My new favourite website must be Tagground. A website which helps you find subject through tags on all sort of social tagging websites.
Go take a look.
woensdag, mei 31, 2006
Welcome to Google Checkout, that will be $ 3,15
woensdag, mei 24, 2006
Marketeers can't get their grips on virality
An article I received in my inbox, which states marketeers still have troubles controlling viral-marketing.
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Marketers Still Struggling With Viral Strategies
by Erik Sass, Wednesday, May 24, 2006
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ.--MAJOR MARKETERS ARE still coming to grips with viral marketing, it became clear over the first two days of MediaPost's E-mail Insider Summit. In part that's simply because viral marketing hasn't yet produced a large enough return on investment to get execs' attention.
It's not for a lack of metrics, according to Syd Jones, senior manager of worldwide demand generation e-marketing for IBM: "One of our marketers has patented a viral marketing method that includes tracking of forwards to the second, the third, the fourth [recipient], that's actually quite powerful." Nonetheless, Jones said, "right now it's a bit of an education among our campaign owners and campaign shapers, because unfortunately it's still relatively new to them."
In the same vein, Tim Dolan, vice president of marketing for Return Path, noted: "One of the things we as an organization have struggled with is the potential of 'tell a friend,' versus its actual value." Dolan went on: "'Tell a friend' is one of those things where everyone has aspired to achieve great results, but I don't know how many people actually see that... We're still working on that."
Other speakers were even more blunt. For example, during his Monday break-out session, John Tomlinson, president of AVI Communications, confided: "We talk to people about how to do data capture to build a productive business community, and viral marketing is probably the least effective of the group that we use."
Content is still a key stumbling block, a point noted by Karen McKenna, associate marketing manager for Unilever, recalling a Unilever e-mail campaign on the racy theme "What happens in your refrigerator after the lights go out?" Recalling that the campaign fared very poorly among conservative, religious American women, McKenna concluded: "You have to be very selective when you pick your campaigns."
On that note, execs were still bullish on viral marketing overall-- as long as some basic guidelines are observed. Dolan, seconding McKenna's opinion, advised "being very strategic and selective about which e-mails have potential to become something you pass along to a friend at work." Likewise, Tomlinson also pointed to the importance of content: "We think it's going to be getting better, because the more creative the pieces that they get, the more they're going to want to send them on."
But the most innovative suggestion may have come from Andy Goldman, associate director of e-mail marketing for Ogilvy Worldwide, who pondered the possibility of recruiting enthusiasts to be viral "advocates": "I want to see if this is the kind of person who's interested in being an advocate, and maybe we can start seeing preference centers with sub-"opt-ins" to be an advocate... when they're going to put something on the table, saying 'I'm going to trust you...' that may be the time to say, 'Well we may want to trust you that much as well, and have you go out and be an advocate for our brand.'"
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Marketers Still Struggling With Viral Strategies
by Erik Sass, Wednesday, May 24, 2006
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ.--MAJOR MARKETERS ARE still coming to grips with viral marketing, it became clear over the first two days of MediaPost's E-mail Insider Summit. In part that's simply because viral marketing hasn't yet produced a large enough return on investment to get execs' attention.
It's not for a lack of metrics, according to Syd Jones, senior manager of worldwide demand generation e-marketing for IBM: "One of our marketers has patented a viral marketing method that includes tracking of forwards to the second, the third, the fourth [recipient], that's actually quite powerful." Nonetheless, Jones said, "right now it's a bit of an education among our campaign owners and campaign shapers, because unfortunately it's still relatively new to them."
In the same vein, Tim Dolan, vice president of marketing for Return Path, noted: "One of the things we as an organization have struggled with is the potential of 'tell a friend,' versus its actual value." Dolan went on: "'Tell a friend' is one of those things where everyone has aspired to achieve great results, but I don't know how many people actually see that... We're still working on that."
Other speakers were even more blunt. For example, during his Monday break-out session, John Tomlinson, president of AVI Communications, confided: "We talk to people about how to do data capture to build a productive business community, and viral marketing is probably the least effective of the group that we use."
Content is still a key stumbling block, a point noted by Karen McKenna, associate marketing manager for Unilever, recalling a Unilever e-mail campaign on the racy theme "What happens in your refrigerator after the lights go out?" Recalling that the campaign fared very poorly among conservative, religious American women, McKenna concluded: "You have to be very selective when you pick your campaigns."
