Expert Advice is Just an Audio Podcast Away

Podcasts are digital media files that can be downloaded over the Internet. They are fast expanding in popularity as effective communication methods, especially in the advertising world. The availability of free software (pod catchers) for retrieving audio podcasts has further escalated their popularity. Most famous pod catchers include Apple Inc's iTunes and Null soft's Win amp.

Yahoo and iTunes are the best websites for downloading podcasts covering a wide range of topics, while other websites such as Doppler and Juice offer an equally good service. Listeners can utilize various sources for listening to audio podcasts. Also, they can access audio archives of programs they like, online.

This popularity of audio podcasts have ensured that the content delivered through them are reliable, informative and of good quality. Due to the heavy competition in the corporate world for advertising and communicating to target markets via audio podcasts, the quality of the content being delivered keeps improving day by day.

To our audio podcast fans, this is good news. Now you can access expert advice on a wide range of topics in an easy to download, easy to comprehend, easy to listen to file format. A wealth of resources, only a click away! Go online and access information on a wide range of topics, delivered by the experts in the respective fields. Start podcasting today...

On podcasts and their popularity...

iTunes claim their web traffic has skyrocketed within a year to an audience of over 6 million visitors.

What does this imply? Better services on a broader range of topics.

Many corporate giants have started concentrating on audio podcasting for a wide range of services from advertising to improving investor relations, and so much more. They are hiring experts in the respective fields to publish podcasts on a range of topics, from talk shows to trainings to interviews and various other marketing and promotional campaigns.

A podcast can be published in a few basics steps. In a nutshell, they include: · Recording the podcast · Saving as an MPC file · Uploading to the server · Creating a RSS feed · Publishing the RSS feed · Promote the podcast

The simplicity of the process ensures more and more information is shared via audio podcasts. As educative material, advertising material, publicizing material, podcasts are a wonderful tool, offering personalized features in easy to manipulate formats.

When expert advice is only an audio podcast away, why look elsewhere? Become an exclusive audio podcast user and experience a whole new informative world full of fascination!

Podcasting - Great Internet Marketing Tools For Affiliate Marketing   How to Make Money Online With Simple, Easy Podcasts   Try Out New Podcasting Tools For Better Podcasts   Get Your Podcast Featured - Traits of Podcasts That Get Featured   6 Strategies to Use When Podcasting   

Google Ads To Become More Relevant And Straight To The Point

The search engine giant, Google, declared their intention to place more paid ads on the SERP (Search Engine Result Page) during a candid conversation between a group of computer enthusiasts including professionals and Google topshot Matt Cutts who participated in an interesting discussion in a "Hacker News thread", in response to an article from Jitbit, called, "Google Search is only 18% Search". Matt Cutts defended the decision saying, relevant paid ads are often more useful than search results. He backed it with an example of the search result for "ATT cordless phones" where paid ad proved to be more useful than even the topmost ranked website. He also pointed out that there are "tons of searches" where Google doesn't show ads. I actually verified the last claim myself. I Googled for my name which I share with a prominent poet. Against my expectations, Google didn't show me where I can buy his books online. No ads!

On the other hand, Alex Yumashev, the author of the article behind this uproar, showed how Google has reduced the screen real estate for the organic search results from 53% to a surprising 18.5%. In other words, only 1/5th of the page shows search results and remaining area displays other information like Knowledge Graph, Search Plus Your World, Gmail results and of course paid ads. More paid ads mean even lesser search result on the SERP. Many website administrators and computer professionals are already finding it alarming.

There are two points to note. Mr Yumashev conceded that he used the example of a SERP which has a high ad density. Mr Cutts on the other hand stressed the point that Google takes utmost care to place ads in subtle and non-intrusive way and Google also make sure the ads the relevant and have a good destination page. When we combine these points together the allegation against Google is somewhat subdued.

SEO companies are getting ready for this planned shift in a different way. As Google will be displaying more ads means ads will be more prominently placed and there are more chances than ever to get a click on the ad. Thus, along with bringing up the website in the organic search result using the traditional SEO techniques, companies may have to shell out more money to get a part of the sponsored results section of the SERP.

Will more clutters on an already heavily cluttered Google SERP please the user by being useful like most of the Google products or will they move to Bing who is frantically trying to get a bigger share of the search engine market pie? Only time can tell and we, at Search Eccentric, are eagerly waiting.

As Google Displays Fewer Results, Getting to the Top Is Even More Important   Ghostwriting Services - SEO Ghostwriters   Boosting Your Business Efforts With SEO Tactics   What Happened in the Penguin SEO Update?   

