I tried Second Life. I came into the experience with a whole lot of opinions. I'd read that it's hard to navigate, slow, deserted, and a thing of the past.
Well, some of that is right... It's not hard to navigate if you have ever played a computer video game. It is slow (especially when loading). I did see people (although I didn't talk to anyone). And Finally, I don't think it's a thing of the past... or the present... but a thing of the future...
Second Life is still innovative right now, but in a few years, as more and more people become familiar with with web 2.0 life and (more importantly) technology catches up, Second Life will be a cool innovative item. I have to give credit to companies who have already dived into the Second Life experience. It's probably not profitable (now) for them, but it will give them a lot of valuable experience in the future when the world feels more comfortable with virtual worlds.
I do think there is money to be made with it. It's a really great way to advertise. I noticed they slipped in a few advertisements when I was listening to the music they provide and I couldn't help but notice many of the bulletin boards that you walk by.
Try it out... the experience is worth it.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Watch out Movie Industry! You've got competition.
Yahoo Video games just released a list of the top 10 Video Games of all time.
What do they all have in common? They are all established brand names... Mario, Pokemon, Zelda, Final Fantasy... All of these have a whole world built around them.
It's interesting to note how sequels do so well (and run for such a long time) in the video game industry when compared to the movie industry.
In fact Halo 3 made more money in it's debut week than Spiderman 3.
Usually movies don't make it past 3 or 4 (and that would make it a successful series). While video games can run almost indefinitely.
Final Fantasy is making their 13th main installment and they have over 30 (spin-off) games that have the final fantasy title in them.
I don't even know how many games carry the Mario brand. As video games improve in graphic and it becomes easier to interact with the worlds created in them (As the Wii and DS does), they will potentially threaten the movie industry even more.
The whole point of movies is to cure boredom. Video games also fill this role. As the DS and Wii have shown, video games aren't just for kids anymore. It's looks like the movie industry has a new competitor.
What do they all have in common? They are all established brand names... Mario, Pokemon, Zelda, Final Fantasy... All of these have a whole world built around them.
It's interesting to note how sequels do so well (and run for such a long time) in the video game industry when compared to the movie industry.
In fact Halo 3 made more money in it's debut week than Spiderman 3.
Usually movies don't make it past 3 or 4 (and that would make it a successful series). While video games can run almost indefinitely.
Final Fantasy is making their 13th main installment and they have over 30 (spin-off) games that have the final fantasy title in them.
I don't even know how many games carry the Mario brand. As video games improve in graphic and it becomes easier to interact with the worlds created in them (As the Wii and DS does), they will potentially threaten the movie industry even more.
The whole point of movies is to cure boredom. Video games also fill this role. As the DS and Wii have shown, video games aren't just for kids anymore. It's looks like the movie industry has a new competitor.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Why are some websites so mean?
So I was at work the other day and had to order some obscure vacuum bags for the building engineer. Since Home Depot and every other major outlet didn't carry them, my second thought was to look online. I found the bags on a small niche site and wanted to order them. The only problem was I couldn't find the "Buy" button. It literally took me over a minute to locate it. That's bad business. I could have very well gone to another site (except this was the only site that I found which offered them).
Why would a site that sells a product make it hard for the user to do the thing the site was designed to do. I label these sites "mean sites" cause they are so user-unfriendly.
Take a look at Apple's Website and you'll see design simplicity at it's best. Design can be tricky. The funny thing about simple design is it can often take just as long (or longer) than designing a complex busy looking website.
My own personal website needs some work (and I've been working on it). It's design is very simple now, but lacks the simplistic beauty that Apple has mastered.
Why would a site that sells a product make it hard for the user to do the thing the site was designed to do. I label these sites "mean sites" cause they are so user-unfriendly.
Take a look at Apple's Website and you'll see design simplicity at it's best. Design can be tricky. The funny thing about simple design is it can often take just as long (or longer) than designing a complex busy looking website.
