Using A Translation Service

Writen by Neil Payne

In a market full of translators, translation agencies and translation directories one is forgiven for feeling confused as to where to go and who to use. Finding a good translation service or translator is a key business decision that should not be taken lightly.

The need for reputable translation agencies and translators to take out professional indemnity insurance is in itself an indication that things can and do go wrong, sometimes with heavy financial consequences.

Financial losses may occur through using a poor translation service or translator in a number of ways. For example, a badly translated business document, such as a contract or proposal, can have a devastating effect if a business decision has been based on faulty information. A brochure or advertising campaign that has not taken into consideration local cultures can lead to a huge dent in an advertising budget with only negative PR as the result. The possibilities for something to go wrong are endless.

A good translation service or translator will be able to provide you with a solid background in translation, a good network of translators to provide proof-reading in addition to the straight forward translation and an understanding of the cultural impact of language and translation.

'Cultural Assessment' or 'Linguistic Screening' is a process whereby the translation service will examine your text, brochure or advertisement and ensure that none of the words, images, photos or even brand name translate badly into the target audience.

The following translations are all examples of what happens when a good translation service is not used….

Clairol did not test market in Germany the name of its "Mist-Stick"-- a mist-producing hair curling iron. Mist translates in German as "excrement" and a "manure-stick" did not draw much interest.

A new facial cream with the name "Joni" was proposed to be marketed in India. They changed the name since the word translated in Hindi meant "female genitals."

In Italy, a campaign for Schweppes Tonic Water translated the name into "Schweppes Toilet Water."

Scandanavian Vacuum manufacturer Electrolux translated the following in an American ad campaign: "Nothing sucks like an Electrolux."

Colgate introduced a toothpaste in France called 'Cue', the name of a notorious porno magazine.

Coors had it's slogan, "Turn it loose," translated into Spanish, where it became "Suffer from diarrhoea."

….or when you take the D.I.Y. approach to translation:

In a Belgrade hotel elevator: To move the cabin, push the button for wishing floor. If the cabin should enter more persons, each one should press a number of wishing floor. Driving is then going alphabetically by national order.

In a Yugoslavian hotel: The flattening of underwear with pleasure is the job of the chambermaid.

In an Austrian hotel catering to skiers: Not to perambulate the corridors in the hours of repose in the boots of ascension.

In an East African newspaper: A new swimming pool is rapidly taking shape since the contractors have thrown in the bulk of their workers.

In a Copenhagen airline ticket office: We take your bags and send them in all directions.

At a Budapest zoo: Please do not feed the animals. If you have any suitable food, give it to the guard on duty.

Although comical, the above examples perfectly demonstrate how easy it is for your translation to cause you problems. It is crucial one understands fully what their needs and requirements are when it comes to translating a piece of work.

Ask yourself the following before commissioning any translation service with a piece of work:

1)What is the nature of the document or text? Why does it need to be translated? Who will use it or read it?

2)Does it really need translating? Can it be summarised for gist instead?

3)Can diagrams, pictures or maps be used to replace text which may be too descriptive or complex?

4)Will it be used abroad or by people from differing cultures? Even if a piece of work is going to be used by American, Australian and British personnel ensure that a Cultural Applicability test is performed.

These basic measures can help avoid translation blunders and ensure your translation service provider understands fully the nature of the piece of work.

Neil Payne is MD of Kwintessential, a cross cultural communications consultancy. Visit their site at: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/translation/translation.html

Learn The Easy Wayfrom Other Peoples Mistakes

Writen by Timothy Walker

We've all been subjected to awful speakers—some are boring, others are sanctimonious, a few are tedious. The one thing all of these rotten speakers have in common is this: listening to them is pure torture and all you can think about is how you will never get the last thirty minutes of your life back.

Most of us tune out quickly once we are subjected to a lousy speaker. We pretend to take notes on our Palms only to check our email or add items to our To Do List. We daydream about our summer vacations. Occasionally, we literally fall asleep.

The master communicator does none of these things. Instead, the master listens and watches the poor speaker AND watches the other audience members carefully. The master understands that the more you know about how other speakers lose their audiences, the less likely you are to lose your own audience the next time you have to speak.

Only by watching and listening to dreadful speakers can you break down, step-by-step, exactly what their mistakes are. Once mistakes are isolated, they are easier not to repeat.

The essential ingredient that master communicators must have is self-awareness. The masters must be able to see other people's blunders and acknowledge that they too have made the same mistakes and are likely to do so again and unless they remind themselves constantly not to do so.

For example, most of us have sat through countless business presentations from executives that are incredibly boring because the speaker lists one abstract fact after another, quickly. The speaker races through 157 key developments that happened in his division during the last 6 months. Not a single example, story, anecdote, vignette or case study is offered, just a quick regurgitation of abstract bullet points.

We've all been there, and yet most executives planning a presentation make the exact same blunder when creating and delivering their own speeches. They have no self-awareness.

Master communicators are not necessarily any smarter or harder working than average or boring speakers. The only difference is that they ask themselves, "Why would I want to submit someone to the same thing I hate myself?"

When given the option, I always choose to watch another speaker by standing at the front of the room and on the far left or right side of the room. This allows for a clear and unobstructed view of the speaker and the rest of the audience without being distracting to either. From this position it is easy to see when a speaker is buried in notes, gives insufficient eye contact or ignores whole sections of the room.

Take note when you hear other people speak; your notes should include info on subject matter as well as presentation technique. Your notes may include entries such as this:

"Sally held everyone's attention brilliantly for the first five minutes as she gave us a blow by blow description of her battle with the account executive at the Acme widget company, but the second she launched into her slides, the energy went out of her voice and the room. Five minutes later, I noticed everyone was slouching and shifting in their chairs uncomfortably. After ten minutes of her slide presentation, I could swear I saw Dickinson nodding off and then catching himself and pretending to mask his snore with a throat clearing."

Everyone makes speaking mistakes. The master communicators reduce theirs by learning from yours. You can too.

TJ Walker is the worlds leading speaking coach, author of "Presentation Training A-Z." and "Media Training A-Z." He is the current host of http://www.Speakcast.com and http://www.SpeakingChannel.tv and can be reached at info@speakcast.com. You can read more of his presentation and media tips at http://www.tjsinsights.com

Are Mortgages A Risky Business

Writen by Jenny Barclay

A bank or mortgage company is nothing more than a box in which to keep money. The owner of the box has to do a few calculations.  Firstly, how much is he going to offer those people who deposit cash in his box, in return for such a deposit? Secondly, how much of that money should he keep as cash in case the owners of that cash want it back? Maybe 5%, maybe 10%, what are the regulations in his jurisdiction? Thirdly, how much is he going to charge those people who wish to borrow the money of others, previously deposited in his box?

The person who owns the box then sets out to find lots of other people to put their spare cash in the box, in return for which he promises to give them their money back plus interest. In the eyes of some economists, these people are lenders and not investors. This terminology is based on the fact that the capital investment of lenders does not change, whereas the capital value of investors, in stocks or property for example, can go up or down. The owner of the box then has to find other people who do not have spare cash, but in fact wish to borrow it.

Fixed or variable?

Both the lenders and the borrowers can sometimes be bewildered by the variety of terms offered by such institutions. The easiest terms to understand are those that are based on a current rate that will vary according to the market for interest rates, which alters daily, although the companies will try to even out such daily fluctuations with only periodic changes in the rate. Fixed rates, for a given period, are more difficult for the average lender or borrower to understand, a fact that has given rise in the past to greedy companies being able to reap huge benefits from such lack of knowledge. The reason for an institution wanting to attract deposits at a fixed rate could be based on the fact that their advisors calculate that interest rates are going to rise. Should they find it possible to attract deposits at e.g. 3% over 3 years, and then find that current rates are 5%, they will be somewhat pleased. In the case of a borrower finding that they are in this situation they should be congratulated for being better at guessing than the company's advisors. On the other hand, a borrower tied in to a contract at say 10% for several years who then finds that rates have dropped to 5%, will not exactly be celebrating. In my short experience since I started at university fourteen years ago, I have seen deposit rates vary from 14.5% down to 1.5%.

Is a bank safe?

There is also a common belief among lenders that their capital is safe. In the absence of a government or similar state authority providing such a guarantee, this can be far from the case. At university one of the cases we studied, was that of a particular savings bank. A rumour went around the city that the bank was in trouble. A great number of people went to the bank to withdraw their savings. Those that represented the first few % of the total deposit had no problem. When the percentage rose to 6%, which in this case was the amount decided by "the owner of the box", the rumour became fact in that there was no cash to pay out to depositors. As this was in a country in which the owners of all the boxes were members of a club, the aim of which was to protect the undeserved, but perceived, reputation of said members, the members sent round security vans with sufficient cash to pay out all those who people who "had taken notice of an unfounded rumour." Things quietened down after a while, and the government decided to introduce legislation to create a minimum liquidity level.
 

