links for 2005-10-28
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The Observer is the professional software package for the collection, analysis and presentation of observational data.
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The New York Times rounds up the best sites to share video clips online, including…(tags: video)
Archive | October, 2005
links for 2005-10-26
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At times, it helps to think of writing as carpentry. That way, writers and editors can work from a plan and use tools stored on their workbench. You can borrow a writing tool at any time. And here’s a secret: Unlike hammers, chisels, and rakes, writing to(tags: writing)
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Gerry McGovern: “A Flash intro is a fourth-rate attempt at a TV ad by people who won’t get a chance to design real TV ads. They were invented by graphic designers desperate to turn the Web into TV, and who wanted to look cool and win design awards.”
Yes! Somehow, the word hasn’t reached a lot of businesses in my corner of the world. In my recent presentation about building trust online to folks from the tourism industry in Panama, I cautioned the audience about the use of Flash on their sites. I saw some heads nodding in agreement, and most of them seemed to belong to Americans.
It’s probably a cultural issue—people in Panama seemingly believe Flash-heavy sites make their businesses look cutting edge. I’d be willing to bet that a lot of users in the US (where the Panamanian tourism industry focuses most of its efforts) and elsewhere find Flash intros either hokey or outright annoying, and the businesses end up suffering as a result.
Copyright law dictating content access for global sites
Over on Savage Minds, a rant about book publisher Routledge’s website and its heavyhanded approach to filtering access to their catalog depending on your country of origin. Being a fan of Routledge’s books (and one that lives in a small country that probably doesn’t even register in their radar), I’ve felt the pain of using their site in the past. I simply didn’t buy into the annoying UI and made my purchases in Amazon instead.
Panama: the most globalized country in Latin America?
According to a report in the Latin Business Chronicle, Panama is ranked as the most globalized country in Latin America. The ranking is based on 17 factors that measure each country’s links to the outside world.
I’m surprised by the finding—I know that my country is strong in foreign trade, but seriously… stronger than Brazil, Chile and Mexico? Actually, what tips the scales is the Colon Free Trade Zone, the largest in the western hemisphere. We’re also in the top 10 with regards to Internet penetration, an encouraging sign.
