10 Right Opinions

Thanksgiving is the best holiday.

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:17:47 -0500

There are so many reasons why Thanksgiving is in fact the best holiday ever invented. I know I am a little biased because I made this. Yes, I do seriously wish I could have Thanksgiving all year round. In fact, every year 2 weeks later I have the feast again on my birthday. But of course, I know everyone isn’t married to the idea of Thanksgiving, so maybe I can help you understand why it is the best holiday.

Although once a religious celebration, Thanksgiving is a holiday for everyone (everyone is Thankful for something right?), although there have been issues in the past I take Thanksgiving to be a happy holiday where people set aside their differences and eat together, take a day off from work and be patriotic.

Thanksgiving simply brings everyone together (it is one of the busiest times to travel in the year and most businesses give Thanksgiving and the day after off as a paid holiday). Besides, Thanksgiving is an upbeat day, with everyone working together to make some part of a grandiose meal.

My contribution is usually the cranberry sauce and apple pie. The dads make the turkeys, the guests bring sides/desserts and the moms make everything else.

There is something about the special foods that are made that are just so comforting. Turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, apple pie, pumpkin pie… oh my! All of these components make for a satisfying, sloth birthing and nap-inducing meal. Especially for me.

November 24^th is an all out marathon. I have 3 different dinners I attend: first stop my boyfriends house, then to mine and finally we have some very good friends that always invite us over. It’s a whole day of cooking, enjoying company and verbalizing what I’m thankful for. It can’t get better than this.

It’s Time To Grade People On Their Hobbies.

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:25:00 -0500

So who has checked their Klout score?

I have. Unfortunately I’m not as influential as I expected. What a bummer. If you want to know it, go look me up for yourself because I’m not going to tell you here.

Why should I care anyways? Because I need a job. Because I’m supposed to be from this social media savvy generation. Because I want to say things that other people find relevant and important.

Do other people really care though? The people hiring me? The random international followers who tweet in other languages that I can’t read? My friends? (Do they only follow, friend me etc. because they feel like they have to? Or to get followers themselves? Or to stalk me?)

I think I should care because it all comes down to content based on interests and industries. I want to be influential in my industry. But influential is a reach; I see it more as simply being active. This score isn’t solely based on what content you create, but how you interact with others. I could be asking questions, giving advice, recommending an event, or retweeting something I liked. I want to be active, I want to learn, make friends, be current and have fun.

Although I think I should care, I hate where this is moving. To me, it feels like something that I used to do for my own benefit, for fun especially, is being used against me. I hope employers that look up my Klout score don’t use it as judgment to whether I get hired or not. Yes I dabble in social media, but it’s not my main focus. Though, one good thing about it is all of the “perks” which are essentially free giveaways, if you have a high enough score.

Basically, I just don’t like having my hobby “skill” level measured, but I guess measuring social media influence would’ve been capitalized on sooner or later. Maybe I’m just bitter because my score isn’t what I expected.

The Internet is a place to be heard.

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 17:43:15 -0500

The Internet is a powerful meeting place for consumers.

If you have an opinion (check) and you want to share it (check), then this is the place to do it. I don’t know about you, but Yelp reviews help me decide where to eat, Amazon reviews help me decide which neck pillow to buy and Youtube helps me decide which videos I might want to watch while I procrastinate my work.

On Twitter posted news, status updates, even following sends a message. Generally (besides celebrities because they get millions of followers no matter what) people with the most followers have important things to say and they say it well. Twitter provides a platform, a place, for anyone to have a voice about anything, even if it’s just to say that they enjoyed a burrito for lunch from Chipotle.

People love to express their feelings to others, and especially on the Internet. And online, bazillions of people are listening. It’s a powerful thing for so much opportunity for readership. Places like Change.org make use of this unique quality by gathering communities for a cause. This is where the power really comes in: Individuals can start a petition and attract hundreds of thousands of people who want to help the cause. Companies have changed policies and lives have been saved because of the overwhelming voice of the masses online.

With Tumblr, LiveJournal, Wordpress, and Blogger among other free blogging tools it is easy to share an opinion and find an audience. If you haven’t tried sharing, what’s holding you back? The nature of the Internet is to share- to share information, opinions, and ideas. If blogging isn’t for you respond on a forum, open a Twitter account, write a review on Amazon, Like a video on Youtube. Go ahead, participate, share your thoughts, you may be surprised how many people find you, how many people agree with you and most of all, how many people appreciate what you say.

Microsoft on the rise.

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 08:10:00 -0500

You can’t argue that people love tangible. They want to be able to walk into a store, feel how the mouse works (I just did that for a half hour at Best Buy), test the product and talk to someone about it.

Apple’s strategy of in-store experience is a tough act to follow: 300 stores brimming with people every day of the week and in places as obscure as Altamonte Springs, Florida and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

Microsoft currently has whopping 14 locations. They’ve recently been expanding their retail locations, and within the next three year plan to have 75 locations. Whether Microsoft is copying Apple’s strategy or not, it definitely seems like a good one to copy. I definitely think it will help Microsoft.

