Calling All CD Hoarders!

In the age of digital music, what should people do with all of their old or outdated compact discs (CDs)? Sell them to Amazon, of course!

Amazon has recently announced a new buy-back/trade-in program in which Amazon clients can sell their CDs to Amazon in return for a credit on their Amazon accounts. Clients simply choose which CDs they would like to sell, print shipping labels from Amazon, and then mail them off to the company. Employees at Amazon then review the CDs and categorize them as either 1.) "Like New" or 2.) "Good."

Like New: Perfect condition, no scratches or marks, original cover and artwork

Good: May have a few light scratches, but still plays fine

The credit that Amazon gives does not strictly apply to music; customers are welcome to purchase anything that the online giant offers with their credits.

But don't start eyeing that new Macbook or widescreen HD television just yet!

The credit amounts are relatively low (much lower than the cost of a new CD or digital album) and depend upon the popularily of the artist, the release date, the condition of the CD, and the number of inventory already in stock. Individuals can expect to receive approximately two to three dollars for newer popular artists such as Adele (retailed at $9.99), and approximately eleven dollars for harder to find box sets such as the Beatles (retailed at $179).

RSS Feeds

The RSS "Subscribe" Button

What is an RSS?

Have you ever seen a news ticker scrolling across the bottom of your television screen as you watched a local news channel, CNN, or even MTV? If so, you’ve seen an extremely basic version of a feed. In a feed, brief summary statements about a recent event or hot topic scroll across screens, providing the most up-to-date information in a succinct manner to a variety of outlets or individuals. 

What, then, is an RSS Feed?

An RSS, an acronym for “Really Simple Syndication” is “a popular type of Web feed for syndicating frequently updated Web content” (Shelly & Frydenberg, 2011, p. 80). In most forms, an RSS feed includes a brief summary of new or recently updated stories or topics (usually in the form of a link that will take the individual to the feed’s home site), as well as information related to the source (typically a blog or Web site) and the publication date (Shelly & Frydenberg, 2011, p. 80). In short, an RSS feed provides automated information to individuals on the Web, thereby saving individuals time and effort as they no longer have to check multiple sites for updates (Shelly & Frydenberg, 2011, p. 81). Rather, individuals can easily and quickly access short summaries from RSS feeds via Web-Based feed readers (such as Google Reader) or client feed readers (such as FeedDemon and FeedReader). Individuals select which RSS feeds they wish to subscribe to, thereby tailoring their feeds to their interests and preferences. They also retain control over their feeds, as they may unsubscribe from feeds at any time. 

What is the history of RSS?

The roots of RSS can be traced back to the creation of Resource Description Framework (RDF) in 1997 by Ramanathan V. Guha. RDF referred to a markup language that could be utilized to store metadata (“History of RSS”). Employing some of the same technology and concepts of RDF, Netscape created a RSS standard in 1999 and named it RSS version 0.90 (“History of RSS”). Netscape’s goal was to use an XML (eXtensible markup language) format in order to distribute news and information (“History of RSS”). Although numerous Netscape employees offered subsequent updates to version 0.90, Netscape halted their involvement in RSS development soon after, emphasizing that the technology had grown “too complicated” for their purposes (“History of RSS”). Userland Software then took control of the RSS technology, first releasing a non-compatible version (Version 1.0) and then releasing a compatible version known as RSS version 2.0 (“History of RSS”). The RSS standard was then donated to a “non-commercial third party,” Harvard Law School, in an effort to achieve universal endorsement. The Creative Commons license allows for the customization and usage of the RSS standard (“History of RSS”).  

What are the uses of RSS?

The uses of RSS are many and varied. At the core of all RSS feeds is the need to share new or recently updated information. RSS feeds can be used to share news stories, hot topics, or important events (i.e. CNN). They can also be used to share celebrity gossip and entertainment news (i.e. MTV and TMZ). Monster.com employs RSS feeds to keep job searchers up-to-date on the most recent additions to the job market. EBay uses RSS feeds to notify individuals about daily deals, while Amazon uses RSS feeds to keep individuals abreast of recent bestsellers. RSS feeds on Flickr show individuals the most recent pictures uploaded by a Flickr member and friend, while one of Google’s RSS feeds lets individuals subscribe in order to obtain new or recently updated search result listings for specific queries.

The possibilities of use are virtually endless! 

How important are they as a means of disseminating information?

An RSS feed is an incredibly important tool to disseminate information in the virtual world. RSS feeds allow individuals or companies the ability to publicize information quickly, succinctly, and efficiently, thereby reaching a wide range of people with only minimal effort. 

