Disqus - Latest Comments for Shane: content writer

Re: 3 simple things to improve SEO on your blog

Shane: content writer — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:50:08 -0000

Also remember the controversial keyword density... Whatever the main topic is that you're focusing on in your blog try ensure a rough keyword density of between 3-6%

Re: Using images in SEO

Shane: content writer — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:11:31 -0000

Its unfortunate though that one can use the ALT tag rather dubiously, using irrelevant keywords merely to get undeserved positive attention

Re: I’m just dying to blog about this

Shane: content writer — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 03:32:13 -0000

Bleuh!!
I think that blogging is still largely misunderstood and has yet to quite fit or be fully accepted into the mainstream way of things... Articles like this simply validate blogging as a new and feasible way of making money.
When people don't understand something they have to over-analyse it. This makes it easier to fit it into their view of things..

Re: Go ahead, dream small

Shane: content writer — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 03:48:33 -0000

Hi!
I agree, its the grunt work that makes the most difference in any endeavour, end of story, all the grandiose plans and machinations in the world won't get the job done if all the small things aren't in place, if you can't market your own business you'd better learn

Re: Coaching the small business

Shane: content writer — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 04:04:58 -0000

Indeed, considering that much of the time, starting a small business is the answer to not having formalised tertiary education, basically a way the driven individual makes his way upward in the world. But all the drive in the world will only get you so far if you don't know what you're doing..

Re: Multi-author blogging as a referral tool

Shane: content writer — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:12:51 -0000

I love this... Truly, blogging can be one of the most versatile and powerful marketing tools, especially as the age of information and technology gets a firmer footing in all our doors...
It needn't even require large quantities of your time, you need only put out a weekly post from all the experts under your one blog. People will quickly become accustomed to associating your blog, and therefore your businesses, with the related subject.. Cementing you in their minds as the most qualified in your fields.

Re: Narrowly fending off a recession

Shane: content writer — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 03:17:45 -0000

The beauty of small business is it's diversity and versatility.. A savvy small business person can turn almost any bad situation around, nothing is quite as manouverable as a small business for ducking in and out of traps that bog down larger, less flexible organisations..

Re: Narrowly fending off a recession

Shane: content writer — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 03:28:14 -0000

The media feeds this "recession destroys small business" mentality, if people were left to figure things out on their own half of them would probably do what they always do, take advantage of the flexibility of small business, and survive...

Re: Adding YouTube Video to your Google Local profile

Shane: content writer — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:14:27 -0000

As a writer I love the subtle nuances of the written word, but have to agree that a picture speaks a thousand words, as for a moving picture...

Re: Build your you hub

Shane: content writer — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:19:53 -0000

Good idea. Grab Web Property while it is till cheap and available. You are your name and having that as a domain is really important if you are to establish a serious online presence.

Re: The math of exercise

Shane: content writer — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:35:35 -0000

Heh heh... I do push-ups when I wake up every morning, but honestly I only do that 'cos if I didn't I'd probably never wake up properly... Lol...
30 minutes? hmmm.. Not quite.

Re: The lowest hanging green fruit

Shane: content writer — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:32:18 -0000

Well, lovely, according to your checklist, the company I work for employs pretty "earth-friendly" practices.. Lights off: check
Computers off at night: check
technology eliminating cross town meetings: Where possible, check.
We, however, don't ride bikes to work, most of us would be in transit for several hours if we did that..

Re: Can LinkedIn increase your sales?

Shane: content writer — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 03:05:40 -0000

The toughest part of any venture is the follow-through... You get your foot in the door and for a little while you're feeling proud and saturated with anticipation... But then you realise it's time to actually do something... Crunch time!!
Thanks for the post by the way.. Going to have to check Linkedin out

Re: Your customer rewards program

Shane: content writer — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 03:32:39 -0000

Good morning,
I really liked this post. It's all about using the status drive to your advantage. Make customers strive to be in the exclusive list, give them that VIP treatment, and they'll feel rewarded, appreciated and it'll keep them coming back... Everyone likes to be on the guest list at a party, rather than waiting in line with the plebs.. ;-)

Re: The small business market research challenge

Shane: content writer — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 02:59:45 -0000

The truth of the matter is that no matter how big a company gets the key is in finding out what your customers and clients enjoy about dealing with you, and what added features they might be able to suggest.. Keeping up with the desires of your market makes them feel appreciated.. small businesses already have the advantage of a more personal touch over larger organisations and this can be further improved by constant market research and delivering on the wants of the clients.
Great post John... As per usual..
Thanks

Re: Staying top of mind

Shane: content writer — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:56:28 -0000

Great post John,
I agree completely!! Aim to satisfy not only your customers business needs, but make them feel appreciated, wanted... The personal touch of your handwritten note is the perfect way to give customers that feeling... Much better than a mass-produced generic note with a blank spot for someones name....
Once again, good post.. keep 'em coming.

