With the new merge between Delta Air Lines and Northwest plus the various airlines who have declared in bankruptcy flying prices will start to rise again! Now that there are less airlines in the market, the few ones left can dominate the prices!
After so many years of American Airlines and other's monopolies, small airlines were able to compete and land prices so that traveling was way more affordable! If prices rise to the sky traveling will be minimum since few will be able to afford it especially with the recession the US is facing.
The government should interfere in this types of merges, just like it should take a close look at the Microsoft and Yahoo merge...these are big companies coming together to have more control of the market..We need to be careful!!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Social Networks Disappointment
Who wouldn't be surprised if they knew that all the noise social networks are creating is nothing more than that because there are claims in the Economist that say they don’t generate the profit expected.
How ever, is a social network only business attributes the money it generates? No, it does more than that. Social networks may not be bringing in all the cash as they expected but their impact is much more important than that. This is just the beginning to social networks, who knows in a few years what they will transform into?
I remember the first chatting program I used was ICQ. It was really simple and defective, but look at what we have now. We can even see each other and talk through MSN Messenger or Skype or any of the multiple options out there.
So even if the money isn’t as promising, the effect on businesses is huge and for those who take advantages of these methods will most definitely have a bright future ahead...remember there are many other factors to a business..
With that said get into the action. Start socializing!
How ever, is a social network only business attributes the money it generates? No, it does more than that. Social networks may not be bringing in all the cash as they expected but their impact is much more important than that. This is just the beginning to social networks, who knows in a few years what they will transform into?
I remember the first chatting program I used was ICQ. It was really simple and defective, but look at what we have now. We can even see each other and talk through MSN Messenger or Skype or any of the multiple options out there.
So even if the money isn’t as promising, the effect on businesses is huge and for those who take advantages of these methods will most definitely have a bright future ahead...remember there are many other factors to a business..
With that said get into the action. Start socializing!
Friday, April 11, 2008
I Dont Want To Be Tracked!
There is a new phone called Drift Phone from Helio coming soon and its supposed to be amazing because of the new features. One of those features is being able to know exactly where your friends are so that with the same GPS you can get to them. Off course they must have the same cell phone! But still who want to be tracked every where??? Dont you feel at times like not picking up your phone?? What if you dont and suddenly that friend shows up where you are...strange right!!
Whats worst is the plan that you must have. It cost like $100! Thats so much! I mean you hear about plans for like $30, why pay $100!? Not even a blackberry plan costs as much! I really dont know how well sales are going to be for this phone, but I dont see a bright future any time soon!!
These people are looking to commit the same error as Apple and the Iphone. Its costing them millions! Its an expensive phone plus you have to pay for the expensive plan! People prefer low costs, especially this days!
Whats worst is the plan that you must have. It cost like $100! Thats so much! I mean you hear about plans for like $30, why pay $100!? Not even a blackberry plan costs as much! I really dont know how well sales are going to be for this phone, but I dont see a bright future any time soon!!
These people are looking to commit the same error as Apple and the Iphone. Its costing them millions! Its an expensive phone plus you have to pay for the expensive plan! People prefer low costs, especially this days!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Facebook and Politics?
Every day the use of internet is more frequent and for countless hours! This means people are spending lots of their time on their personal pages or blogging or aboslutely anything else you can do on the internet. With this in mind, I think that Facebook and any other Web 2.0 as described in the article How Will Facebook Change Politics? are great ways to get messages through. At the same time it allows for interaction between those politic lovers!
How ever watch out because just like it can help gain votes and get campaign messages across, it can easily hurt candidates if they mess up! Word of mouth if the best way and fastest way to get things across but its effect can go either way!
How ever watch out because just like it can help gain votes and get campaign messages across, it can easily hurt candidates if they mess up! Word of mouth if the best way and fastest way to get things across but its effect can go either way!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Is Microsoft's Monopoly Shaking?