Another case we studied was that of one of the world's largest banks, the board of which was mainly composed of greedy souls. They had decided that the stock market was a good place to keep the liquidity margin, so that in the event of a bear market, they could create more profit for the shareholders. A sudden bear market wiped out the liquidity margin, and the bank came within a hair's breadth of going belly up.

 Once the bank has reached a substantial size, the liquidity should be sufficiently large to cater for all such panic withdrawals, unless of course the panic is as great as 1929.

For the borrower it provides a necessary service, and apart from penal conditions imposed on borrowers, is a vital service to our society. From the investor's point of view, it depends firstly on the mentality of the treasury function within the bank, and secondly the legislation that governs their actions and accountancy practices. From the investor's point of view, considering investing in the stock of such an organisation, it depends entirely on an analysis of the bank's net worth and profitability. Both the examples mentioned above have since gone from strength to strength, and have since been bought for more billions that most of us can count.

© Jenny Barclay

Jenny Barclay majored in math. and economics, and obtained a masters in viability of banking institutions. She is currently studying Spanish in Andalucia, Spain. This article may be reproduced on websites subject to credit being given to the author, and a link to her website. http://www.regent-estates-group.com/s/apartments-for-sale-fuengirola/index.cfm

Top Dog Has No Papers New Trend In Business Clears The Way For Innovative Thinking

Writen by Barbara Hemphill

How many times have you looked around your office and cringed at all the piles of paperwork? You're not alone, says Barbara Hemphill, author of "Taming the Paper Tiger at Work" and president of Hemphill Productivity Institute. People everywhere—especially top executives and entrepreneurs—are finding themselves bogged down by the clutter that's taken over their desks.

As a top dog, how can you ensure that your executives—and you—are doing everything possible to engineer a creative environment? Hemphill offers insights on how to clear the way for strategic thinking as well as how hiring and training your dream strategic assistant can be the best investment you'll ever make.

Gone are the old days in business, when the top brass had secretaries and assistants at their disposal, many of who spent part of their days trying to look busy.

"Now the pendulum has swung too far the other way," Hemphill explains. "Because of cutbacks in staffing budgets, the top dog now spends part of his or her day performing administrative tasks, following up on details and filing paperwork.

Most executives and entrepreneurs are dreamers and thinkers, not organizers. "The top dogs come up with ideas," Hemphill says. "They're not as good at following through—that's the purpose of a team. The papers and files piled high on their desks only serve as reminders of ideas that didn't work. You can't be a visionary when you're bogged down in paperwork."

© Barbara Hemphill is the author of Kiplinger's Taming the Paper Tiger at Work and Taming the Paper Tiger at Home and co-author of Love It or Lose It: Living Clutter-Free Forever. The mission of Hemphill Productivity Institute is to help individuals and organizations create and sustain a productive environment so they can accomplish their work and enjoy their lives. We do this by organizing space, information, and time. We can be reached at 800-427-0237 or at www.ProductiveEnvironment.com

International Business Etiquette

Writen by Neil Payne

"To have respect for ourselves guides our morals; and to have a deference for others governs our manners." Lawrence Sterne, Irish novelist & satirist (1713 - 1768)

Etiquette, or good manners, is an important part of our day to day lives. Whether we realise it or not we are always subconsciously adhering to rules of etiquette. Much of the time these are unwritten; for example giving up your seat to a lady or elderly person, queuing for a bus in an orderly fashion according to who arrived first or simply saying "please" or "thank you". All are examples of etiquette; complex unwritten rules that reflect a culture's values.

Etiquette accomplishes many tasks. However, the one noteworthy function that etiquette does perform is that it shows respect and deference to another. By doing so it maintains good interpersonal relationships. Ultimately, it could be argued, etiquette is about making sure that when people mix together there are rules of interaction in place that ensure their communication, transaction or whatever it may be goes smoothly.

We all now how we or others feel when a lack of etiquette is shown. If someone jumps the queue, does not thank you for holding the door open for them or forgets to shake your hand, we naturally feel disrespected and perturbed.

International Business Etiquette

Keeping the above points in mind, now consider the complexities of working on the international stage. Modern business is global and demands people travel to foreign countries and mix with foreign clients, colleagues or customers. Each one of those cultures will also have their own etiquette rules, many of them unwritten. When two or more different cultures mix, it is easy for small etiquette mistakes to be made that could have negative consequences. Just as you may have felt annoyed when a foreign businessman did not shake your hands upon greeting you, imagine how your Chinese client must have felt when you wrote on his business card or your Indian colleague reacted when you flatly rejected an offer of a meal. Sometimes, not understanding the etiquette of another culture means you show a lack of manners and as Lawrence Sterne said, a lack of deference. This can and does lead to soured relationships, lost deals and in the end poor business results. Anyone working on the international stage needs to understand international business etiquette.

International business etiquette manifests in many shapes and sizes. Throughout the world people from different cultures have varying etiquette rules around areas such as personal space, communication, gift giving, food, business meetings and much more. For those wanting to make a good impression and understanding of international business etiquette is crucial. By way of introducing some of the key areas within international business etiquette we shall look at the following common areas...

Business Card Etiquette:

When you exchange business cards (even if you exchange them) do you simply pass it over and forget about it? In many countries the business card has certain etiquette rules. For example in the Arab world you would never give or receive a business card with your left hand. In China and Japan you should try and use both hands to give and receive. In addition it is always good etiquette to examine the card and make a positive comment on it. Whereas in the UK it may be OK to sling the business card into a pocket, in many countries you should always treat it with much more respect such as storing it in a business card holder.

The Etiquette of Personal Space:

How close do you stand to people? Is it impolite to touch somebody? What about gender differences? In the Middle East you may get very touchy-feely with the men, yet one should never touch a woman. A slap on the back may be OK in Mexico but in China it is a serious no-no. Touch someone on the head in Thailand or Indonesia and you would have caused great insult. Without an appreciation of international business etiquette, these things would never be known.

The Etiquette of Gift Giving:

Many countries such as China and Japan have many etiquette rules surrounding the exchange of business gifts. International business etiquette allows you an insight into what to buy, how to give a gift, how to receive, whether to open in front of the giver and what gifts not to buy. Great examples of gifts to avoid are anything alcoholic in Muslim countries, anything with four of anything in Japan and clocks in China.

The Etiquette of Communication:

Some cultures like to talk loudly (US and Germany), some softly (India and China); some speak directly (Holland and Denmark) others indirectly (UK and Japan); some tolerate interrupting others while speaking (Brazil) others not (Canada); some are very blunt (Greece) and some very flowery (Middle East). All will believe the way they are communicating is fine, but when transferred into an international context this no longer applies. Without the right international business etiquette it is easy to offend.

By way of conclusion we can state that etiquette helps maintain good relations with people. When dealing with people from a shared culture, everyone knows the rules and there is not much to think about. Those that lack etiquette are branded as uncouth and rude. However, this is not the same when working on the international stage. Someone may very well come across as being rude through a lack of etiquette but this may be because in their culture that behaviour is normal. As a result international business etiquette is a key skill for those wanting to be successful when working abroad. Through a great appreciation and understanding of others' cultures you build stronger and longer lasting business relationships.

Neil Payne is Managing Director of Kwintessential, a consultancy specialising in a range of Intercultural Communication services.

Belize Incorporation Services

Writen by Bruce Stander

Belize is a democratic, politically and economically stable Central American country - facts which offer potential investors and companies looking for incorporation services the peace of mind required when it comes to their consideration of the jurisdiction. These business types require special licensing. The country is committed to remaining 100% attractive in terms of its ability to secure the privacy and wealth management of international companies who choose to incorporate and/or bank offshore in Belize. Shareholders and directors can be the same person or corporate entity, there is only one shareholder and director required, they do not need to reside locally in Belize and nominee shareholders and directors can be appointed. Belize international business companies have many benefits and this article provides an overview of the most relevant and pertinent features.

Simply put, offshore company incorporation in Belize is not only easy, it is highly effective when it comes to overall tax reduction planning and securing privacy. There is no company secretary required, nor is there a requirement for separate shareholders and directors. The country is committed to remaining 100% attractive in terms of its ability to secure the privacy and wealth management of international companies who choose to incorporate and/or bank offshore in Belize. When it comes to the taxation of an offshore company incorporated in Belize there is really only one thing to know and that is an offshore IBC is exempt from all taxes and stamp duty! Belize is a democratic, politically and economically stable Central American country - facts which offer potential investors and companies looking for incorporation services the peace of mind required when it comes to their consideration of the jurisdiction.

The structure of a Belize IBC is totally non-restrictive. Shareholders and directors can be the same person or corporate entity, there is only one shareholder and director required, they do not need to reside locally in Belize and nominee shareholders and directors can be appointed. These business types require special licensing. One of the most interesting and attractive features of an IBC in Belize, and a feature that sets International Business Companies incorporated offshore in Belize heads above most others is the level of security and privacy afforded the company, its shareholders and directors. Simply put, offshore company incorporation in Belize is not only easy, it is highly effective when it comes to overall tax reduction planning and securing privacy.

