Are You A Recreational User?

No, I don't mean that kind of recreational user.

Lately in the world of software, lots and lots of free software has been made available, and it's undeniably great for the consumer.

But what if you are a business user of a service like Google AdSense, Google Docs, Skype for Business, etc.? Well, the short answer is that while some of these services are still "free" or very cheap, you are still basically a recreational user for the most part, at least from the standpoint of service.

Service is obviously very costly, and most firms are using a "check our knowledge base" approach to providing support to customers, even some customers who are not typical free users.

So how does that position these companies in the future - well, I would argue that if companies are successful in moving out of the early adopter ranks, and on to a bigger market, this approach will not serve them well.

Forget for a moment that performance problems like the ones Skype recently encountered can turn off customers and prospects wholesale - if you just want an answer to a simple problem you are having, and can't get it, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that another company with better service has a good opportunity to swoop in and take that customer.

Something to ponder as time goes by.