Wednesday, March 6, 2002
The Internet Amenity
One of the most surprising things we learned from launching our Internet startup was that providing wireless Internet service is really cheap. What ended up bankrupting the company were all the ancillary services we had to develop — credit card billing, technical support, the corporate Web site and the various security measures we had to put in place to prevent unauthorized use of the network by nonsubscribers. Organizations that aren't trying to make money providing wireless Internet service can do away with all of these measures and offer the service for free.
A Pressplay Test Drive
There are too many stumbling blocks: not enough artists and songs to choose from, poor quality streaming, and too many restrictions on the music you've downloaded. Beyond these problems, my biggest gripe with media companies today is that I don't feel like I own anything anymore.
Memo to Hollywood: Downloading Can't Be Stopped
Washington can't stop it. The Recording Industry Association of America can't stop it. The sooner the labels accept this and plan for it, the brighter their prospects.
Starbucks Gets Carded
Starbucks Cards offer both slippage and float. Sure, you say, any gift certificate provides that, but Starbucks' business is better suited to repeat business — revolving slippage and float — than movie theaters or catalogues, for example. Its brand says it's something you have regularly but is still a treat...
Why we sell advertising, not search results
In a world where everything seems to be for sale, why can't advertisers buy better position in our search results? The answer is simple. We believe you should be able to trust what you find using Google.
Tanker, SUV collide, spilling heating oil
Lexington crash snarls Route 128 - Police said the accident occurred at 10:25 a.m. when the driver of the SUV, Ralph Penta, 57, of Reading, stopped abruptly in the middle of the roadway after missing an exit. The driver of the tanker, which was behind the SUV, tried to swerve out of the way but hit the vehicle, triggering the rollover, police said.
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