There is no company secretary required, nor is there a requirement for separate shareholders and directors. There is no company secretary required, nor is there a requirement for separate shareholders and directors. One of the most interesting and attractive features of an IBC in Belize, and a feature that sets International Business Companies incorporated offshore in Belize heads above most others is the level of security and privacy afforded the company, its shareholders and directors. There is no company secretary required, nor is there a requirement for separate shareholders and directors. These business types require special licensing.

The country is committed to remaining 100% attractive in terms of its ability to secure the privacy and wealth management of international companies who choose to incorporate and/or bank offshore in Belize. The names, identities and any information relating to the shareholders and directors of the company are 100% confidential; they never appear on any official document or record and as stated; if this isn't enough privacy for you then nominee directors and shareholders can be appointed. There are many potential benefits to establishing an International Business Company offshore, but few jurisdictions offer the features and benefits that Belize does. When it comes to the taxation of an offshore company incorporated in Belize there is really only one thing to know and that is an offshore IBC is exempt from all taxes and stamp duty!

Bruce Stander is the marketing manager of Worldwide Corporate Services. WCS offers affordable offshore company formation.

Find The Perfect Job Online

Writen by Stephen Mcbride

If you have a desire to work in a particular field it may not be as difficult as you first believed. Searching on the Internet will enable you to study the requirements that are necessary to work in the field of your choice. From there you can assess whether you have the skills and qualifications required.

If you do, you can find vacancies of the kind you are seeking and usually make online applications. This enables you to work on your CV and covering letter in your own time so that it will not affect your current job, if applicable.

Alternatively, if you do not have the necessary qualifications, you can use the Internet to discover how to go about achieving them, and, in many cases, find online or home study courses which you can subscribe to in order to gain the qualification you require. This has an additional benefit to just equipping you with the right skills. It also demonstrates to a potential employer that you are a dedicated individual, committed to working in that field and determined to succeed at it.

These skills are very valuable to employers and will allow you to stand out as a potential candidate for any vacancies they may have.

For those whose dream is to work from home instead of following the normal 9-5 routine with the daily commute, the Internet also provides genuine opportunities. There are sites which allow people to work on a freelance basis, applying for individual projects rather than permanent vacancies, and setting their own salary requirements and deadlines.

Registered freelancers are required to state the type of work they are seeking and have the opportunity to write a general overview of their skills and experience. Then, whenever a new project is listed which matches their requirements, an email is sent inviting them to bid on the project. The employer then selects the freelancer who they feel is best suited to the job and the work begins.

This way of working does not provide financial security but it does allow people to work when they choose from the comfort of their own home. Projects are listed daily and there is an unending array of work to bid on.

Stephen Mcbride is the webmaster of http://www.Northern-Ireland-Jobs.co.uk, a Northern Ireland jobs website dedicated to bringing local employers and jobseekers together.

Binders

Writen by Max Bellamy

Binders are perfect presentation solutions. They organize loose papers and help give a more professional impression for presentations. They have been around since the later half of 19th century. However, since 1954 the American thermoplastic industry pioneered manufacturing and custom printing of these loose-leaf products.

Binders are available in a gamut of types, styles, sizes, colors and capacities. You can pick and choose the one that best suits your requirements. Add to it state-of-the-art screen printing and you can get your Binder personalized with your name, corporate logo or anything else.

Different types of Binders use different binding methods. There are Binders that have binding types like coil bind, comb bind, velo bind, wire bind and ring bind. Then there are binding methods like element binding, thermal binding, tape binding and channel binding.

Element binding employs the usage of a binding element in combination with a whole pattern on a document. The most common types of element binding are wire, plastic comb, and plastic coil. The pitch of binding means the number of holes per inch. The wire binding has a pitch of 3:1 and 2:1 whereas the coil binding has a pitch of 4:1.

In thermal binding heated glue is used to fasten the document to a cover. It produces a ""wrap-around"" look that appears like a library-quality bound book. Thermal binding uses a cover with a strip of glue on the inside of the spine, and a piece of equipment that heats the glue around the document.

Tape binding uses a heated glue to execute binding just like the thermal binding process. However, the glue is present on a long strip that looks like a tape. These strips wrap around the spine of a document. They are then heated to activate the glue and bind the document.

There are several types of Binders available in the market. To name a few, there are 3-ring Binders, leather Binders, wire Binders, coil Binders, comb Binders and of course custom Binders. Generally, Binders are available in standard sizes. However, if you want Binders with a size customized especially for you, this is where custom Binders will come into the picture. You can get them personalized by imprinting a corporate logo, your name, company name, specific color, theme or picture or just about anything.

Binders provides detailed information about binders, 3-ring binders, coil binders, custom binders and more. Binders is the sister site of Cheap Cell Phone Batteries.

What Makes You So Special An Exercise In Differentiation

Writen by Audrey Burton

Targeting your marketing is the cornerstone to a successful marketing plan. But, what if you're in a business that is in a highly competitive market? A good example of a highly commoditized business includes residential real estate. There are many, many residential real estate agents who charge about the same amount for their services, regardless of the type of home.

In a highly commoditized business, competition is often based solely on price. For example, if you wanted to purchase manila file folders and there were a drug store and an office supply store selling identical items, next door to each other, you would likely purchase the less expensive item.

The same can be true for businesses – the more commoditized, the more likely you will compete based on price. It doesn't have to be that way, and I advise you not to go that route!

Let's again consider the RE agent. Since the commission received for selling a home is about the same for everyone, the agent MUST differentiate herself from others. If she begins to compete on price and cuts her commission, she devalues herself, and it's difficult to climb out of that hole.

If the client does any comparison shopping, and they will, you need to be prepared. Here are examples of ways in which a RE agent can differentiate herself:

(1.) years of experience
(2.) expertise in a specific type of home ($1MM+, condos, co-ops, etc.)
(3.) expertise in a certain neighborhood/area
(4.) education level
(5.) types of clients serviced (entertainers, first-time buyers, Spanish-speaking)
(6.) awards won
(7.) sense of humor/personality!

When the potential client is shopping around, it is important for you to stand out, to be remembered. Don't always use all your points of differentiation; pick the best one and sell it. In addition, make sure your points of differentiation are actually DIFFERENT than what your competition says about themselves! Don't use generalities like "best service", "highest quality" or "great value". Be specific!! These statements are like so much white noise – your target won't even hear them.

If you have a more unique, less commoditized business, like a small business coach for example, it is still important to understand your points of difference in case the prospect asks. Even if they don't ask, it can sometimes help you in your sales interaction (website, business card, networking, advertising, in person meeting) to mention your differences. My points of differentiation include:

(1.) 50% longer coaching sessions than 'average'
(2.) practical, not metaphysical or spiritual, approach
(3.) lots of flexibility in appointment timing
(4.) no long-term contracts

In hearing your points, the prospect may lose interest in shopping around and be more convinced to make a purchase, or she may know right away that yours is not the right product for her. This is better for you, also, as you are not wasting your time continuing to follow up for nothing.

Copyright 2006 Audrey Burton

Audrey Burton is a practical Small Business Coach. She eliminates business/marketing overwhelm and gets you excited to work on your business again! To sign up for her free, monthly email newsletter, visit her site: www.TigressCoaching.com .

Cookies Arent Just For Eating Anymore

Writen by Lia Spithas

Confused about cookies? Not the chocolate chip variety; the computer-related kind. Here is some information that'll help you understand what cookies do, why they do it, and how to control them.

First, a definition. Cookies are tiny text files which are placed on your computer's hard drive by a Web server, ready for future access. They have many applications, but are mainly used to personalize your Internet search engine by storing information like passwords, Web addresses, and virtual shopping carts. Cookies are important when you personalize a Web page, register for products or services, or shop, because information becomes easy to access each time you re-visit a specific Web site.

Cookies are based on a two-step process. During the first step, after visiting a Web site, a Web server creates text which contains your personalized information and then transmits that information, in a text file, to your hard drive. The second step is for your computer to transfer the text file (cookie) back to the Web server. Whenever you direct your browser to display a Web site, the browser transmits the cookie back to the Web server. This is why you see local weather on your personal Yahoo page or "Welcome Bob" when visiting Amazon.com.

"We use cookies in our programming so that users have a better online experience," says IdeaStar Software Developer Doug Hayes. "Cookies are especially important for consumer Web sites like the health insurance and performing arts sites that IdeaStar develops. And they are vital to larger consumer and password protected sites."

Some people assume that tracking Web activity and storing information with cookies is a problem, because information is being silently gathered and transferred without any notification. However, for the average Internet user, information contained in cookies only improves the Internet experience. Still, knowing that cookies are working behind the scenes doesn't hurt.

