Architexters

Several of my related articles about PHPBB2, the open source program that helps webmasters create and maintain internet forums, touched on many of the technical aspects of the program. What you may not know is that PHPBB2 has a worldwide audience with the potential to reach more than half of the world’s population in their native language. Chalk it up to a combination of expert programmers and wonderful translators who have made this feat a reality. Without their hard work, the software’s reach would be quite limited. Let’s take a look at how translators have expanded PHPBB2 to the far corners of our world.

As with any software program, expanding it beyond one’s native language presents its own special challenges. Not only must you write the code correctly, but you must translate it into various world languages, many of which are distinctly different from others.

I am impressed by PHPBB2 as it has expanded the reach of forums well beyond English and Western speaking countries to Asia, Africa, and South America. Indeed, not a continent is not represented save for Antarctica. Then again, if penguins knew how to communicate on our level I am sure a program would be made up especially for them!

So, exactly who is represented? I am glad that you asked! The following is a complete list of 60…count ‘em 60 languages:

Afrikaans; Albanian; Arabic; Asturina; Azerbaijani; Basque; Bosnian; Breton; Bulgarian; Catalan; Chinese [simplified and traditional]; Croatian; Czech; Danish; Dutch; Esperanto; Estonian; Farsi; Finnish; French; Galician; German [simplified and formal]; Greek, Hebrew; Hungarian; Icelandic; Indonesian; Italian; Japanese; Korean; Kurdish; Lithuanian; Macedonian; Mongolian; Norwegian [2 dialects]; Polish; Portuguese [2 dialects]; Romanian; Russian [2 dialects]; Sakha; Serbian [2 dialects]; Slovakian; Slovenian; Spanish [2 dialects]; Swedish; Tatarish; Thai; Uighur; Ukrainian; Vietnamese; and Welsh. Yes, English is also one of the programs!

If you are one who favors international goodwill than you can appreciate as much as I do the many and varied languages as well as cultures represented because of PHPBB2. To further the software’s reach, PHPBB encourages the creation of additional translations. A knowledge base to help translators out in their quest is listed right online.

As I mentioned elsewhere, PHPBB2 is a free program one that virtually anyone around our wonderful planet can access and translate into their own language provided they have a computer and internet access. One has to think that this bit of goodwill can go very far. Let’s hope so…our world needs every bit of it!

Copyright 2005 — Matthew Keegan is The Article Writer who writes on a variety of topics including: advocacy, automobiles, aviation, business, Christian themes, family, news, product reviews, travel, writing, and more. Samples from his portfolio are available right online.

Notebook Computers Are Sexy!

Granted, the notebook computer may just be the
sexiest accessory this side of a Baywatch Extra!
But are they worth the extra money? Should your
next PC be a notebook or laptop computer?

What are the pros and cons of owning a notebook
computer? More importantly, which notebook is
best for you?

There’s no denying it — notebook computers are sexy!
Slim, svelte and lightweight; they always come across as
looking sexy, the ultimate in high fashion accessories.

Maybe sexy isn’t the most appropriate word — we
are talking about chips, hard drives and bits of metal.
But you have to admit; they do look good on just about
anybody!

However; don’t let the good looks fool you! And don’t
get blinded by all that sleek metal and flashy designs.

The notebook is one little workhorse whose time
may just have come. Growing in popularity as prices
decline, it’s definitely worth considering
when you make your next PC purchase.

All kidding aside, finding the right notebook that has
your name on it can be a daunting task!

Basically, you have to narrow it down to a few simple
steps. Then consider all your options before you make
your decision.

First, ask yourself — what types of tasks, jobs, do
you want the computer to perform? Do you want it
for traveling, business, or for use in the home?

Do you want it for simple tasks like email, web
browsing or to use as a word processor? Do you want it
for gaming, web authoring, heavy graphic work, dvd
or MP3 downloading?

Next, consider all these options and find the notebook
that best suits your needs. Remember, it’s your needs
that have to be fulfilled. Don’t let a pushy salesperson
talk you into buying something you will never need
or use.

At the same time, make sure you buy a notebook that
has all the features that will complete all the tasks
you throw at it. In other words, make sure it
can do the job!

Keep that question in the back of your head as you
read the rest of this article. Especially, keep it
in mind, as you browse thru all these sleek models and
makes of notebooks. Don’t be dazzled by all that
sexiness!

Keep your eyes on the cursor!

Keep asking yourself — what does my new notebook
computer need in order for it to get the job done?

Lets take a closer look at all the options.

First, like anything sexy; notebooks come in all
shapes and sizes.

SMALL: How small can they be?

They can be as tiny as well — the small traditional
paper notebooks — with 10-inch displays. There is
even a sub category known as Tablet PCs; these are
very small tablets where you enter the data using
a stylus. Common in certain fields, like health
care or real estate.