In addition, RSS feeds prevent the possibility of information overload. RSS feeds give individuals the opportunity to browse through information and then choose which stories they want to read. 

How are they used as a business tool?

RSS feeds can have positive effects within an organization. Let’s first look at the advantages for businesses that employ their own RSS feeds. Corporate RSS feeds allow companies the ability to disseminate information to a variety of individuals quickly and effortlessly in a matter of minutes. They also positively impact a corporate’s marketing and public relations efforts in that they can potentially increase traffic to a parent company’s site, while ensuring that the individuals who view the company’s site are truly interested in the company and its proceedings. 

However, companies can also subscribe to their competitors’ RSS feeds in order to gain a competitive advantage in the market. Subscribing to a competitor’s feed allows business executives to monitor their competitors’ efforts and recent ventures, to track news and developments within the industry, and to follow stocks and investments. 




Can you share some examples?


Absolutely! Check out the two RSS feeds at the bottom of my page. 

References:

Shelly, G. & Frydenberg, M. Web 2.0: Concepts and applications. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning. 

http://www.rss-specifications.com/history-rss.htm

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Advantages-Of-RSS-Websites&id=110491 

Meebo Instant Messenger: A New Way to Chat Online!

Meebo's Interface

What is Meebo?

Meebo Instant Messenger is a web-based instant messaging (IM) application that allows users to chat with their friends, or “buddies,” on virtually any IM network through one fully capable and customizable “web-based interface.” 

Meebo Messenger allows users to chat with friends on a variety of IM networks including: Yahoo!, AIM, Windows Live Messenger, Facebook, MySpace, Google Talk, and Jabber. Unlike its client IM counterparts, Meebo does not require its users to download any type of software, which allows for convenience and ease of use. Therefore, Meebo users who have access to a computer with an internet connection can easily login to Meebo, bring up their buddy lists, and start conversations with friends. 

Setting up a Meebo account is relatively simple, fast, and free of charge! First, a new user must go to www.meebo.com/messenger and sign on to a supported IM network. Meebo Messenger will then open and prompt the user to sign into his or her account, thereby opening the Meebo Messenger Interface. Next, the user must add his or her existing IM accounts (keeping in mind that he or she must enter an appropriate username and password for each IM account) in an effort to establish connection between all instant messaging services. 

It’s as easy as that!

What Features Does Meebo Offer?

The most obvious feature that Meebo offers is that it enables its users to connect to a variety of instant messaging applications on a simple web page interface. This interface resembles a computer desktop with chat windows that can be easily moved, minimized, and resized. 

As far as chat capabilities go, instant messaging windows on Meebo let users set up buddy icons, determine whether or not they want to be available for chat, and include a brief message (similar to a Tweet) telling their friends what they are currently doing. Like most IM applications, Meebo allows users to turn sound notifications on or off. Meebo also includes capabilities for changing the font style, size, and color, inserting emoticons, viewing friends’ chat profiles, group chatting with friends using similar IM clients, and blocking friends. 

Instant messaging windows let users chat with friends, send files, play games, and even view their chat history. This unique feature allowing Meebo users to view their chat history is amazing! Meebo users can go back to previous conversations and search through previous dialogues regardless of the IM platform used. 

Meebo also lets its users customize the appearance of the background through either photographs or color selections. In addition, it allows users to choose to use its secure server (https://www.meebo.com), which provides enhanced security and encryption capabilities. 

How Does Meebo Compare with Client IM Applications?

Meebo boasts many of the same features that its competitors use. Like client IM applications, Meebo allows users to customize their instant messaging experience through visual and auditory options. Also like their client IM counterparts, Meebo permits users to share files through chat windows, add and block friends, set up away messages, and group chat.

However, Meebo is unique in that it does not require users to download any type of software to use its application. It’s entirely web-based, making it much more convenient and universal across a variety of computers and networks. Instead of using multiple IM applications to chat with friends who each use different services, Meebo users can now utilize one application and interface to chat with all of their friends. 

Meebo is also distinct in that it allows for secure chatting on a mobile device. Meebo Messenger applications are free on the iPhone, iPod touch, and Android. Those who do not have such mobile devices can simply enter Meebo’s URL into their web browsers to use the IM feature. In addition, Meebo’s widget allows users to install an instant messaging box on their blogs or web pages, allowing visitors to send them an instant message quickly and without leaving their site. 

