websense

TKG is sponsoring an event for GetListed.org called “Local University” at the Educational Service Center of Cuyahoga County. GetListed.org is presenting this ‘crash course’ in Internet Marketing to local small business owners. It’s a thrill to work with GetListed, and we’re honored that Northeast Ohio was chosen as a stop on this tour. I’ll be speaking at this event, so I’d love to see you out there. A little about this seminar from the GetListed site:

“Local University is an informative four-hour crash course in the basics of internet marketing–and especially Local Search. It’s largely a beginners’ event that is definitely intended for business owners. Attendees learn Search Engine Optimization tips and techniques that will lead to sustained, long-term search engine rankings–and, hopefully, new customers. ”

They’re taking this around the country, so be sure to find one in your vicinity if you’re not in NE Ohio. This seminar is totally sales pitch free, so no pressure, just come and learn! There will be some very knowledgeable local search experts with strategies for your small business, and it’s only a half day so you can still get some time in at the office before heading home for the day. Sounds good, right?
It’s about to get even better, use the discount code karcher to reduce the already great price to just $79. Can’t beat that, especially when you hear the incredible speakers lined up. So, c’mon, make me, and NE Ohio look good – register for the seminar, and pick up some great ideas for your local small business!

Even if you are not a child of the 70′s or 80′s, the new Google logo is still pretty cool. To celebrate Pac-Man’s 30th Birthday, the Google logo is an interactive Pac-Man game that can actually be played! Go check it out – it’s a little bit of nostalgia…

As I am sure you have heard by now (if you don’t already have one) Apple came out with a nifty new toy a few weeks ago, the iPad. I can’t resist new technology so I picked one up. I have a couple of comments, but in general most of it can come from a humorous article over at Technorati, written by Phillip Winn. Since I love a great car analogy, I found this post particularly insightful.

The author likens the new ipad to an automatic transmission, which is the exact reason I think a lot of people will end up liking this new apple product. They won’t have to work too hard to figure it all out. As a result, my kids love it.

My personal take is that it’s a pretty cool toy. Cool, but not practical for anything other than surfing, very light email and reading books. The iPad should definitely kill the Kindle, but I wouldn’t think that people will rush out and actually replace a Kindle with the iPad. To be fair, I’ll include a link to a guy who thinks the iPad is a necessary addition to your tech toolbag. He happens to be my brother in law, but he’s pretty smart, so if you’re interested in a different take: http://noodleonthis.wordpress.com/2010/04/26/why-we-need-the-ipad/

The problem with the email; its okay, but actually harder to use than an iPhone because you can’t hold it in your hands and thumb type because its so big. The email app design is really cool, but the simple things (typing) are a pain in the ass neck.

I’d love to hear from others who have obtained iPad, or who has at least gotten to play with one. What do you think, is it as easy as Apple makes it out? Is the email ease or difficulty important to you? Is it going to replace the Macbook, Kindle and everything iPod? Post your review in the comments!

Guest blogger: Megan Jeffery
Get ready, I am about to say something shocking to the SEO world: Despite the fact that many SEOs tout reciprocal linking as worthless, I have never really been convinced of this. I mean, if you look at it logically, how can a link from a worthy and related source, and a link back from your site be a bad thing? Worst case scenario is that you pass along a little link juice, and in the end, you probably “break even” as far as that goes.

I contend that yes, perhaps it is not in your best interest to actively pursue recips, after all, no one is going to answer your emails anyway. However, in this new world where blogging and commenting has taken hold, it is natural that relationships between site owners will develop. They are going to link to one another (BLOGROLL!). This is a reciprocal link, and usually a valid one, as most people don’t put links on a blogroll that are completely unrelated.

It’s really all about relationships, of the human, rather than bot variety. If you link to a site, make sure you value the site. If you develop a relationship with the site, site owner, etc., then your link to them will be appreciated, and perhaps, one day reciprocated. This all goes back to the concept of tribalization…it’s more about building a community with other trusted sites and bloggers.

Anyway, I ran across an older article that lays it all on the line. I have also recently come across this dissenting post. The author makes some salient points. Pretty interesting reading. Check it out, I’d love to hear your thoughts.