Technically Speaking

Early this week, I said I was going to try to just stay off of twitter entirely. See if I could do it. With business the way it currently is at Lookery and all the cool data that is being shown for free - it was simply impossible! Now many people don’t believe that twitter’s way of communicating is effective business, but we seem to thrive on it with a tweet or three a week.

As you look at my stats, you can clearly see who my audience is and where they are coming from. But since this blog doesn’t get a whole ton of traffic, you should really check out some cool high traffic sites in our network.

Anyone running a site can benefit from statistics like this, and it’s simply signing up and registering your site. Than another 10 seconds to copy and paste the code into your site(s) page(s). Pretty simple. Almost like Google Analytics code, yes, that simple! Not only that, if you are not running ads on your site but rather do that on your own - you now have compelling data to show potential advertisers of your site(s) demographics.

Enough about work, it’s time to hit the buffet! Not literally of course, too many pushy people that like to do the unthinkable - backing up in the buffet line. Actually though, I did hit the buffet for real this week.

Seriously now, one item of interest I saw this morning was about AOL buying SocialThing. Is this a good deal or bad deal? Considering I was reading recently of how AOL is hanging on to a thread of life. Or do they still call that reorganization? My thought was that AOL was going to be bought, but apparently it’s just a shuffle the deck move once again. At least the guys over at SocialThing have now confirmed the deal.

The other item of interest it seems is all the Olympic coverage or lack thereof. I have actually watched like 10 minutes of coverage, beach volleyball. You can get pretty good coverage of what is happening on the major sites such as SI.

I’m glad to see that it appears a cease fire has been signed between Russia and Georgia. I was actually keeping up with that news over any Olympic coverage this past week. It seems like no matter what, there is always someone at the games being accused of cheating, or better yet - a war breaks out somewhere that just shows how barbaric humans really are.

One item to keep watching is how Glam is surging almost quietly online. They seem to be the leader these days, and I have read stories in the past few weeks about how they are overtaking the marketplace. When I had other writers on this blog, I was more in tune with such sites as Geek Sugar. I even did some video back in the day. Quite funny that there are still links to the videos. Out of all of them, I think the banana episode was pretty funny.

Technically Speaking, it’s all about the data and wish I had the time to do more videos again! Unfortunately how do you think Lookery serves billions of ads monthly? Well it’s time for me to get to work, that’s how!!

Lunch Across America (LAA), is starting to take on more of a meaning these days. As pointed out in this NY Times article today, it seems that people have finally figured out what I already knew. It’s nice seeing the mainstream getting on the same wavelength as the hardest working person in the web 2.0 business.

Now I do need to set the record straight about this article where I was referred as such. I appreciate the props by the one and only @marshallk, who is the most sought after blogger and overall online media guru. I did do some minor regional touring and was an active musician in many bands over the years.

As far as LAA goes, if people took this long to get on the same page, that is quite a statement. I’m glad to see people are now strategically timing the releases of their videos and other items to coincide with LAA. The thing is you have the time zones to accommodate which is a challenge in itself.

For awhile, I did try as the Director of Social Media Content for Lending Club to hit that LAA time. It’s quite a challenge when you throw in the multiple time zones. The above article is a validation of the facts I already knew.

In some offices, workers coordinate their midday Web-watching schedules, the better to shout out punch lines to one another across rows of desks. Some people gravitate to sites where they can reliably find Webcasts of a certain length — say, a three-minute political wrap-up — to minimize both their mouse clicks and the sandwich crumbs that wind up in the keyboard.

“Go take a walk around your office” at lunchtime, said Alan Wurtzel, head of research for NBC. “Out of 20 people, I’m going to guarantee that 5 are going to be on some sort of site that is not work-related.”

Along with LAA, you have the evening reading rush, which is a bit harder to time. Those that are not benefits of lack office policies can only surf at home. That time line is usually 7pm-10pm - again dependent on the time zone you live in. For that it’s almost best to release something right about dinner time (Dinner Across America - DAA). DAA is a much harder target to reach.

Now for the bloggers, you have that last one to reach - Anytime Across America (AAA). AAA means you are the cream of the crop and that my friends is how you end up the hardest working person in the biz. You end up getting very little sleep because the AAA time is never early, or it’s actually very early or very late.

