Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/h2QHOFp9DZU/the-problem-with-apps-is-smartphones
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Monday, February 25, 2013
The Problem With Apps Is Smartphones
Investing in social media takes time to get right | Stuff.co.nz
Q: Should my business have a presence on social media?
A: This is a question many companies are asking, and the default answer to "just be there" is a bad one.
Social media is like any communication channel. To make it work you have to invest in it, and the nature of social media means it is a constant investment. You have to have time and mental resources to contribute to the channel.
A frank assessment of where your clients and potential clients are looking for services and products like yours is important. If your customers are farmers, you might want to ask whether Twitter is a forum you want to be on. The rural markets will no doubt be on social media somewhere, but define where and target those channels consciously.
You'll need to weigh up whether the investment is worthwhile too. Are you looking to gain sales through social media? Or simply build profile? Is it a channel to communicate to your membership only? These goals will define whether social media (and what channels) are appropriate for your business.
If you do this assessment and decide you're going to do it, ask the next question. What do you have to say? The social media space is so crowded that you have to appraise whether you have compelling content to populate social media broadcasts with.
Having something your audience thinks is worth hearing (ie, instructive, informative, controversial or humorous are some characteristics that underpin online cut-through) is critical or your investment is effectively social media white noise.
Social media consultancies abound, and many charge chronic fees for advice you can Google for free. But getting someone who knows their stuff to critique your social media footprint is invaluable. Ask around, look at what your competitors are doing, and build a picture of what you think you need and then ask someone to check it out.
The true test, though, is whether it works. Under all circumstances, test and measure what you do, and match it against what your business needs. Social media takes time, and that's the one resource we can't buy more of.
Nick Churchouse is the venture manger at Creative HQ, Wellington's start-up hub and entrepreneurship centre. CreativeHQ.co.nz
A: Social media is not for every business. Social media is about customer engagement not company broadcast.
Check whether your current customers frequent social media forums and use them for discussion about your type of product or service.
As a business owner you should acquaint yourself with social media tools and listen to start with. Only commit to creating Facebook and the like if it's relevant to your target market.
Mark Robotham is an SME business adviser. Website: growthmanagement.co.nz
If you want to ask a question of either of our experts, email rebecca.stevenson@fairfaxmedia.co.nz
- ? Fairfax NZ News
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Leading Canadian SEO and SEM Company Numero Uno Web ...
Numero Uno Web Solutions (NumeroUnoWeb.com), a fast-growing global Internet marketing firm that caters to small- and mid-sized business-to-consumer companies, is pleased to announce its top uncommon tips for building quality links for brands that saw their online rankings hurt after Google?s introduced its link-based algorithmic filter, ?Penguin.?
Toronto, Ontario (PRWEB) February 24, 2013
Numero Uno Web Solutions (NumeroUnoWeb.com), a fast-growing global Internet marketing firm that caters to small- and mid-sized business-to-consumer companies, is pleased to announce its top uncommon tips for building quality links for brands that saw their online rankings hurt after Google?s introduced its link-based algorithmic filter, ?Penguin.?
In 2012, Google introduced the first of its Penguin updates in an effort to promote high-quality content sites. Penguin also penalized low-quality content web sites it deemed to be spamming. For better link performance, search engine algorithms now place a greater emphasis on original, high-quality, relevant content and social media.
?Search engines gauge a site?s popularity, in part, based on backlinks. When search engine algorithms, like Google Penguin, find a site with a lot backlinks, it concludes that the site provides quality information and should be rewarded with a high ranking,? explains Mark Reuter, Business Development Manager at Numero Uno Web Solutions.
The experts at Numero Uno Web Solutions say that In addition to tested and proven search engine optimization (SEO) techniques, small- and medium-sized businesses need to employ uncommon link building strategies if they want to reach a broader audience, boost traffic, and get their site to rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs).
?To generate buzz and put a brand in the spotlight, small- and medium-sized businesses can create a contest. Whether it?s promoted on the site directly or sponsored through another forum, a contest that is aligned with the brand?s interests can increase the target audience and build incoming links,? Reuter notes.
As the experts note, everyone wants exposure. Businesses looking to build quality links might want to consider interviewing a noteworthy person or using a prominent guest blogger. Quoting an influential person in an interview or having them post something on a web site is an effective way of increasing brand exposure. Web traffic can increase from those that follow certain authorities; it can also increase from the blogger linking back to the article they wrote.
?Changes to search engine algorithms and new SEO techniques mean small- and medium-sized businesses need to update their SEO strategies if they want to have a successful online presence,? Reuter adds.
As online experts, Numero Uno Web Solutions can help small- and medium-sized businesses design an SEO campaign that incorporates innovative link-building strategies. To learn more about Numero Uno Web Solutions, visit the company?s web site at http://numerounoweb.com/sitescore/.
