We Shape The Internet & It's Future

Have you ever thought that you would be able to observe your loved ones’ actions through a laptop’s screen, even when you are geographically separated by thousands of miles? Have you ever wondered how it is possible to check exactly how long more your bus to school will be arriving? Needless to say, the Internet has allowed us to experience all these seemingly bizarre yet exciting advancements. The uses of Internet is so captivating that even up till this very day, we are still reliant on the Internet to a very large extend.

Ever since the inception of the phenomenal technology of the Internet, everyone around the world have the key to access to it. The computer - a revolutionary tool for everyone in the past and now, was once a very useful machine even without the Internet. However, it was usually just used for programming and text based operations and required an endless amount of manual work. But at the current moment, with the outstanding popularity of the Internet, the humble computer can now sometimes even be regarded as something useless without it. The Internet is deemed as ‘cool’ and ‘the best communication medium’, its connection has open doors, enhanced and altered many aspects of society, relating to Education, Medical Industries, Business Organizations, Transportation, and Interpersonal Communication. It is undeniable that we are constantly in awe of the new and fresh Internet tools that have dominated the market thus far. But, the question is will the innovation and novelties of the Internet world continue or will the Internet subside slowly as time goes by?

In my last blog post, I hope to show you my answer by offering you predictions of the Future of the Internet – How the Technology of Internet will be in Time to Come.

... ...



The Glass Surface Technology, presented by Corning Incorporated, is the future of the Internet. That is, a semantic technology concept which enables users to be connected to the network virtually anywhere and anytime.

Currently, accessing the Internet through our computers is restricted to locations that have Wi-Fi or LAN; locations such as our homes, workplaces or ‘hotspots’. This restriction does not allow us to share documents instantaneously anywhere, anytime and thus, defeating the purpose of the Internet. Despite the introduction of 3G on smart phones, such as apple iPhone and blackberry, sharing of files through 3G is still restricted to what functions the smart phones have. In addition, sharing of files through the smart phones’ 3G or Wi-Fi can be rather unreliable and slow, and then again, defeating the purpose of the Internet.

The Glass Surface Technology is the solution to how the Internet can be fully utilized. Given its highly interactive, connectivity, interoperability and easy accessibility properties, we will be able to access the Internet anywhere and anytime through the integration of any device. With this technology, many aspects will be enhanced and thus, bring extreme convenience to the future population.

This is the Hand Gesture + Holotable Technology. The high accessibility and ease of using this technology is just phenomenal! It would really help the sector of Architecture and Landscape design, and even the Military when they need to plan routes or building designs. For online businesses, it will allow the customer to actually see the clothing in a 3D dimension! I believe that is every girl's dream :) To be able to see the actual product, EVEN IF they are shopping through the comfort of their home.

Basically, the future of the Internet will be termed by these words: Smart, Customizable, Self-sustaining, Intelligent, Interactive & Extendable.

... ...

The major advancements and changes that are observed and predicted are actually how we have utilized that phenomenal medium. The trend that we noticed is that the Internet basically helps us to be connected to one another by integrating various types of technology together. In turn, we have predicted that more and more aspects of our lives, such as transport, our community and business organizations, will be seamlessly integrated and made more ubiquitous.

Someday it would be great if instead of being e-mail, it would just be called mail. Instead of being e-commerce it will just be called commerce, just because it is so ubiquitous that it is just taken for granted, much as we take for granted electricity or water or other kinds of utilities.

The truth is that men are inquisitive and always forwarding, many absurd inventions have been created even up till today, what's more in the future? When people are so much more advanced, informed and have such rich resources to draw from?

Who knows what would be next?

There is, also another technology that I believe would be extremely useful and rewarding for the public.

The Power of Collective Voices

In the realm of free speech and true democratic discussion, nowhere is the gift of modern communications more prevalent than in the new worthwhile pastime of blogging and a new fact in news reporting that is rapidly gaining foothold in global press - Citizen Journalism. A wave of Citizen Journalism is infiltrating the media at an alarming rate. It is redefining the role of the traditional journalist and taking his audience too.

 I'd like to admit that I have never heard of this term, Citizen Journalism until the end of last year. I'm disgraced by this fact, but! I'm making admendments and am constantly reading many different Citizen Journals in Singapore! These journals have opened my eyes to many "unseen secrets" of the agony of being a Singaporean. Well, there are the good and also the bad, let's see some of our very own sucessful Citizen Journal that have managed to twist the mind of law-abiding citizens here in our homeland.

