It was known that late last year, the Gawker website was hacked. Hackers got hold of the site’s database which contained both the usernames and the passwords of about 1.4 million individuals who have posted comments at the Gawker site and its popular affiliates including gizmodo.com, deadspin.com, lifehacker.com, kotaku.com, jalopnik.com, and jezebel.com among others.

Worst, the hackers didn’t keep the database all to themselves. Instead, they uploaded everything to thepiratebay.org, a public torrent tracker, including the database’s rough analysis, 200,000 decoded passwords, plaintext credentials for some Gawker employees, and the 1.4 million email addresses, encrypted usernames and encrypted passwords.

The technical details on how the hack was done are not yet entirely disclosed, but Gnosis, the hacking group accountable for such has taken responsibility for what happened. Together with the database uploaded at thepiratebay.org was what looked like an angry shout-out aimed at the company.

Based on the occurrences, it looked like Gnosis guessed or decoded Nick Denton’s, Gawker founder, password which he used for his Campfire team-collaboration portal account. This account is used for internal communications and chat among the staff. The moment Gnosis gained access to this, they’re able to get hold of valuable information from the 4-gig chat logs.

Also, it seemed like the MySQL database password was divulged somewhere in the logs. It’s a petty issue for Gnosis to dump what they had gathered. Unfortunately for Gawker’s part, their passwords were encrypted using the criticized and ancient DES or Data Encryption Standard which made use of the 56-bit encryption key. With such poor encryption system, passwords with more than eight characters can be truncated to eight prior to storing in the database. Those users using more than eight characters
for the password will not be entirely compromised. However, account access is still possible once the first eight characters are cracked. Gnosis had successfully cracked about 200,000 passwords in the Gawker database, out of the 1.4 million passwords stored.

Analysis of the passwords hacked from the database were quite surprising and at the same time horrifying. Some highlights were the facts that 2,000 passwords used the word “password” as password; another 3,000 passwords used “123456;” 150,000 passwords consisted of all letters in lowercase; and Nick Denton used a password comprised of all the numbers. Pretty specific, huh?

Whoever had left a comment at any Gawker site may possibly be compromised. In addition, some individuals who used the same password for their different online accounts may likely be compromised too. Reports of social media accounts were uncovered such as Twitter accounts. Therefore, vary your passwords. Do not use only one password for all your online accounts.

Earlier this month, news had circulated that Google proposed a deal which can violate Net Neutrality and may change Internet in certain ways.

As an Internet user, don’t let these powerful corporations get hold of the rein. Don’t let them take control. Take your stand and join the more than 300,000 others who signed up the petition letter for Google to back out on the deal. Let’s leave Internet as a fair-level playing ground for everyone.

Here’s the open letter to google:

Dear Google,

As a Google user, I am telling you, “Don’t be evil.” The deal between Google and Verizon is evil, because it threatens the open Internet, which hundreds of millions of people rely on every day. Live up to your founding motto, walk away from this deal and save the Internet.

Sincerely,

(Your name)

To sign the letter, please click Emergency Petition to Google.

Two major Internet service providers, Verizon and Google, are working on an agreement allowing Verizon to expedite certain online contents considering that the contents’ creators will pay extra for the given privilege.

Youtube, for one, as owned by Google, can pay such additional charges ensuring high priority when it comes to its contents reaching to consumers. This is to say that the agreement can potentially increase costs for Internet users.

Other than this, it can also overthrow a particular aspect of Internet policy known as net neutrality. Net neutrality does not accord favoritism among net contents. It is this safeguarding principle that will be violated if the agreement between Google and Verizon will push through.

Violation of net neutrality is just one thing, upending the Federal Communications Commission (F.C.C.) efforts is another. In spite of the F.C.C.’s efforts to regulate broadband service, the court decided that F.C.C. has no enough authority to impose on an Internet service provider to slow down certain contents or applications, or refrain from favoring others. Since then, the F.C.C. has sought other means to enforce net neutrality. However, several Internet service providers, Congress, content producers and even cable companies have objected to the proposal.

On the other hand, as for the consumers part, common questions are how speedy they can access to these certain web applications and how Internet service providers can direct traffic to their system? Additionally, rising Internet bills may also be expected, the same way with cable subscriptions.

In general, this much talked-about Google-Verizon deal / agreement has triggered various infuriating reactions from consumers, thinking that such will dwell on corporations which then will take control of what has always been a free and open Internet system.

An online business will provide one with earning opportunities beyond imagination. But money will not come that easily because one has to contend with the challenges that come along with this type of business. One can proceed in overcoming obstacles to an online business by making sure one has a marketable product, having a system to take care of orders, and driving traffic to his site. This article will explain how Internet business owners can address the challenges that they face.

Here are 3 tips to guide you in overcoming obstacles to an online business:

Tip No.1: Create a marketable product.