Numero Uno Web Solutions is one of the top Internet marketing firms due to constant innovation and overall customer satisfaction. For more information on Numero Uno Web Solutions, and to discover how the company can help maximize your company?s search engine optimization and online presence, visit http://numerounoweb.com/sitescore/. Or call Numero Uno Web Solutions toll-free at 1-855-SEO-XPRT (1-855-736-9778).
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2013/2/prweb10458686.htm
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The Pet Matchmaker ? FARM PETS & FARM ANIMALS
Just because there is room to roam doesn?t mean your pets should roam ? at least unattended. This is especially true for dogs. They still need your care and attention. There are many dangers for our dogs in the country ? seen and unseen.?You might be nodding, recognizing the obvious ? such as roads with not just cars and trucks but farm equipment driving on them. These roads, unlike urban roads, have steeper ditches with less opportunities for drivers to swerve to avoid hitting your pet.
Other dangers for your pet are the farm animals themselves. A cow or a horse, even a goat or sheep, can kick or gore a dog ? especially when they are unfamiliar with the animal or when they are protecting their young. Canines are natural predators, and many animals react to them instinctively, regardless of their status as a farm pet, working farm dog or wild animal. If you?re walking in a field, be aware of where you are and where your pet is. A horse or cow can kick surprisingly far and hard. Although they may not intend it, even you could be their target!?Fences and wires, barbed and electric, can be serious hazards to an unaware dog. Tangled up in page wire can lead to serious cuts and abrasions as well.
Taking proper care of your animals on the farm includes knowing that they have safe sources of clean water. Keep chemicals, especially things like antifreeze, away from them. Poisoning is a dreadful death and in many rural areas there are no nearby 24 vet clinics. An hour on the road with an ill pet could be one of the worst of your life.
Your dogs and cats can also be a threat to farm animals. Most dogs have a prey drive instinct, and when they see barn cats, geese, ducks, chickens, calves and foals, that drive can kick in. Cats are predators, too and can attack surprisingly large prey if they feel the hunter?s need to stalk and capture. Unfortunately, most farm birds do not recover from such encounters.
How can you protect your animals? There are some simple steps that are very effective. Know the farm you are at. Whether you live there or are visiting, know the hazards. Identify them and make sure you keep your animals away from those places. Make sure your children and others who play with your pets know there are areas that are completely off limits and tell them where it is safe to run and play. An empty pasture is a great place for playing ball, for example, but a calving pen is not.
Farm pets should never be left unattended in the farm yard ? yours or anyone else?s?. Working farm dogs should be supervised at all times, even livestock guardian dogs need to be checked on for their welfare, as well as the welfare of the farm animals. It doesn?t take long for a dog to take down and kill a young or small farm animal. Being responsible pet parents requires us to know where our pets are, to keep them under control and to enjoy life with them. There is nothing more satisfying than a spring walk in the fields with your dogs. Your job as their guardian includes ensuring they are not put into situations where they can make tragic choices based on instinct.
Enjoy life in the country, on the farm, but don?t forget that freedom has a price. And that price, for those living in the country, is increased responsibility for ourselves, our pets and our neighbors.
Side note: farm pets and farm dogs need our care for food, water and shelter. Do not leave your farm animals without shelter during extreme weather. If they are not in the house, ensure they have a shed, barn or other safe place to go in storms or other extreme conditions. Don?t leave your dogs on chains or ropes without shelter, food, water and time with you.
Next time we?ll talk more about rural cats ? house cats, barn cats and feral cats.
Source: http://www.thepetmatchmaker.com/farm-pets-farm-animals/
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Sunday, February 24, 2013
Horrifying crash at Daytona exposes risks to fans
Kyle Larson's car (32) gets airborne during a multi-car wreck on the final lap of the NASCAR Nationwide Series auto race Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/David Graham)
Kyle Larson's car (32) gets airborne during a multi-car wreck on the final lap of the NASCAR Nationwide Series auto race Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/David Graham)
Kyle Larson (32) goes airborne into the catch fence in a multi-car crash including Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88), Parker Kilgerman (77), Justin Allgaier (31) and Brian Scott (2) during the final lap of the NASCAR Nationwide Series auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Kyle Larson's car is on fire as he slides down the track with Regan Smith after being involved in a crash at the conclusion of the NASCAR Nationwide Series auto race Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Kyle Larson climbs out of his car after being involved in a crash at the conclusion of the NASCAR Nationwide Series auto race Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Track workers repair the safety fence along on the front grandstands, where Kyle Larson's car hit it on the final lap of the NASCAR Nationwide Series auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) ? The risks of racing extend beyond the drivers.
Fans can wind up in the danger zone, too.
