Travel Web Sites
Last night I put on my "tech guru" hat again--you know, the one that covers up my receding hairline--and recorded a "travel" segment on 207, Maine's evening news magazine.
You can watch it here w/Windows Media Player.
Here are the links to the resources we discussed...and a few that didn't make the segment:
- Travel Podcasts in the iTunes Store
- Cheapest Destinations
- Smarter Travel
- Be Our Guest
- Expedia
- Travelocity
- Orbitz
- Kayak
- US State Department's Travel Warnings
- Practical Travel Gear
- Vacation Rentals By Owner
Travel Web Sites: Inspiration, Deals and Warnings
If you're looking for a little vacation getaway you might want to check out tonight's episode of 207 (2/13/08 at 7pm on channel 6.) Yours truly will be talking travel on the Web...where to look for inspiration, great deals, the right gear, and whether a trip to Kenya is really advisable.
Tomorrow I'll post a link to the segment and the URLs we visited.
Rich Brooks
Travel Guide
Web Developer Job in Maine
We are currently looking for an experienced Web developer.
You have experience building Web sites with XHTML and CSS. You build sites using DreamWeaver, but you can also hand code to fine tune a site. You've worked in an office before and are comfortable working with customers.
You are organized and detail-oriented. You can follow directions, but you also take initiative and are comfortable sharing new ideas to help build a better product. In a perfect world you're familiar with Joomla and WordPress.
Your duties will include building new sites, updating current sites, developing HTML email campaigns and business blogs, as well as light office duties.
At flyte you'll find a fun, challenging, engaging workplace. You'll be forced to learn new skills and grow as a developer.
If you're up for a challenge, if you want to make an impact, if you want a full-time position with room to grow, flyte new media is looking for you.
Submit your resume and cover letter at our Web site. Please include examples of previous experience, references and when you can begin.
No telephone calls, please.
Rich Brooks
Maine Web Developer
What is Mobile Marketing?
This afternoon I attended a fascinating seminar put on by the Maine Marketing Association on mobile marketing. Specifically, Andrew Newman of TextMoreInfo.com talked about how businesses can reach out and connect with people through SMS (short message service) on their cell phones. Although I've heard horror stories about how Starbucks will text you as you stand in front of a competitor's coffee shop (too Orwellian for me to even fathom), that wasn't the discussion today.
We focused on the type of approach you might see on American Idol or ESPN, when you text "WINNER" to 12345, or something like that. I definitely don't see this as a model that will work for all businesses...really, does anyone want to text flyte to get a message back on our SEO specials of the day?
However, any business that does some other type of advertising, such as tv or radio ads, outdoor signage, etc., could provide additional information to prospective consumers by providing an SMS code. I could certainly imagine For Sale signs with "Text 31MainSt to 12345" to get more information on a house that someone passes. Or texting a restaurant to find out what the daily special was.
I've cleaned up my notes from the meeting below, but you'll find them "as is." If you have any questions, I'd hop over to TextMoreInfo.com and talk to those guys. Even though Andrew said he was as much student as teacher, he definitely seem to have a grasp on the potential and pitfalls of mobile marketing.
Mobile Marketing: Why is this important?
- Millions have chosen cell phones, specifically text messaging, as preferred communication
What is SMS (short message service)?
- Allows short messages (160 max characters) from one cell to another
- aka "text messaging"
- now cells can communicate w/internet
- sometimes can include files such as images, ringtones, mp3s
- short codes: 5-6 #s; long codes 10 #s
How does it work?
- User initiates relationship by sending text message to short or long code #
- Cell carrier delivers message to aggregator (aggregators are required to convert cell message (SMS) to ones and zeroes of computer language)
- Aggregator delivers message to server
- Server takes the appropriate action based on program
- Back to aggregator > Back to carrier > Back to user
- Server can also take other actions, such as sending an email, deliver a file, etc.
Premium vs. Non-premium services
- Premium charges users for service
- Non-premium has no charge from provider, only carrier charges apply
Ethical sms?
- Should it be opt-in or opt-out?
- What's industry standard right now? (Still being developed; carriers keep on top of providers)
- There is a type of double opt-in; message back can include a request to opt-in further
Possible uses of SMS:
- Raffle: Text to 12345 and get a chance at $20K
- Voting
- Text to retrieve file (i.e., ringtone)
- Info updates (text flight # to 12345 and get gate and flight status)
- Subscription style updates: text to subscribe
- Event updates: ebay bid
- Product or service info (good if people are on the road, i.e., real estate?)
- Promotional updates on demand: text soup01 to 12345 and you'll receive text message w/soup of the day
- Delayed autoresponder
- Promotional updates by subscription
- Recruiting
Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Cost: after implementation cost of operating a program are low relative to other mediums
- Costs include code leasing, aggregator costs, cost/message ($.10 - $.20)
- Quality of impressions
- Speed w/which message can be updated
- Less spam, not like email
- Cons:
- Fear of being spammed
- Development of program if not using 3rd part can be significant
- Implementation time: development is followed by provisioning (permission to access their network; this tends to be a royal pain in the ass)
Where is this going?
