MarketingBeyond

Optimizing Mobile Websites: Podcast Interview with Eric Hansen of SiteSpect

Mobile website owners, similar to non-mobile website owners, may believe that website optimization, mobile analytics, search engine marketing and other digital marketing techniques are too challenging, take excessive time and, in many cases, become impossible to manage. This convinces some mobile marketers to "fly by the seat of their pants" when assessing mobile website performance.

Eric Hansen, Founder and C.E.O. of SiteSpect, a Boston-based marketing-focused website testing and optimization firm, will probably disagree with you. Since starting the firm in 2004, Hansen's team has helped numerous companies, including J.C. Penney, Overstock.com, The New York Times, CreditCards.com and others that have greatly improved their website marketing performance by optimizing mobile content and placement. According to Hansen, SiteSpect is the only company in its space providing accurate mobile website user behavior on phones that don't support Javascript and cookies. Per Hansen, 50% of worldwide mobile handsets are not Javascript enabled.

Hear the podcast on IM-Mobile.

Why are There So Many Mobile Blogs?

Mobile blog posts these days are growing like roosters in Kauai (another story, Google it.)

Speaking of Google, my quick "mobile blog" search 30 seconds ago revealed over 6 million! Top entry on page one is, naturally, The Official Google Mobile Blog, followed by the Mobile Phone Blog, described as:

• #1 Mobile Phone Blog. An Insiders Perspective on the Mobile Phone Industry, smartphone hardware, iPhone and Android applications, opinions on cell phone content, reviews of mobile games, critiquing new firms in the market and the health of the global wireless industry.

Amazing. Mobile blog readers can stop right there. Between Google and Mobile Phone Blog, you'll have 0 time left for reading the other 6 million.

Just in case you have a spare moment, you surely want to visit Anthony's Mobile Blog, despite his announcement that his employment elsewhere may indicate bias; so he's ended the posts, although he occupies position three on Google's first page:

This would be my last posting on Antony’s Mobile Blog. I will not blog here anymore.

• Why do I decide to stop blogging here? As some of you may know that I am currently working in one of the mobile phones manufacturers. Although I have written disclaimer in the About page that everything written here is purely my personal rants, there might still be a conflict of interests. People may think that this blog is related to the company where I’m working.
• In order to avoid any further conflicts, it’s better if I just close the chapters of this blog.
• PS: I am still maintaining two other blogs, i.e. Antony’s Life Blog and S60Tips.com. The first one is about my life (unless you know me in person, this may not be interesting for you). The second one is about tips, tricks and tutorials of using S60 phones (a.k.a. multimedia computers).

I think every mobile blog should have "tips and tricks." Goes along nicely with the picture of Anthony's sleeping cat (probably tired of the blog posts). Since I don't know Anthony, I'll skip his life blog.

If you're a night owl and need a glass of warm milk and more mobile blog stuff to sleep, don't miss Jason Langridge's Mr. Mobile Blog, which he describes as: A blog dedicated to everything to do with Mobile technology, solutions and applications. (Wikipedia could probably use his expertise.)

However, there's an alternative for blog readers who are tired reading more smartphone reviews, industry news, Engaget snippets that entice anger from its readers and such: MobileBeyond.

MobileBeyond is my "mobile journey," with a promise to avoid the usual two line Twitter tripe, "why I hate this mobile phone" crowd and "let me tell you everything you need to know about things mobile" bloggers.

You'll find two flavors of MobileBeyond. If you like podcasts on mobile marketing and advertising, then click on over to my podcast site. But if you like hard-core, tell-it-like-it-is blog posts, you'll love the new MobileBeyond.

For example, where in the mobile blogosphere will you find blog titles like this one?:

Wire-Less in a Mobile Age: The Threat of Cybercrime and Sabotage

Now, there's a post that should draw from a well diversified audience. Forget the latest iPhone app, go to MobileBeyond, as Paul Harvey used to say, for "the rest of the story."

