The Brave Programmer

Great Christmas Gifts For That Geek In Your Life

robert@integralwebsolutions.co.za (Robert Bravery) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:54:00 GMT

So what do you get a geek or a nerd for Christmas. They certainly will not enjoy a box of chocolates, and deodorant and perfume is just so boring.

Here are a few ideas that might spark an idea

Has LinkedIn Actually Helped You Land That Perfect Job?

robert@integralwebsolutions.co.za (Robert Bravery) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 06:49:54 GMT

The social network era or movement has made many promises over the years. Sites like LinkedIn have had great potential. But when it comes down to real world application, and fulfilling the needs of the man in the street, have sites like LinkedIn lived up to expectations?

LinkedIn is a social networking site that is aimed at professionals. It enables professionals and the like to network together. Ask questions, and give answers to those who are in the same field as you are.

It is also a place that many have written about saying that it is the ideal site to help in landing that perfect job.

The idea is that if you have worked hard on your LinkedIn networking. If you have received favourable recommendations. If you have participated in various questions and answers relating to your skills. Then when you need a job then LinkedIn is the perfect place to start.

Why? Well because it is believed that you have developed a relationship with those in your network. As a result direct referrals are much easier and more reliable.

But has this actually been the case?

In a survey done on a job site in South Africa, it would appear that this is not the case. In fact LinkedIn has not featured at all in the job hunting business.

The question was how did you find your job?

Job search website (like CareerJunction, PNet, etc)	8%
Employment/Personnel Agency, Labour Broker	17%
A newspaper job ad placed by the company	17%
Via a referral from a friend/colleague/family member	51%
Through you approaching the company directly	7%
Via LinkedIn or Facebook or other social networks	0%

So it would seem that Social networking sites have had little effect on job hunting. Although this was in no way a scientific survey, it does paint a bleak picture for the job seeker and the promised potential of these social networking sites.

It might be different in other parts of the world, you would have to correct me on this. But for South Africa, we still have to see the benefit of Social networks and jobs.

If you have had any success using social networks like LinkedIn to land that perfect job, please let us know about it.

Image via Wikipedia

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Can Businesses Really Profit From Social Media?

robert@integralwebsolutions.co.za (Robert Bravery) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:09:54 GMT

Social media by its very nature is aimed at drawing people together. Getting people to network, form groups of interest and chat about day to day happenings.

But the question is, can business profit from something that is often seen as a non-business entity?

Embrace change

Don’t be scared of breaking away from the norm. Embrace the ongoing change in the world today.

Too many people and businesses don’t take on the new technology for fear of change. They are too comfortable in their current grove.

But where would we be without change?

I remember an old boss of mine who flat refused for many years to switch form old Lotus123 over to Microsoft Excel. He was scared of the change. Scared of new challenges. He was quite comfortable with Lotus123.

In fact he was very productive using Lotus and his productivity would have taken a big knock had he changed.

Well, we know the outcome, Lotus123 is no longer around and Excel is the predominant business spreadsheet program around.

The point is that switching to new technology is often scary, often seems un-productive, and not profitable. But history teaches us that in the long run switching and embracing new technology is the wisest choice you can make.

Using social media together with business

I think the problem lies in not thinking of your social media strategy as part of your business objectives.

The reason why social media never works for business is because they do not see it as an integral part of their business.

A good friend of mine, Anton Koekemoer from antonkoekemoer.com, says this; “Many companies are creating and planning various social media strategies without considering their overall business objectives. To get the best out of your SMM campaign, you have to use your social objectives together with your business objectives to understand the effectiveness of your campaign.“

So then how can business align their business objectives with their social media campaign? Well best I direct you to a great blog post by Anton on this very subject. Head on over to Using social media together with business objectives and read this excellent post on tips and how to ideas on using social media together with business objectives.

Companies using social media

To highlight my point though I would list a few well known companies that are using social media well.

Starbucks - Starbucks asks for suggestions on how to make the company better. If you provide a suggestion, Starbucks CIO will discuss the idea on the site.

Comcast - Frank Eliason, Director of Digital Care for Comcast Cable uses Twitter to look for people talking about Comcast, 'tweets' them, and offers to help.

Ford - Scott Monty used Twitter well to avoid a public relations fiasco. Ford did this by communicating online, in real time with their customers.

Sun Microsystems - Sun Microsystem’s CEO blog. Jonathan Schwartz’s blog received up to 400,000 hits a month. Its success lends itself to its openness. Positive and negative comments are allowed, and even the most inane are approved.

CocaCola – CocaCola’s Facebook fan page was started by two fans. Instead of taking it down the company gave these users the power to run the page for them. Even though this is a very bold move to make, it gets their fans involved with the brand and thereby the fans get value out of the page.

