Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service, that allows its users to send and read other users' updates (otherwise known as tweets), which are text-based posts of up to 140 characters in length.
Updates are displayed on the user's profile page and delivered to other users who have signed up to receive them. The sender can restrict delivery to those in his or her circle of friends (delivery to everyone being the default). Users can receive updates via the Twitter website, SMS, RSS, email or through an application such as Tweetie, TwitterFon, Twitterrific, Feedalizr or Facebook.
For SMS, four gateway numbers are currently available: short codes for the United States, Canada, and India, as well as a United Kingdom-based number for international use. Several third parties offer posting and receiving updates via email. Twitter had by one measure over 3 million accounts and by another, well over 5 million visitors in September 2008 which was a fivefold increase in a month.
Follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/nationwideclass
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Sunday, December 7, 2008
What is Social Networking?
Social Networking - perhaps you've heard of it before, but are not quite sure what it means.
Social networking is the grouping of individuals into specific groups, like small rural communities or a neighborhood subdivision, if you will. Although social networking is possible in person, especially in schools or in the workplace, it is most popular online. This is because unlike most high schools, colleges, or workplaces, the internet is filled with millions of individuals who are looking to meet other internet users to develop friendships and business relationships, too.
When it comes to online social networking, websites are commonly used. These websites are known as social sites. Social networking websites function like an online community of internet users. Depending on the website in question, many of these online community members share a common interest such as hobbies, religion, or politics. Once you are granted access to a social networking website you can begin to socialize. This socialization may include reading the profile pages of other members and possibly even contacting them.
The friends that you can make are just one of the many benefits to social networking online. Another one of those benefits includes diversity because the internet gives individuals from all around the world access to social networking sites. This means that although you are in the United States, you could develop an online friendship with someone in Denmark. Not only will you make new friends, but you just might learn a thing or two about new cultures or new languages and learning is always a good thing.
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Social networking is the grouping of individuals into specific groups, like small rural communities or a neighborhood subdivision, if you will. Although social networking is possible in person, especially in schools or in the workplace, it is most popular online. This is because unlike most high schools, colleges, or workplaces, the internet is filled with millions of individuals who are looking to meet other internet users to develop friendships and business relationships, too.
When it comes to online social networking, websites are commonly used. These websites are known as social sites. Social networking websites function like an online community of internet users. Depending on the website in question, many of these online community members share a common interest such as hobbies, religion, or politics. Once you are granted access to a social networking website you can begin to socialize. This socialization may include reading the profile pages of other members and possibly even contacting them.
The friends that you can make are just one of the many benefits to social networking online. Another one of those benefits includes diversity because the internet gives individuals from all around the world access to social networking sites. This means that although you are in the United States, you could develop an online friendship with someone in Denmark. Not only will you make new friends, but you just might learn a thing or two about new cultures or new languages and learning is always a good thing.
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Staying Ahead of the Competition
Staying ahead of the competition can be an on-going struggle. While it is not healthy for a company to focus too much time and attention on the competition, it is important to stay abreast of what your competition is doing. When evaluating the competition, assess the industry giants and companies closest to your space. But be sure that you don’t exclude the small companies in your assessments. Sometimes a small competitor can have innovative ideas or marketing concepts, but may lack the capital to really benefit from the concept. This may present you with an opportunity.
When evaluating the competition pay attention to the following:
1. Pricing
Evaluate your competitor’s pricing scheme and price structure. What is the price point of your competitor’s products or services? Are your products better or inferior? Do the product differences justify any cost difference?
2. Meta Tags / Search Engine Optimization
Evaluate your competitor’s website. View the meta data of competing websites. Look at their Alexa ranking, and review who links to their website. Are there links you are missing that might be beneficial to your website?
3. Search Rankings
Perform generic searches in the major search engines (Google, Yahoo, MSN) for critical phrases. Determine how the competition stacks up in the search listings. Do any of your competitors “own” important rankings. Consider your search engine strategy and how you can better compete in the search engines.
4. Specials / Marketing Campaigns
Access your competitor’s special offers and any marketing campaigns. Determine how they are defining themselves. Evaluate any niche marketing — perhaps they have located an untapped market that might be ripe for you as well.
5. Advertising
Where do your competitors spend their advertising dollars? Watch for trends — an increase in spending may mean that a competitor has seen a significant return on investment, and it may represent a channel that you should also consider advertising in.
6. Evaluate Links
Determine who is linking to your competitor’s websites. By using the special Google search feature “links: domainname.com” you can see the indexed web pages that link to a specific domain. Are you missing any important link opportunities?
