During the 2002/03 broadcast season I was fortunate to have consulting agreements with cable systems operators and established linear cable networks to help launch their video-on-demand platforms -- ad-supported as well as advertiser-provided content. I would often arrive with the ad-supported cable network's affiliate guy in tow. We'd wait patiently for the designated "new interactive media" specialist, and affiliates' guys and gals from the opposing camp, the systems operator. When they arrived everyone would be cordial, hands shook, and then immediately, the fireworks began. Accusations of robbery and skullduggery flew across the room: promises un-kept, deadlines un-met, and interactive program …

Recently, my cable operator, Comcast, has been contacting its triple-play subscribers in my community to inform them that they have until Oct. 1st to switch to their digital phone service or choose another telephony provider. A friend of mine, Stephanie Bellofatto, called up to speak with a sales representative to find out about the new offering, which she understood included all of the movie channels and sports packages along with a DVR. The conversation went something like this....