The Benefits of Writing Online Content Consistently

As a business owner, you have made a commitment to not only posting content but doing on a consistent and regular basis. Quality is critical but quantity is not to be forgotten. As the writer, that can be very beneficial.

Blogging is a wonderful and extremely effective method for getting your content noticed, which will enable you to build lasting and mutually beneficial relationships. It is clear that if you post valuable content, your readers will benefit from it. However, what you may not realize is how many benefits you, as the writer, may also get from the content that you post. The more content you share, the more influence you will gain with other people. You are boosting your professional reputation and you are increasing your exposure, which is essential for your business's success. If you aren't sure about whether you are gaining influence among your peers and colleagues, there are some analytics tools that can help you to determine this. Klout is one such example. Klout is an assessment tool that measures your online influence. Google Analytics is another excellent tool that will supply you with all sorts of valuable information.

The value of consistently fresh content

There is a tremendous amount of value in providing consistently fresh content. Your online popularity will increase tremendously as people start to read what you are sharing. The online portion of your business is very much a word-of-mouth business. If people like what they read, they will share it with their friends, who will share it with their friends, etc. If you want to remain at the top of your game and be the first person whom others think of when they need the type of products and/or services that you are offering, you need to offer valuable information on a very regular basis. People will definitely respond to you if you are consistent and you make sure to let them know that you have the ability to solve their problems. You should always keep in mind the marketing principle WIIFM (What's In It For Me). No matter how wonderful you and your business might be, the person on the other end doesn't care about that. All he or she cares about is whether you are able to solve the problems that they are experiencing.

As much as it may be a daunting idea to come up with good-quality content on such a frequent basis, it is far from impossible. There are several tricks that you can use to make it easier for you.

Always have pen and paper with you

Ideas will fly in and out of your head faster than you think and inspiration can be found in so many different places and by so many different people. The only way that you won't lose the ideas is if you write them down immediately after you think of them. It doesn't really matter how you record the ideas, as long as you record them. If you prefer to record it in a mobile device, that will work well also.

The quality of your writing

Undoubtedly, you have tremendous writing skills. With that said, you may still see that some of your content is better than other content. It may not even be a matter of having an off day. Creativity comes at you as it will, not as you want it to, necessarily. Some of your blog posts will be excellent and some will be incredible. No matter what, all of your writing will be greatly appreciated by your readers.

Conclusion

Writing is a wonderful creative outlet that influences people in a positive way, strengthens your reputation and exposure, and allows you to develop important and long-lasting relationships with others. Remember to stay committed to writing consistently, frequently, and never let the quality slip. If you can do that, you will enjoy tremendous professional success. Additionally, people will react to you much more favorably if your writing flows and it error free. Excellent content will grab your readers and will keep them coming back to you time and time again.

We are pleased to provide you with the insightful comments contained herein. For a free assessment of your online presence, let's have coffee.

The Greatest Blogging Tips   5 Key Points to Consider When Growing Your Business Blog   Niche Blogging: Find Your Right Niche   Blogging Dos and Don'ts for Mompreneurs   

Internet Marketing: Five YouTube Tips for Your Internet Marketing

Because many marketers do not know how to use YouTube for marketing purposes, here are five YouTube tips for your Internet marketing strategy.

1. Use your best video

It can be tempting to upload a quick, half-fast video and hope that it gains millions of views. However, businesses need to take their video marketing campaign seriously, only uploading videos that are high quality. YouTube promotion is great for businesses, but all too often, marketers try to take the cheap route. Poor quality videos only turn potential customers away.

2. Use many tags

The tags box is almost never utilized properly by online marketers. However, the tag box is the greatest tool to help your video become popular or viral. Essentially, you want to include any keywords and keyword phrases that are relevant to your video. You may also want to include tags that, though aren't directly related to your video, are somehow related to your video.

3. Use your video as a video response

Once you have successfully uploaded an informative and engaging video, browse the site for other videos that are both related to your video and popular. Because you can only choose one video to use your video as a video response, you should make sure the other person's video has at least a few thousand views and growing. Once you find a video like that, include yours as a response. This is one YouTube tip that is often overlooked.

4. Market your video presentation

You may have the original files to your video, but you will want to use your actual YouTube uploaded version on your website, blog and social media accounts. You see, once your video has gained so many views on YouTube, it will begin to show up more often in the related videos section. Once that happens, there is a good chance that your video will gain thousands of more views in a short amount of time.

5. Make a powerful description

Like the tag box, the description box can greatly help your video get views. There is evidence, concluded by other popular "YouTubers," that the description box can have a lot to do with a video's popularity. You should include key phrases in the box, but more importantly, the description should be very informative. Hopefully these YouTube marketing tips will help you with your own video marketing campaign. YouTube is a great tool, but you must still use it properly for it to work effectively.

