Comment on Caitlin's blog

After reading Caitlin's response to an article titled: Gaming is for Grown-ups, I decided to take a look at it myself. This statistic amazed me: "Adult gamers favor games on PCs rather than consoles and spend more time playing each week than do teenage gamers, according to the 2006 Gaming Technology Study released by the Consumer Electronics Association". I had no idea that adults had a larger fan-base than teenagers in the gaming world. I also found it interesting that teens were much more involved in multi-player games, while adults were more likely to play console games alone. You learn something new every day. I am not really into gaming as of now, but like Caitlin said, who knows what the future my hold for me.

Comment on Chris's blog

After reading Chris's blog about the potential takeover of NBC by Google, I decided to look into it more and see what other people had to say. Many people agreed with John Battelle and said that "it would be a monumental error" on Google's part if they attempted to do this. " Yet others just believe the whole thing to be a hoax so to speak. "As tempting as it might be, advertising businesses really need to leave media alone. Today an NBC purchase might alienate the other handful media bigwigs but what’s worse is that it will rattle the confidence of other media up and comers that might want to consider Google as an ad partner."Good thing Google is not considering buying the unit (despite that the unit is not actually for sale). Sort of like a rumor based on speculation of a hypothesis. I just call this sort of report a fantasy..." Overall, I agree with Chris though. I think that Google's possibilities are endless and that this could very well happen.

Class Discussion - "What I Learned From Wikipedia"

Throughout BUAD477: Information Technology Applications in Marketing, we edited four articles on Wikipedia that we chose in the beginning of the year. The four topics I chose to edit were Manchester United (The best soccer team in the world), the Mafia, Roger Federer, and Facebook. Prior to this class, I used Wikipedia for research papers and what not, but was not familiar with how it worked. I did not know that all the information that I read on each article was put there by people like you and me. Prior to this class, I took everything I read on Wikipedia as "FACT", when really the information was not necessarily correct. Some of the topics I chose, like Roger Federer and Manchester United were very popular and were constantly being edited. I saw with these articles that although I was putting up relevant and truthful information, it was constantly being "re-worded" or taken off completely. With the other two topics I chose, Facebook and Mafia, the majority of my additions remained in the article. I like the idea behind Wikipedia. I find it to be a very helpful and up-to-date reference tool. Although now I no longer take everything I read as definite truth and usually do some additional research to guarantee its validity. Overall, I enjoyed this project and believe the information I learned from it will be useful in the future.

Class Discussion - Social Media Sites

I recently examined the following social media sites: Digg, Memeorandum, Topix, Tailrank, and Techmeme. Digg was my favorite, because it had articles relating to everything and you could get a feel for if the article would be good or not based on how many "digs" it got. Not only that, but you can respond directly to the article you read by posting comments. Memeorandum focused primarily on politics and current affairs. Topix was interesting too, because you can type in your city and get the local news of many issues (anything from the next car show to political problems). I enjoyed Tailrank as well. This social media site discussed several things like technology, politics, entertainment, etc. You are able to comment directly on the articles as well and the site also informs you of how blogs were linked to each thread. Lastly, there was Techmeme which focused on technology like its name implies. This social media site had articles from Financial Times, Wallstreet Journal, Forbes, etc. If I'm not mistaken however, all these sites require membership and you must sign up in order to take part in the blogging/comment aspect of them.

Class Discussion - Search Engine Optimization and Marketing

In class, we discussed "Search Engine Optimization" and the key components involved with it. Prior to this class, I had no idea how web-sites scaled the ladder of popularity or how web-designers "helped" do this. Identifying relevant keywords, matching pages to keywords, and adding meta-tags are all ways to optimize a search engine. We also learned about "Search Engine Marketing" and the use of Adwords. It was amazing to me how Dupont, through the use of Adwords, was able to squash the rumors regarding Teflon and cancer. The Internet is definitely a powerful tool.