Generally, Web browsers are set to automatically delete cookies after a set amount of time, eliminating the need to manually remove them. Similarly, your browser may be set to automatically replace older cookies with newer ones, so that they are constantly adjusting. However, Doug says "It is a good idea to delete cookies if you are using a shared computer. If you don't, there is a chance that the next person could log on and pick up right where you left off. The main thing to remember is that almost everything will be stored (at least temporarily), so be cautious of what information you are sharing."

Although there are some variations, cookies may be controlled in many browsers in the following way:

1. Select Tools, then

2. Options or Internet Options

3. Click the Privacy or Security tab

4. Then follow the instructions for cookies.

Or, you can go to GetNetWise ( http://privacy.getnetwise.org/browsing/tools/ ) and read the instructions on how to change your browser's setting to customize how it manages cookies.(There's even a link to help determine which Web browser you are using.) Keep in mind disabling all cookies, could limit your use of some sites and can prevent you from accessing others.

About The Author Lia Spithas works for IdeaStar Inc., which designs, develops, manages, and promotes leading edge Web sites. Read more about us at: http://www.ideastar.com http://www.insurance-technologies.com http://insuratech.blogspot.com/ http://ideastar.blogspot.com/

The Twosided Faces Of Internet

Writen by Vicheka Lay

Technology-dominated world has, to some extend, transformed human life; either positively or negatively. All of us dream of even a more developed technology than today; however, we see the evil faces that internet is playing, while state's administration over the internet traffic is inadequate. So what the positive and negative faces of internet and their resolutions are?

I. Its Positive Aspects
Referred to as "the world's largest library", internet is wonderful source of information and other learning aspects. Much better chance to self-expression and personal communication, as well as reading sources for bookworms, I would name it "revolutionary enlightenment."

Just a few pieces of paper will never adequately tabulate the advantages of internet; from gaining accesses for handicaps to participate in the society to facilitating the cop to arrest the terrorists in other parts of the world. An ambition toward freer spiritual enlightenment beyond the national boundary has been made clear-cut by internet, as I have named it above: "revolutionary enlightenment."

However, nothing is perfect, as our Creators and scholars have stipulated. We do not blame the internet pioneers of creating the evils, but blame those who have turned the crystal ideas of humanist into a shameful doubt.

Again, internet, due to its evil second face, I would name it "evil abstract revolution." So what are the grounds caching behind the aforesaid expression?

II. Its Negative Aspects
The growing of internet usage is always on the forefront of laws and other regulation pertaining administering over the evil use of internet services are the problems that the state has to face. The purpose of this part of the article is to point to the simple and practical evils brought in by internet to its users and prospective users.

Irrational Use of Time
Due to the eye-catching and persuasive entertainments of internet, students have gained nothing from those entertainments. Countless and always-on-the-move kinds of entertainment have crazed students mind; making them forget their purpose of coming to internet café. All of these evils contained in the internet have extraordinarily washed students' time, money and resources. Not only for the students or youngsters, stern students, bookworms or intellectuals are made confused by the just-a-click-world of internet. The links on the screen have steered those willing to learn out of their ways and imagine how hard for them to be back on the right track?

Sex-Provoking Features
This happens a lot in Cambodia, a country where the government takes almost no interference into the internet traffic. In this country, even a five-year old boy can gain access to pornography; moreover, since there is no adequate administration over students' schooling lives, they may skip school for chatting: their technology caffeine. This is the fact that I myself found while I was on the internet accesses.

III. Author's Suggestions
For the on-the-surface problems, the author of this article would suggest practical resolutions, resolutions that even a primary school student can understand.

Better Administration over Students' Schooling Lives: We do understand that government's interference into private sector is thought as obsolete in this world, but for the sake of public betterment, it is not a sin to do so. Observing and controlling over students' study hours so that they would not skip school for pornography or chatting on the net would be of great significance.

Besides these, we do need collaboration from the owner of the internet shop and other stakeholders to attain our public goal.

Lay Vicheka, the newspaper columnist, translator for the most well-known translation agency in Cambodia, has now just received the "expert author status" from this website. With experience in law and politics, he is now contributing to different websites around the world, mostly on the field on humanity. He can be contact: 221H Street 93, Tuol Sangke village, Tuol Sangke quarter, Russey Keo district, Phnom Penh, tel: 855 11 286 445, email: vichekalay@yahoo.com.

How Online Bookstores Can Help You Place A Value On A Book

Writen by Justine Eaglestone

One of the great benefits of the internet to book lovers is that they can now determine the market value of a book by consulting online bookstores. They can also consult book price comparison services to see at a glance what several bookstores are asking for precisely the same book.

Often people come to our brick and mortar used-book shop asking the value of a certain book. In most cases it turns out to be much less valuable, in monetary terms, than the person had supposed. Often the book-owner confuses the sentimental value of the book (my great-aunt Molly left it to me) with the price that the market may be willing to pay for that particular book. Where the sentimental value is high, the monetary value is invariably low.

Before the explosion of online book dealing, which began around 1994, determining the real value of a book was a headache. One ended up phoning experts for price guidelines or wading through printed catalogues or else just using one's gut feel. Now it is possible with the click of a mouse to see where a book fits into the book price universe.

The method of using online bookstores to value books is in fact how secondhand bookstores determine whether it is worth buying a book. When confronted with an old leather-bound volume, for instance, and asked to make an offer for it, the book dealer will in all likelihood head for the PC.

If there are only a couple of copies of identical books (in terms of edition and condition) in the online bookstore and the lowest priced of them has a high price (anything above $20), then it may be worth the dealer's while for her to offer to buy the book. She would then mark it up to the lowest listed price or even lower. The book dealer may or may not list the book for sale on the internet, but even if the book is put on the shelves in a secondhand bookshop in the mall, then the bookshop owner has the satisfaction of knowing she is not ripping off the public or doing herself down either.

It is important to note that the listed prices of books in internet bookstores are asking prices only. There is no comprehensive database yet, of book prices that have been realized. It is fair to assume though, that as the number of books available for sale in online bookstores approaches the one billion mark, the more authoritative and accurate the aggregate prices for listed books are becoming. The sheer weight of numbers is also showing up those online bookstores, or individual booksellers on group sites, whose prices are unrealistically high.

All this data can never take into account the subjective reasons for which people so often buy books. These include the smell of the pages, a memory of this book in someone's house, a half-recalled phrase, an arresting illustration, the feel of well-worn boards. These emotional feel-good factors may persuade buyers to purchase a book, even at a premium price. Most of these things can be appreciated by buyers only in a walk-in bookstore, where they can browse at leisure and in peace.

The internet book store can never replace the experience of browsing and its emotional responses. The smart book dealer in the brick and mortar store should take this into account and factor it into the price of her books.

About the author: Justine Eaglestone is a journalist brick-and-mortar bookstore owner, online bookdealer and booksite specialist. See her blog at http://search-book-sites.blogspot.com/ and website http://www.abillionbooks.com/

Track Your Myspace Profile Visitors

Writen by Paul Giordano

I know that everyone who is on MySpace has had the same burning questions that I've had. How can I see who has viewed my MySpace profile? Where can I find a MySpace Tracker? Since MySpace has become so popular, so have the MySpace profile stalkers. Could be your friends, neighbors, ex-boyfriends or ex-girlfriends, or even someone you don't even know. We are fortunate enough to have the technology for 3rd party websites to provide the code to allow you to see who visits your profile. Unfortunately, the majority of the code that these websites offer have been eliminated because they violate MySpace's TOS (terms of service). Don't get disappointed yet, there are some alternatives.

I still remember the short reign of a very popular website, www.profilesnoop.com. This site provided members with a MySpace tracker code they could enter into their MySpace profile which allowed the tracking of anyone who viewed their profile. After entering the code, you could login to Profilesnoop to see everyone who has viewed your profile. It even had their MySpace pictures! This was very convenient for a short while, until without notice, it stopped working. Apparently, this code violated MySpace's TOS and the code automatically was cut out of your profile. After this, profilesnoop.com quickly lost fan base. This left millions of MySpacers in question and looking to find another MySpace tracker.

A great alternate option that does not violate MySpace's TOS is using a website counter in your MySpace profile as a MySpace tracker. There are a select few counters that allow you to track your MySpace profile visitors right down to the town they live in. A great counter that I highly recommend Wunder MySpace Tracker. This counter allows you to track every time your MySpace Profile is viewed, and also lets you see where each viewer is located. With this information, you can easily find out which member is checking you out.

My best advice to you is that if you want a great MySpace Tracker that will not get you kicked off MySpace start using a quality web counter. With a trackers like these, you can find out exactly who is checking you out on MySpace.

PaulG is an expert on internet social groups, especially MySpace. Check out his blog MySpace Trends for more great tips and ideas about MySpace.

Continuous Improvement Pdca The Act Phase

Writen by Andrew Gowans

We have now reached the fourth phase of the PDCA cycle. This article completes the loop (as well as setting the foundation for beginning at Phase 1 again - Continuous Improvement.