My own personal website needs some work (and I've been working on it). It's design is very simple now, but lacks the simplistic beauty that Apple has mastered.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Why Blog?
It's only been 3 months since I started this blog. While it's certainly not the first blog I ever started, it's certainly been the most constructive. It really helps to have an easy to use platform to write ones ideas or thoughts.
I can think of 3 Big Reasons to Blog. Here they are...
First, It has helped me to establish a presence online. This means that when you google my name "Austin Neaves" something actually comes up. Pretty useful if your networking, job hunting, or building up your personal brand.
Second, it helps organize my thoughts. It makes you spend a few minutes thinking about something useful. I might read something on another blog and think "Hey, I'd like to write about this too. I have an opinion." In writing you often think about a subject more than if you had just read about it.
Third, I'm building up a lot of content for my own personal use. Writing (The art of it) and knowledge are something that are important to me. As you write a blog, you start to build up a whole lot of ideas. Also, as you write your writing skills improve. Writing is re-writing? Well, a blog is a good place to start for a rough draft.
So, if you haven't started your own blog. Do it. It's a learning process and you'll get better as you go along.
I can think of 3 Big Reasons to Blog. Here they are...
First, It has helped me to establish a presence online. This means that when you google my name "Austin Neaves" something actually comes up. Pretty useful if your networking, job hunting, or building up your personal brand.
Second, it helps organize my thoughts. It makes you spend a few minutes thinking about something useful. I might read something on another blog and think "Hey, I'd like to write about this too. I have an opinion." In writing you often think about a subject more than if you had just read about it.
Third, I'm building up a lot of content for my own personal use. Writing (The art of it) and knowledge are something that are important to me. As you write a blog, you start to build up a whole lot of ideas. Also, as you write your writing skills improve. Writing is re-writing? Well, a blog is a good place to start for a rough draft.
So, if you haven't started your own blog. Do it. It's a learning process and you'll get better as you go along.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
How LinkedIn could do it better
I'm intrigued with LinkedIn and Ryze.
Jumping on the online social networking train, these sites have a lot of potential. Think about it. My generation loves online social networking. Just think about the popularity of Myspace and Facebook. Myspace and Facebook are a relatively new phenomenon. They became popular while I was in college. Well, now I (and many other college students) have graduated and we are starting careers. What goes along with a career? Networking.
Thus, LinkedIn and Ryze were born. There are so many talented young people that don't know any other way to network. These sites are going to boom in the future as more and more college students graduate and join professional online networking sites.
That said, they have a lot going for them. So, does that mean they can just ride the web 2.0 wave? Nope.
They really need to improve the way their sites work. If they don't, then someone is going to step in and do it better.
I'm going to offer suggestions to LinkedIn because it is much more popular.
First off, LinkedIn needs to add a photo option (like Ryze has) because younger people will be much more likely to respond a site which lets them post a photo (but not more than one).
Second, they need to offer more options for the free accounts. Some of the restriction for a non-paying account really is silly. Young people don't like to pay for use online. Young people are their future market. Move to a ad-based revenue model.
Third, make it easier to connect to new people. Copy off the Facebook model. They do this really well, and it gives people privacy. A new idea would be to have a feature that scans your profile and recommends people who you should network with.
Fourth, work with other sites. Jobster.com just made an app for Facebook. Think like that. Work with Career Builder, Monster, or Hotjobs. Or work with e-bay and add a Skype me button (Young people skype, IM, and text message more than e-mail).
I could go on and on forever. LinkedIn is a really cool site, but they seriously need to be a little more progressive, nurture their vast current network, and focus on young people who will embrace what they have to offer.
UPDATE: LinkedIn now offers the option to add a picture. Smart move.
Jumping on the online social networking train, these sites have a lot of potential. Think about it. My generation loves online social networking. Just think about the popularity of Myspace and Facebook. Myspace and Facebook are a relatively new phenomenon. They became popular while I was in college. Well, now I (and many other college students) have graduated and we are starting careers. What goes along with a career? Networking.