Twelfth Wikipedia Edit - Roger Federer

I recently updated the "Personal Life" portion of Roger Federer's Wikipedia article. In Federer's hometown of Basel, Switzerland, a one Swiss franc special stamp was issued. It was the quite an honor, because living persons are rarely featured on Swiss stamps. This was my addition: "On April 10, 2007, a one Swiss franc special stamp was released in Roger Federer's hometown of Basel. It is quite an honor, since living persons are not normally featured on stamps in Switzerland." Here is the link to the site: <Roger Federer>

Eleventh Wikipedia Edit - Manchester United

I recently updated the "After the Treble" portion of the Manchester United Wikipedia article. Manchester United recently won the semi-finals of the FA Premier against Watford with a 4-1 victory. They now will face Chelsea in the finals for the FA Cup. This is what I added to the article: "Staying on course to complete the Treble, Manchester United has set a date to meet Chelsea in the FA Cup Finals. In the semi-finals, Manchester United defeated Watford 4-1 with goals by Christiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Kieran Richardson." Here is the link to the site: <Manchester United>

Tenth Wikipedia Edit - Facebook

I recently updated the "Schools Block Access" section of the Facebook Wikipedia article. In this portion of the article, issues regarding the use of Facebook in high schools and colleges is discussed. I added the following information: "On April 10, 2007, University of Minnesota athletes were asked to stop using facebook after students were disciplined for web postings last year. The schools policy refers to derogatory comments about athletes posted on Web sites, as well as pictures of underage drinking." Here is the link to the site: <Facebook>

Ninth Wikipedia Edit - Mafia

I recently updated the "Prominent Sicilian Mafiosi" portion of the Mafia Wikipedia article. I added to this section a man by the name of Stefano Magaddino (1891 - 1974). Stefano Magaddino was known as "The grand old man of the Cosa Nostra". He was an original member of the National Commission and was very prominent in the American cities of Buffalo and Detroit. He eventually died of a heart attack at the age of 82. Here is the link to the site: <Mafia>

Eigth Wikipedia Edit - Roger Federer

I just updated the 2007 portion of Roger Federer's professional career with some information regarding his current ATP tennis ranking. "Roger Federer remains on top of ATP men's tennis rankings released Monday, April 9, 2007 with 7,290 points, followed by Rafael Nadal with 4,875 points." --- [It is hard to update Roger Federer's Wikipedia article, because he is a very popular icon in the tennis world and individuals are constantly putting up more information]...Here is the link to the website: <Roger Federer>

Class Discussion - "stiuqxela"

I am posting this article in hopes that my site receives the most "Google Juice" and I am awarded the unknown prize. When "stiuqxela" is entered into the Google search engine as of right now, no results are returned. Hopefully by linking these words to the Green Bay Packers website, it will gain popularity on Google. Here is the link: <stiuqxela>

Seventh Wikipedia Edit - Facebook

I recently edited the "Facebook" article on the Wikipedia website. I added some information to the "Investigations" portion of it. On February 17, 2007, Richard Reed Pannell, a student at The University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA was attacked by a raving leftist who tracked him down using Facebook. Andrew Stone, the accused assailant, was an anti-Rebublican and was charged with three counts of assault and battery. The policemen involved with this case were unwilling to release the report of the incident. Here is a link to the site: <Facebook>

Sixth Wikipedia Edit - Mafia

I recently updated the literature/books section of the Mafia Wikipedia website. I spoke with my uncle who is really interested in the Cosa Nostra and he recently has read two books which really interested him. The titles of these books are, "Mobstar: The Story of John Gotti" - by Gene Mustain and "Underboss" - by Peter Maas. The first book I mentioned is about one of the most famous dons, John Gotti and his life all the way up until his death of cancer in prison. The second book I mentioned is about an underboss known as Sammy "The Bull", who was known as a traitor to the mafia after he ratted out many of the higher-ups in the family to the Feds. Here is the link to the site: <Mafia>

Fifth Wikipedia Edit - Manchester United

I recently updated the "After the Treble" portion of the Manchester United Wikipedia article. I posted the following information: "At this stage in the season, March 18, 2007, Manchester United is looking to reclaim the glorious form of their previous Treble in the season of 1999. They play Roma in the quarter finals of the Champions League and need to take only 16 points in their last 8 matches to win the table." Here is the link to the site: <Manchester United>

Article Response - Dogs who sniff out "pirates"

