Writer, Agilist, Elder Geek
RIm is disputing another outage claim.
MUST READ: An io9 analysis of why we can't have great movies, which is one of the best things I've read in awhile and frankly one of the best things they've posted in ages. There's nothing much I can add, but our own Serdar has a fascinating annalysis/extention you must read as well
Groupon launches, and a lot of change is happening . . . and Greece is not looking good.
Economics/Geekonomics:
A look at what's up in Greece. Notes that there is some serious conflict and Greece might be out of eurozone according to some predictions. I'm wondering how the govertment/public disagreements might play out with the 99% movement in the US – though it seems NO ONE sympathizes with Greece.
Anime and Manga:
Sailor moon still at the top sales for graphic novels. No one surprised.
Comics:
Graphicly makes an acquisition. Curious to see what they're up to – they don't seem to get in the news as much as others.
Film:
Jennifer Lopez to produce a live 'Carmen Sandiego' film. I'm kind of at a loss for words – but I figure Scott will analyze this in a few years!
Publishing:
The Nook tablet is set to take on the Kindle. It seems they're making a play as a more technically powerful device – which I'm not sure will work. Still it is on – and the holiday season approaches, so let's see what happens – and what else is next.
A look at the Kindle lending library. I think this is pretty smart overall – its a good business plan and builds good relationships. This is what Nook and others have to compete with – and it shows Amazon's moves are also good for building relationships. They need that since they're big enough to be in everyone's sights.
Social Media:
Groupon sounds like it's raised a lot of money – up to 30% over what was expected. I'm still very doubtful of them, so to me this is further to fall. Still, as always, I'll keep watch. I still predict a drop – and then a drop in enthusiasm.
Video Games:
RockYou cuts half its staff, This is not entirely a cut, but still it shows a lot of transitions – and i'd be careful seining any resumes right now.
QUESTION OF THE DAY: So do you think Greece will leave the Euro.
From the Protect IP Act to Groupon's problems, it's not the best day for the geekonomy . . .
Economics/Geekonomics:
Things aren't settled with Greece yet. Frankly I think some of the voting is a dodge to avoid responsibility, and this still isn't going to change the fact people in the Eurozone are going to hate Greece for a decade.
Geek Law:
The PROTECT IP act is bad. No way around it.
Media:
AOL has a revenue drop. No surprise, but as the shine has gone off them I want to see what this might lead to.
Social Media:
A look at Groupon's legal exposure. I'm thinking this means trouble because let's face it, the company is in trouble already. Again, I'd avoid working for Groupon – and any massive fall on their part is going to produce a ripple effect of Less Interest In IPO.
Technology:
Yahoo buys Interclick – for the ad tech. Admittedly ads seem to mean money, so it's not a bad move, and probably gives us an idea of Yahoo's goals – monetization and probably tightening up the ads. They're still not gone and are still strategizing, at least – not sure if this means any new opportunities.
RIM's stock drops below book value. This is the first time this has happened in nine years. The article flirts with the idea RIM could get bought/sold as well – which would be intriguing because it might be valuable to the right company who can exploit its market.
Internet explorer usage drops below 50% of web usage. More delicious charts for the stats-loving give us an interesting overview.
Sony loses money in Q2, expects full-year loss. OUCH. I think they're obviously not gone, but they may be trying to ride things out (and innovating less), or rethinking some strategies.
Video Games:
Japanese social game company DeNA's stock and ratings take a fall after lower than expected profits. They have their fingers in a lot of pies, so I'm wondering how they'll respond to this.
Angry birds sells a ton. Also, Mitt Romney changes mind, George Clooney handsome, kimchi made of cabbage.
Very smart: Ubisoft acquires RedLynx. RedLynx made a lovely fun stunt game called 'Trials HD' that showed a lot of smarts – but it's only one of 100 titles released the last eleven years. Product and bright people? Good purchase. It appears Ubisoft wants to sell 'Trials' on everything, and I wonder if this high-productivity model is one they want to duplicate.
QUESTION OF THE DAY: So are you tired of hearing about Angry Birds yet?