Archive for January 3rd, 2007
Samsung is working with Sinclair Broadcasting stations in Buffalo, Baltimore and Las Vegas to test a new mobile TV service that’s able to receive existing, live digital TV signals with minor modifications — as opposed to setting aside a new frequency like Qualcomm’s MediaFlo network. Other devices, such as laptops and in-vehicle TV sets, would also be able to receive the programming if equipped with the Samsung chipsets. The company says channel changes are almost instantaneous, and devices can receive live TV when traveling as fast as 170 MPH. Samsung says local broadcasters have been receptive to the new system, and it’s exploring a number of business models from subscription to ad-supported. Samsung will demonstrate the new technology at CES next week. (WSJ sub. req.)
January 3rd, 2007
From Retrocrush’s list of 100 annoying things, a slap at teases that hits a little too close to home: (#85) ”Find out what neighborhood street is going to blow up at 10PM, Tonight at 11!” (via Fimoculous’s insanely great list of year-end lists - up to 650 and counting)
January 3rd, 2007
The Fox show The OC has been booted off the Fox lineup. The last episode will air on Thursday, February 22nd. The show’s ratings have dropped from 10 million viewers at its peak to 4 million this year. As always, fans post your comments below…
Also: NBC pulls plug on Megan Mullally show
January 3rd, 2007
New York, NY
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New York, NY
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New York, NY
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Toledo, OH
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San Francisco
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Mid-Atlantic
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Although it’s blown out of proportion in this article, Sun-Sentinel.com is catching some heat for some racist comments that followed a news story on the site. Like an increasing number of news sites, Sun-Sentinel.com allows readers to post unmoderated but filtered comments beneath stories, and users can flag offensive comments for review. But in this one case, some nasty comments lingered too long. While this approach to comments is standard for blogs, it’s deemed by many as too haphazard for branded news sites that have their credibility to protect, especially when attached to news stories. In fact, traditionalists hold up examples like this one as a reason why no comments should appear online before they’re screened. Personally, I believe in unmoderated comments with safeguards: posting comment rules that you follow; keeping an eye on posted comments; user flagging that you respond to quickly; IP blocking; using the best spam and dirty word filters; disabling comments on inflammatory topics; and separating and appropriately labeling comments. If you approach comments intelligently and believe in the power of user contributions, the upside tremendously outweighs the risk — but it takes hard work.
January 3rd, 2007
It’s true, broadcast promotion is a powerful way to drive traffic to a website. However, it’s rarely executed well. There’s still too much reliance on “For more on this story” or “For more information” as default teases. I would like to suggest another universal solution. Direct people to your search box by asking them to type in keywords for specific pieces of information. Remember the “AOL Keyword”? Even Pontiac sends people to Google for more information about its cars instead of its own website. People are so dependent on search now to navigate the web. Why fight it? It’s a lot less confusing than attempting to explain how to navigate your overly cluttered site in less than 5 seconds or trying to send people to a list of “as seen on TV” links. Makes sense, doesn’t it?
January 3rd, 2007
Now at 1,000 blogs and counting, Placeblogger is a directory of local blogs sorted by location. “If you’re writing about a small area or town, who’s going to link to you from outside? You’re not very visible,” said founder Lisa Williams explaining why she launched the site. Placeblogger is backed by Dan Gillmor’s Center for Citizen Media and PressThink’s Jay Rosen. (Thanks, Alyssa for the tip!)
January 3rd, 2007
