Web Development Resources: Lockergnome - Web Developer

Normally I am among the first to say that Google has great timing with their product launches. Not saying that their products are perfect each and every time, rather that Google can launch their stuff at just the right moment. Sadly in the case of TV to the consumer, Google is all over the place.

According to this article, Google is looking to launch a a pay per view TV option. Yeah, because they’ve apparently learned nothing from AppleTV’s pay-per-use model failure and instead think they can compete with video on iTunes. Give me a break. No one in their right mind is buying video from DRM based iTunes unless they have a way to make a smooth transition for livingroom viewing, like Amazon and Roku. At least then DRM isn’t so bad as you are not using a PC to watch content.

I am of the mind that Google is going to have another Google Wave like failure here as asking people to once again, duplicate an existing service wanting a pay per use model is to be kind, redundant. Bundle this with the lack of a set top box like AppleTV or Roku and this concept becomes very half baked. Most people are not going to watch content like movies or TV on a computer. And even with Hulu, people are trying to connect it to TV sets. I know I did.

Normally I am among the first to say that Google has great timing with their product launches. Not saying that their products are perfect each and every time, rather that Google can launch their stuff at just the right moment. Sadly in the case of TV to the consumer, Google is all over the place.

According to this article, Google is looking to launch a a pay per view TV option. Yeah, because they’ve apparently learned nothing from AppleTV’s pay-per-use model failure and instead think they can compete with video on iTunes. Give me a break. No one in their right mind is buying video from DRM based iTunes unless they have a way to make a smooth transition for livingroom viewing, like Amazon and Roku. At least then DRM isn’t so bad as you are not using a PC to watch content.

I am of the mind that Google is going to have another Google Wave like failure here as asking people to once again, duplicate an existing service wanting a pay per use model is to be kind, redundant. Bundle this with the lack of a set top box like AppleTV or Roku and this concept becomes very half baked. Most people are not going to watch content like movies or TV on a computer. And even with Hulu, people are trying to connect it to TV sets. I know I did.

I’ve been among those from the beginning pointing out how useless Twitter was for search results at any level. It’s a great way to connect with readers, partners, customers and so on. But as a search engine, it’s not cutting it at all. And now it seems that the rest of the world is finally beginning to catch on with this idea.

Despite the benefits of trend spotting a Twitter search can provide, any results given by Twitter lose their value soon after the person sending the updates hits the enter key. So in response, Twitter is now only going back four days. I think this is a reasonable amount of history for Twitter to maintain. But hopefully, this change will also offer us less of the annoying fail-whale along the way as a result.

It’s also likely that the mindset behind limiting the database to four days stems from the fact that data changes, so there is not really such a need for data that may now be dated, by Twitter trending stats. Just one thought.

I’ve been among those from the beginning pointing out how useless Twitter was for search results at any level. It’s a great way to connect with readers, partners, customers and so on. But as a search engine, it’s not cutting it at all. And now it seems that the rest of the world is finally beginning to catch on with this idea.

Despite the benefits of trend spotting a Twitter search can provide, any results given by Twitter lose their value soon after the person sending the updates hits the enter key. So in response, Twitter is now only going back four days. I think this is a reasonable amount of history for Twitter to maintain. But hopefully, this change will also offer us less of the annoying fail-whale along the way as a result.

It’s also likely that the mindset behind limiting the database to four days stems from the fact that data changes, so there is not really such a need for data that may now be dated, by Twitter trending stats. Just one thought.

If I didn’t know better, I’d say that Facebook Live either had a massive issues with its video metrics or perhaps with its ability to attract an audience who cares. Speaking for me, I find myself leaning with the latter as streaming live video is more on par with YouTube, Ustream, or other related services.

Still, it seems that this article raises the question and points out that it could go either way.  The sad part is they even Facebooked the event and still no one outside of some 300 or so viewers showed. Maybe the issue is just poor timing. After all, Friday afternoon for an “all about Facebook” kind of thing is hardly that exciting.

Finally, the last possibility for the low numbers comes down to it being a possible bug. Not unreasonable, if you stop to think about it. But regardless, Facebook has had a substantial history of bugs in its past. What do you think? Is Facebook Live simply a snoozefest with no takers? Perhaps, instead, the problem is with the metrics counting the viewers?