It is one thing to have a great product to sell; it is another thing to have a market for it. If nobody wants your product, no matter how amazing your product is—you will not achieve the sales figures you desire. In a matter of time, you will see that your sales expectations have not been realized. Sometimes, it is not about the quality of your product but whether there is demand for it.

When planning for your online business, and when planning for a product or service to sell over the Internet—you should first do research and surveys to find out what the market wants. This is a sure way of being able to create products and services that will sell like crazy in the Internet.

Tip No. 2: Establish a system that will automate the operations of your business.

Anyone who has studied excellent business models will agree that having a system to take care of operational activities will be the best way to go. This set-up will allow hassle free operations since you have automated the ordering process, payment steps and delivery system. With this, you will have more free time to concentrate on what matters most to your business such as your marketing efforts.

Tip No. 3: Drive traffic to your site.

Let us face it, without traffic, nobody will be able to see the products or services that you offer. It is like having a store, wherein nobody knows of its existence. Driving traffic to your site will allow you a chance to convert prospects into customers. The more quality traffic your website gets, the better it will be for your end to get more sales.

Overcoming obstacles to an online business is no joke. You need to strategize well. Start with creating a marketable product, then establish an operational system, and proceed to driving visitors to your site. These 3 tips will prove to be valuable to the success of your online business. Follow these, and increase your chances of online success.

If you have an online business, you will not want to make disastrous marketing mistakes that can ruin it. You should get your marketing efforts right so that your business will continually achieve success and make the sales to keep the money coming in. This article will discuss what are considered the deadly marketing mistakes that can kill your online business.

Before we proceed though, let us have a common understanding of what marketing is. Sure, we have some standard definition in textbooks. But let us, give the word more scope and depth. So our definition of marketing here is this: Marketing is every aspect of the business, and every effort done to promote a product or service.

Marketing, as we use it here, not only includes advertising efforts, but the making of the products themselves, and up to the customer services you give. The rationale is this: the quality of the product or service is probably the best promotional tool you have in your marketing arsenal. Also, the customer service part of your business will either make you or break you. With the best customer service there is, it will more than help your marketing efforts.

Now that we have defined what we mean by marketing here, let us proceed with our discussion on the marketing mistakes we should avoid:

Business Marketing Mistake #1:

Making False Claims.
This is probably the worst thing that you could do. Don’t ever make false claims about your product or service. Don’t exaggerate on the features, if in the end, it will not deliver as advertised. If you do exaggerate, this becomes deception and will not do well in the eyes of the customers. Also, those in the Internet Marketing industry will not want to do joint ventures with you due to your questionable integrity. Do not sacrifice your name and integrity for quick and easy money. It is just not worth it. You may make money quickly, but you will not have repeat customers. This will definitely kill your online business.

Business Marketing Mistake #2:

Inferior Product or Service.
If you are to launch a product for your online business, make sure it is of good quality. Better yet, it must be of excellent quality. You should brand yourself as someone who delivers quality products or services. Don’t settle for less. Successful Internet Marketers are successful because they over-deliver. They do not settle for a product that is satisfactory. They want their customers to be happy and extremely satisfied with the purchase. They want their customers to get more than the money’s value spent on it. So what happens? These customers will always look out for new products and buy from Internet Marketers that they can trust.

Business Marketing Mistake #3:

Lousy Customer Service. Be sure to have excellent customer service that you offer to your customers. There is nothing that can disappoint customers more, than a customer service support that offers no value. What you should constantly keep in mind is to over-deliver in every aspect of your business. Don’t settle for mediocrity. Strive for excellence in your business dealings every step of the way.

Avoid these deadly marketing mistakes at all cost. Understand that marketing isn’t just about promotional and advertising efforts. Other aspects of your business, as your product and customer service do act as marketing tools themselves. So be conscious about these things, and don’t let these kill your online business.

Having your very own Internet business and marketing is fun. But this doesn’t mean that it will not be challenging. On the contrary, you will realize that you will be putting in more time by having your own business than when you were employed. This is so because there are more things you need to do— and usually on your own when you are yet starting. It is thus important that you know Internet Business and Marketing 101.  So, here, we will discuss some of the important points of the subject.

Internet Business and Marketing 101

1. Have a Vision.

When you are starting out, you should determine from the very beginning where you are going, what your goals are and your timeline to achieve all these. Simply, you should have a plan. Without a grand plan, you are allowing external circumstances to dictate the way; this is a good recipe for getting you astray. What you should have is a vision. Coming up with a vision of your Internet business should be a first step.

2. Know how you will get there.

Now that you have a vision, you should lay out how you plan to get there. Work it out in phases that serve as milestones. Each completion of a phase will be a critical step nearer to your goal. You should outline in detail how each phase should look like and how you will determine when you have finally completed that phase. Establish this early on so that there will be no confusion later on.