Re: 7 ways to get more blog comments

Shane: content writer — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 03:09:54 -0000

Great post!
Points 5 and 6 are my personal favourites, mostly as their the ones I respond most often to.... I think it's also useful to, on occasion, leave your posts open-ended, thus leaving it obviously open to debate..

Re: Using a Wiki for Product Research and Collaboration

Shane: content writer — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:01:16 -0000

I use a wiki for all my notes as it is easily shared with others. Yeah its like a mini Intranet, but a personal one.

Re: Can LinkedIn increase your sales?

Shane: content writer — Sat, 03 May 2008 04:04:09 -0000

David you are right, web marketing as a whole allows smaller business to compete against the big guys.

Re: Coach vs. consultant

Shane: content writer — Mon, 05 May 2008 03:36:56 -0000

I think, in terms of strictly defining either, that a consultant acts more as an advisor exposing the client to the myriad options and possibilities, while a coach takes a more assertive role, leading the horse water AND making it drink... Having said that though, I do believe that a consultant with any integrity, not to mention a healthy respect for his own good name, will take a more agressive stance with a client that refuses to take good advice.

Re: 100 most often mispronounced words

Shane: content writer — Mon, 05 May 2008 03:41:58 -0000

Some of these mispronunciations tend to stem from laziness rather than being misinformed.. Some letters just slip the tongue when you're speaking, are fast-talking

Re: One way to podcast

Shane: content writer — Mon, 05 May 2008 04:10:43 -0000

Have to say, the idea of laying the mic next to the phone to record the call send shivers screaming up my spine :-) but I guess, sometimes the simplest solutions work.. and if it works do it!
Thanks for the tips

Re: Stumped for content?

Shane: content writer — Tue, 06 May 2008 08:13:35 -0000

I'd stick Yahoo! answers there with things to do on a rainy sunday afternoon when you can't think of anything else constructive... It can be a veritable wealth of information but the time you put in to get something useful out isn't all that well spent.

Re: They don’t use social media in my industry

Shane: content writer — Thu, 08 May 2008 04:10:15 -0000

Many of our clients are in low-tech industries, industries where one might not think SEO and online marketing would really be necessary or effective, and that really is the advantage of them using us to take care of their marketing needs... Their opposition isn't using the Web to full advantage.. These guys are finding that online marketing and advertising really is more cost-effective, with a further-reaching, quality grasp, than traditional marketing..

Re: Are you just uncomfortable enough

Shane: content writer — Fri, 09 May 2008 05:12:59 -0000

Great advice... Get out of your comfort zone, 'cos if you're comfortable, you're stagnant... And thats just a couple steps from decay...
Thanks John.... I know I can depend on Duct tape marketing for a good thought pretty much everyday

Re: Now That’s a Lead of a Different Color

Shane: content writer — Mon, 19 May 2008 03:07:43 -0000

Great post, not only understand how to get yourself real, quality leads, but remember how to treat the different types of quality leads once you've got them..
great post John!

Re: Up Your Cashflow

Shane: content writer — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 04:45:24 -0000

Experience is everything... you start geting a feel for yuor budgeting needs, adjusting, tweaking, perfecting, just to have some surprise come along and blow it all out the water again... But the more you do it the better you respond to these catastrophes..

Re: Marketing Through the Transaction

Shane: content writer — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 06:20:44 -0000

This is the sort of thing that gives your clients/customers a special feeling about dealing with you, gives them a little more faith in you and what you're doing..

Re: How’s Your Personality?

Shane: content writer — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:37:26 -0000

Personality does seem to sell, your business's personality determines how people relate to you and how comfortable they'll feel when dealing with you

Re: Intuitive Logo Design?

Shane: content writer — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 03:26:16 -0000

I'm another one of those who comletely missed the resemblance between the "T"'s and people, I also would never have guessed about the connection between "U" and "I" had you not mentioned it... Guess that's why I'm not a brand consultant...
However I did think the reflection of the "UI" off the "IN" was rather clever....

Re: Is Marketing Hard or Easy, Both or Neither?

