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You probably came into work this morning and noticed the newly updated NEWS.COM.AU website (If not, I'll give you a moment to do it now).
The slick new design brings Australia's premier online news service into 2008, offering everything you would expect from a web 2.0 website: personalisation, a cleaner (crisper) design and a brand new story visualiser on the front page.
But the best features of the website have been available for some time now...
5. Local edition
Adelaide readers can browse directly to AdelaideNow.com.au for the latest news, events and information affecting Adeladians - it's probably considered the closest thing we have to an online version of The Advertiser & Sunday Mail. There's also a PerthNow for Perth residents.
4. RSS Feeds
One of the best technologies to hit the web in recent years are RSS feeds, and it just so happens that NEWS.COM.AU have an extensive range of feeds for you to hook into, from "Popular Stories" to "Breaking News".
3. Mobile edition
I only happened to stumble across the mobile edition by chance a few weeks back. Next time you're on your iPhone or Smart Phone browse through to m.news.com.au. It has everything you would expect from NEWS.COM.AU but condensed into a mobile phone friendly version.
2. Article commenting
For quite some time now NEWS.COM.AU has offered article commenting, requesting for you to post your views on a topic or issue. Sometimes reading through the conversation is more fun than the article itself.
1. Video integration
NEWS.COM.AU is increasingly adding videos to the top stories of the day. This was made possible with a very smart partnership between NEWS.COM.AU and Sky News (the 24/7 cable news network). It's the way the internet should be.
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Logo Orange sums up the latest trends in the logos that we see on highways, on consumer goods, on the Web and in the institutions and organizations we support. The trends can be summed up in 10 ways:
1. Organic 3D
Here's something new for 2008: we will be seeing 3d effects in logo design that will reach different places and stimulate different viewers who are craving for a new, fresh look! Polish those lenses and see 3D escalate to a higher level!
2. Waves - The New Swoosh
That's it - no more swooshes! After years of being number one, swooshes have now been replaced by the so-called waves. Do you see these waves in the above logos? Top graphic designers use them to inject more flexibility and flow into the design. To highlight the idea of movement, logo designers execute a fade technique from one colour to another for this type of logo design
3. Web 2.0 Logos
Designers often hear the term "web 2.0" from their customers who ask for this specific type of logo. The term Web 2.0 actually refers to certain technologies (Ajax, Ruby, etc). The thing is, can we really say that there's a new trend in graphic design, the web 2.0 design?
4. Transparency in logo design
We'll say this right away: transparency has always been fashionable. Designers often use transparency, thanks to the notion of elegance that it communicates. Transparency allows the combination of different design elements offering the viewer a special image. With the help of transparency you can create perspectives, suggest the ideas of growth, development, combination and connection.
5. "Underground" Typography - Minimal Fonts
Examine the logos above. Have you seen similar ones before? These are logos that we have often found on the sites of Typographic Artists over the last few years. Who would have thought, however, that they would become mainstream by the year 2007?
6. New Rainbow / Colour Scale
We've seen a thousand rainbows in our lifetime. Yet, each time we see one, we can't help but stare admiringly at the sky even for just a few seconds. We feel that sentiment of wanting to "chase rainbows" as the lyrics of a song go.
7. Sci-Fi Fonts
In logo design the font frequently serves to strengthen the message as conveyed by the image. But what about the typographic logos? In this particular case, choosing the right font is crucial. Many of these logos can be memorable. With the development of the number of personal computers per capita, we are now witnessing the rise of a new category of logos , using what the industry refers to as Sci-Fi fonts.
8. Leaves Logo
No matter which logo design collection you browse through, you will notice that they have all been "invaded" by leaves over the last few years. Leaves here and there, leaves everywhere! You sit and wonder why. Could this be the result of a common concern for the environment and the harmful effects of pollution? Is it because green is trendy? Or are humans aching for nature because they sit all day in their office cubicles facing their computer screens making them crave for the natural outdoors?
9. The "Ugly" 80's
Take a look at the logo designs above. What's your first reaction? They bowl you over and leave you speechless - and somewhat confused don't they?
