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2015-08-14 by Brett

Got Dropbox? These hacks make it even more useful and cool!

Dropbox is phenomenal productivity tool allowing simple, reliable and FREE file sync, sharing and access across phones, tablets, desktops of nearly any OS. With the regular addition of extension apps its becoming even more powerful. Tools include: auto photo upload, Carousel photo gallery sharing, their Sparrow email client, website publishing and many other capabilities are on the way. Sign up and use Dropbox for free

 

 

However, a number of seldom used capabilities may make Dropbox even more indispensable for you…

Selective sync

Versioning

Photo back up

Offline access

Print/save PDFs

Archive blog

Backup Instagram

Check out how to implement each of these tools here

 

 

Filed Under: internet, Management, Productivity, Technology Tagged With: device, Dropbox, efficient, file, multi, storage, sync

2015-06-15 by Brett

Do you have good Karma?

Karma is a peer to peer WiFi sharing network growing like… well, like Karma – across major cities in the USA. Why, might you ask, does that matter if I already have mobile data? Good question!


Operating as a peer to peer system across Sprint’s WiMax network, each user (lets call them nodes) is able to piggy back off each other user. This often allows stronger signals, more throughput and a greater reliability than just single radio units. Note: That’s just like the internet is built – reliable, redundant, and multi-path.

The multi-connection mobile wifi base stations can connect to several devices (usually around 5 before any noticeable impact) so you only require a single data connection for all your devices – this can save you piles of $! The base stations are less than $100 to purchase outright and include 100MB data to get started. Additional data may be purchased for $14/GB (and less for larger volumes).

Better yet – your data never expires! There are NO on-going fees or monthly account charges. If you don’t use it – it does not cost a cent. This is a great feature for occasional travellers, those with many devices (especially wifi only) who want an economical way to access the internet when out and about (without having to sit in a cafe or buy a burger!)

When others peer to your Karma network you get an extra 100MB of data (good Karma!) There are no sharing log-ins required, no security issues, and you data is never shared (unless you specially allow it) so it costs you nothing – but gains you more Karma!

Check out Karma today – with your initial purchase of their tiny wifi device (smaller than a hockey puck) you get 100MB of data to try it out. They have a no questions asked, 100% refund policy – so if it does not work to your satisfaction, and basically add to your Karma – send it back… But like me, I think you’ll want to keep it and grow Karma!

Each friend who you refer that signs up gets 500MB of extra data and so do you – that said, please check out Karma using our referral link!  Let us know how you go… Enjoy!

P.S. Wanna save $30 on the device? StackSocial is selling them for only $69 until late 4th of July.  Act quickly!

Filed Under: Success, Technology Tagged With: access, internet, isp, karma, promotion

2015-02-22 by Brett

Showrooming now Webrooming… what’s a merchant to do?

You’ve probably heard the term Showrooming – that’s when prospective buyers visit “bricks and mortar” stores to touch and feel products then often leave empty handed to later buy the same product online at the cheapest possible price and have it delievered. For may retailers – that has become a troublesome issue that they seem powerless to overcome.

Oh how the tables have started to turn… Webrooming is growing wildly. What, do you ask, is Webrooming? Well, many of us (myself certainly included) prefer the human touch and really appreciate the comfort in shopping, buying and taking home the product we’re after. Yes, sometimes traffic, schedules, and even higher prices may be a disincentive – yet for many, its a premium worth paying.

The knack of ingenious merchants who are able to offer a valued shopping experience and overcome price pressures, the exceptional experience of an online merchant who can allay the concerns and appease those preferring traditional purchasing… these are the merchants with the greatest potential.

Check out the greatly presented infographic from MerchantWarehouse covering this chasm of shopping preferences:

UPDATE: MerchantWarehouse was sold and their infographic has been removed. Here is another relevant article from Shopify.

