Saturday, June 28, 2008

What is Pay per click?

Pay per click (PPC) is an advertising model used on search engines, advertising networks, and content websites/blogs, where advertisers only pay when a user actually clicks on an ad to visit the advertiser's website. Advertisers bid on keywords they predict their target market will use as search terms when they are looking for a product or service. When a user types a keyword query matching the advertiser's keyword list, or views a page with relevant content, the advertiser's ad may be shown. These ads are called a "Sponsored link" or "sponsored ads" and appear next to or above the "natural" or organic results on search engine results pages, or anywhere a webmaster/blogger chooses on a content page.

Pay per click ads may also appear on content network websites. In this case, ad networks such as Google AdSense and Yahoo! Publisher Network attempt to provide ads that are relevant to the content of the page where they appear, and no search function is involved.

While many companies exist in this space, Google AdWords, Yahoo! Search Marketing, and Microsoft adCenter are the largest network operators as of 2007. Minimum prices per click, often referred to as Costs Per Click (CPC), vary depending on the search engine, with some as low as $0.01. Very popular search terms can cost much more on popular engines. Arguably this advertising model may be open to abuse through click fraud, although Google and other search engines have implemented automated systems to guard against this.

Jack of all trades, master of none


"Jack of all trades, master of none" is a figure of speech used in reference to a person who is competent with many skills but is not outstanding in any one. The term has become a cliché and often used as an insult in its current form, which is only half of the quote. The full quote, "Jack of all trades, master of none, though ofttimes better than master of one," is actually a compliment, though the term stemming from it, just 'Jack of all trades' is usually seen as a compliment to someone who can adapt to most situations.

A Jack of all trades may also be a master of integration, as the individual knows enough from many learned trades and skills to be able to bring their disciplines together in a practical manner. Such a person is known as a polymath or a Renaissance man, and a typical example is someone like Leonardo da Vinci.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Earn Respect and Keep It

Excerpt from Adam Robert

R-E-S-P-E-C-T - what does that mean to you? Reminders about earning respect and keeping it.


Respect is a complicated thing. We all want it but few have it. Most give it too easily and some who deserve it never receive it. It is earned by a combination of strengths – willpower, patience, tenacity, integrity, to name but a few. Some people are afforded a certain amount of respect because of their position – ie, the American President, a Police Chief. But for most of us, respect is not bestowed upon us unconditionally and, rather, we have to learn to earn and keep it.

There are things that you can do to point you in the right direction for earning respect from others. A few changes in certain areas of lifestyle, will go far in bringing you that much desired respect.

  • Learn to dress like someone who is worthy of respect. Having a well-polished look in all situations will always get more respect than poor or mediocre styled people. It also gets the much-needed attention to demonstrate that you are worthy of respect on other planes.
  • Think before you speak and, in fact, say only necessary things. Do not ramble on about anything. Next time you are introduced to someone for the first time, try waiting a few minutes before starting a conversation. In most cases, the other person will start a rambling conversation in an attempt to impress you.
  • Don’t talk about things you know nothing about. We all know these types – the ones we roll our eyes at – don’t be one. Lying, especially about pointless things, is the fastest way to lose respect.
  • Contrary to popular advice, don’t walk around with a smile glued on your face. You will not look like a serious person and, frankly, always reminds me of appearing vulnerable or untrustworthy.
  • Confidence and humility go hand in hand. Walk tall, speak clearly, have impeccable mannerisms, have good eye contact to portray yourself as someone worth trusting. A dose of humility keeps confidence from growing into arrogance. Do not brag about anything, rather acknowledge others’ contributions to your successes.
  • Remember names and dates and details. Make a point of trying to remember names of people you meet, some detail they have told you and the date on which you meet them. Recalling this information later is very impressive.

As you can see, most of these suggestions stem from extending the utmost of respect to others who deserve it. These things are not difficult and, probably, many of us practice these things anyways. But it never hurts to be reminded and you would be surprised how easily we can forget even basic respectful gestures.