Forecasting

[glittertigger]

My usual preference is to focus on the future rather than the past. As many of you know, I worked for 18 months as a forecast analyst, which meant forecasting sales in detail a few months ahead and predicting trends for the longer term. Intellectually it was a great job, but I hated sitting at a desk all day. Even a desk with a crystal ball on it.

I’m now back in R&D and am interested in predicting technology trends, especially those likely to affect the balance between print and other media. I read the trade press and various blogs and am always looking for recommendations on sources of interesting viewpoints. I love talking to people about this, in the office, at trade shows and occasionally socially. So, as you are all people whose views interest me, what do you think is important? Where should I be looking?

Comments

[i-ludicrous.livejournal.com]

If I were you, I'd start by reading The Register.

If you are really interested in this, and your organization is feeling rich, then my lot write a series of technology tracking publications which we can sell you!

[glittertigger]

Thanks. Will bear it in mind if we ever have any budget to spare!

[hatmandu.livejournal.com]

I'd also particularly recommend you read my chum vardebedian's professional blog, Virtual Economics, if I haven't mentioned it before. He works for a major newspaper group as a media analyst - his job is specifically to monitor trends and try to work out how old media can survive etc. Of course, some of my own (and Paul's) humble efforts at the Thoughtplay blog may occasionally be pertinent, too.

[glittertigger]

Both of these look interesting and I've added them to my RSS reader. Many thanks.

[davefish.livejournal.com]

I predict that we should meet up on Friday for tickatage :) I'm not quite sure when the thing starts, but we should be there in a reasonably timely fashion, as I'm taking the whole day of work.

[glittertigger]

That should work, as long as I leave work early. Will email you to sort out details.