Filed Under: Community, ecommerce, internet, Marketing Tagged With: online, showroom, store, webroom, website

2014-07-09 by Brett

How long do film slides and negatives last?

UPDATE (2021): This is among our most popular articles — and film remains the same… yet, each year your treasures contained on it are fading. Act fast and get them scanned and saved digitally — else your photo records/art/documentation will fade into just memories.

The life span of film depends greatly on the care in storing and handling it… the two greatest enemies are significant temperature variations and either extremely high or low humidity. Not only are storage conditions important – yet the original film medium used impacts its life span too.

Degradation of colour, contrast and dynamic range is always happening… just faster with some films than others.

Of the most common films once available, B&W negative and Kodachrome slide film are perhaps the least affected by age. B&W film is basically silver crystals on an emulsion and as historical photos will prove, if developed and stored properly they may last decades. Kodachrome slide film had an additive-type film emulsion where the color dye was in the development chemicals, not on the film itself. It has been around since the 1930’s and there are reports of 50 year old Kodachrome looking like the day it was shot.

However, most casual photographers used regular color slide and negative film which was processed with quick and easy mini-labs, and stuck in cheap plastic sleeves. Even our stock photo film archives have definitely deteriorated over the past 25-30 years. Most noticeable is the colour shift (e.g. many are picking up a magenta tint) and for sure lost some saturation. Many of these images are now over 20 years old and some have lost detail and have become more grainy.

Standard consumer grades of film had the photo dye contained within multiple layers of emulsion. This dye fades over time. Dye used on this film and the development process it went through, was never intended to be archival in nature. As the dye fades, so does color and detail (i.e. sharpness and grain) – just check out the photo prints you may have to see this happening — yet luckily film degrades more slowly.

Capturing your images with high quality film scanners set to archival mode with a high resolution and appropriate bit depth for the size and detail you may later print is critical. Its always better to have too large a file rather than too small! (More details about the most desirable settings may be found in our FAQs). These digital images may then be colour corrected, contrast adjusted, and further enhanced using the likes of Photoshop or Lightroom.

Once your film has been scanned and optimised — create a low resolution image for viewing from the high resolution archival image and at that point, you may then choose to get rid of your film. Be confident of your storage medium – CDs last ~20 years (if you can find a drive to access them in that time), USB sticks are generally stable for decade(s) – yet avoid moisture and magnetic fields. We suggest ALWAYS keep several copies on a few different mediums of your cherished memories and family legacy. Better yet – store a set at home, and another at a different location (just in case of theft, fire, flood – or who knows what!)

We’re here to help – contact us if you have any questions.

Have other tips or comments about this article? Please let us know.

As always, you are welcome and encouraged to share this article.

Filed Under: Archival, Photography, Scanning Tagged With: archival, digitise, film, negative, preserve, scan, slide

2014-05-14 by Brett

Suggestions on storing photo prints and film

Our last topic covered how long film lasts… in this article we have a few suggestions on how to best store film and prints.

Make sure your film and even photo prints are stored as well as possible prior to getting them digitised.

  • Store your film, both slides and negatives, in archival quality  (high quality plastic archive album style pages like those pictured above – we have had great results from Print-File archival products).
  • Make sure your photo print albums are suitable for long term storage – many inexpensive albums yellow, break down, or become an adhesive mess over time. Archival albums are good – yet storing prints in their original paper print envelopes seem to best maintain them.
  • Store these Archive Preservers in near air-tight plastic tubs and place moisture absorbers for good measure (here in Sydney many days are well over 80% humidity… if your shoes are moulding – your film most certainly is at risk!)
  • Avoid storing the tubs in direct sunlight or a room with temperature or humidity extremes. As many closets get damp – perhaps a pantry or other dry cupboard (if able, keep an incandescent light bulb on as it seems to keep humidity at bay).

Try to organise your film and prints over time – it can be a mammoth task! If you have film and prints – then best not get scans of your photo prints (as they will degrade faster and yield poorer quality scan quality).  We are happy to do this for you – contact us for an estimate.