7. Evaluate USP
Evaluate your competitors USP (Unique Selling Propositions). This will give you an idea of how a company sees themselves, and what they feel their strengths are. How does their unique selling proposition differ from yours. Are there areas within your company that need work so you can compete more effectively?
8. Industry Authority Assessments
How do industry authorities view the competition? Are they considered industry leaders, or is the space wide open with an undefined leader? Understanding how you stack up compared to your competitors will help you assess your strengths weaknesses, and define your business.
Knowing your competition is an important aspect to your business, but it should not be the sole factor that dictates your decisions. Educate yourself about your competitors so you can make informed decisions and compete effectively.
Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Times of India ePaper
The Times on a Click <-- view actual ePaper
The nation's leading media conglomerate with 45 dailies and periodicals in 3 languages and 108 editions from 9 centres and a combined readership of over 40 million. In fact The Times of India Group accounts for 30% of the measured ad spend in the country. We include in our stable The Times of India, among the top 2 English broadsheets worldwide; and The Economic Times among the top 3 English business dailies worldwide. The Times of India Group gives the highest reach among Indian decision makers, intelligentsia and the elite. The Group also has a range of 9 Business2Business publications from The Economic Times catering to industry segments as diverse as machinery and polymers. In addition its 16 Special Interest offerings are targeted at groups of consumers ranging from photography to education to annuals on beauty, fashion etc.
Established over 160 years ago, this group has entered the mainstream of Indian life in every possible way. A dynamic group, it has entered the 21st century as a complete media house, with a turnover that is the highest in the country It's new ventures include Times International Media Marketing with the role of attracting International business to India through a developmental approach. International Media Representation represents select mainline and business publications worldwide. With a network of over 50 offices across the country and a field force of 1000 the coverage of India is most comprehensive and perhaps unparalleled.
When infotainment became the buzz word Times Entertainment , Times New Media, Times Music and Radio Mirchi entered this lineage. Times Retail with Planet M outlets staging merchandise from music to designer watches, books & cafes. An offshoot of its highly rated Economic Times Intelligence Group is timesofmoney.com, a bank solutions that empowers Indians & Non Resident Indians to make the best financial decisions.
The Times Group has created a galaxy of stars of different genres from Femina Miss Worlds and Femina Miss Universes all by products of Femina Miss India contests; and played hosts to a galaxy of stars at the Filmfare Awards. Also saluted the best & the brightest at The Economic Times Awards for Corporate Excellence or the Brand Equity Quiz. It has touched the lives of its readers & consumers through Exhibitions & Fairs - a spectrum from Times Utsav Consumer fairs to Education Events.
India's first portal site, a venture of Times Internet, http://www.indiatimes.com/, includes over 55 websites and almost one billion page views a month. http://www.timesofindia.com/ is the fifth most visited print news and media site from the US.
Asia Pacific's first electronic newspaper, http://epaper.timesofindia.com/ offers a viable advertising option, carrying the same benefits of the physical coupled with interactivity which offers instantaneous communication options unlike anything ever seen before. Your career counselor, advisor, influencer and guide anytime anywhere. The first Indian education portal for all education needs is here. This portal will cater to the ever-expanding student community and learning experience.
The philanthropic arm of the group, the Times Foundation, offers Non Government Organisations , institutions & others all over India, a platform to converge and address the country's developmental needs.
As a publishing house, it has not only sought to bring news but to portray the country's changing social scene. Through its incisive editorials, The Times of India Group has effectively moulded public opinion and is indeed an accurate barometer of the nation today.
Its publications are printed using state-of-the art technology at the country's most modern printing presses, offerings not only comparable to black and white but superior quality colour printing as well... the best in the world.
The Times of India Group is the only media house to give advertisers maximum value for their money and minimum wastage. The range of publications, each with its own specific target audience, helps advertising managers plan the ideal media mix, optimising the advertising budget.
The nation's leading media conglomerate with 45 dailies and periodicals in 3 languages and 108 editions from 9 centres and a combined readership of over 40 million. In fact The Times of India Group accounts for 30% of the measured ad spend in the country. We include in our stable The Times of India, among the top 2 English broadsheets worldwide; and The Economic Times among the top 3 English business dailies worldwide. The Times of India Group gives the highest reach among Indian decision makers, intelligentsia and the elite. The Group also has a range of 9 Business2Business publications from The Economic Times catering to industry segments as diverse as machinery and polymers. In addition its 16 Special Interest offerings are targeted at groups of consumers ranging from photography to education to annuals on beauty, fashion etc.
Established over 160 years ago, this group has entered the mainstream of Indian life in every possible way. A dynamic group, it has entered the 21st century as a complete media house, with a turnover that is the highest in the country It's new ventures include Times International Media Marketing with the role of attracting International business to India through a developmental approach. International Media Representation represents select mainline and business publications worldwide. With a network of over 50 offices across the country and a field force of 1000 the coverage of India is most comprehensive and perhaps unparalleled.
