When I originally started this blog in 2008, new ways of spreading ideas were still in its infancy.  Twitter was largely the domain of early adopters. While blogs had become mainstream, online video had not yet become a pervasive tool for connecting to an audience.  Books were still largely consumed in hard copy and the newly launched Kindle was the iPad of that time.

What a difference a few years makes.

This week, Borders announced that it would close its remaining stores.  E-books have taken off. In June 2011, Amazon reported that it sold more Kindle books than print books over the past three months. Photo by markhillary.

How we distribute and consume information has been shifting for awhile, away from print to digital.  Now there are more platforms and services to package your ideas in a way that bypasses the traditional publisher model.  These include Broadside Books, specializing in  conservative writers with ideas that can fit into a pamphlet and the Domino Project, spearheaded by Seth Godin. 

It's not just about a new venues for publishing, but also new formats for connecting with your audience. A friend of mine has a start-up that helps authors create books that are more than text, sometimes extending them into virtual worlds, with an interactive component. Authors are shooting videos, with just a simple webcam, to answer readers questions and to provide a more personal connection. 

What this all means:

Dreams that were not possible just a few years ago are possible now. 

Gatekeepers have become less formidable and in some cases, no longer relevant. Photo by AlicePopkorn.

I know of someone who aspired to be in broadcast journalism, but never made it, despite her training.  Her idea of success was the anchor behind a desk in a television studio.  Now she's looking at a video podcast, in short segments, for a niche audience. 

A dream of mine is to have my own talk show.  Once I realized that it didn't have to be television-based, I could see the pieces coming together, online, using Skype video chat and a service that streams video.   I've begun to think in terms of a virtual talk show. 

And even those who have been successful in pursuing their dreams in the "old world" are seeing opportunities in this new world. I know of a successful television and film producer in the NY area who is excited about what can be done with online video. 

There has never been a better time to spread your ideas, at an affordable cost.   Today's tools have gone way beyond blogging to help you attract your tribe.   What's your big dream and what idea do you want to spread?