Once organised, use our website to estimate the cost of scanning based on your number of images and how they are stored. Albums and odd small film strips take more time to prepare and scan. We are happy to do this for you – yet it will be more expensive than standard scanning.

Once your film has been scanned and you have both low resolution images for viewing and high resolution images for archival you might choose to get rid of your film. Be confident of your storage medium – CDs last ~20 years (if you can find a drive to access them in that time), USB sticks are generally stable for decade(s) – yet avoid moisture and magnetic fields. We suggest ALWAYS keep several copies on a few different mediums of your cherished memories and family legacy. Better yet – store a set at home, and another at a different location (just in case of theft, fire, flood – or who knows what!)

Most importantly – enjoy the ease and accessibility of having your film and old memories scanned and on your computer, digital photo frames, DVD movies – or however you choose to see them!

 

Have other tips or comments about this article? Please let us know. As always, you are welcome and encouraged to share this article.

Filed Under: Archival, Photography, Scanning Tagged With: archival, film, negatives, photo, scan, slides, storage, transparency

2014-05-05 by Brett

.net.au Domain Promotion

Get a 2-year registration on a new .NET.AU domain name for only $1.00! (yes – only $1.00! you save up to $45!) This promotion is for new domain name registrations only and runs from 11:00 EDST 08 May 2014 until 15:00 EDST 30 May 2014.

LAST CALL – ending soon!
Secure your new domain name today!

Filed Under: internet, Marketing Tagged With: domain, internet, name, offer, promotion, website

2014-04-28 by Brett

What are the best-kept secrets of successful business people?

There is a great discussion at Quora about the secrets of successful business people (and how very similar skills equate to a successful personal life too). Over 75 contributors have sounded in… share your own insights and glean pearls of wisdom from others too.

One of the most stellar (and highest ranking) so far:

… These Principles of Courtship can apply equally to both personal and professional endeavors. Whether you’re looking to land an amazing career opportunity, a key client, or that amazing friendship or relationship, following this basic set of principles will help you court the right opportunities, both in 2014 and beyond. …

It included this great infographic…

main-qimg-52f06c7b09be65e1fc4e889c2584f6bf

Filed Under: Entrepreneur, Lifestyle, Success Tagged With: courtship, friendship, infographic, knowledge, opportunity, personal, professional, Quora, relationship, secrets, success

2014-04-26 by Brett

Building a Business AND a Lifestyle

Nothing beats insights from those who have walked your path BEFORE you. With SO many changes in our working world, our social interactions, and life “as we know it” — it provides comfort knowing (and being able to avoid the odd issue) when you learn from successful lifestyle business founders.

The latest post from Natalia Sisson at Suitcase Entrepreneur is exactly that – a collection or 48 things learned…

Read the article

 

Paper Business Chain

Filed Under: Entrepreneur, Lifestyle Tagged With: build, business, entrepreneur, lifestyle, Sisson

2014-04-24 by Brett

Wrapping it Up…

Helpful Tips

One of the most challenging parts of running a business is knowing when enough is enough. After many years and/or great effort — its often too difficult to “let go”. However, if you fail to do so soon enough – it can be depressive to you and catastrophic for your success.

There is a great article on SMH today by Anneli Night who shares the experience of small businessman Luke Harvey-Palmer

Is summary, he relates entrepreneurs must remain:

  • focused
  • intuitive
  • positive
  • present
  • values-driven

If these qualities are diminished or have escaped you – perhaps it’s best to move on…

 

This article was originally published on the Sydney Morning Herald

Read the full article here

 

Filed Under: Industry, Management Tagged With: business, focus, intuition, values-driven, wind-up

2014-04-23 by Brett

Join The Conversation about Corporate Venture Capital

money cog draw

Free to fail: why corporates are learning to love venture capital

By Marco Navone, University of Technology, Sydney

Opening a venture capital branch seems to be the new “thing” in the corporate world. While Telstra Ventures and Westpac are the new big national players, Google is clearly ahead of the curve, with two distinct venture capital firms: the newly launched Google Capital and the five-year-old Google Ventures.