Thus, LinkedIn and Ryze were born. There are so many talented young people that don't know any other way to network. These sites are going to boom in the future as more and more college students graduate and join professional online networking sites.
That said, they have a lot going for them. So, does that mean they can just ride the web 2.0 wave? Nope.
They really need to improve the way their sites work. If they don't, then someone is going to step in and do it better.
I'm going to offer suggestions to LinkedIn because it is much more popular.
First off, LinkedIn needs to add a photo option (like Ryze has) because younger people will be much more likely to respond a site which lets them post a photo (but not more than one).
Second, they need to offer more options for the free accounts. Some of the restriction for a non-paying account really is silly. Young people don't like to pay for use online. Young people are their future market. Move to a ad-based revenue model.
Third, make it easier to connect to new people. Copy off the Facebook model. They do this really well, and it gives people privacy. A new idea would be to have a feature that scans your profile and recommends people who you should network with.
Fourth, work with other sites. Jobster.com just made an app for Facebook. Think like that. Work with Career Builder, Monster, or Hotjobs. Or work with e-bay and add a Skype me button (Young people skype, IM, and text message more than e-mail).
I could go on and on forever. LinkedIn is a really cool site, but they seriously need to be a little more progressive, nurture their vast current network, and focus on young people who will embrace what they have to offer.
UPDATE: LinkedIn now offers the option to add a picture. Smart move.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Fleeting Imagination
When I was a little kid, I played a lot of (what is now old school) video games. Games like the original Zelda and Super Mario Brothers were a staple for my generation.
They didn't have top of the line 3D engines or voice acting (like many games today). They were simple, fun, and created a vast imaginative world to play in.
These old school games live on via re-releases. How cool is that! It's the exact reason why I bought a Nintendo DS about a year ago. However for a guy like me (who hasn't played these games in 10 years) it can be a bit of a shock. These games aren't like I imagined.
Which brings up an important point... Imagination.
As kids, imagination comes in an abundant supply. As an adult, it can seem like I really have to stretch my imaginative muscles.
Yes, the original Zelda is still cool, but it's not the same...
I find this fact so sad. Imagination is so important. I'm still pretty imaginative and creative, but I really believe that it's important to nurture creativity and imagination so we (as adults) don't lose any more.
They didn't have top of the line 3D engines or voice acting (like many games today). They were simple, fun, and created a vast imaginative world to play in.
These old school games live on via re-releases. How cool is that! It's the exact reason why I bought a Nintendo DS about a year ago. However for a guy like me (who hasn't played these games in 10 years) it can be a bit of a shock. These games aren't like I imagined.
Which brings up an important point... Imagination.
As kids, imagination comes in an abundant supply. As an adult, it can seem like I really have to stretch my imaginative muscles.
Yes, the original Zelda is still cool, but it's not the same...
I find this fact so sad. Imagination is so important. I'm still pretty imaginative and creative, but I really believe that it's important to nurture creativity and imagination so we (as adults) don't lose any more.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
More Social Networking (Ryze.com)
Understanding Bubbles
I'm reading a terrific book about real estate bubbles. It's called Beyond the Bubble and it's by Michael Thomsett and Joshua Kahr.
While focusing on the current real estate bubble, it does an excellent job of presenting the history of bubbles (real estate and other kinds).
It explains that there are five stages to every bubble...
They are (and I quote)
1. Economic conditions improve over the past.
2. Over investment starts and grows.
3. Credit is curtailed near the top.
4. At the top of the bubble, individuals recognize that the bubble exists, but speculation continues.
5. Growth stops, usually suddenly. Prices Fall.
I'm finding the book to be an enjoyable quick read.
While focusing on the current real estate bubble, it does an excellent job of presenting the history of bubbles (real estate and other kinds).
It explains that there are five stages to every bubble...