Video Marketing Tips - 4 Tips to Create Video Articles For Massive Traffic   Five Common Mistakes When Using Music In Videos - And How To Avoid Them   Discover The Power of Video Marketing   What Is Stopping You From Making Your Marketing Videos? Well Fear Not, There Is A Solution   

Are Terracotta Tiles a High-Maintenance Product?

Traditionally made terracotta tiles are, without doubt, beautiful but many people are discouraged from using them in their homes because they are concerned about the high levels of maintenance required to keep them looking good. The thought of sealing the tiles regularly can be a deterrent to many people especially when there are contemporary alternatives such as porcelain tiles which require minimal maintenance, if any.

But there are, in fact, two types of terracotta tiles manufactured now: the more typical unglazed tiles, which do, indeed, require extensive maintenance, but also glazed tiles which require minimal maintenance.

Unglazed terracotta has been used in private homes extensively in the past although it is now less popular simply due to the change in interior trends. The type of maintenance that it required was treatment with linseed oil and wax or sealing with a synthetic sealant. The traditional oil and wax method involved applying several coats of linseed oil with a soft cloth after the tiles were laid but before the grouting was done. The oil would darken the natural terracotta color and once dry the routing was done and was followed by a coat of clear wax.The disadvantage of this method was that the wax needed to be reapplied regularly to maintain the sheen and would eventually have to be stripped off and the waxing process started again. Understandably this is the process that deters people from using terracotta.

The less traditional approach requires applying several coats of a synthetic sealant which can last for up to 3 years and never needs to be stripped back as it can just be applied over the existing sealer to revitalize the finish.

However, neither approach could be termed "low-maintenance" but, fortunately, for those who love the rustic charm and warm tones of terracotta some manufacturers are now manufacturing glazed terracotta tiles which genuinely are low maintenance.

All terracotta tiles are made from a workable mixture of clay and water that is shaped as required and then left to dry naturally before being fired in a kiln. Whilst the technique is ancient there have been considerable improvements in its implementation due to technological advances which have enabled terracotta tiles to be created with a glazed surface.

The clay used to make terracotta tiles is extracted from a quarry and grinding machines are usually used to reduce the clay to a powder. The water is then added to form a paste and the tiles can either be created by hand, for a more rustic look, or by machine, for a sleeker, more modern look.

Once dry the kiln-firing of the tiles is done with the high temperatures making a tougher, more stable glazed terracotta tile. Because of the high-temperature glazing these types of tiles need none of the tedious maintenance procedures that the more traditional, unglazed tiles require. Yet they have the look and feel of a hand made tile with natural variations in color adding to their unique beauty without the maintenance headache.

Glazed terracotta tiles are typically supplied in batches that have a range of colors within the same color spectrum to ensure your floor will never look bland and "too perfect". Mass produced ceramic tiles or porcelain tiles can never achieve this type of unique beauty because every tile is the same.

Shop Water Features Made of Marble for a Strong Focal Point   Creating That WOW Factor In Your Home On A Budget   Water Fountains for the Home Come in an Array of Styles   The Different Styles of Oak Floors for Your Home   Oriental Rugs And Persian Carpets: Best Wool For Rug Weaving   

Star - Book Review

Tom Peters crafted a moving, educational animal adventure story in his novel Star. This is a dog-lover's fiction - written for a young adult audience. Any young person who loves animals, or wants to own a dog should read this book.

Without preaching, Tom enlightens humans to the plight of dogs. He brings understanding to how they see things and why they behave the way they do. The most moving moral to the story for me was shown through the main character (a dog named Star) whose owners had school, work, play and friends - while Star has only them. It really puts their world into perspective. I was torn and sorrowed by the incidents in the kennel and animal shelter. If I have not been donating enough to these shelters before, I will most certainly endeavor do so now. Hopefully other readers will be equally compelled to help out their local shelters.

Star is a courageous, loving lab-rottweiler cross who goes through many adventures from being 'rescued' from a puppy mill, abandoned in a forest, being stolen by a trucker and used by jewelry thieves. Star ensures a place in the readers heart through his self-less rescue of a little boy and his generous, loving heart.

I do not think a reader could put down this book without being moved by the great heart that Star displayed repeatedly. There are many lessons here for young adults from the dangers in the world, to the plight of pets and the strength of love.

ISBN#: 1553521927 Author: Tom Peters Publisher: Tree Side Press.

