Online Conversion & Beyond

Long Time, No Post

For the faithful readers of this site, an apology and explanation are in order.  Since August of 2007, I've had the opportunity to work closely with my friends and colleagues at Future Now, Inc. as they took the critical steps to become a public company.

To make certain that I did nothing that would violate the (SEC) rules, I've been silent regarding my work there.

See you all later in the new year!

No One Should Be "Neutral" on Net Neutrality

Typically, we've stayed out of political debates on this blog.  There are more than enough participants in the various issue-driven discussions that crowd the blogosphere.  Even when there appeared to be an issue where taking a "stand" might have been expected (e.g. armed forces recruiting) we've preferred to remain neutral, focused on finding solutions for problems rather than celebrating them!

Today, we'd like to deviate significantly from the past, and point out an issue on which no one in this sector can remain "neutral."  Strangely enough, the issue is none other than "net neutrality."  Well summarized in a May 2, 2006 article by Reuters' Kristin Roberts, here's the bottom line on the "net neutrality" debate:

"Broadband providers such as AT&T Inc., BellSouth Corp. and Verizon Communications want to expand from flat pricing and also sell tiers of service based on the speed, reliability and security of the bandwidth used.

While those providers have said they would not block access to the open Internet, companies that use the Internet to sell products or services want Congress to adopt stricter safeguards to ensure they are not pushed into a slower lane of the Internet if they do not pay more for dedicated network service."

What's disturbing about Robert's article, entitled US Finance Sector Puts Web Pricing in Cross Hairs is that even people as astute as the financial services community are just waking up to the costs that could be imposed if recently proposed legislation (supporting a less-than-neutral Internet) makes it through Congress.   In fact, as Robert's implies, the FS people may be too late to make anything happen at this stage.  Instead, they may fight it out (for their own interests . . . not yours or mine) in

"conference, where House and Senate negotiators work out differences between their bills.

In that environment of closed-door bargaining, banks and credit unions may be able to secure the Net neutrality language they seek, industry lobbyists say."

Don't miss the opportunity to be heard.   The impact of new costs (imposed by carriers) on net proceeds even WITH good conversion rates could be significant for many of us.  For more information on what you can do, check out Save the Internet.com.   And contact your elected representatives today!

Conversions for Speed at the NEBSRA

When the weekend rolls around, we try to escape from the office and clear our heads.  This past weekend, the big escape for many was the Clash of the Titans (Steelers/Seahawks); however, for a hard-core group of local enthusiasts, the main event happened on Saturday in not-so-far-away Jamaica Plain, MA.  We're referring, of course, to the NEBSRA (New England Belt Sander Racing Association) Winter Nationals held February 4, 2006 at the "SanderDome" (Kenyon Woodworking) in JP. 

Playing to a packed house (was it the free beer, or the tang of sawdust that drew them?) racers showed their stuff in the stock and modified divisions.   With racers covering the required distance (2 abreast on the one-foot-wide straightaways) of 50' (stock) or 75' (modified) in times averaging 3.6 seconds, the thrills were short-lived but sweet.  (Check out the blurred picture of a race in progress).

And the fans, not unlike their distant cousins at NASCAR events around the country, were well advised to stay clear of the track.  This was especially true in the area beyond the finish line (see picture below) where the unwary could find themselves up close and personal with 30+ lbs. of runaway metal and sandpaper. 

Although there was a shock-corded backstop to stop the BS (belt sanders) at the end of the race, some of these unwieldy beasts have been known to jump the track, and pick a random flight path into the crowd.   The organizers, intent on having a safe and fun event, repeatedly warned spectators to stand back behind the red "line of death."  Most complied, but some eager photographers had to be warned off repeatedly.

What caught our attention, of course, were the masterful "conversions."  In this case, we're referring to a standard Craftsman or (better) DeWalt belt sander, fully tricked out (with forward and aft guidebars to stay on the tracks) and streamlined.  Well, at least some were streamlined - other entries (particularly an homage to Elvis) would put Rose Parade floats to shame! 

For those who missed the big event of the weekend past, we sincerely recommend that you bookmark the NEBSRA site and plan to come to the next event.  Our appreciation goes out to the organizers (who support Community Servings with door donations) and to all the racers, their families and assorted camp followers who made this a spectacle for the ages.

