I know things have been sketchy due to the surgery and my recovery, but I am going to the doctor tomorrow for a follow-up which we are all hoping helps alleviate this matter. I'll know more when I return and may, hopefully, be able to get a few posts out to you then, but I just wanted to let you know I won't be here early in the day.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Weight Loss Wand
Let me first say that I am not trying to suggest anything about anyone; it's just the way they fell. With that out of the way, Weight Loss Wand is more than just another weight loss product comparison site; this is a site with a wealth of information on the subject, a forum and community, and more. More than just giving you some information about weight loss products commercially available and so forth, this site actually provides you with tips, strategies, and practical information to guide you in your weight loss efforts.
No matter the approach you choose, this is definitely a website you should bookmark and check out if weight loss is on your agenda!
No matter the approach you choose, this is definitely a website you should bookmark and check out if weight loss is on your agenda!
Google Claims No Wrongdoing in EU Inquiry
Competitive search engines have complained - rightfully so - that Google's omnipresent Google Page Rank (PR) has resulted in an unfair advantage, as Google is consistently ranking competition lower. Google defended its monopolistic tactics in an attempt to placate them and avoid yet another EU inquiry on its blog today. However, some are saying that Google's anti-trust problems are just starting.
While the Union has not officially opened an inquiry into Google's ranking practices, it did confirm having received three complaints on the matter. Google suggested the complaints were prompted by Microsoft, as two of the engines which complained are associated with the computer giant.
A lot of other cyberculturalists, industry watchers, and others like to harp on how "monopolies are not illegal in the U.S." but "exercising that power is," and while that may technically be true, what do you think monopolies do? The American legal system is a total fail in all regards, on all fronts, but going back and forth on such niggling, little technicalities is in no one's interest but Google's. Sadly, Google will simply buy the politicians, judges, and authorities it needs to and nothing will change.
The only hope for a freer Internet is to support foreign powers in their attempts to grab some of that cash. So long as Google is forced to spend resources fighting to maintain its global stranglehold on the Web's content and those of us who create and produce it, it has fewer resources to spend on expanding that stranglehold and illegally usurping our content or harassing us into bowing to it.
But the greater truth remains: Google will simply buy its way out of this mess.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
While the Union has not officially opened an inquiry into Google's ranking practices, it did confirm having received three complaints on the matter. Google suggested the complaints were prompted by Microsoft, as two of the engines which complained are associated with the computer giant.
A lot of other cyberculturalists, industry watchers, and others like to harp on how "monopolies are not illegal in the U.S." but "exercising that power is," and while that may technically be true, what do you think monopolies do? The American legal system is a total fail in all regards, on all fronts, but going back and forth on such niggling, little technicalities is in no one's interest but Google's. Sadly, Google will simply buy the politicians, judges, and authorities it needs to and nothing will change.
The only hope for a freer Internet is to support foreign powers in their attempts to grab some of that cash. So long as Google is forced to spend resources fighting to maintain its global stranglehold on the Web's content and those of us who create and produce it, it has fewer resources to spend on expanding that stranglehold and illegally usurping our content or harassing us into bowing to it.
But the greater truth remains: Google will simply buy its way out of this mess.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
O'Brien Doubles Leno's Twitter Followers in Two Hours
Two hours after creating a Twitter account, former late-night talkshow host, Conan O'Brien, had twice the followers of rival, Jay Leno. Two fans who noticed his rapid Twitter traffic decided to record the event as it unfolded, and captured the phenomenon as O'Brien gained some 1000 Followers in under one minute.
Twitter confirmed that the account actually belongs to Conan O'Brien; it now has the site's "Verified Account" seal. Conan O'Brien has over 350,000 followers as of 5:10pm CST. I refreshed his page several times within a one minute time period and also observed his Followers grow by over 1000 within that short window!
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Twitter confirmed that the account actually belongs to Conan O'Brien; it now has the site's "Verified Account" seal. Conan O'Brien has over 350,000 followers as of 5:10pm CST. I refreshed his page several times within a one minute time period and also observed his Followers grow by over 1000 within that short window!
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
The Natural Way
Kelly Osborne is quoted today as saying that 'fat is more dangerous than drugs.' Recent research indicates she may have a point. Of course, being overweight does not necessarily constitute an immediate health scare, but it is definitely reason to evaluate your health and lifestyle. Some may need only to change their diet and add a little exercise to their daily routine, but others may have to take more drastic steps, such as weight loss supplements.