On that note, execs were still bullish on viral marketing overall-- as long as some basic guidelines are observed. Dolan, seconding McKenna's opinion, advised "being very strategic and selective about which e-mails have potential to become something you pass along to a friend at work." Likewise, Tomlinson also pointed to the importance of content: "We think it's going to be getting better, because the more creative the pieces that they get, the more they're going to want to send them on."
But the most innovative suggestion may have come from Andy Goldman, associate director of e-mail marketing for Ogilvy Worldwide, who pondered the possibility of recruiting enthusiasts to be viral "advocates": "I want to see if this is the kind of person who's interested in being an advocate, and maybe we can start seeing preference centers with sub-"opt-ins" to be an advocate... when they're going to put something on the table, saying 'I'm going to trust you...' that may be the time to say, 'Well we may want to trust you that much as well, and have you go out and be an advocate for our brand.'"
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Microsoft, hate or love it
Although people love to rant and rave about Microsoft, one has to admitt it would be hard to live in the current world without it. Personally, I believe it made alot of good changes to society.
dinsdag, mei 23, 2006
vrijdag, mei 19, 2006
Wouldn't you love going to the office like this?
If every office would be like the new Googleplex in Sydney, I wouldn't mind driving through rushhour to work.
woensdag, mei 17, 2006
NYC going WiFi
After the groundbreaking plans of Google to offer wireless internet access in whole of San Francisco (article), NYC is going to offer wifi in certain area's of the city. This is a very promissing and innovative way cities are dealing with demands of their citizens.
I do hope my hometown will go live as well any time soon
I do hope my hometown will go live as well any time soon
dinsdag, mei 16, 2006
maandag, mei 15, 2006
Urging co-operation
A nice competitor of iTunes is on the rise. This time it's a co-operation, or more collaberation of MTV and Microsoft in Urge.
Coming soon to the US, and next year to Europe.
Coming soon to the US, and next year to Europe.
The Apple iPhone finally here?
This article seems to be very reasonable about a iPhone.
I am too, and must admit, if it is as cool as iPod, I am going to get me one.
I am too, and must admit, if it is as cool as iPod, I am going to get me one.
Death of traditional radio?
I have always been a fond listener of radio shows online. Although I listen alot of radio lately, and keep switching between online radio shows and offline (FM) radio, I am guessing the online supply of radio channels is increasing by the day.
woensdag, mei 10, 2006
The future of media (Dutch item)
Last Monday 8 May 2006, VPRO aired a show, De Toekomst, about the future of media. I found it very interesting, so give it a look. Show can be found here and click link below Video.
Microsoft is seriously back in the game
Finally, Microsoft has made some announcements on it's Live strategy. Although of course much was known from it, and it's ideas, I firmly believe Microsoft is back in the game again. And this time I mean, the internet-game (not specific Xbox games).
At E3 Microsoft has been showing it's games, but more specific it's plans with Live.
I want to make a bet with you, Live will outsmart Google in these next couple of years.
At E3 Microsoft has been showing it's games, but more specific it's plans with Live.
I want to make a bet with you, Live will outsmart Google in these next couple of years.
dinsdag, mei 09, 2006
MSN European Creative Awards
The waiting is indeed over, as said on the website of the MSN European Creative Awards. The list cannot be really called a shortlist anymore, with so many entries, but it is worth checking them.
I must say, I am impressed with by some of the entries. Go creative!
I must say, I am impressed with by some of the entries. Go creative!
zaterdag, mei 06, 2006
vrijdag, mei 05, 2006
Back to reality
With the rise of the internet and social networking going online, an ever increasing number of people start to socialize through the internet, without ever meeting people in real life.
Think of the number of people playing games, interacting through these games with fellow players on the other side of the world. The last couple of years this phenomonen has increased through social network websites (Myspace, Hyves etc.) and has lead to the increase of social networks.
The question whether this is a good thing or not is something I will not dispute.
I am looking at the future of this online social networks, and especially a particular website which further commercialises the idea of social networks. Bringing social networks into reality instead of keeping them online.
Placesite
I honestly belief this is a good commercial opportunity and am waiting for the first Hyves-cafe in The Netherlands.