They are (and I quote)
1. Economic conditions improve over the past.
2. Over investment starts and grows.
3. Credit is curtailed near the top.
4. At the top of the bubble, individuals recognize that the bubble exists, but speculation continues.
5. Growth stops, usually suddenly. Prices Fall.
I'm finding the book to be an enjoyable quick read.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Why I still Use Palm
I'm kind of an organization freak. I keep all my receipts. I usually plan out my day (hour by hour) a few days before it happens. And I tend to hate paper (and love to scan everything and keep it on my computer). My computer is spotless. I have a digital trail of my life going back to High School.
My trick to doing this is my trusty Palm Z22 (that cheap ol' thing). What? The palm is so outdated... right?
I love it. Even when I got my iPhone, I still kept my palm for all my organizational needs. I could go on an on about why the palm platform, while outdated, is still the best platform for organization. I'll sum it up in one word... SIMPLICITY.
It so easy to plan out your day. Subjects are all color coded, It's easy to add a note to each "appointment," and the To-Do List is great.
Here's my "routine." I plan out each hour (or half) and divide the day into color categories. I put a note next to each "appointment" even if it is as simple as "Ride CTA to Work." What do I write in each of these notes? What I want to accomplish during that time-frame. It could be "listen to NPR Podcast" or "organize palm pilot" or "read gossip magazine."
By doing this, it's really easy to accomplish far more in a day then you would otherwise, because it's so easy to prioritize what you want to get done.
I still love palm (even if so many people think it's a tired old Operating System). Personally, I've tried Windows Mobile (which many palm products are starting to use) and it's the absolute worst. It rejects everything the old palm use to stand for.
My trick to doing this is my trusty Palm Z22 (that cheap ol' thing). What? The palm is so outdated... right?
I love it. Even when I got my iPhone, I still kept my palm for all my organizational needs. I could go on an on about why the palm platform, while outdated, is still the best platform for organization. I'll sum it up in one word... SIMPLICITY.
It so easy to plan out your day. Subjects are all color coded, It's easy to add a note to each "appointment," and the To-Do List is great.
Here's my "routine." I plan out each hour (or half) and divide the day into color categories. I put a note next to each "appointment" even if it is as simple as "Ride CTA to Work." What do I write in each of these notes? What I want to accomplish during that time-frame. It could be "listen to NPR Podcast" or "organize palm pilot" or "read gossip magazine."
By doing this, it's really easy to accomplish far more in a day then you would otherwise, because it's so easy to prioritize what you want to get done.
I still love palm (even if so many people think it's a tired old Operating System). Personally, I've tried Windows Mobile (which many palm products are starting to use) and it's the absolute worst. It rejects everything the old palm use to stand for.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Dropping Art
I came across an artist that is really phenominal.
His name is Martin Klimas and he drops art and photographs it as it shatters. It's really interesting and beautiful. If you want to read more click here.
His name is Martin Klimas and he drops art and photographs it as it shatters. It's really interesting and beautiful. If you want to read more click here.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Last Night's VMA's
I have to admit something. I have REALLY been looking forward to the VMA's this year (at least since I heard Britney Spears was going to be performing).
Besides the fact that Britney blew it (believe me I don't want to talk about it), I noticed something interesting about this years show.
It was a very organized effort to counter youtube. The format was shorter (by an hour), there was no host, very few awards were handed out, and performances were many and short. Basically, this show was made for those with short attention spans (aka my generation).
Did it work? No! The show was awful. The production of it was ridiculous, the show lacked focus and organization, and all in all it was very lackluster. I really don't think MTV can effectively compete against youtube. It should stick to its core. I can watch youtube anyday, the VMA's are only once a year. When will they realize?
Besides the fact that Britney blew it (believe me I don't want to talk about it), I noticed something interesting about this years show.
It was a very organized effort to counter youtube. The format was shorter (by an hour), there was no host, very few awards were handed out, and performances were many and short. Basically, this show was made for those with short attention spans (aka my generation).
