While the media and the market is focused on mortgage meltdowns, downgrading online Ad companies, and maybe even pitch-forking a few lead generation companies a few smart people (notice, I added myself–hey, it is my blog there must be a bit of ego in me) are thinking about building a better lead generation mouse trap:

• Jerry Neumann, just found this Internet marketing blog started by an old friend with a nice track record in this space. Jerry dives into the future of mortgage lead generation and takes a contrarian position on the near term effects on lead generation
• Niki Scevak, sits on the fence a bit (not an indictment, most are), but picks up an important subtly to the future of online advertising regarding lumping advertising business models like Google, Valueclick, Experian, and Bankrate
• Dave Wengel, talks with InmanTV about the future of the lead generation business and I am sure we will hear more at the TargusInfo Online Lead Quality Summit
• Paul Knag, has discuss a full span of evolving lead generation topics including effects of the Lead Marketwatch, Realespace.com, bait and switch lawsuits, credit crunch, Leads2007, current mainline lead generation ad practices.
• Bill Rice, I am most fascinated by closer tying the user experience and social communities to the lead generation process. Here are some of my thoughts: Leads2007, Rice’s Riffs, Lead Marketwatch, Better Closer Blog
• Lead Critic, this is a nice compilation of a lot of thoughts on improving online advertising, marketing, and lead generation.
• Jay Weintraub is planning LeadCon

Believe me. Something amazing will come from all of this discussion and someone will make a lot of money!

Tags: lead generation, start-up, vc, innovation, better lead generation, jerry neumann, niki scevak, dave wengel, targusinfo, paul knag, leads2007, bill rice, kaleidico, lead critic, online lead quality summit, leadcon, jay weintraub, mortgage meltdown, mortgage implosion, mortgage market