Shane: content writer — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 03:03:03 -0000

Easiest: Targeting more people
Hardest: Remembering More isn't necessarilly better

Re: Marketing and Quantum Physics

Shane: content writer — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 02:43:39 -0000

I think my biggest problem with new age thinking, like quantum physics, is that it completely baffles my mind... I would have to hope that I needn't apply any of those practices to marketing...

Re: Sell More When You Sell Some

Shane: content writer — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 07:49:58 -0000

In addition there's the branding value of the catalogue. Everytime your customer see's it they remember you, your product and your service.. As long as you endeavour to make these 3 important factors positive memories they'll have no need to look further than your pamphlet/catalogue/flyer when they're next in need of services you provide.

Re: Making Beautiful Accidents

Shane: content writer — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:00:52 -0000

Loved this post... Great wisdom to be found there. Marketing doesn't have any hard and fast rules, you can read all the books and take all the advice you want, but at the end of the day gut instinct is what'll really give you the bes results.. Take a proven formula, add a dash of initiative, a sprinkle of ingenuity and a light seasoning of individuality and voila!! perfect marketing mix!

Re: Yes But Would You Pay For It?

Shane: content writer — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:01:29 -0000

Unfortunately with a lot of software for which the "tutorial" option is available, the purveyors of the app leave you feeling that there is sooo very much you can gain from paying for the complete package by leaving tabs with tempting titles visible but untouchable... It's frustrating as sin when you then pay for the device and find that none of the extra option are actually all that exciting!! It completely puts me off paying for software at all, whether or not there's a free tutorial..
My philosophy is, if there is someone in today's web 2.0 world that has something they can give to me for a price, there will be someone else willing to offer it free of charge!

Re: I Don’t Have Time for Marketing

Shane: content writer — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 03:16:09 -0000

It's insane when small business owners don't realise that their primary role is that of marketer.. They might run a business, but all they'll be doing is running it into the ground if they don't market it right, put reall effort into the marketing of it..
Great post John.. One of my favourites thus far

Re: Top 10 Business Applications for Facebook

Shane: content writer — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 03:58:58 -0000

I think the funniest thing is the number of people who use facebook under the guise of a business tool, because of it's recognised anf oft-commented on value as such, but all their really wanting to do is socialise.. :-P
Nevertheless, a very useful list.. Thanks John

Re: The Search Engines Want to Know You Better

Shane: content writer — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:53:38 -0000

This is why unethical optimisation tactics are doomed to fail and the "white hat" approach is always the best way to go... If you offer users and customers what they want, you're essentially satisfying the search engines.
To a certain extent it's best to think les about search engines when building your site, consider the user first and the search engines as an almost as an after thought..

Re: The Definition of Social Media

Shane: content writer — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:57:01 -0000

Well, that pretty much sums it up.. yes, elaboration is quite clearly possible, but honestly the deeper you get into it the more room there is for a complete loss of clarity..
Social media is based entirely around the human need for interaction and communication with our fellows... Business takes advantage of this through networking..
Simple

Re: Are You Waffling?

Shane: content writer — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:09:00 -0000

great post john,
One thing I've noticed with a lot of our clients is that they teend to speak in ever-expanding and confusingly circling riddles, their website content, mission statements and press releases use a lot of big words to say next to nothing, I've found that this illicits a sense of mistrust from their public 'cos it sounds as if they're hiding something with their complete lack of straight-forward, direct communication

Re: Customers Are Your Most Effective Sales Force

Shane: content writer — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:11:34 -0000

It's soo true, your customers (or potential customers) expect you to tell them whatever you can in an attempt to make a sale, they're far more likely to trust the advice of people not on your payroll..

Re: Get Your Google Alerts via RSS

Shane: content writer — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:15:12 -0000

I have to admit that I too am a massive fan of Google Alerts, the Internet is a place of fast paced information and it's not always easy to kep up, Google Alerts gives you the chance to keep abreast of changing situations and new advances in the fields you're interested in

Re: Now’s the Time to Repackage Your Offerings

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 03:44:25 -0000

I love the second point you make here "Add Value Before Discounts" so true, so very true.. Be imaginative, consider what needs or wants people may have that haven't been met before, give them more value for their buck!

Re: Involve Your Employees in the Referral Machine

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 03:48:30 -0000

Love it!! And it's so true, getting your entire staff involved in bringing in the business equates to getting more value for YOUR money.. They already work for the company, so why not get them to do something extra that costs them little to no effort to do?

Re: Get Closer to Your Customers Now

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 03:51:31 -0000

I've always made an effort to treat all customers well, good times or not, right now I'm rather happy that I have, people tend to be able to see through phony plays at being nice just 'cos you've fallen on hard times.