The Letter Writer - Book Review   The Letter Writer - Book Review   Star - Book Review   

How to Create High Ticket Products - Sell Your $15,000 Product

Believing that you can create and sell a $15,000 product is not going to be easy especially if you have never sold anything for over $500.  More than likely you are going to have to create a $500 product and market it and develop your belief from this first product rather than jumping straight into a higher ticket product. I encourage you to create a $500 product initially to get accustomed to the process.  And whilst you are doing this be thinking about allowing yourself to believe that it could be more.  Working gently on your belief system is all that is needed.

But during the process of creating your first high ticket product of say $500 you will go a long way to enhancing your belief and you can do this in stages.  Create your $500 product and then think about a $1,000 product and $2,000 until you are ready and prepared to market your $15,000 product.  This way you are continuously growing and stretching yourself. 

Now the best thing to do is to put yourself in your client's shoes.  What is it you are looking for when you purchase a high ticket product?  What specifically do you expect from your products.As well as information, information that will teach you something about which you require knowledge, when you purchase a high ticket product you also expect a relationship with your teacher, accessibility to your teacher, the experience of your teacher and other specific results.

It's exactly the same for your buyer too.  They all want results, experience, accessibility, knowledge and a relationship.  The most important aspect they are looking for however is the relationship.  They want that special relationship that comes from having a coach.  Someone that will help them achieve their specific goals whether it is cultivating and maintaining a competition-winning garden that wins awards or achieving a specific sales goal at work.  What they are actually looking for when they purchase a high ticket product - and by high ticket product I mean a product that is priced around $2500 and above - they expect time with their tutor or coach.  They are purchasing your time whether its for an hour each day or an hour per week or whatever, they are expecting a piece of your time.It is vitally important that you realize that when someone pays you $15,000 for three months coaching, that they are purchasing you - they are purchasing an element of your time on a regular basis to achieve their specific goals.

It's important that you understand that when somebody spends $4,000 or $8,000 or $15,000 or beyond, when they spend those types of dollars with you, they are not just looking for information. They are not looking for the type of information that you can just put into an e-book or an MP3 and send it out to them. If they want that, they can buy that off of a sales page. They can make an investment straight off of a sales page, and a sales page can adequately sell that information because it can literally say, "You're going to learn A, B, and C, and the benefits to you for learning precisely that : A, B, and C.

Getting Testimonials For Your New Product   Zero Friction Marketing - Learn to Ease the Marketing Hassle   Product Launch Tips - 3 Powerful Methods to Drive a Stampede of Visitors to Your Product   What's the Secret of a Successful Internet Business Product?   How to Do a Proper Product Launch   Secrets of Seminar Marketing During Hard Economic Times   

Swimming Pool Lights - A Different Experience

People like to swim, even if it is in a swimming pool and the enjoyment of taking a dip can be extended at night. But for safety reasons many are limited to swimming at night. This is especially true for children since taking a dip in the pool at night is not ideal as many problems can happen. In most cases, many often have difficulty seeing in the dark let alone see what others are doing. But the existence of swimming pool lights can make it possible for adult and children to swim at night.

To prevent any accidents in the pool especially on the swimming bath deck, a homeowner will need to shine light fully around the pool area and its outer surrounding. Giving light to this place ensures the safety of every individual who are taking a dip. At the same time, it provides the convenience to walk around the sides of the phone and in the swimming pool deck.

In addition, the lights can make your natatorium look stunningly beautiful. This can be useful when you intend to create a romantic vibe all throughout the night.

They can also give added excitement to the swimmers. Having lights on the swimming pool is a must-have for homeowners who want to make their evening swimming special.

Lights catered for the pool are available in various colours, shapes and sizes. These days, pool lights underwater have plenty of advantages to offer making them relatively easy to use as lights. Some pool lights underwater have a power switch so you have the option to turn them off when you are not planning to use your lap pool.

You can also take a look at other kinds of pool lights underwater that can automatically change colours to give an added effect experience in your swimming lap. The different lighting effect are installed in various part of the swimming pool that gives you that feeling of swimming in a different surrounding while you are on the water.

The Nitelighter aboveground swimming pool lights valued at $70 are economical lights to have around. It has a uniquely patented reflector designed for maximum lighting. One light is very sufficient to be illuminated on any aboveground swimming pool. It has the following features:

• chemical resistant lens • with fuse overload protection • a 28 ft. Cord (including transformer and plug) • Powers at 35 Watts • Tested to UL Standard 676 and Certified by ETL • Will not interfere with water return.