Think of the number of people playing games, interacting through these games with fellow players on the other side of the world. The last couple of years this phenomonen has increased through social network websites (Myspace, Hyves etc.) and has lead to the increase of social networks.
The question whether this is a good thing or not is something I will not dispute.
I am looking at the future of this online social networks, and especially a particular website which further commercialises the idea of social networks. Bringing social networks into reality instead of keeping them online.
Placesite
I honestly belief this is a good commercial opportunity and am waiting for the first Hyves-cafe in The Netherlands.
woensdag, mei 03, 2006
Thank you Stephen Colbert
-- Edited post --
The content of the films broadcasted at youtube.com was deleted due to copyright infringements. However, the internet always finds solutions.
Stephen Colbert, best known from his show on Comedy Central; The Colbert Report, is by far my new hero in political journalism.
Why, you ask? Go visit the website where he get's praised because of this appearance at the White House Correspondents Dinner: Thank You Stephen Colbert. And do watch the video's.
Priceless!
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Films can be seen on iFilm.com
The content of the films broadcasted at youtube.com was deleted due to copyright infringements. However, the internet always finds solutions.
Stephen Colbert, best known from his show on Comedy Central; The Colbert Report, is by far my new hero in political journalism.
Why, you ask? Go visit the website where he get's praised because of this appearance at the White House Correspondents Dinner: Thank You Stephen Colbert. And do watch the video's.
Priceless!
---
Films can be seen on iFilm.com
dinsdag, mei 02, 2006
Social Networking Going Mobile
Ever wondered how social networking websites would make money? "Traditional advertising" (eg. banners) don't do the thing.
Well, here's an example how to make money with social networking.
Helio A combination of businesses. Social Networking (eg. MySpace, FaceBook, Hyves) and mobile phones.
Hello Social Networking 2.0
Well, here's an example how to make money with social networking.
Helio A combination of businesses. Social Networking (eg. MySpace, FaceBook, Hyves) and mobile phones.
Hello Social Networking 2.0
Gumball is up and running
The annual most decadent race in the world, the Gumball Rally 3000, has started and is crossing 3 continents. It's amazing to see this kind of outrageous, but cunningly attractive rally.
Follow it on the internet at Gumball 3000
Follow it on the internet at Gumball 3000
Easy DOS it
Easy DOS It:
Apple's Plan to Provide the Best Darned Windows Experience Anywhere -- Even Better Than Microsoft
By Robert X. Cringely
One part of last week's column on Apple's Boot Camp that slipped past many readers was the idea that Apple would actually start shipping OEM versions of Windows Vista with at least some of its computers. I believe that will be the case and, if so, it is a big deal, and could lead to Apple becoming the biggest vendor of Windows computers to business, which I think is a hoot.
The story came to me, as many do, from a reader. He's the night auditor at a hotel, and one evening around 2AM, found across from his Front Desk seven somewhat intoxicated Microsoft engineers who wanted to order morning wakeup calls. They started talking and my reader asked if Intel Macs would ever run Windows? That's all it took to start a 20-minute presentation (obviously prepared and long-practiced) on that exact subject, how Intel Macs will run Windows Vista very well, thank you. Not only that, but the Microsoft engineers were convinced Vista would be so superior that nobody would need OS X again.
These same seven engineers must have stopped for a drink not long ago at John Dvorak's house because he's been making the same claim -- that Apple will drop OS X for Windows.
That's not at all what I think will happen. Apple isn't going to throw away its clearest point of differentiation and greatest technical advantage just to become another Windows OEM. That would make them little better than Sony and Sony can out-manufacture Apple any day.
Where Dvorak is wrong is he believes Microsoft's version of the story -- that Apple will abandon OS X, at least for business, replacing it with Windows Vista. After all, isn't that what this Boot Camp stuff is all about, enabling the choice of OSX or Windows?
Not really.
The version of Boot Camp that will ship with OS X 10.5 will likely be very different from the version people are playing with today. The actual shipping version, I predict, will have full OS virtualization so that both operating systems can run side-by-side and a user can cut and paste data from one to the other. Apple may have already developed this capability, or maybe they'll license or buy it from outside. Parallel Workstation 2.1 sure looks nice from Parallels, Inc. Maybe Apple should buy the whole company.
