You know internet marketing is finally mainstream in the Philippines when...

... when SM buys ad space in the Yahoomail sign-up page.

Gudjab, SM! (nice ad too, btw)

Do you have banner blindness in sign-up pages?

Hmm... now I'm thinking if people are so accustomed to having banner blindness on signup pages, especially in a page where they've been signing up for years... I wonder if it will be that effective (if the objective is getting people over to their FB or Twitter account). We'll only know if they check their traffic over at fb and twitter if the people came from the yahoomail signup page.

Not interested because...

For me, they got my attention, yes. However, I am not interested to click links leading to FB or Twitter because:

1) I want to sign in to my mail because I need something there (work-related). Have to attend to that now, the SM accessories online page can wait.
2) Since I'm an SM homegirl anyways, I have decided that next time I go there, I'll check the accessories department.

So, SM web team, do not lose heart if the traffic from the Yahoomail signup page is less than you expect. Lots of times, conversions manifest in the brick and mortar stores, not really online and traceable by web analytics.

For a big org like SM Department Store, most likely conversions of a campaign will happen offline.

 Still, like I said, good job!



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Wondering about some online workers' comprehension

How does it happen that when I post Freelancer Available ads, other freelancers still apply to me?

Copy of the ad is clear: "I am available to provide service to your company."

Title of the ad is also clear: Available - (insert freelancer title here)

And when these people write in their cover letters, they are obviously very fluent in the English language.

So yeah, I do not get why freelancers pretend to not comprehend simple ads like this. Much of our work as freelancers rely on quick understanding of written instructions. This kind of comprehension simply will not do for online workers.

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Yay

I haven't updated in a million years... but the other day, my friend, now also an online worker, told me that she has broken in to one project in ODesk.

Masigabong palakpakan, everybody. *plak plak plak*

And the nice thing is, she ACTUALLY read ofwdin posts before getting her feet wet into the world of online work.

"Really?", I said.

"This blog actually has some use?"

How nice to help in one's own little ways.




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Sudoku in Google Plus

I look forward to trying out all the games in Google Plus, but I suppose my favorites will be Sudoku and Diamond Dash.

Hi, I'm ofwdin.  Wanna play?

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Friendster 2011

Simple interface. Bookmark your favorite game and it goes at the top.
Shoutouts and friends' status are way below the fold.
So yeah, it's a games world.

Every now and then, I get restless with my favorite social networking sites and want to try something new.

Last weekend, I nearly gave my son a heart attack when I blurted out, "I want a Friendster account!"

"Whutt???" He gasped, as though I said something really scandalous/ immoral. I suppose for an 11 yr old, having anything to do with a social suicide site IS scandalous and immoral.

For the life of of me, I didn't know why I suddenly wanted one, only that I'm bored and heard that the new version is out.

Even if Google+ came out, I wasn't too hot about it since it's on limited invitation basis only. I remember being burned with Google Wave, etc. Desperate to get first dibs then for what? A bulky, slow-loading interface, etc.

Anyhoo, so I signed up for Friendster the other day, and what I found was: It's early Facebook! (Well the early version 3 or 4, I think.) Version 2 of fb was amusing with the pokes and sending gifts and drinks. Version 3 grabbed people with the cute games like Pet Society, Mafia Wars' etc. Because of users' daily pre-occupation with games, eventually fb was able to grab Friendster's throne (here in the PH at least, Myspace elsewhere) of listing friends, from right under Friendster's sorry ass.

So Friendster is now a games site, where you 1). Play games, 2) Make friends with people you play with and 3) invite all your real-time friends and collect your newly harvested gaming friends. This is exactly how I did my early Facebook v3. And by the time fb was established as a real friends' site, I've stayed away. Sorry, was bored. To backtrack even earlier than that, that is exactly how I did with my Friendster v1. By the time everyone was in Friendster, I was playing games and poking in FB.

BUT! I noticed Friendster's flash games load much quicker than fb's flash games. The reason why I stopped doing fb's games were the horribly impossible loading times of pet society, chocolatier, etc etc. The Friendster games also have a chat window. It's suitable for those who want to make new friends. I don't know about the coins to keep playing the games though. You can buy pre-paid cards in 7-11 etc plus there's (groan) Paypal, so I hope I don't lose sight of my sense and splurge on online sudoku. Booo.

Back to my pondering on FB vis-a-vis Friendster: Everything's just a VICIOUS VICIOUS cycle eh, and whoever gets the social networking throne, we the users are ALWAYS in the line of fire. You think?

They can all grab each other's thrones, back and forth. I don't care. I just want my cute games. And yes, I always go home to Plurk after I tire of all the drama and switching sides.


