Monday, August 14, 2006
Freelancers: Never Rely On A Single Income Source | Performancing.com
Freelancing is the way to go...and it sucks.
Submitted by Raj Dash on August 13, 2006 - 1:09am in Performancing Exchange
So. You're a serious blogger now because you secured your first blogging client. Seasoned freelancers know about the 80/20 rule: the bulk (80%) of your revenue will come from the least number (20%) of your clients. It's sometimes called the 70/30 rule.
However, Chris Anderson, editor of Wired and author of the Long Tail book and website, says that the Internet turns the rule on its head for some types of digital media, in specific situations, thus giving certain content more sales life. Or at least, that's my interpretation.
But the fact is, in any business, it's generally easier to secure repeat clients than get new ones. But unless you (1) are a very disciplined saver, (2) have great faith in your biggest clients, or (3) have a partial stake in a venture, you probably do not want to rely on a single blogging client.
The Internet, and services like this new bloggers-for-hire/ Exchange community that Nick and the P-boys have set up, will give you a a better chance at finding more clients. But in practice, at least initially in your blogging career, you may not have a lot of choice about the number of clients. That's mainly because blogging for pay is a relatively new phenomenon. So you have to consider alternate income sources.
Blogging/ writing monetizing options include running affiliate programs on your own sites or writing your own articles on the topics you are writing for clients. (With contextual or CPA/ CPM ads.)
Finally, take it from me. If you've never been a freelancer before, and are planning on relying entirely on your blogging skills to earn a living, learn how to budget. Save your extra money in an interest-bearing bank account - say an online savings account. If you have a banner year, and have the wherewithal to invest in stocks or mutual funds, you might consider that as well. Because pools do dry up sometimes, here are some important freelancing tips. [via MediaBistro]
P.S. MediaBistro, a great resource site for freelance writers, has a short article about negotiating your way to greater pay. The rates apply to print articles, but the advice applies to blog writers as well. Just keep in mind that at this stage, blogs and websites, on average, do not generate enough ad revenue to pay the same kind of rates. There is an immense difference, unless you're copyblogging, which will require crack writing skills.
Source: Freelancers: Never Rely On A Single Income Source | Performancing.com
Sunday, August 13, 2006
digg - Holy @%^# 200 GB HDD for 58 Cents
Another post, this time using Onfolio>Digg>livewriter>blogger
Holy @%^# 200 GB HDD for 58 Cents
submitted by LightsOut06 3 hours 50 minutes ago (via http://www.ecost.com/eCost/sho…)
7200RPM, 8MB Buffer Memory, USB 2.0, 3.5" 200GB portable external hard drive. Price: $0.58. This is no joke. It's obviously a mistake and they will probably change it but I ordered one and it went through. It won't hurt to try!
Source: digg - Holy @%^# 200 GB HDD for 58 Cents
Livewriter first post
Posting to live spaces from Livewriter, blogger, and wordpress. Haven't been able to get it to work with Manila yet. Maybe never.
Don't settle for Google AdSense
ProductWiki has published detailed statistics comparing their AdSense and Shopping.com ad revenue. Findings show that it may be in your best interest to explore other advertising alternatives for your website."
Hmmmm. So far my adsense has totaled 48 cents. I guess I should read this.
Student releases "iProcrastinate" homework organization app... For free!
The beta (but not that beta) release of iProcrastinate, a free download to college and high school students. Helps lazy students keep track of their homework, big projects, etc. Just in time for the coming school year, and nothing beats free! Give it a try, and see how you like it."
Not that I procrastinate, I need to show this to my grandkids.
DON'T Use Google as a Verb! - It's a Legal Issue
Search engine giant Google, known for its mantra "don't be evil", has fired off a series of legal letters to media organisations, warning them against using its name as a verb."
Yeah, like this is going to work. The OED already lists Google as a verb. I wonder if they care about its legality?
