September 2010

Facebook Like Button: The Stats So Far

LIKE Fusion 2010 by Retinafunk

They're pretty much ubiquitous already, but do you remember way back when, to April, when Facebook Like buttons were launched? When Zuck hit London in June, the company announced 350,000 sites were using the buttons, with over 1bn impressions served daily.

So the volumes are enormous, but what's the impact for publishers? Facebook's Director of Media Partnerships Justin Osofsky recently released a presentation that shared some juicy tidbits from major publishers (see below for full presentation).

// more

30 September 2010 by Sam Michel

The Difference Engine 2011: Startups, Cash, Mentors. Deadline Monday

Engine by Bart73

The Difference Engine, a mentoring programme for digital businesses based in the North East of England, has opened its doors for applications. In fact, if you're interested, you'll need to hurry as applications close on Monday.

Do startups actually get to have weekends off? That's for another post! Companies that get through will receive an intensive thirteen week programme with high-profile mentors from both side of the Atlantic proffering their wisdom. Each team gets £5,000 plus £3,200 per founder to keep the wolves from the door during this period.

// more

29 September 2010 by Sam Michel

All of a Flutter as Twitter Passes MySpace

three dog tug by boltron-

Twitter has been hitting the marketing trail over the last couple of weeks as the work to entrance the media buying world was kicked off with stints as ad:tech London and the IAB MIXX in New York and the news that promoted tweets are well on the way.

And it looks like there's plenty to crow about as newcomer(ish) Twitter.com has overtaken MySpace.com. According to comScore (and reported by the WSJ), Twitter had nearly 96 million users last month (August), up 76% from last year, whilst MySpace.com dropped 17% to a mere 95 million uniques.

// more

29 September 2010 by Sam Michel

Three Reasons to Apply for Digital Mission to New York 2010

Digital Mission to New York

Over the last five Digital Mission trips, it's been a privilege to work with some of the UK's leading digital companies. Getting the chance to spend a week away with people who are taking the scary, but exciting, journey of expanding their business into the US is a great way to really understand what makes entrepreneurs tick.

So, it was rather humbling last week, when we announced the third Digital Mission to New York (deadline's Fri, by the way), to see these tweets from Digital Mission alumni @kierondonoghue, @mr_mcd and @stuartbruce...

// more

27 September 2010 by Sam Michel

GameHorizon 2010 Speaker Videos Published with Peter Molyneux, Michael Acton Smith, Charles Cecil

GameHorizon Conference 2010 by Codeworks Connect

GameHorizon, one of the UK's leading conferences tackling the business of games has just published the videos from this year's conference. 

Speakers included Peter Molyneux on Monetising Innovation, Michael Acton Smith from Mind Candy explaining how Moshi Monsters reached 20 million users and Charles Cecil from Revolution looking at "The Games Industry v William Hogarth".

// more

26 September 2010 by Sam Michel

Judge Nixes Staff Anti-Poaching Deal Between Apple, Google, Adobe, Intel

Lego People by Joe Shlabotnik

It's not just Soylent Green that's made of people, it's the digital industry, too. Six of the world's leady tech heavyweights, Adobe, Apple, Google, Intel, Intuit and Pixar have just agreed settlement of a complaint by the US Department of Justice into "anticompetitive employment practices" between the firms.

The genial relations between personnel teams is in stark contrast to frosty relations on the product front. The massive pressure to attract and retain the best talent will certainly have played its part.

// more

25 September 2010 by Sam Michel

Short Notice Free Event: Working with Independent Digital Publishers Event (Tomorrow 9am)

wootmedia screenshot

This just came across my desk, I know it's very short notice but for those interested in media opportunities there's a corking line-up at anevent taking place tomorrow morning. The organisers have kindly offered free spaces to Chinwag readers who can make it along (RSVP details below).

The event, Working with Independent Digital Publishers: challenges and opportunities for marketers is being held this tomorrow, Friday 24th September, 9.00-12.30 p.m including lunch and a chance to network after the speakers. It's taking place at the IAB’s offices at 14 Macklin Street, London, WC2B 5NF.

// more

23 September 2010 by Sam Michel

Win Chelsea vs Fulham Football Tickets from Social Gaming Summit London 2010

Making Google Search A Social Game by Cambodia4kids.org Beth Kanter

Two new conferences arrive in London in November with the world of online gaming firmly in their sights. The Social Gaming Summit and Virtual Goods Summit take place on consecutive days at Chelsea Football Club in West London.

To set the scene with a little real-life game, we've got together with organisers Rising Media to run a competition to win two tickets to the Chelsea vs Fulham home game on Tue, 9th November.

// more

20 September 2010 by Chinwag Team

The Four Pillars of Building Instant Trust Online

Trust by Terry Johnston

Human beings crave trust. Even with total strangers in the “real world” we assign trust based on appearance and body language. But how do you build trust online, without any face-to-face contact?  The following pillars of trust can be employed with great effectiveness.

Appearance

First impressions matter. We try to put our best foot forward on first dates and job interviews. The same should be done online.

  • Professionalism of design – Fonts, colors, and graphical elements must combine into a single visual “look”.
  • Sparseness & neatness – Less is more. Ruthlessly edit everything on the page until it is pared to its essence.
  • Organization & clarity - Too many choices of what to do on the page can be paralyzing, forcing your visitors to spend time trying to figure out what to read first.

// more

20 September 2010 by Tim Ash

Digital Mission to NYC 2010 (1-5 November) Announced

Digital Mission to NYC 2010

Together with the London and New York teams at UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) we're delighted to announce the third Digital Mission to New York taking place 1st-5th November 2010. The trip is time to coincide with the Big Apple's largest digital marketing conference, ad:tech New York.

Alongside a hectic programme of events including an official British Consulate reception, there's a masterclass, networking events, company tours plus stand space at ad:tech along with access to the keynote sessions.

// more

16 September 2010 by Sam Michel