Fellow mobile bloggers--all six million of you--"live well and prosper."

P.S. Like in an ice cream store, buy two scoops and follow MobileBeyond on Twitter. Goes well with a glass of warm milk.

New Mobile Internet Marketing & Advertising Site Launches

IM-Mobile is a mobile Internet marketing and advertising site. The world is quickly turning from desktop--even laptop--computers to mobile phones for information and entertainment.

Many sophisticated applications written for smartphones are available now and the market for mobile applications is growing rapidly. Likewise, companies, large and small, are launching dot mobi websites that bring content-rich Internet experiences to smartphone users.

IM-Mobile focuses on these developments in mobile technology from a marketing and advertising perspective. How can mobile publishers monetize their websites and blogs? Which  marketing strategies work best for advertisers to reach target audiences? How do marketers create conversations and connectedness among mobile users?

IM-Mobile is not only a blog; you'll find podcasts, including interviews with mobile marketing and advertising professionals. (Subscribe to the podcasts either on the IM-Mobile site or through iTunes.)

Traffic Travis: Best Tool for Optimizing Your Website and SEO

For years, I've struggled with SEO. I've bought several books on the subject, played with GoDaddy's web site optimization tools, paid Network Solutions a lot of money to optimize my corporate website and more.

Lots of money. Lots of effort and my websites have never ranked in the highest realms of the search engines. I'm a blogger and consultant and like to spend my time writing, giving advice and, hopefully, making money. However, since I don't have an IT person on my staff, optimizing my websites has played second fiddle. Most of my first page Google and Yahoo hits are due to writing great content and hoping legitimate bloggers will link to my posts.

Then I discovered a solution that has greater utility than Google Adwords' keyword tool. It's called Traffic Travis, an Affilorama product, that's free, although the company offers a premium edition at low cost.

Traffic Travis has several components, including keyword and PPC tools. The downloadable Windows' program (sorry Mac folks) analyzes web sites, rates them to keep search engines thinking very highly of you and much more.

If you've struggled like me with SEO and want a tool that any reasonably smart person can use to generate more traffic to your site, try it out. Again, there's a free version that produces up to 200 keywords. If you like the extra stuff found in the premium edition, you can buy that version of the program later. Or, if you'd like to try the premium version for five days (only $5), please do.

The iPhone Competition: Nokia & Alcatel Come On Strong (Podcast)

So much has been written about the iPhone and other high-end mobile phones of late that you'd think they represent the majority of mobile devices sold around the world. That's not the case.


Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and other established manufacturers sell tens of millions of mobile handsets globally each year, while Apple's iPhone and other touch and non-touch handsets are a drop in the bucket.

To answer many questions I've received: Yes, MobileDiscoveries sells mobile handsets and useful accessories. As you surf the store, you'll find dozens of useful items, including Nokia and Alcatel handsets, Windows SmartPhones, and a variety of accessories: batteries, chargers, Bluetooth headsets, cases, wired headsets, sync s/w for Motos, external bluetoth speaker, portable speakers for iphone,  mobile handsfree car kits (a legal necessity for California drivers) from Nokia and wireless keyboards.

This podcast covers some of the features of the more interesting mobile handsets and accessories on MobileDiscoveries.

Mobile Phones:

Nokia 6300

Nokia N73.



Nokia E62




N76 Flip Phone Black




Nokia N82



Alcatel C820a Slider Phone w Camera




Alcatel E801a MP3 Player Phone



Playboy Camera Phone - Pink

Clearboost Antenna for iPhone




Remember to use code MD-NEW for your 15% discount.

Podcast on MobileBeyond or iTunes.

iPhone & Other Data-Intensive Handsets Sucking U.S. Carrier Bandwidth

The mobile growth age in the United States of expanded handset data usage is challenging AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile and other carriers to deliver web content, email and other services. In a recent InfoWorld article, "AT&T Lays Down the Law for Apple," it becomes clear that the iPhone, claimed by many as the first "handset computer," is just the beginning of other sophisticated voice/data handsets sucking bandwidth from the carrier's networks.

