Brian Gongol
(2006.06.29)
Text links and online ads
30-second analysis: Online advertising goes through fads just like all other advertising. At different times, it has been (and will be again) search-engine optimization, viral marketing, and the use of trusted endorsements. But the bottom line is that everything in advertising is only a gimmick unless it does one thing: Associates a product or service in a compelling way with content that is of interest to the target audience. That's it. Nothing will ever be more effective (in the long run) than having one's name consistently associated with something of value. So if advertisers are unwilling to create great, compelling content of their own, they should find someone who will and establish a long-term relationship that will benefit them both.
(2006.06.29)
Why capitalism is more important than democracy
That's not to say that democracy isn't good (it certainly is) -- but freedom of commerce is even better, in part because it paves the way for democratic freedoms and for liberty.
Aeromix
Massive flooding pounds East Coast