Road Rage

I was driving around today, and a car swerves over to my lane and almost hit my car. I realize later that the driver was trying to switch lanes. Being gracious and polite, I slow my car down to let him come in. He abruptly pulls into my lane in an aggressive manner. Soon, I see the guy from the reflection of his mirror making hand gestures, swearing and yelling at me. haha I found this hilarious, especially when I realize later that his tail lights are broken. CALM DOWN and fix your lights.



This reminds me of another incident that occurred during a trip to San Francisco last year. I'm pulling out of a shopping center, with the sun in my eye. For this reason, I inch out slowly.. only to see a car speed pass and honk at me, screaming and yelling. When I finally pull out of the shopping center, I was stopped at a red light waiting in traffic next to that same exact car. Out of curiosity, I turn over to see two teenagers (driver and passenger) giving me the middle finger. They continue to yell and scream with their windows up and my windows up. Um, I can't hear you?

I ignored them, but my boyfriend as the passenger became very irritated and started motioning and giving them other not so pleasant gestures. Finally, the light turns green and the car in front starts to move so I start driving. Crazy teenagers are still yelling at me w/ their windows up. They see my car move, and begin accelerating to catch up with me. Next thing you know, BAM! The car in front of them was still at a stop.

Word of advice: Please don't endanger other people's safety by going on road rage. And please use some discretion before you go off at other people. I wish people wouldn't be so angry when they drive, because honestly, nobody is a perfect driver under certain traffic conditions or in my case, the sun being in my eye. And sometimes, MAYBE sometimes, it is your own fault for going too fast or having broken tail lights.

Reference: NY Daily News

Mood swings

Now that school is my full-time priority, I work part-time at a retail store doing sales, customer service. It's fun working and seeing all sorts of people. I love people watching. The store sells children's furnitures, textiles, and wall decorative. You can only imagine how many kids there are running around at all times playing with the toys set up in display rooms. Sometimes, kids throw up or spill drinks on the floor.

I really don't mind any of that. What really bothers me, is when parents call or come into the store with a temper or attitude. I mean seriously, what would compel a person to be so rude to a complete stranger? I'm just doing my job, so please don't yell at me over someone else's mistake or put your hormonal anger on me.



I wish people would..
Remember to refrain from lashing out at complete strangers (out of emotional frustrations and stress). DO compose yourself in front of your children for you are their role models.

Relaunch - I Wish People Would....

Dear readers,

As you all know, I am currently pursuing my Masters in Communication at USC. The program or emphasis is in Online Communities/Technologies. The introductory class that all of us (my fellow peers and I) required us to initiate this "blog." However, as you may have noticed, I stopped posting the day that class ended.

Why? See my below reasons.

A) I'm not an expert in online/mobile technology, needless to say, social media. I'm sure people who really have interests in these subjects would read up on TechCrunch, Mashable, Digg, or on other industry experts' blogs.

My career path in Marketing has taught me that social media is all about conversation, customer retention, satisfaction, loyalty, .... and the list goes on. But really, (excuse me) but BS? I do support and give props to companies that effectively communicate and inform customers through Facebook FanPages, GroupPages. However, the rest on Twitter.. half of what is said, is just scheduled conversations to get any word out -- anything said is press...............................

Anyway, my point is that if you'd like to read up on technology news, great resources:
TechCrunch, Mashable, Digg.

B) My busy schedule  --- school and work. Really now? I would be lying to myself and (to you, my viewers) in promising you that I will read up on news/content and reiterate it to you.

Lastly, I wanted to let you all know that I will be changing the whole dynamic of my site, due in part to what was mentioned earlier. I'm doing this as a good citizen, as a public favor to everyone, who has encountered mishaps or blundering moments of embarrassment. Not to be your mother, but everyone (yes everyone) needs to be reminded of common manners and proper behaviors once in awhile. So, from here forth, I will be providing you with weekly tips and advices.

Introducing........


****drum rolls*****

I WISH PEOPLE WOULD....

Provide your support by sharing your thoughts - thanks.

End.

Kick Ass!

I saw Kick Ass the other night, and I loved it. It's been awhile since I've enjoyed and been entertained by an action film. The plot is quite simple: a comic-book fanboy (Aaron Johnson) who gets inspired to become a real-life superhero. He runs around and calls himself Kick Ass in a tight green, wet suit look alike outfit. Spider man romance story is woven into the plot as hot high school classmate falls in love with the nerdy-geek boy. Big Daddy (Nicholas Cage) and Hit Girl (Chloe Moretz) come together motivated by vengeance to kill mafia-drug lord. Based on one of the best selling comics by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr...



blah blah blah..