- Consumer
- More people will be comfortable w/the medium
- Confidence will build among users that the are secure from unwanted content
- Technology
- Cell phones continue to evolve, adding new technology
- There will be standards (eventually) as we see in video, HD
- Standards will result in widespread use of multimedia
- The market
- Will explode
- 5% - 12% of budgets dedicated to alt. media will shit to mobile in 2008
- spending will increase
Notes on Cost and ROI:
- Random short code: $500/mo
- Chosen short code: $1,000/mo
- Can you resell codes? (He thinks not.)
- What is the ROI? (No numbers yet…he provides some feedback on how many people call.)
- What other costs are there?
- What happens when someone texts a "wrong message" to a code? (404 error message)
Rich Brooks
Mobile Marketing Neophyte
The iPhone Up Close
If you've been thinking about getting an iPhone, but haven't had the chance to play with a friend's, I've got the next best thing.
I'll be talking about the iPhone on a "very special" episode of 207 tonight (1/15/08.) You can check it out on WCSH-6 at 7pm.
Rich Brooks
The Camera Puts on 10 Pounds
Yes, We're Geeks
Today we (the Brookses, not flyte) was featured in a gifts for geeks article in the Portland Press Herald.
I was interviewed by Justin Ellis about what I wanted for the holidays. We started talking video games and I mentioned how my wife regularly kicks my ass in Guitar Hero.
Thus, a photo shoot was born.
Last week the photographer, Gordon Chibroski, came by to take some photos. In the small world that is Maine, Gordon had taken my Web Marketing for Entrepreneurs class over at USM.
Our girls, Maya & Sophie, were jumping all over the couches, getting in the way and disrupting our string of correct notes, so we sent them to the basement to play. After Gordon finished the photos he mentioned he'd like to get some photos of us playing with the Wii.
"Would you like to take photos of the girls playing?" Cybele asked. He thought that was a great idea so we called up the girls. While they were downstairs they had changed into the princess gowns making for another great photo opp.
NFL Cares About All the Fans...Who Subscribe to the NFL Network
I'm down in a magical place that the NFL recognizes as the sole home market of the Patriots: Greater Boston.
Even in this place, where fans will be able to watch the final game of the Patriots season--on local affiliate WCVB--there's stories in the press about fans' frustration with the NFL and cable carriers.
If you read my previous post on the NFL's inability to read a map, Maine fans of the NEW ENGLAND Patriots will not be watching the final--possibly historic--game of the Patriots' season. This is because the NFL is showing it on their own NFL Network, which isn't currently available on Time Warner.
Seth Palansky, communications director of the NFL, commented on the post, saying:
I'm sorry the point is being missed in this story. The NFL feels the same way the fans do. NFL games should be made available broadly and affordably. The games should be available to ALL the fans who want to see them, not just the fortunate few who can afford the 400% markup the cable company wants to charge you.
Unfortunately, this just isn't true. If the NFL wanted the games to be available to "ALL the fans who want to see them" the NFL Network wouldn't exist and the games would be broadcast on NBC, CBS or FOX. The NFL Network only exists to make more money for the NFL. As Nancy Marrapese-Burrell reported in the Boston Globe:
Rodge Goodell...made the point several times that he was sticking up for the fans. He said it was important to make NFL games as accessible as possible to the widest audience.
Seems like Goodell and Palansky are reading off the same playbook. Marrapese-Burrell goes on to say:
Let's say that's true and he actually believes that. One longtime TV insider who requested anonymity said Goodell has the ability to take the Patriots-Giants game off The NFL Network and give it to the rest of the country for free.
"If it's all about taking care of the fans, they should turn around and say, 'We're going to do something brilliant; we'll give it to NBC and let them dump the Kansas City-Jets game,' " the insider said. "If the NFL really cared, let NBC flex do that [Patriots] game on Saturday night, let the entire country see it, and put Jets-Kansas City [Sunday] on The NFL Network.
Don't get me wrong. I want the NFL to make money. It's a business, providing what I and millions of others think is a superior product. Even when the Pats aren't good (not that long ago), football is still a sport worth watching.
I realize I'm arguing against my own best interests by saying that the cable companies should have the right to make the NFL Network an option. It would be cheaper for me if they force the NFL Network on everybody, basically subsidizing my costs.
However, Goodell, Palasnky, and the rest of the NFL should stop pretending they have the fans' best interest at heart. They want to force the NFL Network down the cable companies' collective throats, and the Patriots game is the best leverage they've had so far. Down the road you can be sure the Superbowl will be available to everyone...who has the NFL Network.
The NFL should do the right thing and allow the local markets to show the game. That includes Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey in this case...am I forgetting anyone? These are our teams. We support them. We buy their products, their t-shirts, their hats, their toilet paper. We sit through their commercials. Some of us buy season tickets. We're not freeloaders, we're supporting your business and we're your customers.
Start treating us like we matter.
Rich Brooks
Part of the Local Market
Maine Not Part of New England Says NFL
I'm reading with a heavy heart today that what might be a historic game for my beloved Patriots won't be shown on TV here in Maine.
Why? Because two giant corporations--the NFL and Time Warner--are having a pissing match over who's the bigger dog. The NFL has placed the December 29th match up between the Pats and the NY Giants on their own NFL Network in their grand plan of trying to make it more difficult for the average fan to watch their local teams.