Before we start, the meaning of Citizen Journalism is basically "private individuals do essentially what professional reporters do – report information". It promotes proactiveness and participation amongst individuals. For me, I really agree the defnition on Wikipedia, it is defined as the "rightful democratic ways of giving honest news". It is not true that I doubt our very own news owned by Singapore Press Holdings, like The Straits Time. But it is undeniable that you can so much more "realness" and "authenticity" displayed by Singaporeans in the Citizen Journals. I like to see how their blunt and straightforward opinions regarding the practices by our government are so bold and really speaks up a lot for other fellow citizens. In a sense, we become the media and have caused a significant paradigm shift from the traditional newspaper to journal articles. Because of the wide dispersion of so many excellent tools for capturing live events -- from tiny digital cameras to videophones - the average citizen can now make news and distribute it globally, an act that was once the province of established journalists and media companies.

... ...

THE POWER OF CITIZEN JOURNALISM

1. INFORMATION FILLER

"For millions around the world, Twitter, Facebook and You Tube are now the preferred choice when important news breaks."

Citizens are not only the one to be informed, but we are also the informers.When the new of the recent tragic Japan Earthquake Tsunami happened, the first thing I went to was, Facebook. And many of my friends went to their Twitter accounts to check out if other people actually tweeted about it.

It seems that people are more interested to read what other people write about, rather than supposedly more credible sources like Channel New Asia, or BBC. Probably because it is easier and more accessible.

But, will online journals ever take over traditional media? My answer is no, the tradtional media is highly credible and powerful. But it is inevitable that in a few years, I'd think that traditional old newspapers will eventually disappear and a more powerful cyber army of internet news portals will take over. New studies and current surveys indicate a worldwide surge in the increase of traffic in certain news websites and a slow but steady decline in print broadsheet circulation. As the traditionally elite newspaper culture is torn down by digital media, more among the internet-savvy generation will offer revolutionary alternatives to the previously silent masses.

2. PARTICIPATORY CULTURE:

Journalism of the people, by the people, for the people.

By giving a voice to the masses who really matter in this world, the portals of citizen media have started a silent revolution. Citizens Journalist are free to contribute what they have to say, anytime and anywhere on the net they want. And most of them actually believe that their opinions are valued. Which is proven in many of our own Singapore Citizen Journals.

 

The Online Citizen and The Temesek Review are actually two of the most popular Singapore Citizen Journals. They work on the basic purpose of an "online citizen" - to promote free speech and transparency. Basically, to not be a YES-MEN and heed every society norm. I have read some articles from TR and I must say that it have really triggered thoughts in me that I've never had as a Singaporean. Needless to say, on each post, there are almost hundreds of comments left by netizens. It has helped us to create a voice among the younger generations (as we are more prone to read online news), and kept us in the loop of politics in Singapore.

... ...

By giving a voice to the masses who really matter in this world, the portals of citizen media have started a silent revolution that soon will tear down the remaining pockets of tyranny and fogs of darkness enshrouding the other side of the digital divide. True, there is much work to be done. More than half of Earth's six billion plus of living people remain without access to electricity, much less to the wonders of computers and technology. Half of the world's population still live in utter darkness and semi-ignorance. It is the duty for the connected and enlightened half to lift them out misery by logging-on and uniting in calling to worldwide change.

Citizen journalists therefore have a great mission and duty to lift humanity to even greater heights. Let us unite and forge a mighty cohesive thrust in effecting a total global transformation. A mighty workhorse in the form of internet is waiting to be tapped in this glorious and beneficent undertaking. Together, as idealistic cyber knights, we can all thunder across the digital void in leading the charge to breaking down the barriers to total change and prosperity for all.

Internet for Politics - Yay Or Nay?

To me, politics on the internet is just one word to describe - Atrocious.

If you have seen the recent uproar about 27 year-old youngest candidate running for GE this year, named Tin Pei Ling, you will know what I'm talking about.

I feel that something the internet brings things a tad too far-fetched. I mean, she is afterall, a 27 year-old young adult who is enjoying the peak of her life, taking photos, buying items she can afford and chasing her dream of contesting for a space in the cabinet.

Frankly, I'm quite disgusted at how unforgiving and petty Singaporeans can be at such politics. We always enjoy digging up the private life of anyone and everyone who are in the limelight. Especially if they are young, attractive and is chasing a dream which is deemed to 'help her continue her extravagant lifestyle'.

So who are the culprits that is causing Ms. Tin to suffer such humiliation on the Internet and the new?

1. THE KATE SPADE BAG

Just because of one picture of Ms. Tin posing with the atas Kate Spade brand, everyone is making so much noise! For goodness sake, it's not like as if its Louis Vuitton or Chanel. Or the even more expensive Hermės handbag. It is just a Kate Spade bag which is SO COMMON among girls of her age. Is it wrong for her to actually be trendy and fashionable just because she wants to be in the cabinet?

One thing I don't understand about Singaporeans. Why must it be so that they carry a mindset that 'being poor means reflecting humility'. I mean, what kind of nonsense is that? We are born in this world to not be poor and needy, but rich and properous! I don't understand why netizens are flaming Ms. Tin for a freaking bag!