Re: The Picture Perfect Ideal Customer

Shane: content writer — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 02:28:01 -0000

Great post!! I think it's far too easy to forget that the customer is actually a person, with real needs and desires that we have to attempt to meet!
We tend to write them off as faceless millions who generally cause us as much frustration as profit

Re: The Highly Engaged Referral

Shane: content writer — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 03:01:43 -0000

Trusted referrals are always going to be the best.. but it's not always that easy to earn such referrals other than through providing a great business..

Re: The Fail Cow is Getting Ready to Sing

Shane: content writer — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 03:06:33 -0000

It's kinda sad that print media has fallen so far behind the competition just by stubbornly refusing to keep up with the new developments of the times.

Re: Build a Better Mousetrap Experience

Shane: content writer — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 03:17:37 -0000

I'd say that as long as your product isn't horrendous and the experience you offer IS fantastic you'll be sorted.. People will believe a product to be better than perhaps it is if the accompanying experience is a great and memorable one.
That being said, however, in this day-and-age no one can afford to shirk on the quality of the product they provide.. people will find out, word will spread and your business will fail

Re: What Voters Google Before Heading to the Polls

Shane: content writer — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:38:37 -0000

It is amazing how much one can tell about the state of the world, in all it's aspects, just from taking a look at some of Google's stats.
As for the new president, I was rooting for Obama and I somehow don't think that anyone, at any point doubted that he would win the race. Congrats to the man and all the best to America and their new leader... may he be better than the last!!

Re: Linky Goodness, November 3

Shane: content writer — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:40:53 -0000

Ask.com is floundering?? How? Why? What happened? Well, I guess I should go check out the article. Thanks for the tip off

Re: Facebook Headed for Financial Ruin?

Shane: content writer — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:43:52 -0000

if Facebook goes the way of Myspace it'll be survival and nothing more, rather frightening that such a popular and widespread phenomenon as Facebook could collapse so quickly.. oh well

Re: Microsoft’s Ballmer Not Interested in Being Yahoo’s First Runner-up

Shane: content writer — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 02:52:34 -0000

I think Yahho! made a mistake in turning down microsoft the first couple times.. Unfortunately they're just not worth it for the software giant, and I personally don't believe they ever were

Re: Ask.com’s Answer to Why the Sky is Blue & Other Questions we Ask

Shane: content writer — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 08:37:38 -0000

I love these "top searches of [insert year]"... It's amazing how much they can reveal about the state of the world through what people are looking for, what's on everyone's mind, etc... Very interesting.

Re: IP Address Protection Provides Ammunition in RIAA Cases

Shane: content writer — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 08:40:55 -0000

I agree completely with the judge's ruling in this case.. Privacy must be protected.. That is one right that is fast becoming endangered with all the newest means of keeping tabs on people.. It's becoming harder and harder to protect the individuals right to privacy and every blow struck against the intrusion of "big brother" into our lives has my full support..

Re: Facebook Connect – Great Feature or Another Privacy Nightmare?

Shane: content writer — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 08:55:51 -0000

I have to say that I'm not particularly comfortable with my contacts (I hesitate to use the word "friends" since a large number of my facebook contacts are people who just randomly added me and whose invitation I accepted purely out of curiosity) being able to see what I get up to on the rest of the Internet.. This is not that I do anything Dodgy while navigating the Internet... I just don't like the idea of having no secrets...

Re: New Research: Companies Turn to Email to Increase Customer Engagement

Shane: content writer — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:01:43 -0000

What worries me is how effective will Email be as a medium.. I don't know about anyone else here, but personally I've got a built-in "Perceived Spam Deleting mechanism"
I think, as spam is the nemesis of anyone with an email account, the same could be said for a lot of people out there

Re: Revenue Coming for Twitter: Why They Said “No” to Facebook

Shane: content writer — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 02:07:49 -0000

Just like matt, I too feel that they should have taken the deal, I just don't believe they'll see an offer like that again... Their value is going to slowly fall and they might end up regreting turning it down.. But then again, maybe the "Twits" will surprise us all

Re: YouTube Gets New HD Format

Shane: content writer — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 02:10:05 -0000

Greeeat!! I live in South Africa!! Meaning, I'm going to be unable to truly enjoy these HD videos... Such is life I suppose but I'm still rather disappointed

Re: Search Advertising - Strong in Adverse Economy

Shane: content writer — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 02:13:07 -0000

Google will always (in my opinion at least) persist.. I simply don't see them buckling to economic troubles, even when it seemed as thought they might I had no doubt they'd bounce back and will likely end up stronger than ever

Re: Tips From Karl Havard For Brand Engagement Via Social Media

Shane: content writer — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 02:16:19 -0000

The most difficult thing on this list has to be forgetting ROI.. It's hard to be unable to measure your returns and just place faith in the fact that those returns are substantial and worthwhile.

