Last week was the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Matthew Prince, the CEO and co-founder of CloudFlare, found himself in the unfamiliar environment of major corporate and political figures at one of the most selective conferences in the world.

Prince documented his journal in Davos in a five article series for new SV blog PandoDaily. Matthew wrote about the long chance of being invited, the interesting dynamic of who wants to go to which party and rubbing shoulders with the world elite (even when you lost your bag and wear the same cloths for days). Overall a great look at the World Economic Forum from the perspective of an entrepreneur.

Here are the five articles Mr. Price wrote for PandoDaily, Tech Dispatches From Davos:

• How to get the Elusive Invite
• The Escher-like Heirarchy of Davos
• The Jeans and Hoodie Class
• No Fear Entrepreneurship
• Why They Invited the Little Guy

(Photo Credit: trendsupdates.com)

I have always been a big fan of solar energy. It will be the main source of “green” power in the future, and you can quote me on that. Solar technology has some efficiencies to work out, but will get there in the next 50 years. Nuclear is ultimately messy and wind power is a nice complement but not as reliable in the needed capacity.

My old Mac keyword has been broken for years with some missing keys and I was ready to get a new one. Researching keyboards can be boring and the assumption was I would end up with the same old Apple made Mac keyboard. I usually start most product searches on Amazon and came across the Logitech Solar K750 for Mac. At first I was skeptical. A “solar” keyboard that was going to sit on my desk and run out of power after I used it for an hour? No thanks.

After reading some reviews I thought it was worth a try. The solar keyboard is awesome. First, it gets energy from lamps and doesn’t need direct sunlight. It lasts up to 3 months on a single charge, which I have not personally verified. The keyboard is only 1/3-inch thick and is wireless. Much like the Apple manufactured keyboards, the keys are shallow and dont have the feel of a typical PC keyboard. I opted for the black version shown below.

Logitech also provides a solar app you can download in the Mac App Store. The app is great as it shows battery life and LUX (luminous flux) in real time as you move the keyboard closer or away from a light source. You can see by the 34 LUX that my office is not very bright. The app is free from Logitech.

Overall the keyboard is awesome. It is thin, comfortable to use, built for a mac and doesn’t need batteries.

(photo credit: Amazon, maclife)

When a new feature is launched, especially in the search world, I hold off on writing about till I get some time to play with it. Google launches the Search plus Your World (SPYW) feature which allows you to see sites in the organic search results that are more aligned with Google+ and your friends recommendations. Pages that have been +1′ed will show higher and when searching individuals or brands their Google+ profile will display first (in most cases). The “Don’t be Evil” Google did have the common sense to give searches an option to toggle (see image above) between the personalized results and the universal results that you are used to viewing. Then Google went evil and decided to default to the  SPYW option when you are logged into a Google account. Lame.

Originally, I was going to write about how I could see this move by Google to both compete on the social front and help push a few more clicks to the paid search results. The reason, organic results are going to be pulling in results that I probably already have an idea about and seem less relevant. Most pages that are +1′ed and will rank higher in the SERPs are blog posts or popular web services that my friends on Google+ use, and therefore I have usually heard of or already know intimately. Thereby turning to the paid results for “relevant” answers, or so searchers hope.

Then some of the pieces started to fall into place of Google’s master plan. First – Facebook and Twitter cried foul because the Google+ profiles were the first result for names in the organic results where other social networks were once ranking. This led to the accusation that Google was using unethical practices by taking advantage of their dominate search position to push their social network. For example, the top four organic results for my name when not logged in is; LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Google+. When logged in; Google+, LinkedIn, Twitter and Quora.

Second – Google started to allow pseudonyms after they original stated that Google+ members could not use them. Why? Because they can tie Google+ profiles to more searches that were going to social media competitors. Again, being accused of monopoly-like practices.

Third – Some search results are giving users the option to “Ask on Google+”. After clicking the link,  a pop-up opens up that allows you to ask a questions that will post to your Google+ profile. The image below (courtesy of searchengineland.com) shows an example of “Ask on Google+” option.

As each of these nuggets appear, you can see where Google has been slowly releasing features that are now overflowing Google+ into the search results. Many cried that Google’s actions were monopolistic. A few articles that respond to the accusations make the point that it will/would take the government so long to address and penalize Google for said actions, that it is worth the risk to try and stop the rise of Facebook and Twitter. By the time that the government got to Microsoft, Netscape was already dead so there was little recourse for pushing Internet Explorer as the only internet browser in Windows. It looks like Google might be taking the same gamble. If they can force enough individuals and companies to adopt Google+ because of the advantages you get in the worlds largest search engine, it will be worth the slap on the wrist when critical mass is reached.

