By Tom Gara
Few things excite and inspire a technology reporter as much as talking to entrepreneurs.Big companies may have the reach and the resources to take on the biggest of challenges, but it is start-ups that change the world, and we all know it.But in the Middle East, full of energy and possibility and wealth, there are few things more disheartening than the lack of investment into this most exciting breed of businesses.
Speak to enough technology entrepreneurs in the region and it quickly becomes clear that almost no one in the Middle Eastern financial world is taking investment in start-up technology very seriously. Most entrepreneurs in the Middle East get their early funding from family and friends. If they are lucky, they find a wealthy businessman willing to put a roof over their heads.Surely this situation must change. In agreement with this sentiment are, among others, a Jordanian princess, an American president and some of the brightest young minds in the Arab world.
All are saying the same thing: that investments in property, stock markets and heavy industry, while strategic and profitable, need to be supplemented by another economic pillar of growth. (more)
Showing posts with label Technology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Technology. Show all posts
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Arabian Business: Google launches new Arabic translation tool
By Andy Sambidge
Google on Thursday announced the launch of the Google Translator Toolkit, an editor that helps translators create Arabic versions of English web pages.
The Toolkit works by providing the user with a automatically translated version of any page - the translator can then correct and improve the translation, check corrections with Google's online dictionary, and publish new web pages to quickly produce Arabic-language versions of web content.
The company said the quality of the translations suggested by the Toolkit would improve over time, as it learns from translators' improvements.
Google on Thursday announced the launch of the Google Translator Toolkit, an editor that helps translators create Arabic versions of English web pages.
The Toolkit works by providing the user with a automatically translated version of any page - the translator can then correct and improve the translation, check corrections with Google's online dictionary, and publish new web pages to quickly produce Arabic-language versions of web content.
The company said the quality of the translations suggested by the Toolkit would improve over time, as it learns from translators' improvements.
Al Bawaba: Strategic Government Investments in IT Boost Jordanian Market
SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) executives in Amman have said that Jordan’s IT market will continue to develop due to strategic investment by the government alongside public and private companies.
The Government of Jordan’s national e-Government initiative is designed to drive the nation’s transformation into a knowledge-based society founded on a competitive and dynamic economy. As part of efforts to transform its society, economy, and government, Jordan is pursuing a national e-Government strategy that aims to invest heavily in IT as part of its goal to diversify the country’s economic and social development.The role of SAP in this developing market is to support the country’s IT sector to strengthen this growth, in light of world-wide economic challenges, say senior SAP executives meeting with customers today in Amman.
“Jordanian companies can utilize IT investments to improve efficiencies and operations, to be able to respond rapidly to changes in the global business landscape and ensure future success,” said Sergio Maccotta, Managing Director, SAP Middle East & North Africa (MENA).
“SAP continues to offer solutions designed to help address the challenges that are continuing to emerge on an international scale," continued Maccotta. (more)
The Government of Jordan’s national e-Government initiative is designed to drive the nation’s transformation into a knowledge-based society founded on a competitive and dynamic economy. As part of efforts to transform its society, economy, and government, Jordan is pursuing a national e-Government strategy that aims to invest heavily in IT as part of its goal to diversify the country’s economic and social development.The role of SAP in this developing market is to support the country’s IT sector to strengthen this growth, in light of world-wide economic challenges, say senior SAP executives meeting with customers today in Amman.
“Jordanian companies can utilize IT investments to improve efficiencies and operations, to be able to respond rapidly to changes in the global business landscape and ensure future success,” said Sergio Maccotta, Managing Director, SAP Middle East & North Africa (MENA).
“SAP continues to offer solutions designed to help address the challenges that are continuing to emerge on an international scale," continued Maccotta. (more)
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Venture Beat: Facebook, MySpace still better than Twitter for connecting people to your site?
By Eric Eldon
Major television events are continuing to see good results when they integrate social media, especially using services that let people take their social networking identities with them around the web. The latest example is media conglomerate Turner Networks, which recently told AdAge about its experiment in letting users log in and chat to each other using Facebook, MySpace and Twitter while watching the NBA Eastern Conference Finals and last weekend’s NASCAR race, the Pocono 500, on Turner’s home site.