2. HER HUSBAND IS THE PRIVATE SECRETARY TO PM LEE

Why oh why are we so fast to make judgments that she went in by the back door just because her beloved works closely with PM Lee? What do we know exactly to even make statements like, "I woudn't fault her for marrying someone I presume is more successful. It's a survival instinct in every woman to do that. But what is wrong is going through the back-door entry to become a MP when her husband is the principal private secretary to PM Lee. And hiding behind a GRC to get elected because she wouldn't stand a chance running in a SMC." Why can't she have her own abilities to climb up, why is she assumed and persecuted to by the back-door entry of her husband?

Well, PM Lee was quick to defend her by rebutting that, she was ‘talent-spotted’ by the autocratic PAP regime during a speech she made during the party convention in 2007.

“As for Tin Pei Ling, we first noticed her in this (NUS) hall in 2007 when we had a party convention. She was one of the speakers and she impressed the audience. We made the right decision. It looks like she’s going to MacPherson and she’ll be a good MP in due course,” he said.

He also slammed netizens for ‘flaming’ Tin Pei Ling:

“As far as the Web is concerned, all the flaming, that’s the way it is but unfortunately in Singapore, people get carried away. Vitriol….doesn’t add anything, no credit to debate, to people doing that or raise quality of debate,” he was quoted as saying in Channel News Asia.



The air has been cleared by the man himself. But unfortunately, the rumours and circulations of her Twitter account have not died down.

It is hilarious how people actually think that she private her Twitter because her 'shots were too sexy'.

In this way, NO ONE in Singapore can actually have a proper life.

... ...

I still think that Ms. Tin deserves some niceness from all of us. Because no matter what one may think of her, going into politics is something to be applauded, especially for someone as young as her! I would applaud the same for young opposition members as well.

I feel that she should go on and do her work. And she  should learn that being a politician in the public eye, she should be mindful of how she will be perceived if she slips up again – as she did when she didn’t privatised her Facebook page.

Her concern for the elderly is something she should continue to work on. If or when she gets into Parliament, she should lend her hand to Dr Lily Neo who has been fighting for more help for the poor, especially the elderly.

She is young and has has lots of energy! Ms. Tin can afford to take time off from her company and concentrate on helping the elderly. I feel that would be the best thing she could do to prove her sincerity and seriousness in the heat of the competition.

Ms. Tin can easily turn the ball game to her advantage by simply doing one thing: do what her heart tells her.

If it is a sincere thing, she will be vindicated naturally.

If not, then she should be prepared for even worse criticisms.

... ...

I feel that when politics reached this stage of the Internet usage in our modern times, it is an inevitable consequent that flaming would occur, no matter what you are, an actress, a teacher, a comedian or even President of Singapore.

Well, it goes to show that firstly, netizens are speaking up more on socio-political issues and are far from apathetic. Perhaps the closeness of the general election date has a lot to do with the increased participation.

 Secondly, it is heartening to note that the internet community is articulating its views in a stronger voice than ever before and more people are logging on to read, react and interact with others concerning current issues.

Thirdly, cyber community will only grow and become exponentially more vocal over time. Thus, the authorities must know that they had better started paying even closer attention to what is being circulated on the net, because the .

Youtube Reigns

What is Multimedia?

Multimedia is said to be a computer-based interactive communications process that incorporates text, graphics, sound, animation and video.

Websites such as Youtube, Yahoo! Video, Fancast, Hulu and Mega Videos are a few more popular examples of multimedia websites.

The basis and identity of multimedia websites is the keyword: Interactive.

Two other ways to determine a multimedia website is firstly, the user is the one who will decide what content is delivered, and how, and when it is delivered. Second, it must be an information processing devide, such as the computer and many electronic devices, are the ones mainly used to play, record, or generally access multimedia content, though multimedia can also be part of a live performance.

Multimedia websites are getting extremely popular have been widely used by people of all ages because it has helped and enhance people in are in use of these 4 major categories: Entertainment, Education, Corporate Communications & Reference. Let's look at these factors briefly:

How Multimedia helped Entertainment?

- Games, actions and vibrant graphics

- Action and interesting story-telling

- Highly interactive and keep intrigue audience easily

- Users are not passive but actively participate in controlling the application.

How Multimedia helped Education?

- Accomodates different learning style (as some students may be more visual learners rather than just traditional auditory.

- Enable the provision of feedbacks

- Help enhance non-linear presentations

How Multimedia helped Corporate Communications?

- Attact attention to a message instantly (with graphics, loud colours, captivating words)

- Enable online published magazines

- Enable browsing or product catalog online to be done in a more sophisticated manner.

How Multimedia helped References?

- Census data

- Interactive dictionaries (enable word pronouciations and renactments)

... ...

It was revealed earlier this year that the Top 10 multimedia websites are:

So why is Youtube so successful that it has it's edge over the other competitions by a large extend?

Let's understand Youtube's history a little, when it just started out.

