Saying that its "simple service" will be "non-traditional ... easy .. (and) makes a ton of sense," Twitter this morning has confirmed that it is joining the ranks of websites that hope to make money from advertising.
According to Twitter:
"You will start to see Tweets promoted by our partner advertisers called out at the top of some Twitter.com search results pages. We strongly believe that Promoted Tweets should be useful to you. We'll attempt to measure whether the Tweets resonate with users and stop showing Promoted Tweets that don't resonate. Promoted Tweets will be clearly labeled as "promoted" when an advertiser is paying, but in every other respect they will first exist as regular Tweets and will be organically sent to the timelines of those who follow a brand."
Thoughs and comments?
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
3 Bidders for MIRAMAX
Three Bidders, and Three Visions, Are Said to Be Competing for Miramax
"what was once Hollywood’s best-known independent film company..." MIRAMAX is up for bids.
1) all-cash bid of $550 million- brothers Tom, Alec, and Sam Gores, who are independent investors in the entertainment industry. (Sam Gores controls Paradigm- major talent agency)
All three offers seem to be close to what Disney was originally wanting to sell the company for, which was $700 million. It started at 12 or so offers, and now is down to these 3.
The Weinstein Brothers, if they get Miramax, claim that they would NOT merge it with their company, Weinstein Company, but manage it as a "strategic partnership." Weinstein Company hasn't been immensely successful but did really well with "Inglourious Basterds."
Google Finance:
ABOUT MIRAMAX: Independent films get major corporate backing from this company. A subsidiary of Walt Disney Studios, the filmed entertainment division of media giant Walt Disney, Miramax Film Corp. is a well-known movie producer that caters to audiences outside the mainstream. Its films have included Adventureland, Doubt, and Happy-Go-Lucky, as well as past Oscar winners The Queen (released in 2006) and No Country for Old Men (2007). Brothers Bob and Harvey Weinstein formed Miramax in 1979 and sold it to Disney in 1993. After a falling out with their corporate parent in 2005, the Weinsteins left to form their own production business, The Weinstein Company.
READ the article to find out more details with Weinstein acquiring Miramax. IF they do, once again, own this company, what do you think it will do for Weinstein Co. and do you think they WOULD merge in the end? How would that help their success with the name of Miramax?
Thursday, April 8, 2010
School District Proposes Ban on Facebook Friends Between Students and Faculty
A CNN article spotlighted a story from the Granite School District near Salt Lake City that has proposed a policy on banning faculty from becoming friends on Facebook with students. If the policy is passed, it will be the first of its kind in the entire state. Many have weighed in on the topic, from parents, students, and educators alike.
The Granite School District said they recognize the potential value of social networking, but they are also aware how it can lead to problems. "The reality is they're called social networking for a reason and when you're networking for social reasons, you should be doing that with your peers and children and teachers are not peers," said Ben Horsley, spokesman for the Granite School District. "Children should be interacting with their peers and teachers should be able to have some privacy and exclusivity of their own lives." While this debate is concentrated to just this district, it has potential to set a precedent for decisions made in other school districts and states. This leads to a few questions: Does being “friends on Facebook” with educators instigate problems between students and teachers that otherwise wouldn’t exist? Does the level of education (i.e. high school, college) have any impact on the social acceptance of communicating through social networking sites? The Granite School District is voting April 20th on the proposed ban, and the repercussions outcome of that decision is definitely one to follow in the future.
The story: http://www.fox13now.com/news/kstu-school-district-ban-facebook-faculty-students,0,4692736.story
The Granite School District said they recognize the potential value of social networking, but they are also aware how it can lead to problems. "The reality is they're called social networking for a reason and when you're networking for social reasons, you should be doing that with your peers and children and teachers are not peers," said Ben Horsley, spokesman for the Granite School District. "Children should be interacting with their peers and teachers should be able to have some privacy and exclusivity of their own lives." While this debate is concentrated to just this district, it has potential to set a precedent for decisions made in other school districts and states. This leads to a few questions: Does being “friends on Facebook” with educators instigate problems between students and teachers that otherwise wouldn’t exist? Does the level of education (i.e. high school, college) have any impact on the social acceptance of communicating through social networking sites? The Granite School District is voting April 20th on the proposed ban, and the repercussions outcome of that decision is definitely one to follow in the future.
The story: http://www.fox13now.com/news/kstu-school-district-ban-facebook-faculty-students,0,4692736.story
Nike Airing New Tiger Woods’ Commercial During Masters
We have all heard the story of the fall of Tiger Woods and the countless viewpoints that have accompanied it after it reaching national headlines. Throughout all of the events that have taken place, Nike, one of Woods’ strongest sponsor and supporters, has remained with him. Being a public relations major, I’ve naturally been drawn to this story to see how the situation is handled. This is one of the largest personalities of our time and this is a story that without a doubt will be talked about for as long as we are alive, so its outcome will definitely set the bar for similar events in the future.