But for those who are wary of such things, there is a natural fat burner which may be just the thing for which you are looking. Take a moment to research the market before you commit to anything.
But for those who are wary of such things, there is a natural fat burner which may be just the thing for which you are looking. Take a moment to research the market before you commit to anything.
AIDS-Infected Man Trolled Dating Sites
Authorities say 47-year old Tony Perkins trolled Internet dating sites to meet some 26+ women with whom he slept in the last six years. The reason authorities are involved is because Tony Perkins has AIDS.
Arrested Friday after police were tipped-off by an ex-girlfriend, Perkins plead guilty to two charges of failing to inform sexual partners of his condition. The case may be the first conviction under the Indiana law which states those infected with HIV, AIDS, or Hepatitis B must inform potential sexual partners of their condition. The law was instituted in 1993.
While none of the women have contracted the disease as yet, police say they plan to add additional charges. Right now, Perkins faces only two counts. Authorities say he is depressed and suicidal, ridden with guilt, even though he used protection in every sexual encounter. Perkins says he quit taking medications two years ago in the hopes he would die.
Perkins' own daughter told the girlfriend he had the disease over a year earlier. Both she and the accused say she is simply vindictive because he ended their relationship.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Arrested Friday after police were tipped-off by an ex-girlfriend, Perkins plead guilty to two charges of failing to inform sexual partners of his condition. The case may be the first conviction under the Indiana law which states those infected with HIV, AIDS, or Hepatitis B must inform potential sexual partners of their condition. The law was instituted in 1993.
While none of the women have contracted the disease as yet, police say they plan to add additional charges. Right now, Perkins faces only two counts. Authorities say he is depressed and suicidal, ridden with guilt, even though he used protection in every sexual encounter. Perkins says he quit taking medications two years ago in the hopes he would die.
Perkins' own daughter told the girlfriend he had the disease over a year earlier. Both she and the accused say she is simply vindictive because he ended their relationship.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
MS Gets Court Approval to Delete Botnet
A judge has granted Microsoft's request to shutdown over 275 internet domains which the computer corporation says are part of Waledac botnet. Waledac is thought to be one of the 10 largest botnets in the U.S., having infected nearly 100,000 computers. An analysis is said to have shown that the Waledac sent over 650 million spam e-mails to Hotmail accounts alone in less than three weeks in December!
Microsoft called the operation a legal first. But even though the domains have been shutdown, experts say users need to run AV checks on their computers to ensure they are not still infected.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Microsoft called the operation a legal first. But even though the domains have been shutdown, experts say users need to run AV checks on their computers to ensure they are not still infected.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Multivitamin, Anyone?
I take a multivitamin daily and have for some time now. While I had taken them off and on throughout the years with varying results, I finally found one that I really like - one that I can literally feel and see working. Of course, multivitamins and similar health aids can be cost-prohibitive, especially if you do not know which one is best for you. So save time and money by doing a little research on multivitamin supplements before you start shelling-out the cash!
Facebook Hostage
Guatemalan native, Jessica Zamora-Anderson, met 38-year old Paul Franco on Facebook when he was posing as a 29-year old professor from Queens. The two entered a rocky relationship which ended a little over a year later when Franco assaulted Zamora-Anderson, but it didn't end there...
Franco accessed Zamora-Anderson's Facebook account, changed the password, and her sexual preference to gay, and was holding it for ransom! He also told her he had taped them having sex and spammed her friends and family. Zamora-Anderson's family convinced her to go to the police, who arrested Franco for harassment and coercion.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Franco accessed Zamora-Anderson's Facebook account, changed the password, and her sexual preference to gay, and was holding it for ransom! He also told her he had taped them having sex and spammed her friends and family. Zamora-Anderson's family convinced her to go to the police, who arrested Franco for harassment and coercion.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
iTunes 10 Billionth Download
Johnny Cash's Guess Things Happen That Way was the 10 billionth track sold on iTunes. A user from Georgia purchased the track, winning a $10,000 gift certificate to iTunes. iTunes launched in 2003 and was named the leading music retailer in America in 2008.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Weight Loss Research
There are so many weight loss products of every stripe and color on the market these days that I truly do not know how anyone looking into the field is not simply overwhelmed at the onset! It seems like you could get in a pretty good exercise session just scrolling through the many results and... "surfing" the Internet, really.