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MMDA Traffic Navigator

I am so excited with this website, the MMDA Traffic Navigator (tears of joy forming). I have always wanted to write about MMDA and commend their pro-active use of the internet, just haven't gotten around to it yet.  The different online avenues they use are always so helpful and easily accessible.

And now, this. The Traffic Navigator shocked and awed me. Happies!!! :-D
I have not fully used it, but so far, I have found that the usability of the site is excellent.

• Areas are easy to find
• Color coding of degree of traffic is simple so it will be quick to see at a glance.  This is especially handy when people tend to check their mobile phones for traffic.
• The 2 items in the Navigation is a top need (south/ north bound and areas)
• No. of minutes ago updated is shown
• Plus a map of the area is provided and easily seen

Still in beta, so works only in the mornings, for now. But two thumbs up!

Monitors 6 areas:
- EDSA
- Quezon Avenue
- Espana
- C5
- Roxas Blvd.
- SLEX

Just click then it will show more specific areas, and whether traffic is light, moderate, heavy.

See http://mmdatraffic.interaksyon.com/system-view.php

This is the type of work I expect from the government and all its agencies.
Kudos also to ABC-5 for this joint project.  

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Cheap Gadget Review: China Android Tablet

Someone gave me an i-pad clone for my birthday, which I fondly refer to as I-dap, I-dep, I-dop.

At first I wsn't sure what to do with it, as I am content with my speedy mobile net and the desktop.

I've had it for 3 weeks now and all I can say is it's nice to have one.

If you use your computer for simple internet and office tasks, I can vouch that this China I-pad clone is more than enough for your needs.

- You can easily check emails (most email sites have a mobile version and will automatically revert to it)
- Facebook, twitter, etc. comes in the mobile version, so it's easy to use.
- Youtube - quick, continuous upload.
- Blogger is okay, I'm using it now.
- Has a docs, spreadsheet and presentation software, so you can also give one to your child for school work. (Assuming your child takes care of things properly.)
- PDF reader. The main use of this gadget for me. I've finished one e-book this weekend. I wanted to read the book from my phone but couldn't, and now I was able to. Yehh!

The tablet clone I got can be used with a keyboard. It has a hub thingy for 2 USB ports and a modem connector.
Keyboard is of course too small to what you're used to, but it's supposed to fit in an 8-inch wide board.
Batteries last for about 2 hours, based on my own usage of using wifi, brightest lcd display, etc. I haven't timed how long to charge it.

Oh, yeah, I still don't have Angry Birds! The Android version of this baby is 5.0 lolz. But my friend Troy got a tablet too, his Android version is 2.2 and he immediately was able to put in one. I don't care too much for games, so it's okay with me.

All in all, for the price of this 'game and watch' (kids, ask your parents what that is, lolol) for around Php3?4?5?K (another friend got hers for only Php2,700 at 999 Mall in Divi, while Troy got his for about 4k? in Ortigas), this baby is 2 thumbs up.


Overall satisfaction? Very content
Sturdy? Mine seems so, brand is MID
Speed? Of course, slow to middle only. If you're expecting more, spend for a laptop.
Laptop or clone tablet? Clone tablet
Why? Lighter, does the same things, touch screen too.
Okay to have even if you have the other gadgets? Yes.
Do you recommend this to friends? For the non-brand conscious with simple computer needs, yes. But if you feel you are a better person because you have the i-pad, I suggest get the I-pad. Apps are also easier to get, obviously.

(Omg, I honestly did not realize this was in the style of Orange Monster's Quick and Dirty Notes. lolz.  Oh well...) 

If you have your own China Android thingy, please tell us your experience with it so that our readers can judge better if they should buy or not. Don't be shy, leave a comment below.




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Check for 'False Right Margins'

It used to be web conversion/ usability people had to check just for 'false bottoms'. You know, when there's this considerable space just somewhere below the "above the fold" on your monitor. And people think it's the end of the page and they leave. If your Buy or Sign Up bottom lies below your false bottom, you'll be in deep trouble.

Today, I was surfing on my phone and came upon a page where I had to register. I was used to this phone being able to fit pages. So I registered, and wondered why the form only asked for my first name and not my family name. Attributing this to design error, I filled in my whole name in the First Name field and proceeded to click 'Register'. After waiting for some time and nothing was loading on my phone, I realized the page was incomplete. I scrolled up and down again, and everything looked fine. Later, I found that if I scrolled to the right, the other fields were there, such as Family Name.

Fed up, I left the Registration Form.

This got me thinking, with lots more people surfing the net compared to 3 years ago, conversion and usability people should now also monitor the right margins, since yes, phones are narrower than your trusted computer or iPad. Maybe this can be adjusted too by not putting too much space apart for each field? Or you can also do the stuff you used to to avoid 'false bottoms' only this time apply it to the right side of the page. Just do this sparingly since people do not usually care to scroll to the right, especially from a phone.