The NFL wants its fledging network on Time Warner's basic cable...basically forcing everyone who gets cable in Maine to pay for football whether they like it or not. If the NFL had faith in it's product it would allow Time Warner to carry the NFL network as part of a premium package and let those of us who are willing to pay for it pay for it.
Seth Palansky, the communications director of the NFL Network, and a man who obviously has never looked at a map, said,
The sad truth in this case is that if your outside the home market, regardless of whether you get the channel (on cable) or not, you won't see it.
Ummm...they're the freaking NEW ENGLAND Patriots.
It's rare for me to get on the side of giant cable companies--just check out any of my posts on Net Neutrality--but the NFL is dead wrong on this deal. The last time they did something this bone-headed and fan-unfriendly is when they gave exclusive rights for the NFL video game EA, killing competition and reducing EA's need to improve their product.
I know this post won't do any good; I know that if the Pats go 15-0 I'll be heading down to Boston to watch the game with my brother Doug.
However, the league should know that the only reason they make so much freaking money is because of the fans; fans they seem to be going out of their way to gouge. If enough of us get tired of being treated like the children in a messy divorce, we'll go elsewhere. Hell, I'm just about ready to try and figure out NASCAR.
In the meantime, Doug, fire up the grill and I'll see you on the 29th of December.
For more on this story, check out The NFL Cares About All the Fans...Who Subscribe to the NFL Network.
Burt's Bees, Small Maine Companies, and Going Green
There's a good post over at Maine Adventure Sails by Annie Mahle, who also writes for the Portland Press Herald. It's called "Burt's Bees: Not Local Anymore."
The seed of the story is that Burt's Bees, formerly a Maine-based company, has been sold to Clorox. However, Annie talks about her mixed feelings on the sale, and about giant corporations who have recently found "green" in the way that professional athletes "find God" after a drug-related arrest.
I agree that I have mixed feelings. I think it's ridiculous that Wal-Mart is now waving the green flag, but on the other hand, isn't it better that they're doing something rather than nothing?
What do you think?
Rich Brooks
It's Not Easy Being Green
Free Wifi at Manchester Boston Regional Airport
I'm sitting at gate 14 at the Manchester airport, waiting for my flight to Las Vegas and the Blogworld and New Media expo. After checking emails on my spanking new iPhone I popped open my laptop and to my surprise Manchester airport offers free wifi! (I guess it's to be expected in the Live Free or Die state.)
It got me thinking about wifi, and how some establishments offer it and others don't. When is it a good business decision to offer free wifi to your patrons? I notice some coffee shops give it away for free, others it's free for people who are actually buying something, and other places make you pay for it.
At Boston's Logan airport wifi costs $10/day. Since that's about $8 less than a tuna sandwich at Logan, it's relatively not a bad deal.
Manchester Boston Regional airport has little incentive to give wifi away for free. After all, the tuna sandwiches here are like $12. It's not like I can go anywhere else for wifi, and I am not going to change airports to get free wifi.
Maybe it's to make up for long security lines (which I've never experienced at Manchester) or the fact I have to take off my shoes before boarding a plane.
Maybe it's like heat, or cooling, or a comfy seat, and it's just something that the good folks here at Manchester feel that should be part of the price of a ticket. (The seats here are really comfortable, and they don't even have those annoying arm rests between them, so you can sack out if there's room.)
Maybe it's to get business bloggers spreading the good word that Manchester airport rocks, and if you're going to fly into northern New England you might want to make Manchester your arrival point, even if it's not the closest airport.
In any case, it makes this blogger's life that much easier. Now, if they could just add more outlets for us laptop jockeys.
What is the Value of Business Values?
Is there value to business values? Is "sustainability" a method to grow your business, or an expensive buzz word that cuts into your profits? Does running an ethical business help or hurt you in the long run?
MEBSR, Maine Businesses for Social Responsibility, is tackling these questions in its 12th annual fall conference, "The Value of Business Values."
This will be an interactive program featuring:
- Eight current Maine business challenges
- Eight Maine business and thought leaders
- Interactive problem-solving charrettes
- The launch of MEBSR's new regional gatherings
- Dedicated time to making connections with peers and possible mentors
Topics will include:
- Green Business Design by Jason Wentworth of Washboard Eco-Laundry,
- Creating Quality Place and A Prosperous Maine by Rep. John Piotti,
- Ahead of the Curve & Competition: Health, Safety & Wellness by Deborah Roy of L.L. Bean,
- and many more.
Date: Thursday, November 8th
Time: 8am - noon
Place: Maine Audubon Center, Falmouth
Cost: $50 for members, $60 for non-members (half price for registrants carpooling--3 or more--or travelling 60+ miles. Free for students, bicyclists or those using public transportation.)
Even if you're getting a free ride--no pun intended--please register early as space is limited. Call 207.338.8908 today.
How to Build a Sustainable Business in Maine
More and more businesses are realizing that the ideas behind sustainable business practices--environmental concern, social responsibility and profitability--aren't just things to be tackled when a business is already successful...instead, they are the building blocks of successful companies.
