Thursday, May 24, 2007

Google Buys Feedburner for $100 Million: Expect more Monetization Options

Google Buys Feedburner for $100 Million: Expect more Monetization Options: "According to TechCrunch, Google has just acquired Feedburner, a web feed management company for $100 million. This was previously a rumor but now has been confirmed by Michael Arrington, who says that the deal mostly involves upfront cash payment by Google.
Interesting news for publishers currently running Feedburner’s advertising program because it’s likely that Google might integrate its Adsense contextual ad network with Feedburner.
Feedburner has a large inventory of publishers currently using their services and it would make sense for Google to tap these current users instead of relaunching or promoting Adsense for Feeds, Google’s RSS advertising program which has been in a perpetual closed beta since 2005.
Current Adsense publishers will also have the option of experimenting with feed based monetization. The integration with Adsense might also result in a lower barrier of entry (subscription level) for publishers.
Not to mention that Google will finally be stepping head-on into the RSS advertising industry by allowing it’s Adwords advertisers to purchase feed-based ad campaigns through Feedburner’s current setup.
It’ll be very interesting to see what changes are made in the near future."

Thursday, May 3, 2007

New Priority Mail Packaging


MAIL INTERNATIONALLY, DOMESTICALLY WITH ONE PACKAGE
New design eliminates confusion, adds convenience for Postal Service customers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Shipping just became a lot easier for U.S. Postal Service customers. For the first time since 1995, the Postal Service's familiar and trusted products for shipping domestically and internationally will have a new look.
With a focus on convenience, the Postal Service has redesigned all Priority Mail and Express Mail packages and envelopes, including the popular Flat Rate boxes and envelopes. Mailers can use the same Priority Mail and Express Mail packaging whether they are shipping within the United States or to another country, beginning May 14.
The design has a fresher, crisper look. The Postal Service logo is prominent alongside international symbols for use by foreign posts. The new design has ample space for required forms, labels and Intelligent Mail® barcodes. The new packaging is expected to begin arriving in Post Offices across the country this week. All packaging also is available online at USPS.com.
Nick Barranca stressed that the Postal Service will continue to accept all existing international and domestic Priority Mail and Express Mail packaging. Barranca is vice president of product development for the Postal Service. "Customers should continue to use what they have in stock without worry," Barranca said. "We promise the same quality, dependable service no matter which packaging is used."
Express Mail and Priority Mail packages and envelopes remain available free of charge — as does package pickup. Customers can take advantage of the personal convenience and service of having packages picked up at no extra charge at their home, saving a trip to the Post Office. Unlike other shipping companies, there is no fee for the service. Carrier Pickup is available for packages being sent by Express Mail or Priority Mail — domestic or international. There is no limit to the number of packages that can be picked up. Packages must include postage and be ready for shipment before the letter carrier arrives.
Print professional shipping labels and pay for postage using any major credit card with Click-N-Ship at USPS.com. Calculate and compare postage and purchase insurance without leaving the comfort of home. The Postal Service has taken additional steps to adding convenience for international mailers, simplifying the eight main International Mail products into four: Global Express Guaranteed, Express Mail International, Priority Mail International and First-Class Mail International.
"Across town or across the world, the Postal Service is reaching out to make shipping easier for its customers," Barranca said.

Unfinished?

Its been over a month since I've even viewed this blog, let alone posted. It seemed kind of humorous to read the description mentioning unfinished projects. Currently -- this blog is one of those. My current sculpture project is a huge one -- a little over an acre of high desert ground. Its starting to respond to my persistance though and I'm winning on the landscaping challenges.