YouTube became the Internet phenomenon of 2006, in the sense of a site, idea or arguable ‘meme' that spreads with extreme speed due to the size and/or often social interconnectedness of the internet.
YouTube is the fourth most visited website, and the first if we do not include search engines (see Figure 1).

Also, if we look at the Web ratings by country, we realize that YouTube is also quite popular, for instance, it is the 5th most accessed site in the US, Portugal and Spain, the 6th in Canada and Japan and the 8th in the UK.

Here are 3 simple and straightforward reasons why is Youtube SO GOOD!

Uploading:

Everything to Flash video.
Plays everywhere. No platform issues here. YouTube sucks up whatever format your video is in and transcodes it to Flash.

Watching:

Videos play by themselves.
The easiest activity is the one most done. Ever notice that YouTube videos play without you doing anything? Talk about making the primary purpose of the site easy…it just happens. I love this.

Sharing:

Super sharing features.
YouTube has always had great sharing features. They include the code to share on your blog right alongside the video. Again, you don’t have to do anything for the code to be there. You just copy it, and it just works.

I highly suggest that Youtube is so successful because it really works.

Looking at the other multimedia websites on the list, it is true that half of them usually stop playing halfway, or the video is extremely blurred.

... ...

Well, that's it for Multimedia and it's unlimited uses. I shall end off with this hilarious video of binocular soccer! ENJOY!

Guarding Yourself On The Internet

CYBER CRIMES

Cybercrime is a totally different ball game. It can make it entrance from many types of entrances which may be unknown and alienated to us if we are not equipped with enough knowledge to defend ourselves against the unexpected attacks.

So what exactly is this crime that has been ranked as a top crime in the recent years?

Basically it is any crime that involves a computer and a network.

There are many types of cybercrimes, to name a few more high frequency ones, Theft Telecommunications Services, Virus & Worms Attack, Web Jacking, Salami Attacks and E-mail Spoofing.

Let us go through briefly what evil intentions do each cybercrime harbour.

1. Theft Telecommunications Services

The "phone phreakers" of three decades ago set a precedent for what has become a major criminal industry. By gaining access to an organisation's telephone switchboard (PBX) individuals or criminal organisations can obtain access to dial-in/dial-out circuits and then make their own calls or sell call time to third parties. Offenders may gain access to the switchboard by fraudulently obtaining an employee's access code, or by using software available on the internet.

 

2. Virus & Worms Attacks

 

Virus ar programs that attach themselves to a computer or a file and then circulate themselves to other files and to other computers on a network. They usually affect the data on a computer, either by altering or deleting it. Worms, unlike viruses do not need the host to attach themselves to. They merely make functional copies of themselves and do this repeatedly till they eat up all the available space on a computer's memory. Like for example, the Love Bug Virus, which affected at least 5% of the computers of the globe. These losses are accounted to at least $10 million.

 

3. Web Jacking

 

This term is derived from the term hi jacking. In these kinds of offences the hacker gains access and control over the web site of another. He may even mutilate or change the information on the site. This may be done for fulfilling political objectives or for money. E.g. recently the site of MIT (Ministry of Information Technology) was hacked by the Pakistani hackers and some obscene matter was placed therein. Further the site of Bombay crime branch was also web jacked. Thus web jacking is a process where by control over the site of another is made backed by some consideration for it.

 

4. Salami Attacks

 

This kind of crime is normally prevalent in the financial institutions or for the purpose of committing financial crimes. An important feature of this type of offence is that the alteration is so small that it would normally go unnoticed. For example, th Ziegler case wherein a logic bomb was introduced in the bank’s system, which deducted 10 cents from every account and deposited it in a particular account.

 

5. E-mail Spoofing 

 

A spoofed e-mail may be said to be one, which misrepresents its origin. It shows it's origin to be different from which actually it originates. Recently spoofed mails were sent on the name of Mr. Na. Vijayashanka, which contained virus.

 

  So, in this modern times we live in, it is inevitable that we will face these cybercrimes and I believe would still be increasing.

 

We are building our lives around our wired and wireless networks. The question is, are we ready to work together to defend them?

 

... ...

 

How To Fight Against Cybercrimes?

 

5 Easy Steps!

 

1. 

 

Turn on your spam blocker. Most Internet providers provide a spam blocking feature to prevent unwanted messages, such as fraudulent emails and phising emails, from getting to your inbox.

 

2. 

Make sure you have adequate anti-virus software for your computer, such as McAfee, Norton Anti-Virus, Stopzilla or other similar programs. You also need to make sure you regularly update your anti-virus software and that you do a once-a-week scan to locate and eliminate any malware, spyware, viruses and other problems. If you don't want to purchase security software, then there are programs, such as AVG, that offer free versions.

3.

Encrypt important data you don't want compromised. Utilize encryption software, which "garbles" your data to make it unintelligible to anyone who tries to hack into your computer system.

4.

Avoid getting taken in by common scams, such as foreign lotteries, phony sweepstakes and similar methods used by cyber criminals to get your personal information and money. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

 

5.

