Can economic democracy be far away

Is the Internet changing capitalism, giving a more fair advantage to small business?

In the music industry, it seems that way.
The New York Times recently reported:

"Even as the recording industry staggers through another year of declining sales over all, there are new signs that a democratization of music made possible by the Internet is shifting the industry's balance of power.

Exploiting online message boards, music blogs and social networks, independent music companies are making big advances at the expense of the four global music conglomerates, whose established business model of blockbuster hits promoted through radio airplay now looks increasingly outdated."

(photo of family friend Brownie Ryan, who sometimes plays with our son Willie)

What do you think? Does the Internet now give small business, even individual entrepreneurs, a better chance to compete with the big corporation? Give us your thoughts : : :

Comments

[Harold Jarche]

There is no doubt in my mind. How else could I stay in business and live in a town of 5,000 people in Atlantic Canada? My current business model - consulting on educational technology and open source business models - would not have been possible during the earlier Internet days. It's (almost) ubiquitous broadband that allows me to work so far from any major population centre.