Doing an experiment that I hope my blog readers will help with. I took out an ad on Facebook and decided to see how well it does. Given that I currently am not pitching anything personally, I thought I would pitch myself. Created an ad with my background and sending folks to my LinkedIn page.
My main reason for doing this is to (1) check out what it means to do self service advertising on Facebook (2) understand whether doing a social network ad would create a better value to advertisers than search.
So my ad is going out to folks in California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Washington (basically, where most of my friends live). If you see my ad, please let me know!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
Sezmi
So I was taking a 5 minute Facebook break when I saw that Phil Wiser was back in the CA offices of Sezmi. Worked with Phil when he was at Sony and it looks like he's heading up one of the cooler digital media startups out there!
Sezmi is a personal TV system. Looks like they have gather a large on-demand library and the system allows for DVR functionalities and for you to also view online content. Now, I don't have a system here and I'm not sure if they offer it in my neighborhood. So I'll be looking for it and perhaps there's a way to test drive it for a review on ODM.
If this company can achieve all that, they have my vote. We have cobbled together a little system here in my home that includes cable and a laptop for Netflix and Hulu viewing. It looks ridiculous and I would still say that it's not my optimal system. But then, I've been kinda cheap and have decided to bypass Sling, Roku and others. Am thinking Netbook rather than a dedicated device for bringing my online viewing content to my HD TV.
How are you bridging that gap? Are you using Roku or Sezmi? Let me know!
Sezmi is a personal TV system. Looks like they have gather a large on-demand library and the system allows for DVR functionalities and for you to also view online content. Now, I don't have a system here and I'm not sure if they offer it in my neighborhood. So I'll be looking for it and perhaps there's a way to test drive it for a review on ODM.
If this company can achieve all that, they have my vote. We have cobbled together a little system here in my home that includes cable and a laptop for Netflix and Hulu viewing. It looks ridiculous and I would still say that it's not my optimal system. But then, I've been kinda cheap and have decided to bypass Sling, Roku and others. Am thinking Netbook rather than a dedicated device for bringing my online viewing content to my HD TV.
How are you bridging that gap? Are you using Roku or Sezmi? Let me know!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Yes, yes, we're on summer hiatus!
Hey everyone. I've been asked by a few folks why they haven't heard me and the ODM co-hosts chatting about the Microsoft-Yahoo deal, the Apple Tablet, why I want to love Four Squares (but am not cool enough to love it...) and all those exciting digital media topics.
Yes, as you have guessed, we are on summer hiatus. We needed a break. Not from each other, mind you. This group has been chatting and drinking together for years and will continue to podcast our digital media musing for years to come. Nope, we needed a break so that we can spend time with the family, focus on work issues, and generally enjoy the sun.
But do we have cool things coming up in fall. You bet! More digital media analysis, more gadget loving (and hating!), and perhaps other surprises!
So subscribe now so when we're back in September, refreshed, armed with new gadgets, gossips and deep insights and analysis (as well as few good bottles of wine...) you'll be able to sit back, relax and join in our discussions!
XXOO!
Chia-Lin
Yes, as you have guessed, we are on summer hiatus. We needed a break. Not from each other, mind you. This group has been chatting and drinking together for years and will continue to podcast our digital media musing for years to come. Nope, we needed a break so that we can spend time with the family, focus on work issues, and generally enjoy the sun.
But do we have cool things coming up in fall. You bet! More digital media analysis, more gadget loving (and hating!), and perhaps other surprises!
So subscribe now so when we're back in September, refreshed, armed with new gadgets, gossips and deep insights and analysis (as well as few good bottles of wine...) you'll be able to sit back, relax and join in our discussions!
XXOO!
Chia-Lin
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Exmovere Chariot and the iBot
Today, while taking a breather and catching up on gadget news on Gizmodo, I saw an article on the Exmovere Chariot. My first thought was "Wow, very RoboCop." My second thought was "Boy, is this going to be tough to get through the FDA and getting medicare reimbursement for"
When I was in business school, one of the really cool summer job offers I had was an opportunity to work for Independence Technology (a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary), which was marketing and selling the iBot wheelchair created by Segway inventor, Dean Kamen. I was amazed by the technology and how it could really impact a person's life. However, it was a difficult battle to get it recognized and "prescribed" and the cost (in 2006, it was around $26,000) was steep. As a marketeer, I couldn't see myself being able to market this in the long run.