If Apple's intent is to do virtualization, then why bother with this dual boot version of Boot Camp? My best guess is to throw off Microsoft until it is too late. Not that I think Microsoft will even care as long as they get their money, but Apple can be sneaky this way.
So Apple will at least offer the option for users to run a virtualized version of Windows Vista atop OS X, which brings with it two HUGE advantages. First, the bad guys and script kiddies will have to get through OS X security before they even have a chance at cracking Vista security. Second, by running a virtual version of Windows Vista loaded from a read-only partition, Microsoft's recommended method of dealing with malware (periodically wipe the OS and application from your disk and load them anew) can be done in seconds instead of hours and can be done daily instead of monthly or quarterly or yearly.
By running Windows Vista this way, Apple can offer the most secure version of Vista available with the lowest Total Cost of Ownership, which could lead to a leadership change in business computing. Down with Dell and HP and up with Apple.
Those other companies could do much the same thing, not using OS X, but possibly Linux or some other Unix variant. But it won't be the same, at least not at first. Apple, as a company that has made operating systems longer than Microsoft has, brings to this fight a huge technical advantage.
Don't be surprised, either, to see that OS X 10.5 has a new kernel, finally giving up Mach and a big piece of its NeXTstep heritage. I write this for one thing -- because OS X has kernel problems and needs some help, especially with swap space. I say it also because of the departure of Avie Tevanian, Apple's chief software technology officer, and the guy who hung onto Mach for so long.
I have no insider knowledge here, but it isn't hard to imagine an instance where Avie's favored position with Steve Jobs was finally undermined by someone pointing out just these problems, so Avie had to go. That's the way it is with Steve, who sees his people as either part of the solution or part of the problem.
Ironically, I predict that Avie will move north to Redmond and work at Microsoft with Rick Rashid, the father of Mach. Rashid, who runs Microsoft Research, taught at Carnegie Mellon University in the 1980s when Tevanian was a graduate student there. Microsoft has long tried to recruit Avie, whom I predict will now follow the money. I don't expect, though, that he'll have much technical impact on Microsoft.
Apple's software leadership will fall back on Bud Tribble, who first came to Apple more than 25 years ago when Jef Raskin hired him as the first-ever Macintosh programmer, even before Andy Hertzfeld.
So where Dvorak sees an Apple repudiation of OS X for Windows Vista, I see an Apple business strategy that combines OS X and Vista. Nearly all of Apple's own applications, like iLife and iWork, will still be OS X-only, as will be thousands of native OS X apps, so there will be many opportunities to lure Vista users into the light.
Given Microsoft's difficulties with data security and its long history of troubled OS introductions, there is the very real possibility that the Apple version of Vista will be by far the most stable. For awhile it might be the ONLY stable version. So Apple could, in a way, be Microsoft's savior.
But even saving Microsoft from itself has to undermine Redmond, because it brings back the old Windows software model. As one grizzled veteran of the PC wars recalled:
"One of the good things about the earlier versions of Windows was DOS. While DOS was most definitely a limited operating system, that was part of its strength. Since there wasn't much there, there wasn't much to break and it was easy to fix. As the world moved to Windows, DOS was still there. It was just hidden. When Windows was messed up, you could always drop into DOS and fix Windows. Over time Microsoft created the registry and a new file system, neither of which could be fixed from DOS. DOS was the 'trusted' operating system that we could fall back on to fix problems.
"DOS is no longer there and today the way to fix Windows is to wipe the hard disk clean and reinstall it. That is, if you have original bootable CDs from Microsoft. Once you've reinstalled it, you get to repeat the process several times as all the security patches replace the whole OS over and over again. Heaven forbid if we could get a "clean" latest version of the OS easily from Microsoft...
"In the days of DOS I could keep a master, clean copy of Windows on a server. I could run a file comparison program between the server version and the PC, and replace any damaged or corrupted files. In the days of DOS, the repair tools were quite good. Products like PC Tools and Norton had great file and disk recovery tools, great defragmenters, etc. From DOS you could thoroughly fix the system' disk storage. Today's tools are feeble when compared to their predecessors. It was possible to restore one's filesystem back to a cleanly formatted, fully defrag'd state without wiping out the data on it."
What goes around comes around, and in some ways, this Apple strategy is the revenge of DOS.
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