But there is an easier way to discover the best fat burner for you and your needs, and that is to check out the many weight loss product review sites which have sprung-up over the last year or so. Learn more about the products they feature without having to spend time sifting through search results!
But there is an easier way to discover the best fat burner for you and your needs, and that is to check out the many weight loss product review sites which have sprung-up over the last year or so. Learn more about the products they feature without having to spend time sifting through search results!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
"Robin Hood" Exposes Greedy Bankers
Despite the fact that "greedy bankers" is repetitious, a Latvian hacker (thought to be based in Britain) using the handle "Neo" (ala The Matrix is leaking sensitive data he claims to have hacked from Latvian IRS databanks which show how bankers who have taken bail-outs have not lowered their salaries, have received bonuses, and more.
The hacker who claims to be part of a group called the Fourth Awakening Peoples' Army who have downloaded millions of files showing the crimes and he is sending them to a Latvian TV station which is broadcasting them via Twitter. He has gained the reputation of a "modern-day Robin Hood."
Latvia is in the worst recession of its history since it parted from the USSR in 1991. Its unemployment rate is the highest in the European Union at 23%.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
The hacker who claims to be part of a group called the Fourth Awakening Peoples' Army who have downloaded millions of files showing the crimes and he is sending them to a Latvian TV station which is broadcasting them via Twitter. He has gained the reputation of a "modern-day Robin Hood."
Latvia is in the worst recession of its history since it parted from the USSR in 1991. Its unemployment rate is the highest in the European Union at 23%.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Apple Bans "Adult" Apps
Developers are upset over Apple's decision to ban certain adult-oriented applications from its iPhone. While thousands of such apps have been removed since Friday, some - such as one from Playboy - remain. Apple said the decision was based on complaints it received from women who found some of the apps degrading, as well as parents who were concerned over what their children were able to access.
As for why some apps remained, Apple said it took into consideration the companies' presence and previously developed material. Developers have suggested Apple create parental controls and/or establish an Adult store for apps to which minors should not have access.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
As for why some apps remained, Apple said it took into consideration the companies' presence and previously developed material. Developers have suggested Apple create parental controls and/or establish an Adult store for apps to which minors should not have access.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Manly Creams
Ahem.
Testosterone is said to cure all manner of male problems, sexual and otherwise. While research proves higher levels of testosterone are beneficial in some regards, for some issues, the jury is still out where others are concerned. However, many people believe these treatments work, and because everyone is different, the fact of the matter is that they very well may for some.
Of course, you do not want to waste money trying to determine whether or not testosterone creams work for you and your situation(s), so make sure to research the matter thoroughly and speak with a professional before deciding.
Testosterone is said to cure all manner of male problems, sexual and otherwise. While research proves higher levels of testosterone are beneficial in some regards, for some issues, the jury is still out where others are concerned. However, many people believe these treatments work, and because everyone is different, the fact of the matter is that they very well may for some.
Of course, you do not want to waste money trying to determine whether or not testosterone creams work for you and your situation(s), so make sure to research the matter thoroughly and speak with a professional before deciding.
The Mountains of e-Waste
Experts are worried about the "mountains of e-waste" piling-up in many foreign countries. Discarded monitors, computer towers, and other electronic goods are stacking-up in countries like India, China, Mexico, and portions of Africa, and experts say it is a danger to public health.
The amount of such waste is growing at a rate of about 40 tons annually, worldwide. Much of the older equipment ends-up in developing countries, which extract precious materials from them. However, not all of the countries actually possess the means by which to do so efficiently and the methods which they employ harm the atmosphere.
Experts urge these developing nations to shift their focus toward establishing state-of-the-art processing centers to alleviate the hazards which are, at this time, relatively low, but are set to increase dramatically in coming years.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
The amount of such waste is growing at a rate of about 40 tons annually, worldwide. Much of the older equipment ends-up in developing countries, which extract precious materials from them. However, not all of the countries actually possess the means by which to do so efficiently and the methods which they employ harm the atmosphere.
