eBiz Tomorrow by Chris Salazar

Webware, from one of my tweets, just reported that Jonathan Swartz has declared an end to blogging!  Wait just one minute, its not near, and won’t be for a while.  But like anything else, it will come to an end.

However, the end of blogging just means we’ve all moved to something better…whatever that might be who knows.  It’ll be something more eye catching, more advanced, and most importantly MORE INTERACTIVE.

Instead of trying to predict blogging’s successor, we need to prepare ourselves, just like we do for earthquakes, for the coming of something new that will take us by storm.

How might we do this?  I’ll jot down some notes and ideas, but please add in your own input as well.  I want to be prepared…I dont want to fall off the web 2.0, web 3.0 radar!

1. Keep up with your blogging:  its not easy, and I’ve fallen off many times, yet its important to stay in the loop.  You’ll find it more easy to see signs of change…and you’ll know who to follow
2. Stay in tact with tools that either compliment blogging or are just as interactive like Twitter:  twitter is the most effective way to not only reach a large audience but to keep up with industry trends
3. Research, Analyze, and Predict the future: this will keep you on your toes and keep you mentally ready for the move
4. Have open discussions with peers about where the blogging industry is moving and how to get there:  wherever you go, you gotta bring your network with you.  Why not move together?
5. Keep your emergency pack ready for drastic changes:  computer, internet, research, and most importantly your willingness to take risks and stay interactive

Although this change might be easier for individuals, I’m skeptical of how corporations will adjust.  This process will be slower and more difficult, but is it worth it?  Or should corporations stay put and not panic, and wait for the kinks to pave out?

Ah!  This is exactly why web 2.0 is entertaining, it’ll never stay the same, it’ll never be easy.

For some reason I never thought I would hear the words “passed away” or “death” and social media in the same sentence. Ha, I was wrong! It turns out, social media is not just for the living, but also for those who have died.

Respectance, a social networking site that keeps the memories alive, has found a way to help loved ones who have lost someone. What’s the most difficult thing about losing someone? Is remembering all the GREAT things you did together. Here’s your chance to keep the memories alive!

You can explore tributes, photos, members, videos…all kinds of stuff…

According to Venture Beat, they just received$1.5 million in funding! I’m completely down for using this as a way to keep photos and tributes, but to browse other people who have died…I’m not too sure. Although some have said it might make it easier to heal…it might be a little freaky at the same time!

Other interesting opinions about Respectance:

• Some call it emo-social media
• Mashable is a fan of the social network for the dead
• Blognation says this is for people to “heal and share memories of their loved ones, while finding others with similar experiences“

A good idea? YES, definitely. But, how will it withstand? Who knows. But, what do you think?

Marshall Kirkpatrick announces that eBay is set to integrate blogs and wikis in the already successful platform. It sounds like a good idea, especially since it’s already community driven! They are just becoming even more sticky, I suppose, but will users really benefit or even use them?

Steve Rubel makes a convincing argument that users can actually use these blogs to talk more about products, sellers, collectibles, and even listings. I’m an avid eBay user and seller, so I think this is a great idea. On the side, my family and I sell and collect rare oldie music (link to our eBay seller profile)…I’ve even started a blog for us to promote our newest release. Perhaps it will be a bit easier to engage users if we had a blog on the eBay platform, but here’s my feelings:

• Will users even participate? I’m sure a great deal of them will, but for all the others, is blogging a value-add service?
• Its good for research purposes. You can tell a lot about a person from their blog. Are they nice to other users? Do they have a loyal fanbase? Do they even respond to users?
• eBay’s global community will be broken down into several micro-communities. This is good, b/c each community can create its niche. I know my dad would love this…he’s passionate about oldies, and whats better than to talk with other passionate people?
• Easy for advertising. Ah ha! I know once we have our next CD out, i’ll be scouring the blogs on eBay and commenting like crazy advertising our new release. Yep, ill be using it for commercial purposes…is that what eBay wants?
• How flexible will the platform be? Can I post pictures, sound clips, and videos? How will the comments workout (i.e. will there be a spam blocker?).
• MOST IMPORTANTLY - Keywords will come up in Google Search. Yes, this is the primary reason why I’d start a blog. Already eBay listings come up pretty high, but adding a blog will just make my chances of attracting outside customers even higher! My google ranking as a seller will sky rocket to the top! Thats of course, if im the only blogger. =)

Believe me, I’ll be keying you in on my experience with my new eBay blog. Who knows maybe I’ll even see you there!

Here’s how eBay is already embracing social media:

• eBay Chatter
• eBay Developer’s Wiki

For some reason when I think of eBay, the first thing that comes to mind is Community. Looking at what they’ve done over the past (acquiring companies, branching off), each move has been community based. Take a look at Craigslist or even StubHub…community is the central driving force.

Now, eBay is going back to the community giants — bloggers. But, this actually makes sense; its not something put together at the last minute just to be like everyone else. It fits with their company, it fits with ebay users, and it fits with bloggers.

