DavidKamatoy.Guru

Microsoft pulls another fast one...Yeah Really

Excerpt from the article...

The lowering of certification requirements meant that PC makers could sell PCs that could not run Vista's new user interface, known as Aero Glass, not even if they were later upgraded. That constituted a deliberate attempt by Microsoft to fool consumers into buying PCs that could not run the "full" version of Vista, according to the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

Wow! this is just so sad and another reason to be incredibly cautious when buying a PC right now...

David Kamatoy is an Entertainer, Entrepreneur and Internet Marketer, a juggler both literally and figuratively. He currently works in businesses and media development working with companies to develop social media on the way to broadcast media. Join the email list at www.DavidKamatoy.com, very latest video projects on viddler or youtube complimentary trial of the email marketing system www.jugglemail.com

Bill Campbell. "Cut expenses. Don't cut hope."

Found these two related articles...

Venture capitalists: We are open for business, but take our advice...

The Secret Coach

I just spent a few hours on the phone and in meetings today speaking about the current economic  environment as I was searching for something to write about I finally stumbled on these two posts related to VC which ends with this quote from Bill Campbell.

"Cut expenses, Don't cut hope"

We are watching some huge economic shifts happen right now and you need to be ready to take advantage of what will happen in the marketplace. You see in a thriving economy it's a lot more likely that entrepreneurs will hang onto bad ideas...seriously.

If they have some money, some credit a few investors it will help them hang onto a project that most likely will not work. What's nice about the current environment is that there is a lot of MARKET SHARE that is becoming available if you can secure a piece of it.

One of the traits of a experienced entrepreneur is that they know there are lean times followed by abundant times. That being smart with economic choices is part of the plan, it has to be. In times like these it's now becoming part of the culture as we see large companies like GM battening down the hatches with their own stationary. Simple ball point pens and paper, no frills. Which to be honest makes a lot of sense since were basically starting to operate much more virtually anyway.

What we are trying to accomplish with our teams at KMG is to create enough projects that everyone has a base to work from and then the time and resources to develop and embrace a pet project of their own.

One of the challenges is that a "JOB" rewards mediocrity. A job wants you to be totally committed to them. Which is great at the beginning as it gives you a base and some benefits. However the challenge becomes moving beyond the ceiling that the job pays. As an entrepreneur you set the ceiling.

Now is the time to start developing a plan that gives a base to work from. Allow yourself the time to work on the bigger projects and be ready when the opportunities become available to you. Let us know how you are doing.

"Cut expenses, Don't cut hope"

David Kamatoy is an Entertainer, Entrepreneur and Internet Marketer, a juggler both literally and figuratively. He currently works in businesses and media development working with companies to develop social media on the way to broadcast media. Join the email list at www.DavidKamatoy.com , very latest video projects on viddler or youtube complimentary trial of the email marketing system www.jugglemail.com

Business Lessons from the Music Industry: on About.com

Business Lessons from the Music Industry by Scott Allen

Scott Allen is one of the premier Entrepreneur blogs. A good read..

One of the other lessons that were learning from the ever changing music industry is that the brand is the musician or the act and not the label. You would think that this would be obvious but it's a lesson that we have to keep learning again and again.

Hidden Valley Spa hosts, Fire Fighters Appreciation Day on Saturday Nov. 15th, 2008 12-6p.m.

Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa is hosting a Fire Fighters Appreciation Day for the Valley Center Fire Protection District.  Members of the Fire Department that saved Hidden Valley Retreat from the fires of 2007 will be celebrating with their families, neighbors and friends in the surrounding Valley Cente Area. Firefighter family members may attend free, all are welcome.

Escondido,CA-- November 12,2008—Firefighters that fought the historical fires of 2007 will be attending  the "Fire Fighters Appreciation Day." at the  11 acre Hidden Valley Resport and Spa. The owners, Steven and Fiona Markowitz came up with the idea to celebrate and thank the firemen that helped save their community.

"We were all affected by the fires and for many of us it has taken longer than expected. It feels as though things are getting back to normal and it's time to reconnect and celebrate."

The damage to the 11 Acre Hidden Valley spa has not gone unnoticed. The estate while open to large events was moving towards being open as a Bed and Breakfast and Spa when the fires hit. It has taken time effort and patience to clear and repair the property.

"We share a lot of resources with neighbors so it was a community effort at times bit the place looks fantastic. We recently discovered more waterfalls on the property."

The Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa was originally called The Hidden Valley Health Ranch, and was the dream of Dr. Bernard Jensen, an internationally acclaimed expert on natural foods; longevity and holistic health who helped millions of people use holistic medicine and good nutrition to improve the quality of their lives. "Hidden Valley, California", is known to millions as a healing place. To host the "Firefighters Appreciation Day" only seems appropriate.

Entertainment will include the band , "A Shadow's Edge" an eclectic, acoustic-based musical force that blends folk, rock, jazz, and world music. A petting zoo and Party jumper for the kids. Lunch is included and will be BBQ and Vegetarian cuisine.

All Firefighters and their families are welcome Free. Tickets for individuals are $25 per person or $100 per family and all proceeds go to Valley Center Fire Protection District. 5.

Contact:

Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa
24360 Old Wagon Rd Escondido CA 92027
760-749-3093

 

Too late to the Dance? Apple to do a Search Engine, Microsoft to do a social network...

San Diego,Ca-OK so here are the two headlines and articles...

Microsoft to add social networking features to Windows Live

By Jessica Guynn


Apple to maybe develop a Search Engine..

Apparently the Microsoft social network thing will most likely happen but I really cant see it getting a solid footprint in the industry. Although what it might do is help Microsoft connect with it's market and reinforce the brand. Still I think this move is about 3 years behind the curve.

The Apple headline upon further reading seems more like just a really bad report and most likely not going to happen. I just don't see apple pouring that kind of money into the game. Let's face it google is sort of the Mac of the search engine world at this point. Firefox is sort of the Mac of the browser world.

I think regardless of how successful the Microsoft social network is it's a viable project. Please comment...

David Kamatoy is an Entertainer, Entrepreneur and Internet Marketer, a juggler both literally and figuratively. He currently works in businesses and media development working with companies to develop social media on the way to broadcast media. Join the email list at www.DavidKamatoy.com , very latest video projects on viddler or youtube complimentary trial of the email marketing system www.jugglemail.com

How old is my cat? How young is my gerbil?

just sent me a link to CatAge. Brand Extension begins. What's next?

Gerbilage. Turtleage, Snakeage?

I am a huge fan of Realage.com and we often refer to it when we talk about the ability to build a database and then market to that database with content. This brand extension is great. The meetings must have been hysterical...

"How far do we want to take this?"

"I'm not sure but let's start with the common animals and go from there."

"Thus Dogage.com and CatAge.com" I may purchase some random obscure animal just to be funny.

Seriously. If you want a lesson in email marketing join one of these lists. Period. 

David Kamatoy is an Entertainer, Entrepreneur and Internet Marketer, a juggler both literally and figuratively. He currently works in businesses and media development working with companies to develop social media on the way to broadcast media. Join the email list at www.DavidKamatoy.com , very latest video projects on viddler or youtube complimentary trial of the email marketing system www.jugglemail.com

Flip Camera goes to HD...Really

Flip camera goes HD.

I have never used a Flip camera but I am considering contacting them in reference to using them in the new "Blog This with David Kamatoy" TV show that were working on. What I would enjoy about a Flip Camera is the portability and the fact that I could just drop it into the computer. One of the greater challenges of video production is transfer time. While Prosumer and Professional cameras do have HardDrive Options we are still mostly aquiring via tape.

I can easily see my team members armed with Flip Cameras,
 release forms and press passes.

In addition the reality is that Standard Definition is still what is being used predominately. Back in the day we used to worry about losing a generation because we were shooting on tape and editing on tape. Nowadays people are shooting HD because they have a video camera importing a huge file into a computer and then uploading to youtube and going down in quality that way. In addition if you want to edit and then export that file into a HD DVD then you also need that level of optical drive in the computer to output it as well as play it.

Transitionally speaking yes it will move to HD and HD from a broadcast format will give us a leg up on the competition but it still bodes to CONTENT first.

From an additional technical standpoint. It may be HD but its a limited lens. The lens itself gives you a certain look that you cant really deviate from. The most proffesional cameras give you lots of lens choices.

That being said, I still want one. lol. I think many of us right biw are shooting in HD and then posting in standard with the ability to go to HD when needed.

David Kamatoy is an Entertainer, Entrepreneur and Internet Marketer, a juggler both literally and figuratively. He currently works in businesses and media development working with companies to develop social media on the way to broadcast media. Join the email list at www.DavidKamatoy.com , very latest video projects on viddler or youtube complimentary trial of the email marketing system www.jugglemail.com

Youtube takes on Hulu.com with a deal with MGM for content....