Technically Speaking, that was quite a ramble. LAA - reaching the video masses, DAA - another time line to reach, and AAA - for the bloggers who want to take it to the next level. Learn them. Use them, and happy blogging to all. baby furniture - baby cribs

Magnify.net is taking Video Blogging to the masses with its new, free video publishing and hosting service. The new platform is much more than just another Webcam service as Magnify.net lets people build a dedicated online video channel featuring not just their own videos, but also content-specific video - regardless of where it is hosted.

Unlike other social networks and warehouses that host random videos, they let its users create and tailor their own programming based on their interests and that of their target community. The site owner and their viewers record, discover, upload, and add new videos to feature on their channel based on the unique flavor of each channel.

Fresh out of private beta, the new video blogger-in-a-box kit features an intuitive, plug-and-play Webcam capture tool that allows creators to build a Vlog (video blog) page and decorate their channel with their own graphics and design elements. With just a webcam, their Vlog can go live within minutes. Magnify.net also offers stylish and slick templates to make the graphic design process drag-and-drop simple.

Podcamp co-founder and online media guru Chris Brogan is currently hosting a daily video blog called Attention Upgrade, where he shares the most interesting things in tech and news media marketing that have his attention for the day. Jeff Hibbard has launched a new mobile weblog that follows him on his daily adventures around town.

Technically Speaking, if you do a search on this blog, you can find all my past coverage of Magnify.net. colon cleanse

This morning I have found, as well as well e-mailed, twitter’d, and found on my own some great posts on Open Social. One of the first ones I read this morning was the one that provides concrete data on why Facebook shouldn’t worry. This has been Facebook’s forte from the get go. When you have a different audience, you are going for different demographics so it’s a moot point.

Another one is from the place down under, well not really as it’s really the data bytes created out of Portland, OR. There are concerns and valid ones that Marshall raises in his Open Social, not so “ga-ga” post.

Another one came in via e-mail that points you in the right direction if you want to get started with Open Social. This should be one that is looked at if you are a developer wondering how to get in on the supposed hottest event of the week.

Now is that the complete Open Social round up? Of course not! If you want the lowdown on the ins and outs of Open Social this morning, you need to probably read one of these articles. There is even Facebook’s claim of not being let in on the Open Social movement.

You also have another good source posted early this morning that also includes the Open Social FAQ. Tired of Open Social coverage yet? Ok - keep reading!

Is this the end all? Nope. As I was stating yesterday in my unrelated to Open Social post, Google is marching onwards to biggest company status. That is a good thing, as it’s the only thing keeping our economy afloat in these dark times of consistent bad employment data on the mainstream news sites.

Now if you are looking for a job, here is a great source. That along with a post about video startups to get away from all this Open Social and Google talk today!

Burning Money at Both Ends - At a time when many adults are struggling with their own personal finances, they may be faced with expenses from the generation before them as well as the one after. … read more posted 11/2/2007 - 7:03am PDT

Want to start a business? Start saving your money. - Have you ever dreamed of starting your own business and being your own boss with your own hours? It may seem like a dream, but it’s not impossible to attain—a majority of first-generation millionaires got there just by starting their own businesses. These aren’t just tech businesses though—these are electricians, plumbers, and other local small businesses. These are companies that anyone can start—even you. … read more posted 11/2/2007 - 10:53am PDT

Technically Speaking, there are enough articles there for reading and digesting this morning. Being that it’s Friday, you have been briefed on all you need to know for the moment. 2000 Mustang

NBC is now reported to launch a VOD service, and Hulu was nothing more than a big joke because “Clown Co.” wasn’t a name they could go down with. Well that’s my spin on this. Another interesting thing, is that this has risen to the top of Techmeme this evening and not one mention of where I first saw the story early this morning.

That’s right I saw it on the news breaking CenterNetworks, so apologies to all for my not so glowing review of this. In fact, I’m yawning and drinking a beer as I type this. It totally amazes me how on a daily basis I watch the main sites out there just give the shaft to CN. It’s like just because Allen is “CN” and missing a “N“, he receives absolutely zero linkage.

Well I saw the story this morning, as well as I’m sure most of my readers also saw it on CN. I push CN here on TS because the blog is worthwhile to read. If I can read one blog, I’ll pick CN as he has more compelling stories and stories that are actually new. I mean - see above - that ran really early or late last night. leather home theater seating

Technically Speaking, this has been more or less an endorsement of CenterNetworks, and I was not compensated a dime for it. Oh and as far as the actual news about NBC launching a VOD service? WGAF! Dan Rather suing CBS for $70 million is more interesting.

No, I’m not mad about anything - Just letting you know that a new video service launched this morning. It’s called - “My Damn Channel“. According to the information that was dropped into my e-mail, it launched about a hour and half ago at 7am New York Time.