The Challenger Nova Floating swimming pool lights are valued at $79. They consist of the following features:

• illuminates your pool with up to 8 hours of glowing light • can work in all types of pools, as well as lakes and ponds • is specially-designed with plastic shell that will not fade in direct exposure to sunlight or pool chemicals • with LED lights that can last up to 100,000 hours • comes complete with rechargeable batteries and charger

4 Reasons Why You Need Solar Pool Panels   Select Your Swimming Pool Cautiously To Ensure Easy Maintenance   The Keys to Keeping Pool Water Looking Great   Advantages Of Screened Pool Enclosures   Three Swimming Pool Concerns and the Swimming Pool Supplies Needed To Resolve Them   Swimming Pool Safety Covers   

How to Prepare When Choosing a Custom Home Builder

So, you've made the decision to build a custom home. Now comes the next step: Finding yourself a builder. You might be tempted to go with the first custom home builder you come across just because you're in a hurry to get to the next step, but don't! Taking some time to research properly will pay off in the end when your new home is finished with a minimal amount of problems, issues or extra costs, and you finally have the house you've always dreamed of.

Get your questions straight

Make a list of questions you have about how they work, what standards they adhere to, how much time they usually take on building a single house, etc., and send it to their office. Some questions will be able to be answered by email like this, but other questions you really want to meet with the builder in person in order to see how seriously they take the issue.

Make an appearance

You definitely want to visit their office in person in order to make sure that they are a legitimate company. Ask to see their license and permit to operate in their area as well as proof of how long they have been operating there. While you're there, ask about the warranty they provide and ask to see any materials you can of previous projects. If you can, also ask to be toured around any houses built by them, and inspect every detail first-hand.

Look to the past

Any reputable custom home builder will have a history of building homes in any period and type of economy. How has the builder's company been doing financially for the past two or three years? Look at their activities during a recession or during a time when the economy was tough; did they still receive jobs on a consistent basis? If so, chances are better that you are dealing with a quality builder company that can be trusted.

Pay attention to communication

How much a builder chooses to communicate with you about your future home as well as their past homes says volumes about how trustworthy they are. If the builder is happy to share stories and details of their projects, that can be a sign of confidence and past successes. If on the other hand they do not want to discuss them or seem vague or hazy when discussing yours, you might want to look around some more.

Don't go alone

When you are making a decision of this type, you are ultimately deciding upon something that will affect you for many years down the road, if not for the rest of your life. Be sure to have someone beside you that has had experience in the past with buildilng a custom home, or knows the custom home industry well themselves. This type of know-how can make all the difference between choosing a builder that's going to hang you up with problems and uncertainties, and one that will quickly and effectively deliver the home you've always dreamed of.

Custom Home Builders - Why You Need One   10 Steps to Owning Your Log Home   Why Every Step In Planning Your Home Construction Is Exciting?   Using Dry Ice Blasting to Prep Your Concrete   How To Save Money on Construction   

Medicare Part B - Medical Insurance Premiums and COLA's

The Social Security Act of 1965 was signed into law July of that year. It consists of two primary sections, named Part A and Part B. Part A's focus is on hospital insurance.

It addresses a variety of items such as inpatient stays, home health care and a certain amount of time spent in a skilled nursing facility. It is provided at no cost to the individual, effective the month they turn 65. Medicare Part B covers medical insurance. Although senior citizens are usually automatically enrolled in the program, they must sign up for this insurance.

There is a monthly premium that is required to maintain the Medicare Part B insurance. In 2010, beneficiaries who earn less than $85,000 and have the Social Security Administration (SSA) withhold their premiums will not see an increase.

For those who earn more than $85,000, there is an increase of 15%. The SSA uses 2008 tax returns to make the determination. If income has decreased, beneficiaries must be able to show the new amount and meet various other criteria. For those having difficulty paying the premiums, beneficiaries should call the State Medical Assistance office. In some states it is referred to as the Public Assistance office or Public Aid office.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides the SSA with the adjusted gross income and tax-exempt interest income for Medicare Part B beneficiaries. If there has been an income related monthly adjustment amount, a new income level will be calculated and the monthly premium modified.

This amount will be effective for one full calendar year. In 1973, a cost of living adjustment (COLA) law was passed to help senior citizens handle increased expenses due to inflation. There is a specific formula that is used to determine COLA and it is based on the Consumer Price Index.

There will be no adjustments in 2010 due to low inflation rates and a weakening in consumer pricing. Medicare Part B premiums are automatically deducted from benefit payments from the SSA, Railroad Retirement Board or the Civil Service.

If beneficiaries do not receive any of these payments, they are billed directly. To maintain coverage, payments must be received by the 25th of each month. Medicare is a federally run low-cost insurance program designed to help the elderly pay for their healthcare needs. To qualify for this benefit, beneficiaries must be 65 years of age and made payments into the system for at least 10 years.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans - Guidelines For Selecting Or Changing Plans   Why Would I Need Medicare Supplemental Insurance?   Medicare Supplement Plan N - A Great Alternative to Medicare Advantage   How Can Product Liability Insurance Help You in Your Business?   

