Archive for November, 2005


The Operation Timed Out When Attempting to Contact www.typepad.com.

Wednesday, November 16th, 2005

Typepadtimeout_1I was setting up a client’s new blogs in TypePad this afternoon when I got this error. You may wonder why I’m still using TypePad for blogging clients…I’m wondering the same thing myself.

All I can say is that we’re experimenting with other platforms now. Plus, "the devil that you know…" In other words, I don’t have enough experience to know if other platforms perform any better, although some of my Business Blog Consulting co-horts are laughing in their WordPress-powered blogs.

What’s more frustrating is the only option is to click the OK button. How about a "Not OK" button?

This is just a day after I received an email from TypePad offering a rebate on 0, 15, 30 or 45 days, depending on how much the user was affected.

While we are not done with our work, and there is always the chance of outages on any web service, we believe that the worst performance is behind us, and it is now time to focus on how we can make these problems up to you.

Well, I was debating between 15 or 30, but I’m glad I held off. Now I can get the full 45. To be honest, I’d love 60 or even 90. To be absolutely honest, I’m not even sure that will make a difference.

It’s frustrating that I’m crafting this post in BBEdit, rather than in the TypePad window, waiting for the TypePad service to come up again so I can post.

Rich Brooks
Frustrated TypePad User (for now)


Use Copyscape to Uncover Web-Based Plagiarism

Wednesday, November 16th, 2005

Have you ever wondering if someone is pilfering your prose? Thieving your thoughts? Copying your copy?

Well, worry no more. I discovered an online tool that can discover if anyone has plagiarized you on the Web. (And, I lost half-a-day’s productivity in the process!)

Fervent readers of this blog may remember that I’ve had problems with plagiarism in the past. That’s why I was so excited to give Copyscape a try.

Once you arrive at the site you enter in your URL. The free version of Copyscape only allows you to test one URL at a time. There are two paid versions that allow you to check multiple pages routinely; they start at $9.95/mo for up to 20 pages.

Do you want to know what I found? Curious to hear what the apparent plagiarizers said when I confronted them? Glad you asked.

(more…)


What is Podcasting? Podcasting 101

Tuesday, November 15th, 2005

After my recent foray into podcasting with our own Web marketing podcast and being interviewed by the local TV news about podcasting I realized something:

Most people don’t have a clue what podcasting is.

Since podcasting might be an important tool for some of our clients, this month’s flyte log, our free monthly email newsletter, is called What is Podcasting and Can it Help Your Business?

In a q & a format, I try to answer the questions that clients have been asking me about podcasting…both in words and hidden behind blank stares.

If you’ve been wondering about podcasting and whether it might have any impact on your business, this is a great jumping off point.

Rich Brooks
Podcasting is Not Fishing for Body Snatchers


Software? Hardware? All-In-One Podcast Solution

Friday, November 11th, 2005

Podcastfactory_1MacWorld reported yesterday of a hardware/software podcasting solution from M-Audio for both Mac and PC. The new product, Podcast Factory, lists at $179.95 and, according to the Web site,

combines all the hardware and software you need to easily record, edit and publish professional-sounding podcasts.

Although you can certainly get by for less, (I have invested about $60 into hardware so far, and there’s loads of free software out there,) there’s often a benefit for non-early adopters in choosing an all-in-one solution. No concerns about whether product A will play nice with product B.

Expect to see a lot more similar products hit stores soon. Kind of surprised that Mac hasn’t bundled a package yet…

Rich Brooks
Blogging about podcasting, podcasting about blogging…


More Thoughts on Business Podcasting

Thursday, November 10th, 2005

I just caught my 15 seconds of fame on WCSH’s news special: Podcasting 101. Fifteen seconds may have been an exaggeration, I’ll have to go back to the DVR and tape it.

One thing that I’m not sure was communicated during the special — I’m not sure because I was also feeding my kids and cleaning the living room — was what makes podcasting different than previous downloadable audio from the Internet.

The answer to that is RSS (Real Simple Syndication.) You can subscribe to these podcasts, these Internet radio shows, and that’s what makes them so compelling. I’ve found a new morning show in Keith and the Girl (not for all ears) and some other business related casts that I enjoy.

