…now, maybe if I made money when people called my phone….hmmm….

Cheers!

I predict these business models will fail, though.

First, people just don’t like to annoy their friends. The ring tone thing is a very personal expression that lasts a few seconds and is over. I think ring back tones will probably fail, too. It’s a fad and people will realize that it’s not really adding value to the person who sets it up.

Second, the money savings will become less and less of an issue. Cell costs have actually been declining for years, and greater competition will bring them down further. And people are already used to paying for the service. It reminds me of the company Net Zero, that tried to offer free dial-up internet with ads. It failed in part because people were used to paying a small monthly fee, and not used to having to wade through new ads to save a few bucks.

But I am game to place a “Long Bet” with you on this one!

http://www.longbets.org/

Might it work as a business model? I think so.

The original incentive was (I believe) $ off of your cell phone bill, which everyone can appreciate.

The reason why I don’t think there would be a huge backlash is in part because of the relatively small backlash that ring back tones are experiencing. I personally hate ring back tones, but that does not stop me from calling my friends. I give them a hard time about it, but I call them nonetheless and hear the same AC/DC song every time I do.

If I knew that my buddy was saving money by me hearing an advertisement when I called him, I guess I couldn’t be too mad at him.

If I know that I’m hearing a commercial,