Incidentally, the FTC is holding another workshop on “how journalism will survive the internet age” in DC on Jun 15. The gig will be streamed live.

But the FTC’s premise — that journalism must “survive” the internet — is a bad rub. Good journalism does not conflict with internet technology, just as it didn’t conflict with the printing press and (arguably) television.

The only conflict here is the one between mainstream media and journopreneurs.

I hope the IRS explores the recognition of hybrid business models. But new taxes would be obstructionist and unlikely to pass, in my opinion.

In our state, we learned fairly recently, we already have one hand tied financially behind our back, by the fact that the state business tax treats news organizations differently. If we used dead trees, we would pay a vastly lower rate than we’re paying now.

In regards to Apple, they are very vague with what they allow and don’t allow into their apps store – truly a black hole. When folks try to understand the rhyme and reasons for approval or disapproval, they, Apple, always fall back on the preserving the user experience spin. In many aspects, Apples controlling ways often seem very anti entrepreneurship and journalism if examined closely. This is why it’s so important that Google’s Android remains a viable platform as a counter balance to Apple. In reality, instead of worry about a user’s content experience, Apple should only worry about ensuring the user’s technical experience as it relates to the device. People should have the freedom to use devices anyway they see fit and if that means they want to access porn apps, rightly or wrongly, it’s their right. If interested, the following link provides interesting insight into Jobs thinking during a recent argument with Ryan Tate of Gawkers. http://gawker.com/5539717/

Understanding the technical and financial challenges that bloggers face in developing and maintaining apps, my startup decided to deliver an open platform which allows bloggers to drop their content into any geographic location on earth for the local population to digest and engage. Essentially, we are creating an unrestricted and single doorway for people to acquire information, through their internet connected mobile devices and computers, about their local surroundings without app restrictions and having to access multiple sources. We hope that our tool releases hyperlocalist from the current burdens that restrict them from effectively broadcasting their voice to the community.

In conclusion, we believe that hyperlocal content, generated by the community and for the community, is a critical need because it’s the only way for individuals to touch the true pulse of the communities they live or travel in. A giant news organization in New York or Washington cannot give anyone an accurate picture of the sprite of a city or town in Middle America. This is why it’s so important and American that the local voice is given an even playing field and a place to flourish without being constricted. Keep up the good work and fight for the hyperlocalist!