What am I talking about? Well, eBay launched widgets that can be put on a webpage/blog to advertise or link to their listing. This is a perfect way to cross-reference listings with blogs to keep the commmunity involved.

eBay is doing a great job at keeping its users glued to their site. They arent just worried about hits per day, but rather returning users per day. They’ve provided a platform + the glue to keep the users coming back. They’re sticky!

What would I like to see on ebay?

• Why not add widgets to ebay listings which link to other blogs/sites who talk about the specific product being sold (i.e. link to cnet news, video blogs, tech crunch, etc).

I’m curious to see the reaction from the blogging community.  This stuff really excites me!

The internet is everywhere…Jeremiah once said that the Web will soon be amorphous and ubiquitous…I think it’s already ubiquitous. Cell phones, mobile PCs, palm pilots, and all sorts of gadgets now have internet access 24/7 and just about anywhere.

Unfortunately, many cell phone customers are facing several on-going issues with their services. Perhaps as gadgets continue to get more fancier, they face more problems?

Monday’s (October 23rd) edition of the Wall Street Journal had an interesting article, “The 10 Biggest Problems with Wireless & How to Fix Them.” Here are the top 10 probs with wirless cell phones:

1. Spotty Coverage: Let’s face it, carriers cannot 100% of the United States’ terrain, but they can definitely try. Yet, consumers can install antennas both on their phones and homes to increase the wireless coverage in their area. In addition, TensorComm has developed a tool that will automatically detect and work to strengthen wireless access automatically. This tool should be released in 2007-2008.
2. …And No Coverage: To avoid heartache, consumers can check the availability of wireless in their proximity first before purchasing plans from companies like Cingular and T-Mobile. Make sure to check the wireless capability of your area before signing up!
3. Poor Customer Service: Often times, consumers feel that instead of helping to fix problems, customer service agents provide more excuses instead. So, carriers have recently invested a tremendous amount of resources into improving their customer service including short-code dialing and automatic services.
4. Lengthy Contracts: Most carriers charge anywhere from $150-$300 for early contract cancelations, but now new consumers are offered with a 30-day grace period allowing them to cancel accounts without any charges. For existing customers, Sprint provides users with a three-month rate-plan trial period in which they can make changes to their account without renewing their contract.
5. Damaged Phones: Carriers now offer insurance for damaged phones, but those with no insurance are forced to buy new cell phones. However, smaller companies are starting to offer repair services for cheap prices for damaged phones, especially water damage.
6. Surprise Charges: Many companies are now offering a variety of security options to limit the amount of surprise charges made including: Sprint’s call guard, Flexible plans, PIN IDs for purchases, and roaming options. These tools should help limit extra charges, therefore, enhancing the wireless experience.
7. Complicated Bills: Carriers are currently striving to make their bills as simple as possible. This is especially key as older generations are starting to use cell phones. For example, instead of using “Airtime Minutes,” carriers should use “Minutes Used.” These simple changes will make the overall experience with cell phones more pleasurable.
8. Missed Calls: Unfortunately, telephone lines and cell phone memory become congested and can stop working properly for a short period of time. To remedy this problem, carriers are working on providing tools that will send voice messages by text and other ways to keep an archive of emails sent.
9. Weak Batteries: The more gadgets offered, the less time the battery will last. Perhaps buying a backup is needed.
10. Overloaded: Wireless cell phones are becoming more fancy and complex than ever, which makes them more prone to frequent overloads. The simpler the phone, the less problems consumers will face.

I would like to hear your thoughts on wireless cell phones. Which service provider do you have? What problems do you face? What’s being done about it?

You would think that me out of all people would like the idea of a TV in a refrigerator since I am a techy.  Yet, I have some experience with actually fixing household appliances, my father owns his own business, and we have found that the more bells and bistles on an appliance the more likely you will have problems.

These refrigerators are NICE and expensive, but does this really matter?

Here's my analysis of what consumers think about from the initial research to the repair phases:

During the research phase people are looking for an appliance and have no clue what they want. So they find a range of refrigerators that are both cheap and expensive, but decide on visiting the nearest store.

During the buying or "selling" phase consumers are pursuaded into buying the more expensive refrigerator because the sales rep paints a nice picture. "With this, you have a built in TV for your convenience, your food will keep cool, and you can save space.  This is a must have for all kitchens!"

During the problem phase you are relatively happy with your appliance until it breaks down!  Your TV breaks and shorts out your whole refrigerator.  The repair will cost you $600, wow this is a lot! But remember you paid $2,500 for it…now you are stuck!

Here's my recommendation: leave the computer technology to your computers. A refrigerator should only be used to keep your food cool/frozen…LEAVE IT AS IS. If not, you will face problems and regret your decision! 

*All info here is based on my experience as an appliance technician*

What could be Second Life's competitor, Doppelganger, is launching the PCD Music Lounge aimed at providing teens with the ultimate experience of looking cool, dancing like a star, and making new friends ONLINE in a PG environment.

