Is HBO Advertising To The Choir?

For the first time in a while, I had the opportunity to sit down and watch "The Sopranos" on HBO. I usually tape it, and watch it whenever I'm the only one home. It's not something my eight year old twins should hear in the background while they're falling asleep, and it's one of those shows that bores my husband. I can only really enjoy it when I'm alone, like someone on a diet sneaking a snack.

Since everyone here is still getting over a nasty little Spring cold, everyone was tucked into bed nice and early, so I get some alone time. Ahhhh! I light a couple of candles, set myself up in my comfy chair with my favorite blanket, and anticipate the possible developments for the Tony Soprano family. I think I just enjoy listening to the accents... reminds me of home.

As I waited for the show to start, HBO plays it's new 'commercial'. It's a docu-mercial satire (documentary syle approach to a spoof on today's large corporate marketing tactics). HBO spends a lot of time laying out the history of the 'water cooler industry'. Basically, the gist of the storyline is that before HBO, the stereotypical office gossip around the watercooler ceased to exist. It seems that people had nothing to talk about.

Enter the new HBO line-up, and suddenly, people once again have something to talk about around the water cooler! God bless America (and HBO)... the water cooler industry is saved! Factories won't shut down as scheduled, and there are even plans for expansion.

Fade to black, and the HBO tagline appears in the center of the screen... dramatic music plays in the background.

"Blah blah blah. H2O."

No, it didn't say "Blah blah blah." It did, however, end with H2O. I don't remember the first few words, because the H2O just hit me funny. I wondered why they decided not to display HBO on the screen at all. I mean I get it, the tie in to the water cooler industry and all, but isn't 'branding' supposed to be about recognition?

Then, another little run of HBO related corporate advertisements. I found myself thinking, "I already pay for HBO, you don't need to convice me"! Now I'm totally distracted, trying to figure out why HBO would spend so much time convincing their current clients that they really SHOULD have HBO, knowing that they do.

Maybe it's the cold medicine clouding my mind, but it seems to me as if HBO is preaching to the choir by making us watch these mini-dramas proclaiming their value.

Maybe it's just further proof of my distaste for marketing tactics. The strategy, I assume, is to burn the message into the viewers mind that without HBO, their lives would somehow be ... less. Eventually, the desired effect being that, if a viewer enjoys one of those rare 'alone time' moments by watching one of those 'other' pay TV channels, they'll remember that HBO is a cut above, and they'll never be satisfied with anything else.

Subtle guilt mixed with slight brainwashing. I see the same tactics being used on the internet. People that choose to learn how to market their businesses on the internet from the big name guru's are told to reveal their talents to their visitors by using testimonials and background history in a 'biography' style.

Does this work? Yes, building trust with a prospect is one of the most important steps in building a Web presence. Unfortunately, there is a lack of good role models. These same guru's teaching these methods are only perceived to be successful due to their own hyped-up, larger than life, and in some cases, *less than realistic* examples of this very tactic.

Would my life be any 'less' if I didn't have HBO? Of course not, I rarely watch television to begin with. Would my life be any 'less' if I don't participate in Mr. Guru's next tele-conference? Of course not, but they will continue to make claims to the contrary.

I blame this personal dislike of mine for my inability to *grow rich overnight*. After all, the guru's say that if we model their success, we could be making hundreds of thousands of dollars every year, right? Maybe if I made up a hyped up biography, and exaggerated history, I too could be an internet millionaire.

Nah. That just wouldn't work for me. I'm an absolutely *horrible* liar.

I digress. Maybe HBO was just *testing* that commercial for use outside of their own customer base? I hope so. After the show, they ran a much shorter version, ending with "HBO. Making water... cooler."

Just incase someone from HBO corporate does a search and finds this post, I vote for the short version, but understand that the long version was necessary to build the history. I only wish Internet Marketers were as 'entertaining' with their branding methods!

Phone lines down

I have two phone lines, one for business, one for home use. Wouldn't it figure that the business line is the one I have trouble with every year? I could just scream right now. It seems even the smallest amount of ice and the lines go bad. Last time this happened, it took a week to convince them to send a tech to actually look at the lines, and then the poor guy was in the cherry picker for over an hour trying to figure out what was wrong.

