Indianapolis Social Media Marketing | Indianapolis Internet Marketing | Digitalia

MIX TAPE - 2008 EDITION

Was reading a post yesterday on the low, low price on the iPod Shuffle ($49). Made me think of all the mix tapes I made - carefully choosing songs that I liked for people that I liked. Mix CD's never turn out the same. My friend Sanjeev recently said "nothing like breaking the seal on Maxell Metal Tape". I agree that the idea of an iMix on the lower priced shuffle is clever. And as far as copyright infringement is concerned - can you really do anything with the music on a shuffle other than listen to it. Sure you can pull music off a shuffle if you really want to. If you can put that much effort in to it for a few songs, that sounds like a deeper problem than just piracy. I'm also thinking about all the things one could do with the shuffle - business-wise too. Any ideas? I'm interested in your thoughts.

- Duncan Alney

IPHONE SDK DELAYED?

Just read Charles Starrett's piece on iLounge about the iPhone SDK being delayed.

"According to a new report, Apple’s release of the Software Development Kit for the iPhone and iPod touch will be delayed. Citing an unnamed source, BusinessWeek reports that the SDK, scheduled for release by the end of February, will be delayed anywhere “from one to three weeks.” The report also notes that the situation is “fluid,” and that “a lot of last-minute decisions are close to being made about what precisely will or will not be disclosed” this week. After months of anticipation, Apple CEO Steve Jobs in October announced the company’s intentions to release the SDK, which allows third-party developers to write native applications for the devices, in February."

While the delay seems to be big news, I think its worth noting that the Facebook open API model is here to stay. Nice piece, Charles.

- Duncan Alney

SEVEN EASY WAYS FOR YOUR OFFICE TO GO GREEN(ER)

1. Limit your printing, print double-sided documents when possible, or go paperless (a major trend)

2. Recycle paper, cans, plastic, newspapers, etc.

3. Use CFL light bulbs

4. Turn off all lights and shut down computers at the end of the day

5. Use washable cups or an athletic water bottle instead of plastic or Styrofoam cups for drinks

6. Use ceramic mugs or other reusable containers for coffee/tea and even consider taking it to your coffee shop.

7. Replace plastic tableware (utensils, plates, etc.) with washable, metal tableware.

-Margaret Henney

SOME OF MY FAV WEBSITES

Yes, Facebook is probably the website I visit the most (one might call it an obsession), but when I’m itching to mix it up a bit, I turn to some lesser known sites to get my surfing fix. Below are a few of my favs. Some are funny, some are cool, others are just ridiculous.

Although these websites/blogs are all different, they have one common thread. Increased communication. Through these digital vehicles, people are sharing things they would never normally share, with people they would never normally share them with. And these sites clearly show that there are niche markets out there for everything you could ever imagine. And I do mean EVERYTHING.

Ahhh, the beauty of the Internet. Opening up to you a world of new people, new idea, and new information…and secrets!

www.urbandictionary.com (Your Webster-ish guide to everything pop culture)
www.trueofficeconfessions.com (Just what it sounds like)
www.candystand.com (GAMES! GAMES! GAMES!)
www.gawker.com (Their tag: “Media gossip and pop culture round the clock.” I’m in love.)   
www.postsecret.com (People of all walks of life send in their deepest secrets on postcards, which are then posted onto this blog….be ware.)
www.slate.com (Another source for news, covering everything from business and politics to arts and travel.)
www.stuffonmycat.com (Again, just what it sounds like. For some reason I find this hilarious…you probably think I’m weird now.)
www.pitchforkmedia.com (Let me redeem myself with this ultra-hip site, all about music.)

-Margaret Henney

PODCASTS CATCH THE EYE-AND EARS-OF SAVVY ADVERTISERS

As the U.S. podcasting industry continues to grow, and the listening audience increases in size, more and more savvy advertisers are taking notice.

eMarketer estimates that there was a 285% increase in the size of the U.S. podcast audience in 2007 – a growth to 18.5 million.

That audience is expected to grow to 65 million by 2012 – 25 million of those will be active users who tune in at least once a week.

Advertisers are expected to spend close to $450 million by 2012 via ads on the pages and feeds that distribute podcasts, in addition to embedding ads inside the podcasts themselves.

- Chad Richards

YES, IT CAN!

This video, called the “Yes We Can Song,” is being used as support material for the Obama campaign. It features various celebrities signing and speaking over the Senator’s “Yes We Can” speech, given in New Hampshire during a political rally. Although this video is certainly political, my blog entry is not meant to be such. Rather, my blog today is about the power of video, and its awesome ability to inspire, motivate, and make a last impression. Video can cause change. Yes, it can. And……Don’t forget to VOTE!
-Margaret Henney