Don?t Underestimate Google Checkout
Definitely one of the big news stories today is Google's announcement and release of it's new product called Google Checkout. Many in the blogosphere (as evidence by the comments here) are dismissing its launch to Google's apparent lack of focus and inability to address it's core business.
What should not be overlooked is how strategically important this product will be for Google and how this launch illustrates that they are very focused on their core business: advertising. A great majority of the $6 billion in revenue that Google reaped last year can be directly attributed to their advertising programs. Without this revenue, there is no doubt that Google would be a shell of the company it is today and what it will be in the future. So to maintain their market dominance, they have to secure that revenue stream, which has come under increasing pressure as worries about click fraud have start to deteriorate trust in their current CPC system.
So what does a checkout system have to do with any of this? Quite simply, they have to reinvent advertising, again. The end goal in any advertising effort is to get customers to do something. This could be the consumer pulling their wallets out but may be the customer just making a phone call to the advertiser. The problem with most advertising today is that there is no way to really track why and how that action was initiated and if it ended in an actual purchase.
Earlier this week, Google announced a new ad program based around a cost-per-action model. The theory goes that if you can track a transaction from start (when the user sees the ad), to finish (they make a purchase, or other valuable action) then the advertiser will pay more for each action than they would for a click. Advertisers will pay more per action because they are only paying for what they truly see as valuable and not for clicks which may or may not pan out.
But what is missing in this plan? Google has the advertising infrastructure and audience. They also have a pretty good way to contact the advertiser through an ad using Click-to-Call. And now, they actually have a way to track and record the purchase.
If anything, Google Checkout shows that Google is right on track in securing their business. There is no doubt in my mind that they are doing what they have done many times in the past, redefining the rules of the game.
Developers Buzz on Leopard and Safari, Bum Out About IPhone
Hopes of a full-fledged software developers kit for the wonder gadget fade even as Core Animation and a browser that does Windows delight some coders.
Notes: Barrett, Jones out of lineup - MLB.com
 The Japan Times | Notes: Barrett, Jones out of lineup MLB.com - By Carrie Muskat / MLB.com CHICAGO -- Neither Michael Barrett nor Jacque Jones were in the Cubs' lineup Thursday. Both were given mental health days. Piniella still confident in Bartrett, says he needs time off Zambrano changing colors? |
Guy Kawasaki on Making Blogs More Viral
As a relatively new blogger, I am intrigued by the process of ?getting found.? People spend a lot of time figuring out ways to be more viral. Recently one of my Marketing Voices interviews for PodTech was Neil Patel, co-founder of ACS Consulting, based in Orange County, California. (Read on Source)
Media Excel Licenses VP6(TM) Codec From On2 Technologies for MobileTV, WebTV, IPTV and VoD File Tran
Media Excel Inc., a leading provider of Advanced Digital Video Content Adaptation for MobileTV, WebTV & IPTV, and On2 Technologies, Inc. (AMEX:ONT), a leader in video-compression software solutions, announced today they have signed a licensing agreement that will further establish Media Excel's leadership in the transcoding market and new market opportunities for On2. (PRWeb Aug 20, 2007) Post Comment:Trackback URL: http://www.prweb.com/pingpr.php/Q291cC1QaWdnLVN1bW0tSGFsZi1UaGlyLVplcm8=
Hofstra University Goes Global with Online Computer Science Degree
Beginning in January 2008, Hofstra University will offer its first completely online degree program with the launch of the online Master of Science in Computer Science. (PRWeb Nov 21, 2007) Post Comment:Trackback URL: http://www.prweb.com/pingpr.php/SW5zZS1Ib3JyLUluc2UtSG9yci1UaGlyLVplcm8=
America Hears, Manufacturer and Distributor of Digital Hearing Aids, Offers Informational Blog
Blog is Written and Maintained by America Hears' Team of Audiologists (PRWeb Dec 4, 2007) Post Comment:Trackback URL: http://www.prweb.com/pingpr.php/VGhpci1TaW5nLVN1bW0tSG9yci1UaGlyLVplcm8=
Why "How" is the Most Important Question Open Source Vendors Can Answer
451 CAOS Theory: "It occurred to me that 'how' rather than 'why' is the most significant question that open source vendors and projects should be answering right now..."
SMX Advanced 2008 Wrap Up
With all the sessions, speakers, networking and photo-snapping going on in the last 2 days at SMX Advanced in Seattle, it’s surprising any attendee got anything else completed at all. While I didn’t attend every session (can’t be in three places at once - just not possible for this girl :)) I managed to get [...]
