Marketing

Yahoo! Buys Flickr

Ashley

Congrats to Flickr (Ludicorp) on their acquisition by Yahoo! It’s one of the few Vancouver success stories that I’ve heard since moving to there five years ago. But what really surprised me when I first heard about them was that hardly anyone that I know up in Vancouver heard about them when I first told them about it! Why was that? They are based in Vancouver. The only thing that I can think of as a reason is because Ludicorp didn’t view themselves as a Vancouver company. Yes they were based in Vancouver, but they had their sights set bigger. They knew how to play the tech industry game. And being a tech company and not playing the game is probably one of the bigger mistakes that I see Vancouver companies making.

In the past year Caterina Fake and Stewart Butterfield have been presenting at all the big tech industry conferences- getting their name out there and developing wuffie (the father of this word, Cory Doctorow, is on their board). In addition to having a great product, this pr is what got the attention of the tech community, Yahoo! and probably other companies. I can’t tell you of any other Vancouver start-ups that I’ve known that have had their executives on the conference circuit as part of their marketing strategy. It’s not that they didn’t have products that would have been worthy of talking about. I don’t think they ever considered it.

The tech world revolves around Silicon Valley. It’s something that I knew before moving down here but is now crystal clear. If you want to be successful or have a successful tech company, the people here better know who you are and what you do and vice-versa. Once you’re secure in your reputation here, then you can go out and conquer the rest of the world.

Ludicorp seems to have done well with their initial wuffie. It will be interesting to see how much farther they get with Yahoo! behind them.

Madness

New Mount Hamilton Highway?

Ashley

I don’t like the idea of this. The California State Senate earmarked money to study if a new highway over Mount Hamiltonshould be constructed.

For me it’s a no brainer. There should not be one. The light pollution will most likely make the Lick Observatory obsolete. It’s an incredibly beautiful area that’s amazingly undeveloped while being so close the valley.

If you’re in the area, brave the twist and turns of a drive up Mount Hamiltion one sunny day to see what I’m talking about.

Madness

Sexy Condi

Ashley

Only Americans would think that Condoleezza Rice’s “transformation” equals sexiness. Watching Good Morning Americathis morning, I hear them refer that the long coat and knee high boots she wore to Wiesbaden Airforce baseas a “dominatrix, Matrix” ensemble. Yes I know this is old news, but I never got around to commenting on it. Anyway, she was covered from neck to toe except for her knees. When did wrinkly knees become sexy? And they showed other photos of her dressed in a ball gown with a wrap. Again totally covered. Yet it’s sexy?

Then they interview a Washington “insider” who said, “Who knew pretty was powerful?” Hasn’t she heard the adage “sex is powerful”? And that’s what this all comes down to. Condi has decided that she’s not going to be the dowdy old maid that blends into the background. She going out into the world and leveraging one of the things that gives her an advantage as a woman. I wouldn’t go as far as calling her sexy, but I would say she’s looks good.

She’s now the Secretary of State and needs to put her best foot forward when entering a room. And any woman can tell you that you’re first judged by how you look and then by what you say.

Writing

BlogHerCon

Ashley

A group of women are getting together to start of conference to address issues about women and blogging – Bloghercon. It’s like BloggerCon, but focused on women.

Now the question is : Should we invite men to Bloghercon or not?

Neither – Do not advertise it as a women only or men invited conference. You’re probably saying “Huh? That’s not an answer!” Just advertise it as what it is – A conference that focuses on women’s issues in blogging.

Having attended an all female college and been involved in feminist organizations, when you advertise a women-focused event, most men assume that it’s a women-only event. Opening the conference to males but framing it in such a way that we *will* focus on women’s issues in blogging, what it means to be a woman and a blogger and in a male-dominated tech environment may just in and of itself separate the wheat from the chaff, so to speak. The men that are interested in the subject and want to make a contribution will attend. The others won’t. From reading Dave Winer’s comments on Lisa Stone posing this question , it seems that the fear of women bloggers getting together en-masse is that valuable information and progress will exclude any male bloggers who wants to be a part of understanding the issues and making the blogosphere a better place. But it’s also a very powerful act. Maybe that’s the objection to it?