What's most intriguing to me while watching Kick Ass is the reminder of our new age. The first movie I remember seeing that reflected our society and internet advancement was in American Pie. Remember that scene when Jim is hoping to get lucky in his room with Nadia the (international student) and everyone awaits in secret on live webcam? Well Kick Ass has now taken a step ahead ..

Kick Ass became famous when stand byers recorded his fight with street criminals as evidence, which was quickly posted on YouTube and distributed all over the internet. Next thing you know, Kick Ass is a hero and  world-known celebrity, who is all over the news. The movie demonstrates and proves to us once again, the power of online technology, especially when empowered and driven by the force of people. Kick Ass was not short-lived news. He and (Red Mist) created a community around themselves on MySpace to communicate with their fans to help save people.

Check out the movie and let me know what you think!
See video Kick Ass trailer. From the ending of the movie, I'm assuming a sequel will be released in the future..

Facebook tips for business owners

It's been awhile since I last posted. Been considering different ideas for my business pitch -- and it's funny how the more we're learning in the APOC program, the less ideas I seem to be able to come up with. My previous brainstorming ideas are slowly being crossed off, as my knowledge expands for what works/doesn't work..

Luckily for us, Zach's Wednesday class is giving us an opportunity for due diligence. I haven't finalized my idea for the business pitch, but I am taking a step back to look at different platforms. I will be comparing and analyzing tools and resources available to business owners and what they'll need to know in order to arrive at making a business decision. Specifically, I'm going to be focusing on the Facebook platform. 

Facebook is a popular tool for social media, that we already know. It's free and easy for companies to use as voice, brand recognition and for marketing efforts. (More than 20 million people become fans of Pages each day, and pages have created more than 5.3 billion fans overall) However, I've seen companies use Facebook wasting time, effort and money spent on building pages and applications.

Mistakes business owners make utilizing Facebook:

Failure to build bridge with users: People use Facebook because helps manage and makes social life easier for them online. Consider how your Fan Page or Group would benefit your fans/members on a social level. Find ways to cater to the needs of your audience or interest group. Otherwise, they will lose interest and jump to the next page.

Over complicating -- cluttering their page: Keep your fan page/group content simple and insightful. Some companies become self-absorbed talking about their product/service that you offer, filling your fan page / group with promotions and spam. They spend time and money developing fun applications that look visually appealing but irrelevant to their audience. This is prime example of failure to listen and learn from customers. Take advantage from what your fans are saying about your company and use it as feedback. Perhaps you may ask for input on the launch of a new product, or provide discussions/FAQs for people with questions about your product..

Impatience to learn the Facebook culture: Companies think joining Facebook is a quick solution for business success. This could be true, but it takes time to engage, interact, and learn from your loyalists. Don't expect a quick turn around or everyone to become a Fan or part of your Group -- unless you are Apple or Coca Cola. (Even if your company is like Apple and Coca Cola, you need to spend time building conversations around your customers and their interests to learn more about your company). 

Inconsistent voice: A company needs brand identity. Likewise, when utilizing Facebook keep that brand image consistent. Don't try to be professional one day and use slang and act hip and cool the next day. Your voice should be dependent on who your audience is. Conversations should be what interests your customers not you, what's newsworthy, buzz worthy to them. 

Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide by Henry Jenkins

Finished reading Henry Jenkin's book Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide few weeks ago. Jenkins is not only the founder of Education Arcade interested in videogames and learning, but also a multifaceted media scholar.





In the beginning of the book, he starts off by explaining the black box fallacy, meaning that sooner or later all media content will flow through one single black box. This lies true as we begin to see the size of our gadgets shrink while allowing use for multi-purposes. See for example our iPhone versus a mobile phone in the 90s. Besides the major call functions, we can now read/send email, watch videos via YouTube, An interesting read which touches points on popular culture and media convergence.


Jenkins uses different case studies to demonstrate how corporations, brands, politicians, educators are changing the way they things in response to cultural shifts to new media. The success of entertainment industry making use of online communities to build relationships with consumers and brand loyalists. In the show Survivors, a group of hardcore fans come together through collective intelligence discuss and learn from each other to unveil secrets about the show before it gets aired. He further analyzes the importance of audience participation in popular culture in American Idol and Harry Potter. Both brands became great success due to its involvement with the audience. While American Idol fans participated in each contestants journey on the show and in voting, Harry Potter enthusiasts started Hogwart societies and practiced creative writing to tell their own Hogwart tales through their own life experiences. Jenkins also covers Sci-fi films such as the Matrix and Star Wars franchises, and how creators were able to prolong the story telling experience through different media channels -- (animations, series, video games) and turn it to revenue opportunities.