It looks like Microsoft is not going to give up easily on the fight against Google to be the Internet giant. It was supposed to be a smooth transaction, but it has turned into a disaster. As explained in CNN Microsoft's bid for Yahoo was given three more weeks to be considered or else Microsoft is threatening to overthrow the actual Yahoo board by going straight to the shareholders.
The threat and continuous pressure Microsoft is applying on Yahoo is unusual and I believe Microsoft is taking advantage of its power. At the same time, it looks like Microsoft is desperate to acquire Yahoo because they feel seriously threatened by Google. If will be interesting to see how Microsoft would react if it couldn't acquire Yahoo not even through their alternate methods. This looks like another big hit to Microsoft's monopoly! First it was Apple and now its Google...is Microsoft weakening??
Get ready for some online fighting!
The threat and continuous pressure Microsoft is applying on Yahoo is unusual and I believe Microsoft is taking advantage of its power. At the same time, it looks like Microsoft is desperate to acquire Yahoo because they feel seriously threatened by Google. If will be interesting to see how Microsoft would react if it couldn't acquire Yahoo not even through their alternate methods. This looks like another big hit to Microsoft's monopoly! First it was Apple and now its Google...is Microsoft weakening??
Get ready for some online fighting!
Monday, March 31, 2008
What To Look For When Hiring
After examining a list of 10 simple rules when hiring people, I noticed a few which I really thought are detrimental when trying to build the perfect corporate environment.
From my past experiences working I have noticed that before skills or any other attribute, the most important to look for is attitude. No matter what an employee has to offer, if their attitude is not positive and doesn’t care much then all of his other attributes which you may have hired them for will not be of much use. Besides, this person’s negativity and bad habits could harm those around and create conflicts.
Another rule mentioned which I believe is a real key to success today is diversity. Where I used to work we were all from different cities and countries. This with out a doubt helped the company achieve what it is today because it opens so many windows of opportunities. Not only because you are bringing together different people, with different minds and perspectives, but you are hiring someone who will provide your company with new contacts and possibilities from where they are coming.
These two rules I believe are the most important and if considered at the time of hiring, they could really have a serious impact on the future and success of the corporation.
From my past experiences working I have noticed that before skills or any other attribute, the most important to look for is attitude. No matter what an employee has to offer, if their attitude is not positive and doesn’t care much then all of his other attributes which you may have hired them for will not be of much use. Besides, this person’s negativity and bad habits could harm those around and create conflicts.
Another rule mentioned which I believe is a real key to success today is diversity. Where I used to work we were all from different cities and countries. This with out a doubt helped the company achieve what it is today because it opens so many windows of opportunities. Not only because you are bringing together different people, with different minds and perspectives, but you are hiring someone who will provide your company with new contacts and possibilities from where they are coming.
These two rules I believe are the most important and if considered at the time of hiring, they could really have a serious impact on the future and success of the corporation.
Monday, March 24, 2008
The New Emmy's
For the second time ever, YouTube presented the YouTube Awards. The winners where chosen by the viewers. "YouTube users voted on six nominees for each category: music, sports, comedy, instructional, short film, inspirational, commentary, creative, politics, series, eyewitness and "adorable.""
It is unbelievable how people are being brought together through videos. People all around the world are watching the same videos and either laughing or crying
about them. This is a great way to mix cultures and maybe a way to peace.
This is a video of "Chocolate Rain" a song from an unknown who is now famous thanks to the award given by the viewers to Tay Zonday.
It is unbelievable how people are being brought together through videos. People all around the world are watching the same videos and either laughing or crying
about them. This is a great way to mix cultures and maybe a way to peace.
This is a video of "Chocolate Rain" a song from an unknown who is now famous thanks to the award given by the viewers to Tay Zonday.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Good Help Is Hard To Find
With out a doubt putting together a working team is extremely complicated. As explained, there can’t be a lot of critical members because then it’s just too complicated!
