"Meet Me at the 7-11!"

There are companies out there looking to put flat-screen TVs into 7-11s and millions of other consumer outlets across the country and then charge advertisers to reach these new audiences. The chains like the idea, as the screens are free or very low-cost, and they get to roll house ads into the mix.

But what if they brought participatory media into the mix? The local General Store dominated American social life for decades, and could again: Imagine these convenience stores allowing their local customers to upload karaoke videos, short art films, comedy sketches, home movies, and much more. Authors would bring friends, they'd hang out and watch their video, and others, two, three times, and...buy more chips and soda. And hang out.

The store could sponsor poetry slams, and sewing circles, and...become a center of local life again.