Adventures in Cardspace
"Industry guru Craig Burton’s Cardspace is working now (thank goodness).
The bad news is that he’s had a pretty miserable time getting it going. Mainly, it seems in retrospect, because his computer was set up with a FAT32 file system. If you have this configuration, no error message is displayed to you as a user - you have to read through a cryptic note in the system-wide error log. This has to be fixed.
The good news is that once he got Cardspace working, Craig really liked it. That’s really important to me:
I have been trying to get CardSpace to work on my machine for several weeks. (Seems much longer.)
I have downloaded tons of upgrades, deleted apps and services, and so on.
Pamela Dingle and Kim Cameron have been very helpful in trying to help me make things work.
Thanks Kim. Pamela was great. Congratulations on a good start on the CardSpace technology. I was reinstalling XP on another machine today and noticed that there was a lot of positioning of Passport as the single sign-on solution for the industry. Thanks to you, we aren't stuck with that repressive objective.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
BTW, just for the record, yesterday was the...
BTW, just for the record, yesterday was the closing day for my Berkeley house purchase. I can't move in for another month yet, but I am now, again, a home owner. Hot dam!"
Heheh. Dave, dam is spelled damn. Just to let you know. A hot damn would be located in Arizona near the border of Nevada.
Giants-Dodgers Preview - USA Today
"
WRAL.comGiants-Dodgers Preview
USA Today - 8 hours ago
The Los Angeles Dodgers created a little breathing room between themselves and the rest of the NL West on Friday. Now, they'll look to extend their lead in the division when they continue their three-game ...
You know, I just don't care one bit about baseball. It's ridiculous. A "team", it changes all the time. It's entertainment--at its weakest.
US to launch RFID passports on Monday
Filed under: Transportation, Wireless
Despite the various privacy concerns that have been repeatedly raised in regards to e-passports, the US is going ahead with their plans to launch the system this Monday. Not all newly-issued passports will be RFID-enabled, since mass production has been held up by the ongoing legal dispute over the technology. The first passports to be issued will be those produced during the pilot run of the project, but the full roll-out should
What a screw up on the heels of this weeks threats. Just think, with RFID, americans at home and abroad carrying passports can be located and identified. You gotta love it. Guess how long it will take to break the security on these things. A heartbeat. Avoid getting one if you can.
Japan Feels Strain of Cheap 100Mbps Broadband
For a mere $36/month Japan residents are getting 100Mbps fiber-optic broadband and free VoIP. 5.5m have now added the faster service, in addition to 23m homes which already have 8Mbps service. But the increased demand is starting to take a toll on the tubes, which hit 158Gbps at major exchanges."
Doc Searls and I have been talking about this. More thinking to follow.
A Vista of Change at Microsoft?
"Microsoft is going to great lengths to undertake damage control measures and mend the bad reputation it has earned in the security world. It has opened up Vista, its next generation Windows operating system, to 3,000 security professionals at the Black Hat computer security conference, inviting them to find security holes in the OS.
The software giant has followed a completely different approach to the way Vista was conceived and crafted. Instead of focusing on adding more and more new features and applications, the company’s software engineers are being trained to think like hackers. Ferret out all the possible ways the code can be exploited to cause security breaches, seems to be the new motto of Microsoft.
The company has also appointed a team of security experts who have the power to block shipments of all Vista-related products if they don’t meet stringent security tests. Will The Great Wall of Microsoft succeed in rebuilding the titan’s security reputation? Time will tell.
Key phrase, "Time will tell."
Cardspace + FAT32 = Unhappiness
"Pamela Dingle has posted some information we need to get out more broadly:
Important installation note for people wanting to play with CardSpace: CardSpace only works when installed on an NTFS filesystem. If you are planning on setting up the July CTP and playing with CardSpace, make sure your C: drive is not FAT32. (more…)
We can’t get the same kind of access control protection with FAT as we can with NTFS - for example the ability to set permissions at the directory and file level - so we set the bar at NTFS.