But then how do you know if you have the right people?? Should you just let things flow and expect thing to go right? That’s just a risk I’m not willing to take and definitely one the "money" will turn down. So how do you know who to trust and who has the talent needed? What if I wasn’t as lucky as others and wasn’t "blessed with the right group of friends" does this mean I have a disadvantage?
If any sort of disadvantage existed it would be due to the lack of trust you may find when searching for team members. Not having the trust nor the bonding with each other can cause severe fights and even split up the team. As mentioned in Mind Of A Hustler one of the members split up the team and took some of its members to try and put together the business, but at the end it didn’t turn out for him. I believe that if this team knew each other long time ago then they could have found a resolution to their problem and end up setting up the business together!
On the other hand, knowing your team members and having a relationship with them means that the heart will be play a huge roll. This is not good! The heart should not be allowed to over power the brain and its here when sentiments get mixed and past issues are brought up leading to a total disaster.
So which team has a better chance of succeeding? Does it really matter or does it depend on each member and its ability to communicate and work as a group? How would you select your group?
But then how do you know if you have the right people?? Should you just let things flow and expect thing to go right? That’s just a risk I’m not willing to take and definitely one the "money" will turn down. So how do you know who to trust and who has the talent needed? What if I wasn’t as lucky as others and wasn’t "blessed with the right group of friends" does this mean I have a disadvantage?
If any sort of disadvantage existed it would be due to the lack of trust you may find when searching for team members. Not having the trust nor the bonding with each other can cause severe fights and even split up the team. As mentioned in Mind Of A Hustler one of the members split up the team and took some of its members to try and put together the business, but at the end it didn’t turn out for him. I believe that if this team knew each other long time ago then they could have found a resolution to their problem and end up setting up the business together!
On the other hand, knowing your team members and having a relationship with them means that the heart will be play a huge roll. This is not good! The heart should not be allowed to over power the brain and its here when sentiments get mixed and past issues are brought up leading to a total disaster.
So which team has a better chance of succeeding? Does it really matter or does it depend on each member and its ability to communicate and work as a group? How would you select your group?
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
A MUST Have Ability!
We are all aware of the great effects blogging and networking can have. How ever, not every one is able to use this tools appropriately and fully exploit them. In order to be succesful at networking you must develop certain skills!
I think that a great guide on how to identify and develop this traits is the article Get More Out Of Conference and Networking Event. Chris Brogan does a great job at describing the steps before, during and after a conference. The guide is not the very specific, how ever it teaches the basics and gives you great tips to take into account. For example as Chris Brogan explains it is more important to get someone else's business card so that you are the one with the control. Just like this, there are others he mentions in addition to the general steps on how to prepare and act to correctly represent your business and most importantly you self.
With out a doubt, networking's effect is more noticeable every day. Now its up to each person to develop their skills and begin benefiting from conferences like the one mentioned. But if you stay behind and dont get social then the chances of you succeeding will decrease. Thats how important I believe this is.
I think that a great guide on how to identify and develop this traits is the article Get More Out Of Conference and Networking Event. Chris Brogan does a great job at describing the steps before, during and after a conference. The guide is not the very specific, how ever it teaches the basics and gives you great tips to take into account. For example as Chris Brogan explains it is more important to get someone else's business card so that you are the one with the control. Just like this, there are others he mentions in addition to the general steps on how to prepare and act to correctly represent your business and most importantly you self.
With out a doubt, networking's effect is more noticeable every day. Now its up to each person to develop their skills and begin benefiting from conferences like the one mentioned. But if you stay behind and dont get social then the chances of you succeeding will decrease. Thats how important I believe this is.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Does Facebook Invade Your Privacy?
I recently read that Facebook keeps all of your records even after your deleter your account! So in case you decide to come back everything is there! Is this really invading our privacy? They do have legal permission since you accepted the legal terms and conditions of use! So why are people complaining so much? Yes its dangerous to have your information out in the web, but why did you do it on the first place! People need to be smarter.