Up a step from there — are the ‘Ultraportables’.
You can easily take these anywhere as they fit nicely in
a handbag or carry on bag. These are used by fliers
and travelers, they are light and small with 12 inch
screens without internal CD or DVD drives. They
don’t match the performance of other larger notebooks.

LARGE: How large can they be?

They can be as big as 6 or 7 pounds or more. Over an
inch thick and come with 15 or 17-inch displays
these are often referred to as ‘Desktop Replacements’

And just as their name states — these can replace
your old desktop computer. For most purposes, these
notebooks can perform all the tasks of a regular pc,
have large screens, big keyboards, combo drives and very
large hard drives. But you have the handy option of
moving these from room to room for wireless networking,
or even for traveling.

MID-SIZE

In between these two groups; we have the business
class notebooks. These are often referred to as
‘Thin-and-lights’ — they offer the best all around
convenience of performance, portability and the
different features.

Mostly preferred by the business travelers. They
have 14-inch screens, CD-RW/DVD drives, wireless
networking, because they are so versatile, these
‘do-it-all’ notebooks or laptops are becoming
really popular.

Basic Rundown

That’s a basic overview or rundown on the different
types of notebooks. But you have to compare and
contrast the different features in a little more
detail if you want to figure out the best notebook
that’s suited for your needs.

Since there are so many types and varieties of notebooks;
not to mention so many technical requirements… buying
a notebook can sometimes be confusing. And for some
people downright worrisome!

Will the notebook you choose get the job done? Will it
be able to do the applications, or tasks you want
it to perform?

Ease your Burden — Make a Checklist!

If you don’t want to be disappointed, here’s a quick
‘CheckList’ of the features you want to check before
you buy your notebook computer.

* Processor: The heart of your notebook or computer. It
does the processing and applications. Most people prefer
Intel Pentium Processors; the higher the number the faster
it will process! Go with Pentium 4 if you can. Intel
Celeron is another choice.

* Speed: This is how fast your computer can process data and
perform your tasks. The faster the better! Latest models get
up to a blazing 3.6 GHz.

Tip: You might also want to check the rotational speed
of your notebook’s hard disk as it can affect performance
a 5,400rpm notebook disk is much faster than a 4,200rpm
model. How fast the disk spins, will also determine the
performance level of your notebook.

* Hard Drive: Check if it has a fixed drive; some units
have drives you can swap. As for size; around 20GB for most
notebook drives. You’ll need only a 20GB or 30GB for most
tasks on your notebook. If you handle large graphics or
large amount of files (dvd, M3Ps,etc.) you need more —
50 to 60GB or higher.

Also, keep in mind, that you also have the external
drive(s) option for storing and media-burning.

* Memory: How much do you need?

RAM (random-access memory). This is what the computer
uses to run applications and data on your operating
system. It’s generally agreed that you need at least
256MB for Windows XP and Mac OS X. You will only need
128MB for other operating systems in Windows or Mac.

* CD-RW Drive: You will need a CD-ROM for installing.
And a CD-RW drive for burning your own CDs if that’s
one of the tasks you want your notebook to do.

Keep in mind another option — many notebooks can access
or use external drives for data storage, cd burning, etc.

* LCD Displays: Most have LCD screens; this is different
from your desktop CRT (cathode-ray tube) monitor but most
people are famaliar with this type of displays — it’s
commonly found in digital camera and video recorders.

* Screen Size: You have to consider what size LCD display
you want. If you’re going to be viewing a lot of pictures
or movies on your notebook — a large 15 or 17 inch would
be better suited for your needs.

Usually, LCD screens range in size from 12 inches to 17
inches (diagonal). Viewing is usually set at 1,024×768
resolution. Quality is almost standard in all these
notebooks. But check them out at your dealers if picture
quality is your main reason for buying a notebook.

Note– Fujitsu LifeBook P ultraportable series has the
smallest displays 10.6 inches. The Apple PowerBook has
one of the largest at 17-inches.

* Modems: Most if not all notebooks have 56Kbps-modems
and Ethernet connections. As well as connections (ports)
for printers, VGA for external monitor and there should
be one or more USB ports for keyboards, drives, MP3’s
and digital cameras.

* Antennas: Most notebooks have built-in antennas for
wireless networking and portability. But check before
you buy!

* Portability: Might sound like a strange question
to ask about notebooks. Not really, most notebooks are
very portable, easy to carry — what they were designed for.
However; larger notebooks like the ‘desktop replacemets’
with 17 inch screens and weighing over 7 pounds might
not be the best choice for the heavy traveler. For example
the new HP Pavilion zd8000 weights a whopping 12 lbs!

* Accessories: Lastly, you should look at some
accessories that you might need with your notebook
computer. Many come with a Docking station or port
replicator — somewhere to store and access your
computer. Check on the functions of each before you buy.

You might consider buying an extra battery; especially
if you’re buying your laptop mainly for traveling and
in the field work.