And of course, always check how your web page looks like from the different mobile units. You lose valuable conversions, like sales or sign-ups with this tiny oversight.

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Currently reading "Mastering Online Marketing" and I super like this quote for online businesses (and everything else, in general):

"Manage the system, not the people."

I'll always remember this, even for family matters.



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Web redesign for a development org site

Our website is undergoing a major redesign and I can't help but be excited. Obviously, geeky me tingles on matters related to these.

When I first heard of the redesign, I immediately looked up the group contracted to do the redesign and I found a simple white website with forms. Most people might think why would I hire these people with a plain white website? Me, after checking their rather spartan landing page, I grew excited and knew this group would know exactly what to do in giving our site a much needed rejuvenation.

I saw the designs today and wasn't disappointed.

1. Besides the initial professional, modern look, the first thing your eyes will wander to are the prominent nav bars for the types of users that visit the site. You will immediately see buttons for journalists, NGOs, academe, etc. People can immediately click whatever group you're from and from there find options what your groups needs.

2. Search button more prominent at the right. People instinctively look for it at the top right. Great thing is after clicking there are scrolldown filters according to country, item needed, etc.etc.

3. Landing pages now have stories right up at the top of the nav bar. Even for a worldwide development org, stories on how help is extended to countries are always welcome. People understand stories more so that's a big plus. Hyfalutin project documents are also easily available for groups whose main interest is to look up projects.

4. Top traffic landing pages, aka most in-demand pages, were prominently linked also at the top of the nav bar.

5. New items are easily seen, such as newest articles, publications and events.

Overall, I am very pleased that the site not only looks great, but is easy to use for visitors to get what they need. i noticed there isn't a favorites box, but I expect it'd look really hodgepodge with the assortment of opportunities, media releases, etc. that different groups of people need. Great design is when web owners are happy with their site, plus users are happy because it is easy to get what they need. Yup, great job!



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Lawsuit against bloggers?

Even if you aren't paying attention, the obvious is stark. Bloggers and other quickie social media have arrived in influencing public opinion. You know this format of messaging has arrived because the people using these media vehicles are now getting lawsuits from posting their opinions.

With our kind of justice system, (plus the relative power of new media) I do not believe any kind of landmark decision on blogging will happen anytime soon. But I kinda like this happened to remind people to be more conscious about their accountability. If you want to say something, say it as you want to say it with apt caution.
These kinds of things are not for the weak of heart. Now the truly passionate ones will be separated from the flock.


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Office Newsletters: Simple cuts it.

I recently made a very plain office newsletter and received feedback about it.

- Everything in plain white
- Color highlights for contrast are deep blue for the masthead at the top, and a rich pacific blue to outline highlights right below it.
- Text and photos in plain horizontal layout
- Sections separated by light gray dots
- Lots of white space
- Fonts used are plain arial, georgia and verdana

Everything else was black text on white space.

Interestingly, one of our readers emailed the next day. She thanked us for the very easy to read newsletter and said it was a very friendly way of communicating updates. (Thank you also for writing in.)

So yeah, we all agonize how a newsletter should look like. We experiment with all these designs and boxes and fillers, looking for that perfect combination of colors, fancy fonts, etc.

But really, it is the reader who will tell you what that perfect combi is, so listen/ intelligently guess what is easiest for them.

Sample screenshot:

Yes, the look really is just email  with pictures.

I intentionally made the pic small, for privacy reasons.

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What to Eat for Holy Week - Chili Sardine Angel Hair Pasta and Kani Sandwich at Figaro

I'm not Catholic. Since most of you are, I'm just sharing this because I know you'll be looking for yummy food on no-meat Fridays. Visit Figaro for their yummy Chili Sardine Angel Hair Pasta or Kani Sandwich. You'll surely enjoy these filling meals. It may be no-meat but maybe you'll still sin because you'll surely find pleasure eating it.




I love sardines pasta. I cook it when I get the chance. Figaro's Chili Sardine Angel Hair Pasta though, is the way I envision how my sardines pasta should taste (which I never get quite right, btw.) The amount of olive oil is just right. The pasta is not dry or greasy. The spiciness from the Spanish sardines and the chili flakes is mild enough for everyone, I suppose. Plus the combi of the olives, parmesan and parsley are will leave your restless tastebuds satisfied. Ah yes, angel hair is the perfect pasta used for this little beauty. I always use spaghetti when I cook sardines pasta. The thickness of the noodle in my own version takes away some of the flavor.

Anyway, why tire yourself to cook pasta? You can just hop on over to Figaro to get a nicely cooked, warm and perfect sardines pasta, right.

The Kani Sandwich is okay. I love kani salads, so this sandwich is okay for me. I just wish the bread had a rougher texture (like wheat or rye) to balance out the softness of the crabstick and vegetables. That's just me though. It's overall yummy.

