America's Best Business Practices

Hi Mike,

Are you familiar with a Software product called Unica.com (they are located in Waltham, MA)?

They provide an array of direct Marketing Solutions.
If so, what is your opinion of their software and do they have what you would consider cutting edge Marketing solutions.

http://www.unica.com

Mark

Hi Mike

Good post. The tips in it are good, though I think most folks who are online a lot are already pretty much familiar with the social bookmarking tools out there and how to use them. It’s actually gotten a bit out of hand :)

I think it would be more appropriate to name this post “Social Bookmarking & reviewing sites”, because with the current title, I thought the post was showcasing new tool(s) out there which I wasn’t aware of. Just my $.02

Keep it up :)

Mark, I am aware of them but not really familiar with them. Possibly someone else reading this post has had experience and can offer a better response or some alternatives. Sorry I am not more helpful.

Bobbi Jo, I agree that things have gotten out of hand. It is difficult to stay on top of everything.

I think it would be great for readers to list new tools they have discovered. Things seem to change daily and the more we share the easier it will be for everyone.

It isn’t exactly new, but are you aware of http://socialmarker.com? This can save you considerable time.

~ Mike

Hi Mike

Thanks for the link. I haven’t heard of it, will have to check it out.

You’re right about it being hard these days, to keep up with everything.

I guess what I was referring to, when I said things were out of hand, was that sites like Digg.com and Twitter, StumbleUpon, etc. are getting out of hand when it comes to non-organic rates/bumps/Diggs/Re-tweets. Say, if I told 1200 friends/followers to go Digg my article or RT my Twitter status post. Did they actually find value in my contribution, or were they just doing it because I asked them to? – VS. actually getting organic Diggs/Re-tweets from folks who actually came to that article/status post and found it interesting/valuable enough to give it props, on their own, rather than being prodded.

That’s kind of what I’m seeing a lot of these past couple of years.

That is a very good point Bobbi Jo. But here is how I look at it…

Of those 1200 friends/followers that go Digg your article, “some” will receive real value. And because 1200 Dugg it, many more will see it and “more” will find real value.

Of course, this makes the assumption that the article does actually offer real value.

On the other hand, if your write the best article ever written… one that by just reading will heal the sick and raise the dead… what good is it if no one sees it?

A lot of people read my articles but “some” enjoy them enough to follow them by email or RSS. I will take what I can get and strive to improve so “more” will what to follow them.

Does this make any sense?

Yes, I suppose you are right about that. If it weren’t for the 1200 “prompted” Diggs, it might not see the light of day on the front page at Digg.com, so in a sense, those folks helped raise your piece to the top. Whether there is any value in it or not, will have to be judged by others who view the piece, I guess.

Hi Mike,
Just found this excellent series you are doing. Signed up and looking forward to receiving your emails. I also look forward to reading some back issues.

Would also be interested in knowing if you have written anything about Blogging For Money. I am considering doing a blog centered around politics and current issues but uncertain about the best way to monetize it e.g. AdSense, open advertising, corporate sponsorship, etc.

Take care my friend.

Rick Stoneking
http://crosswayisp.net

Hi Mike –

Nice article on bookmarking and review sites. I’m looking forward to seeing what else you have written.

Question: I notice that you are using “AddToAny” widget on your site. Do you find this to be one of the better tools? We use “AddThis” on our site.

I see both your point and Bobbi’s point about “prompting” people to RT/Digg/etc articles. It’s a growing dilemma.

Hi Rick ~

I’m glad you found me. I have not yet written about blogging for money. But I would recommend you join a LinkedIn group at http://bit.ly/1d19H. I suspect you can secure answers to any blogging question you have there.

I trust all is well with you and Karen.

Take care.

Hi Julie ~

I am quite happy with AddToAny. I have not tried AddThis but just assumed they were about the same. What is you opinion of AddThis?

Mike