Then, Google CEO Larry Page came out and told Googlers, if you don’t get SPYW, work somewhere else. In a revealing article from my new favorite blog, PandoDaily, Sarah Lacy got a few sources stating that Google employees are unhappy with the current moves and “Believing in your work matters.” So with both internal and external pressures, Google is getting heat from all sides.

A final example from Rand Fishkin, a view of a SERP with 50% of the screen real estate dedicated to Google products (click for a larger view)…. oy vey

(photo credit: agent-seo.com, searchengineland.com, Rand Fishkin)

Amazon announced a site redesign at the beginning of September but there has not been much since then. I recently started seeing the new Amazon site design (do you?)  on my work computer, but co-workers were not seeing the same. It has been back and forth at home, some days I see it, and others I don’t.

The Amazon site has not seen a full redesign in years. Over that time, as Amazon sells more and more goods, the site has become rather cluttered and there is a ton of content to absorb. The first time I read about Amazon’s site design was in Steve Krug’s popular book, Don’t Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability. The book referenced designs from the late 90′s where Amazon was one of the first sites to use tabs. Amazon has since moved on from the tabs but is this redesign in the right direction?

Overall I like the direction Amazon took on the design. The largest difference being the main navigation area being toned down and the use of neutral colors. The search box is still front and center as it is the best way to navigate the crazy number of products. Below are a few comparisons of the old and new designs. Click on the images to see a larger version.

When comparing the homepages, the current design uses bold colors where the new design uses shades of light gray. The list of departments is not automatically expanded down the left side in the new version which helps clean up some of the clutter.

The image above shows the expanded department navigation. The top screenshot shows text options only. The new version on the lower screen displays images of the products and expands further across the page.

When comparing an internal department page, in this example Kindle eBooks, the pages show less differentiation. The Browse box on the left hand side has minor changes and the navigation is the only noticeable update.

The Amazon redesign is a move in the right direction and I hope that is released publicly (if it hasn’t already) soon.

A few weeks ago I read an article in techcrunch about a new service that brokers the sell of mobile apps. Apptopia is a marketplace that connects developers with those interested in buying mobile apps on the iPhone and Android (and BB, Win7, whatever those are). The startup is trying to solve the problem that many developers have experienced since the launch of the App Store, an exit strategy. Not only that, but as Apptopia explains:

“We will manage the entire process through to completion.  Starting with recommending app valuation & connecting sellers with buyers.  Concluding with escrow services, code review, and interfacing with Apple & Google on your behalf until the deal is done.”

Apptopia is taking all of the pain of finding and transferring the app between the parties. I submitted the iSoccer app and got a response from one of the founders a couple of days wanting a deeper dive in the numbers. They were looking for sales, downloads, active users, and reasons for selling.

Apptopia plans to make money by having a listing fee that will help keep out junk apps. While they have not discussed a fee when since I submitted, it has been stated that the first 200 apps will be included in the marketplace for free. Not positive if I am in that pool or not. The company is currently trying to load the marketplace with apps for sale and will officially launch in February. I will write a follow up post on the (attempted) sale of iSoccer.

When reading there are few things better than holding a physical book. I read the occasional magazine and was never a huge fan of newspapers but a (hardback) book is by far my favorite. Up to this point I have held off the urge to try an e-reader, or specifically a Nook or Kindle. When I travel I default to reading magazines because I don’t want to lug a book in my bag. For example, I am currently reading the Steve Jobs biography and it is over 600 pages. The weight isn’t as much as an issues as is the thickness with all the other crap I have to bring. I also like the idea that when I am reading around the house my children see that I am reading a physical book and not a device. This has has been reinforced as my son (almost 3 years old) will grab one of his books and sit down next to me and “read” as well. I am  however starting to get pulled toward the direction of an e-reader because I have really started increasing the amount of time I am reading, the ease of having it when I travel and just out of pure tech curiosity.

If one were to buy an “e-reader”, which is best?

This decision breaks down into two different segments. The first being a classic e-reader with e-ink that is most like a book, or the new tablets that can double as a reader. In this case that would be a Kindle Fire, or Nook Tablet and even an iPad. I already own an iPad 2 but my children have adopted the device and I don’t see it as often. The second decision point is which brand, Kindle or Nook?

Classic e-reader or Tablet?