Advantages of a Web-Based Instant Messaging Application (such as Meebo)

• It’s extremely convenient and easy to use. You only need a computer and an internet connection to use Meebo. 
• Minimal setup is required. 
• Meebo supports a variety of client-based IM applications including Yahoo!, Google Talk, AIM, etc.
• Chatting can begin immediately if you know your friend’s user name. No invitations are required to chat!
• An optional Meebo notifier for the desktop can tell you when a friend signs on or when you have a new message.
• An enhanced security option allowing for encryption of messages and account information gives most users peace of mind when using Meebo. 
• Users do not have to worry about firewalls or security settings which may negatively impact the functionality of client IM applications.

References:

http://www.meebo.com

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2367315,00.asp

Wordle

Chances are that you have seen a pictorial image featuring written words online before, but you may not have realized what it was at the time. These images, or "word clouds" as they are better known, are created through mashup applications such as Wordle, a free online application that forms world clouds based on the frequency of words in the specified text.

Wordle allows individuals to create word clouds through various methods. An individual may simply paste text into a text box to create a word cloud. An individual may also choose to enter the URL of a blog or any web page that utilizes RSS feeds, or a Delicious user name to see a visual representation of the tags used. Users can then choose to manipulate the style, size and color of the font to create a more personalized image.

Here is an example of a word cloud that I created by simply pasting text into the provided text box. This Wordle is based on a paper comparing the popular search engines Google, Yahoo! and Bing.

Clearly, you can see that the most common words I utilized throughout the paper were "search," "Google," "Yahoo!" "users," "results" and "Bing."



Here is an example of a Wordle based on my blog.

Since my blog is based primarily on music, it makes sense that some of my most common words are "music" and "songs." However, as the Wordle makes exceptionally clear, I may want to find some more synonyms for "think." 

 

Review: Hunger Games Soundtrack

Soundtrack from The Hunger Games

Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games has become a phenomenon during the past three years, prompting a cult-like following similar to the Twilight series. This past weekend, the long-awaited film hit theaters, spurring the release of the film's soundtrack: The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond.

The books, themselves, are packed full of energy, excitement, and suspense, but the overall mood of the novels is one of despair, hopelessness, longing, and melancholy. So how does the soundtrack compare?

It captures the mood and atmosphere of the novels brilliantly, seamlessly weaving somber music with soulful and somewhat folksy vocals.

With a host of award-winning artists including Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, and the Civil Wars, the soundtrack effortlessly blends story with music. 

This reviewer's favorite picks? Safe and Sound and Eyes Open - both by the country artist Taylor Swift (of whom I am not usually a fan). Swift's soulful and vulnerable rendering of the songs captures the spirit, strength and tireless resolve of Katniss Everdeen (the main character in the series). 

Check out Swift's Safe and Sound below, and tell me what you think.

Overplayed Artists

I think everyone would agree that there are certain artists (no matter how talented) who are constantly overplayed on the radio. Every time I turn on a certain radio station, I hear the same songs over and over again. Certainly we have enough new music coming out of the industry to generate a bit more variety, do we not? And what happens to songs that were popular just a few months ago? Are they relegated to a dark abyss of "outdated" music, never to be seen (or heard in this case) again? Just who is demanding the constant replay of these songs? Record executives? Radio deejays? Radio listeners?

Let me know what you think and be sure to vote in the poll below!

Which singer or group is the most overplayed on radio?
Adele Kelly Clarkson Lady Gaga Katy Perry Rihanna Nikki Minaj LMFAO Other
	Results

A Healthier Music Industry?

Does an increase in music sales the past two years indicate a comeback for the music industry? Market analysts think so! According to the Wallstreet Journal's Market Watch, a report by the NDP group has shown that the total number of CD buyers has increased for the second consecutive year, growing 2% to 78 million in 2011.

Analysts have a number of theories for the increase. The first theory is that the increased and enhanced availability of music (via mobile devices, ITunes, YouTube, Pandora, general radio streaming, etc.) has given listeners more "ear-candy," allowing them to preview songs and encouraging them to shell out money in order to purchase their favorites.

The second theory is that the quality of pop music is getting better. Manufactured boybands and groups are pretty much history, replaced by a much more divergent and talented pool of vocalists such as Adele and Katy Perry, who have broadened the audience for popular music and given people something to talk about.

Perhaps the most interesting theory used to explain the phenomenon is the decrease in digital piracy. Public and private crackdowns on the illegal copying and distribution of music has definitely played a major role in bolstering the economic growth of the music industry during the past two years. With file-sharing sites such as Mega Upload closing, music lovers are now being "forced" to purchase their favorite songs legally through ITunes, Amazon, and traditional, physical stores.

Check out this article for more information regarding the upward trend and be sure to let me know what you think about the growth in the market. Do you have your own theory?