Laptop bag is another accessory you should definitely
consider buying. Again, notebooks might seem lightweight
and small but if you have lug it around all day and you’re
going to wish you had bought that carrying bag.

Now Assess Your Computer Needs?

Finally, we come to the main question that determines which
notebook is right for you. (If money is no barrier!)

WHAT DO YOU NEED THE COMPUTER FOR? WHAT JOB OR TASKS DO
YOU WANT THE COMPUTER TO PERFORM?

If you want something small to carry on a plane, or if you
travel a lot, then go with an utralight — often called
ultraportables — these are the lightest and smallest
notebooks, about the size of spiral-bound notebook and
weighing less than four pounds.

If you’re a student and need something light weight but
also a little sturdy with a large hard drive (hold MP3s)
you might want to check out the ‘thin and light’ notebooks.

If you want to replace your main desktop with something
more portable — go with a ‘mainstream’ or
‘desktop replacements’.

If you want something you can use at home, work and
traveling around then you need ‘thin and light.’ If you
want an ‘all-around’ ‘all-in-one’ ‘do-it-all’ notebook …
then buy a notebook of this type.

Because it’s so flexible, and covers most of your computing
needs; this is the one that’s becoming the most popular.

That’s it - JUDGMENT TIME!

You have considered most of the facts about buying a
notebook computer. Now weight your options. Think about
the tasks you will be doing with your notebook. Look at
the checklist and check out the specs. Is everything covered.
Will the one you choose — have the features to do the job?

Keep that question in your mind. It’s the most important.

If you’re considered all these points; buying the notebook
with your name on it will be just a little bit easier.

In no time at all, you may be walking around with
one of those sleek, svelte — dare we say sexy –
accessories tucked under your arm.

Titus Hoskins

—-

For An Illustrated Version of This Article Click Here: Buying Notebooks Online Guide.

Copyright © 2005 Titus Hoskins of bizwaremagic.com.
This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

Visit http://www.bizwaremagic.com for more simple solutions to your online marketing tasks.

—-

Ever since the horrible events of September 11th, 2001, many people who were once oblivious to the possible dangers they could be exposed to while traveling, forever altered they way of looking at the world. While many changed their preferred method of transportation from, say, planes to trains, it’s easy to see that most have a newfound perspective on the need for “a little extra” when they travel.

The truth is though, there have been dangers and present for those who travel, whether for business, vacation, or just going to see family, for as long as there have been humans on the planet. And, while in most areas of the world, you probably don’t have to worry about bandits along the road or having your cruise ship taken over by pirates, there are still plenty of bad guys out there with an agenda and you as a potential target.

The following is a list of safety and self-defense tips that I teach my clients who travel. The tips themselves are general and not specific to mode or method of transportation. Of course, your life is your own but, it’s important to remember that, when developing a self-defense strategy, you should begin by examining your own habits and patterns. Remember that the attacker will show up where you feel comfortable and safe. Where ever you go, that environment is where the assailant or other danger will come from.

Survival Tips for the Smart Traveler

1. Stay Informed. A little research and information-gathering can go a long way toward allowing you to avoid common dangers and threats. While you can’t know everything, being “clue-less” until something happens is a surefire recipe for disaster.

2. Have a Survival Kit. This is a handy little pack that includes things that will make it easier to stay safe and alive should something happen. Of course, your kit will be designed around your trip and the possible dangers you might face. I teach my students and clients how to design kits of varying sizes and configurations so that they’re prepared for the specific dangers they may have to face.

3. Learn Some Safety Skills. These might include some wilderness survival training for people who fly or travel through or over areas where the distance between civilized areas is great, self-defense tactics for defending against someone armed with, say… A box-cutter, to being able to swim and stay afloat in water deeper than your pool.

4. Carry a “Dummy Wallet.” During a mugging, the assailant is usually just after a quick buck because he doesn’t have time. Carrying a wallet with ten or twenty dollars in small bills and even some old, expired credit cards, is a type of “insurance” that will allow your attacker to think he’s gotten something while allowing you to go unharmed or give up your hard-earned valuables. A small price to pay for the time, aggravation, and pain that an attack can cause.

5. Arm Yourself. I know that in this day and age, especially in the US, this is frowned upon because of so-called “national security.” But, I’m not talking about carrying guns and knives. Anything can be a potential weapon, IF you know how to use it. My suggestion is to carry a good, strong ball-point pen. They’re legal, non-threatening, and…

…very effective.

Learning to use one effectively is as simple as picking up a good book that teaches the use of the Kubotan or self-defense keychain. You can get more information about this weapon and how to use it at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-keychain.html

6. Ignore “Official” Safety Guidelines. This should have made your senses perk up! Of course, many safety guidelines are correct and workable but, and this is a big “but,” you won’t know which ones until you either do the research I talked about above or consulted with an expert who really knows how to survive. Remember, most guidelines were NOT designed by the survivors who attacks or other dangers, but rather executive types that have the job of coming up with plans that sound like they “should work,” or ones who have the job of making you “feel” safe as opposed to actually “being“ safe.

