keeping

Retaining search data helps Google improve its search results, despite privacy concerns that such retention could end up in the hands of the government via subpoena.

OK, first, for those unlucky few that are going to CES (Consumer Electronics Show, aka “big gadget fest of the year”) for some reason, here’s some good posts to help you prepare:

Launching a site quickly around an idea to claim a first mover advantage is rapidly becoming a mantra for new Web 2.0 startup sites. 

People are keeping their cell phones longer. The average amount of time a person owns a cell phone has increased by 5 percent since fall of 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 U.S. Wireless Mobile Phone Evaluation Study. The study found that people are keeping their mobile handsets for an average of 17.5 months, which is an increase from 16.6 since November of 2006. The increase in ownership is about equal among major hand set brands.

If you followed the Stowe Boyd kerfuffle a few months ago - the one in which he says, broadly, that PR people don’t “get it” regarding social media - you’ll be interested in listening to Stowe talking to Eric Schwartzman in the latest

I suspect most of you have experienced “scope creep” before. Scope creep begins at the moment when your client asks for something outside of the scope of work for which you’ve contracted (you do have a contract, right?). Naturally, they’re asking for this thing to be included at no extra cost. Actually, they’re probably not asking. They’re probably acting like it’s always been understood that this thing will be included. Duh.

Like many, I'm far enough removed from this particular conference & blog orbit that I don't really know that much about Kathy Sierra, or the motivations someone might have for writing noxious comments about her and threatening her. On the strength of the belief that what has transpired has been an act of misogyny in the professional world, hundreds have sent supportive comments and have published supportive posts. To that, I want to add: hey guys, it's OK to stand up against injustice (in support of anyone who is being dismissed or discriminated against) before the death threats kick in. But better late than never. To date, there are 1,165 supportive comments on her blog post about this matter.

Adopting and maintaining a strategic focus in small business plans ensures that the most important issues are addressed. Operating from this mindset is essential in developing a successful small business and mentoring staff development.