As Google Displays Fewer Results, Getting to the Top Is Even More Important

Search engines are changing all the time, and none more so than the world's most popular - Google. So although users and search engine optimisation specialists may have grown used to there being 10 results per page on Google search queries, they may have to adjust to there being significantly less.

'Make sure you're in the top ten on Google' has become something of a mantra in search engine marketing over the years, but soon it may be a cosier option to ensure you're in the top seven. Though there have been occasional search engine results pages (SERPs) with less than ten results for some time now, according to research by Peter Meyers over at SEOmoz, the number of SERPs on Google with just seven results jumped from 0.1% to 18.3% over just two days in mid-August. At present, he says, almost 20% of SERPs monitored by SEOmoz have only seven results.

So what's taking the place of those extra results?

In short, anything that Google believes to be useful to users. Expanded search results where other sub-pages of the same site are listed, image results in the main body of the search results and other 'improvements' are all appearing more frequently for some search terms. And because Google knows that users don't like to scroll down too far, in some instances their pushing results 8-10 back to page two.

While this isn't affecting all searches currently - it predominantly, but not exclusively, affects brand searches - it's something to pay close attention to. The difference in traffic and conversions between appearing at the bottom of page one and the top of page two can be significant, so it's worth checking your key search terms and keywords to see if they've been affected by Google's leaner results page.

As for what you can do to avoid being pushed out of page one, the answer is simple: try harder. If Google sees fit to only show seven results instead of ten, the best (and only) thing you can do is to do everything you can to rank somewhere between one and seven - ideally the former.

If you're website is cruising around the bottom of page 1 and you're concerned about being relegated to page 2, speak to your SEO agency to find out how you can diversify your strategy to make sure that regardless of the results shown on each page, your business will stay on page on of the SERPS.

You can view the data in full at (http://www.seomoz.org/blog/serp-crowding-shrinkage-its-not-your-imagination).

Ghostwriting Services - SEO Ghostwriters   Boosting Your Business Efforts With SEO Tactics   What Happened in the Penguin SEO Update?   How Important Are Backlinks to SEO?   SEO: What You Should Expect From Your Chosen Company   IP Subnetting for Your Convenience   

Using Information Architecture and User Experience to Design Websites

According to the instated definition of Wikipedia, Information Architecture (IA) can be defined as the "the art and science of organizing and labeling websites." Supporting the usability factor in website designing, the information architects focus on collating the principles of design and architecture to the digital landscape. Coined by Richard Saul Wurman, the term "information architect" is completely different from the user experience. The information architecture typically constitutes of the model or concept of information that is used and applied for addressing the unambiguous details of the complex information systems. As per Jessie James Garrett, IA facilitates in effective communication. However, the same resource (Wikipedia), explains the term User Experience (UX) as "the way a person feels about a product, system or service." The feeling also includes the person's perceptions of the practical aspects of the product such as the ease of use, usability, and efficiency of the system. Taking the Information Architecture as the foundation of user experience, the website design is brought to a complete new level.

The term Information Architecture is an old term compared to the web. Focusing on the structure of the content and organization of structure, the websites are organized to help user navigate through seamlessly. From simple brochure formats to complex information systems, the architects create usable content infrastructure out of the complex sets of information. Using the user centered design methodologies, the Web Design And Development Companies construe usability tests, persona research and user flow diagrams to create the frameworks. However, this is only a part of the UX design.

On the other hand, the UX design takes this informational framework and considers factors of navigation and its ability to enhance engagement. Employing a user-based design, the Web Design And Development Companies are able to produce cohesive, desirable, and predictable emotional effect on their target customers.

The emotional tug ensures that the user elicits a sensitive response contextual to the website. The UX website designers make things more profound, laying emphasis on the users and their emotional content. Encompassing the whole spectrum, the UX is IA, mixed with usability, content strategy, and creativity. Or rather as Darren Northcott puts it, the love child of Information Architect and Creative Director is UX.

Difference between the IA and the UX designers

The IA designers will conduct competitive analysis to generate page flows, sitemap, and wireframes. Usability tested, refined, and revised, the workflow then proceeds to the website designer to be implemented. The UX designers consider the IA's workflow and consider the emotional objectives of the user. The competitive analysis is based on the interactivity levels rather that layout and structures.

Building on the structure provided by the IA, the website designed takes the user experience to complete new level. It is important to connect both creatively and emotionally and this is what the website designed collating both IA and UX achieve.