Experts urge these developing nations to shift their focus toward establishing state-of-the-art processing centers to alleviate the hazards which are, at this time, relatively low, but are set to increase dramatically in coming years.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
YouTube Gives Up Rickroll Video
YouTube has suspended Rick Astley's 1987 Never Gonna Give You Up video for TOS violations. The video has received more than 30 million hits, thanks to the Internet meme known as "rickrolling," in which the URL is sent as a joke. The trend started on 4chan and spread.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Miami Herald Retires Tip-Jar
With all the hoopla surrounding "paywalls" lately, at least one early adopter has suspended their pay content program: The Miami Herald has retired its tip jar after only two months. A spokesperson said only that two months' evaluation was all the company needed; she did not say how much, nor how little, the company had made off the tip jar, which went live in December, 2009.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Prenatal Care
Having a baby is one of the biggest times in any woman's life - at least, it should be... but I digress. Every mother hopes for a beautiful, healthy baby, and prenatal care goes a long way toward ensuring that. While your doctor may prescribe you a prenatal vitamin, various factors may preclude such things - primarily financial and/or insurance-based factors. But there are prenatal vitamins available which you can afford - just make sure you get one that works for you and will actually benefit your baby!
Facebook Girl Goes Stabby
Two Australian girls who got into it over Facebook decided to "sort it out" face-to-face and met outside one of the girls' home. There, police say the 25-year old stabbed the 24-year old in the back. While her injuries are not life-threatening, she was taken to the hospital. Police are investigating.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Still Recovering
As I posted elsewhere and have reminded you all several times lately, I am still recovering from surgery I had over six weeks ago. The last several weeks, it has been particularly touch-and-go and I'm already off the painkillers (which I'm not sure I should be), so it's been particularly difficult these last few days.
This blog has been spotty from Jumpstreet and I've apologized for that almost as often as for being laid-up, but there it is. As always, I'm doing what I can, so I only ask you bear with me a bit longer. Thanks!
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
This blog has been spotty from Jumpstreet and I've apologized for that almost as often as for being laid-up, but there it is. As always, I'm doing what I can, so I only ask you bear with me a bit longer. Thanks!
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Niche Job Search
Whether seeking employees or employment, especially in a niche job, Beyond.com delivers. A network of like-minded professionals, Beyond.com helps niche employers and employees find one another by location and/or job. Employers pay to post their jobs on the service and potential employees can add their resume to Beyond.com's ever-growing database for free.
There are several large, online job-posting websites, but their size is their very problem - potential employees get lost in the rank and file. Those unhappy with their current situation find more specific, niche sites on which to post their resumes. Forward-thinking employers who want more for their money, both in quality and quantity of qualified applicants, need to be looking into sites like Beyond.com.
There are several large, online job-posting websites, but their size is their very problem - potential employees get lost in the rank and file. Those unhappy with their current situation find more specific, niche sites on which to post their resumes. Forward-thinking employers who want more for their money, both in quality and quantity of qualified applicants, need to be looking into sites like Beyond.com.
Botnet Kills Rival
Spy Eye Toolkit not only installs a botnet on your PC, it removes the Zeus botnet if you are already infected! The "Kill Zeus" feature removes the Zeus bot infection from your computer, releasing your usernames and passwords to SpyEye. Experts say the feature was added very recently.
Authorities say the number of these botnets are on the rise, many originating in Russia. Several have appeared recently, but SpyEye is the most aggressive, actively looking to topple its rival while simultaneously establishing its own network. This is not the first time cybercriminals have used this tactic, though.
While experts admit it is not a major threat, its growth is worth watching. SpyEye costs 1/5 the cost of Zeus on the black market, about $500.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Authorities say the number of these botnets are on the rise, many originating in Russia. Several have appeared recently, but SpyEye is the most aggressive, actively looking to topple its rival while simultaneously establishing its own network. This is not the first time cybercriminals have used this tactic, though.
While experts admit it is not a major threat, its growth is worth watching. SpyEye costs 1/5 the cost of Zeus on the black market, about $500.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Britain to Fight Fraud Online
Britain has put together a nearly $10 million cybersecurity force to tackle the country's growing online fraud problem. Authorities estimate some $7 billion is lost each year to the many scams and fraudulent programs offered online and nearly 3/4 of all adults had received some form of online scam e-mail in the last year.
The task force will specifically work to prosecute offenders, which has never been done in the UK, in a program which will span three years. The areas affected include Scotland and Wales. Though many websites have been closed, many of those reappeared under different domain names within 24 hours. One authority admitted they were "not having as much success as [they] would like."
Their primary approach will be an awareness campaign.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
The task force will specifically work to prosecute offenders, which has never been done in the UK, in a program which will span three years. The areas affected include Scotland and Wales. Though many websites have been closed, many of those reappeared under different domain names within 24 hours. One authority admitted they were "not having as much success as [they] would like."