There are male feminists who help to give a different view of the issues and have valuable knowledge that enriches a discussion. I say feminist because a feminist is one who believes women should have equal rights. There’s no mention of gender in the definition. And I bring up the “F” word because the state of women in blogging is a feminist issue.

Dave Winer doesn’t like the idea of a women-only event, or, if I’m reading it correctly, a women’s issues only event. (I’m picking on him because he’s the lone male voice in this so far.) I understand part of his point of view. The only true advancements in gender issues can only happen when men and women work together, and we should be working on the human race as a whole. But I have concern that his comment is an indicator that men do not see that women still do not have an equal say in our society. Yes there are lots of women saying things, but actually influencing things, not so much. And you can’t expect BloggerCon to transcend this inequality and be able to comfortably and effectively discuss women’s issues in blogging. It’s not that the women aren’t ready for it. It’s that the men aren’t comfortable with it.

So Elle has a valid point in saying “No boys!” I do like the idea of a women’s only event. It’s powerful. It’s comforting. It’s encouraging. But I think of the one guy that was in my women’s studies class. He might have felt isolated, but when it came to questions like “Well what do guys think about this?” – we had a voice. And how can we enlighten men on what we see if we’re not even letting them into the conference. If a man is interested in a conference like this, he’ll come and hopefully will not be intimidated and will contribute. If you’re worried about sexists, my experience is that they’ll avoid it.

The conversation about allowing men could turn into a whole long discussion on the communication and group behavior differences between men and women and how the mere presence of a man in the room will oftentimes make a women censor herself if she feels she is not in an environment where the mere mention of the “F” word will get her labeled as a femi-nazi. (Ah.. how I miss those discussions in college.) And that’s why we need a conference! And to build a community of women.

Essentially, when blogging you’re communicating and forming online communities of people who read a particular blog. We’re creating groups when we form linking rings or creating a loyal audience. By having this women-focused conference we’re examining the natural progression of this medium, its place in society and the women’s issues around it. (Women’s issues run the whole gamut from childcare and healthcare to sexuality and religion.)

Just because a group of women get together does not mean that it will automatically turn into a She-woman man-haters club bitch fest. Why do people automatically assume that male-bashing will be tolerated when the ground rules and framework of the conference have yet to be established? And just because Shelley makes certain comments on her personal blog that can be taken the wrong way by the opposite sex, does not mean she’ll bitch and bash men at the conference. I thought it was a hilarious tongue-in-cheek look at linking.

For blogs that sound like they’re male-bashing, maybe the tone of the author has been misunderstood. But there are women out there that are harsh on the male sex. However it’s not like there aren’t men who harsh on the female sex. And if you can’t understand why there’s a need for a women and blogging conference, perhaps you just need to walk in my shoes for a day and know the feeling of having someone assume you don’t know a technology or issue just because you’re “a girl”, when in actuality you know more about than they do. Then you may understand why some women are getting a bit passionate about this subject.

Oh and if the men want to devote time to men’s issues and blogging, go for it.

Marketing

Search Engine Relationship Chart

Ashley

Bruce Clay has an interesting Search Engine Relationship Chart (in flash) showing which search engines are interconnected. Great for marketeers to figure out who they really should optimize for, and eye-opening to see who’s in bed with whom, in some way, shape or form. You can clearly see who is going up against Google – MSN and Yahoo have no relationship with them at all. One thing to note is that it does not clearly show the relationship between Inktomi and Yahoo.

Fun

Laws of Fashion

Ashley

So this morning on KFOG they were talking about how in Virginia Algie T. Howell, a Democrat legistlator from Norfolk, proposed a $50 fine for anyone who “exposes his below-waist undergarments in an offensive manner.” And it looks like it’s going through.

This is too funny. At first I was a bit shocked that a state could actually pass a law dictating how people can wear their clothes. How naïve of me. I really should know better. Someone gets annoyed or offended, so the obvious solution is to pass a law prohibiting the offensive behavior.

