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Charting The Growth of A New Solutions Based Search Platform Called FINDSOLVE

by CHICKMELIONfreelance


It seems I just can’t make it a day without being inundated with a news story or press release about SEO tactics and shake ups. My mailbox is filled with webinar offerings and white papers on how to master the SEO monster. And quite frankly, my head is aching from the subject. Every big search engine is working hard to fine tune their products in order to stand above the crowd in directory solutions. Take Google for example, who have introduced “geographical location” now as a search relevance. It still leaves me wondering though, “are the people at the top of the rankings there because they and their product are out of this world.... or.... are they just really good at SEO tactics?

I can’t say, but I do know that pages and pages back in the rankings are fine folks as well who are working hard, offering good products and services at fair prices as well- and we as consumers may well be missing out on these diamonds due to the SEO warfare. Not everyone can be at the top! But whose got the time to thumb through pages and pages of listings looking for our perfect fit? So we may well be settling for less than what we deserve or even want because we (and almost everyone else) just don’t have the time to make it past even page three of the search listings. There’s got to be a better way! This is an issue that has been running through my mind because I am like everyone else whose caught in the myopic hamster wheel called: “gaining page ranking supremacy in order to survive.” You have got to admit the large engines got a good game going!

Then I remembered that way back in October 2009, there was indeed a new game that had landed on the scene. I wrote an article about it at that time and wondered what kind of ripples their approach was making. They introduced themselves through PRWeb as an organization who departed from an address based listing to an all out solution based portal... FINDSOLVE is their name (at findsolve.com)

They have packaged their product in a completely different way. When you think in terms of a web search it is all pretty much generic. Yes you can hone in a little closer on your search with the more key words that you use, however the results are more “self touting” testimonials rather than that of what the marketplace deems as real and true; therefore keying in “best graphics “ at a Google search will net a company who is pretty good at SEO and because of that, it has a lot of hits which increases their rankings even more and thought to use the word “best “ in their title, meta tags, etc... Whether or not their service is excellent, price is fair and they have tons of satisfied clients is not in question with these listings.

Now when I walk downtown to buy at a local store, my search is done a little differently. I may be looking for specific details; like quality, price and may well even be showing up at a storefront on a recommendation. Now Findsolve has figured out how to take this model we use regularly in what we like to call “real life,” and apply it to internet search activities. Cool!

With Findsolve you key in the solutions you are looking for. As in our example you may want the best (meaning well recommended by piers and customers) graphics designers in New York area that offer affordable prices on banner ads. You can do that with Findsolve and you will get what you are looking for because Findsolve showcases products and services like no other directory has thought of doing. Here it is in their own words....

”At findsolve we believe that a business directory should be more than just a list of business names, their contact details, and summarised profiles. With findsolve, businesses are able to list these business essentials as well as create separate searchable listings that showcase their actual offerings - their products, their services, their solutions. ...We help businesses to promote what they offer, to share their achievements, to highlight their success stories, to profile their satisfied customers, and explain the benefits of their offerings from a customer perspective. This provides people searching for business, product, service, solution - a valuable and trusted directory space where short-list decisions and comparisons can be made quickly and easily and be based on parameters that are important to the finder's specifications.”

Now I caught up with FINDSOLVE’s founder Brad Greene in the middle of his "Nth Hemisphere Marketing" tour, (from London UK to LA in 30 days) ... he was just heading in to meet with Gavin Newsom, mayor of San Francisco but took the time out to respond to my questions on his growth and inevitable growing pains. He admits things have been pretty hectic, which is pretty standard and to be expected with all new enteprises, yet he’s finding solutions to make his directory the easiest and most functional source that it can be.

“As you can imagine, we have had quite the journey over the last months,” said Brad, “no doubt fairly typical to the journey most new start-ups take-- we have done some redesign work to the site, added some core functionality which people were requesting and removed some of the stuff that just didn’t make sense.” These changes that were implemented to the “solution directory” have allowed the process to simplier and more user-friendly. That is what Brad Greene claims to be the foundation laid down that allowed the release of the “findsolves friends” platform.

It is quite an ingenious model of “word of mouth” promotion kicked into overdrive. I mean, you as a business want to be a recommendation of a "Findsolve Friend," you just can’t get better and more deserving advertising than that. Simply put industry leaders and pioneers ( whether it be technology, business, communications, design, sports....you name it) who are extremely successful in what they do are identified and contacted to become a Findsolve Friend. They lay out their own foundation of businesses, products and services that they most recommend. These identified entities are then put into the Findsolve solutions directory with the full co-operation of the recommended parties. Now these “newly incorporated “ friends of friends are asked who they would recommend doing business with and the chain of “liked” and “deserving” enterprises continues onward and upward. A model theoretically based on satisfaction of ethics and delivery of goods and services as opposed to successful SEO activities. Brad Greene has noted in parting that through his tour he had been meeting a whole lot of thought leaders and innovators who are agreeing to become “Findsolve Friends”. He says,” the challenge we have now is getting them up on the site as quickly as possible.”

In parting there are a few things worth mentioning. The use of Findsolve as a source of providing a search solution is free, it’s global and it is a time saving effective means of getting business done when you need to outsource. I think it is well worth giving them a try the next time you have a problem that you need to search a solution for. They even provide a handy and compact search box that you can conveniently place on your web page to save you and your own clients the hassle of running around finding answers.

On a side note, after coming out of his meet and greet with San Francisco’s Mayor- Gavin Newsom, Brad got a hold of me, to let me know how things went. He received a pretty glowing recommendation and in Brad’s words, “just wanted to share what the Mayor had to say about Findsolve friends....”possibly the most important website for our generation. A space where the world’s thought-leaders and innovators are able to recommend and endorse businesses and solutions in an environment that is-- more static than Twitter and more open than Facebook.” Wow Brad, I’m jealous! Sure looks good on you though!

At Difference

“To each his own,"the mighty lips did spew,
even though I quite well knew,
that if his way was not the one;
then mine was neither to see the sun.
Yet I “at difference” will always be,
For “at difference” always best suits me.
"To each his own"... I nodded and turned,
all the while feeling his eyes
on me... burn.
With this I knew my fate was sealed.
I could hear his vengeance snapping at my heels.
Yet I “at difference” will always be
For it is who I am and how I remain free.

Honestly With Me

By CHICKMELIONfreelance



Living in a fictitious land,

with most heads buried in the sand,

it is peculiar to me

to see,

Your words spoken openly,

freely,

honestly….

Though I have learned from some and someone ,

to shift my gears to being comfortably numb.

To conceal ,

congeal,

And gird up to survive the surreal.

It is refreshing for me;

absolutely downright sexy,

for you to represent “real ” to me.

As well as

phenomenally

straight up and down steamy.

You are a treasure to me,

Uncommonly,

and splendidly,

a sanctuary.

Even if but momentarily.

Now I clearly hear you,

there are things you must do.

There are things I must do too.

Yet I enjoy each moment I set aside to think of you.

Honeslty....

