The apparent spam attacks on Google continue. Among the top results appearing briefly in among the top ten search terms highlighted on Google Trends (before being pulled down) are “sh*t pond” (which went to No. 3) and “how to poop at work” (which made it at least to No. 10). That is after […]Source:TechCrunch
TokBox, the impressive video chat startup that doesn’t require any kind of extra software, has launched a new AIR app that will bring the web service’s easy setup to the desktop. Thanks to Adobe’s AIR platform, the software will be cross-compatible and available for Windows, Mac, and Linux users.
The client offers a very simple […]

As user-generated content and review sites become more popular and take on mainstream appeal (see Google paying for business directory info), will we start to see businesses who opt-out from being reviewed? Yes, says one coffee shop in Oakland, California.

Greg speaks about an experience he had the Cafe Rooz where a sign said that Yelp’ers are not welcome. After speaking with cafe management, he noted, "What I was told, in a nutshell, is that the café staff has encountered a stream of would-be critics “with attitude,” predisposed to take issue with or be critical of the business. Whether or not this is a correct perception, there are many more outlets (Yelp being only one) for customers and consumers to voice opinions about businesses on the Internet. And there’s little most of these businesses can do about it, for better or for worse."

The listing is still on Yelp and is relatively positive overall. While I can understand their fear about bad reviews affecting their business, wouldn’t it be better to work on correcting the issues that are mentioned? The business says they prefer any issue be brought to management’s attention before posting online. I do believe that this is the best course of action.

And one thing this draws attention to is how each of us differ in what is good service vs. bad service. What is acceptable in one region of the country, might not in another.  I would love to see a review site that tells me something about the user providing the review — age, income, gender, lifestyle - so I can put a frame of reference to a review I read. This is especially important when looking at hotel reviews.

And lastly, how will video change the way reviews are handled. Will be interesting to watch, especially as the big players get into the game.

Source:CenterNetworks -

If you were one of the unfortunate 2,000 to lose your job yesterday at AOL, I would like to offer you a chance to get some visibility to the CenterNetworks audience. Simply send in your resume (or a link to, this is preferred) and we will create a master post later this week of anyone from AOL seeking employment. I receive several emails everyday with employers seeking talent and this is a way to get your info directly to them.

With all of the negative press and jokes being made about people losing their jobs at AOL, I thought this would be a way to connect future employees with employers seeking those same employees.

Send in your information and include the desired employment location and availability.

Source:CenterNetworks -

Below are five of the newest startups according to Killer Startups for the period ending October 17, 2007. Check out previous Killer Startups posts.

Bug.gd - Find Solutions to Computer Error Messages

Have you been plagued by error messages from your computer that have left you without hope? If you have it is time you visit Bug.gd to find the solution to these annoying error messages. Bug.gd is a site where users go to find solutions to their computer error problems. Copy the error message you receive and go to Bug.gd. read more »

TokBox.com - For Video Chatting

TokBox.com is a site that offers you a video communication tool. With TokBox you can video chat for free from anywhere. There is no downloading process to use TokBox, you use it through your browser. Sign up with TokBox and you will be given a link that you send to people when you want to use the service. You can use TokBox on any website, social network, or blog. Post TokBox on your website and all someone needs to do is click on it to talk to you over video chat. read more »

Dripbook.com - An Artistic Community

If you are an artist looking to display your work on an online portfolio, Dripbook.com is a perfect community for you. At Dripbook.com you can create as many books (portfolios) as you want. To become a member at Dripbook.com you must be invited by a member. Once you have received an invitation you create a profile. read more »

ShowHype.com - A Digg For Celebrity Gossip

Admit it, you’ve probably paid a few visits to celebrity gossip sites like Perez Hilton and thesuperficial.com. Embarrassingly, sometimes it’s kind of fun to check out the latest buzz on Lindsay Lohan’s wild partying or Britney’s latest disastrous performance. Now, you can check up on all your favorite celebs and associated entertainment news in a Digg-like community on ShowHype.com. read more »

OfficialSpoofCard.com - SpoofCard - Disguise Your Calls

If you need to make sure that a phone call you’re making is completely untraceable, you’ll want to invest in an application that provides various ways to disguise your identity. SpoofCard does just that. This web-based service provides several different option, each of which aids in fooling the receiving party into thinking that you’re someone you’re not. read more »