Prices are also reasonable - P180 for the pasta and P179 for the sammich. It's okay because it's a meal in itself and satisfying.

P.S.  My officemate (also an avid pasta cook)  and I ate at Figaro again last Wednesday.  She tried out the Chili Sardine Angel Hair Pasta.  The verdict from this pasta fan:  Thumbs up.  She wanted more.  

Go on over to Figaro and try out these lite meals today! 




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Magnolia Ice Cream Frozen Delights are Back! :-p

I have a gazillion memories about Magnolia Ice Cream and Magnolia Ice Cream Frozen Delights. My family loves to eat. Through time I get to associate food with happy memories, especially if this food was a basic commodity in my childhood.

So of course, when I saw that Magnolia Ice Cream was launching their frozen delights line, I felt a weird mixture of emotions, from "Squeeee!" "Yum." "Yay!"

And of course, when I tasted these, it was the closest one could get to a time machine ride. Same delicious taste I remember. I suddenly had vivid memories of my dad taking me to the Magnolia House buy ice cream cake and several boxes of frozen delights (It was always his contribution to cousins' birthday parties.). Or an earlier memory in my pre-school, when he'd take me to the Magnolia kiosk for an ice cream cone. I would grab his big burly hand with my sticky little one, and we would walk back to the car as I licked the strawberry cone.

Ah, memories. Freud would dedicate an entire section on ice cream for psychoanalysis if I was one of his subjects. lol.

So folks, check out these nostalgic but updatedly hip Magnolia Ice Cream Frozen Delights.

Pinipig Crunch:  SRP : P13

I had to have the sweet corn pinipig crunch first.  *Tears on first bite*  lol.  

Popsies: SRP: P10

No longer twins, but still yum as singles.

Fun Bar:  SRP: P10

Turns your lips and tongue blue for extra goofing around.  heehee. 

Sweetie Bites:  SRP: P11

A sweetie bite for a sweetie (hopefully that's you)

My pops woulda been delighted with the return of these frozen delights if he was still around.  :-)



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iBlog 7 - thank you!

I attended day 1 of iBlog7 and I am one happy blogger, indeed. Most speakers were (the only word is, really, just) awesome.

Like always, I so admire Carlo Ople's being ahead in his ideas AND his heart to share these new ideas. With just the first swing of ideas, my mouth fell open at this guy's net genius. And he generously shares. Like.

Howie (Severino) is Howie. He always delivers as expected.

The Arboleda couple is also a favorite. I admire their smartness as a couple, and also their generosity to share what they know.

And of course, super thank you to Janette Toral twice. First for making iBlog7 even better than last year's. Second for sharing her reality on the issue of the National Bloggers' Association. I am basically a commitment weasel, so I am decided to not be an official member of whatever it is. But her talk opened my eyes to my reality that I can still help out by encouraging people to have a critical mind and read the damn documents available before they rant or blindly sign up.

So yeah, I'm happy I attended the iBlog 7, and kudos to all organizers, speakers and attendees.



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GSM Flavors - Yummy, Affordable, Funtime with the Barkada

Been fortunate enough to attend the Ginebra San Miguel (GSM) Flavors iParty last March 25, 2011 at the Makati Grand Tower.

Yeah, I know my blog is more on net and marketing but I just had to include this flavored spirits drink here because 1) I liked their angling on the marketing and 2) I am an overt fan of r&r drinking. Everybody who knows me offline (and on) know that. It would be hypocritical of me to suppress my thoughts online on drinking.

The bloggers were having fun during the iParty and I decided to sample the mixed drinks. I liked Lychee Kiss, which had the GSM Flavours Lychee, strawberry syrup and lychee puree. Nyummers.

I've been to countless laid-back kwentuhans over alcohol at friends' homes in my teens and 20's. It all seems like a ridiculous, foolish phase to non-drinkers. But I did a lot of learning and bonding with people during those years, so all is not a waste. So yeah, I love that GSM is angling the drink as a reliable beverage during barkada tambays. At the suggested retail price of P60-something at stores, it's quite affordable for barkadas compared to the usual P80-100 bottle. Plus, the lychee or apple flavored spirits tastes nice, really. Right now, GSM Flavors can be bought at Pure Gold, Mini-stop, 7-11, Andoks and South Supermarket.

Anyway, for those who are interested to serve something interesting to your friends next time you hang out at home, below is GSM Flavors' recipe for the yummy Lychee Kiss I was telling you about:

Needless to say, I'm also contemplating on serving this for the next time my online friends hang out offline. Hello friends *wave*, see you soonest! Cheers!

