I find this article at the Economist unusually non-objective, and based on hearsay.  Nonetheless, it represents how a growing number are feeling.  Google | Inside the Googleplex | Economist.com Not everybody is impressed. The server logs will still exist for 18 months. And the cookies of “active” users will be automatically renewed upon expiry. This includes everybody who searches on Google, which in effect means most internet users. Then there is the matter of all that other information, such as e-mail and documents, that users might keep in Google’s “cloud”. The concern about Google is overstated.  Who worried about the … Continue reading Do you really fear Google?

Web 2.0 shows up in odd ways, but a common theme is people being able to voice their opinions in a way that is meaningful for companies, and the smart ones listen. What I find odd, although a sign of the times, is the phrase ‘web interest’ in this quote.  I think they mean ‘people interest’.  Hat tip JP. Consumers have voice on Web 2.0 – International Herald Tribune “We have noticed the Web interest for some time, and the consumer passion has undeniably swayed our opinion to relaunch Wispa,” Cadbury said. “This is the first time that the power … Continue reading Today chocolate, tomorrow ….. ?

Good discussion starting here on the framework for web strategy, and over here at Jonathans site.  A set of related posts going on here from JP at Confused. Web Strategy: The Three Spheres of Web Strategy (and the skills required) The Web Strategist must understand (by using a variety of techniques and tactics) what users want. This is commonly known as User Experience Research which will create and craft a ‘mental model’. In addition, the strategist will need to be in tune with the community in which their website is part of, this is greater than just users, as it … Continue reading Web Strategy and the web lifestyle

Interesting piece on modern communication from Scoble. The Next Email – Twitter – Jaiku – Pownce The professional intimacy these services create–hey, if you know someone’s whereabouts and musical tastes, you’re halfway home–can also win you clients. “People won’t do business with you until they like you or have a sense of trust,” says Cathryn Hrudicka, a consultant who uses Facebook, Jaiku, and Twitter. She has already gotten referrals from people she has met online because she has shown she’ll be available when clients need her. And the key paragraph lies at the end; If we revisit this conversation again … Continue reading The next email | Robert Scoble

I heard about this site the other day, but hadn’t looked closely till now.  You can search on companies that have performed changes to Wikipedia, including the number of edits, but no date range, at least that I could see. Here are the top 15 or so when I searched for Bank.  Bank of America, and Deutsche Bank are the leaders, with Royal, BMO and TD showing up there, from Canada. Hat tip to Nishad. Looking for organizations… Found 100 IP ranges for ‘Bank’ IP Range Name Domain Location # Edits 160.83.72.0-73.255 Deutsche Bank db.com [web] New York, New York, … Continue reading Banks editing Wikipedia

Trey asks the right kinds of question here, and while I commented, thought I would throw up here too, for the record.  While this particular housing situation is unique compared to others, its not the first crisis ever, and won’t be the last.  My thought, is that this kind of situation is what should drive serious introspection in all Banks/ CU’s to consider not how they will react, but how they will act over the next few months and years, as the situation plays out.  While Trey asked the question about CU’s my answer equally applies to Banks, although it … Continue reading Thoughts on “If the bubble bursts what actions should a Credit Union take?

Its a low risk decent value application, and its just heartening to see TD in FaceBook.  Thanks William at NetBanker for the tip.  There are 71 users who have added this app so far. Facebook | SPLIT IT by TD Canada Trust Welcome to the SPLIT IT by TD Canada Trust application – a no-hassle, budget-sharing tool that enables you to share bills with your roommates. SPLIT IT makes it easy to determine who owes what, view your balances, and keep on top of your payment dates. It’s easy to use: Invite your roommates to participate and start sharing bills … Continue reading TD Canada Trust has an app in FaceBook

This spreadsheet has highlights the dynamics in advertising spend.  Google is is obvious winner, followed closely by AOL, and Microsoft.  The old media, newspapers, TV, & Radio are left to fight over who loses the least.  Surprise for me in there is AOL.  Google Docs & Spreadsheets – Advertising Share Shift Advertising Share Shift Analysis by: Silicon Alley Insider Technorati Tags: advertising+spend Continue reading Advertising share shift | Silicon Valley Insider

The ever observant Paul at Finextra notes PayPal’s new blog, that demonstrates all the right attributes for a corporate blog.  It just opened, and only four posts, but one to watch based on their strong opening, as an example of approach for Banks to consider.  Here is the feed. PayPal shows banks how to blog “We created The PayPal Blog as a forum for PayPal employees to engage with you — to connect you with the leaders of our company and capture their insights and opinions. Most importantly, we want to hear your thoughts.” … … … “Most importantly, we … Continue reading PayPal shows Banks how to blog | Finextra

What really drives changes in our daily lives?  Is this emergency in Baghdad, Bangladesh, China? Connecting the Dots: Do you rely on electricity? Roads & bridges? The Internet? Yesterday morning’s storm here knocked out our power at 3am Saturday and it’s expected to fixed by close-of-business on Tuesday! It’s only affecting 45,000 people here now, so this is a local story …. Yesterday afternoon I almost purchased a portable generator. Instead, I’ll be buying a standby generator (which runs on natural gas) that I can plug into my home circuit system and prioritize my heat and air conditioning; sump pump … Continue reading “Do you rely on electricity? Roads & bridges? The Internet?” | Connecting the Dots