Did it work? No! The show was awful. The production of it was ridiculous, the show lacked focus and organization, and all in all it was very lackluster. I really don't think MTV can effectively compete against youtube. It should stick to its core. I can watch youtube anyday, the VMA's are only once a year. When will they realize?
Friday, September 7, 2007
The Best Blog I Have Ever Read
I'm addicted to a new blog. It's copyblogger.com!
This blog is packed full of tips on writing copy (which is something everyone needs to know how to do). It's especially interesting because copyright is one area of advertising I am especially interested in. I've literally been reading through all their old posts today.
I heard about them on the Internet Business Mastery Podcast (which is also very good I might add). I highly recommend subscribing to both RSS feeds.
It's weird, I had to write some copy for work yesterday and it struck me how time-consuming it can be. I think good writing is a skill that can really give someone a competitive advantage.
I really like reading blogs. You can process so much in such a short amount of time.
This blog is packed full of tips on writing copy (which is something everyone needs to know how to do). It's especially interesting because copyright is one area of advertising I am especially interested in. I've literally been reading through all their old posts today.
I heard about them on the Internet Business Mastery Podcast (which is also very good I might add). I highly recommend subscribing to both RSS feeds.
It's weird, I had to write some copy for work yesterday and it struck me how time-consuming it can be. I think good writing is a skill that can really give someone a competitive advantage.
I really like reading blogs. You can process so much in such a short amount of time.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Blogging for money
I started a new blog called www.The10Top.blogspot.com which I will use to post top 10 lists. I read somewhere that people like to read top 10 lists, which is true I think because I read (regularly) top 10 lists I find on Digg.
My goal is to see how to make money using a blog. Obviously a blog like the one I'm writing right now isn't going to make money (at least it wouldn't be as easy). It's more to organize my thoughts and promote myself to the online community.
I don't expect to make much money, but do want to see how affiliate marketing works or even google ads. Top 10 lists are a very marketable way of doing this. This blog will be a total experiment. I'm up for anything. This is just one project of many that I have been working on lately. I've been really busy.
Oh, and if you go to www.The10Top.blogspot.com you will see I havn't posted anything yet (as of 09.06.07). I'm going to start posting this weekend when I have more time.
My goal is to see how to make money using a blog. Obviously a blog like the one I'm writing right now isn't going to make money (at least it wouldn't be as easy). It's more to organize my thoughts and promote myself to the online community.
I don't expect to make much money, but do want to see how affiliate marketing works or even google ads. Top 10 lists are a very marketable way of doing this. This blog will be a total experiment. I'm up for anything. This is just one project of many that I have been working on lately. I've been really busy.
Oh, and if you go to www.The10Top.blogspot.com you will see I havn't posted anything yet (as of 09.06.07). I'm going to start posting this weekend when I have more time.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Podcasting via iTunes
I've never really subscribed to podcasts until now. I just got my iPhone back (actually they gave me a new one). And, I was synching my files onto it, when I decided to upload some podcasts to listen to.
It's really a great experience. So far I subscribed to Hillary Clinton's Podcast (She is my favorite person right now) and some tech and business ones. I had to take the train up to Rogers Park (which is about an hour train ride) to pick something up and it's a little more productive to listen to NPR than the latest pop songs (even if they do have some good pop songs right now).
I'm still editing my podcast. It's taken so much longer than I anticipated (plus I was on vacation).
I think I'll work on it some more tonight. I've been waking up much earlier the last couple of days, which is making me feel much more productive.
It's really a great experience. So far I subscribed to Hillary Clinton's Podcast (She is my favorite person right now) and some tech and business ones. I had to take the train up to Rogers Park (which is about an hour train ride) to pick something up and it's a little more productive to listen to NPR than the latest pop songs (even if they do have some good pop songs right now).
I'm still editing my podcast. It's taken so much longer than I anticipated (plus I was on vacation).