::venting:: Well, after spending all morning dealing with customer service email (since the phone number wouldn't keep me on hold due to 'exessive wait time'...... I finally got through to a person, and they will send a tech to look at the lines..... within 72 hours. Kripes... I wonder how many clients and potential clients will think I'm just not answering my phone by then? (I've given my home number to all clients with pending work orders, but still hate when this happens!)

Tonight will be a great night for a glass of wine. :)

It's snowing again.

Mid March, and it's snowing again here in beautiful upstate NY. I knew this would happen as soon as I agreed to help teach the third graders how to use the Search Engines in an after school program. With any luck, the snow won't be around very long, hopefully it will be gone all together by the time the kids get home from school.

Today's Friday, so I'll be merrily finishing up this week's graphics work. I'm hoping to have the time to polish up the article I've been working on for the next Portal issue.

Word of caution!

There's a new scam being advertised via email by one 'Joe Kumar'. He's telling people that he's using an online payment processor that requires you to scan your drivers licence and other legal documents so that you can send them to him in order to process a payment for his ebook. Please don't fall for this, it's obviously an attempt at identity theft. There is absolutely NO reason you should need to transmit this type of information to make an online purchase.

The nerve of people like this just never ceases to amaze me.

I'm off to get some work done, enjoy your weekend!

Interview: Web Design Industry

I got a request from a college student, asking for an interview to help them gather perspective on running a self owned business in their area of interest. This student wants to open his own Web Design business, and asked me to answer a few questions for his research. My answers are off the top of my head, and I really didn't put much thought into them. My thought was that my answers would be more honest and down to earth that way. Through answering these questions, I realized how far I've come, and how far I've yet to go.
---------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------
1. Please tell me a little about your background and how/why you got into this profession?

Well, to be honest, the only thing my background has to do with what I do now, is in that it convinced me that I would be much happier doing something I love. I was building a career in corporate banking, and after 15 years, decided that my true interest was in learning more about computer graphics and web design. A few life altering events convinced me that I'd be better off starting a home based business... that was three years ago, and I haven't looked back. Now I enjoy the freedom of working for myself, and being here for my 8 year old twins... playing an active role in their upbringing was a major factor in my decision.

2. What do you consider the qualifications or background a person should have to become involved in this profession?

Ideally, one should receive as much schooling as possible, at least to learn the basics of design, usibility and business management. Outside of schooling, I feel it's important to have a 'good eye' for design, balance, and color. Those that possess the talent for learning programming languages should stick to programming, and leave the more 'artful' aspects to the designers. (In my humble opinion... I have yet to meet the programmer that can speak the design language... one of my most common roles is translating programmer information into easy to understand NON-techno-babble, for my clients.)

3. Is a college degree necessary or does it help prepare you for this profession?

I believe that having a college degree would certainly help prepare you for Web Design, if that degree is in design. Is it necessary? No, there are tons of 'designers' out there that claim that title simply because their computer came equipt with a copy of FrontPage. A degree is a piece of paper... I believe that experience, and a portfolio of current live web sites should speak volumes for anyone planning to charge for their design services. Talent in design is not something you can learn in any school. Business management and technical training is, and should be listed on your resume if you want to succeed. I myself don't possess a college degree officially, but have taken more courses through local universities and online accredited 'distance learning' facilities than most people that earn money in this profession.

4. What are the best methods for training or preparing for this business?

Just like the old saying about Carnegie Hall.... practice, practice, practice!

5. Are there any special skills a person may have or need that are advantageous in this business?

General Business Management skills are a must. Becoming a contract worker, (every designer should utilize client contracts in ANY business dealings), puts you into a client specific arena. Each client will have different needs and tastes, and as a designer, it's your most important role to draw as much 'vision' out of your client as possible. This is difficult, considering that most clients will not have the technical knowledge required to communicate their 'wants' effectively. We have to take their 'visualization' and turn it into a viewable page.