Kim confirms what Pamela dug up for me. CardSpace doesn't suppport FAT32. Thanks for telling me Kim.
Major Record Label Podcasting Under the Radar
"
Major label Warner Brother Records appears to be podcasting traditionally copyrighted music, from well-known artists, Under the Radar.
Murmurs and whispers around the podosphere have hinted that Bands Under the Radar, described as "a music podcast featuring unsigned bands and indie artists," is not "indie" at all, but is in fact a podcast being quietly produced and distributed by Warner Brothers Records.
The podcast features music from "indie bands", such as Tom Petty, Chris Isaak, Kasey Chambers, Better Than Ezra, Mark Knopfler, Johnny Cash, Loleatta Holloway & Muse - all Warner Brothers artists.
Kami Knake right, the host for the program is New Media Coordinator for Warner Brothers Records, and the podcast is served up by Warner Bros:
Warner Bros. Podcasting? Kewl. Source: Podcasting News
I tried the link, it came up 404!
So You Wanna Change Your Default Browser In Vista?
Microsoft has designed the User Account Control (UAC) to work so perfectly that it will be difficult for the average person to switch the default browser."
If this is true--and there's a chance it's not--it's nasty. The browser usage reading my blogs is 80% firefox. Big shift.
Apple Might Change iTunes Song Pricing
"Apple Computer might be considering changing the prices of individual songs purchased on its iTunes Music store, after a Digg user posted screenshots supporting the idea. Although I've been told that this screenshot might be fake, I wouldn't be surprised to see Apple raising the prices of songs on iTunes. It's no secret that Apple gives record companies more than 70 cents from each individual song purchased, and the bandwidth cost might be causing Steve Jobs to think over the pricing on iTunes. No word on when this rumor might come true (It was thought that it would during Worldwide Developers Conference, which ends on Friday). Don't take this rumor to seriously, because after-all, the rumor mill has been known to be horribly incorrect.
This is how bad rumors get started. I'll bet it doesn't happen...yet.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Symantec Wants To Be Only Ones To Screw Up Your Computer...
"Security features in the Windows Vista kernel obstruct innovations by anti virus and other security applications, security vendor Symantec charged." Apparently, screwing up your computer is now called "innovation"...."
The Symantec vs. Vista saga continues. Closing the kernal not only stops hackers but "innovators" as well.
Windows defense handcuffs good guys
Microsoft's PatchGuard is designed to keep out malicious code. Security firms complain it's keeping them at bay, but not intruders."
"PatchGuard is hurting security vendors more than it is hurting malware writers," Bruce McCorkendale, a chief engineer at Symantec, told CNET News.com in an interview Wednesday. "There are types of security policies and next-generation security products that can only work through some of the mechanisms that PatchGuard prohibits.
Aha. Now we know why Symantec is dinging Vista, it threatens their business. Got it.
Imminent Worm Attack: Experts Warn Of 'The Big One'
As the spotlight on a dangerous Windows vulnerability grows brighter by the hour, security analysts Thursday said that it's not hype driving the alarms, but genuine fear that a major worm attack is just days away. This is no drill. Thursday's deepening concern was fueled by several releases of new exploit code."
Why aren't we at war with these guys? No Oil? Duh.
Picassa Web Album
Thursday, August 10, 2006
White House official gleeful that terrorists wanted to kill thousands of Americans on ten US airlines over the Atlantic
""Weeks before September 11th, this is going to play big," said another White House official, who also spoke on condition of not being named, adding that some Democratic candidates won't "look as appealing" under the circumstances. ...
Not surprising but hard to stomach. "Gleeful" was over the top.
70% Of UK Young Adults use Social Networking sites
"Powerful numbers in from this coverage from the BBC –Young Adults in this study are rapidly shifting away from other mediums (such as stagnent newspapers) and moving to online, networking, internet environments.