Youtube.com adding MGM content is a brilliant move and the next obvious step in the convergence of media. As you know I have close been following the trend of Hulu.com, Netflix and the move towards the more traditional media move to the Internet.

I remember when(SAY THIS LIKE AN OLD MAN.) I remember when there were 3 Networks and everyone watched the tonight show. While this old day of media gave us a much more common reference as a society it also monetized heavily the three networks and advertising was a pretty cut and dry business. If you had money you could play.

Now both the advertiser, the viewer and even the content provider are all trying to figure out how the pie falls together. I mean lets face it even as I write this post I am attempting to monetize by google adsense and selfishly promoting my own services.

Youtube.com owns about 60% of the video viewing marketplace. They are the most searched site on video search engine web. However with other companies gaining a marketshare through fuller content like Hulu.com and even the network sites themselves. youtube had to do somethingthing.

In addition the file sizes, the ability to watch something longer on other sites I believe also has triggered Youtube's decision. The reality is that I can write this article while watching Life in NBC's site and I get it sponsored by Kraft Singles. Versus actively searching for fun and unique videos on youtube. While exciting it doesnt really bode well for time management and also the need for completion that a traditional story line offers.

We are going to see more of this. Get Ready...

David Kamatoy is an Entertainer, Entrepreneur and Internet Marketer, a juggler both literally and figuratively. He currently works in businesses and media development  working with companies to develop social media on the way to broadcast media. Join the email list at www.DavidKamatoy.com , very latest video projects on viddler or youtube complimentary trial of the email marketing system www.jugglemail.com

American Express becomes it's own bank...GREAT MOVE!

Amex has gotten the nod from the Federal Reserve to become it's own bank. This is a solid move from American Express in response to the crazy markets. I recently had a great interaction with American Express regarding a transaction and honestly it was one of the best business service conversations Iv'e had since my interaction with one of the largest law firms in San Diego that we had on retainer on at the time.

It's too bad that they have to cut 7000 jobs but it seems as though they are doing everything correctly to be a constant force in the upcoming marketplace.

David Kamatoy is an Entertainer, Entrepreneur and Internet Marketer, a juggler both literally and figuratively. He currently works in businesses and media development  working with companies to develop social media on the way to broadcast media. Join the email list at www.DavidKamatoy.com , very latest video projects on viddler or youtube complimentary trial of the email marketing system www.jugglemail.com

Congratulations to "Life" NBC has ordered 9 more shows...Watch it on Hulu.com

Hollywood Insider reports that "Life" just picked up 9 more shows. I just found this show on Hulu.com and was able to catch up on these shows. This show is a quirky little surprise. We've sort of grown accustom to the fast paced dramas and multiple characters and then a show like this comes along that gives it actors time to "act" and for the viewers it allows us to really get to know the characters. What A Concept...

There are a couple of great character devices in play in this show that seem simple at first but then you watch the way it affects the characters and it becomes quite entertaining.

Cool Devices include...

1. Charle Crews playes by Damian Lewis, Cop wrongfully imprisoned after 12 years gets a huge settlement and goes back to his life as a cop but as a millionaire. He is still in love with his wife now remarried. He lived the prison life, the cop life and now the millionaire life. What it does is give his character the ultimate odd man out presence. It seems as though nothing phases him as his real life seems completely surreal.

2. His best friend Ted Early played by Adam Arkin( Its great to see Adam on TV!) who is a reformed white color criminal that is now managing his finances.

3. They live in an incredibly large and empty estate.

Oddly enough I have known someone who received a very large settlement and he got an estate in the process. He as well for the longest time had no furniture since it was really just him and his sister living in the house. There was a kitchen table, some patio furniture and an office where he spent most of his time.

As well I have known some white collar criminals that ultimately were great businessmen that went way to far and paid for their crimes coming back to try to be of service again to society.

What I can see in these chararcters in these actors is that they are fighting to connect with the world again after spending TIME in prison. They do so by simply solving the next problem that's in front of them. Whats Next?

David Kamatoy is an Entertainer, Entrepreneur and Internet Marketer, a juggler both literally and figuratively. He currently works in businesses and media development  working with companies to develop social media on the way to broadcast media. Join the email list at www.DavidKamatoy.com , very latest video projects on viddler or youtube complimentary trial of the email marketing system www.jugglemail.com

Congrats to Loucas George and the other 12 various producers, cast and crew on getting another 9 shows. I hope this one sticks for a while....