The Fruit of a Tree

by CHICKMELIONfreelance

I am told that there are many forms of blessings. Some are like the canola seeds. Which springs up quickly, well suiting it’s purpose for the short term. It provides for a season, then has completed it’s task and evaporates into thin air. And yet like any form of life it takes opportunity to replicate it’s self as a positive form of energy rippling outwards bearing further seeds for the next season; awaiting the next time a quick fix is in dire need. These blessings can present themselves as; a lesson learned, an opportunity that presented it’s self, or even as simple as a smile sent your way just at the right time. There is nothing wrong with a quick solution; it has it’s merits for it’s situation. Who hasn’t needed a quick solution now and again?


In contrast, some blessings are not fulfilled with quick and easy solutions. These require long term consideration, effort, dedication, and an apprenticeship of sorts. They have roots to fortify, foundations to develop, and spreading blessings to branch out with. To pay forward with,… and are of great impact not only to the original receiver, but also as a ripple effect outward. These blessings are the fruit tree. You put it in the ground as; a thought, idea, answer to a circumatance, and wonder if it ever will show it’s self..But when it does, it provides fruit consistently, and not only for a season, but for generations. So if your situation is pressing, and your eyes fail for seeking solutions, your voice raw from constant longing prayer, don’t despair!

Though the answers seem to tarry, the situation tells me that you are growing a beautiful and bountiful fruit tree. Something that will give you great joy and reward in it’s own time. Consider then your aches and pains , your patience, and your longsuffering as developing a legacy of sorts. As a bountiful blessing providing shade for not only you but your prosterity as well. That you can sit under and recount how bountiful He has blessed you.

Hope Whispers Freely

by CHICKMELIONfreelance

Fear not and do not fret! There is a plan for everything under the sun, everything has it’s own due time. A time line tailor made and personalized just for us; as part of the predetermined process for us to learn and to do what we must in order to grow into ourselves. Do not fret if something feels unaccomplished, incomplete, or unsettled. Give it time. Universal balance dictates a completion to everything. For there will be nothing hidden that will not come to light, nothing left empty that will not be filled… because the energy from yearning for completion, begs to a universe of boundless energy. And the universe will always answer!

Fashionably Stuffed

by CHICKMELIONfreelance






Reminds me of growing up in the prairies. Growing up with my mum, a German immigrant and a very eccentric one at that! She hated cold and all that was involved with cold: the snow, snowmobiles, being outdoors , not to mention the total loss of fashion sense. I mean seriously how sexy can a pair of long john’s be…("Oh Got …Yohannas! …[He was my dad]…. get dos ugly sings off!” ) Got to understand, this is a woman who though camping meant roughing it in a 4 star hotel.

She could never understand our need to be outdoors playing (my sister and I) but she was determined to protect us from ourselves none the less. She faithfully packed us for safekeeping in the winters cold. I say this both lovingly and sarcastically all at the same time. Mind you in her defense the parries did get cold.

A pair of tights, a pair of long johns, a standard pair of socks, a pair of pants, a woolly pair of socks extended over these, ("Oh my God, I cant feel my toes, my legs…. my circulation's been cut off from the waist on down!…")

A t-shirt, a turtle neck, a sweater pulled over and a button up on top of all that. ("Is it getting hot in here, or is it just me?")

Here comes the full length , one piece, suitable to minus 666 degrees of pure hell, snowsuit! Parka in Canadian terms, portable sauna I call it. You getting stuffed in it, there's just no other way to describe it.

Then on comes the toque. Do you remember them ? They were like old fashioned night caps … with 4 feet of ample wool to place on the head and to wrap several times around the mouth, nose and throat with yarn to spare. And don’t forget the fluffy pom-pom on the end that always intrigued the cat. Enticed it to crawl up the back and try to tear off with that fluffy ball; so nicely attached to the toque, wrapped tight around the face and throat…("Damn cat…… if I catch you, I’ll put you in doll clothes again!")

One pair of finger mitts and another pair of wool gloves to top that…..and an insulated pair of skidoo gloves over that. ("Who needs manual dexterity, wasn‘t like I was going outside to play! ")

Now on with the boots.

Look out…lift the chin, she’s gonna zip it up. You remember last time...still got the scars, but the scab is almost gone.

On with the hood and tie it tight. Make it a double knot …no…triple for safe keeping! And speaking of safe keeping, here’s another scarf over the face. The only flesh showing now were the whites of the eyes and if the store sold fabric to cover that too…no doubt I’d be wandering around in the snow blind!

Now I know how the gingerbread man felt. I can’t put down my arms. I can’t bend my legs. If I fall down, I am screwed! All anyone would hear would be a muffled “…..elp!….” Did I mention the dogs I grew up with? Who lived by only a few simple rules. One being, “what ever hit the ground was fair game.” Jumping all over you, kicking snow in the face. Don’t worry they’ll lick it off. Taking a nip here and there..come on it’s all in fun. And they took all opportunity to have fun. They seemed to know I was defenseless. Don’t know what their problem was, I never stuffed them in doll clothes, they were too big! ("Am gonna tie them to my toboggan though…See if I can get a free ride up hill! Gonna fake eating snow, that always lures them in close enough to grab them.")

Getting dressed to go outside was at least a half hour ritual…all according to my mother’s expectations and specifications…no short cuts! And no doubt, as if a ritual as well, when fully clad I would inexplicably and uncontrollably have to yell…

“I got to peeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!”

Indeed it only ends to begin again!


Read more: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAllCustom&friendId=532352154&swapped=true#ixzz0r9LYhQ8N

Beauty and Success By Your Own Creation

by CHICKMELIONfreelance


There is no one who can see you better than yourself. Now is the time to take personal responsibility for the beauty you truly are. Don't wait for others to acknowledge your finer points. Love yourself! and start now!

The more open minded you can be the bigger you dare to think, the greater are the opportunities and possibilities that present themselves before you. This is called creative visualization, a mental technique of using thoughts to change the balance of energy around you which brings changes to your environment in accordance with them. It requires you to first be very aware of the energy you create for yourself. What mood are you in right now, and if your answer is negative.... change it up right away! Your smile is beautiful, flash it around. Your whole vibe and outlook will change along with it!

We have all met one or two people in our lives who seem to exude both confidence and the Midas touch. (I know I have been a bit green eyed over them from time to time.) Their vibe is alluring... magnetic! And if asked, there is a very good chance that this individual would admit to practicing both a positive attitude and visualization techniques. Most successful people use it consciously or unconsciously, attracting the success they want in their life by visualizing their goals as already accomplished. They literally see it through to the end, only they script the ending as being a very successful one, as opposed to leaving all up to chance. And you must practice doing this too. Script yourself a happy fulfilled ending. See it play out over and over in your mind until it becomes a habit that will dictate your focus, your mind and body on a course straight towards that goal.

Does this work? Of course it does! Most of us visualize daily without even paying attention to what we are doing. Unfortunately we all can remember our, “I can’t” moments; they seem to be conditioned as habits where we have told ourselves that we are unlucky, unloved, unattractive, etc, ...actually making these things realities for ourselves. But by thinking of the good things and thinking of them often as a part of our regular routine, we are re-conditioning our subconscious and creating positive energy through guided imagery.