[Photo above by _Max-B / CC BY-ND 2.0]

Every Possible Way to Market Your Website Explained Simply and to the Point: 2 DVD Set Facebook and Twitter 101 Training Inbound Marketing: Get Found Using Google, Social Media, and Blogs (New Rules Social Media Series) Facebook Marketing: An Hour a Day The Social Media Bible: Tactics, Tools, and Strategies for Business Success Grow Your Business on Facebook ~ Fan Pages ~ Use Social Media to Build Loyal Customers

If I didn’t know better, I’d say that Facebook Live either had a massive issues with its video metrics or perhaps with its ability to attract an audience who cares. Speaking for me, I find myself leaning with the latter as streaming live video is more on par with YouTube, Ustream, or other related services.

Still, it seems that this article raises the question and points out that it could go either way.  The sad part is they even Facebooked the event and still no one outside of some 300 or so viewers showed. Maybe the issue is just poor timing. After all, Friday afternoon for an “all about Facebook” kind of thing is hardly that exciting.

Finally, the last possibility for the low numbers comes down to it being a possible bug. Not unreasonable, if you stop to think about it. But regardless, Facebook has had a substantial history of bugs in its past. What do you think? Is Facebook Live simply a snoozefest with no takers? Perhaps, instead, the problem is with the metrics counting the viewers?

[Photo above by _Max-B / CC BY-ND 2.0]

Every Possible Way to Market Your Website Explained Simply and to the Point: 2 DVD Set Facebook and Twitter 101 Training Inbound Marketing: Get Found Using Google, Social Media, and Blogs (New Rules Social Media Series) Facebook Marketing: An Hour a Day The Social Media Bible: Tactics, Tools, and Strategies for Business Success Grow Your Business on Facebook ~ Fan Pages ~ Use Social Media to Build Loyal Customers

Allow me to offer a pre-emptive caveat — I own a successful search engine marketing company. Like most businesses, we are constantly trying to expand our client base — primarily through using the same search engine and Internet marketing methods that we deliver to our clients. A quick search on terms such as “search engine optimization company” or “Internet marketing company” on Google will demonstrate that we practice what we preach. As I write this, on a “clean machine” (one with all browser settings reset and cookies removed), my search engine marketing company ranks number 1 on Google for both of these phrases and the plural forms of the phrases. Based upon your past search tendencies, your specific location, and whims of the Google Gods, your mileage may vary, but you should find us near the top of the SERPs for those and hundreds of other related terms.

The Value of Integrating Different Internet Marketing Methods

The point here is not to boast — these results are due to the collective efforts of my expert team, not solely my own expertise. The point is to back up my contention that we practice what we preach and that the vast majority of our leads come from the Internet marketing methods we apply to our own site. However, there has been much debate over the years in the search engine marketing community about whether it is proper or even hypocritical for a search engine marketing company to use other forms of advertising unrelated to Internet marketing. The naysayers generally have a common argument: a quality search engine marketing company “shouldn’t need” to engage in any forms of offline marketing. Depending on the goals one has for their search engine marketing company, this may actually be true for some. A smaller boutique firm or an independent consultant may have all the leads they ever want from their Internet marketing methods. They may even be turning business away while they make blog posts about how companies such as mine shouldn’t need to look offline for additional business opportunities.

However, this again relates directly to goals. If a search engine marketing company has capacity even after they maximize their online leads, and their business plan calls for maximum growth, what is the issue with engaging in other forms of marketing? As long as other marketing channels provide an acceptable ROI, I do not buy the argument that you “shouldn’t need it,” no matter what your situation.

The metrics are obviously what are important. It has been our experience that our own Internet marketing methods provide us with, by far, the highest ROI of any of our other marketing efforts. However, this does not mean that the ROI from our online marketing efforts constitutes the baseline for what is ACCEPTABLE in terms of a return. In fact, we have done the math, and we know that we can afford to pay much more per lead.

Or, to look at this another way, we often work with companies that are embarking upon online marketing for the first time. These companies almost always already have successful offline marketing campaigns in place (after all, they are successful businesses). They are obviously delighted when they discover that their cost per lead or cost per sale with Internet marketing is much lower than their other marketing efforts — but does this mean that they decide to shut those other successful channels down? Of course not.

And do we, as a responsible search engine marketing company, advise them that they should shut down those channels and put all of their eggs in the online basket? Of course not. We just enjoy the fact that our Internet marketing methods provide the best bang for their buck.