As media converge, we are learning that there is no magic formula to succeed in engaging consumers and monetizing. However, Jenkins does make fine points and bring up hot topics in the society we live in today. He leaves the reader something to think about throughout the book. "Don't expect the uncertainties surrounding convergence to be resolved anytime soon. We are entering an era of prolonged transition and transformation in the way media operates. Convergence describes the process by which we will sort through those options. There will be no magical black box that puts everything in order again. Media producers will find their way through their current problems only by renegotiating their relationship with their consumers. Audiences, empowered by these new technologies, occupying a space at the intersection between old and new media, are demanding the right to participate within the culture. Producers who fail to make their peace with this new participatory culture will face declining goodwill and diminished revenues. The resulting struggles and compromises will define the public culture of the future."

Should everything be a game?

I'd like to disagree on this comment. Just because Foursquare and Facebook are integrating and building game mechanics does not mean every online community and brand/company site need to jump on the band wagon.

Here's my analogy: Social media, oh it's so great. It worked for Friendster, MySpace, Facebook, blogger sites, etc. Many companies, such as Google, saw this as a major opportunity to better engage and interact with their audience. Look what happened there with Google Buzz. Google I love you, but sorry that was an epic fail.

Gabe Zichermann, who is the CEO of startup beamME, argues that "fun is good and that game mechanics will find their way into all sorts of products and businesses." He suggests the following:

Facebook should incorporate a popularity game so users can more easily gauge their social graph. The game is to encourage to add more friends - ("add two more friends to beat Sam's score"). Users would be awarded when they connect and add more friends.. Are you serious?! This is exactly why MySpace has become loser-land, because people add non-friends, strangers..all of which are potentially creeps. Facebook is about connecting with people you actually know, not random people so that you seem more popular.

Amazon - Zichermann's concept to integrate a virtual library within Amazon, so that you can share books that you have read w/ your friends. This is interesting. Often times, I will either ask my friends to send me a book list, which they never get to OR I mentally take note of a book name and later forget. A virtual library seems perfectly appropriate in this instance, as many people do visit Amazon to seek out reviews for best sellers for purchase.

Fedex - the idea "to connect your social graph to your shipments, letting you see your en route packages on a game board relate to your friends. You could "talk smack" to friends whose packages were sent via ground (or USPS)" This is a stretch for me. I have enough games on my iPhone as is, in addition to all the endless game requests on Facebook. Moreover, I don't need to find Fedex entertaining. I visit Fedex simply to track my delivery estimate, status, get my information and go. I don't need to waste more time there.. need I say more?

Following the trend seems like a smart move and definitely tempting , however you really need to analyze, take a step back and look at your business critically. Before you jump to conclusion and make a rash decision -- What is your main purpose, goal, and who are you servicing? Think twice. Not all consumers would appreciate you force feeding, moreover adding distraction to the service they expect to receive.

Cheers!

Reference: How to make Facebook, Fedex, and Amazon More Fun

Dirty sexy gossip blogs

Here's a thought for the day. Online communities or blogs such as thedirty.com bring people together to trash talk and attack innocent people. Interesting thing you notice on these sites, people usually attack women leaving crude snarky comments about their physical looks and sexual behavior... hating on how fat this girl looks, how slutty they look, or how she will sleep with anybody. Whether or not these comments deem true, most of these women unknowingly have their pictures stolen by the attacker from either a myspace or facebook account, and you can only imagine how terribly embarrassing it would be to have a posting forwarded to you via email. 

These websites not only invade privacy, they also damage a person's reputation. Women who have seen themselves on these websites will face difficulties landing a job. Spreading gossip seems so easy to do over a click of a mouse, while victims of these websites go through extensive efforts to have the posting removed. Yet, will the defamation ever really be replaced?

Sadly, people still find these online gossip columns to be entertaining, guilty indulgence. Likewise, there are temptations to gossip about people you hate, since it's less confrontational and your identity is concealed.  It's an encouragement to those web attackers. No wonder web bullies still exist. 

Still, victims today are fighting hard to shut down these websites and find their trash talker. While commenters can be sued, they don't have the power to take down posts. On the other hand, websites are not liable for commenters' behaviors or actions. This is because they are protected by the terms and conditions of their online communities. All the power lies in the hands of the web owner, since he/she has rights to all content within the community. 

Most memorable from reading...

So how do we battle against these websites? Stop giving hate-spewers an audience.

How to protect yourself from online gossips?

1. Don’t post Girls Gone Wild-worthy shots of yourself on My Space, Facebook or anywhere they can be copied. On photo-sharing sites, use privacy settings.