Conclusion

The fact of the matter is that Social Media does work. It’s how you make it work for you that matters. Don’t fall behind. Embrace new ideas and new technology.

The question is, how can you make Social Media work for your business? Other businesses have made it work. Why can’t you?

Have you been successful in integrating social media and your business. Let us know your story in the comments below.

Technorati Tags: Social Media,Twitter,Facebook,Business

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Apple suing Samsung. The anti-consumer patent war. Is it Pathetic?

robert@integralwebsolutions.co.za (Robert Bravery) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:39:40 GMT

In April Apple sued Samsung in a patent dispute alleging the Galaxy tablet and phone lines were rip-offs of the iPad and iPhone. But Samsung has now fought back with its own basket of law suits.

A preliminary injunction granted to Apple Inc. by a court in Dusseldorf, Germany, will stop the sales and marketing of Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet computer across the continent, with the exception of the Netherlands.

Samsung is fighting back, “We’ll be pursuing our rights for this in a more aggressive way from now on”. Samsung has filed it’s own lawsuits against Apple claiming they are infringing on patents that they hold in wireless technology. The legal battle has spread to 10 countries from the US to Germany.

People in glass houses

It’s a bit pathetic isn’t it. Apple complaining that the likes of Samsung are stealing their ideas and technology, whilst Apple themselves are guilty of doing exactly the same.

Listen Apple, people in glass houses should not through stones.

An executive from Samsung stated “Apple has continued to flagrantly violate our intellectual property rights and free-ride on our technology…We will steadfastly protect our intellectual property.”

Amongst other complaints, is the main complaint that Apple has continued to use Samsung’s UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service).

But this is not the only area where the likes of Apple have stolen technology they have claimed to be their own. Amongst these are the likes of Nokia suing Apple.

How pathetic is Apple in claiming the high moral ground when they themselves are just as guilty as they claim their competitors are.

Lets all play together

It seems to me that this suit is all about the fear of taking over the market. I sense that Apple is afraid of Samsung. That they will soon take over the market share that Apple now enjoys.

In my view, The Samsung Galaxy Tab and Samsungs line of Mobile phones are superior in functionality and technology than Apples iPad and iPhone. I’m not too concerned about look and feel. Which is what is worrying to Apple.

Why can’t these big companies do what is right, pay for what they use? Share technology and pay for the rights to use other technology. They expect us to do that, why won’t they play along as well.

Consumers get hurt

Overall, these patent battles hurt consumers because all they do is stifle competition. To me that's the crux of the matter. It’s the fierce competition in the tablet and mobile areas.

Competition drives new technology. If one giant company seeks to claim the market for them selves then there is no competition and soon very little technology.

This global battle is hurting the consumer who are customers of both companies.

Apple has prevented consumers from having the opportunity to try the Galaxy 10.1 tablet.

Samsun will soon try to stop the sale of the iPhone. Who wins in this situation?

What do you think?

So what do you think of this battle? Is it justified? Should Apple, Samsung and the like just get along and play together, or is IP a significant part of a business brand?

Love to read your thoughts in the comments below.

Technorati Tags: Apple,Samsung,iPhone,iPad,Galaxy Tab

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Today We Mourn The Death Of A Great Blogger

robert@integralwebsolutions.co.za (Robert Bravery) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:57:14 GMT

Today we mourn the death of a great blogger. Their blog showed so much potential. The blog started of like a bomb. Everyone was excited. Yet here we are, at this sad time. Their potential was not yet realised.

Who is this famous blogger that died. Well sad to say that it is you. You as a blogger, and your blog will die, if you do not follow these simple rules.

1. Write Quality Content

This has been hammered over and over again. Content is King. Without Content, there is nothing to read. With nothing to read, no readers will come. With no readers, your blog might as well be dead.

2. Engage your readers

Blogging is all about the reader. It is about engaging with that reader. It is about getting into their mind and touching their heart. It is about stirring their spirit and changing their thoughts.

Engage your readers, reply to their comments. Make them feel at home.

3. Create a unique blog

This is a difficult one, but a rather important one. With so many blogs out there, what makes your blog any different to the others. Why should I, as a reader, come to your blog as opposed to one of the other thousands out there in a similar niche.

Make your blog unique. Do what others do, but do it differently.

4. Don’t belittle or criticise your readers

Although your blog is your platform, and that you are entitled to say or do what you want, the biggest way of killing your blog is to insult your readers.

Treat your readers with respect and honour. They are your blogs life blood.