Key stats indicate the following:
Sixteen to 24 year olds, it reports, spend nearly three hours on the net each week.
Seventy percent (compared to 41% of the general population) have used some kind of social networking site, such as My Space, and one in five have their own website or blog.
Half of the group owns a games console and/or an MP3 player.
Fall in television viewing - this age group watch seven hours less television per week than the average viewer.
They are leaving the traditional media and moving towards new media
From 2004 to 2005, the number of households with broadband connections increased by 63%
Amazing stats. But not surprising eh?
Young drive 'radical media shift' (BBC)
"
Young drive 'radical media shift' — The "networked generation" is driving a radical shift in media consumption, says UK telecoms regulator Ofcom. — Sixteen to 24 year olds are spurning television, radio and newspapers in favour of online services, says the regulator's study.
Source: BBC
Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4779329.stm
Hmmmmm. Media Shift. What a concept. 157 channels and nothin's on.
IE7 is basically non-compliant with CSS web standards.
IE6 51% IE7 55% Firefox 93% Will this affect Web 2.0?"
Has Msft ever "complied" with anything? I don't think so.
No Blog Zone at Apple Worldwide Developers Conference
Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2006) to be held on August 7 - August 11, 2006 at Moscone Center West in San Francisco, California. Is anyone liveblogging about the event happening at the conference? Probably not. Elana Centor at Blogher points to the No Blog Zone at the WWDC 2006. They post a picture of the [...]"
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This is a good idea. Keep pundits from saying things about you. Why not? They could say something nasty. "I saw something nasty in the woodshed."
Changing the air travel story
"Over the last five years, security measures have gradually eroded the way people feel about commercial air travel. Today's events ( "imminent" mid-air bomb plot disrupted) and the government's reaction to them will, in my opinion, mark the tipping point for an enormous amount of business travel by commercial ...
Feedburner statistics / The Air Travel Tipping PointCould the disrupted in-flight bombs on planes out of the U.K. become a tipping point for business air travel? Longer waits, no laptops, no cell phones, and no water -- while necessary for security reasons -- will make many business travellers (and their investors and boards) think long and hard about the merits and risks of hopping a regularly
Tipping point for travel. I can't wait.
Coca-Cola and Pepsi to be banned in India
Terrorist plot results in air ban of gadgets
Filed under: Cellphones, Digital Cameras, Laptops
As you may or may not have heard, this morning Scotland Yard announced 21 people were arrested in connection with a supposed terrorist plot to use liquid explosives onboard. The result was obviously arduous for travelers who suffered suspended flights and long lines -- certainly a better fate than the possible alternative -- but the collateral inconveniences were also rather interesting. Authorities banned bringing aboard liquids, gels, or lotions (aside from medicines and sustenance for small children), as well as effectively scrapping travelers' ability to carry on laptops, cameras, or cellphones until further notice. Pretty severe for those looking to get some work done or pass time on their flight, but anyone lucky enough to get on a plane in England today is probably more relieved than irritated. Just be sure these guys don't lose your luggage, ok?[Thanks, Cyrus]Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Advance copy of the Corporate Blogging Book –Thanks Debbie
"
Yesterday someone commented to me at the Lunch 2.0 party that I used to blog about blogging a lot -silly he thinks.
As silly as he thinks it, I don’t. I write about things that are happening to me in my life and in my career. At the time, I was really exploring corporate and business blogging, as that’s what I was doing at my job (and now folks ask me for advice on how to do it).
Now, at Hitachi Data Systems we have several of our key thought leaders blogging at will, (yes the each use typepad, there are no edits or filters, and all on topic comments are posted) authenticity is key to a blog, and I’m
I would read it. "Absolutly everything you need to know." Big claim.
Symantec picks away at Vista's core (Joris Evers/CNET News.com)
"Symantec picks away at Vista's core — In a third and final report on Windows Vista, Symantec examined the security of the operating system core and found some vulnerabilities. — Vista includes several barriers designed to prevent malicious code from gaining access to the operating system core or kernel.