On a final note, when you do realize the success you have worked so hard towards, by all means reward yourself. Again, don't wait for someone else's acknowledgement of your good efforts. Rewards are tokens of encouragement that can spur you onwards and upwards. By you acknowledging your own efforts , you are in control of your own personal responsibility and happiness. Then you will never falling short of recognizing and feeding from the positive vibe your victory created. Use this momentum to propel yourself forwards into a well rounded and beautiful you!

Spamming, Spamming and even More Spamming!

by CHICKMELIONfreelance


You know there are a few things I just don’t do any more thanks to the pit bull like myopic intents of internet spammers and the total reluctance of the large corporations to take full control and responsibility of the situation that they are more than happy to reap financial rewards from. One is to never allow comments on my blog with links that accompany (no matter how relevant or innocent they may appear to be) and secondly I will never recommend Yahoo Business Groups as a viable means of networking and list building. Sorry Yahoo, but the greater tragedy is the blow taken by legitimate groups trying to survive this plague! It seems at the cost of innocent and legitimate business who stand in the middle a scammer and a large corporation as a wall, allowing both to ignore the existence of each other and continue on as "business as usual." Unfortunately the one who pays the price is the one in the middle.

This article is a cautionary note for all internet businesses out there regardless of how small they think they may be. Everyone is seemingly equal when a scam or a spam is in play. However the key similarity that seems to be targeted is BUSINESS.

I serve internet businesses with writing and design products and I was putting together a starter kit for "new to the internet marketing" entrepreneurs . This kit was designed to be a launch pad for email list building and was completely complimentary to all those who needed it. Like the other three kits already designed and marketed, this one was extensively researched. Now when you are talking about email list building, there is no way to dance around the issue of spamming. Every country seemingly has incorporated anti-spamming laws. However as I communicated with industry leaders a consensus kept popping up, "The spam laws are like a blind dog sitting on it’s dentures!" I was told you didn’t even have to participate in spamming activities yourself, just be linked to the wrong server and it is a simple matter of "guilty by association".

In a highly technological and democratic society... that seemed very unrealistic and backwards to me. We can put men on the moon but we can’t hone in and stop spamming? There were suggestions however, on how to negotiate with governing bodies in order to regain "unplagued status." Now it is worthy to point out that in most cases these governing bodies are a group of "volunteer" agencies formulating their own policies... "say what?"

Perhaps the dog put in it’s dentures back in, because spammers have refocused their efforts to a more direct approach. I can’t begin to count the relentless spamming on SKYPE, it’s crazy! But at least I can block and report these. Yahoo doesn’t seem to want to give you much more than a spam folder. In Yahoo mail ( and not in my spam folder either) I am inundated with widows who have millions of dollars just sitting in Liberian bank accounts waiting for some good and caring soul like me to help release the funds to a less war torn country. OMG seriously? Yet I have no means of reporting the email site.

Not all con artists and spammers are so obvious though and these are the ones that can hurt you the most. Though I am getting prolific with spotting and dealing with scammers and spammers on my social sites... the real heart ache comes with Yahoo’s business groups! It was something that was reccommended over and over again in articles for list building activities. "Join Yahoo Business Groups." I always make a focused effort to test try anything I reccommend before hand whether it be a web-site, tool, or in this case group... so I did just that... I joined!

Now I am stepping up here first of all to make sure it is very clear... NOT all business groups on Yahoo are riddled with spammers but it is my own experience that you have to clear a lot of hurdles to find the legitimate ones and in this busy world I can’t recommend an activity high in maintenance and low in reaping rewards. The re-occurring theme however for all the legitimate business groups are; "this group is MODERATED !"

It is as if they had to throw up the iron curtain to protect themselves from the endless plague that surrounds them. Here is an idea of what an unmoderated business group on Yahoo can offer you and this is straight from my in box. This is just one group emailing me a daily summary of activities. I not only deleted all the links first...I also felt obliged to delete what appeared to be legitimate businesses that posted in this digest so as not to tarnish their reputations. (Including the ones that claim 80 to 100% profits with their easy and super fast no work needed giant money making bonanza offer:)....

Messages In This Digest (25 Messages)
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Ok! I think you can get the idea and no doubt you are saying to yourself, "well if it is as simple as just moderating then it is the businesses own fault?" Let me remind you that con’s and spammers don't survive changing times by themselves remaining unchanged. They learn the angles quickly and find their way in the back door before anyone realizes it is open. Which leads me straight into the next issue; spamming on web pages.

I owned a Internet Marketing "Business News Blog" where the hot and current trends were posted and discussed. I did moderate the comments and was for a time successful in controlling the spam on the site. Then I started getting comments that were seemingly legitimate.

Comments like, "I come to this blog often, I find the topics useful for my business, I hope to contribute to it soon..." and a web link ended the comment. I didn’t get suspicious until the identical message was posted by two separate individuals (or at least different names) and both with the same link. I followed the link to check it out and discovered it was spam! Though I denied the post, I get this in my email the very next day!
　
"Your blog at ********* has been reviewed and confirmed as in violation of our Terms of Service for: SPAM. In accordance to these terms, we've removed the blog and the URL is no longer accessible."

This is the same situation as with email spam violations, "guilty by association", however in this instance we are dealing with a large corporation who’s claim is to be judge juror and executioner all at the same time. There is about as much negotiation allowed as there was an investigation. In essence, the spammer lives to destroy another day, the large corporation continues to fluff the pillows of the ones they seem to align with and it is the one in the middle left holding the bag. I don’t see how this truly solves the problem. I do however know one thing for sure, when an outcome is truly desired, mankind will go to no ends of the earth to seek a solution. The space Rover on Mars will testify to this. Apparently searching out and locking out spam and halting the con artists is as much lip service as seeking peace in the world. Sounds good, gives a good corporate and caring image if it is touted around a bit in the press and who ever happens to be listening at the moment, but the actions speak louder than words. Hey just a thought!

Now don’t go shedding a tear for me. I am an eternal optimist! I too live to build another day, smart enough not to keep my eggs in a single basket. Though this spammer did not only manage to lock me out of one blog, but all blogs related to my particular email address, (which included the complimentary kits designed to help my fellow entrepreneur to their success;) I see this as building bigger and better! I do have two things I take away from this: I will not recommend Business Groups on Yahoo and I will not allow links on my blog’s comments no matter how good they look; which may be likened to closing the door after the horse got out, because I am sure the scammers have evolved again as you read this and are testing new avenues to feed from hard working citizens.
　
　

The Nuances of Newsletter Marketing and In Essence List building

by CHICKMELIONfreelance

Email/ Newsletter Marketing is not like other marketing activities with respect to the target audience. While most other marketing efforts are geared to solicit prospects to your site, list building it a tool and technique that allows a continuation of servicing the prospect once they are there. There are some very good reasons why you will want to engage in list building and I am not going to quote the rhetoric about the "money being in the list" .

Simply put it is well known that it takes at least 3 to 5 contacts with a prospect before they consider or trust you well enough to do business with you. In addition, it is far less costly to service and maintain current prospects and clients to turn them over to a (repeat)customer as it is to search our new ones. If you establish a rapport with these individuals and companies, they can help your list and your organization to grow by word of mouth and referrals. It is their endorsements that will be your most effective marketing tool of all...

