Pick-up Basketball

By far this is one of the most innovative ideas presented.  Although there are other social sport social networks online, the ability to chat, plan, and customize your basketball experience is very interesting.  I like the idea of building applications for handheld devices too.  Money stream appears to be very sound as well.  Really seems like an idea worth exploring.  Only weakness I see is the number of competitors on the market trying to the same.  This is also another idea that facebook or google could dominate easily so their exit strategy makes sense too.  All in all, I like the idea.  Please let me know when it's up and running so I can schedule a game or two. 

Encouraging Predictive Markets

Validity is the only way to get accurate results in a PM.  To encourage more users, however, incentives and rewards are the only way get better participation.  Participation is the key to producing accurate results.  As Surowiecki implies, the larger the sample size, the better the accuracy in a Predictive Market.  Surowiecki calls it the wisdom of the group. 

If a member in an organization believes the results from the Predication can be beneficial, not just monetary, then they are more likely to participate.  Factor in the chance for some type of reward or recognition, then an individual is likely to stay and participate.  Again, data validity and the belief that the analysis can be applied is essential for increased participation.

LINKEDIN

My recommendation is for LinkedIn to continue serving the Professional Market, but open its platforms to outside vendors and developers.  To do so, the platform developed would need to allow for business networking/Socializing at a cost for “free”.  For a premium price, LinkedIn could expand and foster human resourcing such as job search and resume services.  With its already established professional clientele, this is a market they could easily enter and dominate.  It is important to take steps to differentiate from FB and other Networking sites if they want to be successful.  They, however, must open up its platform to other channels in order to be successful in the future. Opening up will allow the company to grow into other markets while keeping its base.  Unexplored markets such as clothing, exercise equipment and professional music all  are viable options for LinkedIn.  There is a chance that opening up the platform could drive customers away, but the chances are slim; high switching cost for its members.   

Issues posed by user-generated content

Controlling social media and user content for organizations is very difficult.  To me, the best approach to reduce the amount of improper information spread, especially during work hours, is a thorough information assurance training program. 
Both employees and consumers must know and understand the limits and expectations of the media outlet.  For example, organizations and businesses that allow their employees to engage in social media must set limits such as no blogging about "xx" or no discussion of "xx" period.  It is possible to post or disclose valuable information over social media that should e withheld inside thee organization. 

For companies that effectively engage and manage their processes, UGC can be a true asset that will allow the organization to filter information and eventually touch more customers directly.  This is the goal of any company seeking to add consumers and gain market share.  The problem, however, is gaining control over what information enters and leaves the organization.

HULU

Hulu is currently position well to exceed in a market that demands instant viewing and total access.  Hulu's ability to offer video on demand over the internet coupled with the systems and technologies to offer clients complete control of their videos over the internet is a recipe for success over the next 3-5 years.  Hulu offers both free and subscription services, which rival both youtube and netflix - two leading competitors in the market of online demand.  Hulu's draw is the ability to view everything from TV episodes to video clips to movies, all in one spot.   As such, Hulu offers combines these services, which is something no other company has successfully been able to do. 

challenges facing Internet startups

Visible Marketing, knowledge, location, sound funding streams, and legitimacy are just a few problem internet companies face. 

Marketing - Brick and Motor Companies have an obvious advantage when it comes to marketing and that is a location that customers can find, which can make basic marketing very simple.  Internet companies are placed on line and often difficult to find.  And when you add the numerous fraudulent companies, locating a legitimate internet based business can be difficult. 

Profit and income - Funding streams for certain internet companies can be tough; they often rely on outside advertising or redirection to make a profit.  For service the service industry, consumers are more reluctant to pay over the internet vs. a brick and motor company that they can physically see if issues occur.  In addition, brick and mortar companies can count the number of widgets on hand, making it easier to track profit margins. 

Legitimacy/customer base - Due to the amount of companies on the internet, many internet companies are viewed as fraudulent until they've received either a good review or positive 'word of mouth'.  As such, building a customer base is difficult over the internet.  Brick and Mortar companies appear to be more legitimate; they have a structure and a permanent location. 

Netflix

Netflix has a great business model and has remained ahead of the technology curve throughout its existence.  A great vision to build a company around an infrastructure that is designed to grow, Netflix is already set up for success for the near future.  To be successful, however, in the long term, Netflix will need to adopt a stand alone online business model.  Netflix has a strong customer base and a vision to grow to 20 million subscribers, which will pay dividends in the long term; the company can use its existing customer base to expand into the VOD market.  As technology catches up to video streaming, Netflix will need to market itself as a premier player in the video on demand market. 

Additionally, Netflix will need to stay ahead of the video market and ensure they don't fall into Blockbuster's failure, which was to get behind technology and underestimate the next big wave in video viewing.  As movie viewing moves more into the home and cable companies offer more content, Netflix will also need to partner up with major cable subscribers.  This will allow Netflix to bring customers to cable while satisfying customers. 

The company must also look to the future market of smart phones and Tablets and ensure the business model is prepared to supply mobile content, the wave of the present and the foreseeable future. 

Yelp

Yelp should fear Google!  Although Yelp has cornered the market on combining customer review and social networking, their inability to capitalize and make money on its established infrastructure leaves them vulnerable to Google's massive market and resources.  As a Yelp user, I believe Yelp's best bet is to position itself for buyout from a larger company such as Google or Facebook.  In the interim, Yelp must learn how to bring in revenue quickly.  Freemium, subscription service, and per click charges may help, but they must figure out how to link review to local business that want to compete with larger corporations, their target market.