5. Have a great blog design

If your blog is not pleasing to the eye and attractive to look at, then no one will, well, want to look at it. It’s amazing how the look and feel can either make or break a blog.

Conclusion

Hopefully these tips accurately describe your blog. If not you should really take it to heart. Make the changes.

Can you add any more points that might kill a blog? Leave your comments below. Much appreciated.

Technorati Tags: Blog,Blogging,Content,quality

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5 Biggest Social Media Myths

robert@integralwebsolutions.co.za (Robert Bravery) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:23:00 GMT

Whether we like it or not, Social Media is here to stay. With the likes of Facebook, Twitter and Google+ Social media is all around us.

Merriam-Webster defines a myth as "a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon."

Like common society, social media has it’s fair share of myths. Here is a list for you to consider. This list will clear up some of the Social Media Myths floating about.

Microsoft Now Officially Owns Skype

robert@integralwebsolutions.co.za (Robert Bravery) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 06:53:00 GMT

Microsoft has officially closed its acquisition of Skype on Friday for roughly $8.5 Billion. Skype will become a new business unit within Microsoft.

The Internet and Skype have changed video calling for millions of people.

“Skype is a phenomenal product and brand that is loved by hundreds of millions of people around the world,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. “We look forward to working with the Skype team to create new ways for people to stay connected to family, friends, clients and colleagues — anytime, anywhere.”

Skype – Windows Phone 7

It is also rumoured that Skype will be included in the next Mango (Windows Phone 7) Update. This will surely increase Windows Phone 7 marketability and competiveness.

Microsoft will also now have contact with millions of non Microsoft users through the Skype user base. A very valuable bunch of data, don’t you think?

Skype is best known for linking families and friends in online video conversations across the world. "I'll Skype you," is now a common refrain. Microsoft prides itself for putting the computer into every home. The two seemed destined to be together.

Skype – Windows Integration

The next time you install a new version of windows, or upgrade, or even boot up, you might be asked if you want to install Skype as well.

If you use Microsoft's cloud service, Windows Live Essentials, you could see Skype popping up in applications like Hotmail and Writer. You could have one address book for both Hotmail and Skype.

Microsoft Office could also be Skype-enabled. You could for example have the choice to email or Skype your contacts!

In the gaming realm, Skype integration could be used to enhance Microsoft's Xbox LIVE and Kinect offerings by expanding the voice and video capabilities that are already supported by these devices.

So what do you think of the Microsoft-Skype deal? For you is it Deal or No Deal? Please leave a comment in the comments section below.

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,Skype

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Link Building, The Wrong Way To Do It

robert@integralwebsolutions.co.za (Robert Bravery) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 07:17:00 GMT

Many SEO Specialists will tell you that Link Building is an integral part of your SEO strategy. However there is a right way and a wrong way to link building.

How many of you have ever received emails requesting link swaps? 9 times out of 10 these emails are pre-compiled by some link building software.

Not only that but the same email seems to go around and be sent by many different people.

Then there is the allure of swapping one link for two. But the problem is that the links to be swapped have nothing to do with your sites niche or theme.

The importance of link building

Link building certainly has an important role in your SEO strategy. Links on websites are what makes the Internet work, it makes the web go round. Links are doorways or pathways around the net.

Links are how we navigate from one site to another. It is the vehicle that allows us infinite access to information. It is the vehicle that draws readers and potential customers to your site or blog.

The idea of linking to other web sites was intended to be the web's form of word of mouth advertising. But that idea has been heavily abused.

Search engines take the number of links pointing to a particular web site into account when ranking the sites in their index. A link to your web site is seen as a vote for your web site, a vote of confidence.

But these links were meant to be natural organic links.

Link swapping is neither natural nor organic.

The wrong way

There might be many ways to build links but certainly very few are effective. Sending out a pre-designed email begging for links is not one of them. Swapping links for a non related site is not one either.

Why would I, whose site is about computers, programming, blogging and SEO, want to swap with a gambling site, or a dog loving site.

The search engines place weight factors on the relationship of that link.

Then there is the factor of the amount of links on a certain page. If you are one of 300 other links on a page, how much importance do you think the search engines will draw from that? Let alone how important human readers will find those links.

Don’t be drawn into swapping links with some unrelated site that will include your link in amongst hundreds of others.

The right way

The search engines place a big amount of weight on natural occurring links within a web page surrounded by context.

Context is the key here. You have heard that Content is King, similarly Context is King when it comes to link building.

Rather, a better way of link building would be to get your links embedded into the content of an article on a website surrounded by related context.

Wouldn’t it be better to try and swap links this way?

I propose that a better way is to offer to write an article or two for your proposed link building partner, embedding their link within the content and context of the article.

