Tokyopop and Hulu. Sports fanatics coming together. Blizzard responding to upset users. It's a day of unity today in your must know geeky and fannish job news!
Economics/Geekonomics:
Wealthy people are more likely to walk away from underwater house loans. Some reasons are discussed in the article – I'd also note that financially it may just be easier for them to walk away. I also wonder what that means for finance as the wealthy may not WANT to take out loans . . .
Anime and Manga:
– appears to be a mix of video programming. Not sure this is a particularly intense relationship, but let's see what happens. Not so sure I'm big on an Otaku reality show though – reality shows seem kind of played out.
Social Media:
New company Sofanatics aims for sports fanatics with video web chat for sports fans. Knowing how people love to share sports events I think they might be onto something. They're in Helsinki, which may limit employment options there, but I want to see what they do because it sounds like they have a simple and effective idea – and sports geeks love their socializing – that's half the fun of sports!
Technology:
Emeter raises $12.5 million. They're a company that does smart meters and other energy-regulation devices, which is a growing area of interest.
More in the cool tech area: Theranos raises $45 million. They make devices for measuring drug interactions in real time. Sounds promising – and on a technical level, just incredibly cool.
MUST READ: An analysis of Apple's strategy which seems very spot on (and I say this as a recent Apple convert). It's informative, gives you ideas of what they may do next – and may give you a few ideas yourself.
Barclay's predicts that tablets will cut into netbook sales. I can buy that. Note that this is mostly assuming the iPad is the "tablet" in question.
Video Games:
Blizzard kills its real-name ID idea for forums. I haven't posted much on the controversy as I wanted to see the end, and the end is Blizzard dropping the idea sort of. Smart, as that would have given competitors an edge, but still a bit of a blow to their image. A good reminder to monitor your fans reactions and analyze what happens.
Is the next center of game development The Philippines?
QUESTION OF THE DAY: When non-iPad tablets come out, will it accelerate the loss of Netbook market share?
– Steven Savage