6. Who should/should not enter this business and why?

As a designer, your 'product' is your time. Anyone that finds it difficult to attach a value to ONE of their hours, should probably not work in this field. If you do not adjust well to change, don't bother designing web sites, because the internet is constantly changing, along with the needs of your clients. If you are more of an 'artist', you would not enjoy the limitations of producing a final product that meets the desire of your client... you have to be able to compromise your 'artistic license' in favor of the 'vision' that the client has.

7. This industry seems to change constantly in the terms of technology. Does your profession require ongoing training to keep up with the changes?

Absolutely! There are constant changes to 'standard' languages, new technologies, and search engine optimization. Ongoing training in the form of seminars, industry events, and current event monitoring are a must.

8. What methods do you use to keep yourself "updated" in the industry?

I remain active in online communities that gather industry professionals, as well as serve as 'specialist' to several successful online businesses. I commit 30% of my work related hours to research through news, various media, and professional organizations. I also participate in ongoing 'distance learning' center classes to expand my knowledge of existing and newly developed technologies.

9. What is a typical workweek like? How many hours do you put in...Is it difficult...etc. (just what ever you wish to comment on).

Working from home as I do is challenging, as a mother of 8 year old twins, and as a wife of 15 years. When I first launched my business, I worked in my home office close to 90 hours a week, sometimes more. Now, having grown my client base, and establishing a strong referral network, I work as much as necessary... probably 30-35 hours a week, sometimes less. The most difficult aspect of working from home is seperating 'work' from 'home'. I've found that a normal routine, similar to any '9-5'r', is the best way to keep my priorities straight. I get up at the same time every day, 'open' my office after the kids get on the bus, and close it down when they get home. Special projects and additional 'artistic' work usually gets done at night, after everyone's asleep. That's the beauty of working from home... I work at my own convienience.

10. Do you travel much and get to meet new interesting people, or pretty much work from one location and stay there?

I have to schedule normal activities such as grocery shopping! LOL Honestly, I don't travel at all, unless it's NON business related. I hope to attend some industry seminars this spring, but other than that, I communicate either online or via the telephone. I have clients all over the world, so really, I 'meet' more people now while not traveling, than I did working a corporate job.

11. What are the advantages/disadvantages of owning your own business? (This one I need a little info on, I cannot really find an answer anywhere0.

Mine is a one person operation, so I'm not seeing some of the disadvantages a larger company would have, such as dealing with having employees. The advantages I enjoy most are not having to deal with 'company politics', and bogus corporate policy. There's no boss breathing down my neck, and I set my own hours. Having the freedom to run the business as I see fit is the best part of being self employed. One disadvantage that comes to mind right away is the 'perception' that home workers and self employed people are somehow less professional, and not taken as seriously as one is if they have a traditional 'job'. I got over that bothering me about the same time that my business started producing enough income to cover my mortgage. :)

12. What made you decide to start your own business?

After two bank robberies, an almost fatal car accident, and seeing my father's life cut short by Lung Cancer, I realized that I had been working in a job I hated long enough. Life is too short, and I was NOT happy where I was. I prioritized my needs, and starting my own business out of our home was the only possible solution.

13. What all is involved in opening a business of this type?

The initial investment of a good computer, and the right software will get you started. Filing the proper business papers for your local government is critical, along with opening a business bank account. I'd encourage anyone just starting out to consult with a tax professional FIRST, and get an idea of what you should keep track of to make your first 'Schedule C' an easier process. A portfolio of live sites is a must, if you expect to gain the trust and credibility required for growing a client base. Other than that, a strong, STRONG desire to succeed is about all you need.... of course, an iron will and blind determination helps, but that goes for ANY business owner.

14. Are the finances involved to start a web based business comparably more or less than other businesses?

Much less... the overhead is nothing like it would be in a traditional brick and mortar business. Work from home... more of a tax benefit than anything else. Once you have a computer, and the software (all tax deductible), the only thing you need to look at is your internet connection cost and web development costs.

15. What can you attribute to the success or failure of a web based business?

Success depends on your ability to remain focused on YOUR business. Don't get involved with popular 'internet marketing' hearsay... there's an entire business built around 'get rich quick' schemes and promises of 'overnight riches'. Run the other way when you see this stuff, it will only blur your vision of your own business' success. Approach your web based business from the perspective of being in it for the 'long haul', and build your business from a strong foundation of knowledge. Remain focused on your individual goals, and don't allow outside influence to determine your fate. Stick to it! Most 'failed' online business owners give up just before they would have succeeded.

