News of the Day 12/9/2009

Career:
14 guides for freelancers and those seeking to do their own thing – Haven't read any yet, but this looks to be a useful resource.

Is there a backlash against big brands and can it benefit your career?

Economics/Geekonomics:
MUST READ: A guide to regional centers of innovation in the US – A nice heads-up with plenty of juicy links discussing those places where innovation happens – and how that can help with an economic recovery. Lots of good stuff here, it may give you some job and relocation ideas, and it's pro-science and thus geekariffic.

A home is not an investment tool – So says Felix Salmon as he takes apart a column arguing it is. Salmon makes some great points on why homes are not an investment for the average person despite the fact some people are still arguing they are.

A video showing the increase in unemployment by geography, over time, in the US – An educational quick-snack. May want to ignore the bizarre comments this attracted.

Japan Overstates its Gross Domestic Product. Get a better look at the Japanese situation with the chartmaster of EconompicData.

Dubai and Greece still not doing so hot.

Anime and Manga:
Anime and Manga dying? – Roland Kelts, author of Japanamerica (which will be reviewed later this week in this blog) wonders.

Miscellaneous:
Museum attendance up in this economy?

Publishing:
The winner of the eBook wars may be Adobe. Overall, it's not hard to argue with that considering how many e-readers use some form of Adobe Tech. I've noted repeatedly – and say again – Adobe is a far bigger factor in technology and content delivery than many appreciate (which makes their continuing problems odder and more troubling).

Canadian Private school replaces its books with e-readers.

Social Media:
Mashable has job listings, You Apply.

Technology:
Apple Tablet gearing up for production? A mix of tidbits and econospeak, some interesting rumors, and thoughts on the iPad/iTablet/iNeedAName in the college market. I see iWhatever being a potential "composite device" if designed, marketed, and set up properly, but it'll have to be a combination ebook reader, multimedia player, and PC that works well and has a dynamite screen. That may get it to be equal in value to it's price point of about $1000. I also see it as a potential must-have geek device for some.

Video:
Escapist Content comes to Boxee – In a geek fusion, Boxee will be broadcasting gaming/media online mag escapist's content. It's one more way to get your fix of Yahtzee – and on a serious side, a nice bit of geek fusion. Makes me wonder what else Boxee has up it's sleeve.

Video Games:
True games hires former EA member as CTO, consolidates – They're still relatively new, but on the move. If you're in Texas (where they're consolidating), maybe see if they're hiring someone with your skillset . . .

Nexon has a new business development VP – He sounds like he has a good background. Nexon seems to be doing pretty good – and don't forget they've also been involved in some possible partnerships with Nintendo (though I haven't heard about that one in awhile). Potential resume target?

Writing:
Freelance writer Carol Tice says that the tales of a writer's recession are more myth than fact. Take a read and get a boost and some advice. She also has advice on places to go for writing gigs.


YOUR QUESTION OF THE DAY:
Who do you think the iPad's target market is – and who should it be? I'm medium on college students but I see a BIG market in travelers and commuters.

-Steven Savage