Nobody can deny that the advent of various Internet marketing methods has been a game-changer. Some forms of traditional advertising may even be on their last legs. Trade show attendance is down. Magazines and newspapers are in decline. I can’t remember the last time a door-to-door salesperson came up to my house* (except those selling a particular religion — but that’s a different story).

However, some channels, in our experience, still can provide exceptional returns. Direct mail, done properly, still works for us. Channel partnerships with offline marketing businesses can be profitable. Offline PR, when done properly, provides our search engine marketing company with exceptional exposure and returns. As long as we are achieving acceptable margins on these endeavors, we will continue to use them. And I will continue to stand incredulous when I hear from those who tell me that we shouldn’t.

*Unless you count Girl Scouts peddling cookies.

(C) 2010 Medium Blue

About the Author

Scott Buresh is the CEO of Medium Blue, which was named the number one organic search engine optimization company in the world in 2006 and 2007 by PromotionWorld. Scott has contributed content to many publications including The Complete Guide to Google Advertising (Atlantic, 2008) and Building Your Business with Google For Dummies (Wiley, 2004), MarketingProfs, ZDNet, Organic Rankings, WebProNews, DarwinMag, SiteProNews, ISEDB.com, and Search Engine Guide. Medium Blue serves local and national clients, including Boston Scientific, Cbeyond, and DeKalb Medical. Contact Medium Blue now to see how we can help you achieve your online marketing goals.

The Small Business Owner's Handbook to Search Engine Optimization: Increase Your Google Rankings, Double Your Site Traffic...In Just 15 Steps - Guaranteed Increase Online Sales Through Viral Social Networking: How to Build Your Web Site Traffic and Online Sales Using Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn... In Just 15 Steps (Back-To-Basics) The Small Business Owner's Handbook to Search Engine Optimization: Increase Your

Allow me to offer a pre-emptive caveat — I own a successful search engine marketing company. Like most businesses, we are constantly trying to expand our client base — primarily through using the same search engine and Internet marketing methods that we deliver to our clients. A quick search on terms such as “search engine optimization company” or “Internet marketing company” on Google will demonstrate that we practice what we preach. As I write this, on a “clean machine” (one with all browser settings reset and cookies removed), my search engine marketing company ranks number 1 on Google for both of these phrases and the plural forms of the phrases. Based upon your past search tendencies, your specific location, and whims of the Google Gods, your mileage may vary, but you should find us near the top of the SERPs for those and hundreds of other related terms.

The Value of Integrating Different Internet Marketing Methods

The point here is not to boast — these results are due to the collective efforts of my expert team, not solely my own expertise. The point is to back up my contention that we practice what we preach and that the vast majority of our leads come from the Internet marketing methods we apply to our own site. However, there has been much debate over the years in the search engine marketing community about whether it is proper or even hypocritical for a search engine marketing company to use other forms of advertising unrelated to Internet marketing. The naysayers generally have a common argument: a quality search engine marketing company “shouldn’t need” to engage in any forms of offline marketing. Depending on the goals one has for their search engine marketing company, this may actually be true for some. A smaller boutique firm or an independent consultant may have all the leads they ever want from their Internet marketing methods. They may even be turning business away while they make blog posts about how companies such as mine shouldn’t need to look offline for additional business opportunities.

However, this again relates directly to goals. If a search engine marketing company has capacity even after they maximize their online leads, and their business plan calls for maximum growth, what is the issue with engaging in other forms of marketing? As long as other marketing channels provide an acceptable ROI, I do not buy the argument that you “shouldn’t need it,” no matter what your situation.

The metrics are obviously what are important. It has been our experience that our own Internet marketing methods provide us with, by far, the highest ROI of any of our other marketing efforts. However, this does not mean that the ROI from our online marketing efforts constitutes the baseline for what is ACCEPTABLE in terms of a return. In fact, we have done the math, and we know that we can afford to pay much more per lead.

Or, to look at this another way, we often work with companies that are embarking upon online marketing for the first time. These companies almost always already have successful offline marketing campaigns in place (after all, they are successful businesses). They are obviously delighted when they discover that their cost per lead or cost per sale with Internet marketing is much lower than their other marketing efforts — but does this mean that they decide to shut those other successful channels down? Of course not.