ABs have top spot in sight
Victory over the Wallabies will see New Zealand regaining the No 1 ranking in world rugby. The All Blacks come into Saturday’s fixture on the back of a loss to the Springboks, but a winning start to the Bledisloe Cup will see them surpassing the world champions. New Zealand are currently 0.78 points behind South Africa and [...] (Read on Source)
Judge: Qualcomm violates Broadcom ruling (AP)
AP - A federal judge ruled that Qualcomm Inc. violated a ban on wireless technology owned by rival chip maker Broadcom Corp., the companies said Thursday.
Family Told Obama NOT To Wear Soldier Son's Bracelet... Where is Media?
Or statesman, even. Or statesperson. Or something. Fey and Poeler are both awesome, but Fey's writing makes this a classic. (Read on Source)
Arbitrary Seizure of Travelers' Laptops Ending?
Fourth Amendment rights could be restored at the border.
Super Diagnostic
'Super' Diagnostic Solutions for businesses Super Diagnostic offers various services and products to diagnostic kit distributors and manufacturers. Its primary services include registration and approval of test kits, printing and packaging, selection and appointment of distributors, cost reduction analysis, etc. The following are the details of Super Diagnostic's services. Services to Indian Distributors: These services include procurement of products from Indian or foreign manufactures, providing logistic support and legal services, and conducting product reviews. Services to Indian Manufacturers: The role of Super Diagnostic is to procure the raw materials and the necessary components required for the production, printing and packaging. Added to these are the technical consultancy and the cost reduction analysis provided by the company experts. Service to Overseas Manufacturer: Super Diagnostic manages all the procedures for the registration and approval of test kits in India. They select the appropriate distributor and appoint them, make the market survey and also provide marketing and advertising services. Technical Promotion of New Products: New products are promoted through the company's website. There are other methods also such as the e-marketing and provision of database of prospective clients including doctors and those from different diagnostic institutions and labs. Super Diagnostic provides a range of IVD Test components such as the nitrocellulose membrane, colloidal gold conjugate, sample pad, uncut sheet, laminated foil pouches, plastic shell or cassette and desiccant. The colloidal gold conjugate consists of colloidal gold, the nanoparticles of gold that appear as a suspension in liquids. They are conjugated to the monoclonal antibodies at the FC region of the IG antibodies where three amino acids, viz., lysine, tryptophan and cysteine, are present and form the antibody-gold conjugate. These conjugate, when absorbed by the pre-coated antibodies on the NC membrane, will show a distinct redline. The Uncut Sheet is an assembled panel of the rapid flow test including the absorbing pad, the coated NC membrane, the colloidal gold conjugate etc. These are stored with silica to avoid moisture. Super Diagnostic is committed to providing quality services to its clients. They have already marked their excellence among their clients, procuring a commendable track record of their client success. Super Diagnostic has experts in all its operational ends and thus ensures the best service in the industry. Apart from the integrity and the respect shown to its customers, Super Diagnostic is also valued for its efforts to improve the products. visit us Super Diagnostic
Rahul is the author of <a href="http://www.superdiagnostic.com/">Super Diagnostic</a>
SEO: Spanking Ranking the Three?s Company Way
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi on Creativity, fulfillment and Flow
An amazing talk by the foremost psychologist of positive experiences on how creative people work on flow.
FDA's Fraud Finding In Study Means Claims Against Company Are Not Preempted, Court Says
PHILADELPHIA - A plaintiff's claims against a contract research organization are not preempted because the Food and Drug Administration found that the company engaged in fraudulent reporting of clinical study data, a Pennsylvania federal judge said Oct. 25 in denying summary judgment (Eileen Wawrzynek, et al. v. Statprobe, Inc., et al., No. 05-1342, E.D. Pa.). Full story on lexis.com
Is infallibility a virtue?
See this week's Musing . Expect Anne on New Year's Day. (Read on Source)
SEO Chat Forums - Index.html and 301 redirects?
Date: January 2nd, 2009 09:08 AM - stuartyboy - Untitled Post: my index page is sometimes showing as www.example.com/ or www.example.com/index.html Is this in Google serps or when you are hitting your website directly? You shouldn't "have" to 301 redirect an index page if your ser...