MEBSR--Maine Businesses for Social Responsibility--has been talking about this "triple-bottom line" for years, helping it's members build successful, sustainable companies right here in Maine. But now, as the mainstream media catches up and even big box stores like Wal-Mart promote their social responsibility, MEBSR needs to take our game to the next level so we can help Maine businesses continue to compete and thrive.
To help us build this better organization, we've been taking the pulse of MEBSR stakeholders. We started with a series of "town hall meetings" where we went to different parts of the state to talk to people face-to-face. Since not all people could make those meetings, our second phase is an online survey on your business.
Who's a MEBSR stakeholder?
- Current and past members
- People interested in sustainability and the "triple-bottom line"
- Start-ups, growing businesses, and giant corporations
- Maine-based business owners and employees
The survey should only take five minutes or less, and the results could lead to an organization better suited to be a "network of Maine businesses working together to achieve sustainable business success."
We look forward to your input, so please take the survey now. Thanks!
Rich Brooks
Vice President
Maine Businesses for Social Responsibility
Verizon Shows Why We Need Net Neutrality
Verizon gave us a sneak peek into what the US and the state of free speech might look like in a few years after we've all forgotten that Net Neutrality has been done away with.
In a New York Times article, Verizon Blocks Messages of Abortion Rights Group, it was reported that Verizon has decided not to allow an abortion rights group "to make Verizon’s mobile network available for a text-message program."
Now, although you may not be a supporter of abortion rights, please see if you can put those feelings aside for a moment. Imagine, if it helps, that this was a anti-abortion group, or an anti-smoking group, or a republican group, or a freedom of religion group, or whatever group you may sympathize with.
The NYT went on to say:
In turning down the program, Verizon, one of the nation’s two largest
wireless carriers, told Naral that it does not accept programs from any
group “that seeks to promote an agenda or distribute content that, in
its discretion, may be seen as controversial or unsavory to any of our
users.” (emphasis mine)
What topic under the sun isn't going to be controversial or unsavory to any of Verizon's users? Isn't the point of free speech to protect controversial ideas, and not to protect us from them? Isn't this what the first amendment provides us?
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of
speech, or of the press; or of the people peaceably to assemble, and to
petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
The problem is that, as the article points out, "the First Amendment limits government power, not that of private companies like Verizon." And this is why we need to bring back Net Neutrality so that the freedom we enjoy in a free flowing of ideas over the Internet is protected under the first amendment, and not dictated by shareholder value.
And now, for the rebuttal....
Do You Know WordPress?
If you've got some mad WordPress skills you may want to check out the freelance position we're looking to fill.
Specifically, you need to be comfortable building WordPress blogs and pages build on the WordPress platform. If you do, and you can show us some sweet examples, head on over to our Web site and fill out the job application form.
Building a Sustainable Business in Maine
There was a great article on MEBSR (Maine Businesses for Social Responsibility) in the Maine Sunday Telegram. The article was called Doing Well While Doing Good and talked about the slight shift in focus of MEBSR and interviewed a few of its members.
Personally, I think MEBSR has a perception problem. The "social responsibility" in the name leads some business owners to think that MEBSR wants businesses to become some sort of charitable organization, or doing things that cost them money.
That's NOT the purpose or mission of MEBSR. I'm a member of MEBSR (and now vice-president) because I believe it's essential for businesses--big and small--to be sustainable. To be able to survive in a global economy. To reduce costs and improve profits by reducing waste. To have long-term vision.
MEBSR's not about scoring karma points. It's about networking with like-minded (and unlike-minded) people who have reduced turnover, lowered costs, and built a more sustainable business that they can grow, sell or handover to their children. It's a facilitator of great ideas that can help Maine businesses grow and prosper.
Pick up any business magazine--BusinessWeek, Business 2.0, Inc., Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Forbes--and you'll find article after article, sometimes even cover stories, on how companies are going green and making money at it. How consumers are demanding more accountability. And how talented employees are leaving for companies who "get it."
MEBSR's goal this year is to facilitate these conversations, these learning opportunities, through events both in the real world and online. Not to preach that social responsibility is important, but to help Maine businesses network and teach each other best practices to run a sustainable business over the long haul.
MEBSR members are going to learn how to run a business with less waste, less employee turnover and more and prolonged profitability.
Now tell me: are you in?
By the way, if you have any questions on MEBSR, or want to join up or renew, feel free to contact me direct: 207.523.5141.
Rich Brooks
MEBSR Vice-President
Yes, Virginia, Maine Does Need More Cell Phone Towers
I saw this editorial cartoon today here at MaineToday, where a baby leaned out the car window behind a smoking, cellphone chatting driver and said,
My chatty driver has the same attention/reactions as a legally drunk driver. Does Maine really need more cell phone towers?
Talking on a cell phone while driving does lower your reaction time, but that has nothing to do with the number of cell phone towers in Maine.
I'm just about finished reading The World is Flat by Thomas L. Friedman. In one chapter he's enjoying uninterrupted wi-fi while zipping through Japan on a high speed train through some very rural areas. He compares that to traveling from Baltimore to Washington, D.C., with cell phone reception that regularly drops as he hits dead zones.
This is what we're competing against, and what our children will be competing against. Yes, drivers shouldn't be chatting on cell phones while driving, but choosing not to improve our telecommunications infrastructure isn't the answer.
