We here at Addison Technologies are a compassionate, caring company committed to the betterment of the human race. It is in that genre that Addison discovered a horrifying crisis that can't be ignored.

There are 4.8 billion people in the world that own a mobile device and just 4.2 billion people that own a toothbrush. You heard that correctly, more people have a mobile device than have a toothbrush. As a company in the “Tech” industry, Addison felt like we might be contributing to this phenomenon.

Addison develops web sites for these mobile devices that are eclipsing the need for dental hygiene. No longer could we stand by and watch the need for mobile content deprive those with the ability to keep their teeth free of plaque build up. So we have decided to act. From now on anytime someone buys a mobile site from us, they will get a complimentary toothbrush because we care about tooth decay. No more will we be part of the problem. Partner with us in being part of the solution.

Thank you God bless you, and god bless the United States of America.

 

 

please go to  our web site and contact us for more information.

Sketchy Sales Tactics in Web Marketing

A woman walks into the butcher shop just before closing. She says, "Thank Heavens I've made it in time! Have you any chicken?" The butcher opens his fridge and takes out his only chicken, and plops it onto the scale. It weighs 2 1/2 pounds. "Ah, haven't you anything bigger?" the woman inquires. The butcher returns the chicken to the fridge, takes it out again, and plops it onto the scale, only this time, he keeps his thumb on the chicken. The scale shows 3 1/4 pounds. "Marvelous!" says the woman. "I'll have both of them please."

Sales. The mere mention sends shivers down the spines of many, conjuring images of sleazy, mustached salesmen in ill-fitting plaid sports coats, or conniving merchants like in the joke. And let's face it, there are bad apples in every industry. But today we're going to tackle the sleazy sales tactics that are used in the “phonebook style” web marketing sites. The rest of the world's questionable sales doings can wait for another day, after all.

And so you say “what's wrong with phonebook style marketing, after all?” Well, dear reader, there is plenty. Let's pretend that you are a business owner, and you decide that you need some online marketing help. No shame there, you are good at what you do, and you know when to call in other industry experts, right? So you opt with one of the phonebook style web marketing companies. Guess what? You're getting ripped off. Why, you ask? It is likely that your target demographic is not only on laptops, but on tablets and smartphones. Those people are typically wanting more info than is usually found in a phonebook. And what is more, while search engines like Google and Yahoo are still growing in number of users, the phonebook sites are declining. So, right off the bat you are not getting your money's worth as far as people viewing and using your information.

Now, let us look at how they actually do your marketing program. You might hear that they-gasp!- cannot find you listed on a search engine! But what exactly were they searching for? Did they go and find an obscure keyword for your business and then do a search for it? Or did they do a search for keywords of your competitors, rather than your own? Ok, so once you get that sorted out, you might be surprised to discover that the phonebook sites are now simply middle men for the bigger search engines like Google. They have to buy clicks from Google (for example) in order to get their clients ranked higher. And have they ever looked at and picked apart an analytics report? Likely not. And after all of that, they still do not do any sort of social media marketing for their clients. If anyone has tried to sell anything within the past few years, is it not obvious by now that it is more than wise to market on Facebook, Twitter , etc? Oh, and another fun nugget of trivia for you, did you know that the person managing your marketing campaign changes day by day? You don't own your campaign, and there is no consistency as to who is working on it!

So, as you can see, a business owner who goes to a phonebook style site for marketing is getting ripped off in more ways than one. But if you go to someone that is a local professional, someone that will sit down with you and listen, and see your marketing campaign through from start to finish, then you can get somewhere. Someone who will work with search engines directly for you, thereby getting you faster results. Someone who will tailor the campaign to your needs, not use a cookie cutter approach that they use for all businesses. Someone like the people over at Addison Technologies, but we're just saying. And Addison Tech promises that we will not keep our thumb on the scale.

What You Get With a Phonebook Plan

• No social media

• Daily changing campaign managers

• Sketchy keyword tactics

• Middle-man buying of clicks

• No use of analytics

• Cookie cutter marketing plan
 
• No clear understanding of SEO

You Will Be Mocked, Part II

This is very nearly a Episode II to our previous post. It seems that there are even more morons on the interwebz, and guess what they're doing this time? They're posting photos of their debit cards.I have yet to understand how this can be thought of as a "good idea."
*facepalm*
 I mean, really, it's not like people have their identities stolen every day or anything. And as like last time, where there are people doing stupid things, there are others around to mock them. Enter the twitter site @needadebitcard that posts them, after a quick twitter search for "debit card" and other associated terms. Thankfully though, some people, upon realization of what they have done, have deleted the photos and changed their privacy settings, but many others have not. So, dear readers, don't be like these. Tighten the privacy settings, and think before you post. The interwebz is forever, after all.

