Entertainment moves from media-space to shop-front
Although this isn't news, Rockstar's move, last year, into music downloads is a clear indication of how entertainment can be funded in the future.
http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2008/03/rockstar-and-amazon-bring-digital-music-distribution-to-gta4.ars
We're used to movies, magazines and TV being a housing for advertising. And this status quo has been threatened by digital technology. In an interactive world where users have control, they can skip ads. Rockstar's deal with Amazon allows users to download tracks they hear ingame to be listened to outside it.
The entertainment platform has become a shop rather than an ad platform. This could easily be extended into artwork, clothes and even perhaps holidays, at a stretch. The entertainment platform makes the real-life product attractive (as TV ads do now) and provides a way for the user to purchase there and then. It seems to be a better world for the buyer (less intrusive ads, easier purchase) and a better world for seller (more efficient and trackable promotion).
As more media becomes comprehensively interactive, this seems like a model to watch. It's not revolutionary but it's smart and simple.