2. Is someone saying malicious things about you online? E-mail a polite request to the site’s webmaster, asking that the offensive material be deleted.

3. You might consider calling in the pros, like ReputationDefender for about $15 a month. But, be aware: Web gossip is so hard to control that there are no guarantees.

Reference: Why are nice, normal girls getting bullied online?

Goldstar events

Thank goodness to Goldstar! Last year, when I moved to the east coast due to my job, I learned about Goldstar. Being in a new city, apart from friends and family, it is quite difficult to keep yourself busy. My roommates and I decided to sign up for Goldstar to seek out events going on around the city to keep ourselves occupied. This is an awesome tool that allows for customization based on location and special interests. I have been a member of Ticket Master in the past; however, it lacks the personalization that Goldstar allows for. While Ticketmaster is a useful tool to find special events that you have been predisposed to, it's difficult to learn about events nearby. Although, Ticketmaster has a more expansive category for sporting events, Goldstar promotes independent and small events to users. On the other hand, Ticketmaster may only reveal more mainstream events.

While Ticketmaster is able to recognize events similar to your interests and recommend them to you, Goldstar focuses more on the location and the type of events you are interested in. Ticketmaster bases search on category types while Goldstar focus its searches on location, date.

Users of both communities are able to purchase tickets for events, but they focus on different aspects. Ticketmaster enables its users to purchase pre-tickets, while Goldstar offers users advantages in purchasing discounted tickets. What's more useful to you?

Comparative Shopping Made Easier

oMoby is a new app on the iPhone that enables you to do comparative shopping in real-time, anywhere you go. This application uses Google technology to search for items similar to what you are looking for. Rather by searching for your desired object, simply take a snap shot of the item. oMoby will search for visual objects similar and spit back results based on the visual identification.

I cannot remember the number of times I've gone shopping at Fry's or Best Buy, hoping to buy something. I usually end up standing around wasting time searching for similar products on Woot and all over the web. In the end, I usually end up going home deciding that perhaps I should do some more research. Problems solved. I will test this application out..



In addition to this functionality, oMoby allows you to save your visual searches as well as share visual searches with your friends via Facebook, Twitter and email.

See demo video here

--------------
edit: this is a free application. Unfortunately, it's only available for the 3GS.  booo...


Reference: Omoby: Visual Serach for the iPhone

Driving offline traffic via mobile technology

On the web, eCommerce sites are trying to reach higher rankings based on keyword search to drive as much traffic to their sites as possible. This trend is catching on offline as well. Retail businesses want to join in on driving traffic to their stores. How will they achieve this?


A new technology called ShopAlerts, powered by a location based startup Placecast are launching a new marketing service for retailers. ShopAlerts allows users to opt-in on receiving text messages in a variety of ways - at the store, online, text-message, mobile websites or on Facebook. When ShopAlerts has been activated, users will receive alerts via mobile on nearby businesses. Using virtual boundaries, targeted consumers within proximity will be able to see sales and special offers at the brand stores. Companies that join ShopAlerts will be able to customize their messaging and alerts to consumers. Some of the current major retailers include: American Eagle Outfitters, REI, and North Face..


ShopAlerts works on both smartphone and non-smartphones, so this comes real handy for fashionistas and shopoholics! Note that ShopAlerts cannot send more than 3 text messages from a retailer in a given week. This said, I assume that a consumer will receive individual texts from each retail store. However, don't worry, if you feel you will be overwhelmed by all the text messages. You may opt-out of ShopAlerts at any time.


We will see how well this mobile marketing service works out. Love the idea! However, one flaw that I see foreshadowing is the age range of people using mobile and how easily accessible it is to opt-in. Once retail brand stores opt-in, I'm sure restaurants and diners will be jumping on the band wagon or demand for a service similar to ShopAlerts for the entertainment, food, and hospitality industry. This will be followed by clubs and bars joining in. Do we really want to market bars/clubs to underage children?


My thoughts are as different lines of businesses join in on ShopAlerts, we will receive separate texts based on different business categories. Either by a difference service provider, or by ShopAlerts (if they expand and customize functionalities for other types of businesses).

Reference: Placecast debuts Location-based Mobile Marketing Technology ShopAlerts

Wordpress

I'm using blogspot currently, but I have been examining Wordpress. Wordpress has recently added so many new additions and enhancements to its platform; ie. integration of Google Buzz, proofreads in multiple languages, and new line in mobile apps. These functionalities all have a common goal. Expand audience base and readers via world wide web.