Now list building is wrought with it’s dangers and thorns. Email marketing has taken some blows by unsavory characters looking for the quick and easy engaging in spamming activity, so you are cautioned to work your list building activities ethically and responsibly. No foundation is ever safe or worthy to stand on if it is built quickly and recklessly. The consequences if you don’t could earn you blacklist status and it is far easier to slowly work with a good reputation than it is to repair a ruined one made by haste. But be cautioned, even the most frugal of email marketers and list builders find themselves blacklisted unknowingly. Therefore take the time to look over spam laws, and how to get out of hot water if you inadvertently find yourself there in this kit, so fear not! Check out some of these sites for some help on the subject: http://carlasnmc.blogspot.com/ (copy and paste address to your web browser)



Although Newsletters are not the sole activity of list building and email marketing, it is very important tool because of it’s very nature in fostering a sense of value with your activity, as well as guaranteeing regular contact with prospects. Marketing nowadays gravitates around expectations of the prospect to be wooed by a free sample, gift or token of appreciation in order to gain their loyalty in return. Once your efforts have landed your prospect on your site, you want to keep them there, or in the very least keep yourself in their mind’s eye. A newsletter is a fantastic delivery of gratuitous gifting as well as a direct one on one advertising vehicle.

Newsletters offer the following benefits:
1) They build long term relationships,
2) allow you to gain the trust of your prospects,
3) and establish your authority and expertise in your niche.
　
Now if you are new to the scene, no doubt you are struggling to pull a list together so here are some ideas:
1)Start with friends and current business contacts and always remember to ask them to pass the word on. Theirendorsement is worth more than any paid advertisement. But REMEMBER TO ASK! Very few are going to volunteer
yet even fewer will turn down a polite request.

2)Work your social network

3)Put a contact form on your web page and use your web analytics to determine the readership patterns of your visitors to your web page... put the contact form in the highest visible spot and offer an incentive for them to sign up.

4)If you have a link exchange going on your site you may consider a very polite email to these contacts asking if they would be interested in being a part of your mailing list. An incentive like a link or a mention on your newsletter may help as well!

5)Work a banner ad pitch and/or a squeeze page pitch or even both in unison to solicit potential opt in patrons.

6)If Article marketing it is worth a mention or a pitch in your Author’s Bio... be creative!
　
List building is a very important activity and will be a regular ongoing process during all the life cycles of your enterprise. Although it is not the "end all- be all" it does warrant allotting time and attention on a scheduled regular basis. Here’s to your success!
　

4 Microwave Marvels That Will Make Your Mac’N Cheese Go Hi-Tech

by CHCIKMELIONfreelance

It’s all about the belly, yes it is! Heck what do you think I am working for? Problem is, I’m working so hard I am reduced to simple rip off the plastic wrap and toss in the microwave type cuisine and still I seem far behind the game. I lost count how many times I put a cup of coffee in the box and went back to work hammering on the keyboard... only to forget it there. Sometimes I warm up that same cup of coffee 3 or 4 times and still finding myself drinking it cold. So when I came across some of these hybrid microwave trends ...man ... I have to tell you, it brought a big smile to my face and hopefully it will yours as well. I just know your perfect model is in this pile somewhere, so let’s take a look...

1)Practically Perfect...Perfect Practicality:

I am going to start off with a model that is not too off the charts, but it is one that made me say, "It’s about time!" I am all for convenience and utility wrapped together in one neat little package and LG seems to have appeased both with a microwave that has a built-in toaster slot on the side. Oh I can see the freed up counter space already. Bye- bye bulky toaster along with your messy crumbs. I can "nuke" my eggs and toast my bread simultaneously without wasting a step, now if we can only figure out how to run a cappuccino/drip coffee maker off of the same unit I am breakfast home free... with enough counter space to lay down on and catch a few extra zzzzzzz’s while I wait.

2) But Wait There Is Even A Better Plan:

I have it all figured out. It was quick and painless the minute I saw the "Wavebox Portable," yes I said it... portable! You can take this little baby with you on the road because it can be both plugged in or run off of a 12 volt battery! Now here’s how I have this figured out, I can sleep in an extra few minutes, grab my supplies, head out the door and prepare my breakfast in rush hour traffic, heck if it is one of those mornings that things roll along smoothly I can make my breakfast in the office too, now who can ask for anything more? Extra sleep and warm coffee could almost makes rush hour fun. That’s almost bordering on it being criminal.

3) Micro-viewing:

Speaking of criminal, don’t you hate it when you have to get up and walk away from your TV program to warm up that coffee?. I am a screen-a-holic I guess. I look at a monitor all day long and for relaxation kick back and watch a TV screen. I just hate having wait for a commercial to attempt a 10th try at warm coffee. Wouldn’t it be nice to have some little screen in the door of the microwave to entertain me while I wait? Maybe I’ll finally hang around long enough to hear the box go"ding." Perhaps I will even manage to pull a hot cup of coffee out of the box. What a miracle that would be. Well Marcel Wanders, designer and miracle worker has done just that in co-operation with a relatively unknown and I hear outdated UK electronics company called "HE." My only greatest concern for owning such an appliance, which I hear can also be equipped with a DVD player, is it being heisted by someone who feels it would better suit their dorm room. Perhaps he’s right, that’s why he should go out and get his own.

4)OFFIC(E)-ially We Have All Our Bases Covered...sweet!

This one is my favorite and because I own a laptop so I find myself once again looking at the power of portable macaroni and cheese. With a wireless connection, some summer sun and some sunscreen; my office now has the capacity to hit the great out doors and so does my lunch! It’s called the BrainWave cooker and it is able to connect to your USB port and via keyboard you control temperature, time and type of cooking method, (defrost, reheat, cook....) It is a tiny little contraption, but it will do the trick. Thank you Steven R Gates for that brain child of yours, suddenly having to complete a project over the weekend doesn’t seem so bad any more.

It is amazing how hot coffee and a warm meal can make life, even work life, a little better. No doubt that was on the mind of the individuals who dreamed up the next generation of microwaves. I have to thank them for their considerations. Awwww! Yes I know it only makes good marketing sense innovating the product line to keep ahead of the times, especially in the electronics industry. You know there seems to be a little extra heart put into these innovations though. I sense hard working cold coffee drinkers just like myself, kind of kindred spirits, sticking together to improve our 24/7 work lives.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Top In It’s Class For Spyware Protection

by CHICKMELIONfreelance

Published by Malwarebytes and available for download for free at: malwarebytes.org
　
It wasn’t more than a few weeks ago that my keyboard started acting up and yes I do have a current malware program in my "plague fighting arsenal" however it seemed to have missed this little glitch in a recent scan. This little glitch however caused me to appear no better of a speller than a grade two student and it was absorbing a considerable amount of my time editing and re-editing, as well as coping with the mounting aggravation. Not a good thing when the majority of your daily work is comprised of writing.

Though I was given many helpful suggestions they seemed to fall short of successfully eliminating the glitch and even worse, a few suggested programs froze my computer screen when the application attempted to download, only compounding the situation. Then I was directed to "Malwarebytes Anti-Malware." Now this program has me so impressed I have touted it to my friends on Facebook, on my blog and in my companies newsletter. I am not the only one that is impressed with this very simple yet powerful application. It is being rated as the number one in spyware removers and boasts of close to 40 million downloads since it’s introduction in March 2010.