I recently read an article on Slashdot titled, "Dogs Sniffing Out Pirate Copies". The article is about two black Labradors that have been trained to sniff out pirated music and videos. The dogs have been trained to sniff out the chemicals used in making optical disks. What normally would take a day for security to examine, the two Labradors can do it in 10 minutes. It's pretty impressive in my opinion. The Motion Picture Association is now treating these dogs like kings and has them put in a jacuzzi after every mission. This is the link: <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/6454375.stm>

Article Response - "A Very Bad Day For Markets"

I recently read an article on John Battelle's blog titled, "A Very Bad Day for Markets. What Does It Mean?". In the article, the author was confused about what "really" caused the significant decline in the market of 3% and denied that China was to blame. People commented on the article, saying that computer trading and derivative securities, along with illiquidity and overvaluation are to blame as well. Here is the link to the article - <http://battellemedia.com/archives/003406.php>

Fourth Wikipedia Edit - Facebook

I just recently did my fourth Wikipedia edit on Facebook. Since Facebook is such a popular program, it is very hard to find information to add or edit, because so many people are editing the article every day. However, after I did a little research I discovered that Facebook was the most viewed site by both males and females between the ages 17-25. It was found that 56% of all the males surveyed had Facebook as their most viewed website and 69% of females. Here is the link to the website <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facebook>

Class Discussion - Vanity Search

I just recently did a "vanity search" on Google's website and after sorting through about 1,000 websites, I did not find a single article that included my name. I typed in a variety of different names; from "Andrew Klein" to "Andrew S. Klein" to "Drew Klein" and did not recieve any results. I guess I'm just not that popular in the online world.

Class Discussion - Online Gambling

One thing in class that we discussed today involved online gambling and how it is illegal. I myself take part in online gambling through the program "Bodog Poker". What I don't understand is that there are hundreds of online poker ads that run on tv every day promoting it. If it is illegal in the United States, then why are these companies allowed to place their ads on tv with the intention of getting the American citizen involved? I feel that there should be some government regulation involved with online gambling and its promotion towards the American public on tv. Personally, I like gambling online and have won over $2,000 on Bodog. If only my money was won legally...

Third Wikipedia Edit - Manchester United

I recently updated the Wikipedia article titled "Manchester United". Manchester United is a soccer team who plays in the FA Premier League. In the article I added a small segment to the introduction where Manchester United's records were listed. The addition was a comment about how the team has yet to have any players win the European Golden Boot (most goals scored during season play). Here is the link <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manchester_United_F.C.>

Second Wikipedia Article Edit - Mafia

I recently did my second Wikipedia update; this time on the Mafia. In this article, I added to "The Mafia in the American Popular Culture" segment. In this portion of the Mafia article many films, video games, etc. are listed. I added to the list a computer game called called "Kingpin - A Life of Crime", which is based on a "Soldier" rising up in the Mafia to eventually become the Don. Here is the link - <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mafia#The_Mafia_in_the_American_popular_culture>

Article Response - "Open Cola"

I just read an article called "Open Cola - Open Source Coca Cola". I found this article interesting, because the company has put out a drink very similar to Pepsi and Coca-Cola, but has attached the "recipe" to make it on the can. The company is now dead, but while in existence, it sold over 150,000 cans off its website. Here is the link - <http://everythingelse.wordpress.com/2007/02/18/opencola-open-source-coca-cola/>

First Wikipedia Edit - Roger Federer

I recently did my first edit on Wikipedia. It was on Roger Federer and I updated his "Career Excelence" portion by adding, "Recently he also set a record for the most ranking points - 8,370. This is the most points held at any time by a player and he is the only professional since 2000 to win 10 or more titles in three consecutive seasons. He also has an astounding 94.5% winning record from 264 matches." Here is the link to the website - <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Federer>

Response to SlashDot Article

I recently read an article on Slashdot called, "Estonia to hold first national Internet election". The whole idea of E-voting is quite interesting and just goes to show how technologically advanced our world is becoming. It is estimated that 20,000 to 40,000 people will vote via online. Here is the link to the site <Estonia - E-voting>

My Second Blog

Here is my second blog. Blogging is a very important resource to be comfortable with in the business world today. It provides everyone the power to publish their thoughts and ideas online, while at the same time links people together. Over the course of this year, I hope to master Blogging and Bloglines.

Here is the link to the class website: http://infotechspring07.blogspot/

My First Blog

Here is my first blog. Here is a link <http://www.udel.edu>