Source: CNET News.com
Author: Joris Evers
Link: http://news.com.com/2100-1002_3-6103949.html
Symantec keeps pegging Vista. Why? Symantec has no investment in this. It is in their best interest to "just make it work." I need to think about this.
2 More Oil Workers Kidnapped in Nigeria - Washington Post
"
ForUm2 More Oil Workers Kidnapped in Nigeria
Washington Post - 51 minutes ago
By KATHARINE HOURELD. PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria -- Gunmen in military fatigues seized two foreign oil workers in southern Nigeria early Thursday, the latest violence targeting the petroleum industry in Africa's largest producer, authorities said. ...
Shades of "Proof of Life." Too real to be forgotten.
Tears of frustration at British airports - Seattle Post Intelligencer
"
WXIA-TVTears of frustration at British airports
Seattle Post Intelligencer - 3 hours ago
Passengers shed tears of frustration and worried aloud about flight safety while waiting in long, chaotic lines at Britain's airports Thursday, after the announcement of an alleged terrorist plot brought air travel to a halt.
Doc echoes the woes in the US.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Meez
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
August 2006 Security Update Release
"Hey everyone - Adrian Stone here again, stepping in for Craig Gehre to provide a quick overview of the security updates we've released Today. The full list of the updates released today are below, and, as always, additional information on the specific vulnerabilities resolved with this release are included within each security bulletin. While we always recommend applying any updates rated "Critical" as soon as possible, we are recommending that customers give priority to MS06-040 for testing and deployment due to technical specifics around the vulnerability.MS06-040 applies to Microsoft Windows and is rated critical.MS06-041 applies to Microsoft Windows and is rated critical.
The nightmare continues.
The VA Loses ANOTHER Computer!
I nominate this week as "clueless monkey week". First, AOL gives away search data and now the United States Veteran's Administration admits that it's missing another computer that contains sensitive personal information of U.S. Veterans! From"
Not a good week.
Bebo passes MySpace in the UK
"
Hitwise is reporting that online social network Bebo passed MySpace for the first time last week in number of weekly visits in the UK. MySpace retains its lead in the US, but the new UK numbers show that the Fox super-site is beatable in particular countries. MySpace is planning to roll out localized versions in several European countries this summer.
Update: The Financial Times is reporting this morning that Viacom is considering a move to purchase Bebo. Talks are reported to be in very early stages.
Hitwise analyst Heather Hopkins attributes the Bebo jump to the launch of the site’s new music section. Hopkins reports that according to Hitwise numbers,
A blogger every 1/2 second.
Web Interface For Private AOL Search Data Up
It was only a matter of time before someone put up a simple web interface to the 20 million search queries published by AOL last week. The first one just launched. Someone hacked it together in a few hours.
Another fine reason join AOL.
Teenage fans of crude music have sex sooner, study finds - Ottawa Citizen
"
World FitnessTeenage fans of crude music have sex sooner, study finds
Ottawa Citizen - 21 hours ago
Victoria, BC, songbird Nelly Furtado is enjoying success with her song, Promiscuous Girl. The study found no correlation between behaviour and sexualized lyrics that were not
Damn kids. Damn rock-and-roll.
Has Steve Jobs Lost His Magic?
Steve Jobs' keynote speech on Monday was the most uninspiring he's given in recent memory. It hints at the trouble Apple will be in marketing-wise if he ever steps down."
Wasn't there, but being "on" all of the time is tough.
Cnet - There's a blog born every half second
According to recent statistics from blog-tracking site Technorati, the blogosphere has doubled every six months for the last three years. That's 175,000 new blogs per day worldwide."
Unbelievable numbers.
AOL apologizes for release of user search data
Search log information originally intended for use on new research site; company calls data posting a mistake."
That makes me feel better already. "no big deal, it was a mistake"