Just Plain Love Book's New Release: How to Overcome Your Health Problems: Solutions for a BETTER QUA
You don't have to tolerate poor health! Brent Atwater's How to Overcome Your Health Problems: Solutions for a BETTER QUALITY of LIFE! (ISBN 1419688464 on Amazon.com and Amazon Kindle), teaches you how to change and heal your poor health. After decades of road testing and developing practical tools and healing solutions for real life health problems and medical conditions, the positive results and testimonials of healing gathered from international clients, friends and family concluded that almost everyone: removed pain or had less chronic pain, experienced less medical problems, side effects and complications, had less new medical symptoms and recurrences, eradicated, healed or diminished some health problems, had renewed, restored health and energy levels, experienced a more peaceful well being, increased more personal independence and lived a more fulfilling and better quality of life! With easy to read words, simple instructions, questionnaires, clear step by step how to do's, practical example guides and workbook check your progress exercises, you learn to change your health, What have you got to lose? (PRWeb Jan 7, 2009)
Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/AlternativeHealing/HealthProblems/prweb1791084.htm
Citi mulls endorsing bankruptcy reform: sources
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Citigroup Inc could soon agree to principles that would let troubled borrowers save their homes through bankruptcy, sources familiar with the talks said on Thursday, while industry groups are easing their opposition to the plan.
Using a RequiredFieldValidator
When you need to ensure that a field is filled out by people who visit your website, you do not need a lot of complex code in a variety of scripting languages. ASP.NET VB corresponds to the task !...
Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard Launch Trailer Recalls Classic 80s Commercials
This wonderful Matt Hazard trailer hearkens back to a time of lo-fi game ads, with voiceovers by "really excited old dude." A time when we were all getting ready to "enter a new world," and Neil Patrick Harris was just "Doogie."
Here's to hoping Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard lives up to its concept, and works as an actual game. You might not believe your eyes on March 3, when the game hits stores on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. [video]13761[/video]
"Get Excited and Make Things" poster
By way of Boing Boing and Treehugger comes this wonderful take on the famous British "Keep Calm and Carry On" posters from WWII and the more recent, less positive, versions such as "Now Panic and Freak Out" and "Panic and Run Away." This is more our cup of tea. I love the crescent wrench crown. Don't keep calm and carry on. Read more | Permalink | (Read on Source)
BYO ban leads to smaller, tamer infield crowd - Baltimore Sun
 Washington Times | BYO ban leads to smaller, tamer infield crowd Baltimore Sun By Scott Calvert | scott.calvert@baltsun.com Patches of grass went unclaimed in the vast infield and fewer broad-brimmed hats floated atop women's heads on Saturday as droves of fans steered clear of Pimlico Race Course and its new policy banning ... Plenty of space available in dry Preakness infield At Troubled Preakness, a Sobering Attendance Drop |
Yankees 6, Twins 4 Rodriguez's Homer Lifts Yankees in 11th - New York Times
 MiamiHerald.com | Yankees 6, Twins 4 Rodriguez's Homer Lifts Yankees in 11th New York Times By TYLER KEPNER Alex Rodriguez stood by the Yankees' on-deck circle, waiting for a postgame interview, a look of satisfaction and exhaustion across his face. Alex Rodriguez vows to shut mouth, and his play for Yankees in telling A-Rod gives Yankees win with game-ending homer |
Home brewing for wine lovers
Personal winery lets you make four perfectly fermented cases of wine at home
Top 10 Most Creative People in Health Care
1. Melinda Gates, cochair and trustee, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Nimbly throwing the foundation's bucks behind both big-picture, tech-oriented, long-term solutions and modest, immediate action plans, Melinda Gates is a formidable force in the fight for health care in developing nations.
2. Anthony Atala, director, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine The first doctor to bioengineer a human bladder and successfully implant it in a human, Anthony Atala and his staff are now busy growing 22 different tissues--from heart valves to fingers--planting them at the forefront of this (ahem) growing field.
3. Jay Parkinson, founder, Hello Health Mixing non-conventional payment structure (monthly subscription fee, PayPal but no insurance) and eyebrow-raising communications (e-mail, instant messaging, even house visits), Jay Parkinson's Hello Health offers a wildly popular alternative to the current model of high insurance costs and eight-minute office visits.
4. James Heywood, cofounder and chairman, PatientsLikeMe Following his brother's diagnosis with ALS, Heywood launched PatientsLikeMe--think of it as a social-networking health site on massive steroids. People with like diseases input clinically validated data, helping them empathize and learn from others' experiences, while physicians and researchers can tap into the rich info to further treatments.
