Commentary
Just An Online Minute... Coldplay AOL
- by May 18, 2005
The indie band, fronted by Chris Martin, aka Mr. Gwyneth Paltrow, appeared in fine form and put on a fabulous show playing a bunch of new material and favorites including "Yellow," which Martin referred to as its "one-hit wonder." The lighting design, color scheme, and assorted graphic backgrounds were all magnificent, complementing the music, lyrics, and atmosphere. And having never attended a Coldplay concert before, the Minute was wowed by Martin's artistry and passion. The guy literally hunches over the piano like a mad scientist pecking away at the keys, he twirls and jumps while the band plays, and strums a guitar like nobody's business.
Of course we half expected baby Apple to come dangling down from the rafters into papa's arms, or Ms. Paltrow for that matter - the music felt that pure. We hear that Ms. P. sat in the audience toward the back surrounded by two friends and a bodyguard with a mostly serious countenance. Baby Apple was, no doubt, at home.
We look forward to hearing how many people access the Coldplay concert on demand once it's available. Thanks to AOL for putting on a great show and for inviting us.
On another front, regarding NYTimes.com's decision to charge for at least some of its content beginning Sept. 19 - we are eager to see how the plan will be marketed and promoted. And, we wonder whether online readers will pony up to access the Times' influential stable of columnists who will be behind the velvet rope. We read an AP report that suggested bloggers wouldn't be able to link to the columnists for free and how that may diminish their influence. Bloggers' links have become key for any columnist.
Martin Nisenholtz, the paper's digital chief, told an audience gathered for a conference on syndication that it's mulling a revenue-sharing program that would give bloggers incentives to continue linking, according to the AP.