 

Make sure that you do online shopping on a secure website, like those with a url that starts with "https" and/or have a TRUSTe or VeriSign seal. If you don't see these anywhere on the site, you run the risk of submitting credit card information and other personal information to a site that may be a fraud.

... ...

It is therefore important that you counter cybercrimes because it will hit you unknowingly! Let's aim to ensure a stable framework for online transactions, reading of e-mails, opening unknown softwards etc. And all computer misuse and cyber crime should be enacted into law without further ado! Do not tolerate them!

 

 

Learning through a Screen

iPad, Desktop, Laptops.

You name it, we have used (using) it all for the sake of Education & Learning here locally.

In this 21st century we live in with the advancement of digital media, the education sector experiences more good than bad while learning through a screen. I personally feel that students who use these digital technologies enrich their personal lives and construct their own learning, and seem quite comfortable doing so. The immediacy, community and communucation these technologies put forth offer enhanced learning experience that make education more engaging. Thus, it is crucial that educators in this digital society must find various perspectives and practices to differentiate instruction within our classrooms.

To be able to support today's student learning, digital technologies need to be integrated into the classroom in the manner that they infuse seamlessly with traditional approaches. Among the digital technologies, Web 2.0 technology including blogs, wikipedia, and even Podcasts are receiving much attention from the researachers and educators in this field of teaching since these tools allow students to become not only content consumers but also content generators; enhancing creativity and originality. Well also, Podcasting is advategeous since it allows students to interact with multimedia such as audio and video files.

In terms of learning ease & convenience, it is evident that gone are the days where 40 pupils sit down silently in class, using their sharpened pencil and scribbling answers on exam papers. Or most of the time, struggling to write down study notes as fast as possible - to keep up with the the teacher's pace.

I was first in touch with digital media for learning in polytechnic. In my diploma course, it is compulsory and extremely essential for all of us to purchase a laptop and bring it to school everyday. And I absolutely adore the idea! Why so?

Firstly, there is no need for big bags. And trying to push all the huge computer science books into my humble haversack. It was frustrating that for 9 years, I had to carry such a heavy bag to school, and now when I'm a young adult, it would be a pain if I had to continue to do that. Thus, the Dell laptop I purchased was one of the best 'textbook' and learning tool I had in my life. Just one of that, placing it in the small laptop bag and happily bring it to school.

Secondly, taking down notes have never been easier!  And it is awesome that I can take down notes fast! And I can customize it very well, be it I want it to be bold, underlined or coloured, it is instant! Highlighters can be exchanged with 2 clicks, Rulers & pens are replaced by "Bold" & "Underline" in Microsoft Words.

Thirdly, it is splendid that I am able to simply download slides from student portal and my lecturer will read it off, and teach from there. It saves a lot more space in my bag (without the textbooks) and I can keep my notes need it folders I want them to be in. I can even 'Rename' my files so as to ease my load in managing my studies.

... ...

REAL LIFE EXAMPLE IN SINGAPORE

In Singapore, we have become so forward that Nanyang Girls' Primary School have chosen the most up-to-date Apple invention - the iPad, to establish a better education system for the girls. Lately, it has also come to my knowledge that 3 other schools are utilizing the tablet too, and they are Tampines Secondary School, Nanhua Primary School and Dunman Secondary. And in Nanyang Girls' School, the youngest is at a tender age of 12. Isn't it fantastic for a 12 year old to be able to operate an iPad which is sponsored by the school?

Comments such as, "It's much more convenient" and "Teacher can just tell us to go to a website, and we can immediately go and do our work" were spread out in the interview as I read the Yahoo article. The next best thing is, the girls do not even need training on how to use it. It seems that the teachers are the one who are having problems operating it!

Nanyang Girls High School has spent S$135,000 (about $100,000) to buy 150 iPads for 140 students and 10 teachers in a pilot project. Users connect to the Internet using the tablet, and download books and course material.

... ...

But, behold that there are several disadvantages that do exist in choosing digital learning vs. classroom education.

1. DISCIPLINE

While some students may do well with in this type of learning environment, it takes dedication to apply oneself to sitting at the computer to listen to lectures, and not doing other things that are non-academic. Case in point, the lecturer will usually stand in front of the class to teach. Hardly they would have the chance to walk around and chance upon their own student playing virtual games whilst the lesson is going on. Thus, discipline is very much required!

2. TECHNOLOGY SKILLS

The next thing that might bother many non-technology savvy student is that, computers require up-to-date technology, software and hardware, as well as a high speed internet connection are necessary to utilize this form of learning. It is absolutely essential that they know the 'trades of the technology', or it is very easy to experience constant computer crashes and endless virus attacks.