Named, the PCD lounge, it will first be opened to some of the Pussycat Dolls fans, then it will open its doors to the rest of the public.I recently had a podcast about Second Life talking about how I think its AWESOME, but here comes another awesome aimed at teens. Some view Second Life as an online threat to young audiences as some parts are NC-17, but the PCD lounge is strictly PG. Obviously aimed towards young teens, this may be the new hot spot.

Robert Scoble has discussed problems with him and his son using Second Life. Although Second Life is taking measures to filter the "bad" content, perhaps his son would like to try the PCD lounge. What is his favorite band/artist? What if his favorite artist had a lounge, would he join?

Here's why I think the PCD lounge is attractive:

1. AOL Instant Messanger is embetted in the lounge. How many teens use AIM? My point exactly. The PCD lounge is marketed at arguably the most used program by teens. GENIOUS!

2. New and Hip Music. Nightclubs will feature today's hottest songs and users will have a chance to buy the CD right there on the spot. Artists like the Black Eyed Peas and Gwen Stefani will make periodic appearances, which is very cool. Who knows maybe you can even get an autograph!

3. Cool clothes. Instead of charging a subscription to join, the PCD lounge will allow users to buy clothes to make their avatar cool. Face it, who is NOT going to "makeover" their avatar? The business model is simple, provide an online virtual world that is safe and allow users to buy "real" stuff. I can see it now, "Mom, Can I get a gift card to the PCD lounge for my bday?"

4. Virtual body guards. The virtual lounges are equipped with bouncers who you can run to if a user is getting out of hand. Let the bouncer know that a user is harassing you and he will do the rest.

Here's some feedback I found about the PCD lounge:

"It's Awesome, Wonderful Graphics, Great Music, Lots To Do, Fantastic Staff!! The Best Thing I've Seen And Experienced Since The Advent Of PC's…Now That's Saying Something…TY, Gidget"

2) When you first log in there's a world map, as this is a U.S. Club - I thought it would be very cool for example every so often the club moves location. Every club will have a slightly different look. So the set locations could be: Miami,LA, New York, San Fransisco."

What are your thoughts?

Web 2.0 is bringing the blogosphere together and forming online communities.  Blogs have been great at forming communities and now we can share our OPMLs (RSS subscription lists). 

"Share My OPML" allows the online community to share feeds with anyone else.  Want to know what Robert Scoble, TechCrunch, Engadget, Tech.Memeorandum, and Techdirt are reading?  Just go to Share My OPML and view the Top 100 feeds, click on the XML link and subscribe. 

This seems like a great idea, but I still have some questions:

• Who controls the Top 100 list?
• Will users have the ability to pre-select or customize their Top 100?
• Who will monitor for spammers?
• Will this be seen as a value-add or just creating more work?

Here's a snapshot of the homepage on Share My OPML.  Notice who is in the top 5…will this turn into a competition?

What are your thoughts?

A new VoIP company is on the rise to compete with Sype, who just introduced conferencing calling. 

Basically with "JaJah" you can call long distance for a cheap price.  YES JUST LIKE SKYPE!  However, what's the difference between JaJah and Skype?

• No download
• No headset needed
• No installation
• You can use your regular phone

Seems like a great idea to me.  But, I still have some questions for you:

1. How will telephone services respond (i.e. SBC)?
2. Will we see any buy outs between Gizmo, Skype and JaJah?
3. Will they collectively try to take down the traditional telephone services?
4. How will Skype and Gizmo respond?

If you have answers to my questions, let me know.

Even though the US is one of the main leaders in technological development, other countries are starting to show off their innovations. Specifically, Spain is introducing a new internet WiFi concept called FON. The goal is to create a wireless network using a bottom-up approach. That’s right a bottom-up approach!

Basically, users buy a special FON router, which can be purchased from their website. Simply buy the router, set up your internet access, offer it to others, and you are now connected and able to share internet connection with any other FON user.

So, why are Skype and Google investing in this company? Skype offers anyone with an internet connection to have a voip conversation with another user for free or to non-users for a small fee. I have been using Skype, it's really a lot of fun.

Skype’s interest in FON, makes me believe that they want to expand their market and attract all internet users around the world. Especially since FON strives to build wireless community, Skype wants to join in this community too. Who doesn’t? I have!

Google on the other hand would probably benefit most from the AdSense. If FON continues to expand their community, all internet-capable devices will connect to the internet (laptops, PDA’s, desktops, cell phones, iPods?) and Google AdSense can play a significant role.

Think about this: you offer your internet connection to others through your router. Now everytime a user clicks on a Google AdSense you get some money in return. Basically it’s a win-win situation, you offer your wireless connection to other users, you have the benefit of using other connections, and you can earn money through Google AdSense.

Seems like a sweet deal! Let’s see what happens.

Why else would Google and/or Skype invest in FON?