Internet downloads affecting the turnover of Ikea may sound like chaos theory, (that butterfly beating its wings always has seemed to cause all sorts of problems), but think about it for a minute…

In October 2005, Bill gates was reported to have said that the HD disc formats would be the last physical format we’d see. Movies and games would be downloaded, or carried around on hard disc in your pocket. Reading that again today has really made me think as it seems so much more possible, even inevitable, and it causes me concern. What will I put on my book shelves? Will I even need book shelves? Why is the internet so intent on clearing my house of clutter? I like being surrounded by movies and games, but the internet is causing me to need less and less furniture. My concern goes deeper though…

When I want to watch a film, play a game or listen to music, I go to the shelves, look at the cases and choose. How will I do that when everything is on disc or a download? Yes, screens are fine, but you just can’t see as much in a single glance as a large bookcase. Also, the cover colours and shapes on the shelves all aid my recognition.

Actually, if this is the end of physical medium, will the DVD and game sections on eBay be closed? Will HMV and Game become large minimalistic areas where you can download products there and then? In principle, no more physical product sounded so simple, but the effect on our everyday lives could be great and it’s no longer a far-off principle.

Maybe I’m a dying breed - Generation T (as I call us), the “Transition Generation” who crossed the border from offline to online. For generations that come after, the physical medium simply won’t be an issue as they will only know the online world. Maybe they will have large wall panel screen displaying their choices and ‘Grandads’ from Generation T can have the option to display the choices as a bookcase.

For now though, anyone want to buy some bookcases from me?

Tags: bill gates, BLU-RAY, downloads, DVD, generation T, HD, ikea