5. Thomas Frieden, director, Center for Disease Control & Prevention Picked by Obama to head the Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Frieden earned his stripes first by fighting tuberculosis in India and then as the vocal force behind many of NYC's most aggressive public health initiatives in recent years--from posting calories on menus and banning trans fat, to reducing public smoking--proving that sometimes the most creative way to tackle a problem is head on.
6. Peter Neupert, vice president of Health Solutions Group, Microsoft A multi-trillion-dollar industry still limping along on handwritten notes? Not for much longer, if Neupert and his HealthVault team, part of Microsoft's electronic health record initiative, have anything to say about it.
7. Steve Case, founder and CEO, Revolution Health Group First he cofounded AOL, then Steve Case turned his attention to health care. Now everyday users of the extensive online portal can create profiles, answer each other's queries, rate their doctors, and deploy an army of widgets--all aimed at democratizing health information.
8. Hans Rosling, professor of global health, Karolinska Institute in Sweden We'll admit it: Rarely do we think of statistics as a particularly creative field. But Hans Rosling's trend-revealing software--which first garnered major attention when it helped identify a new paralytic disease in Africa--is dramatically reshaping views of global health and poverty trends.
9. Douglas Melton, codirector, Harvard Stem Cell Institute Douglas Melton's pioneering work to create new stem-cell lines that could replace malfunctioning cells in the pancreas that are linked to diabetes would earn him praise enough. But it's his creative solution to use adult skin cells--thereby sidestepping the embryonic stem cell debate entirely--that will smartly keep Melton and his work clipping along, sans controversy.
10. Anne Wojcicki, cofounder, 23andMe Others may have figured out how to crack the DNA code, but it's Anne Wojcicki who's lured the masses (and Silicon Valley celebs) to offer up their saliva for private genetic testing during swank "spit parties." She and her partner, Linda Avey, are now compiling customers' privacy-protected data into a research-ready database.
Read all about the The 100 Most Creative People in Business
Dark Lover
The first novel of J. R. Ward's New York Times best-selling Black Dagger Brotherhood series features a unique take on vampire lore and heavy doses of sensuality. The vampire Darius fears for the life of his half-breed daughter, who is unaware of her unusual destiny. To oversee her transformation, Darius seeks help from Wrath, a dangerous loner ... (Read on Source)
Boomtown: The Real Money Behind Virtual Goods
Virtual goods, such as avatars and Facebook gifts, are attracting major brands, celebrities, and venture capital. The money is real.
Nexon's Crazyracing KartRider game sold more than 100,000 Mini Coopers in South Korea, more than BMW's sales of the actual car. It helped that the game's virtual Mini cost less than $10.
2008 annual revenue for Tencent, China's largest Internet portal: $1.05 billion. 88% of revenue comes from virtual goods.
$200 million -- Amount of virtual goods purchased in the U.S. in 2008.
Blockbuster, Rite Aid, 7-Eleven, and Wal-Mart sell PlaySpan's Ultimate Game Card, a prepaid card that lets users buy virtual goods in more than 200 video games. More than $50 million in transactions went through PlaySpan's marketplace in 2008.
$992 million -- Microtransactions or sales of virtual goods in virtual worlds in 2008, worldwide
In the virtual world Gaia, Nike gave away T-shirts that made wearers run faster. There is now a brisk aftermarket for the shirts.
$1.8 billion -- Estimated microtransactions or sales of virtual goods in virtual worlds in 2009, worldwide
$408 million -- Amount of venture capital invested in 40 companies in 2008 that rely on virtual goods for at least part of their revenues
The most popular virtual-goods purchases are game characters or avatars, such as Eve Online's Cybs (6.5 billion Isk, $361 U.S.).
In Asia, Coca-Cola has offered gamers virtual Coke cars and a Coke racetrack.
FooPets members spend an average of $25 a month on their cyber puppies and kittens, roughly equal to what people spend on their animals in the real world.
Virtual Greats lets you decorate your avatar with items like Justin Timberlake's fedora ($2).
Nestlé's Purina brand pet food is the exclusive kibble in FooPets's virtual pet world.
382 -- Number of virtual gifts available in the Facebook Gift Shop
$5 Buys you 500 credits for virtual goods on Facebook
$30 million to $40 million -- Facebook's estimated annual virtual-gift revenue
name: MAGPIE