There's Value In Standing Still: Why Your Site Can Live Without Flash Animation   Website Setup Guide - How to Have a Website With High Usability   Understanding The Web Design-Content Life Cycle   Building Your Own Unique Website   

Best 11 Storage Tips for Small Spaces at Home

Finding storage space can be a hassle when you are living in a smaller home. Inevitably, space is limited. Here are 11 storage tips for you that will solve your storage woes and at the same time, leaving you with a cozy, intimate and organized home:

Purchasing made to measure furniture - In a small space, sizing down is probably the only choice available. Many a time, furniture comes in fixed size and shapes and they often have shapes that take up lots of excess space. Purchasing custom built in cabinets and closets allows efficient space utilization, albeit expensive. Be sure to custom make a to-the-ceiling cupboard to provide both maximum storage and emphasize the room's height. Going vertically up - Going up, literally, is one of the most efficient storage methods available. It dramatically increases your square footage exponentially! There are many places you can store things vertically. Consider using the back of the door or a wall. Hang pots and pans on the kitchen wall to save space in the kitchen. Install wooden bookshelves behind the bedroom door and you not only save on space, you also create a fresh look. Building a media storage system - A television set can easily be up to 42 inches today. Yes it provides the family with superb entertainment, but it also takes up precious space. Build storage ideas around your television set such as shelves and cupboards. Place the television set on a television console and you have space to store your CDs. Look under the stairs - The space under the stairs are often overlooked and wasted as a result. However, it is perfect for storing rarely used items such as elaborate dining utensils, display family photos and keep special items tucked away safely. Tiny spaces - We are often faced with tiny spaces that don't seem to be able to keep anything inside it. However, by building shallow drawers into these tiny spaces, we are able to store items such as cookie sheets and towels. Under the bed - There is ample space under the bed and it is sufficient enough to place pull-out boxes beneath which can keep away bulky toys and clothes. Even better still, you can keep suitcases and keep them out of sight. For an even efficient way of storage, purchase a bed frame with built in drawers. Turning bed's headboard into storage - An even smarter way of storage, purchase a bed with a big headboard which can be used for storage. Headboards are convenient for frequent accesses and you can store your blankets, pillows, bolsters as well as bed sheets in it. Using boxes and baskets - Baskets and boxes not only appear neater, they also create ample storage spaces for smaller items. You can keep anything in them ranging from jewellery to toys. They can be d isplayed out openly and even add to your décor. They are also easily transported from one place to the other. Stack the colourful boxes and baskets up with contrasting colours to provide a visual interest. Reconsidering furnitures - Many bedroom furnitures are pretty but are very much useless. They takes up loads of space yet provide little to none storage spaces. Nightstands are pretty, but don't do much except holding your bedtime book and mobile phone. Purchase a bed with a shelved headboard if you must and you can store the same items as previously. You can also store books, clothes and other items. Smart kitchen cabinets - Thru the use of corner spaces, more storage ability is added to the cabinets. The added spaces are just nice to store small appliances and pans. Not only does this method increase storage capacity, it also removes items from the kitchen top, allowing it to be neater and less cluttered. Stack and stack - Stacking is a very efficient way of storing things. Whenever possible, try to stack things. In the case of clothes, stack clothes that are seldom used, as high as possible. In the same dimensions, stacking allows you to store way more clothes as compared to hanging them in the wardrobe. Self-Storage - Does This Storage Solution Have Any Advantages?   The Benefits of Renting Self Storage Facilities   Finding the Best Garage Doors   A Guide to Garage Organization Systems   Global Trend In Self Storage   Summer Time Made Easy With Self Storage   

Your State's Accident Rate Can Lead to Your Higher Premiums

We live in a culture that demands quick and rapid response times, is it any wonder then that our driving habits also reflect that fast paced lifestyle. We are often in too much have a hurry to really have regards for road conditions, posted speed limits or other even drivers.

The state of Maryland along with Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia has initiated a program called the Smooth Operator Program aimed at combating aggressive drivers in the region. It gathers together Law Enforcement, Trauma Specialist, Government Official and other professionals to educate the public about the dangers of aggressive driving. For the past eight years the Smooth Operator Program has worked to provide education, information and solutions for the problem of aggressive driving. The plan calls for stepped up patrols, public education, research and evaluation of current campaigns and the engineering of roadways to cut down on aggressive driving.

Aggressive driving is defined by a combination of driving offenses committed by the unsafe driver, putting other people and property at risk. Aggressive driving can be classified into a number of dangerous behaviors.

Speeding Tailgating Running redlights and stop signs Improper passing Weaving in and out of lanes

Research has shown that its tendencies are spread out equally among car, SUV and motorcycles. Aggressive driving plays a major part in the crashes, injuries and fatalities we experience on our roads. It is estimated that 1,000 deaths a year can be attributed to aggressive driving that's about 3 highway deaths per day across the four jurisdictions where the Smooth Operator program is being conducted.

