| TrackerMosIA |
When Being Smart Is Stupid
Multi-tasking is overrated, if you ask me. At least, as a blanket answer to efficiency. Sometimes, it's just better to sit, staring at your computer, than to try to do three things at once.
The other day, for instance, I was trying to do a universal find/replace in one file, while editing a series of other files, while downloading another data file to a program. Guess what happened? (Do you really need the grisly details?) You got it. The find/replace kept bombing out, the data download failed twice and I almost ended up editing my way out of a good deal of content.
In short, nothing was accomplished, after working for almost an hour. In fact, had I lost that content, not only would I have wasted an hour, but I would have lost the time it took to replace the content (not to mention the time I'd spent inputting it to begin with)! Finally, I slowed myself down, chose one task at a time and proceeded forward, slow but steady. Isn't that what wins the race?
Of course, I'm not saying multi-tasking is a complete fraud. But, looking back, I realize I should have chosen the tasks that I multi-ed more wisely. Oh, sure. If I had a computer comparable to the FBI's (okay-- the CIA's), the work I chose might have gone smoothly. But I KNOW my computers limitations. So that was just stupid.
When I did revise my chores, I still managed to create NEW content while doing the other three chores, thus succeeding in my multi-tasking efforts, slower, but much steadier than before. I guess it just goes to show you: give a monkey a typewriter and even IT can find the Pentagon with enough time. (oooh. Am I gonna be on somebody's list now that I've mentioned not one, but three different government entitites?-- how thrilling!)--mo
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| In A Word |
What's the "Buzz"
on "Pre-Launches?
While both of these phrases were around prior to 2006, they have suddenly burst from the pact -- both as phrases and marketing trends -- and threaten to drown most of us with their repetition and over-use.
In fact, Buzz has crossed over to other mediums entirely, with various commercials and at least one television show using it in their name, radio shows adopting it and (probably the originator), the motion picture industry. But after examining the meaning of the word "buzz" (i.e., a low, repetitive thrumming sound, usually associated with mechanical saws and bees), I have to wonder why this word has gained so much popularity? I mean, is it really a good idea to be associated with things that annoy others? Or is that the idea?
And if I find one more "exciting Pre-Launch" in my inbox, I may just choke. Pre-launches used to be a way of generating some excitement about a new product or program, to get the ball rolling, so to speak. Now, if you aren't in the pre-launch, you may as well not bother joining. Because, with "pre-launches" between 6-8 weeks long, the actual LAUNCH is almost anti-climactic since most of the marketing community has already made their decision about a company by the time it comes along.
Excuse me? Where's the "pre" in that?--mo
Click Here For More of In A Word (or Two)
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| The Frugal Marketer |
Ask And It Shall Be Given
This is one of the basic facts of the internet. Yet, time and again, I find myself repeating the words "do a search for it" because no one seems to understand the extraordinary amount of options on the internet.
In fact, Google itself has taken advantage of this ignorance by creating its "Ask The Expert" area, in which people can pose a question and FOR A FEE, they will find it. They also allow anyone to add comments so I was posting there-- and couldn't help noticing how many times the Google Experts deleted my comments, which almost always included, in one form or another, the essential message: do a search for it.
So it bears repeating. In short, you can ask for ANYTHING and, with a few noteable exceptions, find it on the internet. Plus, if you try hard enough, you can probably find most things for free, too. (Please note: This is a mainstream, business column. So the term "anything" may seem limited by those who frequent the fringe areas of the internet.)
Of course, the most obvious noteable exception is asking for money-- in any way, shape or form. Wouldn't you know it. In fact, while search requests such as "I want money" WILL generate massive responses, that's only because so many sites (over a billion) want YOUR money. Hmmm... Perspective is everything.
Okay. Now, with all the quantifiers out of the way, what I'm trying to say is that you CAN find virtually anything you want on the internet-- and, very often, for free. This is especially true for anything informational-, internet- or marketing-related.
Want free leads? Lots of places offer them. How about a free website-- do a search and you'll see. What about a free host? Free Domain name? Free traffic? In fact, just about anything a marketer's little heart desires can be found for free by just doing a search.
And, of course, "free" can be a relative term, because while the "givers" may not charge a direct monetary fee, there may be strings attached-- like carrying their advertisements or creating a reciprocal link exchange, all of which is perfectly fair and may be acceptable to the "receiver" of such gifts. The only time the ethics are questionable are instances when the "giver" is in anyway deceitful about the situation: for instance, sites that include "spyware" with their "free" gift. That's an entirely different animal.--mo
Click Here For More From The Frugal Marketer
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| Site-Seeing |
Digg.com
This is a really neat, different, fun site. As their "About Digg" page describes it, "Digg is a techno-
logy news website that combines social bookmarking, blogging, RSS, and non-hierarchical editorial control.