Disclaimer: Like anything else you do in life, drink moderately. You don't want to be the drunk one doing the funny stuff while all your friends stay generally sober because they drank moderately. Your friends will definitely remember your weird antics for years to come, and they will still love you regardless, but still drink wisely.




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I have newblog-itis!

Aaurgh! My online life is not just all sunshine. I also have an online disease. No, not facebook. Or Twitter (actually, I have a deficiency for these two, even though these are vital to business and communications.)

My main sickness is I keep starting new blogs. I'm all excited about it, pour my heart out, my interest wanes, then conveniently forget about it.

Argh.

And yes, I'm whining now because I'm thinking of starting another blog. 

Have about you, think of all the blogs you've started through the years.  How many have you started?  How many are still alive today?  



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Nokia E5 phone comments and semi-review

Just taking this Nokia E5 phone for a spin at blogging. I've been using this for 3 days now. So far I have been very satisfied with the surfing speeds*. I'm very satisfied with the speed of opening Plurk, Google, different blogs, even my office email. It's kinda slow for facebook though, though I'm not a big fan of it so I don't mind.

Big bonus is Youtube runs really well with our wLan. I haven't seen Nokia E5 lag. My kids and I are Youtube rats so I'm really thrilled it's powerful enough for running videos without hassle.

The keypad of the Nokia E5 is satisfactory enough for use. The keys do not have spaces in between, one key is placed immediately next to the other, but it's okay. I just wish there was a shift key at the right side too, just like a regular-sized keyboard. It's weird to shift a letter on the left side as you hold shift down on the left side too.

I have yet to fiddle with the music and videos, so I have no comments on it yet, but I'm sure people looking for a reliable net phone would still find this post useful.

So yes, I recommend Nokia E5 for those looking for speedy net surfing in mobile phones.

* Disclaimer: My internet connection is a bit speedier than the regular net plans, so consider the speed of your internet too when using your Nokia E5.


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Received this SMS (text message) from a College Review Center

One of my sons is a junior in high school. As school is ending, review centers that help prepare kids for college admissions tests have been marketing in their school.

I received this text message from them in my mobile:

hi dps stdnts!those who are joining d summer upcat revw pls come and regster tom at bigleap revw ctr. ty.

ew.

I'm not enrolling my son for anything acamedic-related to anyone that wouldn't spell right, despite the limited word count of SMS.

If these were  non-academic lessons I wouldn't be bothered with spelling.  But since they are a review center, ehmm....  pass.



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Yikes! Email down!

Office server is on sick leave. Email is wonky and somehow slowing down computers too because it keeps thinking for the email (and the thinking never gets done).

So, because I am perenially bug-gy, and t'e boss wanted something requested, I took the fastest route to bug people besides email.

1. Type the instructions on word (Yes, with what I intend to do I can almost hear "ding!" as the line approaches the end... DING!),
2. print it,
3. walk to the other department
4. hand in the damn request

The nice thing is I get to chika2 the webmaster as I handed the request in. Personal touch is quite easy face to face than in email.

Yeah. So for you dear wonky email, you did not succeed in bogging down my task: PWNED!!!




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Feel good moment for an online worker.

I received an email today for an offer to do some copy writing for 2 retail sites. Nicely, they learned about me from a former client of mine. And the former client gave my email and I suppose an okay recommendation.

I want to do it but I also want to think more about it if I can deliver... (considering my current sit, hmmm... )

Whatever I decide, I suppose one of the greater feel good moments an online worker can experience is affirmation from former clients that one's work is okay by passing you on to other people who need your services.



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Grateful

Working at home online for the past few years, I am used to working hard, fast, long. The speed of 1) your net, 2) computer and 3) neurons are precious. Each minute counts. Something needed on the website? Input and click publish. Error? Edit and save. New page needed? Start a new page, input and publish. Visitor/s might see a wrong copy, price, etc. and that is not good at all. Time is of essence.

Online, each person plus net plus computer is an island, a powerful machine that churns out work day in, day out. When one of these three are slow, your work suffers, your schedule is thrown off balance, leaving you worn out and borderline crazy.

Now I am part of a bigger organization, I have less the liberty of the "input and publish" system that I am used to. Nowadays, I rely on other departments to do uploads, edits, tweeting, shouting out... At first it was strange for me, the waiting, that is, but by now I am used to it.

And I am really appreciative that, a bit slower it may be, but I am no longer an island. There are people to communicate with, people who get the work done with you, people who care about the work as much as you do (regardless how bug-gy I am through out the day. So yeah, these days, when I say buggy, I'm not talking about software, I'm talking about myself! lol).

And for all these, I am grateful. :-)

(And to all the kewl peeps who keep helping me out, here's a silent thank you for all you.)


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Plugging: Please visit Leon's Games Blog

Leon is a kid blogger who won't get off my case until I post something about his blog. I tell him no since he has lots of pirated stuff on his blog.