10. The New Crest
New Crest logos have been around in the last few years. The year 2008 though will sound out the trumpets - New Crests go Mainstream!! With the clever combination of medieval symbolism and urban culture graphic elements, the New Crest logos appealed to the youth when they first appeared. Eventually, they were also adopted and embraced by the extreme sports and boarding communities everywhere. At the same time they were used by well known graphic designers for big clients like MTV etc.
Courtesy of Logo Orange
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Australian domain names (.com.au's) are regulated by a set of terms and conditions outlined by auDA, a self-regulatory body that has authority over the domain industry in Australia.
There are certain guidelines and requirements that one must follow in order to register a domain. Failing to do so could result in the loss of the name and any valuable time and effort put into the branding and marketing of the name.
Why all the regulations?
The restrictions and regulations seem to be put into place to prevent some of the "cyber-squatting" that you see with .com domain names. The rules help to ensure that the owner of the domain name also owns the rights to a related business name, trademark, etc.
.COM.AU Registration Requirements
In order to protect your domain name you need to make sure it passes the requirements set out by the auDA. The general idea is that your domain name must meet one of the following requirements:
- The domain name must be an exact match, acronym or abbreviation of the name of the registrant's company or trading name, organisation or association name or trademark.
- Or the domain name must be a close representation of a product, service , event, activity or venue and must be registered accordingly.
The full list of requirements and restrictions is available from the auDA website.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I register the domain fishandchips.com.au?
Not unless you are the legal owner of the fish and chips trademark or have a related business name.
- Can I register the domain fishandchips.com?
Yes, there are no such restrictions on .com domain names.
- What is stopping me from registering a competitors domain name?
Apart from being unethical, you could be potentially infringing a trademark or business name. If this is the case you have no legal right to the domain name, as such you cannot register it.
- What happens if I register a domain that doesn't follow the guidelines?
There is nothing stopping you from doing so. In fact the domain will work just as any other name. However, if the name is disputed in the future it will legally be the property of the business with a the related business name or trademark.
- Does my business name or trademark need to contain .com.au?
No it doesn't, but if you really want to register your business name or trademark as a .com.au that's your choice.
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A few weeks ago I discussed the steps you should take to increase your exposure on Google Local (you can read the entire post by clicking here). Apparently a Melbourne based mechanic business didn't get the memo.
Ignoring any sort of judgement or coherent thought process, they decided it would be a good idea to post 700 listings of their mechanic business to the new Google Local service. This resulted in 9 out of 10 search results for relevant keywords and page upon page of duplicate listings.
Today a Google Local search no longer displays any results to the mechanics (1 day after Bruce Clay discovered the oddity). Which leads me to believe that the listing was removed by Google (And quite possibly banned forever).
Was it worth it? Of course not. It may strike you as a bit odd, but Search Engine Optimisation is not only about making it to the front page of the major search engines. Anyone can catapult their website to the front page of the search giants, but it takes a real expert to devise a sustainable online marketing campaign that can guarantee front page exposure for a long time to come.
And what does this say about Google Local? Well quite a lot actually. They removed the results pretty fast. Although some might argue that this should not have happened in the first place. But personally I think it shows a lot of commitment to the Google Local service. Google Local is going to right way to get my vote.
Courtesy of Bruce Clay Inc.
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There has been a lot of discussion about the recent addition of maps within the search results for location specific searches, known as Google Local. But are the listings being displayed fairly or are they being manipulated by businesses and websites?
Do a quick search for "fish and chips christies beach" if you have yet to see this feature in action.
It's a good way for the search giant to promote their mapping services while visually displaying targeted search results within your area (in theory). But look closer at the results and you will notice something very strange.
Can you spot it?
The first listing on the map is for a Fish & Chips shop located 39.7 km's away! In fact, the exact same "local" result is displayed for Adelaide, Richmond, Henley Beach and Unley. (just to name a few). Meanwhile the Salisbury and Brighton listing displays Fish & Chips stores located within the United Kingdom (even when you turn the pages from Australia feature on).
It's hard not to look at these results and wonder "what on earth was Google thinking?". It's fair enough to argue that the service is relatively new, but where is the quality control. These results are diluting Googles effectiveness as a search engine that delivers relevant search results.
Have you spotted something odd on Google Local?
We want to find some more strange Google Local listings. If you have found something be sure to post a comment. Tell us the search term you used and a brief description.
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