When infotainment became the buzz word Times Entertainment , Times New Media, Times Music and Radio Mirchi entered this lineage. Times Retail with Planet M outlets staging merchandise from music to designer watches, books & cafes. An offshoot of its highly rated Economic Times Intelligence Group is timesofmoney.com, a bank solutions that empowers Indians & Non Resident Indians to make the best financial decisions.
The Times Group has created a galaxy of stars of different genres from Femina Miss Worlds and Femina Miss Universes all by products of Femina Miss India contests; and played hosts to a galaxy of stars at the Filmfare Awards. Also saluted the best & the brightest at The Economic Times Awards for Corporate Excellence or the Brand Equity Quiz. It has touched the lives of its readers & consumers through Exhibitions & Fairs - a spectrum from Times Utsav Consumer fairs to Education Events.
India's first portal site, a venture of Times Internet, http://www.indiatimes.com/, includes over 55 websites and almost one billion page views a month. http://www.timesofindia.com/ is the fifth most visited print news and media site from the US.
Asia Pacific's first electronic newspaper, http://epaper.timesofindia.com/ offers a viable advertising option, carrying the same benefits of the physical coupled with interactivity which offers instantaneous communication options unlike anything ever seen before. Your career counselor, advisor, influencer and guide anytime anywhere. The first Indian education portal for all education needs is here. This portal will cater to the ever-expanding student community and learning experience.
The philanthropic arm of the group, the Times Foundation, offers Non Government Organisations , institutions & others all over India, a platform to converge and address the country's developmental needs.
As a publishing house, it has not only sought to bring news but to portray the country's changing social scene. Through its incisive editorials, The Times of India Group has effectively moulded public opinion and is indeed an accurate barometer of the nation today.
Its publications are printed using state-of-the art technology at the country's most modern printing presses, offerings not only comparable to black and white but superior quality colour printing as well... the best in the world.
The Times of India Group is the only media house to give advertisers maximum value for their money and minimum wastage. The range of publications, each with its own specific target audience, helps advertising managers plan the ideal media mix, optimising the advertising budget.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
E-paper is Finally Upon Us!
After many years of promise and a few false starts last week Fujitsu announces it has created the 'first' colour non volatile e-paper. Philips and HP have also been developing similar products for a number of years.
But if we are to finally believe the hype, what are the implications for the creative industry as a whole...
Firstly, what is e-paper?
It is a film substrate that's flexible enough to allow the 'paper' to be distorted but stable enough to ensure the image remains true - even when pressed (unlike LCD panels).
The e-paper does not require any light source and 'remembers' the image displayed on it - so reducing the amount of power required to keep an image displayed. Essentially once an image is 'written' to the e-paper it can remain there without using power. This has the advantage therefore of requiring much lower power in operation and only needs to be powered when the image changes.
The commercial release for this is due somewhere in the 12 months up until March 2007 - so we could be seeing requirements for e-paper by the middle of 2006!
The immediate applications for this are pretty obvious;
POS material for in-store promotions - instantly updating prices or simply changing 'campaigns' at the click of a mouse (with all the creative work done first of course!).
Airports, train stations and even planes and trains themselves could soon be adorned with e-paper.
Perhaps even outdoor poster sites will be controlled from a central workstation - updating the posters electronically instead of 'pasting' them up.
Even 'fly posting' might simply become a form of 'cyber crime' where legitimate posters are overwritten by a 'hacker'...
In any event, clearly the above would have implications for the wider creative community - the immediacy of updating the image might be seen similarly to content management systems for websites - where clients can update the image without reference to the originating designers...with all the advantages and disadvantages that brings.
The implications for the printing industry are also pretty obvious.
So, what other applications could e-paper be used for?
We have recently seen what the introduction of new technology has meant for the print industry with the 'death of print' in the face of the internet. But we now recognise that whilst there is certainly a readjustment in the face of market conditions, there has been little substitute for quality print in the hand and on the move.
But is this about to change?
Could we see 'newspapers' being uploaded as you pass a newsstand onto your single rolled up 'e-paper', perhaps having been paid for using your mobile phone?
How about a library of books in one 'ebook' that simply refreshes the pages of text with another book from a local 'chip' or downloaded from the internet - after all, Google are scanning millions of books now to make them available as part of their search engine. eBooks have also been talked about for many years, and Sony launched their 'electronic book' in 2004, but it is not the same.
As someone once said - 'the possibilities are infinite', no doubt we'll just have to wait and see.
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