Re: Facebook Hit by Koobface Virus

Shane: content writer — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 02:18:20 -0000

that's gotta suck!! Considering the sheer numbers of people who use facebook.. A virus running rampant amongst that volume of people is a rather frightening thought

Re: Creative Traditional Meet Dynamic Digital!

Shane: content writer — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 02:23:27 -0000

I'm in agreement with the comment above, about Google buying up what amounts to virtual real estate.. Google doesn't want competition that might ever become a challange to their absolute dominance of the 'net..

Re: Flickr Upgrades Mobile Services

Shane: content writer — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 02:26:44 -0000

Flickr has definitely got their eye on the right market and they're, without doubt, taking the right steps in dominating their target.. good on 'em

Re: Google’s Friend Connect Open to All

Shane: content writer — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 02:29:32 -0000

Google's reach will never be satisfied with just search.. that may be their core focus but they'll always look for other pies to stick their fingers in.

Re: Confirmed: Yahoo’s Dr. Qi Lu Left to Head Microsoft’s Search Efforts

Shane: content writer — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 02:31:44 -0000

I'll believe that Microsoft can realisically compete with Google when I actually see it.. But I'm not holding my breath

Re: Google Slows Data Center Growth; Opts Out of North Carolina Grant

Shane: content writer — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 02:35:08 -0000

I think too many people are looking for signs that Google is gonna drop down a notch or two and in the process of looking for these signs, are imagining a lot of problems that aren't really there

Re: Cyber Monday: Kickstart to Christmas?

Shane: content writer — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 02:41:51 -0000

hmmm.. does this mean that eventually going christmas shopping in stores won't be quite the nightmare it currently is? Or will shopping in store be completely abolished?

Re: Marketing News Roundup, December 3-4

Shane: content writer — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 02:44:50 -0000

You go MySpace!!! I'm always gonna root for that particular underdog

Re: Google Reader Gets a Facelift

Shane: content writer — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 02:49:04 -0000

No matter what you might have to say about Google, you can't accuse them of resting on their laurels! They're constantly considering new ways to improve the user experience.. This is why I don't see them falling from their top dog position anytime soon

Re: TechCrunch Among First to Adopt Facebook Connect

Shane: content writer — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 03:02:06 -0000

Sounds like a nightmare.. personally I still enjoy the anonymity of the Internet

Re: Why Google is Just One Deal Away from Being Labeled a Monopoly

Shane: content writer — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 03:11:00 -0000

I personally already view Google as something of a monopoly.. this could be because in South Africa no one uses any services other than Googles... Their "competitors" might as well not even exist fro mthe viewpoint of everyone here..

Re: Yahoo Adds Search Assist for Image Search

Shane: content writer — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 03:14:02 -0000

It's unfortunate that no matter what Yahoo! does, Google's massive lead on them means that it's unlikely they'll ever be able to catch up.. Yahoo! rolls out a new and exciting feature, Google copies the idea and Yahoo!'s achievement is buried

Re: YouTube Monetization: More to Come

Shane: content writer — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 03:17:53 -0000

it's unfortunate... YouTube being a free sharing site is what's brought it as far as it is, but we might lost YouTube if they don't find new ways to make money, and monetisation of the site is possibly the only way they'll pull it off

Re: Google Ads Opens Up Bidding on Hard Alcohol and Liqueurs

Shane: content writer — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:18:23 -0000

Well, we've hit hard financial times, the world over,so of course alcohol, drugs and whatever else people might use to deal with the stresses of these times tend to sell better and be a great fall back for companies :)

Kidding

Re: Be Your Own BOSS with Quintura Site Search

Shane: content writer — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:21:06 -0000

I found Quintura a little while ago, absolutely love it!! Great article and I'm glad you found them as worthwhile as I did

Re: Another One Bites The Dust: Tribune Files for Bankruptcy

Shane: content writer — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:25:37 -0000

This sort of news is kinda bittersweet to me...
I'll always be a fan of the "traditional" newspaper and so watching the medium unable to keep up upsets me.. but as someone who works with the online counterpart of the same, I can't help but feel a sense of pride at "my" medium emerging the victor

Re: Test Your Way to Higher Conversions

Shane: content writer — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:28:57 -0000

