Google Buzz: Social Media Revenue Opportunity?

Right now, social media companies are trying to figure out how to get revenue to continue operating and providing great tools for their users. One idea is going to paid subscriptions. Of course, the crowd uproar begins with the mere thought of that, so this may not work for individual applications. However, I think Google is heading in the right direction with Google Buzz. If it can be further defined by its users, and continue evolving, it has amazing potential because it will be enhanced by the fact that many individuals and organizations are using one or more of Google's existing tools, such as Analytics, Local, Adwords, Alerts, Apps, Webmaster Tools and many more, all of which help with web marketing and PR goals.

I think where Twitter, Facebook and other social networks may struggle to find a solid revenue model to sustain them, Google Buzz will have more to offer overall, and be able to charge a subscription fee. They will actually be able to offer an enhanced social networking experience that ties into email (Gmail), video (YouTube) and so on, as well as Facebook, Twitter and other web applications, while also linking together the Google tools you're using already. I would be happy paying a small subscription to access all of the services they offer now, but even more tightly integrated, and having the social networking piece right there in place.

Of course, to make that work, the other social networking platforms, like Twitter and Facebook, would still need to survive if they weren't directly incorporated into Google Buzz, so at some point there would need to be some collaboration and friendly play, or something more.

New Slamdot Website Launched!

To kick 2010 off right, we recently launched the new Slamdot website, with focus on our company, our website design packages and our painless web hosting. We look forward to using the new website to make it easier than ever to stay connected with us and provide our customers with more resources and expertise.

We appreciate the support of our friends, family and clients over the last 4 years, and look forward to a great 2010!

New eBay Ads

I must say that I really like new TV commercials for eBay, and the overall message they're sending. They really positioning the online auction site as a competitive shopping destination.

The idea is that with other e-commerce sites, you're just picking out something and buying it outright. Where's the fun in that?? Why not compete against others for the bid to purchase something, and win it in the final moments. In the end, you're "Shopping Victoriously," as the new commercials put it. Quite frankly, buying items through an auction is simply competing against others for the goal of ownership. What a great way to differentiate.

I know the next time I'm in need of competing with someone else to spend my money, I will end up on eBay. See you there, too...and may the best bidder win!

Slamdot Reviewed by Dev Shed

Our web hosting company, Slamdot, was recently reviewed by Terri Wells of Dev Shed. We truly appreciate their interest in what we're doing. Check it out!

NCAA March Madness On Demand is Back!

Yep, when I checked my email this morning I had a message from NCAAsports.com with the same title above, "NCAA March Madness On Demand Is Back For 2007!" You can't even guess how excited I was. That means I can watch all the other NCAA basketball tournament games outside of my viewing area again, online, for FREE! If you're bewildered at this point, check out the March Madness On Demand post from last year. It'll explain my hype.

So, now I can get my VIP pass to have faster access to the games. What a great feeling to be "ahead of the game," so to speak - no pun intended. I'm so glad I signed up to receive their email notification. This proves that there are some emails worth opting in for, if the interest is right up your alley.

Go Heels!