris Berman delivered the score in an obscure championship game from an ultimate frisbee event. Of course, since that time, ESPN has become one of the most powerful brands in the world and regularly showcases the top sporting events.

The Web should follow a similar path, believes Armstrong. During his keynote address, he argued that over the past two decades growth on the Internet has been driven by technology that provides users access, followed by the rise of platforms that make navigating the Web easier - i.e. 'the pipes'. Starting in 2010, the Web will see growth coming from "really what is going to come through the pipes," he said. "Content always trails distribution," he added. "When we think about the Internet...we feel like we are in Chris Berman mode." ...