The question we wish to answer, whether internet markets will replace physical markets, is mostly based upon current societal trends and popular perceptions of the internet. We have concluded a case study of the current trends in a number of areas to see not only what popular arguments are, but also what people think the future holds. Email bvosburg@nd.edu if you would like your comments/arguments posted.
| PRO
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CON
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|---|---|
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Entertainment - Music
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| In five years mp3 sales over the internet will replace CD sales completely. | Nothing will replace the experience of going to the store to buy a CD. |
| Mp3's are more convenient, cost efficient and contain same quality. | Cd's are just as convenient, affordable and I love having a visual representation of the artist's work. |
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Stock Trading
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| All stock records are kept on computers anyway. | I do not trust the internet to make my fanacial transactions. |
| It is more convenient to trade stocks online. | I only want to invest in stocks that are a good deal. I do not want to be a victim of an internet hoax. |
| I cannot keep up with today's finacial market without being online. | |
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Food Services
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| I hate having to drive to eat out, but i love how I can get food from anywhere at home. | I love the ambiance of restaurants and would never dine out. |
| I hate the people, bad waiters, crowds, waits, etc. of eating out. I would Dine-in over eating any day. | The food is never as good when you Dine-in |
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Pawn Shop/ Ebay
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| I can find anything I want at any time. | I do not trust transactions on Ebay. |
| Prices are lower than at any store. | You never know the quality of the good you get on Ebay. |
| I can find things such as Haitian Voodo dolls on-line Click here if you want to buy Haitian Voodo Dolls | I would rather pay more and be assured of quality. |
| I can easily buy "The Shirt" of Notre Dame online. Buy the Shirt! | |
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Banking
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| Banking online is simple and allows me to regulate the money in my checking account. | I do not trust online banking because of identity theft. |
| Online banking helps me with taxes, buying stocks and all other fiscal transactions. | Going to a physical bank builds my trust in the company. |
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IBooks
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| IBooks are more convenient and cheaper. | IBooks are cumbersome and my eyes tire from the screen. |
| IBooks are more environmentally friendly. | I enjoy the feel of cracking a new book and paging through it. |