3. SENSE OF DETACHMENT

The software in the technologies they use are already interactive. There is a high chance that with this, comes lesser discussions among the classmates or even towards the teacher. For example, if the student is unsure of something, he/she will first Goggle the meaning and solutions to the problem rather than asking the teacher. Thus, too much of technology can actually slacken the standards of a dynamic and interactive learning of a classroom.

 

 ... ...

MICROSOFT SURFACE TECHNOLOGY

One of the biggest shift in the computing system is the Microsoft Surface Technology.

It is a mark of the beginning of a new technology catrgory and a user-interface revolution. This computer provides effortless interaction digital content through natural hand gestures, touch and physical objects. The tabletop computer breaks down traditional barriers between people and technology, changing the way people interact with all kinds of everyday information - from photos to maps to menus. 

This technology will definitely be a big hit in the future because it is extremely versatile and flexible! It enhances effiency and effectiveness espeically for business users. In fact, it has already been tried out in a T-mobile store. The computer could  could recognize a phone pulled off the wall and placed on the tabletop by a customer at a T-Mobile store. It would display features of the phone, show a pricing list and let the customer drag icons representing elements of a service plan onto the phone, before sending the virtual package to the register for purchase.

It would also be of excellent use for properties and showrooms as it is like a "virtual concierge" desk. People will be able to use the tables to access maps of the different properties, get details about events and venues and create itineraries for themselves.

Seems like Apple has a threat now....

... ...

 

It's Video Time!

Hee... ENJOY this Video!

(Made use of Window Movie Making)



Business On Net

This week we learnt about "Doing Business On The Internet", it was such an eye opener for me as I personally do have a online website business running and I have been trying means and ways to mark up the standards and ability for customers to have a smoother transaction with the business.

One key factor, I believe to have a successful e-commerce website that can turn a low capital to a million dollar business is to build trust between the customer and business. The level to which you are able to convince your audience, is almost equivalent and correlated to how much increment would there be in your corporate account. It determines what sort of life you would lead, the house, the car and all the luxuries you can get. Why is trust so important? I shall elaborate more on that later on.

Firstly, let's get the definition of "Doing Business On The Internet" right. Basically, it is named E-commerce.

E-commerce they call is actually Electronic Commerce. So as the name speaks, it consists of the buying and selling of products or services over an electronic system such as the Internet and other computer networks.

Till date, there are hundreds of thousands of E-commerce websites and I believe it is still there are still heaps of them ongoing, in process of a launch. The easeness of managing an E-commerce allows people to tap on their business idea and talent. And it is like killing two birds with a stone, you can get to release your creative juices, and also create a money-making opportunity.

But out of the hundreds of thousands of business websites online, how do you stand out? How are you able to establish a reputation for yourself? And most certainly, how are you able to make the most profit out of the business? I believe the idea you are selling plays a huge part, but your website design and capability to articulate "convenience and trust" for your customers takes the biggest percentage of it.

Here are some extremely successful websites from our own local talents and worldwide. These website designs which took into consideration the customer's shopper point of view. This design layouts and detailed navigation took their business a tad notch higher. Achieving success with a definite secure in their customer base.

#10 - Give All the Order Details ASAP

When you send out order confirmations, make sure to include all of the product details to re-assure the buyer that they've selected properly. If I accidentally ordered the size 9 instead of size 8, I want to be able to fix it before the package arrives.

(Love, Bonito website, http://www.lovebonito.com/. Started out by 2 sisters and a  best friend. Currently under the age of 30, and are earning an annual turnover of SGD $1M.)



#9 - Let Me See Delivery Options

There is a certain subset of users that has to see the delivery options before they start shopping. I personally, will definitely look out for this information because it saves my time! It really helps when I am searching for an urgent item online. It's best to make the link obvious in the permanent navigation (it's most customarily at the bottom of each page).

#8 - Keep the Search Bar in Easy Reach

When a search has been performed, don't just show the search and the results. Provide a service that enhances customer's navigation while maintaining the query in the box for potential modificatio

#7 - Give Me Search Refinement Options

If you have an advanced searching system, or can allow users to select prices, options, colors, sizes, models, etc, do it. This will help you - users often rate "Search" as the most frustrating part of many e-commerce sites.When a search has been performed, don't just show the search and the results, do like the engines and allow more options to be displayed. Sometimes less is more, but when is comes to shopping online, MORE IS MORE!



#6 -  Tell Me What it Costs & What I'm Saving

Some product category pages shows items without the detail users are craving. It's particularly important for discount sites to show pricing, but nearly every website can benefit from providing an extra bit of detail before the click to the product page. Also you can tell them materials, give a tiny description or list the sizes/colors/options you have in stock. And any other services you provide, like Gift Wrapping etc.

#5 - Provide fantastic payment facilities

Get help from a good merchant account service provider. Why Amazon is so successful is because they practice a variety of payment functions for the customers.With the help of a merchant account and merchant account service provider Amazon is able to accept payments from various credit and debit cards and these payments can be tracked and cancelled if necessary. This has created a lot of trust between the customers and the website.