This application takes only 5.64 MB to download, offers a reasonably quick yet thorough scan and a comprehensive report post scan with a list of available actions to take. The free version of this product is impressive, what you are missing from the package is the " real time protection" which is disabled, as well as the ability to schedule scans and product updates. Not that these are unavailable to you, but you will have to remember to take care of yourself.

The cost of the product is fantastic though for what you are getting. For a nominal $24.95 your real time protection is unlocked. You can enjoy such features as: Scan Scheduling featuring real-time updating, compatibility with Remote Desktop Control (RDP) for corporate users, as well as a malware protection module that blocks malicious processes before they even start. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is clearly worth the investment and 40 million users seem to agree giving the product a 4 and a half star rating.

GoView (BETA)

by CHICKMELIONfreelance

Capture your computer screen and audio with GoView (at goview.com) then instantly share your recording online and best of all for FREE! This is a cloud computing application brought to you by Citrix Online, a division of Citrix Systems Inc who also offer reliable products like “GoToMeeting” which you have no doubt used if you have attended a few webinars recently.

Whether you plan to share a desktop demonstration, layout a presentation , or highlight an issue for technical support, GoView is one of the simplest user friendly on screen recording applications I have tried with very impressive results. It was quick and easy to pick up and the end product was of a crystal clear quality.

You are good to go once you download their screen capturing application. An icon rests in your systems tray and takes up only 2.51 MB of your disk space. That is all of the weight you will be carrying as the videos you record are stored on GoView’s website. When you have completed your recording, it is uploaded to the website for processing. There is really nothing for you to do at this point as it is all automated. The GoView website will open on screen for you while your video is completing it’s processing. Next task is to edit your piece if you so choose. You have available a very comprehensive yet easy to perform editing functions. You can choose to trim and even insert titles into your work before saving.

When all is complete your video will be assigned a URL address for sharing. You can also choose to convert the recording to MPEG4 file format to and in uploading your video to Youtube or Photobucked for example. (The end result however is of a lower quality with the focus being grainy .)

I have looked at screen capture applications before often wondering how often I would use them to justify holding their weighty applications on my computer to collect dust, but I do have to admit that I have found a need for this application a few times and was grateful for the ease of use and ability to post the end result almost anywhere on the net I choose, as well as a share via email option .

If you would like to see this application in use paste the following link in your browser:
goview.com/?id=9ac2ed53-ad43-40a6-bdb0-764aac8089da

Here you will see a simple demonstration of wonderful little paint program called Paint.NET v3.5.4 .Don't forget to hit the full screen button for your optimum viewing pleasure and enjoy!

Kicking against the Goads

by CHICKMELIONfreelance


Why do you despair and fret my dear?

Fully knowing that nothing occurs of it’s own aside from the very will of heaven? Fully knowing that nothing from heaven is cast upon us as refuse... or as bad fruits. Why then do you kick against the goads and sweat? You will only harm yourself and worse miss the blessings intended for you.

For nothing that has been written aside from the hand of Him who creates, can stand the test of time. Their letters will dissipate by the very breath of providence it’s self.

Perhaps if we all kept our hands behind our backs and trust in the processes of providence... would troubles and woes continue to happen ? Maybe...maybe not, but I do know this... it is in our continual insistence in putting our hands towards changing and manipulation our own process of growth, our own spiritual education that we kick our own universal balance off center. For it is when we only think of ourselves that we act in a manner that tears at the very fabric of “oneness”... the oneness that keeps the universe in balance... the very oneness that keeps us all alive. And it is when we fashion our own wills and our own ways, as if we were gods ourselves ( with far less insight and wisdom than the one who fashioned our providence) that we tend to fail and fail miserably. Then we lift our voices to the heavens and release the blame upon a non caring God. Ironic isn’t it? When we ourselves have assumed His role.

Is it the fear of the unknown that leads to the tendencies to reach out and attempt to protect one’s own interests? Thinking as a small speck of dust in the grand scheme of the universe and time...that we are forgotten. Or is it in fact that we ourselves have forgotten... forgotten what was mandated to us, whispered in our ear at birth... proof that our Creator is far from willing to give up on mankind just yet. Continuing to give each and every one of us the gift of life and love despite all our frailties and despite the curses that we lifted up to the heavens.

Is it greed that pulls our hands from behind our backs? Why is there the need for “one-up-man-ship”? It is a totally useless and childish process. Is it that there is not enough blessings in the entire universe to gift to us all? This “me” attitude is like a plague. It tears and scars the very flesh of the universe and the very flesh of our mother earth. Just take a look around and see... yes mankind... this is what our greed has created.

Be still, do not despair and fret. Be happy with who you are and what you have- thereby quieting your very essence. Let stillness fall across your very being and in that stillness open yourself... open your heart and soul to receive the bountiful blessings that heaven has intended for you. Put your hands behind your back and have a little faith mankind... Our creator has not given up on us yet!

Perception and Reality

(Inspirational and Peace posters designed by CHECKMELIONfreelancefree to use as comments, in email or on web pages : available at http://photobucket.com/Peaceposters )



by CHICKMELIONfreelance


Perception and reality are two quite different things... aren’t they? Especially when looking in the eye of another whose experiences, rearing and even culture are so different from yours. And if they are a stranger... how do your read them? How do you effectively and peaceably speak to them? Or do you even take the time to really see the one before you? Yet expecting them to see you. Yes! If we cling to our own points of view we may be blinded to our own impact on others and then surprised by their re-actions to us.

We have all experienced this and thought it strange when something so seemingly innocent and clear to us induced a re-action of misinterpreted, misconceived snap from the other? Good Lord... can’t they see things our way? Yes perception and reality are two different things aren’t they? The goal is in owning a higher awareness... a higher consciousness... and in this higher awareness you are given the golden keys to diplomatic peace. Yes when you can understand that there are different forces that may impact one seemingly simple statement or act, that there are many different angles or entrance points to even one seemingly simple subject, that is when you can foster a greater understanding packed with a healing energy.

Now why would you care to heal the misconceptions of a stranger? Simply put...all is hinged on one very compact but true proverb: "what goes around comes around" Indeed if you want understanding, peace and healing in your world, it is well worth your time to take a moment to see the ones before you. Because a mindful state opens you to new information, new perspectives and these gifts of knowledge are building blocks to a positive and assured growth in returned blessings to you.

Even if the individual is far from seeking peace and is being seemingly vile before you... it’s always a blessing when they fully and openly shows their cards... their true nature. It is the ones who can conceal these attributed who can hurt you the worse... isn’t it? Yes indeed, when the true colors are shown clearer decisions can be made. But forgive ! Yes... I said forgive. Their actions may be influenced by bitter roots, misconceptions and short sightedness, and when have you been perfect in your lifetime? In the very least, your forgiveness cuts the ties that bind you to this negative energy so you can continue to grow and be free in a cleaner, clearer energy.
　
　
　