You Will Be Mocked

So, if you've been hanging around in society long, or especially if you've been reading our blog here, you know that Facebook changes privacy settings like most people change underwear. People are constantly being reminded to check and update their privacy settings, and yet, somehow, there are people who don't listen. What happens on the internet, when people don't listen to something that has been hammered home again and again and again? They get mocked, of course.

And thus we have to present to you the website We Know What You're Doing (And We Think You Should Stop). It uses data that is publicly available to post people's status updates in the categories of “Who wants to get fired,” “Who's hungover,” “Who's taking drugs,” and “Who's got a new phone number¹.” But what happens if you *gasp* see one of your status' on the website, and want it to disappear? Delete it, and change your privacy settings. Simple as that.

Wait, haven't we said that before? Something about “don't post stupid things like “dude, i'm soooooo wasted” and then be shocked when your employer isn't thrilled.” Or, you know, we may have said “change thy privacy settings” once or twice. Just sayin...



^{1 And note, the guy behind the website does block out the phone numbers, so we applaud him for being responsible. Bravo, sir.}

Google, Chicken Fingers, and Marie Curie

Interesting blog from Google, lately...what? What's that? You don't keep up with Google's blog, and how their search engine works? Oh, right. That's why you hired us, right? Well, at any rate, there's a blog that they posted that is interesting to normal people, not just us geeky types that work at Addison Tech. It seems that they are slowly rolling out a new, more intelligent way of gleaning search results for their users, that they are calling the Knowledge Graph. The Knowledge Graph will be able to tell more precisely what you are searching for, when you type “chicken fingers” into Google—ie, that you are wanting nearby restaurants who serve chicken fingers, rather than the origins for the chicken strip being called a “finger.”

That's great, you say. But how do they know what I'll be asking about? Are they spying on me? No, quit being so paranoid. They're looking at what other people are searching for, and clicking on when they search for chicken fingers. By the fact that few are looking at historical origins of chicken fingers, they know that the probability of you wanting that is low, therefore the higher clicked options—restaurants, recipes, etc, will rate higher on your search results. Google also says they're looking at relationships now, as well. So your chicken finger search may result in things that are related-but-not-precisely chicken fingers (the example they used was of Marie Curie and her family...much more effective than the chicken finger thing that we've been using here. No, really. Go read the blog post.) Both factors will influence your search results, therefore giving you—hopefully--a better and more accurate searching experience. Which will in turn help us at Addison Tech give your website a better ranking out in the interwebz.

QR codes: Great marketing tool or mark of the beast?

Yeah, we get that question quite a bit, actually. Whenever a new technology comes out, and gets popular, people ask “is it the mark of the beast?” It's a modified bar code, people, we're not asking that you tattoo it on your head/hand. But past that, the question of is it a good marketing tool depends on who is asking the question. As with anything, some technologies are a better fit than others. But QR codes are unique in that they can fit with most every business, and most every person, in one way or another.

Ok, ok, I’ll slow down just a moment. QR codes are not from the dark underlord, but what precisely are they? QR is short for "Quick Response" code, which is a two dimensional bar code. Being two dimensional, rather than one (like the traditional bar codes that you all know and love,) means that it can hold much more information. They are a square with smaller dots on it, with three squares within it, one in each corner. Anyone with a smart phone and a free barcode app can then scan the QR code. Great, but then what? Then, the code can do any number of things—it can take the user to a web page, it can automatically add contact information into the user's phone, it can send a SMS, tweet a specific text on twitter, automatically do a location check-in on Foursquare or Facebook; the operations are limitless

Right, then. But who actually are the people who use the QR codes? In easy terms—just about anyone who has a smart phone. Oh, but you want numbers, ok. The digital market research firm comScore found that roughly 20.1 million people scanned QR codes within a three month average period, ending in October 2011. For such a relatively new technology, that is huge. As more and more people become smart phone users, and more businesses offer QR code options, those numbers will continue to increase.

So, pretend you're a business owner (If you already are a business person, then you're doing great! Keep it up. Everyone else, pretend.) As a business owner, you need to be learning now how to creatively and uniquely provide valuable (ie, not spam) information to your customers and clients. However, that does not mean that you should ever use QR codes (or any technology, for that matter, m'kay?) simply because everyone else is, or because it's cool, or because it's the norm. Remember the lectures about peer pressure from school? Well even if all the other kids are doing it, if it's not a good fit for your business, then you shouldn't do it. Period. But if it would be an asset for your company and for your customers, then you should consult with a professional. With their help, you can get it streamlined into your business plan.

Right, so you do think it QR codes would be a bonus for your business? Well, aren't you in luck? You know some qualified professionals at Addison Technologies who can help you out. Contact us and set up a conception consultation (that sounds kinkier than it is, really. We'll brainstorm with you.) and get things lined up to help you apply this technology correctly.

