News and Analysis

News of the Day 10/18/2010

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Some helpful guides to Fraudclosure, a deeper look at IBM, and Apple goes back to the Mac. It's must-know geek news!

Career:
LinkedIn just added skills, publications, and patents to its profiling. They've certainly been doing a lot lately to add more to their service, and more power to them. Now . . . looks like I have to update my profile.

Economics/Geekonomics:
Tired of Fraudclosure news? Sorry, it's going to be a big deal so we'll keep you informed from a progeek viewpoint:

Film:
Disney moves Marvel films under Paramount to itself. No surprise here. Paramount still gets something out of the deal, but let's be honest – this was inevitable.

Media:
MUST READ: Where are you going to find digital innovation in news? Sports departments. Some thoughtful analysis that makes this a must read – it'll give you ideas of what does, and doesn't fit in the internet media age.

Social Media:
Two House members are asking Facebook for information regarding privacy. I'm sure the recent breaches aren't just part of it – "The Social Network" is as well. I don't know if this is meaningful or a pre-election stunt or what, but i tears watching.

Buddy Media raises $23 million. They provide a social media management system focused on Facebook. That's pretty neat – an they've got other offerings. Frankly this is the kind of thing needed in the complex world of social media, so more power to them, and they might be resume worthy.

Technology:
Hmmmm. IBM Stock drops on decline in service signing. Interesting – could these drops explain part of IBM's goals to . . . well basically buy anything technical in Massachusetts? Certainly looks like the goal is more acquisitions and more software sales, and with that amount of change, probably job opportunities – and a large company like IBM can crush competitors as well.

Sounds like Apple want's to return focus to the Mac for awhile. This sounds like a good strategy – Apple's computers have been doing quite well, but they have focused on other devices for awhile. Again, Apple seems to truly get their audience. They're also doing well financially – note the increase in Mac Sales.

Video:
Brightcove hires a new CFO. Ups suspicion that the online video platform company is going to go public. I'd also say that means they may need your resume (OK the fact they raised nearly $100 million also helps a lot).

Apple TV? It apparently sold a quarter million units. I definitely think the $99 price point is a huge part of it. Heck I'm tempted to buy one just to play with it.

Video Games:
OK, we've been a bit more hypocritical about avoiding rumors lately, but here's another good one: Bethesda may be working on an MMO. The theory here is that it's Elder Scrolls, a property with a long and beloved history. I can buy that, but would note that Fallout did incredibly well, so an MMO for that might be popular. Either way, big name company, hiring, MMO, and one with name/brand recognition. Resume worthy as well?

Some changes at RockYou. Sounds like an overall shift.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Which would be the more successful MMO, Fallout or Elder Scrolls.

– Steven Savage

Own Your Planning

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"I hate to plan"

I hear that a lot.  *I* say it sometime, and I'm a person who uses Project Management techniques to plan his hobbies.  (I use SCRUM, if you must know).

Here's the hard fact of your career – you have to plan.  People succeed with different levels of planning, but you need to be able to plan.

I think a lot of people hate planning as it's been forced on them.  They were told to plan in school, by parents, teachers, bosses, etc. who told them to plan without telling them why – or often how.  When something is forced on us, we really don't like it.

The solution I find is to get INTO planning.  Own it.  Make it your own.  Take it back from the realm of people harassing you to get organized who clearly don't know what you're doing.

Go and own planning.  Do it your way.

A few tips:

  • Set goals you really want and make plans to reach them.  This helps motivate you but also lets you appreciate good planning.
  • Find fun ways to do it.  I confess I love playing with spreadsheets, documents, etc. to find new ways to plan.  You may like drawing things out, using Microsoft Project, etc.  Find what works for you.
  • Read books on it.  Some life coaches and writers get seriously into the planning/organizing thing and they enjoy it.  Their enthusiasm can be infectious – and their advice is helpful.  I reccomend "Getting Things Done" most heartily.

Finally, if you're reading this you're a geek, you're a fan.  You've planned cosplays, conventions, trading card shows, RPGs, and more.  You've probably got the ability and experience, you just don't realize it.

Go and own planning.

– Steven Savage

News of the Day 10/15/2010

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Anime Kiosks? Blogs to Books? Money in science? More questions? Answers here in the must-know geeky career news!

Career:
The clues someone is a smart job hunter – Are you leaving clues?

Economics/Geekonomics (or "Fraudclosure Follies" as of late)
MUST READ: The primary concerns of the Fraudclosure mess – Nice, simple, easy to understand, and a reason to change your underwear. Reead so you get up on the financial issues that might well mess the economy up – again.

MUST READ: Where global financial centers are. Plus some interesting discussion of what makes a global financial center and how they change. Great, informative read.

MUST TOLERATE: I like the term "Fraudclosure" and am going to be using it. Be warned.

Anime and Manga:
Digital Manga and Tokyopop put 12 more titles on eManga, from BLU. Included for continuing news on the electronic manga front.

Media Blasters to launch Anime Kiosks – Ala Redbox. One can also buy the DVD on a site after renting it. My first reaction is that this sounds way too specialized and limited, but then again I thought Redbox sounded like a weird idea so I could be wrong. It's certainly experimental, and would allow for targeted marketing. I'm going to see what happens and remember my past inaccuracies.

Blogging:
Demand media forms blog distribution network. Might be good for any of you bloggers there (though mostly it seems to be a way to get attention, not make money). Can't really say much more until I investigate it, so I present it for your interest. Yes, I will take a look at it.

Publishing:
Borders makes deal with BookBrewer – This is to let authors publish eBooks at Borders via BookBrewer (yay. More formatting fun for us authors), but also to turn an RSS feed into a book. THAT is intriguing. I'd pay attention to BookBrewer, and to how this goes, and keep it in mind for your blog. If you try it, let me know. (Me, I'm still doing this by hand for now).

eBook sales surge. I know eBook sales of my books are outstripping print.

Science:
Anadys Pharmeceuticals raises $25 million – via stock offering as well. Throw in their location in San Diego and the fact they provide medication for Hepatitis and you've got a good deal here science and medgeeks . . .

Exelixis gets a nice $60 million with a new deal with Bristol Myers. They sound like they're bouncing back after a tough time, that's a nice chunk of change, AND they're in the geektastic Bay Area.

Technology:
Study Blue, a study and study tool service Raises $3.65 million. They're also experimenting with a freemium model. Worth your attention? May be in an age of online teaching and products like the Kno . . .

Newspapers are right to be worried about Tablet Screen Size.

Video:
Netflix on PS3 to be improved, discless. World domination continues. Right now every device plugged into my TV runs Netflix . . . OK most, I have to double-check . . . but you get the idea.

Video Games:
Video game sales down again. I can't say I'm surprised – I am depressed, but not surprised. I don't think it's an industry to avoid, but the message here is that, in gaming, pick your employer carefully.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: How much more will game sales decline?

– Steven Savage