"With digg, users submit stories for review, but rather than allow an editor to decide which stories go on the homepage, the users do."
About the only complaint I have with Digg is that it completely ignores the marketing segment of the online community. (sniff!)
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| News2U-2: Jim Boulton Keynote Speaker at Affiliate Summit Conference HERE |
Affiliate marketing executives will be gathering in Orlando, Florida from July 9-July 11 to meet, network and discuss a wide range of affiliate marketing strategies. Kicking off the conference, ex-New York Yankee, Jim Bouton, best-selling author, TV Sportscaster, actor, inventor and businessman will talk about "thinking of your affiliate marketing business like an athlete..."
This conference is sponsored by Shawn Collins and Missy Ward.
Pre-Summit Teleconference Scheduled 5-17-06
At 3:00 p.m. EDT, The Fourth Affiliate Summit Preview Teleconference with special guest Sean Cotty is scheduled. Sean will be discussing ebay WEb Services for Affiliates. To Register, go to Affiliate Summit Preview
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| ON MARKETING |
7 Ways to Optimize Adsense Legally
Thanks to adsense, blogs, rss feeds and their listings -- not to mention an arsenal of free types of advertising -- it's possible to make a very good income without spending a penny and with minimal effort. The trick is to optimize for it.
PLEASE NOTE: Though adsense may have originated with Google's system, there are many other adsense-type programs available, all of which are as viable -- some even more so -- as theirs. The information included here applies to most of them.
While everyone else is busy optimizing for search engines, by optimizing for adsense, a site can feasibly pull enough traffic that simply clicks on the ads to forget about other forms of sales.
However, bear in mind that most adsense TOS agreements prevent any unfair or "fraudulent" clicking, even so much as a note saying, "click here to support this site," which risks banishment by most adsense companies. This, of course, is to protect those adwords customers who pay to have their ads displayed. It is they who are robbed (not the companies) when an ad is clicked irresponsibly. Furthermore Google, for one, can track clicks effectively enough to detect any artificial or irresponsible clicking will garner any income received this way.
With that in mind, by understanding how adsense-type programs work, one can optimize a page, legally, to create a substantial income. And while guidelines are designed primarily focused on adsense, many of these strategies will increase a sites' general revenue as well.
1. TOP SEARCHES
The first step is to design a site around the top searches. There are various tools (keyword selectors and zeitgeist, for example) that help gather this information. Of course, there is also the "niche marketing" school of thought, i.e., to find a smaller group that has less page-per-click competition. In this case, the ideal is to find a large audience-small page ratio. But after more than a year of marketers scouring the web for them, finding one is rare and searching for one can take a LOT of time. Not hours or days, but weeks or months.
2. HIGHEST PAYING KEYWORDS
Lists of these can be found simply by searching the internet. Of course combining the highest paying adsense keywords with Top Searches may make a very strange mix. Afterall, the top search (at the time of this writing) is Britney Spears while the top-paying words relate to mesothelioma and asbestos cancer. So, unless Britney Spears speaks out on mesothelioma, there's little chance these could be combined legally*. But, by looking down the lists there are more feasible combinations. The main thing to understand is it's only a combination of the two (high-paying keywords & top searches) that will bring enough traffic to garner any measurable LEGAL income from adsense.
3. PLACES, PLEASE
Placing the ads prominently on the site is a no-brainer, though some marketers still tend to hide them toward the bottom of the site. Another TOS factor, too, is a content-to-ad ratio that adsense programs used to insist on, but seem to be slipping. Generally the policy was no more than two banner ads per page though many sites that end up at the top of searches seem to flaunt this rule. But who knows how long they last, too. Traditionally, putting one banner across the top, just below the title, and one "skyscraper" down one side, with content in the middle is the best.
4. MULTI-PAGE IT
One pase allows for 2 ads, but more ads can be placed on each additional page on the site. For those lacking ideas for additional pages, the simplest page would be a separate contact page, as well as an "about us" or testimonial page, all of which are viable additions.
Incidently, it's ironic that so many marketers create mile-long splash pages rather than a group of pages and never add one adsense ad to them. As if, by doing this, it will garner more sales, when the truth is, they sacrifice as much as gain because these pages are rarely indexed and annoy visitors as many as they attract, simply because of their set up. Understand this: adsense is a way to profit from EXIT traffic, something that WILL occur at one point or another, no matter how wonderful the page.