But since blood is thicker, can't help it. I'm bound.

He likes games and gadgets and his posts are mixed thoughts and stuff katchi-ed on the net. (I keep bugging him about pirated stuff, grammar and language though.)

I just noticed he doesn't use periods at the end of his sentences. I asked him why and he just said "because I don't want to."

So yeah, please visit his blog http://realeons-games.blogspot.com and hit like or subscribe.

Tita bloggers, can you please plug his blog too? Thanks much.

Ugh, the things we do for our young ones.


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Be careful what you issue, cause it just might get posted...

When I was younger, say the word "conversion" and what pops into my head are halos, saints, fluffy clouds, angels and the like.  In the past, "conversion" to me denoted more a change of heart to do what god wills you. 

The past years, I have passionately studied "conversions" too, or how to convert, but this time over the internet. These days, in the age of everything in the net, conversion is convincing your web visitors to click on, do what you intend them to do in your site, such as buy, sign up, email to a friend, etc. etc.

Both conversions may be worlds away, you might think, but the objectives are the same :  1)  To get on your good side, 2) reel you in, and 3) When you are reeled, to have you follow what is designed to be followed. 

So the other day I click this link that points to a CBCP directive  to pro-repro health Catholics to NOT receive communion during mass. 

I was appalled of such intolerance documented on paper.  And this act, as is wont of any documentation these days, was scanned and published in Scribd, no less.


While it is this group's utmost right to not tolerate members that do not go along their creed, I'm just saying it is still bad PR to have the world see something so ghastly be posted for posterity on the net.

As long as the net exists, there is the documentation that during the 21st century, there is proof that bigotry existed (and from a denomination that preaches love and godliness. So that really sucks.)

A copy of the CBCP directive 

to pro-RH Catholics to 

NOT receive communion during mass.

If you do not want to re-examine your principles on tolerance and rights, you are entitled to that.  At least avoid having it posted on the net.  These things, posted on the net:   1) don't get into your potential or existing members' good side, 2) you are not reeling in but blocking access to current members and 3) Having your members follow your wishes when they are banned is strange, so that's out.  So yeah, do I even have to point out that things like these do not lead to conversions? 

When online traffic does not convert, they abandon their cart.  And when people abandon carts, they never go back.

You may say we're not a business.  What is this foolishness of abandoned carts, etc.?  Well then, a little imagination will say that any kind of organization will always have similarities to a business.  If you want to shun people for differences in opinion, that is your call.  If you want to be an island in this age of engaging with people, then that is your choice, even if no man is.

It is not my goal to post this to convert, I'm just thinking since yeah, this is my blog.  You should try it sometime. 



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Cheap gadgets review - CDR King DVD Writer

We have been using this CD-R King K-series external DVD writer for 3 weeks now. We have used it lots of times and it's okay. My sons have been installing multi-gig games that goes on for hours (days, yes) it can make any dvd writer go up in flames. So far it has been performing as expected.

This CD-R King DVD writer is connectable with a usb. It's also plug and play, so yeah, it's very convenient.

I also like the ornate design of the K-series, it's gurly.

I bought it for only P1,999 and I think it's pretty much worth it.

Disclaimer: This post is about my experience with a purchased item. If you have a different experience with a similar product, contact the seller. I do not know the said company personally.


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Envious (Actually, just misses blogging)

I'm envious of people who get to blog everyday because they like blogging. Without being conscious about it, they're passionate about their blog topic/ issue and passionate about blogging. That's what passion is all about, you are just it. You just actually do it without bragging about it.

I'd really want to blog everyday, but am too distracted these days since I'm not online at home as much I want to...

Let's try...



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Another Simple Way to Get Online Work

Here's another simple way for online workers to get information on projects to bid on. It's so simple you'll pull your hair out for not doing it earlier. :

How?  Twitter.


Just log in to Twitter, do a search on freelance jobs, work at home, online work, etc. etc.  think up your keywords. Use specific words on what you do like wordpress design, etc. 

After you have your search results, follow them all.  I suggest prioritize freelance websites that post newest projects available, instead of individuals.

Wait a bit.  And you'll have a running feed of gigs that need you. 

While we're at it, please follow me on Twitter.  I don't have a running feed of gigs, but hey, we can be friends :-)



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Blog Conference: Please Attend I-Blog7, April 1 and 2, 2011 at UP

Yay! iBlog 7 is now open for registration!

iBlog: The 7th Philippine Blogging Summit will be held this year on April 1 and 2 at the Malcolm Theater, Malcolm Hall, UP College of Law, UP Diliman, Quezon City.

Will update you on the program, agenda, etc. as we go along.

For now, register.



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Online Shopping on a Lazy Sunday

It's a nice Sunday morning.