Turner’s results showed Facebook came out on top in both instances, but MySpace users messaged each other more. Twitter trailed the others in both traffic and information-sharing. As these sites grow — or don’t grow — their integration services are becoming powerful new ways for TV companies to reach new users. The broadcaster used widget-maker Gigya’s Socialize authentication service to let people log in through the site of their choice while watching the two events. (more)
Major television events are continuing to see good results when they integrate social media, especially using services that let people take their social networking identities with them around the web. The latest example is media conglomerate Turner Networks, which recently told AdAge about its experiment in letting users log in and chat to each other using Facebook, MySpace and Twitter while watching the NBA Eastern Conference Finals and last weekend’s NASCAR race, the Pocono 500, on Turner’s home site.
Turner’s results showed Facebook came out on top in both instances, but MySpace users messaged each other more. Twitter trailed the others in both traffic and information-sharing. As these sites grow — or don’t grow — their integration services are becoming powerful new ways for TV companies to reach new users. The broadcaster used widget-maker Gigya’s Socialize authentication service to let people log in through the site of their choice while watching the two events. (more)
Inc. How to Put Your Website on Cell-Phone Screens
By Mark Spoonauer
These days, it's not enough to build a good website; to reach customers online, you have to reach them on their mobile phones. Here are two free tools for adapting your site for the small screen.
Ubik
This online service, which is in beta, lets you build a mobile site in just a few steps. Select one of 32 templates (which include ones for specific businesses, such as restaurants and car dealerships). Then edit the content through any Web browser and click Publish. If you don't want to use the standard-issue Web address (sitename.ubik.net), you can create a custom domain name or use an existing one. Ubik will even place ads for you, if you are willing to split the revenue 50-50.
Dotmobi
DotMobi answers the call for simplicity with its Instant Mobilizer service, which automatically reformats your site for mobile phones. You will need a special .mobi domain name (get one from Go Daddy for $8 a year), but dotMobi takes care of the rest for free. At the top of each page, your mobile site will list both your phone number (for one-click dialing) and address (with a link to Google's directions page). DotMobi's website is at mtld.mobi.
These days, it's not enough to build a good website; to reach customers online, you have to reach them on their mobile phones. Here are two free tools for adapting your site for the small screen.
Ubik
This online service, which is in beta, lets you build a mobile site in just a few steps. Select one of 32 templates (which include ones for specific businesses, such as restaurants and car dealerships). Then edit the content through any Web browser and click Publish. If you don't want to use the standard-issue Web address (sitename.ubik.net), you can create a custom domain name or use an existing one. Ubik will even place ads for you, if you are willing to split the revenue 50-50.
Dotmobi
DotMobi answers the call for simplicity with its Instant Mobilizer service, which automatically reformats your site for mobile phones. You will need a special .mobi domain name (get one from Go Daddy for $8 a year), but dotMobi takes care of the rest for free. At the top of each page, your mobile site will list both your phone number (for one-click dialing) and address (with a link to Google's directions page). DotMobi's website is at mtld.mobi.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Venture Beat: Time says Twitter will change business
By Paul Boutin
This week’s Time cover essay by Steven Johnson, “How Twitter Will Change the Way We Live,” doesn’t deliver on its title promise. Johnson recounts how he was at some important egghead conference, and — OMG! — people tweeted onto the big screen from outside the event. He told that same story about blogs in 2003. (more)
This week’s Time cover essay by Steven Johnson, “How Twitter Will Change the Way We Live,” doesn’t deliver on its title promise. Johnson recounts how he was at some important egghead conference, and — OMG! — people tweeted onto the big screen from outside the event. He told that same story about blogs in 2003. (more)
Thursday, June 4, 2009
The National: New Funds for Mobile Technology
By Tom Gara
The backer of the Middle East’s largest internet venture capital firm is establishing a company to fund investment in mobile technology in the region.
Accelerator Technology Holdings, a Jordanian firm, aims to complete an initial US$10 million (Dh36.7m) fundraising drive next week, after which it will hire a management team.
Accelerator has funded a number of the Arab world’s highest-profile internet startups through its venture fund, IV Holdings. (more)
The backer of the Middle East’s largest internet venture capital firm is establishing a company to fund investment in mobile technology in the region.
Accelerator Technology Holdings, a Jordanian firm, aims to complete an initial US$10 million (Dh36.7m) fundraising drive next week, after which it will hire a management team.
Accelerator has funded a number of the Arab world’s highest-profile internet startups through its venture fund, IV Holdings. (more)
Marketing Profs Daily Fix: Is Twitter a Business Tool? Yes!
By Paul Chaney
I just returned from 140The Twitter Conference, held in Mountain View, CA, last week. BTW, despite indications to the contrary, it was the first Twitter for business conference. (Not exactly the same focus as TWTRCON, but business-centric nonetheless.)