A horrifying crash on the last lap of a race at Daytona International Speedway injured at least 30 fans Saturday and provided another stark reminder of what can happen when a car going nearly 200 mph is suddenly launched toward the spectator areas.
The victims were sprayed with large chunks of debris ? including a tire ? after rookie Kyle Larson's machine careened into the fencing that is designed to protect the massive grandstands lining NASCAR's most famous track.
"I love the sport," said Shannan Devine, who witnessed the carnage from her 19th-row seat, about 250 feet away. "But no one wants to get hurt over it."
The fencing served its primary purpose, catapulting what was left of Larson's car back onto the track. But it didn't keep potentially lethal shards from flying into the stands.
"There was absolute shock," Devine said. "People were saying, 'I can't believe it, I can't believe it. I've never seen this happen, I've never seen this happen. Did the car through the fence?' It was just shock and awe. Grown men were reaching out and grabbing someone, saying, 'Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!' It was just disbelief, absolute disbelief."
From Daytona to Le Mans to a rural road in Ireland, auto racing spectators have long been too close to the action when parts start flying. The crash in the second-tier Nationwide race follows a long list of accidents that have left fans dead or injured.
The most tragic incident occurred during the 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans, when two cars collided near the main stands. The wreck sent debris hurtling into the crowd, while one of the cars flipped upside down and exploded in a giant fireball.
Eighty-three spectators and driver Pierre Levegh were killed, and 120 fans were injured.
The Daytona crash began as the field approached the checkered flag and leader Regan Smith attempted to block Brad Keselowski. That triggered a chain reaction, and rookie Kyle Larson hit the cars in front of him and went airborne into the fence.
The entire front end was sheared off Larson's car, and his burning engine wedged through a gaping hole in the fence. Chunks of debris from the car were thrown into the stands, including a tire that cleared the top of the fence and landed midway up the spectator section closest to the track.
"I thought the car went through the fence," Devine said. "I didn't know if there was a car on top of people. I didn't know what to think. I'm an emotional person. I immediately started to cry. It was very scary, absolutely scary. I love the speed of the sport. But it's so dangerous."
The fencing used to protect seating areas and prevent cars from hurtling out of tracks has long been part of the debate over how to improve safety.
Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti lost close friend Dan Wheldon at Las Vegas in the 2011 IndyCar season finale, when Wheldon's car catapulted into the fencing and his head struck a support post. Since his death, IndyCar drivers have called for studies on how to improve the safety barriers.
Franchitti renewed the pleas on Twitter after the Daytona crash, writing "it's time (at)Indycar (at)nascar other sanctioning bodies & promoters work on an alternative to catch fencing. There has to be a better solution."
Another fan who witnessed the crash said he's long worried that sizable gaps in the fencing increase the chances of debris getting through to the stands.
"I've always thought the netting was very wide and pieces could fly through," said Lenny Brown, who was attending races at Daytona for the fourth time.
Among the most frightening accidents involving fans:
? In 1987, Bobby Allison's car lifted off the track at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama while running over 200 mph, careening into the steel-cable fence and scattering debris into the crowd. That crash led to the use of horsepower-sapping restrictor plates at Talladega and its sister track in Daytona, NASCAR's fastest layouts. As a result, the cars all run nearly the same speed, and the field is typically bunched tightly together ? which plenty of drivers have warned is actually a more dangerous scenario than higher speeds.
? That same year, at the Indianapolis 500, a fan was killed when struck by a tire that came off Tony Bettenhausen's car. The tire bounced off the front of Roberto Guerrero's car and flew to the top row of the grandstand.
? In 1998, three fans were killed and six others were injured in CART's IndyCar race at Michigan International Speedway when Adrian Fernandez crashed, sending a tire and other parts into the stands.
? The following year, three fans were killed at Charlotte Motor Speedway during an Indy Racing League event when debris from an accident flew into the stands. The track never held another IndyCar race.
? In 2009, Talladega was the scene of another scary crash during a NASCAR Sprint Cup race. Carl Edwards' car sailed upside-down into the front-stretch fence on a furious dash to the finish line, showering the stands with debris. Seven fans sustained minor injuries.
? In 2010 at a National Hot Rod Association event in Chandler, Ariz., a woman was killed by a tire that flew off Antron Brown's crashing dragster at Firebird International Raceway. The wheel bounced a couple of times and soared over the grandstands ? missing the bulk of the spectators ? before it hit the woman.
? Also in 2010, at an off-road racing event in the Southern California desert, a truck flew off a jump and landed on a group of spectators, sending bodies flying. Eight were killed, 10 injured. There also have been deaths at the Baja 1000 and Dakar Rally, the two most famous off-road races, though multiple-death crashes into the crowd like the one in the Mojave Desert are rare.