7. Be Prepared. The Boy and Girl Scout motto is just as viable today as it was when you were going on a camping trip with your childhood leaders. The more that you can know and do in a crisis situation, or preferably in avoiding one altogether, the better off you will be. Consider your training and preparation to be insurance. Actually, it’s better than conventional insurance because… You won’t have to wait to be beaten, robbed, or killed, before this type of insurance pays off!

Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and director of Warrior Concepts International, and specializes in teaching individuals how to survive in the face of the dangers present in Today’s world. He teaches both private individuals and corporate employees through ongoing programs at his training academy, as-well-as on-site corporate training programs designed to save companies time, money, and liability claims due to employee exposure to unforeseen dangers. He is the author of several books and videos on the subject of self-protection, including “The Karate-Myth” and the “Danger Prevention Tactics” video For more information about sponsoring a seminar or training event, attending a live presentation, other products and services, and subscribing to his newsletters, visit his website at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com

It works without fail, every time. It can work with everything you are selling or promoting. It works on the principle of giving before receiving, and of offering more in value than you are getting in cash. Your prospect must perceive an increase for themselves in order to want to interact with you. Magnetic marketing is the technique that does this. Then this same technique is used to convert a prospect to a sale or business partner.

What is magnetic marketing? It is a process of attracting leads to you by offering them something of value first. Using ezine classified advertising and solo ads for an example, don’t try to close the deal all at once by attempting to drive your prospect to your website. Instead, start by giving the targeted prospect an offer they can’t refuse.

Using my own business ad copy as an example, here is an ad I ran before I had put the magnetic marketing technique together for this business that is an example of NON magnetic marketing:

Catch the Buzz - Discover Revolutionary Health and Wealth!
As seen on TV Superfood is now yours to use and make $$ with
Low cost! No personal sponsoring to make money! No minimum!
Weekly Pay, 100% Matching Bonus, 2×7 matrix, Incredible Team
Visit and learn more right now: http://acai-4life.com

Admittedly, the ad copy is not my best, written off the cuff right when I had started with this new company. However this kind of advertising can and does work, don’t get me wrong! The thing is, it is only a trickle of results compared to the massive results you can get by incorporating magnetic marketing into your business model.

The main problem with this and so many other ads is: they all really want the prospect to get excited and ‘click here’ without offering anything in return to really motivate them.

For about $50 my ad ran and is right now still running to about 6 million ezine subscribers - with an audience that is mostly small business and internet related. I got and am still getting that trickle of results.

Now how about transforming it into a magnetic marketing campaign?

Take that same $50 and micro-target your audience. Since my company pays quite well with retail sales I could find health-related ezines. Then you can either purchase classified ads or solos. Even with a small subscriber base of two or three thousand, you will get a lot of leads and sales. Your new magnetic marketing will now have ad copy reading something more like this:

Did you know Free Radicals Accelerate Aging and Cause Cancer?
Discover everything you NEED to know about the massive damage
they cause, & the most essential antioxidants needed to fight them.
Learn little known secrets of health, anti-aging and disease
prevention in this free e-course: vitalhealth@robotreply.com

(If you like, you can subscribe, the email address and series are real).

What makes this ad now magnetic is that instead of trying to ‘make the sale’ of even driving your prospect to your website right away, your prospect now has the drive to contact you. In doing this, they become your lead.

They want to receive valuable information on a topic that interests them. They are plugged into your autoresponder and at the bottom of each valuable article in the series you send them, you drive them to your website. They now see you as a valuable provider of information and are more inclined to visit your website and do business with you.

Magnetic marketing works in any type of business or niche category. Give it a try. Put together some relevant content and make a valuable series for your prospects to subscribe to. Your business provides the solution to someone’s problem. Create a series of informative articles, reports, or ebooks that provides in depth information on the problem and solution.

Create an ad that addresses that problem, and propels the prospect to obtain the vital information you will give them for free that is the solution to their problem. Apply this to your marketing campaigns - by offering something of value to your prospects your magnetic marketing will massively multiply your advertising responses, leads and sales.

Carina MacInnes is a writer and small business owner. She offers a customized model of magnetic marketing for her partners to copy. Her unique product has the most powerful natural Brazilian antioxidants and nutrients for anti-aging and revitalized health. For info on how to make money using and distributing this product, click here: imagineacai.com

Your selection of the nerf bars style best suited to your particular vehicle is usually influenced by two factors - the look of the side step bars, and what kind of functionality you need. Let’s deal with the functionality issue first. We all know that the primary function of a nerf bar is to help us get in and out of our vehicle, but sometimes we need a bit more help. The following nerf bars styles provide additional functionality you may find of value.