The fact that I can automatically download them to my computer and my iPod, and take them along for my commute or jog (if I jogged) is what makes podcasting so different than just audio downloads on command.

I think I’ll write more on this later, but I gotta go. Boys night out.

Rich Brooks
Web Marketing Podcaster


Rich Brooks…Educator?

Thursday, November 10th, 2005

AppleteacherThat’s right, it’s time to get hot for teacher.

Rich Brooks is going back to school…this time to teach. I’ll be doing a gig with the University of Southern Maine Continuing Ed program. This four-class course has a working title of Web Marketing for Entrepreneurs.

During the course we’ll look at how to build a successful Web site, how to attract qualified leads to your site, how to convert visitors to customers, search engine optimization, email marketing, blogs, viral marketing, podcasts and more.

If you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner and within driving distance of the USM campus in Portland, Maine, you should consider taking this course.

The dates are April 5th, 12th, 26th and May 3rd. April 19th is evidently spring break, at which time we’ll all being going down to Cabo for the week.

The classes will be held from 4pm – 6pm, which I think is the best possible time for entrepreneurs, who can’t exactly take 3 hours off in the middle of the day, even when it’s important.

I think the course is going to be $195, which is a good deal for 8 hours. Plus, we’ll be reviewing students’ Web sites and Web marketing strategies in class, since the entire building is wi-fi enabled. Sweet!

Rich Brooks
O Captain! My Captain!


What’s the Business Model for Podcasts?

Thursday, November 10th, 2005

I found this article this morning just in time for the big Podcasting 101 special report on WCSH tonight (complete with an interview with moi, but you knew that already.)

Stephen Bryant over at Publish.com says, Yes, Virginia, There is a Market for Podcast Advertising. Well, actually he said that to everyone, not just to Virginia.

He talks about some of the current conventional wisdom saying there’s no future in podcast advertising, (can’t click ads, all radio ads are local, etc.) and does his best to debunk them or present another way of looking at them.

Most interestingly, he mentions two podcast ad brokers, Fruitcast and RadioTail. If you’re looking for ways of monetizing your podcast, or want to sell ads on someone else’s, these are two places to start.

Rich Brooks
Podcasting in Maine


Technorati Responds to My Open Letter

Wednesday, November 9th, 2005

Score one for the little guy! Give it up for David! Turns out you can fight city hall and win!

Obviously, my earlier post/open letter to Technorati support did not fall on deaf ears. Finally, my Technorati photo has been updated, and here’s the evidence to prove it:

Technoratiphoto_1

If you’re having trouble seeing the image, here’s a close up at 1,000%:

Technoraticloseup_1

Sweet. Great branding. Keep up the good work.

Rich Brooks
Color me appreciative. A very, very, very dark shade of appreciative.


Podcasting 101 Promo

Wednesday, November 9th, 2005

RichpodcastingDying for more info on yours truly? Someone just sent me a link to an online promo for the Podcasting 101 special channel 6 is running featuring me.

And by "featuring" I mean don’t-sneeze-or-you’ll-miss-it. When the word "businesses" appears on screen about 11 seconds in there’s a shot of me, looking straight up my nose. Very flattering.

Currently you can click on the podcasting banner on WCSH’s home page or try this link. You’ll need a fairly recent version of Windows Media Player to see it.

Rich Brooks
Enough About Me…Let’s Talk About My Movies


RSS for Marketers: How to Use RSS for Your Business

Wednesday, November 9th, 2005

More and more businesses are starting to discover and explore RSS (Real Simple Syndication) as an alternative to email marketing.

RSS allows you to syndicate your content very easily; it’s most commonly used in blogging and podcasting as an RSS feed is automatically created by most blogging and podcasting platforms. However, RSS can be created for your Web site as well, and is fast becoming an important communication channel for businesses.

In Your 7-Step RSS Marketing Plan, Rok Hrastnik holds your hand while you dip your toe in the RSS ocean.

Come on in! The water’s fine!

Rich Brooks
Toe Dipper