As mentioned in the previous articles of the set, some benefits may be derived from reading this article in isolation. However, if you get the chance, please read and use the complete set. The article ids follow...

Make Continuous Improvement One Of Your Goals - As Soon As You Possibly Can (ID: 74077)
Continuous Improvement - PDCA - The PLAN Phase (ID: 76694)
Continuous Improvement - PDCA - The DO Phase (ID: 78506)
Continuous Improvement - PDCA - The CHECK Phase (ID: 81089)

O.K.

We have Planned in Phase 1

We have Done in Phase 2

We have Checked in Phase 3

Let's Act in Phase 4...

Congratulations! are in order. The process has been followed and the desired improvement or project implementation has been successful, even if only in part - YES, you've got it - that's the whole point of continuous improvement.

Remember the famous question, how do you eat an elephant?

ONE BITE AT A TIME!

So, what do we do with this improvement? We certainly don't want to lose it or return to whatever root cause(s) existed before.

There are a few but fundamental actions - in summary...

Standardize the effective changes

Stay in complete control by documenting your improvements

Make the improvement the new norm BUT continually monitor the effect using the same measurement techniques

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

"Do not be afraid to make decisions,
do not be afraid to make mistakes." Carly Fiorina

STEP 6 Standardize and Stay in Control

Document your changes

If others involved, communicate changes

Discuss any issues or objections if they arise

Solicit feedback

Plan ongoing monitoring of your changes

Plan to collect ongoing feedback

If your results are uneven or if you identified other potential improvement areas within your current theme or project,
you may need to start the cycle again by revisiting your original data.

As with any good, solid process, we can return to any point in that process and determine where we need to pick up

Use all your experiences gained throughout the cycle.
Take time to reflect and consider what worked, what didn't.
How can you apply this PDCA Improvement Cycle to your future plans or other improvement opportunities.

STEP 7 Your Next Steps

If you led a team to achieve the desired results, please make sure you celebrate your joint success, and promote your team's success.

Enjoy the benefits resulting from your improvements (but remember to monitor)

As you now know that PDCA works and you have had so much fun in the process! You can continue with other improvement opportunities.

"If you don't like how things are, change it! You're not a tree." Jim Rohn

In Summary

Documentation, Standardization, Communication and Celebration are paramount!

O.K. we have looked at the complete PDCA process and each of its component steps. We realise following this process takes time.

This process or methodology identifies flaws / defects in a defined process or activity, and identifies the means by which we can improve the results of the activity or process.

However, we can also see that the same PDCA process can be used effectively to plan for the introduction and implementation of a new project or business idea.

Let's say we have a significant personal problem that we wish to resolve. Depending on its severity, we can apply the whole PDCA process. Maybe all it will take is creatively using some of the related tools and techniques to identify root causes and possible solutions.

"Persistence is the twin sister of excellence.
One is a matter of quality; the other, a matter of time." Anon.

===============================================================

Providing a focused problem solving approach through our personal and business coaching (especially to small businesses). This approach is linked to providing work at home businesses, affiliates and online businesses with PROFITABLE INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS. Our primary theme and overriding goal is to provide you with the right choices that fit your needs, solve your problems. Our website 'http://www.youraffiliatecoach.com' is content rich with useful information, articles and resources. More importantly there are free to subscribe opportunities to help you by answering questions, offering guidance and our newsletter 'The Webcoach News'. Why not check them all out?

Government Grant Money How Much Is Available For Your Business

Writen by Richard Glenworthy

Are you looking for funding options for your business idea, project, organization or foundation but you are not sure what programs are available and what the eligibility requirements are?

Finding sources of funding is often the single biggest challenge for anyone wanting to start or expand their business. One financing option is federal or state funding from government sources. Whether you need money to start your business, to expand your business, to buy new equipment, to buy inventory, to hire employees, for research and development, or for general cash flow, there is no doubt that extra money can help you reach your objectives.

There are many websites claiming that there are government grants for everyone. This 'free money,' as it is described, seems readily available and easily attainable. The truth is there are government grants available but most require specific criteria to be eligible.

Eligibility can be based on location, sales revenue to date, years in business, and purpose of funding, to name a few.

The process of finding a small business grant program, reviewing the requirements and applying can be time consuming.

The first step is to be aware of the available programs and to determine if their program objectives match the objectives of your business project or organization.

The following links provide program listings for most of the current federal grants available for business and non-profit organizations:

Small Business Administration

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

Each program contains a full description of the requirements and obligations of the agency and the applicant. This information will help you determine which programs apply the most to your assistance needs. The most important sections that will help you are:

- Objectives - Eligibility requirements - Use, and use restrictions - Types of assistance

Each of these sections details what the grantor agency is looking for in a successful application, and what the agency is willing to give to an applicant. By comparing these sections to your project ideas, you will be able to determine whether you have a potential chance of receiving assistance with each program.

Should your business embark on a grant seeking mission? Answer the following questions:

Do the daily affairs of your business allow the time necessary to undertake the grant application process?

Would you benefit from assistance to:

• Locate the appropriate forms and the applicable funding agencies?

• Accurately fill out the forms?

• Acquire reference letters and additional supporting documentation?

• Write a letter of inquiry, a grant proposal, and a cover letter?

• Apply?

If you want to determine what programs you qualify for and how much you are eligible to receive, try GrantAbility.com, where you can enter your specific or general request and it gets reviewed by an experienced grant advisor who will reply with helpful advice. You will also receive free step-by-step instructions on the grant application process.

There are many online resources that will help, including the sites mentioned in this article. Whichever way you decide to proceed with your grant seeking mission, be prepared to invest some time and effort to attain your goals.

Article written by: Richard Glenworthy, Senior Grant Advisor and Editor for GrantAbility.com Grantability's mission is to inform and educate the public regarding government grants and funding options and to assist with the application process.

Recognizing The Talents In Our Own Midst

Writen by Diane M Hoffmann

According to experts in the field of hiring and training development, there is a great potential within our own companies for talented individuals.

Why are we not recognizing those already in our midst? An explanation is: when people are working at lower levels than their management abilities, we can't see what they can really do.

And in this day and age, we have a lot of people laid off from downsized companies who have to take lower level positions for survival.

We just don't recognize who's working for us or with us. We limit our people by their current titles, functions and departments.

Yet getting to know our people is not hard to do – we just need to talk to them! It's up to management to initiate such talks.

Some companies have implemented "Talent Development Programs". What we really need are "Talent Recognition Programs". Management needs to take the time to recognize whom we have amongst those employees currently working as "latent talent".

There are scores of qualified, skilled individuals who have had to take on jobs many levels below their business capabilities and experiences because of economic downturn or simply because nobody has recognized their abilities and given them a chance to prove themselves.

Dig up your employees' resumes again, from the interviewer's forgotten files, and get familiar with them. Let's not leave these highly personal information papers to die in the aftermath of the initial interview. Then let's talk to our people and ask the right questions.

Test with projects that the individual can work on for short periods of time – say a week, a month or three months and find out what they can do. All this should happen with proper delegating, empowerment and regular meetings.

Finally, let's assess ourselves and REGOGNIZE the assets that we have in our people.

/end of article.

You may print this article in your ezine or web site or pass it on to others providing nothing is changed and the bio is fully included at the end of the article.

Diane M. Hoffmann(c)2002.

Diane M. Hoffmann, ph.d., offers business management services, writing and self-publishing services. She has written many articles, seminars and books, including "Contextual Communication, Organization and Training" in which she discusses her practical, sometimes provocative, observations of business management from the top, middle and bottom management perspective. You can see info on this at http://www.hofron.com/ContextualCommunication.htm

6 Ways To Keep Your Online Customers Away From Your Competition

Writen by Rojo Sunsen

1. Stay In Touch

Stay in contact with customers on a regular basis. Offer them a free e-zine subscription. Ask customers if they want to be updated by e-mail when you make changes to your Web site. After every sale follow-up with the customer to see if they are satisfied with their purchase.

2. Friendly Web Site

Make it easy for your customers to navigate on your Web site. Have a "FAQ" page on your Web site to explain anything that might confuse your customers. Ask them to fill out an electronic survey to find out how make your Web site more customer friendly.

3. Easy And Free Communication

Make it easy and for your customers to contact you. Offer as many contact methods as possible. Allow customers contact you by e-mail. Hyperlink your e-mail address so customers won't have to type it. Offer toll free numbers for phone and fax contacts.

4. Teach Your Employees

Make sure employees know and use your customer service policy. Give your employees bonuses or incentives to practice excellent customer service. Tell employees to be flexible with each individual customer, each one has different concerns, needs and wants.

5. Impress Your Customer

Give your customers more than they expect. Send thank you gifts to lifetime customers. E-mail them online greeting cards on holidays or birthdays. Award bonuses or discounts to customers who make a big purchase.

6. Be Nice

Always be polite to your customers. Use the words Please, Thank You, and Your Welcome. Be polite to your customers even if they are being irate with you. Always apologize to your customers should you make a mistake. Admit your mistakes quickly and make it up to them in a big way.