Listen to the podcast on MobileBeyond.

Tiffany Appeals Ruling: Charge eBay 50% of Total Counterfeit Sales

Tiffany, which recently lost a trademark case in U.S. District Court, has rightfully appealed the judge's ruling that eBay is not responsible for the sale of counterfeit goods, as long as eBay removes listings identified as fake by the trademark holder.

(Listen to my podcast on MarketingVisions.)

The judge's decision is the first of its kind to dismiss a major e-commerce seller from the responsibility of policing its own site for the millions of dollars exchanged each year of fake goods. eBay says it's the responsibility of the trademark holder to notify them of infringement. eBay is not only wrong. The company's management is stupid. They have nothing to gain and everything to lose by not proactively stopping counterfeit sales.

While the case is in litigation, possibly ending in a change in the trademark laws by Congress and regulators, eBay's responses to Tiffany's claims only convince additional buyers not to trust eBay.  eBay's response, according to today's Wall Street Journal? "'Tiffany's decision to carry this litigation on doesn't do anything to combat counterfeiting. The best way to stop counterfeiting is ongoing collaboration between companies, government agencies and law enforcement.'"

Since eBay refuses to remove all but the most flagrant counterfeit abuses--and continues profiting from counterfeit sales--the company should be fined for every authenticated fake transaction.

When a buyer files against an eBay seller through PayPal and/or a credit card company--and the decision is in favor of the buyer--eBay is fined 50% of the sale price. The 50% goes to the holder of the trademark. eBay's listing and final value fees, charged to sellers who sold the merchandise, are also given to the trademark holder.

The 50% trademark infringement fine should encourage eBay to better police its own Internet portal. One of the largest e-commerce and technology companies in the world, eBay has the ability to scan keywords and content listings for suspect listings and remove them. It is not the responsibllity of copyright holders to scan eBay's listings.

eBay's continuing failure to recognize its responsibility to monitor listings for fake goods must come to an end.

Sorry, Tiffany, eBay Doesn't Care About Trademarks. Buyers, Beware...

The Wall Street Journal reported today that a Federal judge ruled that online e-commerce sites--in this case, eBay USA--are NOT responsible for trademark infringement by its sellers, as long as it removes listings brought to its attention. (eBay lost a similar lawsuit in Europe recently where the courts ruled that eBay IS responsible for fraudulent sellers listing counterfeits on its e-commerce sites.) The fine: $63.7M. payable to LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA and other elite brand name manufacturers.

Although Tiffany is appealing the case, the courts have effectively ruled that eBay is similar to Internet Service Providers (ISP's) that allow customers to profit from selling fake items online. eBay is essentially an "Internet portal."

Unlike a newspaper or magazine that could be sued along with an advertiser selling products breaking trademark law, eBay and other Internet e-commerce sellers are different, according to the courts.

I think eBay is crazy thinking it won this case. Despite the listing fees retained by eBay from canceled listings, does eBay truly want buyers believing counterfeit brand goods are not monitored? For God sakes, eBay has the technology to flag suspect listings based on brand, keywords and other listing content. 

What if I decide to list a $1M fake De beer's diamond on eBay? Are eBay and the courts claiming that eBay shares no responsibility in a flagrant abuse of the trademark laws? I realize eBay can't review every listing it accepts, but to hide behind the mantle of innocence, when eBay can scan keywords for likely fraud, is a bad business practice and hurts everyone in eCommerce.

The Federal court judge ruled it's the responsibility of Tiffany and other trademark holders to identify online trademark infringement and report it to eBay--that the burden falls on the holder of the trademark. This is utter nonsense when a technology company, colllecting high listing and final value fees from sellers, claims otherwise.