Besides if you really want your information deleted you can do it manually which sucks but works...so instead of taking the time to write millions of email and complains you shoud spend 20min erasing your information of your profile.
This type of complain I dont agree with. I really dont think its doing anything wrong. Besides the information is being used for advertisers, so they can better serve you! On the other hand, why cant facebook have an option to either be erased completely or not. How about that? Well who knows, maybe its their way to keep you addicted! If you wanted to use it for a thing you could just re-activate the account and your back on it like you left it...are u addicted?? that may be the real problem!
Besides if you really want your information deleted you can do it manually which sucks but works...so instead of taking the time to write millions of email and complains you shoud spend 20min erasing your information of your profile.
This type of complain I dont agree with. I really dont think its doing anything wrong. Besides the information is being used for advertisers, so they can better serve you! On the other hand, why cant facebook have an option to either be erased completely or not. How about that? Well who knows, maybe its their way to keep you addicted! If you wanted to use it for a thing you could just re-activate the account and your back on it like you left it...are u addicted?? that may be the real problem!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
"cybertwin" really evil!
I understand that society wants to maximize every thing they can have a hold off but has far can it really go??? Can this new software, MyCyberTwin really replace us?
Is that what we want? Do we want computers talking for us? is society that lazy!?! Why do we need everything to be computarized? I understand if its for business purposes and efficiency (don't agree with layoffs) but it shouldn't be taken beyond that..
this can really turn society evil!
"Create your artificial intelligence" is this want we really want for the future??
Is that what we want? Do we want computers talking for us? is society that lazy!?! Why do we need everything to be computarized? I understand if its for business purposes and efficiency (don't agree with layoffs) but it shouldn't be taken beyond that..
this can really turn society evil!
"Create your artificial intelligence" is this want we really want for the future??
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Finally Something To Watch On TV!
This is the best channel there is on TV. Current TV is like watching YouTube!
You have pod after pod (pod=short segments up to 12min) of the most random things! You just sit and watch for hours and never get bored because there are no boring TV commercials! and if you dont like the topic just wait a a few minutes and it will soon be over!
Last night I was watching Current TV and got to see a pod about poor kids in Colombia and how they have been affected by violence...its really sad, but true...then there was a segment about a girl who had her two legs amputated and after a few years she was skiing like any regular person! and short after a 2 minute segment of some hilarious boy trying to rap!
I highly recommend this channel! I got it in comcast..channel 107
You have pod after pod (pod=short segments up to 12min) of the most random things! You just sit and watch for hours and never get bored because there are no boring TV commercials! and if you dont like the topic just wait a a few minutes and it will soon be over!
Last night I was watching Current TV and got to see a pod about poor kids in Colombia and how they have been affected by violence...its really sad, but true...then there was a segment about a girl who had her two legs amputated and after a few years she was skiing like any regular person! and short after a 2 minute segment of some hilarious boy trying to rap!
I highly recommend this channel! I got it in comcast..channel 107
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Sunday, February 3, 2008
MicroHoo
Will Microsoft's take over of Yahoo be a threat to the internet?? One of Google's chiefs has already commented on this and it sounds really dangerous! Microsoft could really be aiming for an internet monopoly which would suck!! just like they did with the pc! imagine haaving to pay for everything on the web..hope Google fights this battle till the end!
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Google and the "Open Innovation" revolution
looking at how blogging and networking have becomed so popular it is difficult to believe companies can can afford to reject these methods of communication. In the business enviroment these are called "open innovation" and multiple companies have began to open themselves to the world and established services for customers to express their needs so that the company can better serve them.
IBM is a company which has really taken advantage of open innovation and is profiting from it! Companies need to understand that in order to continue to succeed they must open up and join networks to better meet the needs of customers. I think that any company who rejects open innovation is taking a huge risk and could soon start feeling the effects of not joining.
Google has also taken advantage of this force and I think that all of its success is definetly due to the openess to the public! In fact I consider Google to be the starter of this revolution!