The new Google Buzz plug-in capability enables users to reach out to their google users. It just seems that all the information we share these days is everywhere. It's spreading virally, whether we like it or not, and also through different applications available for us to sync and link content in multiple communities.

Proofreading functionality shows that communication has become more glocalized, which requires for the demand for multiple languages in Wordpress. I'm sure this enhancement will make people around the world happy. I know I often make mistakes when I'm blogging, and thanks to spell checks, I am able to easily spot my mistakes and correct them.

Mobile apps is something we can't forget about today, especially when everyone these days has a small gadget that allows for internet surfing. Mobile devices have only made our addictions to social media and blogging worse. I can't even count with my two hands the number of times I secretly take a peek at my facebook to see if people have interacted on my profile or get updates on what's happening to my friends. Wordpress' mobile application enables users to view daily stats on traffick to their website.

I think it's a good thing that we can easily access information between different websites, but now I am just getting a little overwhelmed by all the information that's coming to me left and right...

Google Buzz lesson learned..

If you have been observing Google Buzz over the past week or so, you should know that it hasn't received many compliments. I'm sure Google knows that they messed up. There was much pressure to launch Google Buzz early this year, so it seems that the product was not tested out properly. However, aside from the rash decision, I think the main issue here is force-feeding users with Google Buzz.



We've had many discussions in class about the success of applications and/or online communities based on its user functionality and wireframe. This incident with Google Buzz and changes to Facebook design in the past few weeks have made me realized the struggles that providers face to balance amongst user functionality, usability, and flexibility...

In the last fifteen years, we have been comfortable purchasing PCs and MACs that come with basic programs; but as the owner, we have the freedom to install additional softwares/applications. Another example is the iPod, which comes with the essentials: Phone list and call functions, calendar, notes, clock/alarm, weather forecast, google maps, and iTunes (which allows you to install new/delete applications). People like the option and flexibility, but not so when it's forced upon us. Even when it's social-media related. With Google Buzz, people find it to be a clutter and it's a non-essential forced into Gmail. At the same time, people are struggling to figure out how to use it, especially since Google hasn't done the best in teaching users how to use the application. I just searched for Google Buzz on Howcast, nada. Facebook and Twitter have uploaded many how-tos on here in the past and have had millions of viewers.
Note to Google: Upload a video on Howcast!

Reference: Google Buzz Warning: Force Feeding Users can Result in Vomiting

Learn to speak English in 8D World

Currently in China, English training schools is a vast growing market. Aside from English classes required in the public education, parents are also sending their children to training schools around the country, which costs about $700. English is the hottest subject, and everyone wants to play part in it. 


In order to meet demands, a startup called 8D World, based in Massachusetts came up with the idea of a virtual world, Wiz World Online for Chinese-speaking kids who want to learn English. This platform will be used by CCTV's English competition for training and the competition and be promoted to millions of Chinese viewers.




so where's the catch? 8D World integrates education with the gaming industry. This is basically an MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game), except that 8D's model allows you to learn English in this virtual world. Each player or student has an avatar and may interact w/ each other in English. In order to level up and earn more points, players will need to be able to pronounce words properly through a microphone. The software is subscription based at about $20/month and $160/year, which is alot less compared to the tuition at training schools. 8D has also created partnerships with about 1,500 of the training schools who will help resell Wiz World subscriptions and get a rev-share. What a great revenue model! 


Since the game players in this virtual world is exclusive to the Chinese only -- now the Chinese government has one less thing to worry about their people getting corrupted by foreign ideas/thoughts. I wonder if conversations and content within this game will be censored as well, either by the government or the creators.. haha.. 


SIMS - couldn't you have thought of this idea earlier??!?!??!

Winter Olympics 2010 -- mountain view

In preparation for the Winter Olympics 2010 at the Whistler Resort, Google takes Google Maps takes street view to another level. At the top of Whistler, a snowmobile equipped with a 360 degree camera presents to you mountain view of the slopes at Whistler.

This is simply amazing. Beautiful. The idea of providing people the experience the Winter Olympics venue virtually. I'm guessing Google will take this idea and expand to other Ski Resorts. How cool would this be? Before taking a trip around the world, you will be able to experience what it's like to be up on the slopes ahead of time. Oh you, snowboarders -- calm down.

See Whistler Ski Resort snowmobile video here.

Reference: Techcrunch

Google's first ad on Super Bowl

Probably one of the most simple commercials I've ever witnessed during Super Bowl. However, it's succinct and makes its point. Our lives can be found on Google. Whatever you need, Google is available to provide you service to find answers on anything or everything.. and not just anything or everything related to Paris.

I love the music in the background.

See the commercial. Google - Parisian Love

Taste the Rainbow..

