Check out Wave – the future of communication

Google unveiled Wave at it’s I/O conference in late May. Wave is the mind-blowing multimedia, nonlinear evolution of email. Rather than a static message model that emulates real world mail, Wave works asynchronously and enables group editability. Instead of confusing lengthy email threads, conversations will be much more like talking face to face in that participants exchange information instantly and in a nonlinear format called Wavelengths. It is being developed by Lars and Jens Rasmussen. Who are they? Just the brothers who brought us Google maps! Check out the developer’s demo. It’s lenghty but worth it -  Wave!

Ideas and best practices for a new year

Now is a great time to save money and increase efficiency. Whether it’s in your life, your nonprofit organization, or your small business. Use online resources to your advantage:

Harness the power of social networking
Do you have an upcoming event? How ’bout a cool promotion? Why not set up a Twitter feed on your site? Or create a FaceBook profile for your business? You can grow a network of “warm” leads because people who are already interested in your cause or service will receive your messages. Contact me for details, most are fast and easy to set up!

Freshen up your marketing
Direct mail is dead unless you’re okay being viewed as JUNK. Email Newsletters are a great way to reach people and, assuming your newsletters are BRIEF and provide value, are welcomed by clients. Of course it’s important to always use a 100% permission-based system (no spamming allowed). Enewsletters that are colorful and fresh provide helpful hints or coupons while delivering your sales message and branding. Plus they are cheap and ecofriendly. Take a free test drive or Contact me about setting up an account to match your site (cost: 4 hrs).

Best Practices for site owners

Remove email addresses
Thousands of Spambots rove the internet harvesting email addresses 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The addresses are added to lists with millions of others and sold to spammers. Dodge the Spambots by removing email addresses from your site and installing a secure contact form. Viewers can easily contact you, you can readily track of inquiries from your site, and you help us all in fighting spam.
Standard Pixel Lava secure form (cost: 2 hrs)
File Uploader Secure Form – users can submit a resume or other file (cost 3 hrs)

Clearly state your “Call to Action”
Is the object of your site to attract new members or volunteers? Is it to get new clients? Whatever it is, focus the narrative of your site on that objective. Clearly tell your user what you want them to do, ie “Sign up today”, “Volunteers needed now”, “Call for a free quote”. If your site in informational but you could use help paying hosting costs, then post “Support Our Service” with a Google Pay or PayPal button. Often times this is as simple as addng one big button to your home page.

Activate you home page
And speaking of your home page, is it filled with static info? Change it! Add something new about your business or post your plans for the coming year. Viewers want to know what’s new and the first page of your site is as far as most will look. Your mission statement, which never changes, should NOT be the first thing viewers see. Add a News Ticker, install a photo slideshow or add some quotes which change periodically. Fun and easy! Feel free to holler for more ideas or help.

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This amazing short film caught my eye today. Check out Shane Acker’s post-apocalyptic vision of love and survival.

Vote Yes on Prop 2!

I urge you to join Pixel Lava, The Humane Society of the US, the CA. Veterinary Medical Assn, the Center for Food Safety, the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Sierra Club, the Consumer Federation of America, CA. Democratic Party, and the CA. Council of Churches in supporting Prop 2. It’s time to mitigate factory farm animal cruelty. Plus their video is a great example of the power of multimedia to reach voters, donors and potential clients!

Vote Yes on Prop 2

American Prayer

While pundits debate racism, war, and the economy musicians remind us that when everything is said and done we are one people. We want to live in peace, with justice, in a country where our children can grow up in love and safety. Think about our upcoming election with your heart for a moment.

Yep, that’s Dave Stewart! Learn more about this video at myamericanprayer.com