More cell phone towers will better connect us to the rest of the world, allowing us to compete on the international stage.
What will you tell that child in the backseat when he/she grows up, that all the good jobs are overseas because their governments invested in the tools to keep their children competitive? Well, you better plan on calling them on a land line.
What Do You Get the Geek That Has Everything?
It's that time of year again...the days are getting long, the ice cream trucks are rolling past my window during dinner time, and MESDA's throwing their annual Geeks in Black gala.
Noel Paul Stookey will be MESDA's special guest as the Master of Ceremony
for this year's Geeks In Black Gala. While Noel is in his fourth decade
as the ‘Paul’ of Peter, Paul, and Mary; he's also affectionately known
in Downeast Maine as 'Sysop'!
MESDA Technology Awards showcase the progress and recognize the
accomplishments and significant contributions of the Software and
Information Technology Industry over the past year and present awards
to Maine's top technology companies. This event allows MESDA the
opportunity to highlight outstanding achievements and success stories
from technology firms across the state.
Date: Friday, June 22, 2007
Time: 7:15pm - 10pm
Place: Casco Bay Ballroom, Portland Marriott at Sable Oaks
Cost: $59 for members, $79 for non-members.
What do Rich Brooks and Paris Hilton Have In Common?
We're both going to jail.
Of course, my "incarceration" will raise money to help the MDA keep up the fight against Muscular Dystrophy, while hers will help raise the bottom line of media outlets everywhere.
If you'd like to bail me out of jail and help raise money for sending one of "Jerry's kids" to MDA summer camp, or research into treatments and cures, or a wheelchair, leg braces, or just a support group, it's not too late. Tomorrow (Wednesday, June 20th), at noon the police are going to pick me up at work and take me away.
At this point I've reached my personal goal, so there's no ego left. If you can donate $25, $50 or whatever feels right to you, you'll be making a big difference in someone's life. And who doesn't need a few more karma points?
You can donate at my special page online. Thanks.
Rich Brooks
Too Pretty for Jail
Maine Becomes First State to Pass Net Neutrality Resolve
One state down, 49 to go.
Maine became the first state in the nation to formally recognize the importance of net neutrality. Fellow blogger Lance Duston tipped me off to Maine Is First State in Nation to Pass Net Neutrality Resolve:
Augusta- A diverse coalition of Mainers applauded the enactment
today of the first net neutrality resolve in the nation. The
resolution, LD 1675, recognizes the importance of “full, fair and
non-discriminatory access to the Internet” and instructs the Public
Advocate to study what can be done to protect the rights of Maine
internet users."Maine is the first state in the nation to stand up for its
citizens' rights to a nondiscriminatory internet," said Senator Ethan
Strimling, the original sponsor of LD 1675. "The rest of the nation
should follow suit and study what can be done to protect net
neutrality."
Rich Brooks
One More Small Business Owner for Net Neutrality
Small Giants in Portland Tonight
Just a quick reminder for any small business owners out there: Bo Burlingham, author of "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" will be speaking tonight at the Mariner's Church Banquet Center. (Ouch, do they need to update their Web site...but I digress....)
I read Small Giants a while back and really enjoyed it (review.) If you find that most Inc. and Entrepreneur articles are too focused on how to grow your company and not how to create a great company, Burlingham and his book offers a fresh take.
It's filled with stories and examples of small businesses across the US who decided to focus on what they did right, and chose not to grow, often firing clients or refusing new business. Even if your goal is to grow or flip your business, you'll come away with great new ideas on how to improve your business.
I'll have the honor of introducing Bo Burlingham tonight, so I hope to see you there. Cocktail & Hors d'oeuvres reception goes from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. and the Presentation & Discussion is from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
The cost is $35 for MEBSR members and $50 for the general public. Yes, you can pay at the door.
Web Developer Wanted
Flyte is in the market for a full time Web developer. If you--or someone you know--has some mad coding skills and is looking for a full time position creating table-free Web sites in Portland, Maine, scope this out:
Web Developer Wanted
We're an energetic, successful Web design and Internet marketing firm located in Portland, ME, looking for a full-time, experienced Web Developer.
You are enthusiastic, passionate about the Web and building great sites, eager to learn new skills, and love clean code. You build table-free Web sites. You feel comfortable with HTML, XHTML and CSS. You can work under a deadline and enjoy taking on new challenges. You enjoy interacting with clients, whether it's helping them build the Web site that will build their business, or handling routine updates to keep their site fresh. You should be comfortable using DreamWeaver, but also in getting your hands dirty with under-the-hood code work.
You'll work with layered Photoshop files from our designers and be responsible for building fast-loading Web sites that work across all modern browsers. You'll also have the opportunity of building HTML Email Newsletters and Blog Templates as well.
Although not required, we're always looking for people with PHP, Ruby on Rails and/or Ajax experience. Mac experience a plus.
Flyte is a casual-dress, professional-attitude environment. Although we require you to have experience in building sites with CSS and without the use of tables, we offer lots of opportunity for online and classroom education. You'll be working on a wide variety of Web sites for businesses, organizations and professionals. You'll also learn first hand about Web marketing, such as search engine optimization, email marketing and blogs.
If you are up for a challenge, if you want to make an impact, if you want to leverage your talent and creativity, if you want to be recognized for your efforts, flyte new media is the right place for you.
