ktoddstorch @ business thoughts

Being Digital

Getting stuck in the Atlanta airport for a few hours gives me some time to pay attention to my blog...

A lot of my thought process (and a lot of my client's) has to do with building a digital strategy.  What caught my attention was an article on Internet News entitled "Is There Money in MySpace?".

As most of you know, News Corp paid over $500M for MySpace and of course, they want to recoup their investment...fast.

Read this article and see the challenges they are facing with monetizing one of the fastest growing websites out there (as well as the largest memberships).  They are NOT intending on making back their money on selling banner ads...

As Tom Parish has been saying, 'it is a wonderful time to experiment'.  The tactics are very interesting and keep your eyes on the strategies, because they will continue to expand/contract/change.

[read]

Google Ups the Ante...ROI solutions

In the world of Internet advertising, accountability and results measurement is what has so many interested in shifting dollars from "Old Media".

Google has upped the ante with their 'Cost Per Action' AdSense pricing model.  Whether this is in response to click fraud or a genuine interest in providing a ROI solution, it should get your attention.

From the AdAge article:

Google yesterday revealed details of its test with unnamed advertisers. "We are currently testing a cost per action pricing model to give advertisers more flexibility and provide publishers another way to earn revenue through AdSense," The online giant said in a release. "We're pleased with how the test is progressing."

[read] via AdAge

Google Changes Everything for Radio

File this one under "why didn't I finish and post it"?  I saved this draft on 12/31/05 at 7:12am.

I'm sure you have to have heard about Google's acquisition of dMarc Broadcasting on 1/17/06.  I truly believe that this is just the start of even more changes in the broadcasting industry.  Be prepared for big, organizational and operational changes.  I purposely left the post unfinished so you could see where I left off...shame on me!

**original draft post below

I believe that Google is one of the biggest threats/opportunities to/for Radio.  Google is keen.  Google is local.  Google is global.  Google is omnipresent.

Ok, what the heck am I talking about?

Google can provide a way to:
1)  cut costs drastically
2)  market/advertise a station very inexpensively

There are many directions and thoughts that I can go on this post, but I'm going to limit it to just a few thoughts.  Let me start from #1 above.

Cut costs drastically
Now, this is a threat to those that work in radio (like me!), but a huge opportunity for a radio station and company.

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tags:  google | dMarc

A New Google Toilet?

No, Google isn't unveiling a new toilet for your home, but there is some strong speculation about a Google Cube.

This device looks like a pretty interesting way to secure the rising demand of PC/TV media.

Come to think of it, why wouldn't Google have a toilet that interfaced with your health insurance company and physician?  Wow, now that's an Orwellian thought...

[read]

Thanks Terry for the heads up.

 

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tags:  google cube | george orwell | 1984 | home media

Firefox Issue?

I love the Firefox browser.  It kicks IE's tail.  However, I've been having some memory issues since upgrading to v1.5.  I don't know if this is Firefox's issue, so I would like to know if anyone else is having issues.

I typically leave my home computer all the time.  One of the programs that stays open is Firefox, but since upgrading, Firefox will begin to hog up my system memory and cause my system to chug through mud.

Once I close the program and reopen it, no problem.  I'm beginning to see the same thing on my work laptop, so there must be some correlation.

Anyone else having this issue?  Looks like Paul is having some issues as well.  Suggestions?

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tags:  firefox | system memory

What Are Your Customers Saying About You?

This month's Business 2.0 is a fantastic read.  One of the stories specificially discusses companies that tap into their customer's passions.

This is so much more than focus group studies and telemarketing.  In fact, if you don't have a blog search for your company using Bloglines or other blog aggregator, you are missing out. 

In fact, you might just want to have a search titled  "[insert your company's name here] sucks".  For 2 examples of what I'm referring to, read what Engadget is saying about a few companies here and here.

[link] to Companies Tap Into Consumer Passion via

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tags:  business 2.0 magazine | bloglines

Who Needs to Talk?

Technology definitely has helped me the last few days that I have been unable to use my voice!

• Skype for IM's in the office and with my wife at home
• SMS with friends and other co-workers
• standard email of course

I found that I was using SMS and IM much more than in February '04 after my last surgery. 

Shout outs to old skool paper and pen as well.  You never left my side while walking around the office or at home.  Couldn't of done it with you!

Thanks Lifehacker for the heads up about Teleflip.  A cool service that allows you to email any mobile phone with just the phone number without needing to know the service provider.

Just send an email to [mobile number] @ teleflip.com to try it out for yourself.

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tags:  sms | skype | teleflip

Hurricane Rita Updates via SMS

Radio station, 99.5 the Wolf/KPLX has been using text messaging to keep their listeners updated and informed on all types of things.

The latest is hurricane Rita.

Text in "RITA" to 94525 if you would like the SMS updates.

Disclaimer:  KPLX is owned by SRC, the company I work for

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tags:  sms | 99.5 the wolf | kplx | hurricane rita

International Word of Mouth Conference

I was asked to speak at the 1. International Word-of-Mouth Conference in Hamburg, Germany this October 6th and 7th.

Unfortunately, due to my current schedule, I won't be able to attend.  This conference is put on by Brand Science Institute.

Be sure to check out the very cool companies and panels on the schedule. 

Anyone out there going to be blogging and podcasting from the conference?  Please email me or leave a comment.

[link]

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tags:  word of mouth | brand science institute | international word of mouth conference

TiVo: Please Don't Break My Heart

I've seen a number of posts on the new TiVo operating system and the content restrictions it imposes (Engadget's here; BoingBoing's here).

Last night, TiVo downloaded the new system and I will be interested to see if any of the programs I save will be effected.

I've been using the TiVo ToGo feature infrequently, and I'm interested if the first time I want to use ToGo with the new OS, if the program will be restricted.

TiVo, many are saying you've screwed up a good thing.  I sure hope not.

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tags:  tivo | tivo togo | drm