Double Bend Nerf Bars may be the answer to your step bar needs if you need a bar that is lower to the ground. These nerf bars not only bend back at both ends towards the vehicle, but they also bend down towards the road along the length that is parallel to the side of the truck. This lowers the stepping area allowing for easier access in and out of your vehicle. The only company that currently makes a nerf bar like this is Grizzly. However, N-fab also makes a nerf bar that has a lower step area welded to the outside edge of their nerf bar, which also provides a lowered step area.

Wheel-to-Wheel Nerf Bars, like their name implies, have a total length that extends from just short of the rear of the front wheel well to the front of the rear wheel well. This provides for a step area helping you to reach items in the front section of your truck bed. If you have a cross-over toolbox in your truck bed, or you find yourself needing to get to the front of your truck bed on a rather frequent basis, then you might want to consider a wheel-to-wheel step bar.

Add-a-Step, manufactured by Grizzly, is also of great use for those of us with limited mobility, or that are having trouble reaching the step of a nerf bar. This aftermarket accessory, constructed from 3″ diameter tubing with flanges on the ends, bolts directly to existing nerf bars to provide an additional step that is lower than the nerf bar. Our elderly customers, as well as those with limited vertical movement in their legs have found this to be quite helpful in assisting them into their vehicles.

If your nerf bars need doesn’t require the additional functionality noted above, then your selection of step bars available to meet your stylistic requirements will probably fall into the following two categories. Let’s examine each one in a bit more detail.

Traditional Nerf Bars incorporate a 90-degree bend at both ends of the step bar. This is typically where the bar attaches to the vehicle frame using a mounting system unique to, and designed for a particular make, model and year vehicle configuration. These bars come in black powder coating, chrome plated, stainless steel and buffed aluminum. The vast majority of these step bars are manufactured using 3″ diameter tubing, but you do have an option if you are looking for a bigger diameter step bar, as Putco makes one out of 4″ diameter stainless steel.

Oval Tube Steps provide a flatter and wider step area than do their round cousins. Because it is extremely difficult to bend an oval more than 45 degrees, these nerf bars mount with brackets that attach to the main body of the bar, rather than at its ends. The brackets are then fastened to the vehicle’s frame or body mount holes. This is one of the reasons that most oval tube steps will have only limited bends at the ends, and in fact some may not bend at all. Also of importance is the width of the oval surface, with products available in 4″ or 5″ wide lengths. An oval tube step is a bit like a marriage between the traditional nerf bar and the running board with its wider step area. The one difference is that there still exists a space between the bar and the side of the vehicle, whereas a running board meets up to the vehicle’s rocker panel.

Hopefully, the preceding descriptions of nerf bar styles will help in your selecting the right fit for you. Remember your aftermarket truck accessories provider is a great resource for help in finding the right part for you, and in fact they may know of additional styles not mentioned in this article. Best of luck in you search!

Lou Berkowitz is the chief products evaluator at US Truck Accessories Warehouse, LLC a major aftermarket truck accessories supplier providing a wide selection of nerf bars and other products to the consumer. He may be reached at 1.800.394.3881

Bob is a 65 year old graphic designer that is very financially secure. His colleagues, friends and family define him as a prosperous “fly by the pants” kind of guy. From as far back as he can remember, Bob has always hated planning and believes that his “spontaneity” and ability to think creatively while implementing new ideas has made him successful. For the past 30 years or so, Bob believes that his non-planning methodology has worked well for him. Well, Bob is now tired of the working rat race, and decides that it is now time to retire and have some fun. He doesn’t know what he’ll do exactly when he retires in 6 months other than have a good time. However, he knows that he won’t plan his days and will do whatever pleases him.

Let’s take Sam, a 60 year old attorney who is also financially secure. He is a “plan it to the bones” type of guy that loves planning and believes that his impeccable organizational skills have enabled him to accomplish all of his goals. Some might say that Sam is a bit anal but he disagrees and believes that his planning methodology has served him very well the past 35 years or so. His motto is “great planning makes a great man.” Like Bob, Sam is ready to retire. He’s had enough of the hustle and bustle of being a senior partner in a big law firm and is ready to retire so that he can pursue one of his lifelong dreams of becoming a volunteer for several organizations. Unlike Bob, Sam has already started planning out his goals, activities and has designed a “downsizing plan” that will enable him to retire in less than 6 months to pursue his dreams.

Now, let’s flash to the future. It is 6 months later. Bob is retired and is downright bored. Although he initially enjoyed not planning his retirement and found much pleasure in doing things on the spur of the moment, he is getting a bit bored with bar hopping, going on weekend fishing trips, and hanging out at the health club. He is also getting bored with himself and is starting to wonder if there is more to retirement than simply having fun. He is even considering going back to work or perhaps taking on some work projects to give him something to do. On the other hand, Sam is having the time of his life. He’s right on schedule. The first few months, he rested and relaxed and enjoyed himself immensely. Now however, he has transitioned to his non paid volunteer activities and has become a valuable resource to two prominent nonprofit organizations. Sam is truly enjoying his retirement and looks forward to a busy, scheduled day of providing volunteered activities.