With that being said, I came across this article and a commercial that began airing yesterday during the Masters Tournament coverage (this is significant because it is the first tournament Woods has participated in since the scandal broke if you’re not up to date). The commercial is without a doubt a great move on Nike’s part to show their support for their largest investment, but the commercial itself left me with mixed feelings and unsure of what their motives were behind it. The commercial consists of a close-up of Woods, slowly zooming as the commercial progresses. It is also shot in black and white, which gave me a haunting vibe from the opening moments. On top of this simple 30-second spot, a voiceover speaks, saying, “Tiger, I am more prone to being inquisitive, to promote discussion. I want to find out what your thinking was. I want to find out what your feelings are. And did you learn anything?" The first time I saw it, I didn’t understand it. Upon further investigation, I found very surprising information. The voiceover was a combination of audio clips of Tiger’s deceased father, Earl Woods. The situation just got extremely heavy. Nike has become known for memorable advertisements, and this one will definitely make the list as well.
After watching the commercial, I’d like to hear your response to it. What were Nike’s motives? Do you think the commercial will ultimately be effective in whatever their goals were in airing it?
The video:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/08/AR2010040803416.html
With that being said, I came across this article and a commercial that began airing yesterday during the Masters Tournament coverage (this is significant because it is the first tournament Woods has participated in since the scandal broke if you’re not up to date). The commercial is without a doubt a great move on Nike’s part to show their support for their largest investment, but the commercial itself left me with mixed feelings and unsure of what their motives were behind it. The commercial consists of a close-up of Woods, slowly zooming as the commercial progresses. It is also shot in black and white, which gave me a haunting vibe from the opening moments. On top of this simple 30-second spot, a voiceover speaks, saying, “Tiger, I am more prone to being inquisitive, to promote discussion. I want to find out what your thinking was. I want to find out what your feelings are. And did you learn anything?" The first time I saw it, I didn’t understand it. Upon further investigation, I found very surprising information. The voiceover was a combination of audio clips of Tiger’s deceased father, Earl Woods. The situation just got extremely heavy. Nike has become known for memorable advertisements, and this one will definitely make the list as well.
After watching the commercial, I’d like to hear your response to it. What were Nike’s motives? Do you think the commercial will ultimately be effective in whatever their goals were in airing it?
The video:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/08/AR2010040803416.html
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
iPad Adversary
Another iPad post... sort of!
It's about HPs iPad counterpart. I'm going to look up some more information about it, but this is a good start. Whatever you guys and find on it, please post. It looks really cool!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ytech_gadg/20100406/tc_ytech_gadg/ytech_gadg_tc1480
It's about HPs iPad counterpart. I'm going to look up some more information about it, but this is a good start. Whatever you guys and find on it, please post. It looks really cool!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ytech_gadg/20100406/tc_ytech_gadg/ytech_gadg_tc1480
Monday, April 5, 2010
Apple's iPad: The End Of The Internet As We Know It?
The obsession of the tech-savvy this weekend was the release of Apple's iPad. The tablet computer, which looks like an oversized iPod Touch, is being hailed by many as a revolutionary device. But there are some critics who say it's a sign that the Internet revolution could be coming to an end.
On its Web site, Apple boasts that the iPad makes you "feel like you are actually holding the Web right in the palm of your hand."
Paul Sweeting, an analyst with GigaOM, sees it differently. "With the iPad," he says, "you have the anti-Internet in your hands."
'Pushing Content To You On Their Terms'
Although Apple is marketing the iPad as a replacement for a netbook or a laptop, Sweeting says Apple's control over the iPad makes it very different, because on most computers, you can choose any software or application you like. "This is not an open platform where you can create a lot of content, or other people can create a lot of applications and content that you can then access and use and incorporate into what you're doing," he says.
This is not an open platform where you can create a lot of content ... that you can then access and use and incorporate into what you're doing.
- Analyst Paul Sweeting
Jonathan Zittrain, a law professor at Harvard, says Apple even rejected an application that took a position that was critical of the former Bush administration. The app was called Freedom Time, and Zittrain says "it actually simply counted down the days, hours, minutes and seconds until President Bush would be out of office, regardless of who his successor would be."
Zittrain and Sweeting worry that if the iPad becomes popular, both entertainment and computing companies will imitate its closed system.
Sweeting says he thinks many of the major media companies would love to see computers discourage people from searching the open Internet for content.
"I think the media companies will leap at this," he says. "It offers them the opportunity to essentially re-create the old business model, wherein they are pushing content to you on their terms rather than you going out and finding content, or a search engine discovering content for you."
All Tech Considered
Review: Even With Its Flaws, The iPad Is Still Impressive April 3, 2010
The iPad does have an Internet browser, but it won't be possible to download unauthorized software or to view sites that use flash — the technology that animates most visual content on the Internet.
'A Gated Community'
But people waiting in line over the weekend to buy an iPad didn't seem bothered by Apple's restrictions. In fact, many prefer it.
Apple fan Damen Brown says open systems worry him because "there's more of a risk of there being less quality control and a lot of garbage apps."
The iPhone has more than 100,000 apps available, and there are already more than 1,000 just for the iPad.
Apple is offering you a gated community where there's a guard at the gate, and there's probably maid service, too.