Skittles recently made the decision to change Skittles.com after the last epic fail of turning Skittles.com to a Twitter Search page, which led to things from racial slurs to pedophilia talk.

The new design of Skittles.com allows visitors to experience the never-ending page of colorful images. These weird images have given them attention in social media space. Over 3,6900,000 fans on Facebook, and their Twitter page is growing, as the account was just created. When you visit Skittles.com, you will notice as you scroll that there are buttons throughout inducing you to follow Skittles on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook otherwise allowing you the option to tweet this image. I find this marketing scheme interesting, as it seems the sole purpose to launch the site is to gain more Facebook and Twitter followers. This shows to me how important it is for well-known brands to have social media presence to build and gain loyal followers.

I am proof that this tactic has worked, as I have just followed them on my Twitter.

Even so, Skittles should do more with their webpage. Relying are wacky images isn't enough. There seems to be a recurring theme of discussions in class. Listen and learn from your consumers by observing and interacting with them! True that Skittles will be gaining followers and fans, but what is the gain here in building this website besides trafficking people to Facebook and Twitter? Skittles.com currently does not provide room or space for visitors to comment or interact. The only interaction I am having on this website is with myself and scrolling my mouse....

Reference: http://www.techcrunch.com/2010/02/05/skittles-website/

Apartment hunting

For many years, Rent.com and Apartment Finder have been my best friends when it comes to finding a new home. Recently, I returned to Los Angeles to begin my Master program at USC. I literally did all my packing in Virginia in 3 days prior to my flight back to Los Angeles, a day before the semester began. So as you can see, I am in desperate need to find a place and settle.

Rent.com is a free of charge service, and a great resource for people looking for apartments. They provide photo images, property specs, apartment amenities, maps/directions, and floor plans. In addition, you can check the availability online and send direct messages to agents through Rent.com. Once you sign a lease, contact Rent.com to let they know about your recent move-in and they will send you a $100 dollar Visa card. Pretty awesome right? Only negative side, is that since this is a 3rd party site, it may not be able provide the most up-to-date details on special offers.

Side note: Be nice to the leasing agents! Sure, they are there purely to sell. However, they are also your soon to be next door neighbor, and/or manager of the community so don't burn bridges. When looking for apartments, always always try and maximize the amount of rent reductions/move-in costs you can get! Let them know your budget situation, and they may sometimes offer you a better deal or negotiate with you. Leasing agents usually won't bring this up, but you can get multiple reductions. For example, let your leasing agent know that you used Rent.com and you will receive $100 from Rent.com. Then, if you know of anybody that has lived, currently lives, or plans to live - use that as an advantage! Try to work out a referral deal. Leasing agents often times also has connections/hook-ups with cable companies.

Apartment Ratings reliable or not? Prior to and post visiting an apartment, I will check on this site to verify and see if this place is legitimate. However, over time I have come to realize that these ratings should be recognized as a precautionary rather as a determination for your decision making. Here are a list of things I suggest you consider:

1) They are all bad reviews! Rating after rating I have read and reviewed, and it seemed almost only 1 of 10 comments posted are positive. Why is this? People have the tendency to complain and speak out more due to a bad service than when they have experienced something average or good.

2) Give the apartment the benefit of doubt. I have reviewed apartments from different management properties and price ranges, and even luxury complexes receive their share of complaints. When you eat at a restaurant, you may complain and the restaurant server/manager can turn this mistake around to you all within 10 minutes. I believe apartment communities are a lot more complex in its operation and management. What I am trying to say is that, when you make a complaint to the community manager, it is usually a problem that they will take some time from 1 week up to 2-3 months. If the complaint is about a certain staff or maintenance problem some months ago, chances are the corrections have already been made.

3) Remember that user reviews are subjective. In other words, what is clean to you (even if you are hygienic, but you leave clothes here and there), may seem filthy to another person. Someone who grew up in the city may think music coming from the next door neighbor is small distraction, and vice versa.

4) Number of reviews. This is basic statistics. The more reviews you see the more reliable and accurate the data/information. This meaning that if you see 5 negative comments, you probably are only seeing a small portion of people complaining.

My own happy note: Honest, good people still come around! I lost my iPhone yesterday at a local Vietnamese restaurant called Trieu Chau (which by the way is very good - see reviews from Yelp!), thinking I for sure would not get it back. Turns out, the server turned it in for Lost and Found. Thank you, thank you!

Reference: Are Apartment Ratings Services a Reliable Source?

Howcast

Howcast was launched just two years ago, a site filled with originally produced how-to videos on everything. Howcast uses videos from its own site and other channels such as YouTube and Hulu.