Their primary approach will be an awareness campaign.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Water Features
I have never been much of an outdoors person, but I enjoy a pleasant outdoor area when one is available, and if I had the money, I would landscape my outdoor areas so that I could enjoy them more. Of course, I know that I could do quite a bit of landscaping on the cheap just by doing some heavy-duty work around the place... so I dream.
You really can do some amazing things without a massive outlay of cash, even if it is as simple as a little weeding, planting a few flowers, and installing one of those pond fountains. Studies show that comfortable people make better decisions and are generally more stable and industrious than those who are not, and aesthetic beauty goes a long way in this regard. Plus, it makes a pleasant place to host company.
You really can do some amazing things without a massive outlay of cash, even if it is as simple as a little weeding, planting a few flowers, and installing one of those pond fountains. Studies show that comfortable people make better decisions and are generally more stable and industrious than those who are not, and aesthetic beauty goes a long way in this regard. Plus, it makes a pleasant place to host company.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Verizon Blocks 4Chan - For teh LULZ
4Chan confirmed in a blog post that wireless provider, Verizon, had blocked their channel through Port 80. News sources are now confirming that the block was intentional and Verizon is standing behind it. Apparently, Verizon has had 4Chan blocked for several days now, but I've not confirmed that. AT&T once blocked 4Chan... once; following DDOS attacks on the service, access was restored.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Microsoft to Patch 'Ancient' Bug
Last month, a Google researcher discovered an "ancient" bug in the Microsoft Windows operating system which has been with the OS since 3.11! Apparently, a utility which allows newer versions of the OS to run older programs can be exploited, but the details are not clear. The utility is present in almost every flavor of the popular desktop OS since 3.11.
The February update will also address several other issues with the OS, as well as patch issues with the equally popular Office software suite. Some of the exploitations allow remote users to run programs on your computer and view files stored on your hard drive. However, Microsoft said there was no evidence that any of these bugs were being exploited online at this time.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
The February update will also address several other issues with the OS, as well as patch issues with the equally popular Office software suite. Some of the exploitations allow remote users to run programs on your computer and view files stored on your hard drive. However, Microsoft said there was no evidence that any of these bugs were being exploited online at this time.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Tweeters' Passwords Phished by Torrent Scam
After noticing "unusual activity," Twitter sysops did "some digging" and discovered a network of "compromised torrent sites," designed to record and transmit users' e-mails, passwords, and personal information. As studies have shown that nearly 75% of people use the same password on their banking site(s) as they do on others, this could be very bad for some Tweeters!
Twitter said it hasn't identified all the Torrent sites affected, but it reset the passwords on the compromised accounts. Of course, this doesn't help those users secure their accounts on the other sites where they used the same password. You are encouraged to use a different password for every site and keep a written record of this information instead of storing it in a file on your computer.
Sophos' annual report suggests such attacks are up 70% on social networks, and so is spam. Facebook is considered the "riskiest," though the security firm notes that, because it is the largest, it obviously attracts more attention.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Twitter said it hasn't identified all the Torrent sites affected, but it reset the passwords on the compromised accounts. Of course, this doesn't help those users secure their accounts on the other sites where they used the same password. You are encouraged to use a different password for every site and keep a written record of this information instead of storing it in a file on your computer.
Sophos' annual report suggests such attacks are up 70% on social networks, and so is spam. Facebook is considered the "riskiest," though the security firm notes that, because it is the largest, it obviously attracts more attention.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Internet Addiction Tied to Depression?
According to an online survey of over 1000 people, 1.2% can be classified as suffering from "Internet addiction." Further, this 1.2% were 5x more likely to suffer from clinical depression than others. The irony that this study was carried-out online has not escaped me, nor critics of the research.
At any rate, this 1.2% not only spent an inordinate amount of time online, they were also more likely to frequent porn and gambling sites, as well as social networks. The researchers admit that Internet addiction can be hard to diagnose, and say they do not know if one causes the other. However, previous research indicates that depressed people turn to the Internet as a means of avoiding "real life," and others with their condition are likely to turn to TV, shopping, books, et.al.
Actually, some Web-use might even be beneficial, especially if it involves socializing online. All the study conclusively proves is that more research is needed.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
At any rate, this 1.2% not only spent an inordinate amount of time online, they were also more likely to frequent porn and gambling sites, as well as social networks. The researchers admit that Internet addiction can be hard to diagnose, and say they do not know if one causes the other. However, previous research indicates that depressed people turn to the Internet as a means of avoiding "real life," and others with their condition are likely to turn to TV, shopping, books, et.al.