To apply for the job, you must fill out our online job opportunities form.
No phone calls, please.
Rich Brooks
Maine Web Design & Development
Rich Brooks is Back in Jail
Yes, it's true I'm going to be locked up in a Mexican prison. However, that prison is Tortilla Flat out in Westbrook, and by helping raise my bail, you'll be helping the MDA keep up the fight against muscular dystrophy.
Last year I had to raise $600; this year I need to raise $650. (Apparently, the cost of buying one's freedom has gone up.) If I don't, I'll have to man the phones asking strangers for bail money.
My mom told me never to speak to strangers! You can see the dilemma I'm in!
Just to sweeten the pot, anyone who donates $50 or more to my bail will get a link to a Web page of their choice from this blog. (I reserve the right not to link to anything offensive.)
The MDA serves people with neuromuscular disease by
providing clinics, support groups, assistance with the purchase and
repair of wheelchairs, braces and communication devices, and summer
camp for kids. MDA also funds research grants to help find treatments
and cures for some 43 neuromuscular diseases that affect people of all
ages.
So please help me raise funds to keep up the fight against muscular dystrophy.
Big Speaker on Small Business Comes to Maine
A few months ago I wrote a review of Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big
This was a great book, that looked at a number of small businesses that could have grown, but focused instead on just being the best company they could have. Since so many stories we read in business magazines are about mergers, acquisitions, and unbridled growth, seeing successful companies that chose another path can be refreshing for a small business owner who doesn't feel that she needs to be big to succeed.
Well, Bo Burlingham is coming to Portland, Maine on Thursday, June 7th, 2007, thanks to MEBSR, Maine Businesses for Social Responsibility.
The event will be held at the Mariners Church Banquet Center. Cocktails & Hors d'oeuvres start at 5:30, the presentation begins at 7.
Unlike other events, space is very limited. Right now you can call 207.338.8908 to pay by credit card, but once I get a PDF of the signup sheet I'll post that as well.
Members pay $35, non-members pay $50.
Doing Business in Maine
I know this blog isn't the place to be too self-promotional, but I'm too stoked not to mention it: flyte is celebrating it's 10th anniversary today!
It took a lot of hard work and a lot of good people to get to this milestone. Although there's no orchestra to rush me off stage, I'll try and keep this brief.
I'd like to thank my current crew (in order of appearance) of Ryan Goan, Gloria Maher, Robin Lowell, Jonathan Braden, Carolyn Phillips, and the beautiful, charming Cybele Brooks. I'd also like to extend a special thanks to ex-crew members Beth Deutsche and Réal Deprez.
I'd like to thank all of our clients, some of whom are listed here. I'd also like to thank the independent contractors--designers, developers, and programmers--who have allowed us to grow without having to grab more real estate in the Old Port.
I'd especially like to thank my parents, Bob and Marilyn Brooks. Their support, emotional and financial, as I got this company going was invaluable. I know it's just because they didn't want me moving back home, but still it was nice.
To coincide with this little celebration, flyte recently launched our new Web site, which features never-before-seen photos of Portland, taken by local photographer Stacey Cramp. Because of a tight deadline we didn't get all of her photos up there, but we'll be adding more over the next few weeks. To get a full rundown of what went into building our Web site, check out my other blog's post on the subject.
According to statistics, 90% of businesses fail in their first five years, and 90% of the survivors don't make it through the following five years. That makes me especially proud of what our team has accomplished.
I sometimes feel like there's a lot of negativity about the business climate here in Maine, but yet our clients, my friends who run businesses and just about everyone I talk to is extremely busy. Let me say this loud and clear: Maine is a great place to do business; I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I especially love working in the Old Port. I love running into friends and clients as I walk to Market Street Eats, or Granny's, or Anthony's or any of my other favorite lunch haunts. I love the view of Casco Bay, the brick buildings and the cobblestone streets. Friends and clients who come to visit us always rave about the city. (Makes me wonder what their preconceptions of Portland and Maine were, but that's another story.)
Just yesterday I ran into Patty Smith from Planet Dog at a MEBSR conference who told me they just celebrated their 10th anniversary on Wednesday. Congrats to them, and every business who has reached their 10 year anniversary.
Whether you're "native" or Maine is your adopted home--like it is for me--I hope you love doing business here as much as I do. Now, cut out of work and head over to Gritty's, or J's, or Coffee by Design or whatever your favorite haunt is, and raise a glass and celebrate the fact that you live in one of the coolest places on earth.
Have a great weekend.
Net Neutrality Press Conference in Portland
I'll be part of a Net Neutality press conference today. If you're not sure what Net Neutrality is, and how important it is to small businesses and the Maine economy, check out this blog post about What is Net Neutrality and my Net Neutrality Meeting with Senator Susan Collins.
MEDIA ADVISORY MEDIA ADVISORY MEDIA ADVISORY
Diverse Bipartisan Coalition Announces Support for Net Neutrality Legislation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 7, 2007
Contact: Shenna Bellows, MCLU, 774-5444
Portland- Computer professionals, free speech advocates and Maine business representatives have joined forces to call on the Maine State Legislature to restore Network Neutrality principles in this state. They will announce their support for LD 1675, “An Act to Protect Network Neutrality,” at a press conference Tuesday, May 8 at 10:00 a.m. at the Community Television Network, 516 Congress Street, Portland.