16. If your business were to fail,(not that you ever would, but for my sake) could you re-enter a similar profession feeling or knowing you had gained or lost experience?

After running my own business for three years, writing articles and ebooks, designing web sites, and creating my own graphics..... there's no way I could ever do anything else. If I had to work for someone else, it would have to be on my terms, in the same field I'm currently in. Banking is just no longer an option for me as far as I'm concerned.

17. Would it be difficult to have to work under or with someone again?

I could easily adapt to working with someone, but for someone? That would be difficult, and I imagine it would only be temporary, until I could once again arrange to run my own business. One of the characteristics that makes us succeed, is the same one that will keep us from working for anyone else..... determination and the willingness to do whatever it takes.

18. #17 brings me to ask this.... Is there more to your business than knowledge, finance, planning...etc..? (I guess I asking you if there is an emotional factor involved in determining your success).

Absolutely! I think that your ability to focus on succeeding, and the determination to make it happen is probably the most valuable asset any business owner can have. Believe it and it will happen.... you won't learn that in any textbook.

19. What do you see in your business future.( Do you have expansion plans....will the industry determine your future...something along these lines)

I remain open to opportunity. Although mine is a Web Design business, it's led to my develping a coaching business, and a role as a writer. I enjoy all of these activities, and plan to expand on all of them over time, as I see a NEED for such services. Eventually, I hope to grow my businesses into a family legacy so that my daughters have the choice of working from home too. The need for my services will determine which aspects of my businesses thrive.

20. I know personal finance is a touchy subject, but I must ask what you think a realistic salary range is on average for: the beginner, the middle, and the max? (for some one who owns this type of business)...(this one I really need) If you do not know, could you estimate from what you have seen out there so far?

This is difficult to answer because so much of what we do depends on the price point the clients will tolerate. For the most part, I feel that most Web Designers simply charge too much for their time. Client work such as we specialize in is based on a 'per contract' basis, so a weekly or monthly salary range could only be determined by the amount of business you're able to contract in that time. Each project can take weeks, or even months to complete. This is where it's more advantageous to work for a design firm, they have contacts and advertising budgets that make new jobs flow more easily. An individual such as myself can expect to make very little at first, even 'swapping' services with related service providers just to get samples of their work out there. Realistically, I think that a serious designer can make between 20-30k per year within three years of starting up. With time and experience, designers can make any amount over that, it's really a matter of what you have to offer your client base, how you present it, and the relationships you form over time. Working for a firm, designers start at approx. 30-40k per year, entry level. Experienced designers can command between 40-60k per year. Working as I do, I guess my income is only limited by how much I want to work.

21. Working for yourself can be extremely difficult, what keeps you motivated?

A true and deep desire to NEVER work a traditional 9-5 job again keeps me focused! Enjoying my family and the time I now have to spend with them keeps me determined. A sincere need to help others succeed motivates me to continue even when I don't 'feel like it'.

22. I know you express your like for helping others, but do you separate helping others as opposed to helping competitors?Why are Why not?

I look at it this way.... I don't have competitors. Why not? Well, nobody else can create the graphics I create... they are mine and mine alone. In that way, I'm an artist. If I can help another designer succeed, I do so freely. I truly believe in Karma, and what comes around goes around. If I help someone today, hopefully, when I need help, I won't have to look to far to get it.

23. Is there a known success/failure rate for this profession?

I haven't seen any statistics, but I would venture a guess that there are a lot of 'would-be' designers that give up shortly after starting their business. I would attribute this to a lack of knowledge in the area of basic design, as well as the realization that TIME is the product, and very rarely do beginners get paid what they feel their time is worth. Not everyone is able to make the sacrifices of time and self that are required to succeed.

24. Where will this industry be in 10 years...in 20 years?( I guess I really want to know if there is a future for this industry or do you think technology will override the industry?)