And do we, as a responsible search engine marketing company, advise them that they should shut down those channels and put all of their eggs in the online basket? Of course not. We just enjoy the fact that our Internet marketing methods provide the best bang for their buck.

Nobody can deny that the advent of various Internet marketing methods has been a game-changer. Some forms of traditional advertising may even be on their last legs. Trade show attendance is down. Magazines and newspapers are in decline. I can’t remember the last time a door-to-door salesperson came up to my house* (except those selling a particular religion — but that’s a different story).

However, some channels, in our experience, still can provide exceptional returns. Direct mail, done properly, still works for us. Channel partnerships with offline marketing businesses can be profitable. Offline PR, when done properly, provides our search engine marketing company with exceptional exposure and returns. As long as we are achieving acceptable margins on these endeavors, we will continue to use them. And I will continue to stand incredulous when I hear from those who tell me that we shouldn’t.

*Unless you count Girl Scouts peddling cookies.

(C) 2010 Medium Blue

About the Author

Scott Buresh is the CEO of Medium Blue, which was named the number one organic search engine optimization company in the world in 2006 and 2007 by PromotionWorld. Scott has contributed content to many publications including The Complete Guide to Google Advertising (Atlantic, 2008) and Building Your Business with Google For Dummies (Wiley, 2004), MarketingProfs, ZDNet, Organic Rankings, WebProNews, DarwinMag, SiteProNews, ISEDB.com, and Search Engine Guide. Medium Blue serves local and national clients, including Boston Scientific, Cbeyond, and DeKalb Medical. Contact Medium Blue now to see how we can help you achieve your online marketing goals.

The Small Business Owner's Handbook to Search Engine Optimization: Increase Your Google Rankings, Double Your Site Traffic...In Just 15 Steps - Guaranteed Increase Online Sales Through Viral Social Networking: How to Build Your Web Site Traffic and Online Sales Using Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn... In Just 15 Steps (Back-To-Basics) The Small Business Owner's Handbook to Search Engine Optimization: Increase Your

As a search engine marketing company, Medium Blue is often asked by clients and prospects if there’s a basic philosophy when it comes to organic search engine optimization and paid search advertising.

“Is one tactic more favorable than another? How do I know which channel to pursue? Should I do both?”

Without a hard look at your company’s goals and unique situation, there really isn’t a concrete answer to these questions. The true test of pursuing either an SEO campaign or PPC advertising (or both) is knowing that it all boils down to your company philosophy, ROI objectives, budget, and countless other monetary and marketing factors. To determine which, or what combination of both, might offer the most bang for your buck, let’s examine five types of “models” that my search engine marketing company often deals with.

Choosing the Right Model

Which approach is right? It depends (you weren’t expecting a definitive answer, right?). The decision between SEO efforts vs. PPC advertising depends on means, goals, budget, comfort level, corporate restrictions, and many other elements. Keep in mind that these are only five possible models that we often encounter. Many clients do not fit neatly into any of these scenarios. Some clients may start out with one option and evolve into another. Some switch back and forth depending on their own ever-changing situation. The most important thing is to be aware of your options and pursue a path that fits your current goals.

© 2010 Medium Blue

About the Author

Scott Buresh is the founder and CEO of Medium Blue, which was named the number one organic search engine optimization company in the world by PromotionWorld in 2006 and 2007. Scott’s articles have appeared in numerous publications, including ZDNet, WebProNews, MarketingProfs, DarwinMag, SiteProNews, ISEDB.com, and Search Engine Guide. He was also a contributor to The Complete Guide to Google Advertising (Atlantic, 2008) and Building Your Business with Google for Dummies (Wiley, 2004). Medium Blue is an Atlanta search engine optimization company with local and national clients, including Cbeyond, Oliver Wight Americas, and DeKalb Medical. To see how we can help you achieve your online marketing goals, please contact us.

The Balcony Poster Movie 11x17 Peter Falk Shelley Winters Lee Grant Kent Smith Center Stage by unknown 11.00X17.00 Framed with Black Metal Frame Center Stage by unknown 11.00X17.00 Framed with Black Wood Frame Peter Pan [VHS] Home for Christmas [VHS] Return to Snowy River [VHS] Father Goose Return to Snowy River The Golden Girls - The Complete Seventh and Final Season Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Symphonies Cirque du Soleil: Ką Prokofiev - Peter and the Wolf / Narrated by Patrick Stewart · Opera de Lyon · Nagano Gifts of an Eagle Search Engine Optimization For Dummies MythBusters: The Explosive Truth Behind 30 of the Most Perplexing Urban Legends of All Time This Is Not a Test

As a search engine marketing company, Medium Blue is often asked by clients and prospects if there’s a basic philosophy when it comes to organic search engine optimization and paid search advertising.