I will say that any video service with Slash and Duff on it can’t be half bad. A dose of Slash and Duff is always good to see. Also, the video on here is quite clear, and the content is new. The nice thing is that all of this is sent up to YouTube, so you can grab the usual code if you like to put shows on your page.

The web site itself has this to say about themselves:

My Damn Channel is an entertainment studio and new media platform created to empower artists to co-produce, distribute and monetize original, episodic video content. Programming is created by artists for the My Damn Channel site and for syndication on today’s most heavily-trafficked online communities and social networks. My Damn Channel gives its artists 100% creative control to develop their own brands and new storylines. My Damn Channel produces a diverse array of programming and… blah, blah, blah. Are you still reading this crap? This is the web age. People don’t read anymore. If you really want to see what we’re all about, check out PromoSexual.

Why am I blogging about this? I think it’s pretty interesting, as well as I received an e-mail this morning from one of the top marketing agencies in the world. That being said, here is some more information on this new service:

Comedian/political satirist Harry Shearer (“The Simpsons,” “This is Spinal Tap”); music producer Don Was (The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan); independent comic filmmaker David Wain (“Wet Hot American Summer,” “The Ten”); and Web phenom Andy Milonakis (“The Andy Milonakis Show,” MTV), are all part of the launch of My Damn Channel.

From Shearer’s debut as Vice President Dick Cheney, singing the torch noir tune, “No Cooler for The Scooter,” to Don Was’ no-holds-barred interview session with Velvet Revolver’s Slash and Duff McKagan, and David Wain’s “Wainy Days” look at love and romance in New York City featuring Elizabeth Banks from “The 40 Year-Old Virgin” - My Damn Channel has something for everyone to watch.

Technically Speaking, I really need to get to work now, and yes I just updated the Link Blog. Watch Slash and Duff if you like; or go do some blog advertising for me:

I was filling a request for the Lending Club blog this morning, and I remembered I had messed around with the blog to PDF options. I had a few plugins that I downloaded some time back. Now you can save my literary masterpieces (master-fiascos?) as a PDF if you like.

At the bottom of the post, you can PDF the latest post if you like; just enter in your e-mail address and it sends you the PDF. To the right in the sidebar above my sponsors and below the Jambaz widget/Google AdSense stuff you will see “Send posts as PDF to” - same deal - enter in your e-mail address there, and you are set. It will send the 5 posts on the page you are on as a PDF. If your blog has more posts (or less) per page, that is what it sends.

I know it does pictures, and not sure how it will handle the SplashCast posts I have. No clue, but I thought I would share this cool plugin if you are interested.

Oh - Video people or people who do videos - don’t forget there is money sitting on the table for you! Lending Club announced the $5,000 Video Contest some time ago. I just want to make sure that every video maker out there has the chance to do one, enter the contest and take that money! Seriously - $5,000 is pretty easy money for creating a video. It doesn’t have to be high tech, just go view the linked post and read the rules, etc.

Technically Speaking, have fun with it. It’s better than buying silk trees.

It’s been quite a busy day for me. I just went through and updated my Link Blog for only the 2nd time today. What I’m doing these days is fun, exciting, and at the same time frustrating at times. You know that being said, I wouldn’t trade it for any day job that I’ve done. Even when I worked in the IT industry full time, I will have to say, this is still 120% more fun.

Well I just went through my Link Blog, as I stated above, and one of the articles that jumped out at me of course is from CenterNetworks. One thing about Allen, he has a great way at putting across the news of the moment. I saw a bunch of articles about the twitter money grab, but he put it across in an engaging and interesting manner. One that grabbed my attention, and made me want to read it. Any article that finishes with the line

I am sure the cats who handle the servers are eating some fine Kibbles ‘n Bits tonight!

deserves to be read.

I will however have to say, even though the article he posted the other day on a great blog that talks about VC funding, I am going to have to lean to what I have always stated. Any freakin’ idea will sell to any VC if you know the right people. If you know how to grab someone’s attention, and hold it for at least 7 minutes, you can sell them another social network. Don’t believe me? Look through any of the major sites to see how many social networks have received $millions in the past 30-45 days.

So where do I stand as far as executive summaries, biz plans, and all that tree killing stuff? Well as a traditionalist I would say “Yes, you should have all of that ready to roll.” As a person that hates to kill trees for any purpose but to burn wood over an open fire, I would say, if you can talk the talk and get in front of some people; show that your product just “works” (twitter), all that stuff can be reserved for an open bonfire on your camping trip.