#4 -  Show Me the Products

Unless you've got more than 200 products total in a sub-category, it's only right to offer the user the option of seeing every product on one page. Broadband has rendered the load time argument nearly irrelevant and I personally can't stand sites lacking the feature. C'mon be proud of your products!

#3 - Allow Me to Sort Every Which Way

Whenever a user is navigating inside a store with more than 1 sub-level of navigation, it's critical to show them where in the site structure they are. This should be accomplished with headlines, sub-headers (when necessary) and breadcrumbs (e.g. Home > Category > Sub-cat > Product).The standards are "Price - low to high," "Price - high to low," "Popularity," aka "Best Selling," "Featured," "User Rating" (or "Editor Rating" if you don't have users rate products), and "New" or "Latest." You can eliminate "Featured" if you've got nothing to push, but all the other sorting options must exist (assuming it's possible to do so).

(MDS Collections website, http://www.mdscollections.com/, local apparel website. Started by 2 girls, annual turnover of at least SGD $500,000)

#2 - Tell Me Where I Am

(Ted Baker, http://www.tedbaker.com/. international designer brand. Awesome website design. Simple and straightforward!)

#1 - Provide Legal Info & list any necessary Terms and Conditions

This is my number one priority whenever I shop online. I would check out if the website business have listed their Legal Info, as it actually reflects how much the owner respects their own label. It is highly essential to indicate whatever legal info the business has because it upholds the value of integrity and consistency. Big names selling clothing like Chanel to selling electronic products like the popular Dell definitely will list these valid legal statements down. No matter how long it may be.... List them down!

.... ....

Why are issues about Security, Privacy & Legal Info so important and highly regarded?

Business Ethics

The Internet is a growing and a continually evolving creature that will live on in perpetuity. As such, it would be wise to ponder the business legal and Internet marketing ethical issues. Whatever is written and published online will be there forever. Imagine the billions upon billions of text information pages that are and will be stored for a long time.

Now, with the new wireless web mail from cell phones and other pda communication devices, the Internet will be affecting more lives than ever before. Security and privacy concerns along with e-business regulatory issues will become more prevalent. It will become more difficult to figure out who you can trust online; with all the unethical, illegal, and Internet marketing and online advertising frauds and e-commerce email scams.

Important Ethical E-Business Legal Issues

If you are writing copy and maintaining a client's e-commerce  website consider the following consumer privacy and legal matters:

What you say when copywriting and publishing for a client is a reflection of how they are viewed to the rest of the world. Negative or defamatory articles published about various people and companies on other websites, if not properly researched, could possibly have legal consequences of libel that can stretch across countries.

If webmasters perform unethical optimization of a client's website, it could have long lasting negative business consequences for that client that can not be easily repaired. Consequences that at first glance may seem insignificant as people are getting more savvy online. They are starting to see the e-commerce that practice false advertising that is upon us. Beware; it's just a matter of time until we hear more stories and legal action taken.

Intellectual Property

When dealing with ethics in a B2B company and B2C clients there is a major degree of trust and responsibility that is imparted to a person or group that maintains the Web site. It is very important from both an ethical values based e-commerce and legal B2B and B2C perspective to make sure that the written words and what is portrayed about a company are factual. Because issues arise involving marketing ethics and the importance of understanding a business for Internet marketing issues and advertising purposes, there are potential areas for revealing trade secrets or intellectual property if proper B2B ethical behavior is not followed.

Email correspondence should be private and confidential. While certain individuals might not see any harm quoting it on the Web from an email sent, it is always advisable to get a person's consent prior to publishing anything. While the person might give consent, they might not realize the full implications - online privacy issues, or impact of having it published online. Therefore, it would be wise to consider it very carefully before even asking for their approval.

.... ....

Thus, starting an e-commerce business is no easy-peasy. It requires a lot of hard work, IT skills, communication abilities, marketing strategies and most importantly, an idea that can sell.

So start putting on your thinking cap and may you see a vision of yourself earning income from the comfort of your armchair and sipping to a hot well-brewed coffee at home!

The Place Where We All Meet

Social Networking Site

The Definition:
A social network service focuses on BUILDING and REFLECTING of social networks or social relations among PEOPLE, e.g., who share interests and/or activities.

Understanding Social Network

The Who?

I'm on a social netowork; you are on a social network. Your mum, my mum are friends on Facebook. My ex-boyfriend's brother's wife's sister's daughter is on Twitter. The band playing at Timbre every Wednesday & Friday are on MySpace. These days, it seems we are at least on one social network. Or sometimes, two, three or even more.

Basically, EVERYONE is on.

Like what the title says, it is the place where we all meet. We even meet people we don't know and will never get to meet in life! A tracking survey done in December 2008 by Pew Internet & American Life Project have found that 35% of adult internet users now have a profile on an online social networking site. The teenager's stands at 65% and the taking the top position are the young adults like myself, taking the biggest amount of percentage, 75%. Since the very beginning of the FIRST social networking site, nope, not Facebook. But since Bulletin Board System, the social networks have only continued to grow at an explosive rate.