Like many moms who want to snatch some quiet time before the household stirs, I open up my computer and do an online activity I don't usually have the time to do on any day: online shopping for stuff I intend to buy soon, or in a year or two.

Some moms I know who shop online during Sundays usually look for little knick knacks, clothes or gadgets. For me, online shopping would mean I will surf around for computers, cars and real estate.  I like looking these things up once in a while, so I am updated on what are regular prices.  Also, it all adds up in my head to help set some of my life goals.  This way I can estimate when to get myself a house, a car, etc. considering current income.

One of the things that are clear to me are: I don't want to pay monthly for a spanking new, shiny car.  So I'll settle for looking through 2nd hand cars I can pay for in one go, as long as it's reliable and sturdy.  So today, I settle for one of the more reliable buy and sell Philippines websites. 

Ooh, so many cars to choose from.... Just from the simple search, ayosdito.ph came up with this many cars for NCR alone.  So yeah, this site is the go-to for cars.

I think I like this and will fit my budget:

Plus, this is a proven hardy and reliable car.  So I wouldn't mind having one of these.

I've also been looking through the real estate section and some properties have already caught my attention already.   Another one of my long-term plans is to live away from Metro Manila someday... and it's so easy to find real estate according to regions.   I've already noted some communities I would want to settle in.  Something to pen into my plans and fix in the next few....

As for computers, I haven't had the chance to look around... yet I've been hearing some shuffling upstairs signalling that my lazy reverie is about to end.  I will just consult my computer buying guide first, and reserve my shopping-surfing for this next time. 

How to Write for the Web

My friend Reena of SEO Notes from a Newbie is thinking about attending a local seminar on writing for the web and she listed the names of the people giving the sessions - book writers, freelance writers, hobbyists, etk.  At least the hobbyists were bloggers.  I was quite amused because she has been writing, among other things, for REAL and OPERATIONAL web stores for two years now, and  I wouldn't be surprised if Reena can teach these local experts a thing or two about web writing.

How to Write for the Web?  (Read the details below.)
   1. Don't write.
   2. Write.
   3. Edit.
   4. Shut up.
   5. Re-read and correct

I have been fortunate to be mentored by someone who knows his web marketing well.  First thing he taught me is web readers read differently, so I shouldn't be too uptight about writing as I would for print.  Then he recommended that I learn the ropes on web writing from usability guru Jakob Nielsen.  BIG help.  Might as well click that link than finish this article.

If you're not in the mood to learn the whole usable web writing school of thought yet, here is a short list of what I usually do when writing for a page.

1.  Don't Write Yet

Sorry to disappoint you folks, but rein in those writing juices for now.  To be effective and to save time and effort, my first recommendation is to THINK THINK, THINK.  I have wasted many a time (even days) by writing immediately about a web page.  After writing, I sit down and think about the page. Then I chuck the copy into the trash.Why?  Because I was saying all the wrong things that didn't match why the page was needed in the first place.

What to think about before writing:  Make your page useful!

• What is this page/ shoutout for (or the objective of that page, or tweet, etc.) ?
• Who will read this?  What do they expect to see? What do they need?

There are more details to think of if you want to be oc-oc about it but these 2 general ideas will provide a sufficient framework.

2.  Write

Don't expect to write your usual stuff the way you want it.  Write in an inverted pyramid style, putting all the most important things first.  AND make sure you answer the first bullet above.  Put what your readers want to know right at the top, in the first or in the immediate second sentence.  List your other  important stuff. Now think about your readers.  What will they want from you?  Sorry folks, but that is all they are after, not your wonderful wit, not the innate awesomeness of your product. No. It's all about what's in it for them.  Put these benefits for your reader either at the title, subtitle, first paragraph, or all at the same time.  That is fine too. 

If your tendency is to write an intro background to explain everything first, fine. For now.  Write it.

3.  Edit/ Slash/ Cross out   Be brutal

If you're already satisfied with your copy, good.  Now trim your piece.  Be merciless.  Fix the punctuation, spelling, grammar. Cross out all the other stuff you wrote that's making your copy too long.  People don't like long blocks of text on the monitor.  Alternate blocks of text with bullets, numbered articles, pictures. 

Oh, that background intro you wrote?  Cut that introductory paragraph with boring explanations, then put it at the bottom.  Don't cry.  Interested people will scroll down to find it. Those who aren't will be happy your first paragraph contains what they need.

Read the whole thing again.  Sound better now, right? 

Then, check again if your piece is talking about what your readers want.  

4. Now highlight/ bold the items that people want to find out from your article.

Check again if your piece is talking about what your readers want.    Kulit ba?  But yes, that is what your piece should be all about.

Then shut up.

5.  Close the article, bury the page/ article under sand for the longest time you can afford.  Dig it out, re-read, do your corrections.  Check again if your piece is talking about what your readers want.  

