thinks

Another quick thought before heading back to tropical bliss. A review on MercuryNews.com talks about the new Windows on Mac software. A separate story begs the question: does it really matter? Should business worry about the OS anymore, or only on the browser?

Just a quick thought on this: Actor’s death sparks disruptions in Bangalore; IT hit - Computerworld. When dealing with your global customers, don’t assume they’re just like you.

Anne, who loyal readers know I’m a huge fan of, had a recent post about how blogs are for savoring, not skimming. I’m inclined to agree, though for more decidedly philosophical reasons than normal. Call this my Cluetrain Manifesto, in the sense that I’ve just gotten a clue and need to declare it from every rooftop I can find, virtual or otherwise. I’m in the Bahamas with my wife and daughters, taking a much needed holiday. I’m a lucky guy. I have a job that both provides me enjoyment and pays me well. My daughters, aged 10 and 8, are an absolute hoot. My wife is beautiful on the inside and out. My family is healthy, and so am I. My parents, though working through a couple of health issues, remain mentally alert and happy as can be to be walking the planet. So, Anne, my only argument with your thesis is that you didn’t go far enough. Life itself is worth savoring. Whether your thing is engaging in a virtual community of like-minded souls who choose to comment on the vagaries of our existence, or if you prefer hearty, he-man activities in the great outdoors, or any and all stops along that continuum, savor away. We’re put here for a finite period. Live in the now; enjoy the journey. I may be quiet for a few days as I savor these moments. I hope you do the same.

P.S. - Shameless marketing plug: you can buy “The Cluetrain Manifesto” in print from Amazon.com, if you’d like. And yes, I do receive a vig. You could also just go to Amazon, search “Cluetrain” and buy it without spiffing me. Seriously.

Interesting article today on Clickz, about companies’ new online marketing efforts, shown by the recent surge in web development activity. It seems businesses are (once again) waking up to the web, only this time they’re seeing it as part of their integrated marketing efforts, as opposed to the stand-alone efforts from the last century. Companies that recognize and maximize the value of their web presence across traditional web sites, mobile, RSS, email, etc., should see the greatest customer loyalty, and the accompanying sales, because they make it so simple for customers to interact with their brand in the way that works best for the customer. The key is to do it in a way that keeps costs in check, so that it’s not just a way to drive buzz, but a way to drive profits, too.

One of the great things about Web 2.0 is its ability to allow consumers to control how they consume content and interact with your brand. Fred posted a link that brings together two of my favorite things: baseball and disruptive technologies. Clearly, Ballbug is like memeorandum for baseball; it is also so much more than that. It represents consumers taking control of their access to yet another type of product. Consumers of news, political commentary, and technology started the trend. You can look at what offerings like SideStep, Kayak, and Mobissimo are doing in the travel space. Expect other industries to feel that same push over time. As a consumer, I think that’s cool. As a marketer, it tells me I’ve got to work a little harder to infuse my brand into everything I do, whether it’s content, product, or service. It’s also an opportunity to beat my competition to it. Isn’t it fun when the rules change?

I’ve got to stop using that joke. Seriously.

Anyway, I saw a demo of My Times, the New York Times RSS reader a few weeks back. Interesting notion. They’re looking to use their journalists and editors to filter various blogs and websites. I think it’s a clever way for them to leverage the power of their brand and extending it into a new area. Should be interesting to see if they can pull it off.