Web designers will be needed as long as their are people that are too busy, or lazy to design their own sites. Honestly, not everyone feels that it's 'easy' to design a web page, and they are more than happy to pay someone else to do it for them. As long as that need exists, so will our industry.

How To Extract .Zip Files ~ A tutorial from EarnALivingOnline.com

I made it easier on myself when receiving questions about .Zip files, and extracting the contents. Yes, it's a quicky tutorial, but then, it's not a difficult process either. I hope it's helpful, and would appreciate any and all feedback. I want it to be user friendly, so fire away if you find it lacking. Thanks!

The Importance of Setting Up Your Home Office
One of the hardest things to do is seperate your home business from your 'home'. I'm still finding new and different ways to make this easier, but it's a constant challenge. One thing I learned early on, was that I can forget about working once the girls and hubby get home! If I find that I must finish a project after they are home, I need to take a break to get everyone settled, and then explain that I still need some 'alone' time. This article will help you make the 'space' in which you work more productive, the rest is up to you.

How to Set-up a Home Office: "How to Set-up a Home Office

By Linda Novey-White
Establishing and maintaining a home office requires a healthy dose of the five P's (Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performances). Through a telephone conversation, the client won't know if you are using a desk in your bedroom. But in order to succeed, it is important that you commit yourself to professionalism. Not everyone can work at home; many find it distracting on many levels. One of the first problems I had was with my dog.

The dog barked every time the Federal Express man made a delivery or someone approached the door. Distracting sounds of the dog barking incessantly or the doorbell chiming while talking on the phone with the CEO of a multi-national company will not leave a favorable impression. When the kids began to leave the home, I insisted that they would acclimate faster if they took the dog. I also got a quieter doorbell.

Set up your office professionally, as though you were working in a downtown office. There are enough distractions—the refrigerator, telemarketers, repairmen, delivery people—without having to work in an undesirable environment. I worked out of my unfinished basement once and I found the office was always disorderly. I had converted a bedroom and used bits and pieces of office furniture and equipment. I hated to walk into that mish-mash each day, so I kept finding reasons not to go there. My business suffered."

Clicking Away:
"Per-click advertising costs on search engines quickly add up. Advertisers can protect their ad profits by learning how to identify potential pitfalls. If you notice a sudden, unexplained drop in your conversion rates from paid listings, then it's certainly time for a little investigation."

This article from Entrepreneur explains the 'how' behind the PPC fraud that you may be open to if you're not careful. Many people have asked me if I use the PPC's... quite simply, the answer is no, not anymore. I did, and YES, it was profitable! My sales outweighed my cost, but when I moved to a purely 'service' provider business model, I found that the PPC's were no longer needed.

As a service provider, my product is my time. There's a limited supply there. I would only recommend the PPC's for tangible product offerings, ideally those that are sold on a 'hands free', automated basis. This can be very lucrative, but it is an activity that you MUST devote time and attention to. If you're thinking of using this marketing method, do take the time to learn more about avoiding the PPC fraud that is common. This article will help. :)

New Virus Causing Alarm For Domain Owners

I'm posting this here today because I don't have the time to send out a full blown issue of my E-Zine. However, I wanted to make sure that I shared this with my subscribers right away.

I've had two clients call me today asking about emails that they are receiving ... apparently ... from themselves!

Here's the scoop:

If you own your own domain, don't be surprised if you see a mail coming to you from "support@yourdomain.com", or some other similar variation.

Here's one that I received yesterday:

-----Original Message-----
From: supportATwebwenchdesignDOTcom [mailto:supportATwebwenchdesignDOTcom]
Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 2004 8:41 AM
To: webwenchATwebwenchdesignDOTcom
Subject: Important notify about your e-mail account.


Dear user, the management of Webwenchdesign.com mailing system wants to let you know that,

Your e-mail account has been temporary disabled because of unauthorized access.

Advanced details can be found in attached file.

Cheers,
The Webwenchdesign.com team http://www.webwenchdesign.com


~~ End of Message ~~


Of course, the attached file contains the virus. So, remember... don't open attachments you're unsure of, and run your security scans regularly. This one was out for a few hours before Norton's updated their definitions.