If  you got this far, congrats.  Now click that Jakob Nielsen link I gave, and find out all you can about making reading easier for your viewers.

What else? Stories. People are hard-wired to pay attention to stories.  If you have one, tell it.

***

As for how to write in a vibrant/ lively manner, that, my friend, is a different journey from person to person.  Even JakobN couldn't help us out in that one.  For now, just write and write and write.  When you find your real voice becomes your voice as you write on paper (or the monitor), maybe that's when your articles become vibrant.  So just write.


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Eric Schmidt passes Google's Guardianship to Larry Page

My favorite quote for the day, posted on Eric Schmidt's Twitter is "Day-to-day adult supervision no longer needed!"

This is any parent's goal, for their child to be autonomous.  Eric's baby, Google, is obviously doing well and can be let go at this time.  Google will be headed by Larry Page on April.  Eric has done wonders raising this baby, so he will also be awarded $100M equity upon his exit as CEO.  

I wonder if this comment was solely meant for Google, or for the young founders, as well?

Hehe, don't get me wrong.  I'm about Larry's age but I really appreciate having an older, wiser colleague around.  I am always amazed and appreciative of older colleagues insights, based on experience.  (Btw, Eric is 55 years old, Larry is 37.)  I'm glad the young founders then asked a wiser and older colleague to steer the Google ship. There are lots of startups founded by young people that are promising, but implode due to "youthful folly".


Anyhoo, I'm a parent too and my overall goal for my boys is to also exclaim one day, "Day-to-day adult supervision no longer needed!"

I wish that would also come with a $100M equity, though.





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Review: CD-R King Products

Everyone I know has a love-hate relationship with CD-R King.  Love or hate 'em:  we all know one thing.  We can't resist their accessories, doodads and whatnot.  Online workers, especially, have lots of needs for PC accessories I am sure I am not the only online worker who turns to CD-R King for assistance.

Me, I love CD-R King.  So far, from all the CD-R King stuff I have, only 1 product has not delivered.  This is a (believe it or not) 128MB USB thumbdrive (muhahaha) and this was in the early days of CD-R king in the mid-2000s.  The store was super new then.

Everything else, I have been lucky to get products that work well and very much a steal for the affordable price they give.

Like my CD-R King keyboard.  I totally love it because the only keyboard I wanted to touch were Logitech keyboards.  I like mammoth, hardy keyboards that feel like marshmallows to my pounding fingers.  Such sweet love... so I wasn't sure I'd like the P140 keyboard I got from CD-R King.  Surprisingly, my keyboard FELT GOOD to use, so I'm a happy gurl...

Through the years, I have amassed quite a bit of USB thumbdrives, and I'm satisfied.

What else have I gotten from CD-R King?  Mice, an mp4 player or 2, printer ink, stickers, papers, cables, blue tooth dongles, headsets, a cam, one mic, etc. etc. etc.  There are more I'm sure but I'm getting lazy to think.

I know some people have bought stuff from CD-R King and the items have gone wonky, but what can I say? CD-R King loves me and gives me products that work well, and I love it back.

So yeah, thumbs up.  I find no diff buying branded items and similar items from CD-R King. I hope you get as lucky as me.  :-))

If you do get to buy a windmill from CD-R King, tell me about it and I'll post it.


Disclaimer:  This is MY opinion based on MY experience with lots of their items.  If you are a CD-R King hater, you can rant here if you like but I definitely hold no responsibility for your experience with their items.  I also have no contact with them because I don't know them, so fire away at your own discretion.  



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Sighted: Correct, Don't Delete, Erroneous Posts/ Shout-outs

Found this while reading around for work:

Scott Rosenberg on correcting Twitter news errors

I totally agree with this. Many people love to be intrigued at deleted or edited posts, wondering what the original text was.

So to set things straight and on the record, I agree that the next straightening post can be started with the word "CORRECTION : ..." Using the word erratum just like in traditional formal writing will need more explaining, your tweet capacity will be off before you even type the correct version of the story.

While we want online text to be error-free (thus the desire to edit the original text), readers give leeway for errors and are more forgiving of sincere apology and accountability.

Just try to be more careful next time, okay?


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Last Sunday of the holiday break.  No office tomorrow, but I love that I am having a meeting with a colleague tomorrow re: online projects.

Having to report to an office part-time has somehow distracted me from my online work the past 2 months, so I am very enthusiastic for this "re-boot".  I look forward to the exciting gigs and projects to attend to in 2011.

Yay!

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Happy New Year from OFW Din

Happy new year!  It was a great year for my online gigs, and I noticed our other online workers had a good roll this year as well. 

Rock and Rowllllll, online workers.  May you have more gigs and blissy family moments this 2011!  :-))

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