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Myspace Global Redesign

By James Callan

Bloomberg News

Article Launched: 06/14/2008 01:36:49 AM PDT

MySpace.com, News Corp.’s social-networking Web site, will begin a global redesign next week to increase traffic from existing users and draw new ones.

The redesign includes a home-page makeover, navigation changes and an overhaul of the site’s search tool and MySpaceTV player, the company said Friday in a statement. The first phase begins Wednesday, the company said.

News Corp., which bought MySpace for $580 million in 2005, is seeking to increase advertising revenue on the site by attracting new users. The media company said in April it will miss a 2008 goal of $1 billion in sales for Fox Interactive Media, which includes MySpace. Last month, New York-based researcher EMarketer said MySpace may have lower-than-predicted sales this year because of the slowing economy. MySpace said “a major advertiser” agreed to take over the site’s home page on the first day of the new redesign. Company spokeswoman Dani Dudeck declined to identify the advertiser.

The latest MySpaceTV player will offer a new advertising platform for multiple ad providers and formats. The player also includes more comprehensive video-sharing tools and a wider range of language choices, the company said.

News Corp. Class A stock, which has fallen 13 percent this year, rose 66 cents, or 3.8 percent, to $17.98 in New York Stock Exchange composite trading.

Speaking of collaborations

Sometimes you can’t do everything yourself. You don’t have the budget to launch a big marketing campaign. Or you don’t even know where to start. One of the best ways to promote your website or business is to work together with others to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

The legal form of this is known as a joint venture, where two or more parties create a new entity by contributing equity and sharing revenue, expenses and control. Another form of collaboration is known as a strategic alliance, whereby the parties involved pursue common goals while remaining as independent organizations.

No matter what you call it, collaboration with others will benefit you in ways that go beyond what you can do on your own. Think about it. Each involved party comes with their own established audience, reputation, brand, networks and strengths. Some of them may overlap with your own but usually, they’ll reach people or own assets you don’t. More »

Mice and MP3 players

Over the past several months I have just been getting by with a cheap mouse pad (from dell of all places) which has begun to crack and slide all over the place. I have a smoke tinted glass desk which causes a problem for any optical or laser mouse since the eye can’t see itself in the glass. Essentially I needed a new mouse pad and I didn’t want something that looked like poo. So I ordered one from Func Industries and it arrived yesterday. Wow, what a difference. It’s like they were made for each other and the little teflon shoes on the bottom of the mouse glide effortlessly across this pad. Well, see for your self what it looks like.

It’s made of an aluminum base. The gray insert is reversible with a very smooth side for graphic design accuracy, and a suede-like side for gaming.

Also, I picked up a Creative Zen 16Gb MP3 player (among other features) which is blowing my mind currently. The iPod has nothing on this little unit except for maybe capacity. Then again I got the small unit which is fine by me. I’m not limited to iTunes, in fact I don’t even use iTunes (neither should you) or limewire.

To say the least I am quite happy with both purchases. Google payed for them with Adsense. Thanks, Google!

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SEO and niche sites

Remember back in early March when I posted this article about Intelligent Adsense?  I was working on a site design which adhered to the name of the domain.  It was evident at the time that it was a good hit.  I had a few good discussions about the site and I had a decent CPM and CTR.  Initially I was thinking of just leaving the site as is but then I saw an immediate decline from traffic.  Not only that but some people commented on how the contrast was difficult to endure.  The idea was great, but the visual appeal was terrible.  So what did I do?  I redesigned it.

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Always write a contract

Roughly 18 months ago talks were made with a local Real Estate business in the small town of Delhi, NY about redesigning their current webpage. At first the discussion was about a possible new host provider in that their current one was not benefiting their business. I have this chip on my shoulder for clean and bold websites. Their existing design at the time though unique, was full of browser incompatibilities. An old format of flash was their primary form of navigation. The listing page was actually a separate page all together and it’s style did not match their site as a whole. I can go on and on about the designer’s flaws, but I won’t. And, there were many other questionable things they wanted to discuss about their site. They asked me to help them out and I was happy to.

Since by trade I am a building contractor I always approach a job no matter the size with a formal contract. These contracts always are discussed and re-written with the client before a signature is made from either party. Folks, always write a contract! I am so glad I did because I could have really dug myself a hole with this design. Fortunately I was dealing with very respectable people and we both saw eye to eye with the objective before us.
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