So, what has this taught us? It has taught us that planning for your retirement is more than simply deciding that you have enough money to retire on a certain date. It is about planning how you’ll spend your time while accomplishing your goals. In fact, according to Christina Wright, a Retirement Specialist, “Many professionals don’t actually plan for their retirement. Although they evaluate their finances and are sure that they can support their lifestyles, they don’t plan how they’ll actually spend their time day in and day out. This “lack of planning” often leads to intense boredom and dissatisfaction with their newfound freedom. As a result, many of these professionals go back to work part or full time, not for the money, but to obtain some mental stimulation and excitement in their lives. This could have been avoided by simply planning out their goals and working hard to accomplish them”

With this in mind, we’ve talked to hundreds of successful retirees and found that like them, you can accomplish your retirement goals through the implementation of these five easy steps:

1. Have a positive mental attitude. You should have a positive mental attitude about this new phase in your life. You must know what retirement means to you and be willing to do whatever it takes to make you happy.

2. Be committed to your goals. You should make sure that you are 100% committed to living your life the way that you visualize it every single day.

3. Transition slowly and visualize success. You should be willing to transition yourself from a working professional to a retired person. You should visualize how great your life will be in a lifestyle that will give you the satisfaction you desire once you retire. For example, if you see yourself as lounging around all day, you have to ask yourself some hard questions like; will this truly make me happy? Can I see myself doing this for the next 25 or so years? If I find this isn’t fun, are there any activities that might make my days more fun? If so, what are they?

4. Plan your days. Regardless of whether or not you intend to lounge all day or are involved in many activities, it is always a great idea to plan out your days. This doesn’t have to be a mind-boggling task and you don’t have to use a fancy planner to be successful. Instead you simply have to think about your activities a day or week in advance, and plan how you’ll spend your time.

5. Find pleasure in accomplishing your goals. Find satisfaction in actually accomplishing your new life’s goals in retirement whether you are volunteering at your favorite organization or going fishing with a friend.

In conclusion, taking and maintaining control over your retirement is up to you. By having a positive mental attitude, being committed, transitioning yourself, planning your days and finding pleasure in your accomplishments, you can make your retirement dreams come true!

Dr. Cynthia Barnett is a “refired” educator who had reinvented her life moving from the school house to an entrepreneurial venue.. She is the author of “Stop Singing the Blues: 10 Powerful Strategies for Hitting the high Notes in Your Life, and a Retirement Lifestyle Specialist. She was recently interviewed by Time magazine for their article on women in mid-life who have reinvented themselves.
If you are ready to “RE-FIRE” your life and not retire give me a call at 203-855-9714 or sign up for my blog at www.refiredontretire.com

1. Write articles that provide your readers with a list of tips.

Depending on the topics your ezine covers, your tips could be on customer service, autoresponders, or you could provide your subscribers with a list of tips that help them to increase their sales or market their businesses more successfully.

You could also provide your readers with a list of your top tips on a specific subject such as “Top 7 Ways To Promote Your Website” or “Top Ten Ways To Promote Your Ezine.”

2. Write “how to” articles.

This type of article shows your reader step by step how to reach an objective such as how to write effective ad copy, get repeat traffic, or how to write effective metatags.

3. Publish interviews.

Contact experts on the topic your ezine covers and request interviews. Most people will agree as it provides them with promotion of their businesses at no cost. Publish your interviews in article format or use the popular Q&A formula.

4. Write articles that focus on a current hot topic, trend or that are “seasonal” in nature such as how to increase sales during the holidays.

5. Provide polls for your subscribers to partake in.

Publishing polls will help you to increase the number of people that read your ezine because your subscribers will be interested in seeing the results.

Your polls can also be used to help you decide on changes in your content, publishing schedule, or to decide on new things to add to your ezine.

6. Provide your subscribers with resources related to your ezine’s topic such as places to promote their businesses, ezines, etc.,

You could add these in a recommended resources section. You could also provide a list of your favorite resources such as your top 5 books/ebooks on ezine publishing, marketing or web design with a brief description of each of your resources.

7. Publish an editor’s note at the beginning of each issue.

Use your editor’s note to increase your profit by announcing any new sales or discounts you have on your products or services.

Also use your editor’s note to increase your credibility by providing tips on the topic your ezine covers and by telling your subscribers how you’ve helped your clients or customers.

8. Provide endorsements within your ezine for your products from respected experts in your field or list testimonials from your satisfied customers.

9. Add an “Ask The Editor” section.

Write out thorough, detailed answers to your subscribers’ questions within this section.

This will increase your status as an expert in your field, which will lead to more sales of your products.

You can also use questions you get from your subscribers to get ideas for articles that your subscribers will enjoy and that will keep them reading your ezine.

10. At the end of each issue, tell your readers what your next issue is going to be about such as the title and description of your feature article or anything new that you have planned.