The main takeaway for me is that Twitter IS a tool businesses should and will be using.
There are ample case studies all along the continuum, from small businesses such as Naked Pizza, a New Orleans pizzaria that gained notice in local and national press, to enterprise-level companies such as Dell. (more)
I just returned from 140The Twitter Conference, held in Mountain View, CA, last week. BTW, despite indications to the contrary, it was the first Twitter for business conference. (Not exactly the same focus as TWTRCON, but business-centric nonetheless.)
The main takeaway for me is that Twitter IS a tool businesses should and will be using.
There are ample case studies all along the continuum, from small businesses such as Naked Pizza, a New Orleans pizzaria that gained notice in local and national press, to enterprise-level companies such as Dell. (more)
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
The Entrepreneurial Mind: The Limitations of Social Media
By Jeff Cornwall
Those who have been reading my blog for a while know my mantra when it comes to effective bootstrap marketing -- Think like your customer!
For example, since not every type of customer looks to the web for information, not every business necessarily needs a web page. The same limitation holds true for social media. It only works if it is where your customers for information.
Even if websites or any of the new media sources out there are the right way to reach your customers, you still need to be clear about your intention with any form of promotion. What do you want your customers to do at your website? What do you want them to do with your use of social media as promotion? Bootstrappers can't just throw a bunch of marketing stuff to the wall with their promotion and hope something sticks. You have to be intentional in what you do with any form of promotion. (more)
Those who have been reading my blog for a while know my mantra when it comes to effective bootstrap marketing -- Think like your customer!
For example, since not every type of customer looks to the web for information, not every business necessarily needs a web page. The same limitation holds true for social media. It only works if it is where your customers for information.
Even if websites or any of the new media sources out there are the right way to reach your customers, you still need to be clear about your intention with any form of promotion. What do you want your customers to do at your website? What do you want them to do with your use of social media as promotion? Bootstrappers can't just throw a bunch of marketing stuff to the wall with their promotion and hope something sticks. You have to be intentional in what you do with any form of promotion. (more)
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Itp.net: Investors warned to stay out of Iraq
By George Bevir
The CEO of Zain Iraq has issued a stark warning to telecom operators looking to invest in the country, comparing the actions of the country’s ministry of telecommunications to the practices of Stalinist Russia.
The comments were made as UAE incumbent Etisalat, fresh from being stripped of its licence to establish an operator in Iran after it fell out with its Iranian investment partner, is reported to be interested in bidding for a fourth mobile licence in the country. Turkcell and US operator Verizon are also reported to be interested the licence, which according to a report from Bloomberg, will be issued within three months.
“Unfortunately we have an Iraqi government that has a very, very strongly anti-investment,” Zain CEO Ali Al Dahwi told CommsMEA at the Arab Advisors conference in Amman, Jordan. (more)
The CEO of Zain Iraq has issued a stark warning to telecom operators looking to invest in the country, comparing the actions of the country’s ministry of telecommunications to the practices of Stalinist Russia.
The comments were made as UAE incumbent Etisalat, fresh from being stripped of its licence to establish an operator in Iran after it fell out with its Iranian investment partner, is reported to be interested in bidding for a fourth mobile licence in the country. Turkcell and US operator Verizon are also reported to be interested the licence, which according to a report from Bloomberg, will be issued within three months.
“Unfortunately we have an Iraqi government that has a very, very strongly anti-investment,” Zain CEO Ali Al Dahwi told CommsMEA at the Arab Advisors conference in Amman, Jordan. (more)
CNN.Money: LinkedIn's startup story: Connecting the business world
As told to Ellen Lee
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (CNNMoney.com) -- In Silicon Valley, it's all about knowing the right people.
Reid Hoffman knows a little something about that. Hoffman, 41, started LinkedIn, the social networking site for professionals. Its 41 million members include people from more than 200 countries and executives from every Fortune 500 company.
Hoffman founded LinkedIn in late 2002. In just six years, the Mountain View, Calif., company has become one of Silicon Valley's stalwarts, with 350 employees and a brand recognized throughout corporate America. Profitable since 2006, LinkedIn's management says, the company raised nearly $80 million from investors last year, valuing it at $1 billion. (more)
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (CNNMoney.com) -- In Silicon Valley, it's all about knowing the right people.
Reid Hoffman knows a little something about that. Hoffman, 41, started LinkedIn, the social networking site for professionals. Its 41 million members include people from more than 200 countries and executives from every Fortune 500 company.
