links for 2009-07-03
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Fix: make sure ethernet isn't disabled.
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Twitter might be CNDing this site, but I don't know. I like some of its features though.
EXCERPT: Existing FTC rules already ban deceptive and unfair business practices. The proposed guidelines aim to clarify the law and for the first time specifically include bloggers, defined loosely as anyone writing a personal journal online.
"It's sort of a recognition that word-of-mouth marketing in whatever form, whether electronic or not, is a significant part of the marketing strategy of modern companies," Cleland said. "Because it's new, I think it is imperative that we provide some kind of guidance."
If approved, bloggers would have to back up claims and disclose if they're being compensated - the FTC doesn't currently plan to specify how.
Any type of blog could be scrutinized, not just ones that specialize in reviews.
ASCAP's outlandish claim is part of its battle with major mobile carriers (including Verizon and AT&T) over whether ASCAP is owed any money for "public performances" of the musical ringtones sold by the carriers. The carriers point out that the owners of the musical compositions (i.e., songwriters and music publishers) are already paid for each ringtone download, but ASCAP claims that it's owed another royalty for the "public performances" (i.e., ringing in a restaurant) of those same ringtones.
2. Tweets Are Generally Banal, but Watch Out
Each update may not be important. Collectively, however, the tweets can create a personality or environment that reflects the emotions of the moment and helps drive opinion.
3. Buyer Beware
Nothing on Twitter has been verified.
4. Watch Your Back
Some Twitterers may even be trying to trick you.
5. Twitter Is Self-Correcting but a Misleading Gauge
For all the democratic traits of Twitter, not all users are equal. A popular, trusted user matters more. In that way, Twitter is a community, with leaders and cliques.
6. Twitter Can Be a Potent Tool for Media Criticism
Just as Twitter can rally protesters against governments, its broadcast ability can rally them quickly and efficiently against news outlets.
The answer is a mystery, but we can guess one probable cause. It's the same reason why the 3G S's new processor, which is capable of 833MHz speeds, is choked down to just 600MHz: Battery life.