Actually, some Web-use might even be beneficial, especially if it involves socializing online. All the study conclusively proves is that more research is needed.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Google Toolbar Tracks User Even When "Disabled"
Ben Edelman, Harvard professor and Google critic, noted the Google Toolbar still transmits data to the firm even when "Disabled." The only way to completely, and truly, disable the function is to completely uninstall the Toolbar. Edelman disabled the toolbar the way most people, especially those without extensive computer knowledge, would think to do it and videotaped it transmitting data back to Google. When caught, Google admitted knowledge of the "bug," but insisted it was an honest mistake and said it only affected older versions. It was expected to release an update sometime last week which would stop the toolbar from sending data back to Google when disabled.
According to reports, the "bug" only affects Internet Explorer sessions, however the Google Toolbar came pre-installed on my machine and I actively disabled it. On several occasions, I found it running in the Task Manager. The system would not allow me to "End Process(es)." I eventually uninstalled it through Control Panel. The only reason I did not do so beforehand is because I didn't want to start making major changes to the computer until I'd had it for a while, for fear of voiding any warranties and return policies, etc.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
According to reports, the "bug" only affects Internet Explorer sessions, however the Google Toolbar came pre-installed on my machine and I actively disabled it. On several occasions, I found it running in the Task Manager. The system would not allow me to "End Process(es)." I eventually uninstalled it through Control Panel. The only reason I did not do so beforehand is because I didn't want to start making major changes to the computer until I'd had it for a while, for fear of voiding any warranties and return policies, etc.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Buy and Sell RVs
For years, when I worked as a musician, my parents tried to sell me on the idea of a motorhome. Even then I knew they had a point: It would be great for traveling and plying my musical trade, then I could park it just about anywhere when I wasn't touring. But the truth is that we never had enough tour dates to make it feasible and I didn't relish the idea of living in a motorhome on someone else's lot.
These days, I kinda wish I had gone on and gotten that motorhome. There's a lot to be said for being able to live on your own and vacation at the same time. I mean, you can be in one state one night and another the next, your rent is whatever it costs you to rent a lot (most of which feature beautiful scenery), yet you still have all the conveniences of home. Not a bad life, I'd venture to say.
While I'm still considering my opportunities and direction, I know RVTrader.com is the site where I'll start looking. And most likely the site I'll be selling my RV on if and when I decide to go for something more "brick-and-mortar"-ish.
These days, I kinda wish I had gone on and gotten that motorhome. There's a lot to be said for being able to live on your own and vacation at the same time. I mean, you can be in one state one night and another the next, your rent is whatever it costs you to rent a lot (most of which feature beautiful scenery), yet you still have all the conveniences of home. Not a bad life, I'd venture to say.
While I'm still considering my opportunities and direction, I know RVTrader.com is the site where I'll start looking. And most likely the site I'll be selling my RV on if and when I decide to go for something more "brick-and-mortar"-ish.
The Rundown on Twitter
Unless you live in a cave or under a rock, pretty much everyone in America has heard about Twitter by now - even those who do not own, or even use, a computer! The social media platform had been around for a while before one Ashton Kutcher started a "war" with CNN, in which he challenged the news network to amassing 1 million Followers before he did, but that friendly rivalry made the social service a household name.
Like Facebook, Twitter was already a social media darling. Research suggests Twitter's traffic increased by nearly 1500% between February 2008 and February 2009! Facebook's traffic jumped 228% in this same period. However, this same research shows that the top 10% of Twitter's users are responsible for 90% of its activity! Compare this to any other social network, including Facebook, where the top 10% account for only 30% of the site's content.
A Harvard team discovered that most people only "tweet" once their entire lives, and more than half only updated their Twitter account once every 74 days. While Twitter remains the fastest-growing social network with some 10 million or more users, 60% of those from the U.S. were unlikely to return the month after signing-up. Overall, very few Twitter users actively tweet or follow others' tweets consistently. The average number of tweets a user issues is one (1) - in their entire lifetime (so far - remember, Twitter is still "young," even though it's been around for "decades" by Web standards)!