- Analyst Paul Sweeting
Jennifer Childers, who was also in line over the weekend to buy an iPad, says she doesn't notice the restrictions, and she doesn't mind them. "It's not being controlled so much, because every idea's gotten through except for things that are like pornography or some other things that I wouldn't be looking at anyway."
There is one big competitor that is likely to try to create a device that will offer up major competition to Apple's iPad: Google. The search giant profits from an open environment. But its Nexus One Android phone hasn't been as appealing to consumers as Apple's iPhone.
Analyst Sweeting says Apple's limitations make its products feel like living in a safe neighborhood. "Apple is offering you a gated community where there's a guard at the gate, and there's probably maid service, too."
As more consumers have fears about security on the Internet, viruses and malware, they may be happy to opt for Apple's gated community.
Please tell your thoughts and comments ?
On its Web site, Apple boasts that the iPad makes you "feel like you are actually holding the Web right in the palm of your hand."
Paul Sweeting, an analyst with GigaOM, sees it differently. "With the iPad," he says, "you have the anti-Internet in your hands."
'Pushing Content To You On Their Terms'
Although Apple is marketing the iPad as a replacement for a netbook or a laptop, Sweeting says Apple's control over the iPad makes it very different, because on most computers, you can choose any software or application you like. "This is not an open platform where you can create a lot of content, or other people can create a lot of applications and content that you can then access and use and incorporate into what you're doing," he says.
This is not an open platform where you can create a lot of content ... that you can then access and use and incorporate into what you're doing.
- Analyst Paul Sweeting
Jonathan Zittrain, a law professor at Harvard, says Apple even rejected an application that took a position that was critical of the former Bush administration. The app was called Freedom Time, and Zittrain says "it actually simply counted down the days, hours, minutes and seconds until President Bush would be out of office, regardless of who his successor would be."
Zittrain and Sweeting worry that if the iPad becomes popular, both entertainment and computing companies will imitate its closed system.
Sweeting says he thinks many of the major media companies would love to see computers discourage people from searching the open Internet for content.
"I think the media companies will leap at this," he says. "It offers them the opportunity to essentially re-create the old business model, wherein they are pushing content to you on their terms rather than you going out and finding content, or a search engine discovering content for you."
All Tech Considered
Review: Even With Its Flaws, The iPad Is Still Impressive April 3, 2010
The iPad does have an Internet browser, but it won't be possible to download unauthorized software or to view sites that use flash — the technology that animates most visual content on the Internet.
'A Gated Community'
But people waiting in line over the weekend to buy an iPad didn't seem bothered by Apple's restrictions. In fact, many prefer it.
Apple fan Damen Brown says open systems worry him because "there's more of a risk of there being less quality control and a lot of garbage apps."
The iPhone has more than 100,000 apps available, and there are already more than 1,000 just for the iPad.
Apple is offering you a gated community where there's a guard at the gate, and there's probably maid service, too.
- Analyst Paul Sweeting
Jennifer Childers, who was also in line over the weekend to buy an iPad, says she doesn't notice the restrictions, and she doesn't mind them. "It's not being controlled so much, because every idea's gotten through except for things that are like pornography or some other things that I wouldn't be looking at anyway."
There is one big competitor that is likely to try to create a device that will offer up major competition to Apple's iPad: Google. The search giant profits from an open environment. But its Nexus One Android phone hasn't been as appealing to consumers as Apple's iPhone.
Analyst Sweeting says Apple's limitations make its products feel like living in a safe neighborhood. "Apple is offering you a gated community where there's a guard at the gate, and there's probably maid service, too."
As more consumers have fears about security on the Internet, viruses and malware, they may be happy to opt for Apple's gated community.
Please tell your thoughts and comments ?
3-D is the Future for Movies
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1886541-1,00.html
3 of the top 5 grossing films out right now are in 3D (Alice in Wonderland, How to Train your Dragon, and Clash of the Titans). James Cameron says if the technology were around earlier, he would have filmed Titanic in 3D, and says all of his future films are going to be in 3D. George Lucas want to re-release Star Wars in 3D, and big name directors like Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson are both planning films in the third dimension.
A few weeks ago we laughed in class about owning a 3D television, but is that so far out of the question? If the movie companies are moving toward this new medium, is it such a stretch to imagine yourself sitting at home with the family, watching your favorite movie in 3D, right in your living room? And of course, wearing those super-cool glasses?
Thoughts? Comments?
3 of the top 5 grossing films out right now are in 3D (Alice in Wonderland, How to Train your Dragon, and Clash of the Titans). James Cameron says if the technology were around earlier, he would have filmed Titanic in 3D, and says all of his future films are going to be in 3D. George Lucas want to re-release Star Wars in 3D, and big name directors like Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson are both planning films in the third dimension.
A few weeks ago we laughed in class about owning a 3D television, but is that so far out of the question? If the movie companies are moving toward this new medium, is it such a stretch to imagine yourself sitting at home with the family, watching your favorite movie in 3D, right in your living room? And of course, wearing those super-cool glasses?
Thoughts? Comments?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)