I Took A Step Back

(Inspirational and Peace posters designed by CHECKMELIONfreelancefree to use as comments, in email or on web pages : available at http://photobucket.com/Peaceposters )


by CHICKMELIONfreelance

Things change,
that will always stay the same
but I find my self lost now
and I am the only one to blame.
To spare myself of the sting of life’s arrows.... I took a step back!
Back from the hustle and bustle
back from the noise
Only for a moment or two I thought
looking for the peace that silence brought... I took a step back
Not understanding you see
that I was stepping back from the light that was ME
I didn’t even notice that I could no longer see
at my own hands I have become undone
at my own hands I am comfortably numb.
Didn’t even notice my heart become dull as... I took a step back.
Didn’t even notice my life became a habit
with miracles unseen-I became a machine
without blinking
without thinking
Life passed by me
yet I didn't notice what I missed
like the direction I was heading- straight into the abyss
I just didn’t look...as.... I took a step back
Now my hands are cold
and so is my soul
I am lost and forlorn
I don't even know the direction home...

A Purpose

(Inspirational and Peace posters designed by CHECKMELIONfreelancefree to use as comments, in email or on web pages : available at http://photobucket.com/Peaceposters )


by CHICKMELIONfreelance


If you need to see the purpose in your life
look in the mirror.
He who created
wanted you
needed you
needed to love YOU... so you were created.
Proof of that is the fact that you were fashioned individually...lovingly...uniquely you.
So don't tell me your not important on a grand scale.

Again, all these qualities of why you were created
were re-affirmed here on earth
when you met in your course of time
those who needed you
wanted you
and needed to love you...
You are "SomeOne's" blessing!
What greater purpose can there be?

Stand Up !

(Inspirational and Peace posters designed by CHECKMELIONfreelancefree to use as comments, in email or on web pages : available at http://photobucket.com/Peaceposters )

By CHICKMELIONfreelance

Stand up
take courage
be counted as ONE
who cares what the others
have said or done?
What's right
what's wrong
you know in your heart
if you know what will fix it
why wait for someone else to start?
Settle the troubles
that crowd in your head
deal with them correctly
and sleep well in your bed.
Don't stand there and just talk
get on up and do
It's action not talking
that makes success pull through.
STAND UP!

I Know This For Sure

(Inspirational and Peace posters designed by CHECKMELIONfreelance
free to use as comments, in email or on web pages : available at http://photobucket.com/Peaceposters )



by CHICKMELIONfreelance

We weren't put here to beat each other down...
No! We were put here to hold each other up...
Our hands were not given to us to destroy
but to build a future with.
Our hearts were not given to break,
No! ...But to heal the broken.
And we weren't granted freedom
to take another man's peace.
This I know for sure...

Forum Marketing: Tricky Yet Productive

by CHICKMELIONfreelance


“Forum” Marketing


Want to feel the pulse of your market niche? Know exactly where to put your finger on it ...to gauge what they really think, have issues with, or needs that are unanswered. There is no better way than to go to the source and that is your very own source of prospects. They are qualified and if you can establish yourself as a trustworthy authority offering answers to their problems/ questions, you have a great opportunity to land them as a customer. The best source available to you is by enrolling in and/or even hosting a forum yourself. Although this is a form of marketing that does require time and patience, you just can’t get better quality raw information anywhere else, not even in a survey! (I mean “raw” in terms of honest with no motivations other than addressing the topic at hand.) Here are some added benefits a business can glean from Forum Marketing:

* Do you own a blog? Are you always looking for current and relevant content? From the questions asked and topics discussed in your forum you can glean ideas and issues that can translate well into article content and attract attention to your blog. Consider not only answering the topics in the site hosted by the forum, but bring the issues and questions right to your home page!

*Gauge trends within your niche discussions that you can fill either with a product/service extension or modify an existing product/service to answer the trend. Then use the
same forum to announce their incorporation within your business.

* The format of forums also allows opportunities for you to obtain valuable back links, list building capabilities, as well as establish you as an authority in your niche.
If you invest time and honest effort you can become the “Go To” person in your forum .

* This is also an avenue to test market an idea in a safe environment, prior to costly investment. Here you can hone in and fine tune your strategy with the help of interested
and potential future prospects. What more relevant and cost effective test market can you think of?

* Forum marketing offer's the same environment that social sites offer and what the consumers are now demanding; more personal and interactive relationship with the
businesses they deal with. Like social networks, forums gives voice to the consumer.


How To Join A Forum:


You will be searching your browser trying to be as specific as possible in your keywords to find the niche you will best fit into, as well as find niches that may not necessarily be serviced to their fullest. TAKE YOUR TIME... don’t just jump in feet first. You will want to take a look around so your time and your efforts will be spent wisely and with utmost economy. Try different word combinations to see what is out there. Use the same “key word” strategy as you do in your SEO efforts. Testing different keywords allows you to target specific demographics whether it be audience, topic, or location to see what is going on in the marketplace. You may even find a sub group in your niche you never even thought about and want to bookmark and keep an eye on. Watching and assessing is always your best initial move. Forums are tight knit communities, therefore initially sitting back and making note of who the influential users are, getting a sense of the community, and the favorite and less favorite topics: will help you fit in more quickly.

Not all forums are made equal! To be successful you have to hunt out the best fit for you and your business. Do not walk into a topic that you can not prove yourself as an authority on. Look for popular forums! You can try keyword searching in popular sites as Board Reader, Big Boards, 100 Webmaster Forums . In fact the last option will give you a wealth of sites to consider.

Don’t overwhelm yourself and overtax your time by taking on too many forums at one time. Only you know what is a reasonable amount to handle in your busy schedule, but here is a few criteria you can use to short list the forerunners:

* Look for a list with good healthy membership, (1000 members and up.)
* Look also for robust activity, one that offers at least ten plus posts a day.
* If you see spam in the forum, back away! Sites that don’t moderate their spam offer more heartache than gain.
* And finally don’t go head to head on your direct competitor’s site. Their following is loyal, they have established a relationship already, you will only do yourself more
harm than good! Seniority is very important in forums.
* Check the rules. Check the user agreements and posting guidelines and look for forums that :
- allow you to place links in their posts,
- allow you to promote your own business,
- allow you to contact other members for commercial purposes.
- Check also the restrictions placed on new users and weigh the advantages if there are any.


You are dealing in a “social” situation and as in any social situation , you have to remember etiquette! Again it is worth mentioning that this is not a quick and easy marketing strategy... then again establishing long term and productive relationships don’t adhere well to quick and easy thinking. Rather it is eyed as suspicious activity generally viewed as a hustle in nature. The internet is fraught with cons, hustlers, spammers and excessive phishing... you do not want to get lumped in this category because the public relations mop up required would be a nightmare! On the flip side, there is no better and cost effective rewards than successful forum marketing. Make this then part of your long term strategies, as one of the “irons in the fire” if you may that when solidifies for you will also reap for the long term. It is a good investment!

Your first move in the forum of choice is to introduce yourself. Give a brief description of yourself as well as an explanation why you chose that particular forum. Look for threads the forum may offer that are designated for welcoming new members. Don’t ever make any marketing pitches out of the starting gate! If you try to sell anything on your first post, there is a good chance that you may find yourself banned.