That's a fantastic increase!!!
Goes to show how much of a difference the application of tested theories will make as opposed to taking shots in the dark

Re: Obama’s Staff Need a Lesson in Reputation Management

Shane: content writer — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:40:18 -0000

Wow!! This conversation got rather heated rather quickly.. hmm. Think I'll try keep my opinions on the pseudo political aspect of this to myself...
Returning, however, to the point of the article, yeah.. As I think was implied, great care has to be taken, especially when you're in a position like Jon Favreau you have to be extra careful about what you do in your personal life, as well as how public you make your personal life.. The moral or political implications of the actions have no bearing on the discussion here.. Mr Favreau, and Obama's entire public relations team, should have seen the possibility of something like this coming and put measures in place to prevent it or at least minimize the damage caused by it

Re: Scientist Reveals Google CO2 Research; Blatently Puts Planet at Risk

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:17:54 -0000

sometimes one simply has to wonder WHY people set themselves up with certain research assignments!! I mean, come on, what possessed this bloke to determine whether or not using the Internet added to the planets already soaring environmental problems!? Did he think it was going to actually change anything? Or did he just do it for atention?

Re: A Comic Reminder to Avoid a Social Media Reputation Blunder

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:21:17 -0000

Personally I think that anyone who chooses to share too much of their personal life with the millions on Facebook pretty much deserves whatever misfortune such action earns them. Really guys, it's called a "PERSONAL life" for a reason..

Re: Google Talks Chrome 2.0 and the Delay for Mac/Linux Compatibility

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:25:26 -0000

who the heck is this Leonardo guy!? Bugger off and stop spamming!
Anyway, I persoanlly am quite a fan of Google Chrome, I personally use Firefox first and foremost but managed to convert my girlfriend to Chrome from IE (she doesn't like Firefox 'cos it's not simple enough).
as for the "not scrolling" problem you mentioned, I've never experienced that myself??

Re: Yahoo Continues Search for Head Coach

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:27:34 -0000

Someone willing to take risks... Yahoo! hasn't really shone in.... uh... well, they've never really shone and maybe snatching up someone who's more likely to dive into the unknown is a better idea if they want to start soaring rather than simply staying afloat

Re: Ask.com Expands Semantic Search Technology

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:30:32 -0000

I like that.. "DADS" heh heh.. very cool..
Finally the world can have a patriach to whom they really can go for all their answers

Re: Find Businesses Faster with Google Maps for Mobile

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:32:49 -0000

That's Google for you... every prodcut they have seems to be in a perpetual state of "Beta Mode" always being tweaked, upadted and upgraded... I love it

Re: Google SEC Filing Fuels Speculation

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:39:35 -0000

Not urprising that Google is being hit by the recession.. Well, not really surprising..
Truth be told, I feel that they'll slow down in the next year or two, but they'll survive and bounce back as strong as ever when the wheel turns full cirlce and the economic situation is looking a bit better

Re: Verizon Picks Microsoft for Mobile Search Deal

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:47:03 -0000

Bugger!! Verizon, what were you thinking?
I think it's a great deal for Microsoft (mostly because they beat Google) an alright deal for Verizon (Great in the short term, but not so much in the long term), and a horrible deal for The customers!!

@PS3: Um.... have you ever used Microsoft products??

Re: Facebook Hits 150 Million User Milestone

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:49:45 -0000

Well, there has to be a ceiling on how big Facebook can get.. But I don't think that ceiling is very low, so I see the Facebook explosion continuing for sometime still..

Re: Google Trends Attacked - Again!

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:57:33 -0000

I don't know if I agree that Google should control these results more... I mean, Google trends is meant to be objective and offer accurate information.. Where do you draw the line on the srt of censorship you're suggesting?

Re: Google Wins Lawsuit Over Chinese Brand

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 06:00:30 -0000

What on earth were they thinking? Suing Google? My God!! Not the best idea...
Hmm.. it does seem though that Googel and China are just not destined to get along

Re: How to use Google Analytics to Track SEO Rankings

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 06:07:42 -0000

I can't say much more than that Google Analytics is absolutely superb!! Definitely a great example of a true Google success!!

Re: Redirect Case Study: Transferring Google PageRank

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 06:16:07 -0000

I think at times like this it is generally a better idea to educate your clients than it is to alleviate their fears.

Re: Why I’ve Never Been More Embarrassed for Yahoo

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 06:29:06 -0000

My word!!! What were they thinking? Sure, they did it quietly, likely hoping that they could get away with these changes without anyone noiticing, but really, how did they think this was gonna stay below the radar for long?