Rob Chesnut, Senior VP and Legal Counsel at eBay said, per the Journal, " 'This ruling appropriately established that protecting trademarks is the primary burden of rights owners--not market places like eBay...' "

I think not, Mr. Chesnut. I think you and eBay are trying to hide the truth about the millions of eBay listings that are suspect. Everyone is aware of the exacting replicas of high-end merchandise  you're allowing for sale on eBay. And even your feeble attempts to control the onslaught is rewarded by retaining millions of dollars in listing fees when sellers are caught.

Here's my proposal, Mr. Chesnut. Whether it's Tiffany, Nike, Debeers or other well-known brands. Insert the following paragraph at the top of every brand listing:

"Buyers, you should be aware that some products listed on eBay are replicas of the originals. Therefore, we encourage you to review the seller's ratings and customer feedback before purchasing. While eBay attempts to remove fraudulent listings, it's impossible to identify all listings that may represent forgery or replicas. Thank you for your cooperation."

eBay should use its technology to slow the growth--not enhance it--of fake merchandise pawned off to unsuspecting buyers. If not, eBay and other eCommerce marketplaces will rightfully feel the wrath of the courts and, if not the courts, a massive change in the trademark law by Congress. Then, Mr. Chesnut, eBay and legtimate eCommerce sellers will really end up in quicksand, as all online sellers are forced to notify buyers of potential fraud.

Googling Advertisers' Minds: Customer Service Confusion

Attention, Google advertisers....Pick a domain name with no more than 32 characters or face Hell.

Recently, I wrote and placed a few text ads, using Google's Adwords program, for my company--Innovative Communication Solutions, the company behind my four blogs: MarketingBeyond, MarketingVisions, Mobile Telephone Marketing and Mobile Telephony Innovations.

Google has a rule that the display URL is the same as the forwarding URL. On the face of it, this seems reasonable, preventing deceptive advertisers from directing those who click on Google ads to undesired web pages. But what if your URL, like ICS', is 33 characters, one more than the maximum 32? I've tried dropping the "t" on my Google ads. In the past, Google accepted this change. Now customer service reps reject every new ad I place due to the URL problem.

What's most irritating is belated email responses from Google CS reps. Here's the standard auto response when submitting a question or concern to Google customer service:

Hello,

Thank you for your message. This auto-generated email is to confirm that we received your inquiry. We appreciate the urgent nature of your message and will respond as soon as possible. We strive to reply to your emails individually, within one business day. Meanwhile, you can also refer to our Help Center https://adwords.google.com/support to find the answers to commonly asked questions.

We look forward to providing you with the most effective advertising available.

Sincerely,

The Google AdWords Team

Two or three days later, having placed the ad, Google sent me an email indicating the URL problem prevented my ads from running.

I sent another email. Here's the response from one Google Rep, who not only is unfamiliar with the 32 URL display rule (he thinks it's 35), he even suggests a solution, which was rejected after I adjusted the ad.

Hello Brian,

Thank you for writing in. I understand you would like to know if your had has been reviewed after you made the changes to the URLs. Upon reviewing your account I found that your ad is currently pending review. Please allow me to explain that as you are aware, display URL is limited to 35 characters, and we require that your ad's display URL match its destination URL (the URL of your landing page).

I notice that your display URL is incomplete (InnovativeCommunicationSolutions.Ne). However, as an exception to the rule, you may use only your domain name, that is, 'InnovativeCommunicationSolutions' as your display URL.

I hope this information is useful to you and satisfies your concern. Please feel free to write me if you have additional questions. I'd be happy to help you.

As I've written multiple times on MB and other blogs, companies that provide superior customer service by training their reps will survive. Those that don't are doomed to failure.

P.S. I received a "customer service survey" today from Google, asking how they're doing.