I especially like this video from the article:

http://www.howcast.com/videos/37713-How-To-Deal-With-a-Mean-Boss

Howcast is continually growing, from streaming 10 million videos a month last year to about 25 million videos a month today. I am amazed by the growth of this niche video site, and its ability to expand its audience in just a couple of years. Like many video sites, Howcast makes profit from selling ad space to increase its CPMs (Cost per thousand impressions). Furthermore, it has taken advantage of its business model for a instructional short-form how-to videos to earn additional revenue. The online community collaborates with independent film makers to produce instructional and entertainment videos for top brand names such as AT&T, Kodak, Twitter, Jetblue.. This idea not only helps leverage Howcast's brand name recognition by associating itself with these reputable names, but also helps with monetizing. Although video production and distribution for brand names for 10% of the videos Howcast produces, it takes up a majority of its sales. Currently, they are producing an average of 1,000 how-to videos a month. Looks like its concept is working! However it usually take a good five years for a business to mature, which means Howcast is still growing. I guess we'll see how well this model works out for Howcast in the next few years!

Twiistup

Stayed over at a friend's last night in Santa Monica, so that I could attend the Twiistup event that was held at the Skirball Cultural Center today. Although I was mostly helping out at the registration and did get a peek here and there to listen to the panel speakers at the conference. Very interesting topics were covered about start-ups. Amazing to hear people with much passion speak and give in put on their experiences and recommendations.

On another note, Zach also brought in an internet lawyer for our Wednesday night class. Without question, starting up a business is involves a lot of planning, logistics, and intricate decisions. However, I was shocked by all the different regulations and law practices a company needs to follow. Besides understanding all the internet privacy policy rules, an entrepreneur must recognize and foresee obstacles to be able to protect him/herself. While a companies may have a great concept model and business plan, sometimes they fail due to internal disputes and disagreements. Our guest speaker talked about Partnership Agreements and Work for Hire Agreements. It's important for the owner to make sure and communicate clearly about their goals and objectives when dealing with other individuals, whether it's within the company or third party. Funny how the issues he preached about seem so logical, yet people often times overlook out of carelessness.

iPad versus the Kindle

Steffie my muse for the day... :D

I just saw an email reminiscing the days we played the Nintendo, and you had to pull out the cartridge to figure out and fix the problem. Seems like all gadgets made today to avoid problems for us, better convenience. The person in the email also talked about dreading the day for whats to come after DVDs. iPad vs. the Kindle is exactly this.

It seems over a blink of an eye that the iPad is making presence in the market after the launch of Kindle. Even though Kindle's price level is half of an iPad, the iPad offers an abundance of entertainment value to this small gadget. In addition to the reading functionality, it can also be used for watching, listening, gaming, browsing, sharing photos, and communicating with friends & family. Over time as prices drop over demand, consumers will begin to evaluate the purchase value of an iPad vs. Kindle. "For the same price, more is better."

It's funny to see all these different gadgets consolidate to one over time. New additions and innovations are also being produced faster than ever. Similarly to the email I read, I dread the day DVDs become obsolete. VHS tapes were introduced in the 70s and remained popular up until the mid-90s. DVDs only lived to be popular for a rough 10 years, before BluRay was introduced. There seems to be a pattern for the lifespan of these new inventions - they're becoming shorter. This really means as a consumer, we need to be more conscious about making a purchase, do the research - make sure it will be a good investment!

Reference: iPad versus Kindle

HipChat

I just learned about this chat application that can be used across enterprises. I have a friend that works at Boeing and I believe they have an internal built chat system that they use. However, I was never aware of these 3rd party chat programmers catered for business models. Apparently, this type of application has been around, similar concept to Yammer and Campfire. In the past, I have used my personal accounts -- AIM, Gmail, Yahoo chat programs at work to communicate with coworkers.

I think this concept is very interesting and unique. The application is well-thought out for companies to use to communicate/get feedback. With this sort of technology, people will not need to email files and wait for recipient to receive, download and then respond back with email or phone. This makes communication much more efficient and separates employees' work from personal accounts used for social purposes. In addition, HipChat allows for group chats and individual private chats to occur simultaneously. Group chats are a great way to discuss and generate ideas. With these sort of capabilities, employees can cutback on time held in meetings and in sending emails throughout the day.

HipChat flat fee ranges from $9 a month for (12+ members) and up to $99 a month for 100 members. However, I'm not sure if this model will last if it can only house up to 100 members. I think this application should be especially helpful to large corporations with 500+ employees, which will allow you to chat with people throughout the corporation in different regions as well. HipChat could integrate the idea of Outlook to include each members profile: name, title, department, office location. Members would be searched by region or office location, and then by department. I feel that these enhancements to the tool would be more useful in large companies, since it is often times difficult to reach out to the appropriate contact.