Re: Facebook Sues Power.com

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 06:32:31 -0000

A perfect showcase for how the laws of old don't really cover the intricacies of the Internet.. I think this is more interesting as a study of how new developments on the Internet challenge preconceived "norms" then it is as a "who's going to win" scenario

Re: Marissa Mayer on The Future Of Google, and Herself?

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 06:38:19 -0000

Frightening!! Am I the only one worried about how much of our "personal" information is becoming available to complete strangers? What is it that gives Google the right to know more and more about us? Our uninformed consent. I once again refer to laws that might need to be changed or updated to accomodate the evolving world of the Internet.

Re: Why 2009 is THE Year for Social Media!

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 06:49:48 -0000

Social Media is undeniably huge... I personally find it to be a mission to navigate and perfect, but it's power cannot be ignored and the fact pushes me everyday to perfect it

Re: Using IE6? Google Thinks You’re a Loser!

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 06:58:40 -0000

I wouldn't say it's an act of desperation... nor would I say it's brilliant marketing. They're simply promoting their own product, just as they should.. and the fact that their product IS better than teh competitor they're putting down, all the better for them

Re: Google & Baidu Targeted in China’s Crackdown on Pornography

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 07:01:55 -0000

hmmm. Just further proof of the archaic mindset of china... They're way too stuck in the past if they really think that the Internet can so easily be contained

Re: Mozilla’s Relationship with Google Gets “Complicated”

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 07:09:05 -0000

Google... Very tricksy fellows over there.. But you can't fault their drive.. And anyway, was anyone really surprised when they launched their browser?

Re: Japanese Group Wants Google to Stop “Violating Privacy Rights” of Citizens

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 07:12:58 -0000

I truly believe that most of Google's efforts violate the individuals right to privacy.. This is just another example of something we've seen thousands of times before.

Re: Small Business Don’t Get It–Still Failing to Invest in Search Marketing

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 07:57:39 -0000

I think that many small bussinesses see search marketing as a kind of esoteric science.. It's all too unknown and still somehow viewed as an unreliable and immeasurable form of marketing.. Something into which they're dubious about investing their money..

Re: Yahoo Cuts Data Retention to 3 Months; Will Google Follow?

Shane: content writer — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:15:41 -0000

I gotta say that I think it's a bold move that would impress a great deal of those who are stressed about the amount of info the search engines have access to (me being one of them).. but I doubt that too many people will care one way or the other about it

Re: AOL Refocuses, Creates Two New Divisions

Shane: content writer — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:41:30 -0000

I think it's a great move... Primarily because, right now, they can't fall much further and they need to do something, anything, to revitalise them. I wish them luck and applaude their shift in direction.

Re: Carol Bartz Named the Next CEO of Yahoo

Shane: content writer — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:45:51 -0000

Good luck to Yahoo! they need to get back in the game and maybe a fresh set of eyes and a neew take on things will help shake things up a bit

Re: Would Better Results Make You Switch Search Engines?

Shane: content writer — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:55:00 -0000

I think it's gotten to the point where it'd be near impossible for another search engine to steal google's regular users. The brand has become so powerful and recognised that it changes people's perceptions, as you pointed out with, "results with the Google brand are perceived as more relevant than identical results with other search engines’ logos," it's similar to tests that were done a while ago in which children were given vegetables to eat, some of the veggies were handed over as they were packaged straight outta the supermarket, while others were delivered in McDonalds packaging.... The kids, of course, said the McD veggies tasted better, despite the fact that they were all the same thing

Re: Yahoo Has Eyes on Internet TV

Shane: content writer — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 01:00:29 -0000

Much as I'm happy to see Yahoo! doing something new and being the first ones to make a certain change, I doubt it'll take Google long to match, and eventually, overtake them even in this new endeavour... They've probably already begun work on a competing product and are simply waiting for Yahoo! to release theirs so that they can outdo it and launch one in return

Re: TV.com Vs. Hulu, Who Wins? We do!

Shane: content writer — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 01:04:04 -0000

Great! Competition is always healthy, and of course the real winners will be the users.