This article spoke about the positive increase in sales for both parties in comparison-shopping. I also agree that people will be inclined to test more products and consider Microsoft, when that option is just as easy to purchase. Previously, the only location I went to test Microsoft products was Best Buy (which is never in the same location as an Apple store, although Apple does have sections of the store with their products). Does anyone actually go to Staples or Brandsmart USA for technology purchases? Is there really any other big wig besides Best Buy?

Anyways, now Microsoft users, Apple haters and anyone in between can have another option besides Best Buy. Now they can walk into a Microsoft store and play with the in store web cams too.

Initially in American department stores hosted most products, just as Staples, Brandsmart USA and Best Buy act as “department stores” where many different brands being sold in many different categories in one location. This all makes me wonder if this is new movement- individual stores for technology brands. If so, I like it!

Netflix Be Goin' Down

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:51:00 -0400

If you’re asking me, the thing to do is drop Netflix. They obviously don’t know what their customers want.

Another round of negative news around Netflix and their failed baby company Qwikster revealed absolutely nothing. We all know the numbers of Netflix subscribers are decreasing. Who would want to stay loyal to a company who hikes up the prices by 60% for no reasonable reason along with taking away previous services and complicating everything for everyone. I mean really who wants to create more accounts?

If I ever was a Netflix customer, I wouldn’t be today.

Every time Reed Hastings tries to “make it better” he just makes people more annoyed. Sometimes you need to take a step back and not say what you’d want to hear if you were the consumer or investor, but actually pay attention to your consumer and what they have to say and understand what will comfort your investor. Hastings said, “There’s no grand gestures, there’s just a lot of steady and intense efforts.” Please tell me Reed, what are your efforts for gaining your customers back? How are you marketing your “new-advancing-looking-to-the-future-company” because I really can’t see Netflix flourishing in the next 5 years.

I could be wrong people, Netflix may turn into a Google type powerhouse over the next few years, but at this rate I highly doubt it. A series of bad decisions can influence brand loyalty and brand equity in a very negative manner, and very rapidly I might add.

Reed Hastings, I think I should give you some advice if you happen upon my blog. (Well who are you to give advice?) I am a consumer. I am the people. I am a voice that can see what you can’t.

STOP. Regroup. You’re a smart guy. Think about how this will affect the future of the company. Yeah, yeah, that’s what you’re doing. No, really think about your customers- the future of your company depends on them. You’re product matters, but you’re customers matter more.

What do you all think? How do you feel about Netflix? Do you agree or disagree with me?

It's the Effort That Counts, That's What My Mom Always Said.

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:14:00 -0400

First of all, nothing is ever perfect.

I am actually a positive person if you knew me IRL, but that sentence up there is pure realism. It’s just how the world works. Every business, every person’s job is to anticipate, manage and recover from imperfections.

Last week Reach In Motion had to deal with a very large defect. They had a service outage which restricted emails, data and all services including BBM. In some places around the world this complication lasted for 3 days, meaning disaster. If you were in charge, how would you reassure your customers that everything was going to be all right?

Well the person who is actually responsible for doing this, co-chief executive officer Mike Lazaridis is offering $100 worth of premium apps for free for an extended period of time. Genius.

I love it. I mean it’s great if you want them, if you have time for them, if you use them. It stinks if you already have them. But whether we like/want/are excited about free apps, is it the right answer? I’m honestly not sure, but I think it’s a great place to start. It makes people see that RIM cares about their customers and know that they understand the problems this caused for each them, it lets people know that they are working on the issue, but most of all it makes people feel good about Blackberry.

There are of course Blackberry users that have had other issues with the service and this might be the last straw for them and they’ve already purchased the newest iPhone. However, for many this will keep them interested and happy. RIM is doing their best to cope with a damaging situation and offering up what they have for reconciliation. It’s an effort, and that’s what counts right?

RIP Steve Jobs

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:54:07 -0400

I walked by an Apple store in the mall this past weekend. Right outside the store was a huge pile of flowers, candles, pictures and letters dedicated to Steve Jobs. Whenever someone famous and popular among the people passes away I feel that they aren’t really gone.

For those individuals whose work is known and respected worldwide, people mourn their death as if this person was their personal friend or family member. Others likeMichael Jackson who have changed and revolutionized our culture, just as Steve Jobs did, often leave behind legacies of work, money and people influenced by their abilities.

Steve Jobs fought off Pancreatic Cancer for longer than most; he lived 7 years after his initial diagnosis. However, that doesn’t stop him from being present even after his death. Job’s was extremely influential in the technology industry and changed the way people communicate. With the iPod, iPhone, iPad and all of Apple’s superior products Jobs’ work outlives him and reminds everyone that sometimes demanding perfectionism is worth it.

In his 2005 Stanford commencement speech, Jobs told three stories. All were about different points in his life where multiple lessons were learned that he is passing on to these graduates. Yet, as he himself says in his speech he never finished college. I think that’s interesting. I don’t believe you have to go to college to be successful, if you’re smart and willing to work hard you can make it no matter what. But it’s interesting that he makes it a point to share this part of his life.