Alternate Forum Marketing Activities


In as much as you are encouraged to participate in a forum, in time once you get a feel for the process, you may well consider hosting your own either as your soul forum marketing activity or in conjunction with your activities on your host’s site. It all depends on your time available and the successes you build on either end of the scale.
Be cautioned though. It may sound easier said than done! Like any enterprise/undertaking you first need to start out with a good plan because your forum is going to need a little more than just software to get it going and make it successful. You need to carefully select what topics to discuss within it, and you also need to be ready to answer as many posts as possible.

In the beginning , keep the amount of topics down so that you don’t spread your forum too thin making it look like there aren’t many members or activity happening to the curious onlooker considering to join themselves. (5 topics with 5 comments in each look more appealing than 25 topics with one answer each....) Organizing the content in a way to have the most popular stuff on topic at the top of the forum. This is is the most likely relevant content for the new visitor, and is the best way to draw them in. Leave the chit chat and introduction topics at the bottom. That stuff is for your true regulars, and they will check it out without encouragement.

Answer as many threads as possible, be a good host and make everyone feel welcome and an important member of your community. What is the use of having a forum if you are not going to actively participate in it? Reply to threads that contain answers to previous questions , (possibly with another question) just to keep the thread alive. Actively and aggressively moderate the spam! Offer something in addition to the forum... a tool or a link to a site with more information. This gives greater utility to your forum and it is no different a strategy than that used in list building . Or offer incentives for posting in your forum; give them a trial product, offer a little free advertising, give them a link on the main page, allow them to post their website in the main forum, etc. It is amazing how the quantity and quality of posts increases after you offer even the slightest free incentive.


Getting The Word Out

Use the same strategy as you do for getting the word out for your blog, website, product or service:

* Use the social networks you are on to advertise, announce and/or invite your friends to participate. Announce your forum on a regular (but not annoying) basis.
* Consider making an announcement via press release, banner ad, as well as adding it to you existing email marketing program .
* Encourage your friends, clients and other contacts to spread the word for you. Offer an incentive if possible to encourage word of mouth.
* See if you can get a guest posting on another blog or podcast to create interest and desire for joining your lively and informative forum!
* Look into free classified posting as a potential source of creating interest.
* What ever you do...don’t spam! Keep everything professional and above board!


Two Types Of Forum Applications To Consider

You have two options available when considering where you can host your forum. You can chose to be “off site”, that is your forum is not hosted on your website but rather in a community of forums. Consider this to be a similar set up to that as Blogger where an individual can sign up and them format their own forum/s. If you enter follow this link http://www.yuku.com , (copy and paste in your browser if it is not working for you,) you can get an idea what these sites offer. We suggest you shop around though before you settle on that perfect fir for you. We are only using YUKU as example, and should by no means be viewed as a sole endorsement.

In addition to off site forum offerings, you can also consider hosting a forum on your own website instead. To get a feel of what that is all about check out: http://www.comm100.com/forum . They specialize in business forums and the process is pretty painless and relatively simple:
Step one: register an account
Step two: Customize necessary settings to have your own branding
Step three: Copy several lines of code and paste it to your site.
Step four: You now have a full featured discussion forum....


We hope we have presented enough information for you to feel secure in making a sound decision on whether Forum Marketing is a viable strategy for you. What ever your decision is, we would like to wish you the best of luck in your endeavors.

Why Try Free Press Release Services?

CHICKMELIONfreelance

It wasn’t too long ago, when I found in my email a promotion from a paid press release service. It was very blunt and point blank about the uselessness of free press release services. In a nutshell they indicated that the free offerings were more self serving than serving the interests of the individuals and businesses that use their services. They balked at “backlink” as being anything but useless as well as SEO in the content. I found the criticism rather harsh and I decided to forwarded this email to a few free services to get their take on the situation. Ironically enough... no answer! So let’s see if we can take a crack at it and even up the argument some.

Indeed, paid press release distribution does offer two tier benefits where your release not only gets published on the distributions arranged syndicated network, but can also attract the eye of the news hound as well affording additional viral potential. Each reporter offering their own subscribers by the thousands (if they belong to a large publishing syndication themselves.)

Indeed that is a good thing if... and this is a big if... it is whether or not the news hound is interested in what you are offering in the first place. Although presentation is key and certain formats are recommended that seem to work best in attracting and motivating the press to pick up on a story. There is never any guarantees! So if you are talking in terms of laying down some heavy money as an investment and your release in not picked up for whatever reason.... that can leave a sour taste. But don’t feel bad, there is a good chance it will not be picked up on the first second or even third insert. Even the top professionals in the field at PRWeb are very clear to point out that to be effective in Press Release Marketing, a business or entrepreneur should focus on at least one press release a month and to give it a good seven eight month run for steady returns to start showing. Now let’s do the math! $399 for eRelease’s services for 8 months of an investment will cost you $3192 (not including taxes and such.)

For the start up business living on a shoestring this may not even be a viable option. Though I am quick to point out that the top distribution networks do have more affordable packages with modest reaches that will suit a leaner budget and by no means are we not saying to run with the big guns if you can afford the opportunity. When your investment pays off, and it will in due time, the rewards will be big! However we are living in lean mean times and it is never recommended for one to put all their eggs in an investment basket. Press Release marketing is a good avenue, but certainly not the end all be all . It should be considered as a part of the overall marketing mix and allotted a part of the advertising budget.

Now let’s address reach, presentation and potential for targeting some traffic to your site via a free Press Release Distribution website. After all that is one of your key motivations. (First and foremost please have a good landing page that will induce your prospects to become repeat visitors as well or all your efforts whether free or not will be of no avail.) These free distribution websites have come a long way. Some offer the same upgraded capabilities as the top Paid networks in the business: video integration, SEO enhancements and proof of distribution. They work with news search engines and aggregators that have a large reach capability. Some hold releases in a library as eRelease.com touts about, and some are specifically SEO and social media press release distribution services. These RSS feed to the top 3 wires as well as Google News, Yahoo, MSN, Ask.com and more. Our own contacts list in our Free Press Release Kit offers a hefty amount of far reaching distribution networks. The beauty about a free service is you can drop your press release on several sites enhancing your potential reach even further.

We would all love to have the big budgets, the glossy ad campaigns, perhaps even not struggle with strategic battle plans to survive in a recession. Reality is most of us are budget conscious because a budget may well be all we have!. That doesn’t mean we pick up our ball and go home! We dig in instead and with steady steps put our irons in the fire knowing that if we get enough in there they will pay off....and our irons are as cost effective as we can get them. We all know that realistically these marketing steps which are not the quick and easy solutions. But we all know that the quick and easy is not a long term solution either. It usually ends up leaving a bad taste in the mouth sooner or later. Long term efforts pay off for the long term. We all have come to know this first hand. I can speak from my own experience that I have indeed had had link backs from both my article marketing and press release efforts. If they were as unsuccessful and fruitless as our friends at the paid press release services had suggested then how does one explain the quantity and longevity of both article banks and free press distribution websites who operations are similar?