This will help you to increase your readership by getting your subscribers to look forward to your next issue.

About The Author

Article by Ken Hill. Pick up Ken’s new informative course on ezine publishing. Discover tips to successfully promoting your ezine including ways to increase your subscriptions by participating in successful joint ventures with other ezine publishers. Pick up your free course today at: mailto:ezinecourse@netpromarketer.com

AGE OLD QUESTION

Business scholars throughout the planet keep asking the same question and have come to the conclusion that being first into the market place is preferable. Preferable to what? They say every product has a life cycle? What about milk? If that is true and many academia will classify products and services in order to make a point and simply lump them all together. Is this correct? Yes and No. From a theoretical standpoint you could argue either side and have ample data in business history to prove the conclusion you desired. But in essence I would have to say that products and services are much different from each other in so many ways. For instance the reason for the purchase, the valuation, of that service or product for the purchaser, even the delivery and so on. Now it can be argued that there are some products that come with services and the product is not valued by the consumer without the service end of the equation. Maintenance contracts, almost a form of insurance are one type. For let us say a copy machine or something of that nature.

Let us take a mobile service-based business model for this discussion. The reason being I am in the service business and have been for 27 years. http://www.washguy.com and www.carwashguys.com.

Is it important to be first in the market? Yes or No? We have been successful competitors at both in various regional markets. If I had to chose, many times depending on the market I would say, I would rather be second or third in a market, evaluate the competition, interview the customers, redesign and define my service, use bundling techniques, price point targets, use their basis for my differentiations, and of course capture their customers. It is far cheaper and more economical to enter a market and skip the high costs of introducing a new service, creating demand or needs where none either existed or was thought of before by the user of such services, or educating and entire market segment and trying to convince them why we had something they needed and could not live without.

So for those reasons I often prefer to take other companies clients by offering the consumer what they really want at a price they are more willing to pay or offering services so far superior that the customer felt impelled to switch. Try Sprints marketing for instance; “let me review your current long distance charges and let’s see how much money we can save you?” Or better yet our Entrepreneurial legend of Europe Richard Branson. He was not really first at anything, just giving the consumer another choice and addressing their true desires. Does it work? Yes 50 brand names later, Virgin is a force to be addressed or relinquish the market share. This does not mean it works every time, but he can market to the consumers who have already chosen a certain service and simply offer them better.
I talked with the marketing executives of Dominos Pizza at an International Franchising Association Conference and they discussed this phenomena with our team. Think of going into a country that never had pizza before and trying to convince them that they should all buy dough with melted cheese on top covered with other food items. They simply look at it and say I would rather have a Fajita Pita or worse what is this and why should I eat it? The first company in has to get everyone to try it and spend bu-co advertising dollars.

The second company in only has to offer the pizza once the countries citizens have decided, Hey this Pizza Thing with the cheese and stuff on it, is not all that bad after all. Much easier sell. See the point? And it has been played out over and over again and guess what, the aggressive agile company can easily move quicker and with better profits once the service or in this case the Pizza is accepted by the masses. Now does Pizza have a trend cycle? It is food, and last time I checked people were eating more not less, judging by the sponsorship paid to that girl who gave head to the President by Jenny Craig. Oh yah, Monica what is her name?

I have been watching this trend in markets and found more than ample opportunity to come in behind the spenders and simply take what we want as far as market share and leave the first in competitor to fight for the scraps we leave them. Chances are they have an exit strategy and when they feel their curve is declining jump out at what they feel is a mature market and take their gain or loss in some cases. Yet they fail to realize its full potential or maybe do not care and will look for another easy market or product line to enter, always trying to ride the up curve. Even if a company who is already in the market is a tough competitor, no matter, let us take Service Master. We would have nothing to lose as an entry into one of their markets and everything to gain. They on the other hand have nothing to gain only market share to lose. If they decide to fight and refuse to relinquish market share they must turn on the direct sales, advertising, and marketing efforts, thus expanding the market for us. So if they had a 15% market penetration and we were to take 2%, that leave them with thirteen percent.

To keep quarterly numbers they need to increase the total market available to both of us to 17%. Also keep in mind that 2% of the two percent will be for us at no charge. That is truly free simply for seeking their unsatisfied customers and switching them. Now they must differentiate us from them thus spend more in advertising, which in doing so advertise that we exist and their customers actually do have a choice, it is a no win situation for them? Hardly an attribute for being first to market in my opinion? Hardly an advantage at the point of an entrant, a strong second to market competitor. If a second to market competitor slips in a price war because we have a nearly zero advertising budget using theirs to generate our expansion, then we can charge less. Let us say they charge $1000 for a given service and 15% is in sales and advertising. That means we can automatically charge 15% less than they do for the same profits. Faster ROI too. Also we did not have to pay the original marketing to get the ball rolling either. Very good deal. Why market when they already have simply ask their customers for the order and charge the less price. If they cannot handle it they can exit the market or spend more money to keep ahead of us until their own energy works against them. Similar to the Art of Judo. Diplomacy is the art of letting someone else get your way.