“Net neutrality means a free and open internet and the freedom to choose what content you read and what applications you use,” said Shenna Bellows, Executive Director of the Maine Civil Liberties Union. “The internet has always been an arena of democracy where every person could speak up and be heard and the Maine Legislature should do its best to keep it that way by supporting LD 1675.”
“Restoring longstanding network neutrality principles is not only essential to ensuring access to political speech online, but also to fostering the tech and creative industries so important to the future of Maine’s economy,” said Jon Bartholomew, National Media and Democracy Organizer for Common Cause. “Without Network Neutrality, small businesses will no longer be able to compete with large corporations that can afford to pay a premium to ensure their content loads properly on the web.”
Who:
Shenna Bellows, Executive Director, Maine Civil Liberties Union
Jon Bartholomew, National Media and Democracy Organizer, Common Cause
Rich Brooks, President, Flyte New Media
John Goran, Community Television Association of Maine
Brian Hiatt, Maine Director of Communications and Online Organizing, The League of Young Voters
What: Press conference to restore Network Neutrality principles in Maine
When: Tuesday, May 8, 10:00 am
Where: Community Television Network, 516 Congress St., Portland
LD 1675 is sponsored by Senator Ethan Strimling of Portland. Among other things, it seeks to protect small Maine companies who can’t afford to pay high fees to post their content to the web and to prevent content discrimination and censorship.
###
Rachel L. Myers
Field Organizer
Maine Civil Liberties Union
(207)774-5444
http://www.mclu.org
Because Freedom Can't Protect Itself
Is Your Business Sustainable?
If you're like me, you want your business to succeed over the long run. You're also six feet tall, have brown hair and blue eyes, and like playing video games...but I digress. You'd like to be more profitable, but you also want to run a business that is environmentally sound and socially responsible.
Is this even possible?
I'd argue that it's not only possible, but it's inevitable. Every business magazine I read, from BusinessWeek to Fast Company to Inc. to Business 2.0 to Entrepreneur to Wired, has cover story after cover story on how businesses are succeeding by "going green", or offering more flexibility to employees, or reducing waste. (Yes, I read a lot!)
So how can your Maine business benefit?
I'm on the board of MEBSR, Maine Businesses for Social Responsibility. We're putting on a full day conference on how to create and run a sustainable business called "From Awareness to Action." We've got a couple of great keynote speakers and a host of workshops that you might be interested in. Everything from "brand positioning" to "global climate change" to "improving workplace productivity" to "holistic Web marketing," which I'll be putting on.
Whether you already run a successful business and are looking for ideas and tools to improve your bottom line, or you're a start up looking to build a sustainable business, this is a conference you can't afford to miss.
I hope you'll join me on Thursday, May 10th, from 8am - 5pm at the Hilton Garden Inn in Freeport.
The cost is $150 for members, $175 for non-members. If you are unable to attend, please consider sending someone else from your organization. It could be the best investment you make in your company this year.
For more information and to register, call 207.338.8908 or visit http://www.mebsr.org. The direct link to the registration form can be found here: http://fcw.mebsr.org/mebsr_events/I009CC16F
Rich Brooks
Maine Businesses for Social Responsibility
Email Phishing Scam from TD Banknorth (not)
I received an email from TD Banknorth (not) today that was an obvious phishing scam. Just in case you happened to receive a similar email today, you can safely delete it.
The telltale signs?
- Addressed to "TD Banknorth Customers." Doesn't seem very specific. Even if the bank doesn't include your name, they're likely to realize that you're just one person, not all of their customers.
- "We Kindly as you to confirm and update your details". Unnecessary capitalization of Kindly, and no period at the end of this sentence.
- "We offer you a new convenient and safe high-quality level of service to handle you ATM card." I think they meant "your."
We're all in trouble if phishing scammers ever learn to use good grammar.
But most importantly? They ask you to click through the email to their "site." Any legitimate bank will not include a link to their site and instead ask you to visit them by typing in the bank's URL. When I looked at the source code, I could see that the link is actually going to http://www.upshotokai.com/modules/Forums/language/north/index.htm which is obviously not a TD Banknorth URL.
Are You Our Peter Parker?
Flyte needs a Peter Parker.
We're looking for a talented freelance photographer for an upcoming Web project that will include photos of Greater Portland (Maine.)
It doesn't matter if you're a professional photographer with years of experience or a talented amateur...as long as you have an eye for what makes Portland and the surrounding area such a great place to live.
For more information check out our jobs page.
Boot Camp for Your Business
I meet every other week with a couple of fellow business owners to discuss the challenges and rewards of running our own businesses. We share what works and what doesn't, books we should be reading, services we could benefit from, and so on. It's been a great use of my time.
Lynnelle Bianco is the driving force behind our group, as she puts on these type of groups to help business owners set goals and attain them. (She also blogs here at MaineToday.com).
She's putting on a BOLD Business Boot Camp that starts this month, and if you want to get on track to achieve your objectives and increase your business, this is the place to start. I've found that my own experiences in working with Lynnelle have helped me determine where I need to put my effort and how to say no to distractions.