Being the tech snob that I am, this is not really a tough choice. It is hard not to go for one of the more advanced tablets that have (a few) apps, a browser and integration with the respective content stores (Amazon and Barnes & Noble). The table versions are so cheap that it is hard not to spend the money for the extra features compared to a traditional e-reader. The one feature that might be a concern is the screen. People rave about the e-ink screens being very close to paper and less stress on the eyes.

The comparison of the Nook and Kindle to the iPad seem a bit far fetched. In the reviews, the book store tablets often fall short to the iPad, but when you compare purpose (in this case I want an e-reader), content, and cost, it is not close. Also, Apple’s iBook app/store does not have near the list of titles as Kindle or Nook. It is possible to get both the Kindle and Nook stores on the iPad as the services go far beyond their devices.

In the end I am leaning toward the new tablet devices instead of the classic e-reader with e-ink.

Kindle or Nook?

Now that a tablet is the preferred device, there are two options, the Nook Tablet or the Kindle Fire. I read a ton of reviews and would say that overall there is a slight lean toward th Nook. Both tablets have 7-inch screens, a handful of apps and carry many of the same books. The Fire is a slightly smaller package but weighs a bit more. The Nook has twice as much memory and 3 more hours of battery life. The cost are rather close with the Nook at $249 and the Fire at a cool $199.

The Nook is a bit deeper when it comes to hardware but the content available makes all the difference. Overall they are very close but the power of the parent companies are showing opposite directions. Amazon continues to grow, took the e-reader industry mainstream with the original Kindle and is very healthy. On the other side, Barnes & Noble is looking to sell their publishing arm and spin off the Nook business as the company had bigger losses in the fiscal year than anticipated.

While I don’t believe that the Nook is going anywhere soon, the recent B&N issues and being a fan of Amazon for years has me leaning toward the industry leader Kindle.

The Winner: Kindle Fire

After all is considered I am leaning toward the Kindle Fire. Based on what I have been reading online I am in the minority. The most common recommendations are iPad, and old school Kindle (with eInk). I have talked to a few friends about the Fire that have one and the conscience is the size is great but overall underwhelming…compared the iPad. One of the Fire owners even returned it because they were so disappointed and got the original Kindle.

Look for a post in the future with an over impression of the Kindle Fire.

image source: apartmenttherapy.com

The image above shows a link with the anchor text of “Google Chrome” from one of the paid posts. Google responded to the accusations by claiming that they were buying video advertisements (there is a video lower on the page reference above), and the article that was created had the questionable links added by the authors of the posts. The pages included “This post is sponsored by Google”.

To penalize themselves, as they would any site that got caught with “paid links”, the Google Chrome page no longer ranks for the term “browser”.

I understanding holding someone or a company accountable for rules and standards, especially the same rules they govern, but if this was Google’s attempt to game their own search engine it was pathetic. 

First - the anchor text is bad. Does Google really need to optimize for the name of the browser? No. If the anchor text was “internet browser”, I buy into the evil intentions.

Second – does Google really need more links to the Google Chrome page? Not really. SEOmoz’s Open Site Explorer shows that the Chrome homepage is just shy of 2 million links, many from very creditable sites. I understand link building is an ongoing battle but the number of organic links the Chrome site gets every time new market share numbers are announced is substantial.

Third – if Google is willing to cheat by buying links (which is public and can be found), why can’t they just hard code the Chrome pages in the results. Cheating is cheating. If you going to cheat, it would be best to do it behind the scenes.

The one questionable tactic is the content of the posts is not very unique. It is the type of crap that the Panda update was released to clean up.

In the end I think it was a poorly executed campaign by Google and their third-party marketing vendor that was not meant to use paid links to get ahead in the search results. Maybe Google placed the links to help test new algorithm changes to find paid links. Riiiight.

The graph above is looking at three different sites keyword (not provided) percentages. The sites referenced in the graph are all sites I work with and have access to the GA accounts. The ecommerce site is targeted to a technical audience that you would expect have a high google account ratio. It topped out at 12.44% of organic search keywords (not provided). The informational site is targeted to a very non-technical audience but is still seeing a 12%+ (not provided). Bringing home the gold is this blog, with over 32% of all organic search keywords not being reported. Awesome (lame).

Of the 3 sites I have solid statistics for (n=3, which is a not so large sample size), all break the 10% keyword (not provided) estimate provided by Google. There are a few (ton) other sites showing the same high percentages for secured searches. A rough running average bring reported is between 12% to 15%. Now if you are buying search traffic (paid search) Google will still give you all the keyword data in GA. Wonder if that is a not so subtle hint?