Windows 8- Facts and Dirty Rumors

So, if you're a PC person, you're likely aware that Windows 8 is in the works. Of course, that means that there is a lot of speculation going on about Windows 8, and what all it will or will not do. The official word from Microsoft is that the idea for it is simplification and streamlining. Instead of offering six options (starter, home basic, home premium, etc) as Windows 7 did, Windows 8 is offering only four editions: Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, Windows 8 Enterprise, and Windows 8 RT. What is the “RT” you ask? Windows 8 RT will be the edition built to run on tablets, but will only be available pre-loaded on mobile devices.

What really peaks my interest, however, is that word has it that will be the biggest redesign for Windows since Windows '95. As someone who helped upgrade many machines from Win 3.1 to Win 95, I’m very, very curious about this next generation of Windows. It will be based off of the Windows Metro interface, giving it much more of a tablet-esque feel for the PC, though we are assured that it will be just as comfortable with a keyboard/mouse as with a touchscreen. I am interested to see exactly how user friendly this turns out to be—if they do it well, then they've scored big. If they have only done things halfway, then I foresee users getting tired of getting all the bugs worked out.

Thus far, rumors say that the release date will be sometime in October 2012, so we have until then to sort through all of the rumors and speculations. To help fill your time, here are some links, including the consumer preview from Microsoft themselves.

Windows Consumer Preview

Windows 8 Revealed

Windows 8 Coming in 4 Editions

Unanswered Questions About Windows 8

Hands Off My Passwords

So, if you keep up with much in the land of interwebz, you've most likely seen the articles about some employers asking for interviewee's Facebook user names/passwords, so that they can check up on what the person is posting. I follow their logic, in that they want to know what kind of person are they hiring, and if that person is trustworthy or not. I get that. However, I also have to ask:
what kind of alternate universe are you operating in, where you would think that asking for personal passwords is a good idea?!?
In a time where we have privacy laws like HIPPA, anti-discrimination laws, and other right to privacy things, how would they think it is ok to ask that? *facepalm*

Facebook has officially weighed in on this, thankfully. So, should you find yourself in this situation, you don't have to worry about your employer finding out your real age, sexual orientation, or embarrassing photos of cats in sweaters. All you have to do is say that you aren't going to violate the terms of responsibilities and rights for your Facebook account. And it goes without saying (though I'm going to say it anyway) that you shouldn't be sharing passwords for anything, be it Facebook, Twitter, iTunes, email, anything. No password sharing, got it?

And, because we're all about you reading this stuff for yourself, here's links to stories about it, plus Facebook's official post about it.

Protecting Your Passwords and Your Privacy

Facebook on Passwords During Job Interviews-Dont Ask Dont Tell

Facebook May Sue Employers Who Want Passwords

Hey Employers--My Facebook Password Is None of Your Business

Plus a good "Devil's Advocate" read:
Why I would ask for your password as an employer

Rooty Tooty Fresh-n-Fail

I like pancakes. Everyone likes them, right? To paraphrase Donkey from Shrek, you never hear people say “Hell no, I don't like no pancakes.” I know, you're right now thinking “That's nice...” as you start really contemplating my sanity. This is a blog for a company that does websites, marketing, and things like that, right? Look, I have a method to the madness, just hang with me.

So, IHOP, the illustrious International House of Pancakes, is having a promotion right now, that among other things, is offering free pancakes. Fantastic, right? I know! But in the “among other things” area, they've also offered a reminder “wake up call” recorded by a celebrity to remind people about the free pancake day, that you signed up for on the website. Great, you say. Lots of pancake'd up people are going to be running around today, after getting a wake up call from someone in Twilight. Lovely. No, no, that's not my point. My point is, their website is down.

See, America loves pancakes and celebrities so, so much that the IHOP website is down.

My point: don't let this happen to you. Think about how much your consumers love your product (and celebrities) before you offer a promotion like this, and make sure your website can keep up. After all, you do know folks who can help with that.

Social Media "Fads"

Do you know someone in business who is still holding out on this whole “social media fad” thing? Someone who thinks that social media has nothing to offer their business, that's for teens and nothing more? Well, here's another factoid that you can use to help drag them, kicking and screaming, into the year 2012: LinkedIn is making a name for itself as a recruitment tool.

I mean, think about it. It makes sense.

LinkedIn already is the place for corporate networking. They've evolved now to offer job postings, recruitment, and a management system for those pesky resumes you get when you advertise for a job. It has virtually taken the place of the corporate recruiter, or at least made that guy learn how to head-hunt via the interwebs—assessing talent, interviews, etc.

