Steven Savage

Quick note today was a rumor-heavy day about many things. A lot were unverified so I held off posting them.

Career:
How a blogger turned a blog into a job after going viral.

Publishing:
How Wireless E-readers stack up. For your drooling/research pleasure. Remember when we didn't have so many to compare . . .

Heads up on the startup, former Rodale Books VP Cindy Ratzlaff is starting an e-book and video publishing company called Supreme Social Media. Sounds like they're starting small, focusing on social media, and building up slowly. Ratzlaff has a LOT of publishing experience. and the other partners are equal. Watch this one to see what they do, there's a lot of brainpower and experience that could give you models to emulate (or a potential publisher or employer). The company is here.

Social Media:
It's official. Facebook will integrate with PS3. Sounds like it integrates with game trophies and more – which is neat with the appropriate opt-out options and soforth. Facebook and Netflix and more? Good move for Sony. It also is another example of how one can cleverly integrate social media beyond allowing posting (remember when that was called Lifestreaming before it became normal?).

Not to be outdone, there's new social tech for the XBox, including Zune (which may steal a bit of Netflix's thunder). OK Wii, where are you in all of this . . .

Social App company Rock You raises Another $50 million. OK they've got cash, a good name, and are located in Redwood shores (where everyone apparently is). What are you waiting for, job seekers?

Technology:
Some developers apparently fed up with the App Store – I'm not sure how widespread this is, but talk of discontent certainly is. I do think the issue of customer relations is an important one. Will Apple adapt, or will this leave them vulnerable?

Video Games:
EA is merging Pandemic into it's LA Branch as well as getting a high-powered new hire. A bit more news to keep you up on the latest traumas in gaming . . .

Funcom took a big hit in sales in Q3 – They have hope for their upcoming releases, but it's not pretty.

For you marketing and gaming geeks. Those expensive collectors editions? They pay off. Something to consider if you're in – or want to be in – the gaming industry.

– Steven Savage

Economics/Geekonomics:
Is China the site of a new economic bubble – I have mixed feelings on the Telegraph’s economic analyses, so like it’s analyses of Japan take this one with a grain of salt. However it does point out China may not be shifting its focus economically which can mean trouble.

Another takedown of the trope that war is good for the US economy.

A graph of # of unemployed people per job opening in major metro areas – Check here if you’re thinking of relocating – though depending on where you are this graph may make you want to relocate.

Geek Law:
Lots of copyright grants are coming up for renewal and termination – Which could shake up multiple industries. Think of how many companies still make money off of older or just plain old properties, and you see how this could be important to many media businesses.

Anime and Manga:
Funimation puts more animated series online. No one is surprised of course. This is probably not going to be newsworthy in a year or two.

Mobile:
Windows Mobile takes a dive – Not really surprising it’s losing share. It has some tough competitors – if you develop for it take note (and if you’re not learning Android you haven’t been listening to us or are new here . . .).

A sane comparison of Droid sales versus others with speculation Android is the real winner. A few numbers to chew over here as you speculate on the future.

Movies:
Is the movie star as we know it an idea of the past – The economy isn’t helping, obviously. Food for thought in film and beyond.

Publishing:
Just what do consumers want in content delivery? Here’s a study. It suggests quite a few things, mostly that there’s a very diverse audience with varied needs and wants, and multiple methods of delivery will probably be needed for success. If you’re working in publishing/e-publishing this is going to be important to track and implement – if it’s possible.

Technology:
Netbooks are a temporary thing? Some good questions here that suggest notebooks will squeeze out netbooks and that the term is basically meaningless. Some good points here, but I think the term will stick around for awhile, or a new one will arise for “small but functional portable computer”.

Video Games:
Disney’s Game Unit has increased losses – No reason to panic I’d say (and times are tough). Worth remembering if it keeps going. I have some faith in Disney’s abilities to make things work (and synergize), but its a tough time and werid market.

Get some insight into the Hello Kitty MMO with this staff interview – No really, what sounds like a light product and a light interview is pretty insightful. Yes, a Hello Kitty MMO sounds limited and ridiculous to an NA audience, but the interviewees put it in context.

Interesting: Warner Brothers launches a Harry Potter iPhone Game – I’m curious since the HP movies are reaching their end, and I expect WB wants to keep the cash coming.

Video game growth is Not recession proof. A few stats for a hungry mind. I’d say gaming itself has stagnated growth-wise.

-Steven Savage