Hoffman founded LinkedIn in late 2002. In just six years, the Mountain View, Calif., company has become one of Silicon Valley's stalwarts, with 350 employees and a brand recognized throughout corporate America. Profitable since 2006, LinkedIn's management says, the company raised nearly $80 million from investors last year, valuing it at $1 billion. (more)
Monday, June 1, 2009
ArabCrunch: E-Technology Lecture Concluded in Amman, Jordan. Part of the Third Information Technology Forum in Gaza.
Colleges of Computing and Information Technology/Jordan branch held last Tuesday 12/4/2009 a technology lecture at the Arab Open University in Amman, as part of Third Information Technology Forum which commenced at the Islamic University (IUGaza) in Gaza.
The lecture in Amman used a video conference with the Forum in Gaza. According to the organizers this lecture is part of academic support initiative to the Islamic University of Gaza, the Union has launched earlier, in collaboration with a number of Academic institutions in the Arab world.
ArabCrunch tried to live steam the event via Qik using my Nokia 5800 mobile, but due to continues wireless network disconnections, we were not able to stream the whole event, however the lecture video conferencing with Gaza went well, as it was using a specified IP.
During the lecture in Amman Dr. Fawaz Al Zool the Chairman of King Abdullah IT Faculty, presented e-government and how it would use the Internet and the web to streamline operations and create a better service for citizens. (more)
The lecture in Amman used a video conference with the Forum in Gaza. According to the organizers this lecture is part of academic support initiative to the Islamic University of Gaza, the Union has launched earlier, in collaboration with a number of Academic institutions in the Arab world.
ArabCrunch tried to live steam the event via Qik using my Nokia 5800 mobile, but due to continues wireless network disconnections, we were not able to stream the whole event, however the lecture video conferencing with Gaza went well, as it was using a specified IP.
During the lecture in Amman Dr. Fawaz Al Zool the Chairman of King Abdullah IT Faculty, presented e-government and how it would use the Internet and the web to streamline operations and create a better service for citizens. (more)
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Zawya: Illegal software use is down two percent points in Jordan
Amman, May 31, 2009 - Piracy of software on personal computers (PC) in Jordan fell by two percentage points, from 2007 to 2008 second only to Qatar and Tunisia, while half of the 110 countries studied saw piracy rates drop and only 15% increased. Industry losses, due to software piracy, in Jordan rose to USD 22 Million in 2008.
These are among the findings of the sixth annual global PC software piracy study released today by the Business Software Alliance (BSA), an international association representing the global software industry. The study covers 110 countries and was conducted independently by IDCIDC, the information technology (IT) industry's leading global market research and forecasting firm.
"This report demonstrates the impact that the public/private partnership between the Business Software Alliance and the Department of the National Library are making in Jordan to further reduce software piracy," said Aly Harakeh, Spokesperson, Eastern Mediterranean BSA committee chair. "In these uncertain economic times it is vital that companies do not skip corners and use unlicensed software, as this would increase the detrimental impact on those businesses, consumers as well as the local and global economy." (more)
These are among the findings of the sixth annual global PC software piracy study released today by the Business Software Alliance (BSA), an international association representing the global software industry. The study covers 110 countries and was conducted independently by IDCIDC, the information technology (IT) industry's leading global market research and forecasting firm.
"This report demonstrates the impact that the public/private partnership between the Business Software Alliance and the Department of the National Library are making in Jordan to further reduce software piracy," said Aly Harakeh, Spokesperson, Eastern Mediterranean BSA committee chair. "In these uncertain economic times it is vital that companies do not skip corners and use unlicensed software, as this would increase the detrimental impact on those businesses, consumers as well as the local and global economy." (more)
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Young Entrepreneur: Should You Advertise On Twitter Posts?
By Adam Toren
I’m going back and forth about the concept of advertising on Twitter posts. From an entrepreneurial standpoint, it’s a good advertising vehicle and a good way to make some extra money. But there is a bit of apprehension because you wonder if you’re selling your relatives, friends and business associates short. Will they continue to follow your tweets if they know you’re making money from your posts? It’s something to consider as we explore REVTWT.com (formerly TWTAD.com) and TWITTAD.com, the two major providers of Twitter advertising programs.
While Twitter itself doesn’t offer a formal advertising program, there are two social media networks that are built off Twitter’s open API. Both advertising programs provide opportunities to profit from tweets and each offers entrepreneurs a cost-effective means of advertising on one of the most popular Internet and mobile phone applications.