Aggressive driving has many causes, frustration, impatience and anger are a few. The sources of those emotions may include the following:

Crowded roads and highways Drivers with too much to do and little time Traffic tie-ups and roadwork Stress from work or home Drivers driving too slow Other drivers not being aware or distracted

Aggressive driving is contagious when you react to situations in an angry aggressive manner, you cause other drivers around you to follow suit. Unsafe behavior can have a domino effect, passing from one car to another down the road.

When you feel yourself becoming anxious or angry, don't let it lead to aggressive driving. Calm yourself and allow yourself a moment to understand that this is a temporary situation which will soon change, so be patient. Don't allow yourself to become angry at other drivers, it will not change their driving behavior, but it may change yours, and probably not for the better.

Ways to avoid being an aggressive driver:

Allow for more time to travel Come to a full stop at red lights and stop signs Let others merge with you Obey posted speed limits Don't tailgate Resist the urge to teach someone a lesson Concentrate on driving Don't stress over traffic of which you have no control

Aggressive driving cost us all money in terms of higher auto insurance premiums. Insurance companies use the accident statistics from your geographical area to determine you auto insurance rates. The higher the accident rate the higher the premium. Generally speaking drivers in low congested areas like rural areas pay less for auto insurance than those living in highly congested urban areas. If you are paying for auto insurance in Maryland keep your cool and help fight to stop aggressive drivers, you can start with yourself.

Helpful Tips for Anyone Seeking Auto Insurance Coverage   California Auto Insurance Permissive Use Restrictions   Is Gap Insurance the Root of All Evil?   How to Stay Away From Swindlers While You Are Looking For Auto Insurance Quotes   Significance of Using Auto Insurance Quotes   Different Types of Van Insurance   

What Influences Your Car Insurance Premiums?

It is a given fact that knowing the details is certainly advantageous for individuals who are entering into different types of transactions. This is also the case when it comes to car insurance. Since the amount of premiums significantly affect the cash flows of policyholders, identifying the factors that affect car insurance premiums is absolutely useful in decision making.

Car insurance premiums are affected by inherent characteristics that policyholders cannot totally adjust according to their preferences. This includes the age, gender and marital status of the policyholders. Insurance companies maintain varying premium differentials that are appropriate to these groups according to various studies that were conducted. As per the age factor, drivers who are younger than twenty five years old and above sixty years old are revealed to be more susceptible to vehicular accidents. As a result, insurance premium rates for individuals in these age groups are typically higher.

When it comes to gender, women are considered to be statistically careful drivers compared to men. This is the reason why female policyholders shell out less premium expense compared to the male ones. Individuals who are married also are given lower premium quotes as compared to single individuals.

There are also factors that are entirely controllable and can be the result of the actions and decisions of the policyholders. This includes the type of vehicle, driving style and record, credit rating, professional responsibilities, profession, mileage counts and car safety features.

Insurance companies tend to increase the premium rates for high-end automobiles that are categorized as high-performance, sports cars, rear-engine models and intermediate performance. It can be formulated that more expensive cars commands higher insurance premiums. This is due to the fact that these car types have more expensive spare parts and is more susceptible to theft.

Driving styles and record also play an important role in car insurance premiums. Insurance companies investigate and examine the driving profiles of their policyholders in order to correspond with the insurance premium offers. People who have traffic violations and accidents in their driving records tend to have higher premiums. Credit rating also has an impact to the amount of car insurance premiums. Insurance assumes that individuals who do not possess good credit rating are financially negligent and this can be manifested in their driving style as well.

The profession of the policyholder also has an effect in the insurance premium rate. Statistically, there has been an observed correlation between risk and occupation of policyholders. If the occupation requires long distance travel or travel in accident-prone locations, the premium rate charges are higher. Premium rates are cheaper for policyholders who work in the office or urban institutions.

Low annual miles driven by the policyholders also reduce the probability of being in a vehicular collision which in turn, results to lower premiums. Vehicles which are intended for business purposes also have lower insurance rates as compared to vehicles that are operated for commuting purposes.

Lastly, car features can also have influence in the rate of the insurance premiums. A vehicle which has safety features and theft prevention gadgets installed in it also cuts the insurance premiums. These features include airbags, anti-lock brakes, chassis quality, tracking devices and burglar alarms.

Helpful Tips for Anyone Seeking Auto Insurance Coverage   California Auto Insurance Permissive Use Restrictions   Is Gap Insurance the Root of All Evil?   How to Stay Away From Swindlers While You Are Looking For Auto Insurance Quotes   Different Types of Van Insurance