About the author: Rojo Sunsen is a specialized bounty hunter who prefers to work quietly/confidentially for the benefit of her clients.

13 Packaging Trends That Will Make Consumers Buy In 06

Writen by JoAnn Hines

The packaging industry remains in a state of flux with mergers, acquisitions and buyouts every week. Yet, new products and new players appear every day. Despite it all, packaging is virtually recession proof. Simply put, a product needs a package to sell it, so where would we be without it? Here are some important packaging trends for 06 that cannot be overlooked by anyone who wants their products to sell.

Demographics Rule

If you are not on top of these trends then you had better begin to be. Who buys what is constantly in a state of change. Many marketers think that it is ok to have one universal package that appeals to every one. Wrong. Each target demographic has unique needs. Two very hot packaging demographics include women and boomers.

Note: The first boomer turned 60 years of age on 1/1/06. That means that the largest purchasing demographic can be uniquely identified through product packaging. If you don't know or understand what they want, ask me about my special report Packaging Products for Boomers.

Health Prevails

No matter what age they are, people are genuinely concerned about their health. They are watching what they consume. The better job you do in educating this consumer, the more products you can sell. Consumers will increase their awareness of what goes into the products they use or eat. A knowledgeable consumer will be your best customer and the package its where it all begins.

Big Brother IS Watching You

Yes, shades of 1984. With all the advances in intelligent packaging, product manufacturers really can tell what you buy and where. This is going to increase with the advent of new and innovative smart packaging applications. They ultimate goal will be to track every product from the manufacturer, consumer and disposal. There is quite a bit of interest around the "cradle to grave" concept.

Convenience Is King or Queen

It's all about time or the lack of if. The more you can simplify consumers' lives the more you will connect. Think of all the packaging categories that have developed around this concept. HMR-Home meal replacement, Grab and Go, and RTE-ready to eat categories all will continue to improve products and increase sales. Life is not getting any simpler for the majority of us so if you can't help through product packaging, step aside because other company's products will.

One BIG Happy Family

Globalization will continue unabated. Don't just think US consumers. Some of the most intriguing products are not developed in the US. Other innovations will be seen in emerging markets that are not necessarily in NA.

Focus on Functionality

What can you do for me? Tell me why I should buy your product and what benefits I will receive from purchasing it. Don't obfuscate. Seventy percent of purchasing decisions are made in the store in 2.6 seconds. Get to the point and persuade me to buy. Otherwise, I'll spend my shopping dollars on a product that does.

DYI Body and Healthcare

Consumers are taking charge of their own well-being. They evaluate wellness and body care products on the deliverability of benefits. People are reading packages to become well informed about the value of the product.

Green and Greener

The environment is heating up (and I don't mean global warming). Companies are building brands around environmentally friendly products. Think about Wal-Mart and the introduction of corn-based plastics in the produce department. One major shift in consumer acceptance can cause a landslide of new product innovations.

Off the Wall Opportunities

Today's hot category could be tomorrow's loser. Trend tracking is where the latest action comes from. Be sure and seek out the latest trends and how they impact your business. If you are not marketing to women and the 50+ generation, you may be out of business soon.

Product Security Is Paramount

If you cannot prove that, your product is secure and hasn't been tampered with, look out. Just look at some recent examples: poisoned dog food and contaminated milk. Consumers are getting more and more wary of where products come from and how secure they remain though the manufacturing process. Look for many innovations that prevent counterfeiting, tampering, contaminating or any product degradation.

Think Value VS Price

What is this product going to do for me? I'll pay more if it solves a problem. A DuPont-sponsored survey on behalf of Cryovac found that 72 percent of US consumers are willing to pay more for improved food and beverage packaging that guarantees freshness. Wow that can move your product out of the commodity business in a hurry.

Product Saturation And Overkill

As more and more brands develop brand extensions, they are killing the category. Look at the growth of private label. Branded goods are going to have to work harder to capture a consumer's attention. Advertising alone isn't getting the job done. The demand for private labels will continue to escalate at the expense of branded products.

Niche Me Please

There are lots of new and exciting niche markets just waiting for your products. Don't overlook opportunities to market to new consumers in unconventional ways. Last but not least don't overlook the Internet for you products. Remember packaging considerations for marketing online are different from conventional outlets.

So if you want to package products consumers will buy keep the above in mind and: Look outside your industry for innovative packaging ideas. Don't become so "industry" focused that you overlook opportunities in other markets. Get grounded in hot consumer trends. Don't just package hype. Deliver value in the form of benefits consumers will derive from buying your product. Keep current on who is buying what and where and don't rely on what worked in the past.

Want to know more about the role of packaging? Need to learn how to package products people will buy? Just starting a business that needs to package products? Need brainstorming about what packaging works in the current economy? Contact the #1 consumer product packaging expert by email at PackagingDiva@aol.com or by phone at 678-594-6872 for a free 15 minute consultation. Read other articles by the Packaging Diva @ http://packagingnewsyoucanuse.blogspot.com/

Make Your Own Tv Show

Writen by Jesse Somer

If you're anything like me, you've spent many, many hours of your life watching television. From sit-coms and game shows to cartoons and reality TV, we've sat in front of the box for a large part of our life watching stories of one sort or another. What we mightn't have known is that for every one show that gets on the air there were probably a hundred that didn't make it. This might be hard to believe with shows like 'The Joe Schmo Show" and "The Simple Life" out there but our world is a strange place with weird people, now isn't it? However with the advent of the Internet and legal file-sharing you can now film your own TV show and put it up on the Web for everyone to see. If it's any good, word will get around. That's how the Internet works: Word of mouth.

You no longer have to make a pilot show and sit in front of a large group of executives praying that they will like your material. Television is heading for your computer, literally. You can already download some of your favorite corporation-backed shows on the Internet legally, for a small price. It is a commonly held belief that in the not-to-distant-future computers and televisions will become one, a flat digital screen replacing your monitor. Eventually all TV channels and individual shows will have websites where you can download and stream their programs. The interesting new phenomenon is that you can join in the fun too. There's a low barrier to entering the Internet TV game. We have now been given the freedom to produce, and to share our stories with the rest of the box-watching world.

Check out http://www.welcometothescene.com/index.shtml and http://www.purepwnage.com/. These two sites are a couple of the multitudinous masses that are now being put up on the Web for people to watch and share. It can almost be thought of as an artist's exhibition, where you and your TV-maniac friends finally get to show your shows to the rest of us. I get the feeling that the whole idea is based around the concept of freedom. We get the freedom to create, a medium where we can choose to show our creations, and the freedom to download a show and share it with our friends. Word-of-mouth spreads and all of a sudden your show's got a huge underground cult following. What happens next in the story? You tell me.

As always people are going to try and make a dollar out of something cool and new on the human scene. If you look at the show on http://marcushateshisjob.com/ you will see a pretty funny TV program. It is sponsored by Sprite, a division of the Coca-Cola Company. There's nothing really wrong with this (artists have to get their funding from somewhere) except that it could possibly result in nearly the same paradigm as the old TV company-controlled structure, if Sprite achieves power to dictate what content goes into the show. There's a name that has been coined for this sort of behavior and in this case the product-placement, commercially-based Internet program fits into this category perfectly: Astroturf. The former shows are grass-roots programs, a sign of the individual freedom that can be obtained on the Internet. Astroturf makes itself out to look like grass-roots philosophy, yet like football, it is definitely a more painful place to get tackled.

The whole concept of file-sharing has a huge amount of nebulous clouds surrounding it, but in this case things are simple. You want people to watch your show. You haven't downloaded someone else's copyright material. You're sharing your own creation. Get to it people, and get it to the people. I want to see what you can do. One can only take so many reruns of "Gilligan's Island" and "Different Strokes". 'What you talkin' bout Willis?' is what they'll be saying after watching your inspirational new television masterpiece. Hey, you might even start a whole new era. Remember, one day, a long time ago (and thank the Universe for it), no one even knew what a sit-com was!

By Jesse S. Somer http://www.m6.net Jesse S. Somer is someone who has spent too much time in front of the TV. He's hoping that one day you'll create something that's truly worth watching on his computer. Jesse S. Somer is a creative writer working at M6.Net: 'The web-hosting company for humans.' M6.Net is working hard to help humanity experience the power and freedom to develop their own part of the Internet, to share their information and connect with anyone, anywhere, anytime.

The Publishing Business

Writen by Kadence Buchanan

Publishing is a fascinating business and the process that goes into the making of books and newspapers is an interesting one. These days, with the world of digital information and the internet upon us, the scope of publishing now also includes websites, blogs and the like.

From the business perspective, publishing isn't just printing literature or information but also the development, marketing, distribution and even promotion of the printed works. It is not as simple as it may seem.