I think I'll work on it some more tonight. I've been waking up much earlier the last couple of days, which is making me feel much more productive.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Get It Together
I'm getting it together. Summer is over. I kind of took the summer off, traveled, relaxed, read a lot, and enjoyed the simple things in life. But now it's over!
I'm officially getting it all together.
I'm looking for new challenges, new opportunities, and hoping to take everything to the next level.
This is what I love about Fall. I always push myself and I am so much happier when I'm busy and challenged.
Last Fall, I went to school for 18 credit hours, worked full time, and maintained a healthy social life. I loved every minute of it.
I suppose one can spend every day at the beach for only so long. Eventually it's time to really do something. Now is that time.
I'm officially getting it all together.
I'm looking for new challenges, new opportunities, and hoping to take everything to the next level.
This is what I love about Fall. I always push myself and I am so much happier when I'm busy and challenged.
Last Fall, I went to school for 18 credit hours, worked full time, and maintained a healthy social life. I loved every minute of it.
I suppose one can spend every day at the beach for only so long. Eventually it's time to really do something. Now is that time.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Thoughts on L.A.
I just got back from L.A. I can't believe how different it is from every other place I've ever visited. It's not a city and it's not a suburb. It's just one of those unique places in the world.
I wasn't even that excited to visit. I had so many negative notions of L.A. before I visited. Some of them were true and some were definetly not true. Although, I have to say I had an AMAZING time.
It's definetly more liberal (which is good), although in a kinda hypocritical way (which is bad). They have so many S.U.V.'s that it doesn't seem like they are very environmental. However, they have more vegan restaurants than I have ever seen. I honestly don't know what people do for a living out there. I would ask people what they do and they would just give a blank stare before mumbling something about promotions, being an enertainer, or some other job they were obviously making up.
It would be so hard for me to survive in a place like that for one reason... I hate driving.
One of the great highlights is the club scene. I heard both the new Britney and Madonna singles before they were released (which made my trip). The buildings are all inside/outside which is a real joy. Everything closes much earlier, which is a real change from everywhere else I've been. Madonna says in her song "I Love New York" that L.A. is a city for people who sleep. Definetly true.
The best part of my trip was definetly the beach. It was amazing. The waves actually flipped me over and I loved every moment of it. My body was drained.
I also went to the Kaballah center, which was something I definetly wanted to do.
Overall, I will definetly return to L.A. again, but don't think I'd survive moving there. I'm way too much of a city boy.
P.S. Check out "Gimme More" by Britney Spears and "The Beat Goes On" by Madonna... Both are major.
I wasn't even that excited to visit. I had so many negative notions of L.A. before I visited. Some of them were true and some were definetly not true. Although, I have to say I had an AMAZING time.
It's definetly more liberal (which is good), although in a kinda hypocritical way (which is bad). They have so many S.U.V.'s that it doesn't seem like they are very environmental. However, they have more vegan restaurants than I have ever seen. I honestly don't know what people do for a living out there. I would ask people what they do and they would just give a blank stare before mumbling something about promotions, being an enertainer, or some other job they were obviously making up.
It would be so hard for me to survive in a place like that for one reason... I hate driving.
One of the great highlights is the club scene. I heard both the new Britney and Madonna singles before they were released (which made my trip). The buildings are all inside/outside which is a real joy. Everything closes much earlier, which is a real change from everywhere else I've been. Madonna says in her song "I Love New York" that L.A. is a city for people who sleep. Definetly true.
The best part of my trip was definetly the beach. It was amazing. The waves actually flipped me over and I loved every moment of it. My body was drained.
I also went to the Kaballah center, which was something I definetly wanted to do.
Overall, I will definetly return to L.A. again, but don't think I'd survive moving there. I'm way too much of a city boy.
P.S. Check out "Gimme More" by Britney Spears and "The Beat Goes On" by Madonna... Both are major.
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