Xora Mobile Resource Market: Multi-Channel Marketing Example

Xora, a Silicon Valley Mobile Resource Market (MRM), company, provides location-specific reporting and alerts to companies with a mobile workforce. Many industries, including transportation, government, health care, construction and field services, need real-time data obtained from mobile handsets with or without GPS on employee & vehicle locations, project management status and other location-specific information. This increases operational efficiency for companies who have many mobile-intensive employees. The technology is also used to solve criminal cases, lawsuits and other personal matters more quickly and accurately with the aid of GPS/Satellite or cell phone triangulation capabilities.

Xora's use of multi-channel marketing, however, is the more interesting aspect of their approach. When you first see their website home page, which is very clean and uncluttered, you can select industry descriptions of Xora's applications ("industry smart") or choose multi-media ("Hear from Customers") or recent news ("Company Spotlight'). 

The "Hear from Customers" link leads to a web page offering case studies, podcasts or videos.
Visitors then have the choice of viewing text, audio or multi-media case studies and testimonials, arranged by vertical market and applications. This multi-channel approach accommodates prospects who prefer specific communication channels and reinforces Zora's marketing message across channels.

Visit Xora's website for further information.

Lennart Svanberg Mobile Marketing Podcast: Internet and Mobile Together

Lennart Svanberg, the Producer of the Internet Marketing Conference in New York on June 4th, 2008, speaks with Brian Prows in this podcast about growing interest among Internet marketers in mobile applications.

Lennart also discusses the state of global mobile technology, contrasting Swedish networks delivering up to 7.2Mbps data speeds to slower U.S. wireless networks. He also talks about innovative mobile marketing alliances, mobile book publishing in Japan, China's 500 million mobile users and Ericsson's agreement with China Telecom to build faster cellular networks. One publisher in Sweden even supplies its customers who purchase mobile websites with mobile phones.

Svanberg has insightful thoughts on the status of mobile technology around the globe.

Mobile Growing Rapidly in India: A Model for the World?

India, according to BusinessWeek and other sources, is now the second largest mobile market on Earth. Between 250 to 300 million Indians now own mobile phones in a country with only 30 million personal computers. That's 25% of India's 1.1B citizens. Over 8 million Indians sign up for cellular service each month.

Average monthly carrier revenues (USD) in mobile-intensive countries is staggering: $10 in India, $12 in China and $30 in the U.S., although other research shows an average of $55 per subscriber in the United States. Voice minutes cost 1.3 cents in India, 8.4 cents in Pakistan and 3.5 cents in China. To my knowledge, carriers in these countries have yet to offer "talk all you want" plans recently introduced by U.S. carriers Verizon, AT&T and Sprint. (See my post on Sprint regarding its marketing challenges.)

Although India's mobile users are purchasing over $250 million a year in additional wireless services--text messaging, music, wallpaper, games and Web surfing, with expected growth to $1.7B by 2010--currently 80% of data purchases represent text messaging and ring tones. In fact, Indians send over 25 BILLION text messages a year. Additional data purchases are stymied by low-end handsets, price and lack of mobile services.

As expected, India's younger, tech savvy subscribers are the most likely purchasers of mobile services--from online banking to entertainment. Dozens of players, including Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, as well as telecom providers--Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, Reliance Communications and Tata Teleservices--are developing content: movie schedules, stock quotes and other news services.

Indian mobile carriers, in particular, want to ncrease their current 10% share of information revenues (representing 13% of profits) to 20% of revenues--the "on-deck" information revenues controlled by the carriers and their partners. However, mobile users' desire for content continues its surge, and "off-deck" services, not controlled by the carriers, will proliferate.

Mobile websites, growing rapidly in the global mobisphere, should greatly interest Indian businesses, who seek innovative ways to sell to mobile users, especially considering low PC penetration in the country.

Discovering which mobile services interest India's growing mobile community is the key. In an earlier post on mobile banking, for example, I cited research indicating that younger U.S. cellular users are more interested in ATM and bank location expansion than accessing accounts on their handsets:

An eye-opening study by Javelin Strategy and Research concludes that even Gen-Y consumers (18-29) are not as hot on mobile and online usage as one might assume. "Regardless of Gen Y’s proclivity to initiate online transactions and use mobile phones and technology in general, Javelin data shows that Gen Y is not ready to abandon the brick-and mortar, or other channels, to go completely online or to the handset for all their banking needs. For example, when selecting a new financial services provider, Gen Y consumers ranked access to ATMs and access to branches as more important than online service capabilities, in comparison to those of other age groups."