And of course, you already know some talented people who know their way around the social media “fad.” The good folks at Addison Tech can help you out. Cause we're good like that.


^{And no, LinkedIn isn't paying us to say this. LinkedIn, in all likelyhood, doesn't know that we exist. All opinions here are exactly that: opinions.}

Reputation

A man can get a reputation from very small things. -Sophocles

Reputation. We all have one, whether we like it or not, from the moment we are born. There are plenty of wise people who have written famous things about having a reputation, be that in a good or bad sense. No surprise there. But, really, how much does the average person think about their reputation? Not a lot, most likely. We live our lives, interact with our friends on social media, without giving it a thought. Except that increasingly, we should give it a thought, especially if you’re one of the many people today who are looking for a job.

Now, I’m talking about more than your co-workers seeing embarrassing photos from your recent Vegas trip. No, now there are businesses offering services to look into your online reputation for potential employers, advertisers, and anyone else, really. Who would benefit from knowing if you are a slacker, hard worker, trustworthy or not? Anyone who would enter into a contract with you. Kinda creepy, but it should only be the latest in the reminders to be thoughtful about what you post online.

Reputation Graph VS. People Rank
Like It or Not the Reputation Graph is Here to Stay

Do You Know What SOPA Is?

So, unless you’ve been vacationing underneath a rock for the last few months, you’ve probably heard of SOPA, the Stop Online Piracy Act, or more boringly referred to as House Bill 3261. In its most basic form, it hopes to protect copyright holders from infringement, by enabling court orders to be granted against offenders. Sounds benign, right? No one wants a person’s intellectual property to be stolen from them, unless they’re a scumbag.

No problem.

Except, as things are prone to do, it has gotten more complicated than that.

Proponents of the bill say that it is needed to protect copyrights, to provide teeth to the current laws. However, because the wording of the bill is nice and vague, it threatens websites with user-submitted content (think Wikipedia, etsy, and YouTube) with taking down the entire site because of one user’s post. Opponents say that this opens up the door for internet censorship is a threat to first amendment rights. Though the proponents of this bill claim that it will also protect jobs within industries such as media and entertainment, some companies have said that should the bill pass, they would move their company outside the reach of US laws. To me, that seems like less jobs, but maybe I’m missing something. And it would threaten the growth of the internet itself by making more legal liability for those who would start a new website or business. More legal liability=less new competition/trade/start-ups/creativity. That’s not so good for jobs, either, the way I see it.

So, what, pray tell, is there to do about it? Well, we all know that people on the interwebz, when good and toasty ticked off about something, like to take action. So tomorrow, January18th, some sites are having a 12 hour blackout of their sites as a protest. Others, though not blacking out their sites, are making it easier to black out your own site with apps. And just so you know, we’re not just talking about small websites here, we’re talking about some major internet players—Wikipedia, Reddit, the Cheezeburger network, and Mozilla are just a few of them. But dont just take all of this at my word, here’s some articles that are about it too. Go, read, and make yourself better informed.

Wikipedia to join Web blackout protesting SOPA
Protest SOPA: Black Out Your Website the Google-Friendly Way
SOPA Blackout Set For January 18th: Here’s All The Info
Reddit to go silent in SOPA protest
Stop Online Piracy Act, From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

SOPA, Buzzwords, IE6, and Squirrels

The beginning of a new year always seems to make me a little ADD, it seems. There are so many new things abounding, that I find it hard to focus on one, and write a coherent blog about it, because -squirrel- there's so many other interesting things competing for my eye. And so, since we haven't done a blog round up in a bit, here's a good one for you:

Heard anything about the whole GoDaddy/SOPA debacle? well here's some other SOPA -themed activities that might be in the works:
Google, Amazon, Twitter and Facebook consider 'nuclear' blackout

Buzzwords always are fun things to me. Oh sure, they convey what you're trying to say in a lovely jargon, but folks like me tend to make fun of them. Example: one that has been mocked here for nearly a decade: "multi-faceted revenue streams." Yes, we have heard that said in seriousness. teehee:
Words and expressions I want banned in 2012

If you recall This post then you will do the happy dance with us:
IE6 Almost Dead in the US

Not so much a shock, really:
US Survey Shows Piracy Common and Accepted

The ability to get your friend's opinions of places to travel (without actually pestering your friends), instead of wondering if the reviewer on Trip Advisor is being a troll:
How Expedia Plans to Make Travel More Social

Are you boring? Dull? Not so much gifted with interest? Well then, this is for you:
How To Be More Interesting (In 10 Simple Steps)

Another shocking development, Facebook and Twitter have been invaded with spammers. Wait, so you mean that the random hot chick that tried to follow me on twitter, yet only tweets in (*i think) Russian is a spammer? Dude, WTH?
Facebook, Twitter Battle Spammers