“Is one tactic more favorable than another? How do I know which channel to pursue? Should I do both?”

Without a hard look at your company’s goals and unique situation, there really isn’t a concrete answer to these questions. The true test of pursuing either an SEO campaign or PPC advertising (or both) is knowing that it all boils down to your company philosophy, ROI objectives, budget, and countless other monetary and marketing factors. To determine which, or what combination of both, might offer the most bang for your buck, let’s examine five types of “models” that my search engine marketing company often deals with.

Choosing the Right Model

Which approach is right? It depends (you weren’t expecting a definitive answer, right?). The decision between SEO efforts vs. PPC advertising depends on means, goals, budget, comfort level, corporate restrictions, and many other elements. Keep in mind that these are only five possible models that we often encounter. Many clients do not fit neatly into any of these scenarios. Some clients may start out with one option and evolve into another. Some switch back and forth depending on their own ever-changing situation. The most important thing is to be aware of your options and pursue a path that fits your current goals.

© 2010 Medium Blue

About the Author

Scott Buresh is the founder and CEO of Medium Blue, which was named the number one organic search engine optimization company in the world by PromotionWorld in 2006 and 2007. Scott’s articles have appeared in numerous publications, including ZDNet, WebProNews, MarketingProfs, DarwinMag, SiteProNews, ISEDB.com, and Search Engine Guide. He was also a contributor to The Complete Guide to Google Advertising (Atlantic, 2008) and Building Your Business with Google for Dummies (Wiley, 2004). Medium Blue is an Atlanta search engine optimization company with local and national clients, including Cbeyond, Oliver Wight Americas, and DeKalb Medical. To see how we can help you achieve your online marketing goals, please contact us.

The Balcony Poster Movie 11x17 Peter Falk Shelley Winters Lee Grant Kent Smith Center Stage by unknown 11.00X17.00 Framed with Black Metal Frame Center Stage by unknown 11.00X17.00 Framed with Black Wood Frame Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Symphonies Cirque du Soleil: Ką Prokofiev - Peter and the Wolf / Narrated by Patrick Stewart · Opera de Lyon · Nagano Peter Pan [VHS] Home for Christmas [VHS] Return to Snowy River [VHS] Father Goose Return to Snowy River The Golden Girls - The Complete Seventh and Final Season Gifts of an Eagle Search Engine Optimization For Dummies MythBusters: The Explosive Truth Behind 30 of the Most Perplexing Urban Legends of All Time This Is Not a Test

Why can’t Yelp and Google just get along? According to Yelp’s own CEO, there is tension building up between the two companies. Seems that not all is well between Google and Yelp these days.

The likely problem is that in many ways, both companies are after the same space. Difference is, more people are using Google these days as I for one. have bothered to use Yelp since the early days.

In the end, Google will win. They always do. But perhaps there can be some magic silver lining with all of this. Maybe Google can just buyout Yelp? Stranger things have happened.

Why can’t Yelp and Google just get along? According to Yelp’s own CEO, there is tension building up between the two companies. Seems that not all is well between Google and Yelp these days.

The likely problem is that in many ways, both companies are after the same space. Difference is, more people are using Google these days as I for one. have bothered to use Yelp since the early days.

In the end, Google will win. They always do. But perhaps there can be some magic silver lining with all of this. Maybe Google can just buyout Yelp? Stranger things have happened.

Privacy online. Once something expected is now a fable from the past. A bed time story at best, as explained by this article on how easily tracked we are today online.

To make matters worse, we are seeing a substantial increase in websites using these techniques to track our daily search habits and worse, determine various personal information about us as well.

Often this information then ends up with tracking companies who then find ways of making a profit from this kind of information. So how do we stop it? Well the best chance is to just minimize it rather than anything is to clear your cookies and consider using a browser such as Chrome, which provides a mode that eliminates blind cookie usage.

Privacy online. Once something expected is now a fable from the past. A bed time story at best, as explained by this article on how easily tracked we are today online.

