p. “(extlink)John Dvorak writes in his column”:http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,1382914,00.asp that blogs are over-hyped, based on a recent study that shows increasing abandonment of even established blogs online, after the novelty wears off. I think though, that he’s missing the point, which is that blogs lower the cost of publishing to a point where all kinds of specialty publications can show up. Continue Reading »

p. Another “(extlink)Salon article”:http://www.salon.com/politics/wire/2003/11/19/dems/index.html discusses the mainstream Democratic position that they seek a civil union arrangement, but not gay marriage. It sounds like political posturing at its worst, and begs the question, if it walks like a duck, and quacks, why not just call it marriage? Continue Reading »

p. A “(extlink)Salon article”:http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2003/11/18/marriage_pacts/index.html (subscription or ad required) talks about the increasing prevalence of contingency plans where singles plan with friends of the opposite sex to be emergency wedding partners, when they get older. Continue Reading »

p. Another Fast Company “(extlink)article”:http://blog.fastcompany.com/archives/2003/11/14/languishing_language.html talks about the need to modify your writing style, particularly when dealing with the web. I couldn’t agree more. I can’t count the number of problems caused when someone “didn’t read the entire email” or “missed the details at the bottom.” Particularly with so much communication now coming in the form of remote Continue Reading »

p. Fast Company published an “(extlink)article”:http://www.fastcompany.com/soundoff/reader_comment.html?cid=12386 about consumers increasing willingness to scrimp and save in one are to spend on premium products in another. I think the thought behind the article show promise in indicating a return to a “positive” approach to growth and marketing. Continue Reading »

p. According to a News.com “(extlink)story”:http://rss.com.com/2100-1026_3-5106829.html “(extlink)Kazaa”:http://www.kazaa.com is working with a Bollywood movie house to legally distribute a film and its soundtrack. This is quite possibly one of the smartest (and most economically rewarding moves) that they could take. Continue Reading »

p. Britain’s Times ran a “(extlink)story”:http://www.timesonline.co.uk/printFriendly/0,,1-8088-882668,00.html where they had a PC user and a Mac user switch for a week and then write about their experience. Overall, the article seems well written, with the overall conclusion that the Mac has an edge, but it’s probably not enough of one to justify switching from a PC if you’re already very familiar with Windows. Continue Reading »

p. “(extlink)Lawrence Lessig”:http://lessig.org/blog/ is representing John Hardwicke in a lawsuit against their common alma mater the American Boychoir School in Princeton. As reported in the “(extlink)Star Ledger”:http://www.nj.com/search/index.ssf?/base/news-1/106870652649440.xml?starledger?ntr : Continue Reading »

p. “(extlink)JustMe!Music”:http://www.justmemusic.com/content/ has produced custom “(extlink)Veggietales”:http://www.veggietales.com CD’s with songs where the characters sing songs, directly mentioning children’s names. The greatest thing about this new product, however is the fact that with modern CD burning technology they can afford to stock over 650 names. Even more interestingly — if your name sounds the same as one of the ones in their catalog, but is spelled differently they can write whatever spelling is appropriate on the CD (e.g. Aimee instead of Amy).

p. “(extlink)Cingular Wireless”:http://www.cingular.com has come up with a feature really helps to tie together cellular and landline phones. The “(extlink)FastForward”:http://www.cingular.com/beyond_voice/fastforward feature involves a small cradle/charger for your phone. While your phone is in the cradle, any calls to your mobile line can be forwarded to your landline automatically. Particularly useful inside old buildings like mine where the cell reception is as bad as the middle of the Amazon. Continue Reading »