Cellular Technology and Advertising: The Newly Weds

by CHICKMELIONfreelance


Just recently Apple Inc. unveiled their premier iAd, a new smart phone operating system to bring the luxury and advantages of the iPad to cell phones everywhere. This is Apple’s posturing against it’s direct competitor Google and it would no doubt be a tempting arena to frontier in considering that since it’s introduction iPad alone reveals some staggering statistics. Already some 600,000 digital books have been downloaded on iPads as well as 3.5 million applications. This no doubt makes advertisers wet with anticipation, because for the first time a mobile device will foster more engaging advertising that will not pull users away from the content within their applications. Expectations for mobile advertising investment in this year alone will bloom by 78% growth to $1.6billion dollars. Now that is just crazy!

We’re looking at an expected $6 billion dollar industry by 2012 says industry experts, that is a massive jump in a very short time and not with it’s complications. Bandwidth is at a premium as servers are scrambling to keep up with the market place’s insatiable demand. The required expansions are very costly and if mobile service goes by the way of GOOGLES plans or SKYPE’s in eventually offering free calls worldwide.... they have no idea how or who is going to pay for the expansions required to meet demand, they themselves are as of yet not into developing and marketing applications. Perhaps as the cell phone more evolves to a computer companies like sprint mobile should re-think their product mix to include advertising platforms as well... just to survive that is.... Ahhh growth pains!

There are many enterprises jumping on the bandwagon cutting teeth in this new frontier as web 2.0 has now stepped into mobile web 2.0. Step over 3G we have now become a 4G nation and hey that isn’t expected to last long either. Here are some examples of how innovative businesses are stretching their wings to welcome the rapidly changing tides:

-The weather Channel has now started integrating platforms to accommodate mobile web ad products. (Read more about it here)
-Applications are on the market now that allows Big Boss to keep an eye on you via cell phone, (if it’s a company phone) it is an extension to those products offered to
regulate employee activities on company computers. (Read more about it here.)
-Merchants can now swipe credit cards on their iPhones... good news for the Solopreneur at the trade show. (read more about it here)

There is a company called Juniper Research that has put out two white papers available to you to download for free ( http://www.juniperresearch.com ) on the subject of the migrance of web 2.0 going mobile and its expected effects and areas of growth, you might want to check it out so you too can prepare for the inevitable and embrace your own corporate plan to include iPhone advertising in your mix.

It has become the new frontier indeed as computing devices shrink from the desk top, to the lap top, to now the pocket... and beyond. I wonder if we are not advancing towards optical devices either as a contact or surgically implanted and hot wired to the cranium. Where the clicking of the tongue represents every click of the mouse’s copy and paste function. I don’t know... as advertisers seek to put their messages in front of the public at every opportune moment... how long will it be before we are fed a stream of pitches during our sleep and find ourselves waking in the middle of the night for some reason craving pizza.

4 Mantras of Single Parenting Wisdom

by CHICKMELIONfreelance



Single parenting is not easy and we all are fully aware of this. This role is not solely reserved for parents without a spouse, it is shared with parents whose spouse’s jobs keep them away from their families for extended periods of time (for what ever reason.) The hours are long , frustrations tend to mount up quickly and help is quite often few and far between because of inaccessibility, unavailability or cost. However those who know better and are more than willing to criticize your single parenting inadequacies are many. Therefore I, being a former single parent would like to offer all of you individuals struggling to raise children alone these 4 mantras of wisdom totally free....

1) Never go to the washroom until they are the age of 5 at least!

Ok this may sound a little overkill but for good reason. We all have to ”go” sooner or later and if you were like me, you would keep a small crack open in the door as a compromise between a false sense of humility and the need to supervise your now semi-unattended child. Now if your child is anything like mine they too will be working their own learning curve... waiting for such opportunities to test some theories out they have been stewing and brewing over in their heads. They may even have learned by now that they can extend their testing theories somewhat by working in relative silence.

A theory my child decided to test while I was occupied was to peanut butter the dog. Now I am not sure if this was an artistic expression he was going for, or if he just wanted our black lab to be a golden retriever instead. I suspect it had something to do with the funny expressions a dog can make trying to cope with peanut butter on the roof of their mouth... and if one dab was funny, imagine what a dog smeared nose to tail would produce. It would take a few years before I myself saw the humor in this. I am still amazed how quickly they can work at testing their theories as opposed to cleaning their rooms.

(On a side note: It may make perfect sense to want to take the mess outside to minimize damages and use a hose to clean up with... I thought so as well! I do need to point out though that peanut butter and cold water do not play well together!)

2) Never Assume!

Oh wow, this is a big one and it took a few unusual twists in one incident to bring this concept into clarity for me. My child was gaining independence and his independence was growing quicker than his body was. Soon enough this conflict will come to a head. It occurred on a pleasant winter evening... when we needed to get a jug of milk before the store closed. It was a quick five minute walk to the store and I figured the fresh air would help encourage sleep time. I put my foot in my winter boot and I pulled it out immediately because my sock was soaken wet. I am confounded! How did this happen? I did the smell test and it reveals to me : human urine.... say what?

Here are the assumptions I erroneously made:
-I assumed he had no issues making it down the hallway from the kitchen to the bathroom...wrong! This day he suddenly developed a fear of the shadows.
-I assumed he would ask for help with the light switch which was just out of reach....wrong! He can deal with this on his own... just not the way any one else might think of dealing with the identical situation.
-Ok! I assumed he would deal with it somewhat rationally... Well it is all up to who’s definition of rational he was using. He didn’t want to have an accident, having conquered mastery over the porcelain bow, which was where he was heading in the first place! He creatively thought of the nearest containment unit that would satisfy all the issues on the table.... which of course was...my boot! Again somehow he neglected to tell me.

3) Do not let them make lunch for you until they can at least reach the counter.

This will ensure the use of some rational assemblage of lunch materials. Because once made, you are faced with a predicament.. You would like to encourage selfless and independent behavior there fore you must at least taste the offering. I was handed a peanut butter, mustard and cheese-whiz sandwich and luckily it wasn’t too bad.
I knew this because I did the dog test first.... hey what ever the dog is not willing to touch, it is just not safe. (We are talking a dog that got into the garbage regularly.) Fostering selfless behavior aside, I needed to survive the lunch in order to continue to care for my child. I was a single parent after all!

4) Never ever refuse their dandelions!

Every spring through summer on an annual basis a daily offerings of wild flowers would lay on my kitchen table... root, dirt and all. There would even be the occasional earthworm or beetle heading for cover. I got to tell you, I treasured each and every gesture of his attempt to show me how much he loved me. Now that he is full grown and on his own, someone else gets those flowers now. Yet it is those flowers I remember the most... not all the incidents, close calls, or trials... no those became folk lore told today to make us all smile, (because I find in time I can manage to smile about them; no harm ... no foul.) My kitchen table lays clean and bare. What I have now are memories of how we survived together ALONE. All the heartaches, worries and frustrations of trying to keep one step ahead of the game alone have now become fond memories and tales for grandchildren. The times I thought I would never survive single parenting...I did! You will too!. So when anyone down the road who tries to lead you to believe that they as parents never ate humble pie, know in your heart that are leaving out some details and losing out on some wonderful tales down the road..