Please know that if you ever receive a suspicious mail from one of my domains, you're welcome to ask me about it. I NEVER send attachments to my list!

My domains are:

EarnALivingOnline.com
WebWenchDesign.com
ThePortalToSuccess.com

If you receive any of these virus mails, simply delete them. Update your security programs TODAY... NOW even, and visit this site for details on the virus itself, and removal instructions just incase you need them:
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.beagle.k@mm.html

*Whew* I really just wanted to get that note out to you all... I know these types of mails can be alarming. Be careful out there.

If you're interested in seeing what I've been up to this week, please scroll down and read the last few entries. I've finally figured out how to get the 'comments' functioning here on this site, so don't forget to click the "Speak To Me" links and leave your feedback, thoughts and well... your comments! LOL >;)

I'll be mailing out a regular issue within the next week or so with another new article, "Using Your Web Site Stats To Uncover Prospects Needs"... so keep an eye out for it!

WIL WHEATON dot NET

I've been answering a lot of questions about blogging lately, and after reading Wil Wheaton's latest efforts, I have to say that his is probably the BEST example of 'community building' I've ever seen!

If you want to know how blogging could possibly help your business, his is a site worth visiting. He's a writer. He's a celebrity (whether HE thinks so or not!). He's an all around good guy, with one hell of a head on his shoulders.

What I wouldn't give to interview him for my new book! Maybe I'll write him... 'course, he has this weird thing about 'encoding' emails that I can't figure out LOL. Anyway... he's really taken blogging to great heights, and I predict that it will be reflected in his book sales when his newest piece is released.

Wil... if you ever grace my pages by visiting... *Cheers*! I appreciate your talent, and your business sence. Thanks for providing a great example for those of us that aspire to succeed as you have!

Yahoo Announces Content Acquisition Program: "Yahoo Announces Content Acquisition Program
By Chris Sherman, Associate Editor
March 2, 2004

Just two weeks after launching a brand new search engine, Yahoo has announced a content acquisition program that consolidates all of its paid inclusion programs and marks the beginning of an aggressive new campaign to significantly expand both the scope and quality of content available via Yahoo search."

GOOGLE: Uncover Five New Ways To Use Google
These items are from the latest GoogleFriends newsletter (hosted through Yahoo!'s online groups). Enjoy!

Google does lots of little tricks. You probably know already that you can enter ticker symbols to get links to stock quotes, street addresses to get links to maps, and numeric expressions to use Google as a calculator. Here are a few new features that you might not have tried yet.

Area Codes
With the proliferation of U.S. area codes, it's not easy to figure out who's calling from where these days. Now you can enter a 3-digit U.S. area code into any Google search box for a link to a map of that area code's location.
Example: http://www.google.com/search?q=650

Universal Product Codes (UPC)
Is your checkout scanner on the fritz? Find out more about a product by entering its UPC code into the Google search box. The UPC code is the number on the bottom of the zebra-striped bar code displayed on most product packages.
Example: http://www.google.com/search?q=073333531084

Flight tracking
Attention, travelers (and those picking you up): find the status of a U.S. flight without delay. Just type a flight number into the Google search box (for example, USAir 50) to see a direct link to that flight's status information.
Example: http://www.google.com/search?q=usair+50

Vehicle ID (VIN) numbers
Want to learn a little more about that car you're about to buy? Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), then type it into Google for a link to a page with more information about the year, make and model of a specific car.

Package tracker
Eager to find out what happened to that fruitcake you ordered last December? Enter a tracking number for any package from UPS, Federal Express, or the U.S. Postal Service in any Google search box and you'll see a direct link to information about the delivery status of that package.

All of these new search features are available now for English language users on Google.com throughout the world. (International versions will be available in the coming months.)

Learn more at http://www.google.com/help/features.html [Jeff Partridge]


Is it just me, or does this make it seem painfully obvious that there's not much that's considered private these days? Hey... maybe if I type "lost socks" into the Google browser, that age old mystery would finally be put to rest... whatcha think?

Client Software: "A directory of AtomEnabled software and services -
More AtomEnabled tools and services are being added every day. Check back soon for even more sites and software using Atom."