? Last year, in a rally car race in Ireland, a car went out of control on a rural road and crashed into a crowd of about 30 spectators, killing two people and seriously injuring seven. Witnesses said the car crashed through a fence and into the onlookers before coming to rest on its side beside a home.
At Daytona, workers scurried to patch up the damaged fencing and left little doubt that the biggest race of the weekend, Sunday's Daytona 500, would go on as planned.
Brown, who saw the crash from his 38th-row seat in the Petty grandstand, said he would be back in the same section for the season-opening Sprint Cup event. He has no qualms about his safety, sitting so high up, but said he would think twice about the seats he had for the race two years ago.
"The last time I was here, we were only about six rows up," Brown said. "I had even told some people before the crash, 'I would never sit that close to the track ever again.'"
But someone surely will ? mindful of the risks but eager to be among more than 100,000 fans cheering on stock car racing's biggest stars.
"Here we are, playing money to sit next to cars going 195 mph," Devine said. "We do it because we love it. That's what we expect."
___
Associated Press writer Jerome Minerva in Daytona Beach contributed to this report.
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Another big-time Twitter app hits big wall: Falcon Pro can take no new users
Twitter's 100,000 user cap strikes again, which should surprise no one
Falcon Pro, one of the most popular third-party Android Twitter clients, has hit the infamous 100,000-user token limit. This means that unless you've already used and authorized Falcon Pro, you're not going to be able to log into Twitter from the app.
That, in a word, sucks. But neither should it surprise anyone.
Before you go and start leaving one-star reviews and whining on Google Play, you need to understand what happened, and who is at fault. Last August, Twitter announced it would be updating its API. Two major changes from that update come into play here. The first is that every call back to Twitter requires authentication, and that the number of tokens used to authenticate would be capped at 100,000 for new applications. If an existing application already has more than 100,000 users, its cap is set at double its existing user base. It sounds complicated, but what it means is that if someone were to build a Twitter client (like let's say, Falcon Pro) only 100,000 users could log into Twitter using it. Twitter can grant an exception, but they haven't yet as far as anyone is aware.
That's the why, now a look at who to blame for it. It's not the application developer's fault. Twitter makes them jump through hoops, and the folks building Twitter apps like Falcon Pro do a good job working inside Twitter's strict parameters. But the 100,000 token (read: user) limit can't be worked around. Twitter puts it there so no one third-party client can become dominant, or more popular than their own lackluster app. The cause of this one all lies at Twitter's feet.
What can we do, you ask? Well the first thing you'll want to do is release any tokens you're not using. This makes them available to someone else, and every little bit helps. After that, there's not much we can do about it. There's a petition going around about Falcon Pro hitting the limit, but Twitter isn't going to change policy over a petition. You've got two choices: find a different Twitter app, or stop using the service and vote with your feet.
I'm doing the latter.
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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/_2IA6EvmlhQ/story01.htm
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Colorado Senate Considers Granting In-State Tuition to Illegal Immigrants
The Colorado state Senate gave an initial approval on a voice vote to Senate Bill 33 on Friday. The bill would allow in-state college tuition for illegal immigrants. Here are the details.
* According to the Denver Post , a recorded vote from the senate will be needed on the third reading of the bill before it can go to the house. The voice vote on Friday came along with debate and the support of three senate Republicans.
* The bill would allow students who does not have lawful immigration status to pay in-state tuition if that student has attended a public or private high school for at least three years immediately preceding graduation or completion of a general equivalency diploma and is admitted to a Colorado institution.
* The student must submit an affidavit stating that he or she has applied for lawful presence or will apply soon if able to do so.
* The bill exempts requirements that students receiving educational services or benefits from colleges in the state from providing any documentation of lawful presence in the U.S.
* According to the legislative analysis of the bill, an estimated 500 additional students would attend colleges within the state in 2013-14 if the bill passes.
* A General Fund appropriation of $930,000 would be required for the year in order to provide College Opportunity Fund stipends for the students. In addition the governing board tuition amounts would be increased for the fiscal year by $2,043,000.
* Sen. Kevin Lundberg, R-Berthoud, who opposes the bill, reported on Friday that, though the bill currently only affects a few hundred students, "it is the first official step Colorado will take down the road of amnesty. I am opposing the bill because I do not believe amnesty is fixing the problem."
* The final reading and vote on the bill will probably be on Monday, Lundberg stated.
* According to the Colorado Springs Gazette , the three Republicans in support of the bill include Owen Hill of Colorado Springs, Greg Brophy of Wray and Larry Crowder of Alamosa.
* Gov. John Hickenlooper is in favor of the bill, the Gazette reported.
* Earlier this month, the Colorado State University System Board of Governors voted to support the measure.
* "This isn't about immigration status," said Mary Lou Makepeace, a member of the board, "this is about ensuring that the pathways to opportunity are open to all of Colorado's children."
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