What too few people understand about Twitter, and what is rarely discussed in its coverage, is what we Netizens had discovered months before the Kutcher v. CNN incident: Twitter is an announcement platform, not a traditional social network. Sure, it is still "social media" and technically, it fits the definition of a social network, but Twitter is not a two-way communications service, even if it is used as such by any percentage of its members. "Twitter is a broadcast medium," the Harvard graduate who carried-out the study, concluded.
This hasn't gone unnoticed by Twitter's sysops. Most recently, the staff changed the methods used for its "Suggestions" list to de-emphasize celebrities and big-name brands and businesses, which had been using the site as an advertising, marketing, and promotional service. Twitter now offers a directory of "Suggested" users, divided by topic. It also revised its popular "Trending Topics" feature with the addition of "Local Trends."
Twitter's phenomenal growth spurt has been said to have "flatlined," but that is disingenuous; Twitter's growth set online records and I cannot emphasize enough just how unusual its numbers are. To say Twitter's growth has "slowed" is akin to saying the sun has "cooled a bit." However, given the results above, Twitter has to continue gaining members by the thousands in order to increase that active 10% and remain relevant.
The changes are meant to turn the tide back in the site's favor, but also to make Twitter more useful - by focusing on content relevance, as opposed to providing (or at least facilitating) entertainment and promotion. Another study, from 2009, showed that we use social media (including e-mail, IM, blogging, et.al.) more today than ever before, and that our general use of the Web is more focused on communications than entertainment. In fact, the time spent pursuing and engaging in entertainment online dropped from nearly 50% in 2006 to 20% in 2008!
Responding to claims that Twitter's growth has slowed, the company's CEO pointed-out usage statistics following the recent earthquake in Haiti. He claimed that January 11th was the site's busiest day in its history, and some analysts agree. Further, research proves that active Twitterers now have more followers and tweet more frequently.Twitter is also reaching a larger worldwide market; less than 51% of Twitter's users were from the U.S. as of December, 2009 - down 10% from just six months earlier! A lot of people are also using mobile devices and third-party programs to access the site, which accounts for at least some of the "missing" direct hits.
Overall, it is safe to say that while Twitter's sign-up numbers may have peaked, they are finally starting to crack that "top 10% = 90% of all content" barrier, which means more of Twitter's users are active than ever before - and those are the kinds of numbers on which a site like Twitter needs to be focused, and really the only numbers which are relevant.
Some formerly active users complain the service has become bloated with senseless chatter, thanks in large part to its overexposure. Maybe Twitter's changes and focus on relevance will change that.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Like Facebook, Twitter was already a social media darling. Research suggests Twitter's traffic increased by nearly 1500% between February 2008 and February 2009! Facebook's traffic jumped 228% in this same period. However, this same research shows that the top 10% of Twitter's users are responsible for 90% of its activity! Compare this to any other social network, including Facebook, where the top 10% account for only 30% of the site's content.
A Harvard team discovered that most people only "tweet" once their entire lives, and more than half only updated their Twitter account once every 74 days. While Twitter remains the fastest-growing social network with some 10 million or more users, 60% of those from the U.S. were unlikely to return the month after signing-up. Overall, very few Twitter users actively tweet or follow others' tweets consistently. The average number of tweets a user issues is one (1) - in their entire lifetime (so far - remember, Twitter is still "young," even though it's been around for "decades" by Web standards)!
What too few people understand about Twitter, and what is rarely discussed in its coverage, is what we Netizens had discovered months before the Kutcher v. CNN incident: Twitter is an announcement platform, not a traditional social network. Sure, it is still "social media" and technically, it fits the definition of a social network, but Twitter is not a two-way communications service, even if it is used as such by any percentage of its members. "Twitter is a broadcast medium," the Harvard graduate who carried-out the study, concluded.
This hasn't gone unnoticed by Twitter's sysops. Most recently, the staff changed the methods used for its "Suggestions" list to de-emphasize celebrities and big-name brands and businesses, which had been using the site as an advertising, marketing, and promotional service. Twitter now offers a directory of "Suggested" users, divided by topic. It also revised its popular "Trending Topics" feature with the addition of "Local Trends."
Twitter's phenomenal growth spurt has been said to have "flatlined," but that is disingenuous; Twitter's growth set online records and I cannot emphasize enough just how unusual its numbers are. To say Twitter's growth has "slowed" is akin to saying the sun has "cooled a bit." However, given the results above, Twitter has to continue gaining members by the thousands in order to increase that active 10% and remain relevant.