Podcasting - It's Everywhere

With millions of portable devices now in user hands, and, in the words of Erin McKean, editor in chief of the New Oxford American Dictionary, "only so much music you can listen to," it's no surprise that "podcast" has risen to the top of the lexicographers' heap this year.  According to Frank Barnako (MarketWatch),

"Editors at the New Oxford American Dictionary have selected "podcast" as their word of the year.

The definition is "a digital recording of a radio broadcast or similar program, made available on the Internet for downloading to a personal-audio player."

As a marketing opportunity, time-shifted audio has come of age.  My spouse, Amanda, is out at SES this week, speaking the gospel of RSS and Podcasting.   And people are listening, and taking action.  No one can afford to remain on the sidelines.

Congratulations to Dave Winer, Adam Curry (see - evenhanded - both sides of the debate) and all the others who saw it first, and helped birth this jolly private-time-and-space invader.  Who cares that we'll never hear the birds chirp again ;-)

Life Transitions

Some life transitions are more important than others.  Being able to attend the wedding of the son of your wife's own maid of honor (35 years ago) is one of those moments in time that stand out as singularly important. 

Given all that has happened in the intervening years, it's great to know that some relationships pass the test of time.  With that in mind, we wish nothing but the best for Jennifer and Stanley Foy, married August 27, 2005, Boothbay Harbor, Maine.

Thanks for letting us be part of this moment (and a great party - see the bride riding high above the crowd at left).

When Worlds (or pieces thereof) Collide

Usually we stick to business (conversion, sales, human capital, etc.), but occasionally we'll see something that is so jaw-dropping we just have to stop and stare (quickly followed by blog and share).

Thanks to Sally Green for posting something special for the astronomy buffs among us.  As you may be aware, on 4 July, 2005, the Deep Impact spacecraft successfully intercepted comet Tempel 1.   (For those who may be wondering, Bruce Willis was a notable no-show for this event.)

Check out this fly-by-craft movie from NASA, and watch the ice fly!  Or go directly to the NASA site for more.

It's Never Too Late for Conversion

Like most undergraduates during the '60's, I remember lugging around a very heavy (but barely worn) Economics text written by the esteemed Paul Samuelson.  I could almost imagine his soothing voice, leading me out to "efficient frontiers,"  or on journeys to world markets where supply and demand moved together in an elegant dance.  I became confident in the self-regulating nature of free markets, and learned to love capitalism,  even with its flaws.

Imagine my surprise to learn that this same Paul Samuelson, at 89, is still deeply engaged in developing our understanding of world markets.  From this past Sunday's Maine Today, we learn the following:

Writing in the summer 2004 Journal of Economic Perspectives, Samuelson questioned whether, in an era when huge economies like India and China produce at comparable efficiency to the United States, but at a fraction of its wages, gains from free trade really offset the losses entailed.

Criticizing by name such eminent figures as Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan and presidential economic adviser Gregory Mankiw (he of outsourcing-is-good fame), Samuelson called their assertions that trade-induced disruptions produce more winners than losers a "popular polemical untruth."

Samuelson proceeded to attack what he labeled his profession's "oversimple complacencies about globalization" and pointedly argued that the current enthusiasm for outsourcing "can induce for the United States permanent lost per capita real income."

What does this mean for those of us involved in conversion work, be it sales or human capital supply/demand management? 

First, we need to understand the full impact of trade agreements on our businesses, realizing that we have some collective responsibility to keep the US economy strong beyond our own narrow (business) interests. 

Second, we have to stay in touch with our political representatives, making sure they understand the real impact on our economy (and the ability of our markets to stay viable) when job migration is followed by knowledge migration.  As reported in Business & Industry section of the Deccan Herald (Bangalore):

A study conduced by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has revealed that India is all set to move from being the most preferred business process outsourcing (BPO) destination to a knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) destination.

Third, we need to continue to improve our own means of reaching global markets with products and services that are difficult to duplicate or reverse-engineer.  To do this we need to embrace continuous learning, both for ourselves, our employees and the generation to follow.

In his own, singular way, Paul Samuelson sets the mark for us all.  He's shown a willingness to challenge his long-held beliefs, and be open to a rethinking of fundamental principles in his field . . . at 89!  If he can do it, we can, too.  Way to go, Paul.

Shelton of York's Harold Anderson

This week we had an opportunity to do an interview we’ve had planned for quite some time with Harold Anderson, one of the owners of Shelton of York.  The shop has been a fixture in this historic beach community for as long as I can remember, and is one of the places we go to select gifts for people who love the Maine seacoast as much as we do.