Boot Camp space is limited, so act soon. The Boot Camp starts on April 25th. To learn more and register, visit the BOLD Business Boot Camp information page.
Sustainable Business Conference in Maine
If you're looking for ideas and inspirations for creating a sustainable business, I've got the ticket.
MEBSR is putting on its Spring 2007 conference with two keynote speakers and one very handsome workshop leader. (At least my mom says so.)
I'll be speaking on Holistic Web Marketing: An Integrated Approach to Online Success. If you've been looking to leverage the Internet to generate more leads, convert more visitors into customers, and connect with your customer base, this is the workshop to attend.
So what to do when you're not learning how to drive qualified leads to your Web site and convert them? Well, Paul Farrow, former CEO of Moss, Inc. will be one of the keynotes speaking on "Sustainable Business: It's Not If, But When & How." I've had the pleasure of getting to know Paul over the past few months; he's a great speaker, filled with great ideas, and worth the price of admission alone.
Brian Kuehl, partner at Clark Associates and Harvard Koeb Fellow will be the other keynote, speaking about "Turning the Ship: Environmental Transformation of the U.S. Economy."
Other workshops include:
- Business Problem-Solving Roundables
- Are You Ready? Crisis Planning & PR in the Trenches
- Global Climate Change: Local Knowledge, Action & Solutions
- Brand Positioning: The Good, Bad & Risky of Incorporating Environmental Sustainability
- Tapping a Valuable Labor Source: Employing Individuals with Disabilities
- The Trash You Generate: Recycling Opportunities in a New Light
- Holistic Web Marketing: An Integrated Approach to Online Success (that's me!)
- Strategies for Improving Workplace Productivity
- Community-Owned Department Stores: The Powell Mercantile Success Story
In short, something for everyone.
The conference is Thursday, May 10th at the Hilton Garden Inn in Freeport, Maine.
- Members before 4/30: $100
- Members after 4/30: $150
- Non-members before 4/30: $125
- Non-members after 4/30: $175
Through some weird loophole, if you actually pay on 4/30 it's free.
To make your life even easier, I've attached the registration form. It also includes information on MEBSR's June 7th Leadership Forum at the Mariners Church in Portland, Maine. That one I'm especially excited about, as Bo Burlingham, editor-at-large of Inc. Magazine and author of Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big
Hope to see you there!
Rich Brooks
Sustainable Web Design
Video from the XBox 360 - PS3 - Wii Showdown
For those of you that didn't catch my segment on the new gaming consoles (PS3, XBox 360 and the Wii) on 207 the other night, take heart. WCSH has posted a streaming video of the segment. If you have trouble with that link, just go to the 207 home page and scroll down to 207 Video; my segment is called 207 Gaming.
That's me and Rob Caldwell opening a can of whup ass on some of Dr. Doom's henchmen.
What do I recommend? I own and enjoy my 360, but after playing all three, I covet the Wii.
XBox 360, PS3 or Wii?
Tonight (Tuesday, 2/6/07) I'll be on WCSH's evening news program 207 on my toughest assignment yet: which gaming console is right for you: the XBox 360, the PS3, or the Wii?
Expect the gloves to be off in this hard-hitting, undercover sting operation. Even Geraldo will be in awe.
Also on will be Gino Bona who came up with the winning Superbowl Ad. Maybe he'll discuss how his pitch was much funnier than the actual ad the NFL aired.
Tune in tonight at 7pm to channel 6.
Domain Notification Central Scam: Be Aware
If you've recently received an email from the Domain Notification Central, you can delete it and be at ease.
This grammar-and-spelling-challenged company will try and scare Web site owners into buying redundant domains with the .us suffix. For example, from the email I just received:
Please be advised that the above noted domain name has now become available for registration.
Consequently the possibility of a conflicting domain registration may occur.
I mean, what the hell does that even mean? "A conflicting domain registration" doesn't even mean anything. The email I received had paragraph after paragraph of meaningless, lawyer-like gibberish meant only to frighten people out of their money.
Since I can't blog about every scoundral out there, here's a good tip for anytime someone or some business you don't know asks for money: Google them.
While the Domain Notification Central (the name sounds like it was written by an automated translation service) come up first for their own name, the rest of the Google results page are warnings against this company.
Googling a company's phone number or fax number seems to give even better results, as often people share horror stories at their blog or in a discussion forum, sharing these tidbits of information. Googling 1-800-270-5944 brings up posts like:
- Web Piracy, Scams, and Dastardly Deeds - Smyrl.Biz
- Stupid TOASTEDspam - notificationcenter.us 0001 - 2004-07-26 ...
- Consumer Alert and
- really great sex call 1-800-270-5944 in Printable view
I'm guessing the last one was a prank to get back at the Domain Notification Central, but perhaps further investigation is required.
No matter what the medium, there will always be people trying to scam you. At least with the internet, you're one search query away from an answer.
Shopping for an HDTV?
Quick program note: I'll be on 207 tonight talking about how to shop for a HDTV. Not sure what this has to do with Internet Marketing, 101 or otherwise, but thought you might be interested.
Or not.
That's WCSH, channel 6, at 7pm tonight (12/7/06).
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