The publishing process begins with the written work or the copy. Many aspiring and unpublished writers often submit manuscripts to publishing houses in the hopes of seeing the light of print. These end up in a slush pile which editors sift through, and the great majority of these contributions are often rejected. Usually, book and magazine publishers commission copy from known and established writers, and unsolicited works have a slim chance of getting published. The prudent thing for a writer to do to get published is to first submit a query or a proposal. It also helps if you have a literary agent who has access to major publishers.

Once a publisher accepts a work, then negotiations with the writer or his agent begin on how much to pay the writer for "intellectual property" rights and "royalty rate."

Once commercial and legal issues are settled, the next step is the editorial stage where writers are asked to rewrite or improve their manuscripts before they get to publishing editors who do further editing on the work.

The next stage is called prepress and that's where design and artwork (including photos) are decided. Other processes are typesetting, dust jacket composition, deciding on paper quality, binding method, casing as well as proofreading. Once done, the work can now proceed to printing. It is interesting to note that most major magazine and newspaper publishers have their own printing presses, but book publishers seldom do.

The publisher's work doesn't end with the publication of the book. This is followed by advertising and other marketing tasks, including distribution. There are times when the publishing process up to the printing stage is handled by a separate company or individual before selling the same to the publishing house. This is known as book packaging.

Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Business, Real Estate, and Investing

Retail Score Brick Amp Mortar 45 Online 28

Writen by Michele Schermerhorn

To survive today, small business owners must develop and implement an online business strategy. An online business strategy allows a small business owner to increase sales to whatever level they desire without expanding or changing their existing location.

A small town doesn't have to mean small business.

There are currently 300 million customers online worldwide with the numbers increasing every day. Businesses like eBay and Amazon have helped to educate and familiarize people with the concept of buying online. Every day, more and more people of all ages are online.

Where traditional retail operations are growing at about 4.5% annually, online sales are growing at a rate of 28%. It's clear to see where the trends are going. They are going to online stores.

These figures are good news for every business owner, particularly those in small towns. Why? To successfully compete nationwide or worldwide is no longer a problem for small businesses. When a business has a professional online presence, the size and location of the business are not readily apparent. Anyone can compete online with the right knowledge and tools.

In addition, the cost associated with starting a business online or moving a business online is relatively cheap. It takes a website and some savvy marketing skills. Let's look at how we can cost effectively achieve this.

Websites

Websites can involve a lot of time and money if you are not knowledgeable about the subject. Rather than spend the time and money for a website right now, consider an eBay Store as an alternative.

An eBay Store gives you all the benefits of a website without the cost and time. Once established, an eBay Store will provide your business with a unique web address. This web address can be promoted like any website and included in Internet search engine results.

To establish an eBay Store, you need to sign up for a seller account at eBay. They have an easy step-by-step process for accomplishing that task. You will need to go through their five-dollar "ID Verified" process so they will waive the feedback requirements for a store. The first 30 days of the store is free. Then the fee is $9.95 per month thereafter. To add items to your store only costs pennies per item and is accomplished through an easy to understand template.

Marketing Your Online Presence

Once you have established your online presence via an eBay Store, it's time to promote the store. There are many ways to do online promotion. They range from free and easy to expensive and complicated. So, let's start free and easy first.

In your eBay Store, you have access to a menu of management items. Two of these are critical to your promotion of your eBayä Store throughout the Internet. The first is to select the option of making your store "searchable by the search engines". The second is to choose key words for your items that will attract search engines. What are key words?

Simply put, a search engine will look for the words a person designates during their search in order to find relevant sites for them. So, the more keywords you can think of that could be used to describe your items, including misspellings, the better chance you have of being found by a search engine. Why is this critical?

Google.com, a major search engine, has over four billion websites in their database. You have to do something to increase your own chances of being found. Key words are one way to do that. So if you sold gift baskets, for instance, you might choose the following keywords and keyword phrases: "gift basket", "gift baskets", "birthday basket", "gift", "anniversary basket", "25th anniversary basket", "50th anniversary basket", etc. You get the picture!

In addition to the cheap and easy promotion tools in your eBay Store, there are other cheap and easy methods of marketing your store. Among the many methods are: free online classified ads, email signature lines, business cards, and flyers in your brick & mortar store. Let's start with the free online classified ads.

There are hundreds of online sites that offer free classified ads. Simply search for "free classified ads" in any search engine. There will be hundreds! Make certain that you have a good and compelling 25-word ad for your eBay Store. Then, post it everywhere you can for free! Another free method is your email signature line.

You probably use email right now. Once you have your eBay Store established, make certain you add the hot link to your store right under your signature and add that 25-word ad too. In this way, everyone that receives an email from you will receive your eBayä Store information too. And, every message from you, forwarded to someone else, will also carry your hot link too!

And, last but not least, add your eBay Store information to business cards and flyers available in your brick and mortar store. In this way, existing customers can check out the new store location online and refer your site to others.

Conclusion

The future of retail is online. All the trends are pointing in that direction. The longer a small business waits, the farther behind they become. Don't be left behind! Start today! Ready?

Michele Schermerhorn has over 30 years experience in the business world and over 12 years running her own successful online businesses. She is President of Online Business Institute Inc. (http://www.obinstitute.com). Online Business Institute Inc. exists to "Create Successful Online Business Owners One Person At A Time".

The Secret To Making Money On The Internet

Writen by Jason Isaken

The internet is the perfect place for anyone to make a steady income yet many people fall victim to all the hype and loose focus of one main goal that is easily attainable to make money. Sure there are affiliate programs and other ways to make money online but if you really want to make big money on the internet you need to start your own website. It's simple to start and once the money starts coming in you will never want to stop!

When I first started on the internet nine years ago I fell victim to every money making plan you could think of and spent a lot of money. Yet it is the experience that has helped me find my path to my internet fortune. It all begins in your mind and you must follow through with what ever idea you have cause you can make it a reality.

1.Make or resell your own product on the internet where you get paid 100% of the profits. The reason behind this is if you sell affiliate products you only get a small part of the sale. For example, if you sold product as an affiliate for $29.99 you might get a commission of $14.00 per sale but if you owned the product you would get the full payment of $29.99 to you.

2.Get a domain name and set up web hosting for your website. This can be done at a very low price. Don't get a website with free hosting cause many companies are not dependable. Godaddy.com has a very reasonable web hosting package for any budget and great customer service 24/7.

3.Get your own merchant account! This would be the most important part of your business to control the money you make. Sure you could use third party merchant accounts like Pay Pal, Storm Pay etc…But you would rather have the money you make deposited right in your bank account. If you make $1000 in one day it is deposited in your bank account for easy access to your profits the same day!

4.Make sure you are able to capture your website visitors e mail address and first name. Then you could run your own newsletter and inform your customers of special deals and refer them to other websites where you can earn affiliate fees. That way you can follow up with customers to come back to your website. For example let's say that you want to run a half price sale on a product exclusive to people on your mailing list. A Dear Diane, heading would be read more than just a general Hey look at this! So always capture the persons name with an e mail address so you can personalize the e mails you send.

5.Design your website to sell! Make sure you give all the information about your product and always state the benefits of you product. Make sure every aspect of your website is functional and that you are ready to begin taking orders.

6.Register you website with the top 10 search engines with keywords related to your website. The top ten as of this writing are Yahoo, Google, Teoma, Snap.com, Netscape Search, Wisenut, MSN, Gigablast, AskJeeves, AltaVista. Registering with search engines is important for people to find your website online.

7.Link you website to others of similar interest. For example if I sold guitars I would want to link to a site that sold musical instruments. Link Scout is a good program that can bring you a steady flow of target traffic to your website that would only click on you link if they are interested in your product.

8.Get the word out to as many places as you can! Submit messages to forums. Write articles about your product and submit it to Article Banks that are related to your product or service. A good source for customers is the number one site on the internet Yahoo. Yahoo groups has a large database of people interested in specific things. Example, if I sold a credit repair book I could join and post messages about it in all the groups that are related to getting out of debt and you could reach thousands in a matter of minutes! I use this same technique daily and have hundreds of people visit my site just from posting messages at Yahoo Groups. Advertise in ezines related to our product for more exposure.

9.Use joint ventures with other website owners that offer products similar to yours! This is a great way to expand the reach of your website. Always get a recommendation from your joint venture partner and work out a deal where both of you will profit from exposing each other's websites to visitors.

10.Use offline marketing! This is highly overlooked on the internet I don't know why but print is forever! If you place a good ad with your website in a magazine or newspaper it will last forever as long as the publication is in good condition. You could be getting thousands of customers from an ad you placed in January to your website throughout the year this works!

Last but not least Start your own affiliate program. That's right now you pay people to sell your product and pay them a commission. Imagine having over one thousand people promoting your product. This is one of the fastest was to have a jump in sales and all the money is coming to you. In closing theses steps are not hard to implement and any one can have a successful website operating on the internet. We are living in a period similar to the Gold Rush of Califiornia and the internet is changing the way we do business everyday. You can contact millions of people and with the right product money can be made. It doesn't take any special skills except a desire to succeed and your fortune on the internet is only one click away.