Marketers seeking to penetrate the mobile space are carefully watching India.

The Marketing of Me: Getting a Job in These Troubled Times

Multi-Channel Strategies for Job Hunters

Financial Week recently reported that the rise in unemployment claims is the highest since February, 2005. The news probably comes as no surprise to any American who has followed the financial crisis on Wall Street, Federal intervention in the brokerage markets and the mortgage collapse. As expected, hundreds of thousands of Americans have lost their jobs with no immediate improvement.

As Thomas Paine said in The American Crisis, a series of pamphlets about the American Revolution, aimed at raising the spirits of American patriots:

"These are the times that try men's souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman."

Another Paine line that isn't frequently heard:

"Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."

While thinking about Paine's message and the loss of American jobs, I thought I'd share a strategy with you for obtaining employment. Last October, I recorded a podcast called "Multi-Channel Strategies for Job Hunters." Using the Web, emails, letters and telephone calls, the strategy gives you a blueprint for getting job offers and exploring career changes.

While job hunting, you can implement online strategies used by companies to market products and services. The only difference: you're the product.                            

Here’s a summary of the key steps in the podcast to implement your job strategy:

1. Write down keywords that reflect your skills and interests. Don’t concern yourself with job titles, companies and locations. That comes later.
2. Write down ten or fewer keywords that reflect your strongest skills and interests. 
3. Select a search engine (Google, Yahoo, MSN, ASK or others) and social media sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook to find professions, companies and influencers related to your keywords. Enter all keywords on the first search.
4. Review the first 10-20 hits and add new keywords to your list. Start identifying industries, trends, blogs, products and services.
5. Rate your skills and interests and choose which skills you would like to use the most.
6. Create keyword phrases as if you were purchasing online advertising and add them to your list.
7. Enter a second search using keyword phrases that expand your initial search and help zoom in closer to industries, companies, contacts, blogs, news articles and more.
8. Write or change your resume and social media profile and include your keyword phrases.
9. Create a generic letter outlining your experiences using these skills and explain why you’re interested in a certain industry and field of work. Include your keyword phrases.
10. Use websites (Monster, Hotjobs, social media) and search on these sites with your keyword phrases.
11. Identify 25-50 companies that result from your search showing the closest match to your keyword phrases.
12. Review websites and search engines for information about the companies that interest you. Try to uncover needs.
13. Once you’ve identified a need or pain, think about how you could help that company.
14. Identify within each company who’s responsible for the need or pain you’ve uncovered by calling the company, following up with a tailored letter and further phone calls. (Create a PBFA or call guide to make the calls go smoothly--and use your keyword phrases in all communications.)
15. Keep in mind that 90% of all companies have fewer than 1:00 employees. This makes it easier for you to reach managers, ask for an appointment and obtain employment.
16. In your job search, you’re going to contact influencers who can help you reach decision-makers at companies you’ve targeted.
17. Approach each selected company through multiple people.
18. Remember that companies hire people, just as they purchase products and services. The more you know about a targeted company, the more likely you’ll get appointments and job offers.

Two other podcasts may help you as well:

"Referral Strategies that Work" and

"Telephone Voice Improvement"
                                                            
Good luck in your job search!

Zuckerberg & Social Network Alliance Announces Non-Social Media Websites

News Release

March 20, 2010

Contact: Beer Sterns

The Social Networking Federation, a consortium of all major social network websites, today announced the formation of several "Non-Social Media Networks," targeted at individuals who dislike each other, share few interests and want to vent about their least favorite social media site. According to Mark Zuckerberg, FaceBook's CEO, "the Federation, which convened five times during the past year concerning this matter, finally concluded that social media sites also need to serve individuals who are non-social, disagreeable, uncool and not awesome. SNF also feels social media members need an outlet to voice their concerns about our websites."