So out of curiosity, I did a quick search to see what other laws are on the law books out there that legislate fashion. Here’s what I found:

Virginia

  • Norfolk (Home of Mr. Alfie Howell)- Women must wear a corsette after sundown and be in the company of male chaperone.

    Pennsylvania

  • Connelsville – One’s pants may be worn no lower than five inches below the waist. (did this give him the idea?)

    Michigan

  • A woman isn’t allowed to cut her own hair without her husband’s permission.(this is just wrong)

    New Mexico

  • Carrizozo – It’s forbidden for a female to appear unshaven in public (includes legs and face). (not fashion exactly, but it’s weird)

    Kentucky

  • “No female shall appear in a bathing suit on any highway within this state unless she be escorted by at least two officers or unless she be armed with a club.” An amendment to the above legislation: “The provisions of this statuate shall not apply to females weighing less than 90 pounds nor exceeding 200 pounds, nor shall it apply to female horses.” (sad state of affairs when you need to write a law like this)

    California

  • Statewide – Women may not drive in a house coat.
  • Blythe – You are not permitted to wear cowboy boots unless you already own at least two cows.
  • Carmel – Women may not wear high heels while in the city limits.
  • Los Angeles – Zoot suits are prohibited.
  • San Francisco – Persons classified as “ugly” may not walk down any street. (okay this isn’t fashion, but I had to put it in here as I know there are offenses of this everyday)
  • Walnut – Males may not dress as a female unless a special permit is obtained from the sheriff.

    Florida

  • It is illegal to sing in a public place while attired in a swimsuit.

    North Dakota

  • It is illegal to lie down and fall asleep with your shoes on.

    New Jersey

  • Caldwell – You may not dance or wear shorts on the main avenue. (I know I’ve broken this law)
  • Elizabeth – It is forbidden for a woman, on a Sunday, to walk down Broad Street without wearing a petticoat. (and this one)
  • Haddon – Cross-dressing is illegal

    New York

  • NYC – It is illegal for a woman to be on the street wearing “body hugging clothing.” (broke this one too)

    Alabama

  • Anniston -You may not wear blue jeans down Noble Street.
  • Mobile – It is unlawful to wear women’s pumps with sharp, high heels.

    Ref:
    http://www.big-boys.com/joke.asp?ID=974
    http://www.lawguru.com/weird/part01.html
    http://www.dumblaws.com/

    • Stuff

    Tehran – East or West?

    Ashley

    The other day my friend Farshad emailed me a link to photos of the city where he spent the first years of his life and where his extended family still lives, Tehran. I have to say I was a bit embarrassed about how ignorant I was of it.

    I have to confess, I thought it would look like Baghdad – low-rise buildings the color of desert sand that blend into the background scenery. I couldn’t have been more wrong. In winter, Tehran looks more like Vancouver than Dubai. The skyscrapers look so Western, and the low-rise buildings look like the ornate 1800s office buildings in downtown New York City.

    What’s surprising is how in the past 100 years most of the old architecture in Tehran has been replaced with modern designs. Here in California people get their panties in a twist if anyone threatens to bulldoze a building that’s from the 1800s. Think about Iran. They’ve been building since 1000 BC or more and have ancient architecture that’s 100 times more beautiful than an old craftsmen-style home.

    Before we possibly go and start blowing things up and ruining things, check out the photos of Tehran.

    Iran is on my list of places to visit. It looks so beautiful and all the Persians that I have met are some of the most caring people that I have ever known.

    Uncategorized

    Do We See the World Through Silicon Valley Glasses?

    Ashley

    No this isn’t a lament on technology being the focus of our lives here. It’s about photography.

    I don’t know if it’s Bay Area folklore or truth, but according to my photography teacher, the Kodak film color palette is based on the colors that appear in nature here in Palo Alto. So for Kodak film, the default green should be the same color green you see on the hills here in Silicon Valley. I would think that would be the winter green color and not the dead summer green. Anyway, according to this story the reason why they chose Palo Alto was because the Kodak Color Lab was based here. It makes sense, because what will you test the colors of your prints against? Well the colors that appear in nature of course.

