WebProNews

On its investor conference call tonight, Audible teased some big plans to empower members with social media tools.

PaidContent.org has the story.

"Self publishers, bloggers and podcasters tools to be launched soon...and RSS distribution technologies...distribution and compensation is a possibility with self publishers."

Audible is an excellent position to prosper here if they play their cards right.

Also, later in the same article ...

"Theory or reality. Most of the speakers were careful to say (or imply) that their industry view is opinion, no one knows for certain where markets will take them. But everyone agrees that the consumer is in control.

Portability and interoperability can mitigate the risks of changing market dynamics. A customized, "iPod/iTunes' type, entertainment world will co-exist with the "programmed' world of television and publishing."

Steve Rubel is a PR strategist with nearly 16 years of public relations, marketing, journalism and communications experience. He currently serves as a Senior Vice President with Edelman, the largest independent global PR firm.He authors the Micro Persuasion weblog, which tracks how blogs and participatory journalism are changing the public relations practice.