5. HIGHLIGHT OR BLEND
Some prefer the adsense to blend into their site, almost hiding it from visitors. But this diminishes its effectiveness. Rather, by highlighting it, visitors will be more aware of it, allowing it to stand out. Of course, we'd all prefer our visitors to stay at OUR site, buy OUR product, etc. But the fact is, many won't. Isn't it better to gain something from their departure?
6. ADSEARCH
This feature is only available from some of the larger adsense programs. If it is available, placing it at the bottom of a page offers the visitor the convenience of doing a search without having to first go to the SE. Of course, many SEs and browsers offer toolbars that diminish the effectiveness of this. But adding it will create another exit point that is to your advantage-- and seems like a service, too.
7. AFRAID OF COMPETITION?
Some adsense programs offer a "block competition" option, one in which specific sites may be barred. However, to believe it's possible to effectively block ALL your competition is naive. Though it may at first seem outrageious to help advertise for the competition, again, at least one will gain from their advertisement (and, for those who need payback remember: the competition is paying you).
Each of these strategies increase a site's adsense revenue. By using all of them, the adsense ads will create a steady revenue stream which will increase with the site's traffic stream.--mo
*Also, this combination uses Google's rates, which may vary in other adsense programs
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| ON WRITING |
Breaking Through Writer's Block
Writer's block -- that sudden, seemingly inexplicable inability to put words to paper -- can strike any writer at any time. In fact, inexperienced writers suffer from it more often than they realize: they just don't recognise it for what it is. They think the lack of confidence, motivation or experience is based on a far more serious problem. They're half-right. What they don't realize is, that IS writer's block, or at least some of the symptoms of it. But they are right about it being more serious, because writer's block IS serious. Fortunately, it's also curable, too.
Writer's block is that worm of doubt that creeps into the writer's psyche, causing them to second-guess each word or thought they choose and to otherwise lose focus on their intent. The reason behind that loss is secondary, at least as far as defining writer's block. What matters is that writing is hard enough. When self-doubt or self-consciousness come into play, it becomes impossible for anyone.
I know, having recently overcome yet another bout of it. In that case, it began when an innocent comment was made about my work. And it wasn't even about my ability as a writer, but about my subject matter. Had I not dealt with writer's block before, it might have been much more serious. Only experience allowed me to overcome it with relative ease. This time.
And, while there IS a distinct process for conquering writer's block, the most important thing to appreciate is that it is much more than a mere "5 Quick Tips To..." system. Rather, it is a PROCESS, one that is unique to each person, as are the malady and the suffering. So, while the process can be explained, to describe it as "steps" only denigrates both those afflicted and the cure.
With that said, below is an outline for the process, which has worked successfully throughout each case of writer's block.
1. RECOGNISE IT
We've all heard the cliche`, "recognizing the problem is half the battle." In the case of writer's block, this is especially true. BECAUSE it's so elusive, BECAUSE it can be chalked up to so many other things, understanding that THIS, writer's block, is the problem, really is the first step to overcoming it.
Who has writer's block? Strictly speaking, just about anyone who thinks they can't write and/or anyone who creates a mystic about writing and writers. Because anyone who can read and write CAN be a writer-- maybe not a celebrity writer, but a competent writer, nonetheless. And, yes, a professional writer. Because writing is 90% skill/craft and only 10% imagination.
2. THE SOURCE
In almost every case, the demarcation of when the block began can be traced to a single instance. For some, it began with a casual comment or the opinion of a person the writer respects such as a teacher, friend or parent. For others, it's a particular disappointment: Not getting a particular job, not getting into a preferred college, not finding an agent or winning a contest.
There is an infamous story of one young writer who papered the walls of his room with rejection slips. That writer? Ernest Hemingway. And, anyone who has wallpapered a room knows-- that's a LOT of paper!
Which leads to the third stage of the process:
3. ATTACK
Hemingway never allowed those opinions/happenstances to stop him. Was it arrogance? Or simply the need to write which outweighed his need to receive approval. Whatever the case, the important thing to understand is that we Choose HOW these incidents affect us.
If this seems to fly in the face of logic -- because, afterall, without acceptance, how can a writer ever succeed? -- it should be mentioned here that, while opinions do affect us, they should never derail us. For example, suppose Hemingway had allowed one of those rejections (which often include comments, helpful and otherwise) to alter his determination. The world would be a much poorer place. But he kept on. Perhaps he understood one, universal writing truth: no, SINGLE opinion is that important. This is because READING is so subjective. Anyone who has put down a well-recommended book knows this. Even best-selling authors have their critics, just as anyone who reads has their preferred writers as well as writers they dislike.
