News and Analysis

Economy not too hot (and not hot for some gaming companies), Net Neutrality gets noogied, and Yelp has to change policy. Not the greatest day in the geekonomy, but let's get to the news!

Career:
A paper on wages and skills may give you some insights on the future and of geekonomics.

Economics/Geekonomics:
A movie showing unemployment growth over the last 3 years – Informative and depressing.

Job market still kind of lousy – Even if it looks stable, remember we need more jobs for the people not working to have.

Greece wants the IMF out of their bailout? Probably not. However I'm not sure I trust the IMF and its unimaginative solutions anyway.

Geek Law:
Oklahoma citizen info? Wow, THIS feels like a lawsuit waiting to happen.

The US Court of Appeals says the FCC doesn't have the authority to enforce net neutrality rules. Ouch. Net Neutrality is looking like it's going to require a law to get. Frankly I think good Net Neutrality is needed to make sure we maintain healthy competition and innovation on the internet.

Movies:
Will actors hate 3D? Well so far Sam Worthington isn't complaining, but he's got nothing to complain about. A theory that the 3D trend could affect actor's careers.

Publishing:
Consumers not happy with some iPad magazine publishing. I can understand why.  Frankly some companies really mismanaged this and I don't think they can get away without a price cut.

The advantages of Print On Demand publishing like Lulu. I'm already sold, but it's a good read.

Social Media:
Yelp changes some of its policies to deal with claims of 'extortion' policies.

AOL is dumping Bebo. The question now is how – and who will get it. I'm not sure what anyone would do with it, but who knows.

Technology:
Video hosting company Brightcove gets $12 Million in funding. They are in Massachusetts. They need you to help spend that money. Send a resume.

Is Venture capital back? I dunno, it's a bit promising, I'm a bit cynical.

Video Games:
Infinity Ward loses more staff. In short, not good.

Monumental closes one of it's offices. Really not a good day in gaming news is it?

Question of the Day: What's next for Net Neutrality?

– Steven Savage

iPad. iPad. And iPad. Oh and some other must-know geek news!

Career:
Did you know there's a company that makes money disputing unemployment claims? There is, and it's getting a lot of attention these days. I'd stay aware of this since it could affect you, if unemployed, and sounds like a scandal waiting to happen.

How to get noticed in your career. Very simple. So simple I could summarize it, but I'll make you read the article. It's good advice period for any career level.

Accenture is hiring a load of people.

Economics/Geekonomics:
CEO's are usually overpaid and here's why. Beyond raising your blood pressure, a reminder of financial and organizational issues the US economy faces – and issues that may bring up more regulation in the future.

THE GIANT IPAD ROUNDUP:
Who seems to get iPad distribution and pricing, who doesn't. Thoughts and theories for those of you working in media and publishing. Some ideas out there are good but some are shockingly stupid – and I agree with the author the iPad and related tech is not a place to copy old, dying practices.

A look at two different game companies adapting to the iPad. Some good stuff here about adaption, innovation, and what the market means.

300,000 iPads sold day one, 250,000 e-books sold same

How Amazon can come out ahead of the iPad – Great stuff here that makes a lot of good points, including Amazon's strong social presence.

Jumping on the bandwagon, we have an iPad compatable vest. I have no words.

EVERYTHING NOT IPAD RELATED:
Comics:
Lawsuit between Stan Lee Media (but not Stan Lee) and Marvel settled in Marvel's favor. Might have some hints of what'll happen with the Kirby estate mess?

Publishing:
OK it's vaguely iPad-related, but some interesting ideas and examples on where print can go. These articles are a dime a dozen, but this one has some real-life examples and interesting speculation.

Social Media:
Can Twitter predict movie success? So say some researchers. In fact it could be used for other estimates. I'm intrigued by the potential use in many areas, but I'm wondering if there's an 'awareness issue' – the more people are aware of Twitter's use in research, the more Twitter use will change.

Technology:
A new iteration of the iPhone Operating system is on it's way.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Oh, let's get it out of the way – do you think the iPad's strong start is a sign of things to come?

-Steven Savage