Another interesting item that I have yet to see is Om’s new show. GigaOm TV. Nice. Now again, I did read Allen’s review of the show earlier today (see guys/gals, I may not be blogging as much, but I am reading and taking note when I get a second!) - and I will have to say, I am still intrigued at watching. That just proves that a bad review or middle of the road interview is not a show stopper.

I agree with what Om said, all that production stuff is hard to deal with. When I was doing the podcast thing last year, 4 nights a week, I will say that was the worst part of it all. I can walk in and plain lay it down. Perform. That’s me. When it comes to producing a show, now that is another story entirely. As many have seen, I forgo any production these days with my occasional video web cam casts. Why? Because I would rather be the talent, and let someone else do the producing stuff. OR, I’d rather just produce and let someone else be the talent. Either or, but not both.

When you have the crew of Revision3 behind you, anything can be cool looking. Unlike the videos that I was in earlier this year that I did produce. The Technically Speaking Live shows, and the Friggin’ Break Reports. Yup, Rev3 could have probably made those shows rock. Unfortunately, being the talent as well as the producer takes quite a bit of time. All of these shows I speak of, podcast or video can be found on my media page.

Finally a “just this in“, well not really. It’s been in for a bit now, but looks like Microsoft is going after anything that strengthens their stake in the world of online advertising. They just acquired this Santa Barbara startup called AdECN Inc. I’m not the first to say anything about it, as I saw the smattering of stories as I went through the Link Blog, and it’s quite interesting to see their focus now on the advertising world.

One that I posted earlier in the Link Blog, that everyone that is in a startup should look at. It’s called, when it’s time to move on from your startup idea. I agree with the 3 points it made. For those that are in a failed startup, maybe it’s time you read this article that pretty much lays the facts out there. What was that saying? Oh yeah, “Lie to yourself, Lie to your mother, but don’t Lie to Rex Dixon.”

Technically Speaking, yes, I can be a goof ball - but when you live like I do, you have to have a weird sense of humor to keep your sanity some times day to day. Oh, and why it’s almost a total full time job being a blogger - this just in for real - Alesis iMultiMixer - now this is just plain COOL! I think some Wilmington NC real estate might be the plan someday.

A really quick round up. I just did Episode 26, but the news on Tuesday is non-stop:

Europe Hot Entrepreneur’s - yup, Europe has it going on.

Om Agrees - Europe (France in his article) is smokin’.

Zlio, the 10-month-old “social e-commerce” startup founded by serial entrepreneur Jeremie Berrebi just raised $4 million in from Luxembourg-based Mangrove Capital Partners. This is the same VC firm that funded Skype.

Xbox head resigns - Engadget has better coverage.

In a management shuffle in the top ranks of two of the videogame industry’s most powerful companies, the head of Microsoft Corp.’s Xbox efforts, Peter Moore, will resign to oversee sports games at Electronic Arts Inc., the world’s largest games publisher.

Don Mattrick, a former top executive at EA who has been advising Microsoft on games strategy, will replace Mr. Moore at Microsoft.

The move comes at a critical time for Microsoft, which is betting that a wave of new games coming out in time for the holidays for the Xbox 360 will help it finally turn a profit from …

3 out of 4 Internet Users stream - That is stream videos! I guess that means a few of you watch my quick little web cam videos?

RESTON, VA, July 17, 2007 – comScore (NASDAQ: SCOR), a leader in measuring the digital world, today released its comScore Video Metrix report for May 2007, revealing that nearly 75 percent of U.S. Internet users watched an average of 158 minutes of online video per user during the month. Google Sites topped the monthly rankings with both the most unique video streamers and most videos streamed.

Technically Speaking, rolling out for now. Check the Link Blog; as if you needed reminded.

Yes, it’s true. Lending Club has kicked off a Video contest. You will need to be logged into Facebook to see that link. Below are the details for the non-Facebook users/readers:

Lending Club is a person to person lending application available exclusively to Facebook users. Hundreds of Facebook lenders have already extended more than $300,000 in loans to Facebook borrowers since May 24. Users borrow and lend money among each other, bypass the banks and get better rates.

There are no obligation to join Lending Club to participate (although membership is free and you’re welcome to check out our application at http://apps.facebook.com/lending-club)!

Disclosure Statement: (if you didn’t already know) - Rex Dixon works for Lending Club as - Director of Social Media Content.