A flashback of the Bulletin Board System

The Why?

Why is social networking so popular? And it is factually popular not just in the younger generation, but apparently it appeals to the older generation as well! What is so captivating about adding and interacting to people you don't know?

1. EASE OF USE
With wide variety of social networking websites in use, there are different reasons for their popularity in the Internet. The first feature noted in most of the social networking websites like Myspace is their ease of use. Even one with very little knowledge about the Internet could use these social networking websites. These social networking websites are made so simple so that users can easily navigate through the pages.

2. EASE IN GETTING NEW FRIENDS
Second aspect is the easiness in making new friends with the help of these social networking websites. There are many people who really love to make new friends online. The reason being, social networking websites allow the users to get the information about the interests of the other Internet user before making any contact or conversation with him. Without these social networking websites we would have to connect to others through chat rooms, and learn about their interests by actual conversation before considering them as friends.

3. FREE TO USE
Another noticeable feature of social networking websites is that most of them are free to use. All we have to do is to make a free registration in these social networking sites. Once the registration is complete, we are all set to go. This free registration for a unique service is one of the main aspects that make these social networking websites more popular. However, some of the social networking websites like Classmates offer only a free trial membership. You can try the website and decide whether it is worth paying for. Since most Internet users don’t really want to pay for something that they can get for free, these paid social networking websites have only limited number of members.

4. MORE BENEFITS
Meeting new people and making new friends online is the basic use of these social networking websites. Apart from making friends, most of these websites have started including some additional features. The additional features they offer are, free webpage, free music, free videos, free blog etc for their members. There are people who use these social networking websites for business promotion.

.... ....

I have came across just 2 days ago a new social networking site that is designed almost similar to Facebook but I feel it has more appeal and have potential to break the market.

This undiscovered website by many is....

SEETIO!

Basically, Seetio is a social networking website that allows going out with friends made much easier. Here is a little write up about Seetio!

Never miss a party again!

We think that the best way to know where your friends go is through the messages exchanged between them. With this information we can tell you how many people will attend each place.

You will not longer need to fill in endless forms to create events to gather your friends:

Just write a single SMS like message.

Forget about scoring the trendiest locals:

In Seetio we believe that the most popular venues are those in which more people meet up, so ratings and labels are automatically generated from private messages sent by users.

 

Storing hundreds of messages each time we meet is useless:

Messages are automatically deleted after date expires.

We want you to have fun!

Each day we will propose you a little challenge like going somewhere new in your city or inviting the girl you like at her favorite restaurant. If you do, we’ll reward you with a flash game, video or any other funny things.
We will also let you know which of your friends have visited your profile in last 24 hours.

Chat and make friends:

Each “Seetio” (venue) has a public wall where you can chat with people that is attending too… here you can relax and chat with people that you may even know by sight!

Comparing Seetio & the very famous Facebook, I believe has a higher chance of attracting a group of people - partygoers. 

Well, I'm not implying that partygoers are not users of Facebook. Rather, Seetio provides a better platform as compared to Facebook because it focuses a lot on events. And especially, it provides ratings and reviews of the location of the event. It gives people an idea first of what to expect, and people adore information! It helps them prepare for what is about to happen.

And 3 things that Facebook doesn't do is, firstly automatically deleting expired messages. This function is crucial!!!! I realize that everytime I accumulate inbox messages and when I want to delete them, I realize that there are so many of them! And I'd have to look through on which has expired. Whereas Seetio automatically deletes it! Plus point! Next, is that Seetio directly interacts with their users by proposing the challenges. And if you win the challenge, you are rewarded! Seetio also let its users know which of our friends have visited our profile in last 24 hours. Everyone wants to know who stalks them... Thus, plus plus point!!!

... ...

Good for Business?

YES!

Social networking sites has a couple of properties that businesses should consider.

1. STRONG ability to reach the target market

Its high-end technology can help them broaden their scale and hit a global audience. Its accessibility is one of its greatest features as it can be used by everyone with very little or no cost at all. 

2. It's applications and tools are very EASY to learn and navigate

People do not need to have a special skill to be able to take advantage of it.

3. The social interaction between the consumer and the marketer is more RECENT

 The immediate responses are very much convenient for both parties. It can make any business survive in such a competitive industry.

4. Allows businesses to INSTANTEOUSLY CHANGE their advertisements

It is extremely simple just by editing and altering the content of their web site

5. IT IS FREE!

You can load images, your logo, etc. into your profile and it will be visible for your virtual friends and all the users who visit your profile. You can also put topics on groups related to your business and stabilish new contacts that can lead to sales, subscriptions or anything else.

... ...

Hope you enjoy reading this humble post of mine. And have come to grasp this huge phenomenon of social networking sites in the current times!