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New Technique For Treatment Of Garments

Writen by Gaurav Doshi

Denim is a garment accepted by the world. A faded elegant look is achieved because of the ring dyeing of warp yarn of denim. These types of wash down results are brought into by removing dyes by rubbing the garments. New methods of biotechnology (enzymes) have replaced the conventional method of stone washing to acquire the faded effect in an environment-friendly manner. Here the wash down effect is obtained due to bio-abrasion where the enzymes make their effects on cellulose and by hydrolyzing, it provides the expected appearance.

To give a smooth handle and clean appearance to the garment, enzymatic treatment is given, apart from denims, on different casuals like shirt, bottom weights.

What is Enzyme?

Enzymes are macromolecules mostly made of protein nature constructed within the cells of all living creatures, plants, fungi, bacteria and microscopic single cell organisms. These three dimensional protein groups are made up of 200-250 amino acids competent of catalyzing specific chemical reactions. Enzymes only catalyse reactions and they do not go through any transformation after the reaction. The catalysts are extremely capable of enhancing the reaction rate of biochemical procedure. The conventional use of enzymes is in the process of fermentation to make beer, bread and cheese. Nevertheless, the industrial production and usage of enzymes is recent.

Commercial production of Enzyme

Fermentation broth is disinfected to create a nutrient medium. The nutrient is transformed into an expected enzyme by carefully chosen microorganism action in the presence of oxygen. The selection of microorganism, nutrients and operating circumstances decide the type and produce of enzyme. Once fermentation is accomplished, several centrifugal, filtration and precipitation processes remove the enzyme from the fermentation broth. The enzyme is further refined and formulated to gain the expected application.

Mode of action of Enzyme

The enzyme has an active zone, which has similar pattern as the zone of the substrate and fits like a key in a lock. The substrate then fits into the enzyme, which is activated with the enzyme's force. The enzyme substrate complex then decomposes. The transformed substrate disconnects itself from the enzyme making it ready to obtain another substrate.

The enzyme works as molecular scissors.

The reaction can be both in the same stage like a compound of starch and compound of alpha amylase or like the soluble protease and wool or silk fibre, which are a solid. Here the enzyme gets soaked on the wool surface and works towards the internal layers.

Contrary to inorganic catalysts, enzymes are precise in process. For instance, amylase, a digestive enzyme will affect only starch and not cellulose; cellulose will act only on cellulose and not on the other substance.

Enzymes for textiles

As most of the raw stuff used in textile industry is natural, new enzymatic formulations have greatly developed and broadened in the market of the industrial care of the fabrics over the last 10 years. Following are the spheres where enzymes are being used for textiles:

. Desizing
. Bioscouring
. Fading
. Biopolishing
. Print Washing
. Silk Degumming

Enzymes for Biowashing Fading

Cellulase either alone or sometimes in association with pumice stones provide the wash down effect i.e. fading. Stonewashing makes the garment surface more evenly faded, however, it has various drawbacks, which give an edge to the enzyme wash.

Following are the drawbacks of stonewashing:
. Process control is not easy because the change in size and quality of stones pave the way to inconstant quality of washed garments regarding the degree of fading, strength, etc.

. Sometimes stones turn into powder during the process of making the garment greyish in colour and rough too.
. Stone washing provides rougher feel than enzyme wash.
. Stone may lead the harm to the machine parts.
. Stone sometimes creates harm to the accessories of garments.

Types of cellulases

Acid and Neutral: two types of cellulases

In chemical terms, cellulase enzyme has two spheres. The spherical leader is the centre catalytic region, whereas the tail ender is a CBD (cellulose binding domain). However, the effectiveness of the catalytic centre (to hydrolyse glycosidic linkages) relies heavily on the absorption by the CBD tail. Tightly fastened to the substrate, certain endoglucanases interrupt the crystalline configuration and induces defibrillation, an outcome of the mechano-chemical effect by the binding domains.

A cellulase enzyme has several actions, which are named as Endoglucanases EG I, EG II and CBH III (Exoglucanases or Cellobio hydrolysate), EG III and EG IV.

These several actions have diverse effect on the crystalline and amorphous areas of cellulose. Regular whole acid cellulases possess a superior CMCase (Carboxy methyl Cellulase activity) activity, therefore charge the amorphous areas by producing better cutting, good contracting effects but with higher back discoloration.

In case of engineered acid cellulases, the CBD is cut down considerably, therefore, these products get connected to the cellulose substrate with difficulty, and for this reason the cutting is not very aggressive as in the case of whole acid cellulases. In addition, these products are designed to reproduce top activity at near neutral pH.

The neutral enzyme does not possess a CBD and therefore, does not adhere itself to the cellulose surface. This is why we acquire a more surface cutting and not "cutting in" activity. These causes lower back staining, a more even effect on the surface of the fabric, which creates a rich and more engaging look.

Effects of cellulase enzymes on denims

. In fading, the expected effect is wash down look on the garment making the seams, hems, and pockets more noticeable.

. Apart from look, colour contrast, generally recognised as salt pepper effect is also one of the effects created by fading. Faded garment with acid cellulase enzyme provides less colour contrast in proportion to garment washed with neutral cellulase enzymes.

Guidelines
Desizing
Rexsize LHT 100 liquid 0.3-1.0%
Kleenox PSF liquid 0.5-1.0g/l
Fibrolube HML 0.5 g/l
Greenpol A liquid 1.0-2.0 g/l
Treat at 850C and pH 6.5 for 30 mins
Fading
Genecel GLA liq/Valzyme FP pdr 3.0-6.0 g/kg
Genecel HA-CLS pdr
Greenpol A liquid 1.0-2.0 g/l
Treat at 550C and pH 4.5 - 5.0 for 60 mins.
Bleaching
Sodium Hypochlorite 3.0 g/l available Cl2
Treat at room temperature for 20 mins
Soaping/OBA
Soda ash to adjust pH 8.0
Hydrogen Peroxide 1.0-3.0 g/l
Zystab SA Liquid 0.3-1.0 g/l
Zycol PCSN Liquid 1.0 g/l
OBA 0.8%
Treat at 700C and pH 4.5-5.0 for 20 mins.
Softening Zylon HSS Liquid - 0.5%
Innersof ELASTO Liquid - 1.0%
Treat at 500C and pH 4.5-5.0 for 20 mins.

Parameters affecting cellulase performance There are various criteria, which affect the performance of the cellulases for producing expected faded look.

. pH: pH of the bath should be maintained as per suggestion. Change in it decreases the activity of the enzyme, consequently imparting low-quality effect. The enzyme built on acid cellulase performs in the pH range of 4.5-5.5 and neutral cellulase performs in the range of 6.5-8.0 optimum affects at pH 6.5.
. Temperature: Similarly, temperature of the bath too should be maintained as per suggestion and difference in it gives unexpected outcome. Most of the acid as well as neutral cellulases act best at 55øC temperature.
. Time: The performance of the cellulase also relies on the time of processing. More time might create unfavourable result also.
. Dose: To achieve expected effect, it is required to use the appropriate dose.
. Mechanical action: This is a very significant aspect for obtaining the expected outcome since abrasion is an essential for achieving the best result in fading and it relies on the machinery used.
. Subsidiaries: It is necessary to monitor the ionic nature of the subsidiaries used along with the enzyme. Only Non-ionic type of subsidiaries is chosen. It is not advisable to use Cationic and anionic type of subsidiaries. Since the presence of heavy metals can disturb the activity of enzymes, apart from subsidiaries, presence of heavy metals in the bath should also be monitored.

Biopolishing

Biopolishing is the enzymatic treatment given to cellulose and its blends to achieve the following effect:

. To wipe out the protruded fibre from the surface of the fabric by hydrolysing them.
. No pilling and fluffiness after use.
. Gives spotless look to the fabric.
. Imparts smoothness to the fabric.

Cellulase with high filter paper activity (FPU activity or Endoglucanase activity) in proportion to Carboxyl methyl cellulase activity (CMCase activity or Exoglucanase activity) delivers outstanding biopolishing effect. Rossari's G-Zyme series are special Trichoderma Cellulase with high filter paper activity (FPU activity or Endoglucanase activity) in proportion to carboxy methyl.

Defibrillation is readily recognised as an operation of FPU activity as most micro fibrils are made of polymerised glucose monomers, shaped into micro crystals being fastened by Van der Waals force and hydrogen bonds.

Being more superficial and unique, dye cutting is more of an amorphous (with greater CMCase activity) business, but biopolishing products like G-Zyme series are not useful to it.

Various techniques for testing biopolishing:

. Under microscope
. Random tumble pilling test
. ICI/Hoechst pilling test
. Martindale test

Summing up

Acid and neutral cellulases have all-round performance in providing different types of fashionable and appealing look to the garments. Various acid cellulase gives wash down effect and softens the garment relying upon its chemistry and thus meets the requisites of the customer.

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