javascript - trendy again

Javascript is back in shape, with all the buzz about Web2.0 (Thanks to Ajax & Co). So, didn't have to wait too long before we get some techys jumping on the train.

Javascript, programming language? - let's build a library then!

Here we go: http://prototype.conio.net/

Below are a few derived application frameworks derived from prototype:
http://script.aculo.us/
http://openrico.org/rico/home.page
http://bennolan.com/behaviour/

Ok, looks nice...but...what's the difference between client side languages and server side languages. Well, if you want to use a client side library, you'll need to ask your browser to load it first.

So, you have spent hours retouching your pictures to ensure that your page is under 100k, and then..you are going to load a 200k library to carry on tasks that may require just a couple of lines in javascript.

so.. alittle piece of advice - learn javascript first, before jumping with your two feet in the Web2.0 frenzy.

seo and trademark

This one is funny:
www.weboptimiser.com/legal/weboptimisertm.html

Weboptimiser have trademarked keyphrases such as

	seo firm
	search engine marketing company
	seo company

amazing!

PR lessons

Got this from doyourownpr.com, and good opportunity to keep it somewhere (I haven't got any room left on my wall where to pin the 10 rules)

1. Remember relationships are the key to successful PR. It's better to concentrate on a small number of key publications than to spread yourself too thinly and go for the mass market.

2. This is the point when you need to think about integrating PR into your business. Be realistic about what you will be able to do in the future and assess whether you need to let some of the control go and take on a PR agency, freelancer or even bring in a team member to handle PR and marketing.

3. Regularly assess your online PR - are you getting the click-throughs you need? And if so where are they coming from? Learn to read your stats and you'll know where to focus your attention.

4. Ensure that your PR runs like clockwork. Make sure that something goes out to the press at least every other month.

5. The more content on your website, the more likely journalists will find you through the search engines.

6. On the same theme, having a press page where they can access your press releases and download photos will save you time and effort and look professional.

7. Keep pushing your comfort zone. If you haven't considered talking on the radio before, take the plunge and really push for becoming a guest on a talk show.

8. Set times for regular PR brainstorming sessions with staff.

9. Use your cuttings - create a cutting folder to show potential clients, frame them and put them on office walls and use them in your marketing literature.

10. If you do take on a PR company they can only be as good as the information you provide you with so make sure you build a strong relationship and keep tabs on what they are doing for you.

Google analytics

Google has just released their analytics (URCHIN, online version) - the UI is great, and features (for free!) are awsome - you can finally get a real analytics tool(with marketing management, etc ... ) for FREE now.

Ok, this is not charity - URCHIN.com still charge for the software, in case you are reluctant to sign for a Google account. But why should I care about signing with Google? They can collect the data, fine, send me some marketing stuff, fine... well, nothing to worry about really - a website is not private, it is public. You probably don't want to disclose your stats publicly though but I am quiet happy to share them with Google, as long as they don't display them publicly.

Nice move Google, just looking forward to free hosting now.

window live

Just gave a go at http://www.live.com/ (you can sign in with your hotmail account). Nothing exciting really - read a lot about Microsoft joining the web 2.0 trend - bof.

One thing exciting though: http://microsoftgadgets.com/default.aspx. Develop your own gadgets.
- Manifest : xml file including info about the gadget - kind of RSS feed.
- javascript: will hold the "actual" code (development must comply with the "atlas" framework...for firefox compatibity)
- CSS: well, just to spice the design up, and make it your own.

Well, thought I would give it ago - here we go:
http://microsoftgadgets.com/forums/1203/ShowPost.aspx

top internet person for Internet People dinner

Why I qualify as a top internet person:
- I run a top internet agency (Jazar)
- I run a top internet related networking group (London web Design Meetup)
- I have been working with top internet companies (example: set up Search Engine Marketing strategy for SHOP.com 2 years ago)
- I have been working with top people, on internet related projects (example: in the process of finalising contract with Stevie wonder to run his official european website).

You may wonder - but what the heck is he doing - a self indulgent post? Well, just making sure that I qualify as a top internet person, as required for the Internet People dinner

Open Use

After "Open Source" and "Open Marketing", what about "Open Use".

Microsoft this week, launched a new website: "Windows Live,"

This site aims to create a new platform that will bring some of its applications online so they can be used anywhere at any time.

The site will be free to users and Microsoft plans to support it with advertising. Bill Gates called the move a “revolution in how we think about software."

The "open source" trend is there, and as mentionned earlier in this blog, investments are increasing fast in this sector. "Open use" is coming along - ok, software giants such as microsoft are not opening their code, but change slighlty their old licencing model...to follow Google's step of course.

Microsoft can then be considered as the underdog here. not very successful at search so far, they attack from an other angle - let's see if whether they will be more successful.

index the world...

Eric Schmidt (Google's Chief executive) predicted that it could take 300 years to index all the world's information and make it searchable at the Association of National Advertisers annual conference in Phoenix.

Approximately 5 million terabytes of information are available out there, and only about 170 terabytes have been indexed.

What does it mean - well it means that Google plan to be around for a ... long time, even though there is an obvious flaw in Schmidt's calculation. Technology in 10 years is going to be radically different from what it is now, and capacities of storage and processing the information will increase, and always push the limits of Search. So... it definitely strikes the imagination, but it doesn't really make sense on the paper.