When I saw the article on the Exmovere Chariot, I decided to check up on where the iBot was. Needless to say, I was sadden to see that Johnson & Johnson announced that it was discontinuing the iBot and will only support the exhibit products until 2013.
I really hope that they are able to make a success of the Exmovere. It's very much a sad day to see a great technology like iBot, that transforms lives, lose marketing and distribution.
Technorati Tags: Chia-Lin Simmons, iBot, Dean Kamen, Exmovere
When I was in business school, one of the really cool summer job offers I had was an opportunity to work for Independence Technology (a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary), which was marketing and selling the iBot wheelchair created by Segway inventor, Dean Kamen. I was amazed by the technology and how it could really impact a person's life. However, it was a difficult battle to get it recognized and "prescribed" and the cost (in 2006, it was around $26,000) was steep. As a marketeer, I couldn't see myself being able to market this in the long run.
When I saw the article on the Exmovere Chariot, I decided to check up on where the iBot was. Needless to say, I was sadden to see that Johnson & Johnson announced that it was discontinuing the iBot and will only support the exhibit products until 2013.
I really hope that they are able to make a success of the Exmovere. It's very much a sad day to see a great technology like iBot, that transforms lives, lose marketing and distribution.
Technorati Tags: Chia-Lin Simmons, iBot, Dean Kamen, Exmovere
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Newspapers, Google and teaching Rupert a lesson
I know, I know. I've been hibernating and not blogging like I should. Be assured that I'll be back more regularly as I made a birthday vow this year to do so. But hey, I've been busy at work and been chatting up a storm on On Digital Media (ODM). So if you miss me, check me out there too!
What also got me off my butt to blog is that once in a while, a voice rings so true and so loud, that I keep thinking "I hope the big boys out there are listening!".
Recently, I visited Danny Sullivan's personal blog. He's responsible for Search Engine Land (which is an awesome site to visit for any marketeer!). He posted what I could consider a strong tongue lashing for newspapers. He also gave Rupert Murdoch (my old boss at Newscorp!) some search engine tips! ;)
It was one of the best, most brutal and honest analysis of the situation between Google and newspapers that I've read in a long time. A lot of us have been saying all this stuff (mainly grumbling to each other, or trying to get our point across to our newspaper friends), but Danny has articulated very succinctly how many of us feel about the situation.
thank you and bravo Danny!
What also got me off my butt to blog is that once in a while, a voice rings so true and so loud, that I keep thinking "I hope the big boys out there are listening!".
Recently, I visited Danny Sullivan's personal blog. He's responsible for Search Engine Land (which is an awesome site to visit for any marketeer!). He posted what I could consider a strong tongue lashing for newspapers. He also gave Rupert Murdoch (my old boss at Newscorp!) some search engine tips! ;)
It was one of the best, most brutal and honest analysis of the situation between Google and newspapers that I've read in a long time. A lot of us have been saying all this stuff (mainly grumbling to each other, or trying to get our point across to our newspaper friends), but Danny has articulated very succinctly how many of us feel about the situation.
thank you and bravo Danny!
Technorati Tags: Chia-Lin Simmons, Rupert Murdoch, Danny Sullivan, Search Engine Land, Google, Newspapers
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
I miss Wired of 1994 - 1996
I used to work at Wired when it was cool and edgy. Back in the mid-1990s. It was probably the coolest job a early 20 something could get. My boss was Mark Frauenfelder, the founder of bOing bOing and the now Editor-in-Chief of Make Magazine (which is extremely cool!). Yup, it's OK to be jealous!
My uber-bosses were Louis Rossetto and Jane Metcalfe, who provided a work place that was cool before Google thought it invented cool work places in the technology industry. Chef made meals? Check! Dogs in the work place? Check! Cool DJ at work, cookies baked in the afternoon, co-workers who were brilliant? Check, check and check. Oh and yes, I did do laundry at work too...(not so cool)
Why am I reminiscing?
Today, a former co-worker at Wired posted an old Netizen episode and shared it with the rest of our mailing list, a list comprised of former Wired-lings. I took a mini-break and watched 5 minutes while I took in some caffeine and it actually got me a little misty eyed. And no, it is not because I missed Todd Lappin's scruffy good looks!