So why attack the competition? It is not really an attack. It is imperative that as a franchisor I stay efficient to therefore use maximum leverage of available resources to help the franchisees, who invested in the business get their proper return to feed their families. So then, we have found that is far less expensive to take the competitions customers through superior service and lower or more fair pricing or bundling (what the customer many times feels is more important) than to ferret out new customers through blanket marketing of junk mail or telemarketing. So then why not simple forget the high dollar marketing unless of course you happen to be first in the market anyway.

This is also a strategy preferred by scholars as the best possible scenario. Take the lead and hold onto for as long as possible. We have been successful at this approach too. It requires a different approach. Since generally we are in the lead I cannot discuss our strategies for this scenario on the Internet, but trust me, we play to win, whether we are in the lead or are ready to overtake the leaders. It is important for those who can offer products or services in an open market to understand that the “First to Market Strategy” may not be the best strategy all the time.

“Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Distance and Online Universities from all over the world offer all the subjects and degrees that conventional universities offer - certification, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and even doctorate degrees in some disciplines. You can study almost anything you want through Online University programs: business management, social sciences, engineering, computer sciences, library science, education, holistic health, massage, iridology, health care, nursing, psychology, literature, animation, or any other subject you find interesting, useful, or required for retaining or advancing your career.

Online University studies/distance education/distance learning are technological instruction systems designed to deliver courses of study to students who are not physically “on site” while they get their education. Online University teachers and students communicate by exchanging information through electronic media or through regular postal service. Education through an Online University most often occurs through computer and online technology, but courses may also include radio, television, and audio video conferencing to aid instruction.

Online University programs allow for studying when it is convenient to the student who may be working a full time job or is otherwise unable to attend regular school for classroom study. Other advantages of Online University programs of study for certification and degrees are that periods of study to attain a certificate or degree can be shortened by months or years, depending on the dedication of the student in the program. Cost is generally less cumbersome through Online University degree programs, as commuting and general expenses of attending traditional schools are not assessed.

There are many options for studies through Online Universities. You can find your Online University by searching the sites posted here at www.schoolsgalore.com.

Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved
Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

Do you want a digital camera for yourself but do not want to spend much money on it? There is no need to loose heart.

Gone are the days when digital cameras were the gizmos for rich and classy. The ‘digital’ need not be very expensive always. There are many cheap digital cameras in the market today.

So, following the digital technology for your photo hobby or professional photography is not a tall order at all. The Internet is the best place to gauge for all kinds of digital cameras at cheap prices. Just browse the web and you will get the grand choices for picking up an affordable digital camera.

Still, at doubts? Just read on this article and you would know how easy it is for you to find the digital technology at low rates today.

First things first, you must always know your budget and camera specifications you are looking for very well. The low budget should not be a hindrance to your preference. Just keep that in mind. In fact the advantages of having a cheap digital camera are many.

The range of cheap digital cameras starts at prices as low as £30. With such cost-effective price range, there is no need for you to be bothered about giving them to your young kids for photo explorations as well. Today’s cheap digital cameras also make for a great birthday gift or Christmas Day present for your friends and the members of your family. Moreover, a cheap camera is always utilized in a much better way than any of those expensive high tech gadgets. The reason is simple– you feel more at ease with them.

In fact, if it is seen logically, the digital cameras are basically cheap gadgets. The main cost is of buying them and that is for once and all. Later, they will not make you spend your dollars on film rolls like the traditional cameras. This is because digital cameras mean no intake of films, no printing, no processing and thus no continuing costs.

There are many kinds of cheap cameras available in the market. Many of them are made on ‘use & throw’ basis. They are disposable cameras, which are rated quite inexpensively by the companies. Moreover, there are chances for you to get them at much less or bargained price even. As they are very cheap and affordable, people buy them on an urgent basis, or when they need them at once, for a family function, wedding or any other occasion.

Now, where you can find the cheap digital cameras? You can go and visit your nearby digital camera showroom to have a look at their collection of cheap digital cameras. You can get them in all sorts of brands, from renowned to local dealers. If you want to buy them online, there are many Internet sources as well to buy these cheap digital cameras, say Froogle or eBay.

One way to get the best price for each camera is to purchase them in bulk. For this you can contact the retailers who offer some particular discounts and packages to sell the digital cameras. The rulethe more the quantity, the lower the pricefollows the camera trade, if you want to buy digital camera at low price.

Just remember that a cheap digital camera may or may not have all those features of a standard digital camera. It may not have a flash, good resolution or an effective zoom lens. But they certainly serve the simple photography purposes well. So judge all the pros and cons before making the deal.

If the price is the thing most important for you, a cheap digital camera is undoubtedly the best deal for you.

Mark is an avid camera enthusist whose views can be read online at his blog… www.digitalcamerablogonline.com.