I’m going back and forth about the concept of advertising on Twitter posts. From an entrepreneurial standpoint, it’s a good advertising vehicle and a good way to make some extra money. But there is a bit of apprehension because you wonder if you’re selling your relatives, friends and business associates short. Will they continue to follow your tweets if they know you’re making money from your posts? It’s something to consider as we explore REVTWT.com (formerly TWTAD.com) and TWITTAD.com, the two major providers of Twitter advertising programs.
While Twitter itself doesn’t offer a formal advertising program, there are two social media networks that are built off Twitter’s open API. Both advertising programs provide opportunities to profit from tweets and each offers entrepreneurs a cost-effective means of advertising on one of the most popular Internet and mobile phone applications.
Venture Beat: Time-warp to 2004, pay $4,500 and get Twitter.com
By Eric Eldon
For the entrepreneur out there building a time machine, here’s a way to put your device to profitable use. Go back to 2004 and buy the domain Twitter.com for $4,500.
A reader recently pointed me to the Internet Archive entries for the site — here’s the domain for sale in all its latent glory.
Twitter, of course, didn’t even start with its current name. It launched with the more Web 2.0-y and much harder-to pronounce Twttr name, back in July of 2006. It changed its name to Twitter shortly thereafter. I’m not sure how much it ended up paying for the domain. But, by the time I started hearing local buzz about Twitter in the winter of 2007, the Twttr name was long gone.
For the entrepreneur out there building a time machine, here’s a way to put your device to profitable use. Go back to 2004 and buy the domain Twitter.com for $4,500.
A reader recently pointed me to the Internet Archive entries for the site — here’s the domain for sale in all its latent glory.
Twitter, of course, didn’t even start with its current name. It launched with the more Web 2.0-y and much harder-to pronounce Twttr name, back in July of 2006. It changed its name to Twitter shortly thereafter. I’m not sure how much it ended up paying for the domain. But, by the time I started hearing local buzz about Twitter in the winter of 2007, the Twttr name was long gone.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Arabian Business: Orange only bidder for Jordan's 3G mobile licence
By George Bevir
Orange Jordan has emerged as the only operator to bid for a 3G mobile licence in the country.
The licencing process was due to take place last year but it was postponed after three of the four mobile operators in Jordan; Zain, Orange Jordan and XPress Telecom asked for more time to complete their business plans, according to the country’s regulator. (more)
Orange Jordan has emerged as the only operator to bid for a 3G mobile licence in the country.
The licencing process was due to take place last year but it was postponed after three of the four mobile operators in Jordan; Zain, Orange Jordan and XPress Telecom asked for more time to complete their business plans, according to the country’s regulator. (more)
Arabian Business: Middle East IT industry sees pay fall by up to 40%
By Joanna Hartley
Those working in the technology sector in the Middle East have seen their salaries drop by between 20 and 40 percent during the past year, it was reported on Wednesday.
Lower starting salaries, pay freezes and cut backs in perks and bonuses have had to be brought in as a result of the global crisis, according to HR managers and recruitment specialists.
A senior consultant from Dubai-based Lobo Management Services speaking to UAE daily Emirates Business reported that salaries and perks had declined up to 40 percent. (more)
Those working in the technology sector in the Middle East have seen their salaries drop by between 20 and 40 percent during the past year, it was reported on Wednesday.
Lower starting salaries, pay freezes and cut backs in perks and bonuses have had to be brought in as a result of the global crisis, according to HR managers and recruitment specialists.
A senior consultant from Dubai-based Lobo Management Services speaking to UAE daily Emirates Business reported that salaries and perks had declined up to 40 percent. (more)
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Trade Arabia: 500 executives to attend telecom conference
By TradeArabia News Service
Around 500 senior executives will attend a major media and telecommunications conference to discuss market trends and growth strategies, and the boundaries between media and telecom operators, said the organisers.
The sixth annual Media and Telecommunications Convergence Conference (MTCC) 2009 will take place on June 1 and 2 in Amman at the Four Seasons Hotel. (more)
Around 500 senior executives will attend a major media and telecommunications conference to discuss market trends and growth strategies, and the boundaries between media and telecom operators, said the organisers.