But why are so many companies, across a range of sectors, now running to open their own venture capital funds? And why does a company like Google, which has already delivered tremendous innovations in the past, now need to innovate “on the outside” with not one, but two, venture capital branches?

How it works

Venture capital has evolved as a tool to provide financing to firms in situations of extreme asymmetric information: young companies with no history, no assets and no track record, the proverbial “two kids in a garage”.

In this situation bank debt is not viable because the bank has no way to control how the money is spent and no collateral to fall back on. Direct access to the stock market is also out of the question because investors would not be able to judge quality and risk of the project.

The venture capitalist, on the other side, has industry specific know-how and can structure the financing in a way that allows them some control over the firm: in exchange for a capital injection the venture capitalist receives a portion of the equity and, usually, a seat on the board.

Moreover, as a common practice, the investment is usually staggered into multiple tranches, with subsequent infusions conditional on the achievement of predetermined “milestones”, such as the completion of a prototype.

Incentives for innovators

While venture capital is a powerful tool, there is another way for companies like Google to innovate: internal development. If the “two kids in the garage” were to work as Google employees, the company would be able to allocate capital with the best possible knowledge of the project.

So why use venture capital and not just develop internally? While this question hasn’t yet been directly addressed by academic research, pulling together different strands of literature can provide some useful insight.

A first problem is the incentive structure for the “innovator”. Disruptive innovation is highly reliant on the talent and ideas of a small number of individuals. In a startup, innovators can reap the entire value of their idea when they sell their shares. For instance, the founders of WhatsApp, Brian Acton and Jan Koum, are now worth a combined US$9.8 billion after it was acquired by Facebook.

When the innovation is promoted within a larger company the key actors will, at best, receive stock options with a value based on the performance of the entire company, only marginally reflecting the potential value of the innovation.

Consider Paul Buchheit, the Google employee who developed the first Gmail prototype. While the details of his compensation are unknown, it is unlikely that it contained the full value of the world’s largest email service. Buchheit later left Google to join a startup incubator.

This situation can get even more extreme: the CIA finances the development of strategic technologies via its own venture capital fund – In-Q-Tel. The entrepreneurs the fund financed would know that beyond the government getting the “first bite” of their products, they’d be able to benefit from the commercial applications. This would be impossible for public employees developing the same ideas in a basement at Langley.

Taking a punt

Another important factor: investing in disruptive innovation means accepting a high failure rate. While precise estimates are impossible, high levels of risk for venture capital investments have long been documented. Large public companies may be unwilling to accept this risk, not because of financial constraints, but because of pressure to maintain quarterly profitability.

A recent survey has shown the majority of CFOs are willing to abandon valuable projects in order to meet quarterly profit expectations. Google was forced to close its in-house development playground Google Labs after it was criticised for a lack of focus.

Other research has shown that firms whose financial statements are analysed by a large number of financial analysts tend to produce less innovation: they generate fewer patents and patents with lower impact.

The authors of that study concluded that “analysts exert too much pressure on managers to meet short-term goals, impeding firms’ investment in long-term innovative projects”.

Startups and venture capitalists do not suffer the same pressure: they are intrinsically less transparent and thus “protected” from the scrutiny of financial analysts and activist investors.

They are free to experiment, free to take big risks, free to fail miserably, and eventually free to come up with an idea that will shake the market.

The Conversation

Marco Navone does not work for, consult to, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has no relevant affiliations.

This article was originally published on The Conversation.
Read the original article.

Filed Under: Industry, Technology Tagged With: capital, corporate, CVC, entrepreneur, Google, investment, Telstra, venture, Westpac

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