So find the instance that sparked the block and look at it objectively. Question the source, question your own expectations' realism. Something about the incident unfairly popped the balloon of a your enthusiasm. Find it, break it down and question its until you gain perspective. And, yes, this type of introspection may take years.
4. VALIDITY
Writer's block cannot exist in a vaccum. That is, if a wrtier doesn't CARE about writing, there would be no block. It's precisely because one cares that the block exists. While this may seem obvious, what is less apparent is understanding WHY the writer cares: because they want/need to write. Stop looking for validity elsewhere. There is validity enough in the simple desire/compulsion to write. Simply put: if you want to write, that's enough.
5. BRIDGE THE GAP
Having established the problem, its source and found motivation in validity, all that remains is to overcome the actual block.
(Hah! Is THAT all!?) It's true. Overcoming it CAN pose an extraordinary challenge. And, since this is an intensely personal challenge and dependent on the actual situation, all that can be said here is to work to find some reconciliation. For example, in my latest case of writer's block, I realized that the comment was short-sighted and shallow since the commentator had only a vague understanding of the content to begin with. Realizing this, I managed to put it aside.
And, if the problem is mechanical (grammar, punctuation, etc.), recognize that and work on it. In all cases there is a solution. It's just a matter of finding it.--mo
Click Here For More Writing Articles
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| REVIEW:
Empowerism |
Empowerism is one of the best private online marketing communities to join. It provides members with all kinds of marketing instruction and information, as well as practical help with marketing by including such perks as high-quality leads, a newsletter marketing course, plus the option to join their RSVP system, a private marketing program that markets for you.
Initial membership costs $24.95, with a monthly fee of $19.95 after that. But, to off-set this, they've incorporated an 3x9 MLM system in their membership so that, when just 3 people join under you, your monthly fees are paid for.
About the ONLY down side of Empowerism is that their program verbage is a bit difficult to sift through. Many people leave the site more bewildered than when they entered, overlooking Empowerism's substantial advantages. Still, if you have a good upline in the MLM that helps explain it, you'll see it's a gem of a program.
OVERALL RATING: 
See Past Reviews HERE
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| Letter From The Editor |
Hello!
When it comes to putting together a newsletter, one thing never changes: changes! But that's okay. In fact, it's the reason we all thrive.
If I had any illusions about being able to create a template and simply cut/paste new content in each week, those were dashed on the rocks of reality when I put together this week's edition and found myself re-editing the code... and re-editing the code... and editing the code. It's a good thing I like this stuff.
Marige
(Tracker Mo)
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| Featured Product |
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| ARCHIVES |
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TrackerMosIA
In A Word
The Frugal Marketer
Past Reviews
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| Every Day HTML |
Ode To A FramePage
I know this column is supposed to be about practical tips for writing HTML. And they're coming, don't worry. But before I get into those, I have to say that, after my recent site re-design, I almost cried over the loss of frame-pages.
For anyone still working out acne issues, frame pages were an awesome way of organizing an HTML page. With them, you could create one page that included any content that should appear on ALL pages, like a side-bar of links, for instance. CSS covers all the redundant formatting chores. But when you want the same side bar on each page (unless I was absent during that CSS class), there's no way for it to add content to each page. Nor, even worse, update that content.
And, it never fails. No matter how hard I try to include EVERYTHING I want on that repetitive portion of my page design, SOMETHING is left out. What happens then? Well, the only solution I've found is copy/paste, ad nauseum. Not much of a solution, if you ask me. And certainly not as efficient as a frame page. With a frame page, if something on the outer frame was changed, ALL the pages were instantly changed-- because the "frame" part of the page was separate from the actual page content! Isn't that nifty?
While I was re-designing my page, I positively ached to create a frame page. Time and again, I had to go through EACH page, copy/pasting (global's don't work with that much info-- besides, there's only one instance in most cases) some bit of info I'd left out. (No comments on the planning aspect, please: The creative process mocks plans.)
As I did, I mused over the untimely demise of my beloved frame page-- it's been THAT long. I think it had something to do with Java Script... and how it can't inter-act with a frame. Hmph. Well. If you want me to get into the political aspects of this I will-- but that would take another whole column. Suffice it to say, Java Script is the annoying poor relation that always begs special consideration and can never quite stand on its own.--mo
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