    As Kodak based their colors on what was around them, so did Fuji. Fuji’s palette is based on the colors of Kyoto. This would explain why when I first tried their film I finally was able to capture the green of Vancouver properly. From the photos that I’ve seen, the colors of Kyoto and Vancouver seem fairly similar.

    But one thing that my teacher said gave me pause, and that was that all the film in the US is now all based on the same color palette – Kodak’s. All the film producers have gone towards that palette because that is what consumers want or expect. So all you’re left with is basically one choice of film that has super saturated reds. But I guess your average person with a point and shoot isn’t all too concerned about that. I haven’t tested the Fuji film here yet, so I don’t know if the greens will be less vibrant than the greens of the film that I bought in Vancouver. Also one thing I noticed when we moved down here is how much brown and tan is in nature around here. Maybe that’s why some people think Kodak film producers better colors for skin tones.

    Who knows if this is just another Silicon Valley myth or truth. I have no reason to doubt it. I just couldn’t find any proof of it on the internet. And you know if it’s not on there, then it can’t be true!

    If anyone can point me to a webpage or proof that verifies these statements, please drop me a line. I searched for it, but couldn’t find any proof.

    Uncategorized

    Why I’m NOT Going to be a Bush-dodger

    Ashley

    I keep hearing in the news that people are planning on moving to Canada because Bush won the election. If you think about it for more than the split-second you see it in your newsreader or on the evening news, it doesn’t make much sense.

    I lived in Canada since the last election up until January of this year. Let me tell you that being an American in Canadaisn’t an easy way out of Bush country. Don’t get me wrong. I love Canada. One day I hope to move back. But right now, my country needs me – a failry liberal Democrat.

    One thing that people don’t seem to consider is that you cannot effect change in the US if you’re living in Canada or any other country. You see, while living abroad you basically have no say in your home country’s goverment AND you have no say in the what your resident country’s government. So basically you’re choosing a life where both the US and Canadian governments (if living in Canada) can make laws that affect your everyday life without there being anyway for you to get your voice heard. Yes, US laws affected my life in BC. For example:

    • Softwood lumber tariffs
    • Patriot Act
    • Tax laws – you still have to file a US tax return
    • Iraq war – from gas prices to everyday comments asking you, the closest representative of the States, why you invaded Iraq. Saying sorry you didn’t vote for the guy can get very tiring.

    Those are just a few off the top of my head. Of course some will say that as it stands now a Democrat has no say in the Bush government. That’s not true. If you live in the US, your state has at least 1 Representative and 2 Senators. So, if you feel strongly about a subject you can get out the ol’ pen and paper to write them about the issue that is concerning you. You’re more likely to get your letters read if delivered by snail mail. Plus there’s always the phone. And you can vote them out every two years.

    Now let me ask you, who do you write to when you live outside the country? Americans Abroad do not have representation in the US government. Although Democrats Abroad at least have a lobby and vote in the convention. Do you write to your old state’s congressmen? Well, depending on the state you lived in, you may no longer have a right to vote for the person to fill that office and they don’t have to listen to what you say. And I believe that it’s illegal to pretend that you are a resident of a state.

    So what do you do? Vote only in the Presidential elections, and you just sit up there in Canada hoping for the best. And we all know how well that goes.

    Also I have to question people who instead of getting involved in trying to fix what they see as wrong, they just up and run. They’re not in danger of getting killed, tortured or jailed for their beliefs (at this point), but they’re not going to stay and try to reinstate the United States as the country everyone looks to as the premier example of democracy. instead, the Bush-dodgers are going to flee the country for another country that has a different set of issues/problems, some similar, where they won’t be able to vote and will be seen as an Outlander. If there are enough Bush-dodgers, they’ll leave this country in the hands of the Republicans and the neo-conservatives who have hijacked that gallant ol’ party.

    I ask all those Bush-dodgers to stay and get involved. And why not engage Republicans that voted for Bush in conversations where you’re actually listening to why they voted for him. You might find that you have more in common than you think.