As a personally private person, Steve kept a pretty low profile. I don’t know much about him. I don’t know what his favorite meal was, how he managed to start multiple successful companies, what he liked to do on the weekends, who he trusted most, what specifically he liked about his job, or anything personal about him. All I know is that his life’s work stands alone. That he was able to start over. That he accomplished so much. That he stayed true to what he believed in. That he found what he loved. That in some way he changed so many peoples lives. And that’s as much as anyone can hope for in life.

Facebook is Smart.

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 19:13:00 -0400

Social Media has previously always been about the now and the new. Today social media is evolving to include the past, or at least Facebook is trying to turn the path in that direction.

Evolution is essential for any company to survive and flourish. Facebook is merely evolving with the introduction of the timeline. Besides, any entrepreneur knows a little risk is always healthy.

With Google + and their interestingly similar page layout across the way I think this is a good, timely move for Facebook. It is a risk worth taking to set them apart. Visually it distinguishes Facebook from Google’s social network and puts them one step ahead. They changed up the rules, they altered what had become so standard: the profile. But it goes far beyond just the personal introduction.

I’m not saying I think this new feature is the most amazing thing that ever happened to social media, but I do agree it’s revolutionary, it’s different and it’s interesting. All we’ve seen so far is the standard. This breaks the rules for every social media site. Hey, Pandora could’ve done this in their own way if they had thought of it by letting listeners see past playlists from a certain station, but guess what? They didn’t. You can only listen to and see stations of “the now.” But maybe that’s the position they want to take. Maybe no one thought of more than the present.

Innovative ideas are what start businesses and what keep them going. Innovation is why Facebook is so massive and successful. Any and every other network has the potential; just keep evolving your product for the times, the industry and you can be just like Mark.

I Believe In You, Bing.

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 10:42:32 -0400

Google is amazing. 64% of us agree. 64% of us like the clean white simple space search engine. It gives us rarely encountered breathing room on the web. It gives us a moment to think of how we want to word our query. It gives us exactly what we’re looking for.

It would be ridiculous to try to overthrow such a powerful competitor. It would be absurd. Insane. Ludacris. And that’s exactly what Microsoft is.

Microsoft is not only crazy for trying to overthrow the Google’s empire, but also because they’ve been losing money ever since they started Bing.com, multiple billions in fact. Some seem to think the tables will be turning very shortly.

Again, similar to my previous stance I use Google. I love Google. Am I married to Google? I am in a serious relationship with Google, but hey if another search engine came along with an extremely innovative idea that transformed the search process I might take on another lover. I wouldn’t ignore my beloved, but simply include another because of the specialty they can offer in certain situations.

Bing tried to do this with positioning themselves as the Solution Engine. So far I haven’t found their technology particularly differentiating, but if what they say is true then I should be making a reservation for a date. In a few years the plan to develop a new type of search engine, more than just words. From what I can tell they are trying to make it more interactive, thinking in a digital space allowing for a new definition of what a search engine is.

Realistically Google’s won’t reign forever. Overtime almost all massive companies have a lower point in their lifecycle. The cause can be due to a merger, loss of interest from consumers or another company gains more market share. I’m not saying Google is going anywhere, but in three to four years they better focus more on their search engine than getting into other industries because Microsoft is going to bring it.

Windows 8 Has a Bright Future

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 10:59:16 -0400

Yes, I am telling you that Microsoft will not only compete with Apple, but also hold its own in the tablet industry. So many others have fallen to the iPad, but I believe this Samsung device will have glory.

I do own a Macbook, I have an iPod and I am not ashamed or overly proud of my brand selection. I simply have a Mac because I am a graphic designer and Apple is the side my industry has chosen. I like both sides for different reasons and functions, so for me this isn’t about choosing sides, but recognizing each brands’ strength and encouraging possibilities.

Back to my main point, I think Microsoft will succeed in this new development because people like to cheer on the underdog (don’t argue with me, in terms of the tablet industry they are) and innovators are drooling to get their hands on anything new- not new and improved, but news as in I’ve-been-waiting-for-this-to-come-out-so-I-can-try-it-out-before-anyone-else-and-be-super-techy-like-I-am-or-was-in-college.

Apple is flying high right now and I believe a strong, large company like Microsoft stands a chance to compete. Windows 8 has the ability to function across multiple media creating a flow and customer relationship with the product; similar to the empire Google has created.

I have to be honest. I won’t buy it. Well I can’t right now anyways, it’s only in the beta stage. I agree with Mashable though- I think it’s more of a nod to the future and where Microsoft it headed. Windows 8 is grounded with great ideas that consumers will be demanding in the future. I guess you could say I am more in the category of the early adopters; I wait for the price to go down, for a little tweaking here and there until I commit to certain products. But that is all just around the corner for Windows 8, and I can’t wait. Who knows, maybe I’ll come around and finally join the hoards of tablet owners.

Hi

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:38:28 -0400

I start next week, come back soon for some right answers.