Re: Verizon Picks Microsoft for Mobile Search Deal

Shane: content writer — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 04:01:32 -0000

@John: They have to do something, Google (considering the upstart it is compared to MS) is trouncing them and making them look bad in everyway... if MicroSoft doesn't turn things around soon their liable to sink fast

Re: Scientist Reveals Google CO2 Research; Blatently Puts Planet at Risk

Shane: content writer — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 04:05:18 -0000

I personally try to avoid theories that cannot be proven one way or the other, beyond a shadow of a doubt.. So maybe global warming is BS, maybe it's not... either way I'm not particularly concerned.. Sorry if that's not very PC

Re: Google Drops Out of Most Trusted Companies List

Shane: content writer — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 04:19:49 -0000

Hmmm... I agree completely with the "Big Brand" syndrome.. and, speaking just from personal experiences, I've noticed more and more people buying into this whole "Google is taking over the world" mindset... poor sods, trying desperately to gather information to make things more efficient and convenient for users and they end up losing the trust of those users as a result

Re: 49% of Companies Outsource Online PR Campaigns to Non-PR Firms!

Shane: content writer — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 04:26:44 -0000

that's terrible!! But proof I guess that some of the world is slower at adopting their practices and techniques to the web than others.. The non-tech oriented fields seem to be fooling themselves into believing that, somehow, the Internet will turn out to be nothing more than a short-lived fad that they can ignore until it goes away

Re: Why Google Chrome Left Beta and Gmail Hasn’t

Shane: content writer — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 04:33:26 -0000

I couldn't care less about the "beta" label's presence, or lack of it, Google software in Beta is still better than the "finished" software of most other companies

Re: Are Internet Threats to Minors Overblown?

Shane: content writer — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:10:26 -0000

not to be argumentative or anything, but mayhaps they're indicating the fact that as kids are exposed more and more to the Internet and the inherent dangers it poses, they're becoming wiser to how they might avoid or counteract those dangers?

Re: Is Carol Bartz the Right CEO for Yahoo?

Shane: content writer — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:18:59 -0000

I think its a little early to tell, but maybe we should "give Yahoo! some friggin' breathing room," see what the near future holds for the company... Personally I'm just happy that they won't be giving in to MS

Re: Google Preempts Speculation by Announcing Job Cuts

Shane: content writer — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 01:25:44 -0000

I'd rather Google be open and honest, and they should also prefer that option... They want the public to start gaining trust for them again, they have to keep all informed as to what they're up to.. It's not like them having to lay off people is actually a surprise..

Re: New Yahoo CEO Deciding Whether to “Hold” or “Fold” Search Business

Shane: content writer — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 01:28:29 -0000

I agree with you on this one, they should hang on to search for a while still... And they especially shouldn't cut it out of their arsenal during a time of such financial woe.. It could be a decision they'd come to regret in more prosperous times

Re: Google Cutting More than Jobs–Shuttering Five Products

Shane: content writer — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 01:35:36 -0000

it's kinda sad though, part of Google's charm is that they just do everything, seemingly at random (though we all know nothing they do is at random) they stick their fingers in every pie and their employees have this freedom to enjoy themselves and are given freedom to be completely creative..

Re: Yahoo CEO’s Salary: $1M if She Sucks, $19M if She Kicks Butt!

Shane: content writer — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 02:29:40 -0000

Good idea from YAhoo!'s side.. ensure they don't just hire someone who's along for an overpaid ride to the company's financial decimation! And, one assumes, she's confident she can help the company get back on it's feet.. the next year or two should be interesting

Re: Microsoft Search - Will It Always be an Oxymoron?

Shane: content writer — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 02:34:54 -0000

If they're still intent about buying Yahoo! they must know something about Carol Bartz that the rest of us aren't aware of yet

Re: Unusual Way to Find White Paper Content

Shane: content writer — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 03:53:45 -0000

Interview's put us on edge.. It sucks but its true.. Acknowledging that someone else is an expert and that we need their help is like putting ourselves back into high school where we have to bow to the superior knowledge of an authority..
Google, on the other hand, is somewhat like getting information behind the teachers back and then hitting them with it in the middle of class, proving your own superiority!!

But you are quite right, despite the discomfort we often feel with interviews, they are the most effecient way to get information, and people love teaching others what they know, makes them feel real smart! :-)

Re: How To ‘Take Charge’ As a Freelance Writer

Shane: content writer — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 08:12:27 -0000

Great post Sharon,
also great tips on dealing with clients, the most difficult part of it all is dealing with those stubborn clients who insist that their way is the 'write' way.. You absolutely have to hold your own ground as it'll be your reputation that suffers if you buckle to their ill-informed requests and don't get the results for them that they want.. I notice that clients will often Conveniently 'forget' that it was their requests in the first place that got the bad results..

Re: Weekend Fun: Contest 3: Write Caption for This Image

Shane: content writer — Mon, 05 May 2008 04:06:38 -0000

Weighed down by the workload?..... Outsource!