Reference: HipChat application

Google Pulling out of China

In the past few weeks, people have been talking about the possibilities for Google to call it quits if China continues its censorship on the internet. I personally don't think China will bend rules for Google. It's understandable that Google is making a clear distinction to protect its business; however, is this the best way to negotiate for a change in censorship and freedom of speech? It's obvious that Google will be losing a huge account if they pull the plug, and it seems doubtful they may be able to get a second chance. Many of the China's internet services have remained silent about Google's decision, which means they are probably prepared to compete as the new service provider in China.

Censorship and freedom of speech in China

My parents moved to China beginning of 2009. I visited them that summer to see this newly developed city, Shanghai. Shanghai was definitely not what I had imagined in my mind. This city stretches miles long ... and it sure isn't walking distance like New York City. I could not believe my eyes -- the advancements in technologies and the beautiful buildings of old architecture and modern day.

While on vacation, I would often log online to check emails, chat online to keep in touch with my friends. It was only a few days later, when my mother called me over, and asked me, "what sites did you visit?" I blanked, and was confused. What sites? These sites ran across my mind (gmail, yahoo mail, hotmail, facebook, twitter, random blogs.. ) Nothing out of ordinary. My mother was very upset at the time, explaining that the government had already shutdown several sites that she was visiting. Apparently, I may have shutdown another one of her privileged sites. Moreover, she recently had to create a new gmail account, because the government would control emails she can/cannot receive in her hotmail.

It is evident that censorship and freedom of speech in China is a huge problem, especially for foreigners living in the country. It's a difficult adjustment knowing that you have limited rights and access to the rest of the world. In addition, search results and instant messengers are screened as well. If Google does decide to pull of China, this may be the first baby step to influence change on censorship.

metered newspaper!

Few days ago, I read about New York Times' plan for a metered billing system on its website some time next year. Imagine that! Jeff Cole mentioned in our first meet the hard hit that print newspapers have been getting since the increase of internet usage. A print subscriber will never be replaced -- it will only be replaced by more digital readers..(offspring)? Sad. Those days will be missed.

Back to my main point, newspaper companies are hanging by the thread, finding ways to survive online. To make matters worse, last year's advertising recession contributed to revenues losses for all newspaper companies. So, the new solution - charge the readers online!

New York Times will base its metered billing system on Financial Times' model. Frequent online readers (1o or more visits a month) will be charged at a flat rate. I wonder how this model will work for New York Times. The Financial Times subject matter is tailored for a niche group, while content for New York Times is rather comprehensive. How many of the New York Times' readers will remain loyal or switch brands?

Other thoughts: how will they keep track of readers? People have so many different gadgets now adays! I have an iPhone, laptop, desktop...

Reference: New York Tines Online Meter

The Other Road Ahead

In 1998, Paul Graham made a huge deal selling his start-up company Viaweb. It's obvious that he thinking was far beyond the time. This has really got me thinking about ASP (Application Service Provider), is where the next generation of software will be written. This model / concept would probably mean that our CPU would diminish in size, or would we even need one? The iMacs already have computers built in the monitors. Ironically, for some time in the tech industry, we have always been searching for ways to store more memory in a condensed model. Based on Paul Graham's concept, we probably won't be needing much memory on our personal computer in the future. Hulu is a good example -- so it seems very possible that DVDs will become obsolete..

Reading about ASP's -- so embarrassing. For the longest time in my prior job, I had the most trouble explaining what I do and what I operate. I was basically doing content management on the back-ends of an ASP! Everything just came together after reading this article. And now I've gained depth/knowledge about my last job. haha funny..

First meeting - apoc 2010

I was a little surprised that this class entails mostly guest speakers. However, this seems logical to help us gain a general understanding about the industry. John Cole spoke during our first meet about the consolidation of print media companies as most of news content is rapidly growing and converted to digital space. In addition, the increase of broadband users have affected our daily lives. As broadband becomes more common, the cost will decrease and the use of broadband will be similar to that of electricity. Something that intrigued me was that notion that cable television may eventually become obsolete. As we begin to see cable television companies feel threatened by the internet. Eg. Time warner cable promotion, offering cable subscribers free viewing anywhere.

I have also signed up to volunteer for Twiistup coming up end of January. I'm still a little uncertain what or how this will turn out. However from my understanding, this is an tech0 industry conference/social event to give entrepreneurs a chance to shine and promote themselves. This will be interesting and I look forward to this..