Earlier this year, a violent nor'easter ripped through York Beach, tearing down awnings, throwing signs and smashing windows.  As you'll hear in Harold's own words, his neighbors showed up to help protect the store.  This is not unusual.  It's part of the culture in beach communities, helping one another in times of need.  Shelton's exterior still shows a few minor bruises from the storm, but once you come in the door on the corner, you'd never know it.

During a recent visit , we saw the resident artist at work near the front of the shop, painting vivid seascapes.  A giclee of one of his works depicting the battle between the CSS Alabama and the USS Kearsarge (Cherbourg, France, June 19, 1864) caught our eye, leading to a brief conversation concerning the accuracy of his depiction, which is flawless.

Wandering through the shop, we are dazzled by new and interesting decorations, lamps and models. My wife wanders off to look at the new fashions which are displayed deeper in the store.  The whole place is alive with quiet conversation, color and light.  It’s always a pleasure to stop by.

For those who unfortunately find yourself landlocked today, we bring a bit of the store to you via an interview with Harold.  Take a moment to listen.  You’ll be glad you did.


MP3 File

Berkman Thursday at the ICA - ArtMob Diversity

Thursdays at the Berkman Center (Harvard Law School) are typically an "inhouse" affair, during which the regulars and guests spend about an hour or so learning from each other about some aspect of blogging. This summer, the discussions have been particularly rich, focusing on platforms (like LiveJournal), tagging and the state of WiFi in Boston (a hot topic). Future sessions will cover Wikis, food blogs, blogging for non-profits and so on.

However, tonight being Harvard graduation (read -major traffic jam), the Berkman Thursday crowd decamped to the other side of the river, and converged on the ICA (Institute for Contemporary Art).

The ICA's current exhibit "Getting Emotional:Thirty-two international artists explore the expression of feelings through painting, photography, sculpture, and video" proved to be ripe for blogging . . . as the offerings ranged from the eerily beautiful (e.g. Warhol's Nine Jackies - the center strip of which is used in another work - 20 Jackies) to the intensely disturbing.

As the Berkman ArtMob spread out among the floors, we had an opportunity to experience not only our own emotional reactions to "Getting Emotional" but also recorded and provided commentary on other people viewing the exhibition.

Always willing to take an abstraction to the next level (meta-meta-meta), I decided to concentrate on an aspect of the recording in progress, namely, choice of blogging hardware.

What follows is an impromtu interview with some of my blogging peers, during which they reveal a diversity of technique . . . one of the aspects of the blogging culture that makes this emerging form of public conversation a constantly unfolding surprise.


MP3 File

City Square on the Road - IRA National Championship Regatta

Here at City Square, we'll do just about anything to get out of the office for a few days.  However, sometimes we think we should put better parameters on the "just about anything" criteria. Last week was a case in point.

One of our favorite volunteer activities is serving (along with my spouse) as a USRA Judge/Referee at crew (rowing) events around the country.  Last week we were front and center for a three-day competition, the 2005 IRA National (Collegiate) Championship Regatta on the Cooper River in scenic New Jersey.  This is an event that draws the top competing collegiate (men's) crews from around the country (Harvard, Princeton, Washington, Stanford, Wisconsin, Navy, Army, Colgate, etc.) to compete in head-to-head sprint racing.  (See picture insert of boats leaving the starting platform while I served as Assistant Starter).

Boatings include the 8's (eight crew with coxswain), 4's "with and without," and Pairs (a really scary proposition, in which two rowers with one oar each, looking backward, try to find their way down a 2000 meter course without incident).  In the picture below, you can see a side-on view of 8's during a race, taken from the water.

In addition to the men's crews, this event also draws the top women's lightweight crews from around the country.

Now for the "just about anything."  This year it was the weather.  Crew events are on in anything other than thunderstorms and extreme wind.  And this year in New England, we've had an abundance of the latter.  Not to be outdone, the weather in New Jersey was unseasonably cold for June (we donned our survival gear once again) and wet.  Given our 6:00AM to 6:00PM presence on the racecourse, we all got soaked. Our hotel room at the end of the day looked like the aftermath of a hurricane.  We're still drying out equipment that remained aglub (technical nautical term) for most of the regatta.

Is it worth it?  Yes.  The opportunity to give something back to the sport of rowing (I still compete in singles, and previously rowed bow in a Master's 4) is a big deal.  The friendships we've built with others in the J/R corps and with coaches and crews over the years are precious.  And frankly, even when it's coming down cats and dogs, any day on the water beats a day in the office.