The changes are meant to turn the tide back in the site's favor, but also to make Twitter more useful - by focusing on content relevance, as opposed to providing (or at least facilitating) entertainment and promotion. Another study, from 2009, showed that we use social media (including e-mail, IM, blogging, et.al.) more today than ever before, and that our general use of the Web is more focused on communications than entertainment. In fact, the time spent pursuing and engaging in entertainment online dropped from nearly 50% in 2006 to 20% in 2008!
Responding to claims that Twitter's growth has slowed, the company's CEO pointed-out usage statistics following the recent earthquake in Haiti. He claimed that January 11th was the site's busiest day in its history, and some analysts agree. Further, research proves that active Twitterers now have more followers and tweet more frequently.Twitter is also reaching a larger worldwide market; less than 51% of Twitter's users were from the U.S. as of December, 2009 - down 10% from just six months earlier! A lot of people are also using mobile devices and third-party programs to access the site, which accounts for at least some of the "missing" direct hits.
Overall, it is safe to say that while Twitter's sign-up numbers may have peaked, they are finally starting to crack that "top 10% = 90% of all content" barrier, which means more of Twitter's users are active than ever before - and those are the kinds of numbers on which a site like Twitter needs to be focused, and really the only numbers which are relevant.
Some formerly active users complain the service has become bloated with senseless chatter, thanks in large part to its overexposure. Maybe Twitter's changes and focus on relevance will change that.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Grammy Winners Tweet Their Acceptance Speeches, Thanks
Winners on last night's Grammy awards had an incredibly short amount of time in which to make their thanks, possible only 15 seconds (as reported by E!). However, many of them later thanked fans and supporters online, using Twitter. Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and the Zac Brown Band all tweeted their thanks, and Pink, though not a winner, tweeted her gratitude to her fans for their support following the ceremonies.
Celebrities have embraced Twitter as a way to directly communicate with their fans without the hassles of running a blog. The service allows you to basically Instant Message (IM) a group of people, known as "Followers," in 140 character-length bursts. Businesses tend to use the service to make announcements, and regular users apparently just tweet whatever pointless minutiae comes to mind, but celebrities have made the most of the free network, using it to directly chat to (and sometimes with) fans and even other celebrities.
Twitter came to the attention of the mainstream following celebrity, Ashton Kutcher's, challenge to CNN. Since then, many celebrities have created accounts - some have even entered "Twitter Wars" with other celebrities - but few "reg'lar folk" seem to grasp the actual point of the social network, which is an announcement platform and not a two-way communications service.
The rise in online activity, especially concerning social networks and media, has given rise to several research studies which have returned conflicting results. However, they all agree that most netizens are active on one or more social networks, that use of social media is on the rise, and Twitter is at the forefront of these activities.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Celebrities have embraced Twitter as a way to directly communicate with their fans without the hassles of running a blog. The service allows you to basically Instant Message (IM) a group of people, known as "Followers," in 140 character-length bursts. Businesses tend to use the service to make announcements, and regular users apparently just tweet whatever pointless minutiae comes to mind, but celebrities have made the most of the free network, using it to directly chat to (and sometimes with) fans and even other celebrities.
Twitter came to the attention of the mainstream following celebrity, Ashton Kutcher's, challenge to CNN. Since then, many celebrities have created accounts - some have even entered "Twitter Wars" with other celebrities - but few "reg'lar folk" seem to grasp the actual point of the social network, which is an announcement platform and not a two-way communications service.
The rise in online activity, especially concerning social networks and media, has given rise to several research studies which have returned conflicting results. However, they all agree that most netizens are active on one or more social networks, that use of social media is on the rise, and Twitter is at the forefront of these activities.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Sell Back Your Books!
We readers often have storage problems. I have cases and cases of books and many of them I honestly have no compunction to read. I box-up books I don't care for and always tell myself I'm going to put them online or trade them in to some local bookstore, yet never seem to get around to doing so. Now, there is a service which will buy back your old and used books without charging you listing fees, and it pays for your shipping costs!
This is especially useful for college students, who are already poor by nature, because the site also lets you sell textbooks. You need to prioritize this though, as textbooks' values drop quickly. You might not get much for them either way, but it's definitely enough for a meal or two, and will help offset the costs of next semester's textbooks!
This is especially useful for college students, who are already poor by nature, because the site also lets you sell textbooks. You need to prioritize this though, as textbooks' values drop quickly. You might not get much for them either way, but it's definitely enough for a meal or two, and will help offset the costs of next semester's textbooks!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
