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what to do......

Online Games and Web 2.0 ??

Like many of us I am a big fan of online games. I love playing those brain teasing casual skill games - be it Sudoku, online racing games or various puzzle and strategy games or so. I usually play during lunch time or when I need a break (yeah right..work productivity). These games are fun and quick to play.

But now and then, but these sites make me aloof and make those interesting game boring. So I am constantly in googling in for new sites. Yeah I love playing games but not like this. It would be nice to have some kind of competition (not betting, at lest for me), interaction with other gamers....and so. Bring on the Web 2.0 element guys... Can we have a quality online community for gamers???

You'd say..look around dude there are plenty of sites such as Kon'gate and Miniclip yeah right have you looked at the interface and the playing environment..its so not web2.0. Ok kon'gate has the right concept and idea, but does not excite. I mean how hard can it be to have a good quality Game Social Network. Doof (in private Beta)is website aimed at online gamers. Looking forward to "doof" the site looks sleek and promises to offer a new experience. From the site "Doof is all about Playing Online Games, Meeting People, friendly competition and expressing yourself". Looks good to me - but again will have to wait and watch. (More about this new online gamer)

The key for any web 2.0 site would be a brilliant interface, simplicity and the concept. I would be exploring various web 2,0 startup, how the existing one are doing in future. Also keep an eye on doof.

Also If you have any such interesting web2.0 startups, share info about them.

Cheers!

Cheeky Googler!!

At the Internet World exhibition held in London- Earls Court (couple of weeks back), I attended one of the Google's seminars. This seminar was about AdWords (ahhh!!). But at the end of the presentation, the usual Q&A stuff - the guy sitting next to me asked "What software did you use for the presentation" Googler " I don't remember the name but the software was caller Power something ....I don't know .. Anyways it's crap" hahah.. we all know guys even we don't like MS....... waiting for your version of PowerPoint.

Online Marketing ? - "Is your website ready?"

Off late a lot has been said and written about online marketing - getting traffic to your website – using SEO (Search Engine Optimization), Pay Per Click (PPC, like Google AdWords) and what not. Yes they may help you in getting traffic to your website – but if your website does have the right content, information or products - then your visitors don't stick around – let go the prospect of converting them to customer.

We have been so obsessed with SEO , PPC & Co that we have ignored the very basic component e-business – an informative( relevant content), well maintained and easy navigable website. I have been asked by many of my friends and colleagues about listing their website in PPC and SEO. I had a look at their website and asked – "do you really want people to visit your website ?"

All I want to say to business people who who design and develop their website( using the available packaged software's) - is to do some research (you will find millions of website/ blogs giving you information about web designing), get the relevant content on your site, take feedback about your site from friends- family colleagues , clients, visit various websites that offer similar kind of service or product as you.

You might not have the budget or skills to develop an sophisticated website incorporating the latest technology. But then again, some of the most visited and profitable websites don't use either. We all know that design and structure of websites vary from business to business – depending on the nature of business, budget and target market (audience). Content is the key here, because thats what's will make a visitor return to your site, give them useful information relating to products/service.

Keep your website as simple as possible (avoid all those flash animation, bright colors and loud music) – Simplicity is the key to success.Get your website right and then embark on various marketing campaign's.
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Cut the Crap - Smoking

We have been hearing from ages that tobacco ( chewing/smoking) causes all sort of health hazards, yet we see millions of people continue to do so. People close to us - friends, family are in to this slow death.
The most horrifying thing is that they all know the effects of tobacco and yet... The most common excuse one gives is " I have been smoking for years and I am addicted to this and I cant leave it ".

Truth be told, at one point of my life I used to smoke cigarettes. It started of as trying as I go by the following - All things in life need to be tried at least once - but don't get addicted. I had enough of it and needed to quit badly. You need to be disciplined and determined to quit, no matter what. There are plenty of aid avaible in the market to help one quit tabbo - like anit smoking pills, patche & co. But above all you need a stong will power.

Quitting was not as easy as I expected it to be. So I decided to take it one day at a time without any external help. I followed a 5 day rule, and it worked. The theory being, if you curb your urge for smoking for first 5 days - you have won half battle. Because its the initial days when you would be dieing for a smoke or even a puff. Control that and you are on the right track.So anyone who's trying to quit tobacco, just try the 5 day rule. I am sure it will work.

People talk about withdrawal symptoms ,yes there are - you look and feel fresh, more energetic, not to mention white teeth's(after a while) :), more stamina - which I guess is better than the various sort of cancer and heart/lung troubles caused by tobacco.

People say they smoke under stress/pressure. Well the best way to release stress is working out - exercising. Go out and jog or hit the gym. They are the best stress busters, not that bloody cigarette. And Girls, smoking does not burn calories.

" Cigarette does the smoking, you are just a sucker"

You all know the effect of smoking and the benefits of quitting, a simple search on Google will give you 1000's of websites giving information on this. All I want you to do is just try for 5 days - I am sure you can do it - your famlily and freinds wellbeing lies in your wellbeing. Think about it.

Stay hungry, Stay foolish

Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Speech: You gotta watch this.

It's back ...Cricket World Cup

Its been four years since last world cup, played at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg( RSA) on 23rd March 2003. I remember watching last world cup final between India and Australia at friends place. We had armored ourselves with Coke(Cola) and Pizza's expecting it to be nail biting final. But Australia (as usual) did not like that. The fate of the match was decided in first couple of hours when Australia thrashed India. They had played like champions.

So whats new this world cup - well for the fact that its being held in West Indies (Islands, enclosing the Caribbean Sea. Lying between southeastern North America and northern South America) . Also this world cup is truly open. No one team start of as the only favorites, every team has equal chance. The main reasons being inconsistency of team Australia (of late) - considered to be the best, the pitches in West Indies - low scoring and unpredictable nature and the size of the grounds - small compared to the ones found in other test playing nations.

Well I do not indulge in betting, but if I were to put my money on it would be on England, South Africa, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

England - Last couple of years they have performed consistently well in ODI's, beating the top sides. A fully fit England is worth a watch.

South Africa - Truly deserve to win this time and show the world that they are not chokers.

Sri Lanka - Of Late thee been doing well and the pitches in West Indies will suit their style of cricket.

New Zealand - They have a complete package - bowlers, batters, all rounders and the team is in good from. They recently thrashed the mighty Ozzie's for 3-0 series victory.

The teams I have excluded are India, Pakistan, West Indies. Though they could be tough opposition as well, but not cup contenders. So will have to wait till the semi finial's are played to see which 4 teams go through. I would love to see New Zealand vs South Africa in the finals. Till then sit back and enjoy the boys sweat it out!!!