Archive for April, 2008
Slashdot reported something interesting today. Basically, some neat language in the Network Solutions TOS.
It says:
“You also agree that any domain name directory, sub-directory, file name or path (e.g.) that does not resolve to an active web page on your Web site being hosted by Network Solutions, may be used by Network Solutions to place a “parking” page, “under construction” page, or other temporary page that may include promotions and advertisements for, and links to, Network Solutions’ Web site…’”
Basically, whenever somebody follows a broken link or goes to a 404 page, Network Solutions will put up a page with ads instead. This is underhanded and shady, and I hope that they at least leave the URL in the address bar of the browser.
It’s similar to what Comcast and WOW (and probably other cable providers) are doing by redirecting all 404 traffic to their own ad filled page. This practice annoys me on 2 levels. First there’s the ads, and then they replaced what I typed so I can’t see if I spelled it wrong and have to re-type the whole thing over again.
I’m not one for regulation of the internet, but when all of my provider choices seem to be doing the same unfair practice, what other option is left?
April 11th, 2008
Quick. You want to put in a sprinkler system in your yard. Who do you call?
I’ve been asking that question for a while now. There doesn’t seem to be a major company that does this. Sears, Home Depot, and Lowes don’t seem to offer the service, and they won’t recommend any good companies.
Looking at the industry as a whole, there doesn’t appear to be anybody actually marketing the service.
I need sprinklers and a new front lawn. I’ve got the money in my hand and will pay for it today - yet I can’t find anybody willing to come take this money out of my hand. As a marketing professional, that spells epic FAIL.
Searching Google shows up a few vague companies who don’t have websites. I called a couple, but none of them answered (and most were just cell phones)
A got a flyer on my door about it a few days ago, and called, but it said “sorry, the voicemail box belonging to Mario is full” That’s right, he put his cell phone number on the flyer and didn’t even list the company name on the voicemail. I’m going to assume from the full voicemail box that his flyer worked pretty well for him.
So there’s companies out there doing this, and they probably do pretty well by word of mouth and random door to door flyers - but that’s it. There’s so much potential here and nobody seems willing to step up to the plate.
If you own a lawn care / property maintenance company there’s no reason you shouldn’t have a website. There’s also no reason you shouldn’t be running local ads on all of the search engines. If you’re in the Detroit area, it will probably be very successful because you currently don’t have any advertising competition.
If you’re a product manager at Lowes, Sears, or Home Depot, you should think about offering this service. I think it could be very profitable.
April 7th, 2008
The Tigers (arguably one of the best teams in the league on paper) have lost 6 straight. Everybody panic right? No, not really.
At the game the other day, I couldn’t help but notice all the boos anytime the team was losing. Lately, it’s been every walk, every allowed hit, and every error. It’s disgusting and it’s not going to help the team win. I don’t want this to turn into a “Leave the Tigers Alone” screaming post, but I’m really starting to get annoyed by all the fair weather fans out there.
It’s baseball, and it’s a long season. there’s really no difference between going 0-6 to start, or 6-6 to start. The line becomes even blurrier when you realize that you can start 6-0 or 0-6 and still end up 20-15 in a few weeks.
The Tigers will pull out of the slump and they will have a fine season. Getting some middle relief help (or Zumaya and Rodney off of the DL) wouldn’t hurt much either, but that’s not going to happen. In today’s baseball market, every team is currently looking for middle relief help.
Oh, and to all the fair weather fans: Stop going. If you’re going to go boo, why pay for a ticket? It’ll make it much easier for me to park, and maybe give me some elbow room when I’m there.
April 7th, 2008
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