To make matters worse, we are seeing a substantial increase in websites using these techniques to track our daily search habits and worse, determine various personal information about us as well.

Often this information then ends up with tracking companies who then find ways of making a profit from this kind of information. So how do we stop it? Well the best chance is to just minimize it rather than anything is to clear your cookies and consider using a browser such as Chrome, which provides a mode that eliminates blind cookie usage.

If there was ever any real single threat to Google, it would have to be Baidu. Unlike Bing and Yahoo, Baidu has one massive captive audience that other Google competitors simply cannot touch.

And now with Baidu looking to get itself listed as an option with the Android mobile OS, now more than ever Google should be deeply concerned. Within the walls of China, this would further push out Google as being relevant within this exploding market.

I for one, believe that Google better step up their game. If they don’t, they will find themselves out of one of the fastest growing tech markets next to India and other developing countries. China, is not someplace they can afford to lose search share in, It’s just not going to cut it.

If there was ever any real single threat to Google, it would have to be Baidu. Unlike Bing and Yahoo, Baidu has one massive captive audience that other Google competitors simply cannot touch.

And now with Baidu looking to get itself listed as an option with the Android mobile OS, now more than ever Google should be deeply concerned. Within the walls of China, this would further push out Google as being relevant within this exploding market.

I for one, believe that Google better step up their game. If they don’t, they will find themselves out of one of the fastest growing tech markets next to India and other developing countries. China, is not someplace they can afford to lose search share in, It’s just not going to cut it.

As Google dances further into the mouth of the DOJ lion, it appears that their lobbying dollars are also keeping pace. They have seen so much activity here that Google has managed to spend $1.34 million USD in their lobbying efforts. Clearly someone is a bit nervous.

What I am interested in is whether or not they are truly getting the best bang for their buck. After all, these kinds of things surely prove to be a pain for others looking to enter the search biz, such as Microsoft.

Google has a nasty monopoly on online ads, especially in the text ad space. From banning use of select text link advertising as it might “pass rank” to managing to leave AdCenter as the only real viable candidate left, I can see why Google is investing so much money into keeping the DOJ off of their backs.

As Google dances further into the mouth of the DOJ lion, it appears that their lobbying dollars are also keeping pace. They have seen so much activity here that Google has managed to spend $1.34 million USD in their lobbying efforts. Clearly someone is a bit nervous.

What I am interested in is whether or not they are truly getting the best bang for their buck. After all, these kinds of things surely prove to be a pain for others looking to enter the search biz, such as Microsoft.

Google has a nasty monopoly on online ads, especially in the text ad space. From banning use of select text link advertising as it might “pass rank” to managing to leave AdCenter as the only real viable candidate left, I can see why Google is investing so much money into keeping the DOJ off of their backs.

I sometimes wonder if Microsoft actually tries to fail before they get started. Seriously, leaving the only default search engine to their own, is as stupid as calling in the bad press early due to lack of long term thinking. Microsoft, say it with me. Choices.

Being as you are incredibly late to the game (again) with a modern smart phone release, you’re not in the position to ask people to Bing it or leave. The very idea only again proves that Microsoft’s thirst for control is going to be their undoing. This is not to say that Google isn’t just as bad. Only Google beat Microsoft out to the market with phones worth owning by MONTHS AND MONTHS.

The smart money for Microsoft here instead would be to include lesser known search options, along with Bing. Making Bing the default is fine, but adding in other smaller players will go a long way to keeping people from coming to Redmond with torches looking for the Windows Phone 7 beast.

I sometimes wonder if Microsoft actually tries to fail before they get started. Seriously, leaving the only default search engine to their own, is as stupid as calling in the bad press early due to lack of long term thinking. Microsoft, say it with me. Choices.

Being as you are incredibly late to the game (again) with a modern smart phone release, you’re not in the position to ask people to Bing it or leave. The very idea only again proves that Microsoft’s thirst for control is going to be their undoing. This is not to say that Google isn’t just as bad. Only Google beat Microsoft out to the market with phones worth owning by MONTHS AND MONTHS.

The smart money for Microsoft here instead would be to include lesser known search options, along with Bing. Making Bing the default is fine, but adding in other smaller players will go a long way to keeping people from coming to Redmond with torches looking for the Windows Phone 7 beast.

