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So, a couple of interesting insights from tracking the comments.  One, this fast becomes a conversation about Republicans versus Democrats even among tech bloggers.  Two, it also becomes iPhone versus Android.  Three, it become old versus young.  This is about analog thinkers versus digital thinkers as we watch the new SmartPower era further unfold. We see divisiveness rule even among those who think themselves open-source and open-minded.  An insider today told us that Gringrich probably used this as a ploy simply to dominate today's conversation. If so, at what price does it come, for those who are the influencers use it to further divide and separate.  And the action still reflects on the GOP brand in the public's mind overall whether the party sees it that way or not.  Watch for greater debate about who's in, who's out, and the criteria used to measure it. Those who think they may be manipulating conversation just may find themselves a bit surprised when they see the cultural ripples as a result of value exchange within the digital arena. The days are fast-changing where there is a benefit in just being on the lips of people for the lipsake since so very many people are questioning more deeply, connecting more dots and exchanging sentiment faster and wider than ever before.  You listening, Washington?

Well, while it's not a 100% approval rating, looks like this T-Mobile thing as least has people thinking and discussing. As companies tap more into the SmartPower understanding that people are wising up, wanting choices and not wanting to be treated like lemmings any longer (a la "The Tipping Point"), there just may be a larger shift coming down the pike.  This phenomenon we're tracking is clearly showing how this mindset has a direct effect on the economy, so continue to pay close attention.  Can you hear me, now?!

Throughout the comment arena, the beliefs around competition keep coming up in user posts.  This speaks to a larger issue in society now regarding fairness, consumer rights.  Interestingly enough, sociologist and author Joel Polodny talks about how it is actually status that influences who a product producer does and does not accept as a partner and how the producer's inventions are perceived.  And here's the good part:  "to achieve desired status, firms must offer more than strong past performance and product quality--they must also send out and manage social and cultural signals."  See any relation to this situation???