So heads up big companies! either you join the revolution or you could soon start suffering!
IBM is a company which has really taken advantage of open innovation and is profiting from it! Companies need to understand that in order to continue to succeed they must open up and join networks to better meet the needs of customers. I think that any company who rejects open innovation is taking a huge risk and could soon start feeling the effects of not joining.
Google has also taken advantage of this force and I think that all of its success is definetly due to the openess to the public! In fact I consider Google to be the starter of this revolution!
So heads up big companies! either you join the revolution or you could soon start suffering!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
can bloggers really change corporations???
Bloggers effect on corporations is growing by the minute and fortunately for us customers we are the winners! After so many years of not being heard and responded too by companies, we have finally found a method to hurt companies so that they will treat us customers fairly. So lets see how strong the effect of bloggers can be and maybe Spirit Airlines will get to hear my complaints through this post.
It was January 13 when I arrived at the airport in Ft.Lauderdale, Fl. hoping to catch my flight and arrive ASAP in Washington DC. However, when I arrived I found my self in a line of about 300 people which would not move. After a while of standing I noticed how late it was getting and tried to contact a member of Spirit Air staff. I finally found a lady who I explained my situation: standing in line for about 45 minutes, the line has barely moved and my flight leaves in 40 minutes. The lady's only answer was that I was late and therefore I had to go to another line to try and reschedule my flight. It was ridiculous! There was still plenty of time and they would not help me! After arguing with the lady and getting no help at all I had no option but to speak to the supervisor which wasn't helpful either. Instead the supervisor treated me and other customers with the same issue poorly and didn't provide us with and answer of why we could not board our plane, instead told us the only other option was to reschedule and pay $70 extra to leave the next morning. What even more frustrating is the fact that when I tried to call and complain with Spirit Air customer service they had no one to answer the phone in neither of the 3 different times I tried calling!! They are trying to cut costs yet they are failing to provide the correct service they are charging for and unless they start changing their strategies I wouldn't be surprised to see Spirit air going out of business soon.
It was January 13 when I arrived at the airport in Ft.Lauderdale, Fl. hoping to catch my flight and arrive ASAP in Washington DC. However, when I arrived I found my self in a line of about 300 people which would not move. After a while of standing I noticed how late it was getting and tried to contact a member of Spirit Air staff. I finally found a lady who I explained my situation: standing in line for about 45 minutes, the line has barely moved and my flight leaves in 40 minutes. The lady's only answer was that I was late and therefore I had to go to another line to try and reschedule my flight. It was ridiculous! There was still plenty of time and they would not help me! After arguing with the lady and getting no help at all I had no option but to speak to the supervisor which wasn't helpful either. Instead the supervisor treated me and other customers with the same issue poorly and didn't provide us with and answer of why we could not board our plane, instead told us the only other option was to reschedule and pay $70 extra to leave the next morning. What even more frustrating is the fact that when I tried to call and complain with Spirit Air customer service they had no one to answer the phone in neither of the 3 different times I tried calling!! They are trying to cut costs yet they are failing to provide the correct service they are charging for and unless they start changing their strategies I wouldn't be surprised to see Spirit air going out of business soon.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
The Key to Social Capital
The article "Saguaro about social capital" emphasizes the advantages of social capital works to society. It also mentions how important trust is within communities and reminds us that without trust relationships would not work. Without trust within the community there would be no openess to expression and therefore the results would be negative. In order to maintain networks efficiency it is vital that there is trust within the users so that issues can be solved together and keep those involved bonded and content. If at any time there would be a loss of trust within the network, the whole structure would suffer and people would take sides, generating conflicts.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
My First Blog Post
Welcome!
This is an educational blog used by students attending American University.
All posts welcomed.
"On my honor, all posts on this blog are my own"
This is an educational blog used by students attending American University.
All posts welcomed.
"On my honor, all posts on this blog are my own"
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