The New York Times has an amazing story of how one man quit his job, and is using social networking to not only sustain himself, but create a thriving community around his music. The entire article is a revelation, and highly recommendated, but here are a few key take-aways: Social networks can be powerful tools… Continue reading The Ease of Building Community (and Profit) Online
Month: May 2007
How Artists and Seniors are Taking Over the Web
It is always eye-opening the see traditionally non-technology-loving people embrace the web. Today we will look at how two groups are making the web their own: Artists & crafters. Senior citizens. First up, let’s talk about Etsy. Etsy is a site that allows two things: Artists and crafters to sell their wares online. Everyone else… Continue reading How Artists and Seniors are Taking Over the Web
Reasons to Love Widgets, Reasons to Hate Widgets
Read/Write Web provides a superb overview of what widgets are, and how they are used. Their conclusion: “…widgets add a lot of functionality to your site. Functionality that you can pick and choose as you wish. They also add potential revenue streams for you…” Fred Wilson reviews the difficulty in attaining reliable metrics on widgets.
Google Analytics Relaunches
Google just relaunched their analytics tool with a bevvy of new features. While I dont’ use Google Analytics, I think it is really interesting how powerful tools such as this are becoming increasingly available – for free – to the average web user.
The Monetization Dilemma for Online Video Creators
BusinessWeek looks at the ways online video sites such as YouTube are beginning to compensate those who create content, and the issues that arise from this. For content creators, there may be a trade off on how well they can monetize their creations: “[Online video creator Christine] Gambito is coming to terms with the mixed… Continue reading The Monetization Dilemma for Online Video Creators
User-Generated Content Causing Strife for NY Times
The NY Post has an interesting account of user-generated content causing grief for the New York Times. The problem arises from a broadway production quoting a reader’s review from the NY Times website, and attributing it to “The New York Times Online.” It is a fascinating account of traditional media’s struggle with social media. (Thanks… Continue reading User-Generated Content Causing Strife for NY Times
Online Trends Change the Marketer’s Toolbox
Daniel Riveong whittles down the recent trends shaping online marketing. Included on his list: Long tail media consumption means more effort on the part of marketers for a “grand strategy” vision. Return on investment is taking more prominence in the C-level space, helping shape product development, internal culture and budgeting. Social media is diversifying the… Continue reading Online Trends Change the Marketer’s Toolbox
Are We Still in the Stone Age of Search?
Read/Write Web shares the Top 17 Search Innovations Outside Of Google. They classify each into one of four categories: Query Pre-processing Information Sources Algorithm Improvement Results Visualization and Post-processing I know, it sounds like fun. But it is a great list to illustrate how much further we need to go with search.
Advertisers Flex Muscle to Make Print More Accountable
Advertising Age reports that advertisers are demanding issue-by-issue circulation guarantees, as opposed to averages. “The new power play reflects the growing demand for precision metrics in the media business, a drive fueled by an internet model that seems to promise instant accountability. It is also, though, part of a broader regime change in the industry,… Continue reading Advertisers Flex Muscle to Make Print More Accountable
One Newspaper Blends Bloggers & Journalists in Print
One Boston newspaper is looking to local bloggers for content to print in their newspaper. “Mr. Wilpers [editor in chief of BostonNow] said he wanted to compensate bloggers but was still considering the best way to do so. For now, he has come up with rewards packages that include things like press credentials or consulting… Continue reading One Newspaper Blends Bloggers & Journalists in Print