Contributing to the Federation's decision were Zuckerberg, Warren Buffet, Yahoo's recently-announced CEO who launched YahooSocial$, oriented to wealthy individuals who enjoy discussing the credit markets, Sally Sandy, who heads up the Medicare gift card program at Google Enterprises, Steve Jobs, who created iPhoneLetsHack, a site catering to unlocked iPhone users and Mike Lanman of VerizonCanYouHearMeNow, tailored to Verizon subscribers who spend a minimum of 12 hours a day on their cell.

Other social media execs who voted in favor of the proposition include Da Vido, engaged by Starbucks in 2008 for its viral marketing program. Star Buck, CEO of the Seattle company, remarked, "Starbucks was so delighted by Da Vido's song "Java Jitter" and his persistent attempts to sing at our stores that we created DaVidoJavaJitter.soc, a social site for folks who like caffeine and singing. Steve Ballmer at Microsoft announced: "I love the idea. Microsoft has been seeking a site for honest feedback from our customers about "Windows It's Alive" and our recent code problems with Internet Destroyer." And a spokesperson from RIM, makers of BlackBerry devices, commented: "I know we typically cater to the business crowd, who are too busy for social media but, heck, why not?"

Executives at YouTube, MySpace and LinkedIn unanimously opted-in for the concept. Commented Dick Cheney, newly elected CEO of YouTube: "We are 120% behind the effort. In fact, some of our returning Vets have already submitted videos about their experiences in Iraq."

Speaking on behalf of the SNF, Zuckerberg said that each company has already announced preliminary names for the non-social initiative. They include:

• InYourFaceBook.soc, aimed at individuals who've met, once liked each other and fell by the wayside.
• YahooUnSocial.soc, for former users of "My Yahoo" and Yahoo Mail, who've ceased emailing each other
• Google_I_You_No_Talk.soc, former T-Mobile customers who sold their GPhones on eBay, after T-Mobile dropped MyFaves
• iPhoneHackYou.soc, geared to former iPhone users whose handsets stopped working when iTunes released firmware version 2.6.4
• VerizonYouBetterNotHearMeNow.soc, a site for ex-Verizon users who dropped the service when Verizon reduced its $99 unlimited calling plan to an 18 hour a day maximum.
• StarbucksYouSuck.soc, a group of individuals who use Starbucks' Wi-Fi on their laptops to send and receive insulting text messages.
• VistaLiteOffLine.soc, allowing Microsoft customers to vent about Vista and Microsoft's decision to stop the distribution of its XP golf balls.
• UpYourTube.soc, primarily for ex-YouTube employees who grew tired of each other and viewing amateur videos, as well as veterans returning from Iraq who have lost Veterans Administration health benefits.
• NotYourSpace.soc, specifically directed at MySpace members who resented the plagiarism of their "About Me" profiles
• LinkedOut.soc, a necessary outlet for LinkedIn members whose networks are greater than 5 million people and who have answered more than 100 member questions.
• BlackBerry_12_Step.soc, a forthcoming RIM site dealing with email-addicted BlackBerry users, who delete more than 20 unread emails a day

Zuckerberg concluded with: "Executive Management at all social websites welcome everyone's ideas for new non-social sites."  Feedback may be left on SNF's non-social media site: NonSocialMedia.soc.

Economy Hurting Marketing Campaigns? Thinking of Joining a 12-Step Program?

One of the biggest marketing challenges--whether pushing mobile devices or stuffed teddy bears--is getting noticed and not ignored. As a marketer, you write news releases, create product and pricing strategies, maybe advertise a bit. But you still have a gut feeling no one's listening. Not good for your social life. Worse if your boss is pushing for increased sales.

Read the rest on Mobile Telephone Marketing.