I was misty-eyed because it reminded me of why I wanted to work in the Internet and Web industry in the first place. The sense of optimism I had about how the industry would re-shape how we communicate with the world and each other. How the world of commerce would be transformed, helping individuals to connect directly with producers of the products. That we could take media (print, audio, video) with us anywhere, anytime.
I was one of those people who started working in on the Internet (before it was cool to head into technology during the frenzy of the late 1990s) because I WAS A BELIEVER! I believe that technology would change the world and I wanted to be a part of it.
Am I now a lot more jaded?
Yeah.
I've pretty much only work in this industry and have done a lot and experienced a lot in digital media distribution.
But today, for that 5 minutes, I remember what I felt when I was 22 years old.
My uber-bosses were Louis Rossetto and Jane Metcalfe, who provided a work place that was cool before Google thought it invented cool work places in the technology industry. Chef made meals? Check! Dogs in the work place? Check! Cool DJ at work, cookies baked in the afternoon, co-workers who were brilliant? Check, check and check. Oh and yes, I did do laundry at work too...(not so cool)
Why am I reminiscing?
Today, a former co-worker at Wired posted an old Netizen episode and shared it with the rest of our mailing list, a list comprised of former Wired-lings. I took a mini-break and watched 5 minutes while I took in some caffeine and it actually got me a little misty eyed. And no, it is not because I missed Todd Lappin's scruffy good looks!
I was misty-eyed because it reminded me of why I wanted to work in the Internet and Web industry in the first place. The sense of optimism I had about how the industry would re-shape how we communicate with the world and each other. How the world of commerce would be transformed, helping individuals to connect directly with producers of the products. That we could take media (print, audio, video) with us anywhere, anytime.
I was one of those people who started working in on the Internet (before it was cool to head into technology during the frenzy of the late 1990s) because I WAS A BELIEVER! I believe that technology would change the world and I wanted to be a part of it.
Am I now a lot more jaded?
Yeah.
I've pretty much only work in this industry and have done a lot and experienced a lot in digital media distribution.
But today, for that 5 minutes, I remember what I felt when I was 22 years old.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Chia-Lin "phone home" and recent geek cravings
Those who follow this blog know that I record a weekly (sometimes we fall behind) podcast on digital media call "On Digital Media" or ODM. Recently, I realized how much I missed engaging in geek talking with my friends.
While I still record the show, I now Skype in for the show and dial-in for our live show (October 16, so give us a ring!), I realize that "phoning" in is just not the same. I miss my geek friends. There's just something different about recording in studio together. To give you a sense of what it's like to do that, check out how Eric Rochow, a former guest of the show, describes the experience.
This makes me think that despite of being one of the biggest geeks around, I still relish the physical interaction between friends. Technology facilitate communications and helps us "stay in touch". But really, that's a little different from that homey feeling of live interaction, animated discussions where maybe just a little wine spills in studio from our frantic gesturing to make our points.
Anyhow, I recently also found a great little device, or up and coming device I'd like to discuss in my next posting and the podcast. Check out Plastic Logic's technology for an upcoming eReader. I'm going to make it my next gadget...
Let me know what you think and write me a note. I'll discuss this product more at length in my next posting.
TAG: Chia-Lin Simmons, On Digital Media, Eric Rochow, Brain Trust experience, Plastic Logic
While I still record the show, I now Skype in for the show and dial-in for our live show (October 16, so give us a ring!), I realize that "phoning" in is just not the same. I miss my geek friends. There's just something different about recording in studio together. To give you a sense of what it's like to do that, check out how Eric Rochow, a former guest of the show, describes the experience.
This makes me think that despite of being one of the biggest geeks around, I still relish the physical interaction between friends. Technology facilitate communications and helps us "stay in touch". But really, that's a little different from that homey feeling of live interaction, animated discussions where maybe just a little wine spills in studio from our frantic gesturing to make our points.
Anyhow, I recently also found a great little device, or up and coming device I'd like to discuss in my next posting and the podcast. Check out Plastic Logic's technology for an upcoming eReader. I'm going to make it my next gadget...
Let me know what you think and write me a note. I'll discuss this product more at length in my next posting.
TAG: Chia-Lin Simmons, On Digital Media, Eric Rochow, Brain Trust experience, Plastic Logic
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