Then they, your link building partner, would do the same. This is a more natural way and a more effective way of link building.

Build your links naturally

So do you want to build your link naturally? Then get your links embedded into other articles within web pages. Have your links surrounded by content and context.

Here is my offer, if you agree with this form of link building, and you want to try this out. Then why not offer to swap links with me. I’ll write an article and include your link in that article and you do the same.

We will not only be swapping links but building and promoting one another's blog and or website.

Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

Link Out to Link In – A Great SEO Strategy

Researching your competitors links

Technorati Tags: Link,Searcg Engines,SEO

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What Old Rubbish Are They Teaching Us?

robert@integralwebsolutions.co.za (Robert Bravery) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 06:37:24 GMT

We expect to get the latest and best in knowledge when we sign up at a university or college or some other form of higher education.

But what we find out is that the material, processes and software are way out of date.

I’ve had the opportunity to tutor and mentor a young man these past few months. What I found was something that made me very frustrated. His place of learning was using outdated and old software.

He has enrolled in some programming degree, but his lecturers are using Visual Studio 2008, Access 2003, MS Office 95.

Come on people, by the time he leaves, after say 3-5 years, he won’t be able to get a job with those outdated skills. New software is about to be released by the likes of Microsoft, eg Visual Studio 11.

These guys will be so outdated, they might not even find a job!

Another person I know well is also at university, studying for a Bcom or something to that effect. They are using a very old version of Delphi.

There are many more such institutions out there. Here in South Africa, and even in the rest of the world.

Now I understand that there is a lot of teaching around principals, but surely those teachings can best be learned while using the latest software and best practices.

Lost of free stuff available

There is so much free and discounted software available, even more so if you are a student or an educational institution.

Take Microsoft for example, you can get the latest development software in Express editions, 2010:

C# Express
VB Express
SLQ Express
C++ express
WebDev express
Web Matrix

All these are the latest that Microsoft offers. They are perfect for any student or place of learning.

Then there is the Dreamspark program that Microsoft offers. This is a place where students can get a whole bunch of full version, completely legal, software. Like:

Visual Studio 2010 Professional
Windows SQL Server 2008 standard
Windows SQL Server 2008 R2 Developer
Expression Studio 4 Ultimate
Training Material
Lots more

Then there are all the discounts available to Educators and educational institution. As well as the tons of free tools available to educators and students alike.

Not to mention the ton of free development tools available for PHP and Java.

Why then do institution continue to use outdated and old software?

What is your experience with higher education and current technology? Let us know by making a comment below.

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Windows Phone 7. Fight The Future

robert@integralwebsolutions.co.za (Robert Bravery) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 07:45:38 GMT

Windows Phone 7 has revived the fight for the mobile market. iOS and Android have had the lions share of the market for a while, but that is changing with Windows Phone 7.

Here are a few ways in which Windows Phone 7 is the future and is bringing the fight to the market.

1. It’s Interactive

Windows Phone 7 uses an interaction model it calls "live tiles and hubs," which displays your key contacts and modes of communication as dynamic tiles on the home screen. The static icons on iOS and Android are outdated. Nokia: Apple iOS and Android are "outdated"

2. It’s Social

There is no argument here, social networking is the bees knees right now. No mobile phone, other than Windows Phone 7, interacts with your friends, contacts and social networks like Windows Phone 7. With live feeds from your social networks, contact sms’, it can all be found in one place.

3. It has a larger development market

Everyone will tell you that apps will either kill or boost Windows Phone 7. There are continuous comparisons with the Apple and Android market place. But hold on a minute, Windows phone 7 is but a babe. There is huge potential here. With millions of Visual Studio and windows developers out there, the market place will soon grow to something bigger than what we could imagine. You don’t have that kind of pool in either iOS nor Android.

5. It has awesome games

Forget Angry Birds or Sonic, how about full on XBOX action on your phone? Windows Phone 7 is not only an awesome business platform but it rocks mobile gaming as well. This is a big plus for Microsoft.

6. Business Email

Link and synchronise all your email accounts in one. The iPhone does have Exchange support but the Android does not offer Active Sync. Windows Phone 7 offers multiple exchange account synchronisation, which is excellent for business users. Don’t forget there are still a lot more people running Exchange emails than Gmail or Apple Mail or Blackberry mail.

7. It has hubs

Hub feature is something distinctive with Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7. You can keep your communities and friends on your device with the hubs. You can share multiple files and documents with them quite easily. You have different hubs for different applications, whether that be contacts, gaming, applications etc, there is a hub that nicely groups and organises all that for you.

What do you think? Does Windows Phone 7 have a chance to challenge the current market leaders? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

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