The sixth annual Media and Telecommunications Convergence Conference (MTCC) 2009 will take place on June 1 and 2 in Amman at the Four Seasons Hotel. (more)
Monday, May 25, 2009
Zawya: The continued boom in Broadband Internet in the Arab World is set to boost convergence-based services
Amman, May 25th 2009
Under the royal patronage of HRH Princess Sumaya Bint Al Hassan, the sixth Annual Media and Telecommunications Convergence Conference, set to take place in Amman on the 1st and 2nd of June, comes as the Arab World's telecommunications and broadcast entertainment markets continue to experience strong growth in telecom subscribers and more competition, according to regional research house and conference organizer Arab Advisors Group, a member of the Arab Jordan Investment Bank Group. The official opening ceremony will include addresses by HRH Princess Sumaya Bint Al Hassan, HE Eng. Bassem Al Rousan (Jordan's Minister of ICT), Dr. Diar Ahmad (CEO, AsiaCell), Dr. Saad Al-Barrak (Deputy Chairman and Managing Director (CEO), Zain Group), Mr. Mickael Ghossein (CEO of Jordan Telecom Group - Orange Jordan), Dr. Abdulmalik Jaber (Vice Chairman & CEO Paltel Group), Mr. Mohammad Omran (Chairman, Etisalat), and Mr. Osman Sultan (CEO, DU), Mr. Sam Barnett (COO, MBC) and Mr. Guido Baumhauer (Director of Strategy, Marketing and Distribution, Deutsche Welle). (more)
Under the royal patronage of HRH Princess Sumaya Bint Al Hassan, the sixth Annual Media and Telecommunications Convergence Conference, set to take place in Amman on the 1st and 2nd of June, comes as the Arab World's telecommunications and broadcast entertainment markets continue to experience strong growth in telecom subscribers and more competition, according to regional research house and conference organizer Arab Advisors Group, a member of the Arab Jordan Investment Bank Group. The official opening ceremony will include addresses by HRH Princess Sumaya Bint Al Hassan, HE Eng. Bassem Al Rousan (Jordan's Minister of ICT), Dr. Diar Ahmad (CEO, AsiaCell), Dr. Saad Al-Barrak (Deputy Chairman and Managing Director (CEO), Zain Group), Mr. Mickael Ghossein (CEO of Jordan Telecom Group - Orange Jordan), Dr. Abdulmalik Jaber (Vice Chairman & CEO Paltel Group), Mr. Mohammad Omran (Chairman, Etisalat), and Mr. Osman Sultan (CEO, DU), Mr. Sam Barnett (COO, MBC) and Mr. Guido Baumhauer (Director of Strategy, Marketing and Distribution, Deutsche Welle). (more)
Thursday, May 21, 2009
TechCrunch: An Interview With Queen Rania of Jordan On How Twitter Can Help Change The World
by Roi Carthy
The fundamental shift we are experiencing in how the Web is consumed (streams vs. pages) is also impacting our ability to engage with those we thought were beyond our reach. Consider this anecdote: When I was a teenager there was no chance I would have been able to communicate with a Jordanian monarch, and the closest I got to my favorite rock band—Guns n’ Roses—was getting crushed in the first row of their concerts in Budapest and Vienna.
Seventeen years later I am able not only to reach out to Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan, I am also one of the 46 users followed by Duff McKagen (@duff64), Gn’R’s former bass player. What made these things possible was Twitter (of course). The piping for 140-character thought bursts is what today connects an everyday, common Israeli, with the Queen of Jordan and a rock star.
In a recent post we wrote about Her Majesty joining twitter (follow her handle @QueenRania). We followed up with an interview request to find out how she is using Twitter both personally and to help change the world, and she graciously accepted. “Of course, I tweet,” she says. But unlike most of us, she tweets about taking her family to meet the Pope and working to give every child an education. (more)
The fundamental shift we are experiencing in how the Web is consumed (streams vs. pages) is also impacting our ability to engage with those we thought were beyond our reach. Consider this anecdote: When I was a teenager there was no chance I would have been able to communicate with a Jordanian monarch, and the closest I got to my favorite rock band—Guns n’ Roses—was getting crushed in the first row of their concerts in Budapest and Vienna.
Seventeen years later I am able not only to reach out to Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan, I am also one of the 46 users followed by Duff McKagen (@duff64), Gn’R’s former bass player. What made these things possible was Twitter (of course). The piping for 140-character thought bursts is what today connects an everyday, common Israeli, with the Queen of Jordan and a rock star.
In a recent post we wrote about Her Majesty joining twitter (follow her handle @QueenRania). We followed up with an interview request to find out how she is using Twitter both personally and to help change the world, and she graciously accepted. “Of course, I tweet,” she says. But unlike most of us, she tweets about taking her family to meet the Pope and working to give every child an education. (more)
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