Lack of Motivation

I’ve Moved

Ryan — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 19:49:22 +0000

Not sure if I’m still getting actual readers here or if it’s just a bunch of splogs, but I never mentioned that I’ve switched blogging platforms and now contribute to a new blog.

If anyone actually reads this still and cares to check out my new blog, visit here.

MySpace Downturn? Still Securing Major Advertising …

Ryan — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 17:57:04 +0000

It's interesting to see questions/arguments like this about a possible MySpace downturn after reaching a ridiculous "peak" of 80+ million registered users, and then to see article's like this one from Ad Age, discussing social networking sites recently securing major advertising opportunities with companies like Wendy's and Toyota.

So, what is it? My guess is that, like others believe, the downturn talk is a bit premature. But, with more social networking copycats like Bebo.com popping up, you never know where the finicky teen and young adult markets will choose to go.

Just Give Me a Call … In-Flight

Ryan — Sun, 04 Jun 2006 02:09:10 +0000

Oh lord. Both good and bad news from JetBlue today.

JetBlue Airways Corp. won a government auction Friday for wireless spectrum that could be used to provide in-flight telephone, Internet, or entertainment services.

The winning bid of $7.02 million was placed through New York-based JetBlue's entertainment subsidiary, LiveTV LLC, which provides DirecTV service on JetBlue flights.

I think we can all agree that internet access would be beneficial to a ton of people, particularly those business travelers, but I'm going to pretend that the telephone option doesn't exist. I can't even imagine flying with people on the phone. I can't even stand the babies.

Completely Off-Topic

Ryan — Fri, 02 Jun 2006 02:53:19 +0000

Someone please tell me that Wee Man from MTV's Jackass show and TJ Lavin from its Road Rules / Real World Challenge and also competitive BMX racing fame are not the same person. So what if one is a little person and the other of average height – they're the same!

Note for the Young PR Crowd

Ryan — Fri, 02 Jun 2006 02:38:17 +0000

As counselors, yes, we have a job to do, but often there are situations where we have no pull, no sway, no leverage. Greater success in this profession will come when you learn how to identify the situations you cannot change among the ones you can, and figure out how to work with what you can to make a program work.

For a while in my young career I was getting lost in the emotions of situations I couldn't change instead of focusing on the things I could and, more importantly, should.

Don't make the same mistake. Clients won't always listen or agree–even if you know you and your team are right–and it took me a while to really get that.

Sorry if this seems like an overly simplistic idea to most, but when you're starting out there's so much you must become technically proficient at that it's easy to forget all that other stuff.

MySpace IM Launches

Ryan — Wed, 10 May 2006 01:00:05 +0000

MySpace's instant messaging client launched today, as some probably already know. It looks pretty clean and simple, but leaves a few remaining questions.

Surely MySpace, with its 60 million+ users, have a built-in user base for the client–which is all well and good–but that number in no way rivals that of the current market dominators (AIM, Yahoo!, MSN, etc.). Introducing another client futher fragments the instant messaging market and makes me wonder how sustainable the MySpace app. really is. Granted, tons of people will download and use the software, but will they do away with the standbys? Doubtful.

With so many different protocols out there, it seems the best bets these days are on applications like Trillian or GAIM, which enable users to add each of their respective accounts into one buddy list – so you're operating with Yahoo! and AIM in the same window. If the MySpace client gets picked up in this way–being added to consolidated apps. like Trillian–then I can see it having a better chance at sticking around.

Steve also brings up a good point, that there is space in the IM window for an ad, but again, a la the Opera browser, how long will people put up with having ads they didn't ask for shoved in their face?

Having a Job …

Ryan — Sun, 07 May 2006 02:37:24 +0000

You Know You’re the Sh** When …

Ryan — Sat, 06 May 2006 16:03:34 +0000

Apple makes a commecial comparing PC to Macs and mentions your name as a reviewer in your important business publication.

Corporate sucking up or indication of career success? Both?

Procter & Gamble’s Take on Influencer Marketing

Ryan — Thu, 04 May 2006 18:08:10 +0000

Voce (my company) was able to secure a Q&A with one of the top executives from the $70 billion Procter & Gamble to discuss how they approach influencer marketing and word of mouth. Definitely worth a read for anyone interested in or working in these areas.

It's a two part discussion/post, so stay tuned for the next half.

Update: Part two just posted. Enjoy!

Jose Canseco Works Out at 24 Hour Fitness?

Ryan — Thu, 04 May 2006 02:36:13 +0000

This was too unbelieveable to not record it, so sorry to those of you who don't care about sports. Went to the gym after work today and was just there doing my thing and then I look to my side and here comes none other than King Steroid himself, Jose Canseco. Of course, even in the all free weight area, he turned heads. I was watching more out of disbelief at what I was seeing. I guess he still hangs around the old Oakland hood.

No, I didn't pull a bash brothers move and clash forearms with him, it probably would have broken the bone, but I thought about it.