Sunday, December 21, 2008

Facebook and MySpace Fail at This

Millions of people log onto popular social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace everyday.  Some to catch up and talk with friends and family, others to network with people across the country, and others to listen to music (that’s just for MySpace users).

Yes, you can connect with people and share comments and mail on both Facebook and MySpace, but these two internet giants both fail at one thing: advertising.

The sad part is, it’s not their fault.  I mean, MySpace has one of the most interactive ad-creating tools out on the web right now, and Facebook has a nice, clean interface.  The thing is, people go to social networking sites to be, well, social.  Not to read and click advertisements.  In fact, when I go to MySpace, I don’t pay attention to advertisements.  I’m looking at what new pictures my friends uploaded.

I will admit, however, that I do comment on Facebook ads.  I always put a thumbs-up or a thumbs-down when I have the time (or give a poo).  Nevertheless, I rarely click on the ad itself.

People still think visitors will click on the ads, and these social networks still offer the option.  If I had to guess, I would say MySpace gets more ad traffic than Facebook, because a lot of the ads on MySpace take you to another MySpace profile (especially the bands).  Also, MySpace was smarter to integrate interactive ads instead of text ads (like the one where you shoot those stars at the ninjas).

So in my opinion, don’t advertise on social networking sites.  But if your going to, pick MySpace, because (in my opinion) they are more innovative and will draw more traffic.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

First Day of Winter Break

It’s finally winter break here in Florida, and it’s great! Exams are over, and I feel like a lot is going to happen over break. In fact, I’m so sure, I’m going to…going to…well, you’ll see.

Anyways, I am going to start building my web projects soon, and my ‘research’ (playing on the web) has started. Of course, I do like occasional fresh air. My mom, brother, and I hit the nature trail close to our house and it was nice to walk it again (it’s been awhile).

Back to my web projects, though. I hope to build a ton of different web sites, tools, and other web goodies. Here is a rough list of what some of my projects will be based on:

  • Chat and Message Boards
  • Music Centers
  • Interactive Video

More will be added to the list as I go forward (and of course, some will be taken off the list when I find I cannot make them).

If you have any suggestions or things you would like to see on the web, please contact me at orangepuma@live.com! Thanks, and happy surfing!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Greetings from the Popcorn Factory

Christmas brings many gifts to your direction, whether they’re good or bad.  I’ve received a few gifts already, ranging from a calendar, a season of the Office (love that show), and…paperclips (no lie).  Just so you know, all these gifts are from my Aunts, Uncles, and Family Friends (I have not opened my family’s presents yet and won’t until the 25th).

Anyways, no gift from out of family sources can compare to the one we get every year: a huge tub of popcorn from the Popcorn Factory.  Yes, a 6 and 1/2 gallon tin can of caramel, butter, and cheese popcorn.  This is always one gift that wins my vote.  Ah, to get fat long before Christmas Day is an amazing feat.

A shorter post than most, but I’ll say something again soon!