I have to admit, Bing has done quite well for itself lately despite all odds being stacked against it. But then again, Microsoft has advertised Bing on just about every product or service available.

Clearly though, the marketing blitz is beginning to work. Bing is reported to be seeing significant growth, likely at the expense of other search engines.

News on the street is that a Yahoo-Bing merger would seal the deal and making Bing nearly unstoppable in the growth department. Is it enough to hurt Google? Not yet, but with growth like Bing has been seeing, anything is possible.

I have to admit, Bing has done quite well for itself lately despite all odds being stacked against it. But then again, Microsoft has advertised Bing on just about every product or service available.

Clearly though, the marketing blitz is beginning to work. Bing is reported to be seeing significant growth, likely at the expense of other search engines.

News on the street is that a Yahoo-Bing merger would seal the deal and making Bing nearly unstoppable in the growth department. Is it enough to hurt Google? Not yet, but with growth like Bing has been seeing, anything is possible.

Even though the economy has had its share of pain, it looks like paid search is on the definite uptick. Perhaps I should clarify that statement by pointing out that it’s the spending, that is seeing an increase.

This article indicates that paid search is simply seeing a massive bounce back, despite the cloudy market of the recession. Clearly people have products and services to sell and they’re looking to get the word out anyway possible.

I think things will likely settle down once the advertisers see the lack of spending on the side of the consumer, but at the same time, I doubt we’ll see paid search taking much of a negative hit here.

Even though the economy has had its share of pain, it looks like paid search is on the definite uptick. Perhaps I should clarify that statement by pointing out that it’s the spending, that is seeing an increase.

This article indicates that paid search is simply seeing a massive bounce back, despite the cloudy market of the recession. Clearly people have products and services to sell and they’re looking to get the word out anyway possible.

I think things will likely settle down once the advertisers see the lack of spending on the side of the consumer, but at the same time, I doubt we’ll see paid search taking much of a negative hit here.

Google has for sometime now, remained the kings of the ad jungle when it comes to online advertising. Well now it looks like they are working to expand on this a bit with what could be the next big thing.

Considering Google successes against any perceived failures the company has had, I think that it’s safe to say that Google’s advertising moving into the video realm is likely to be very successful.

Taking things into the next level, Google is apparently working on a new video ad format that is not only more dynamic, but also interactive. I see this as adding more interest for those struggling to get their exist adwords efforts to meet with their expectations.

Google has for sometime now, remained the kings of the ad jungle when it comes to online advertising. Well now it looks like they are working to expand on this a bit with what could be the next big thing.

Considering Google successes against any perceived failures the company has had, I think that it’s safe to say that Google’s advertising moving into the video realm is likely to be very successful.

Taking things into the next level, Google is apparently working on a new video ad format that is not only more dynamic, but also interactive. I see this as adding more interest for those struggling to get their exist adwords efforts to meet with their expectations.

I’ve been laughing at the prospect of Facebook posing a threat to Google in the search realm. Same applies to Twitter.

Come on, as social tools for personal needs and for business, sure, they’re very helpful. But as a search appliance, social web is awful.

So as this piece explains, it’s unlikely we’ll see a threat to search as we know it from something that is best used as a communication tool, not a search tool.

I’ve been laughing at the prospect of Facebook posing a threat to Google in the search realm. Same applies to Twitter.

Come on, as social tools for personal needs and for business, sure, they’re very helpful. But as a search appliance, social web is awful.

So as this piece explains, it’s unlikely we’ll see a threat to search as we know it from something that is best used as a communication tool, not a search tool.

I am all for Google keeping folks secure from malware related websites or sites that are pushing dangerous code. I totally get this, protect the end user, blah, blah. Understood.

But the idea of Google running code such as javascript on my own websites, well, it has me greatly confused. Isn’t this a bit overkill?

The real issue is we don’t know how Google sees javascript, if users of said scripts are penalized and whether or not it affects ranking. Google seems to keep this fairly secure and close to the internal parts of Google itself.

I am all for Google keeping folks secure from malware related websites or sites that are pushing dangerous code. I totally get this, protect the end user, blah, blah. Understood.

But the idea of Google running code such as javascript on my own websites, well, it has me greatly confused. Isn’t this a bit overkill?

The real issue is we don’t know how Google sees javascript, if users of said scripts are penalized and whether or not it affects ranking. Google seems to keep this fairly secure and close to the internal parts of Google itself.