Realizing the error in my ways, I went the opposite direction, bought another Dell, but this time one with a 12-inch screen. Super mobile and short battery life. There wasn’t really a need for a laptop at this time in my career (as my job provided one), and I always had a desktop around but I liked the idea of a laptop. The mobility was great, but when I got my first job at a startup and my laptop became my main work computer, the 12 inch screen was killing me. A monitor was provided but the software was not super excited with the addition of an external monitor and the system was slow. It was time for a change.

Once again, I looked to Dell for my next laptop and went for high end XPS model. At the same time, a .NET developer (oddly enough) was trying to convince me to jump to Mac. I went forward with the Dell, which was delivered broken and Dell recommended a motherboard replacement. I took that as a sign to jump ship and try out a white MacBook. I really wanted a MacBook Pro but could not afford one, startup life is a bit rough at times. The 13-inch MacBook was not as small or mobile as the 12-inch Dell, but the battery was better and I really liked OS X. The small things, like the OS adjusting to an additional monitor on its own, sold me on the platform.

From there it was all about Apple. I got the first iPhone shortly after it was released (and 2 more since then) followed by a new laptop upgrade to the MacBook Pro in 2010. I was excited to make the jump to the top of the line MBP, but after about a year the 15 inch laptop was a bit much to carry around. During SXSW I finally got to realization that the MBP might be more computer than I really needed. This was the same time that the iPad 2 was launching but it was slightly (really) hard to find.

The first iPad was a disappointment in my opinion. I loved the idea of a tablet with a touchscreen, and the price was awesome but I was willing to pay a grand for an entry level tablet that had OS X like features. Already having an iPhone (I believe a 3GS at that time), the first iPad seemed like a big iPhone with less native apps but was much more friendly for browsing (bigger screen), but the lack of Flash sucked. I am not a fan of Flash, but enough sites used it at the time to make browsing “spotty”.

I started to change my mind when the iPad 2 was released. My son was getting to the age where the iPad would be a learning tool, I was tired of hauling out my MBP to surf the internet and the iPhone’s small screen was crappy for browsing. I convinced my wife that the iPad would be a great “family” device and proceeded to wait in line at the local apple store for way too long. I fell in love with the iPad 2 and so did my son. The mobility, battery life, and enjoyment of a touchscreen that size turned my most used device, the iPhone, into strictly just that, a phone. I used it at work as I jumped from meeting to meeting, leaving my laptop in my office for hours each day. My son, just a few years old, quickly learned how to navigate iOS. He could find the page with all of his apps, learned YouTube to watch train videos and watched kid movies on long car and plane trips. The number of apps to help learn numbers, the alphabet and interactive books of classic stories is impressive. But after several months I found myself falling back to the MBP because I needed the power of a real OS, not a mobile operating system.

I never really saw they Macbook Air as a real computer but more of a fun toy like the iPad. My biggest concern being the hard drive size and what looked like the under-powered internals compared to the MBP. Then I read a quote by Steve Jobs (that I have spent an hour looking for and cant find) that basically said the MBA would be Macintosh’s response to the iPad if they were made by competing companies. Then I thought about my current device state. The iPhone is awesome but I get tired of the small screen for web browsing. The MBP does everything I could ever need but is big and heavy comparatively, and the iPad has the best form but is not enough computer.

After much back and forth I took the jump to the MacBook Air and it was the best computer choice I have ever made. The MacBook Air is super light, thin and fast. The model I bought (1.8 GHz i7, 4 GB memory, mid 2011) was faster than the MBP from the pervious year I was currently using. The 13-inch screen is perfect (11-inch is too small in my opinion). While I love a touchscreen as much as the next guy, the use of a physical keyboard outweighs a screen keyboard because of the speed I can type on the former.

Not sure where everyone draws the line on “mobile” but a laptop is close to that line and a MacBook Air easily falls into that realm. Of course this is completely my opinion but I was so impressed with the MBA after I had convinced myself that it was not up to the task to handle everyday use, that I felt the need to write a long and non-climatic blog post….on my MacBook Air.

image source: businessinsider.com

Notice the browser versions they do support; IE 5, Netscape (what is that?), and Firefox 0.8. Talk about being out of touch with current web trends. Netscape doesn’t even register on browser market share reports anymore and Chrome is closing in on FireFox as the second most used browser behind the free falling Internet Explorer.

The only question that comes to mind after experiencing this would be, is this a corporate policy that the internal tech team is fighting? Or is this choice coming from the internal tech team because they are too lazy to get the site to work with modern browsers? Either way, this is lame.

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