Well, here's the thing... Blogger uses 'Atom' RSS feeds. NOT all readers can see this format, so I'm providing a list of readers here for you that CAN. I would strongly recommend that you avoid the mistake I made, and choose a reader that can view BOTH .xml RSS and atom RSS. Ug.

NewsWatcher™ by Scopeware Vision: "You love getting your news piping hot. But having to perpetually scour the web for it is a hassle you could live without. NewsWatcher™ is for you.
A free desktop application, NewsWatcher™ does all the work. You simply indicate the news you want by subscribing to your favorite RSS-supported sites. NewsWatcher™ feeds it to you the instant it’s available. Wired, Rolling Stone and CNN are among the hundreds of thousands of sites offering robust RSS content. Sure you can go from site to site looking for your news, but why bother? NewsWatcher™ brings it right to you."

* This is the reader I'm using, and it's very easy to set up. Simply copy and paste your favorite E-zine or Blog RSS feeds into this baby, and you'll never miss another issue. Life is good.

M.A.C Software - SoundCopy: "SoundCopy enables you to record, save, playback and compress voice, music and other sound. Recording time is limited only by the amount of hard disk space available. SoundCopy can receive input from CD, the Internet (audio files you've downloaded or streaming audio), microphone, cassette player or any other line-in source. You can use SoundCopy for recording meetings, conversations and dictation. You can use it to make digital back-ups of your audio tapes. You can set it to automatically record a radio program when you're not there - the possibilities are endless."

Tutorial - The home of Spybot-S&D!: "Spybot-Search&Destroy"

Lots of great (and free) resources to share today! I've been reading all my favorite ezines and online publications through a new 'RSS Reader', and I've got to say... I can't wait to get The Portal fully RSSable. LOL

The Spybot Search and Destroy freeware is something that everyone should have on their PC's. Get rid of all that junk that gets downloaded onto your system without your permission! It also gives you a VERY easy way to 'lock' your IE Home page so that it can't be hijacked. A must see for anyone that uses the Internet.

New Forum Catagory

I've decided (as a result of this morning's mail) to start a few 'Review' catagories over at the forums! Be sure to register (it's free) and post your review requests, or comment on past reviews.

Client asks for review of Mike Chen's "WebLockPro"

Now, anyone that's known me for more than five minutes, knows better than to ask my opinion unless they're ready to hear what I perceive to be the truth. Yet, they keep asking anyway... go figure! >;)

Disclaimer for those that would scream "libel": This is my opinion. We're all entitled to one, that's why I love this country. If you're an affiliate of WebLockPro, and you would like to change my mind, send me a link to your 'locked' page that works EXACTLY THE WAY THE SALES COPY SAYS IT WILL.

My response to the client who asked:

About WebLockPro... I have a few problems with that software. When it was first released, (while Mike Chen still owned it) I too considered using it... then I took it for a test run! LOL

I test on three browsers; IE, Netscape, and Mozilla. This software didn't make it past Netscape... I consider it misleading sales copy to say that the links are hidden because in Netscape, the java scripting that is used to 'hide your links' does not work at all.

I wrote to Mike Chen about this, and after SEVERAL mails back and forth, he stopped responding because he simply could not prove that it did work in all browsers. He never made any adjustment to his sales copy, and admitted to me flat out that he 'guessed it really didn't work in all browsers'.

After years of designing, the bottom line to me is simply that... if someone wants to steal your stuff bad enough, they WILL find a way to do it. Copyright is your best protection, and only then if you're willing to take legal action against violators.

Heck, there are people out there selling the 'anti-site code lockers' that decode the format that Chen's locker puts your site into!

Another problem I have with this product is that there is no concern for 'usibility'. There are a lot of people that navigate the 'net by "right" clicking links to open a page in a new browser window. As creatures of habit, these visitors would NOT get to your inner pages because you're not letting them.

Yes, the average surfer may be impressed by the use of this software, but let's be honest here... we're not really looking to 'protect' our pages from the "average" surfer, are we? Anyone that is actively looking to steal your copy or graphics WILL do so. Period.

I wasn't surprised to hear that Mike Chen sold off his companies.

You asked! LOL >;)