3. Market your product or service.

After you have determined how to reach your goal, you already know whether you will market a product or service; either way, you will need to market these effectively and efficiently so that you will bring in sales. Internet business and marketing success rely o n your ability to bring in traffic to your site. Without traffic, there is no chance for you to succeed online. Bringing in traffic to your site through social networking, article marketing and PPC ads are some of the ways to do this.

4. Brand yourself right.

Even though you have lots of traffic coming in, if the perception by the visitors of your site, product or service is lousy, this will not convert into sales as well. So get this part of your business right. Employ the right branding for your business. Make your website attractive, and make it functional. Ensure it allows for ease of navigation by the visitors of your site. Of course, part of this is to brand yourself as well as an expert in your field. This will give you more credibility and will help assure your visitors that you are a person who can be trusted.

5. Delight your customers.

Lastly, you should provide your visitors and customers a pleasant buying experience. Make sure to provide support to answer to their concerns and queries. Be there to answer their questions. Give them an experience they will not forget and one that can make them say, Wow! You should continually delight your customers every step of the way. This will definitely set you apart in the industry that you are in.

There you have it — 5 valuable tips for Internet Business and Marketing 101. You will not go wrong if you follow these simple and practical tips. Don’t be intimidated by the business you have online, rather, be challenged by the new opportunities that come your way. Persist and in no time, you will succeed in the Internet business and marketing efforts that you are in.

Perhaps a lot will agree that in order to earn more, you have to spend more. In relation to businesses, excellent profits usually come from remarkable investments. However, with regards to online business, this does not have to be altogether true.

There are helpful methods to produce site traffic sans the impressive expenditure. Website traffic is fundamental for any website to earn income. Obviously, if nobody is made aware of your online business or website, how will people visit it? Therefore, you have to bring in individuals, lure them to come by your site. This way, you are guaranteed to make profits.

Generating the needed traffic to website can be achieved through low cost methods namely: link exchange, article submission, newsletter, and social network and forums.

Link Exchange

Most, if not all, websites have links to other sites. The purpose for which is to get the attention of other site owners and for them to possibly exchange link with yours. The idea benefits both parties as it creates additional awareness for the involved websites. It proves to be efficient in bringing in more traffic as it paves the opportunity for the traffic from the other website to get a chance to see the link to yours, and once they click and follow it, shortly they will be onto your page.

Please be reminded though that if you exchange link with a particular site, choose the one that shares the same topic, subject, product or market area with you. Exchanging link with a physical fitness site when yours is about budgeting and finances is unlikely to be productive.

Article Submission

This approach is considered to be among the best manner to generate traffic to websites. A good number of article directories are available to publish articles for you. You have to take the time and effort to write and submit compelling and informative articles for traffic to come in abundance at a cost-free option. Or, you can have freelance writers to do the articles for you. This arrangement costs fairly small only. But make sure you have the copyright and absolute ownership of the articles.

Submitting articles to directory sites may take time. But there are certain directories which allow submission services to do the task for you. Mind you, this is quite expensive but there are low cost services as well. So don’t be easily disappointed.

Article submission brings in traffic from the link included in the resource box. You can be assured that articles with interesting content bolster the chances of readers to click on the link found in the resource box.

Newsletter

The newsletter must carry a content that is very relevant to the site, the kind that builds a connection with your readers and subscribers. Create timely newsletters making sure that your consumers are well-informed and updated with your product. Once your newsletter attains fitting exposure online, public awareness about your site and your business is enhanced.

Social Network and Forums

The varied social networking sites on the World Wide Web functions differently. But all in all, the concept is just similar. They have certain ways in making your site known. For instance, you submit your website to StumbleUpon. And as StumbleUpon members do stumble on your site, a lot of things can happen. They will click and visit your site and will tell others about it, and those they are telling about it will also click and visit your site, and so on and so forth. Imagine how traffic to your site will increase.

On the other hand, joining forums is another matter to take into consideration. To earn profit, take part in forums that deal with the same industry as to yours. You can ask questions and also impart what you got. Doing such is another free advertising strategy for you since you can leave your URL in the signature line to every post you make.

So you see, you don’t have to spend much money for your online investment to be a success. These four mentioned methods will help you a lot. Money is not much of an issue here, but your time and effort are, alongside information and knowledge. Eventually, everything will be appropriately rewarded.

Networking has become wildly popular in today’s time.  It is an impressive means for professionals to build relationships among each other with the core intention of growing their business, developing entrepreneurial skills, branding themselves in their profession or their field, and tapping resources.  Businessmen can conveniently network through their organizations, clubs, associations, jobs, and presently online.  Online networking or Internet networking is just as efficient as the typical networking approach.  In fact, the former proves to have more boons for both social and professional success.

With the extensive coverage of the Internet, networking online proves to be an outstanding means that entrepreneurs must take into account to uplift their business ventures.  There are few very good reasons why you should target and connect on the top business networking sites available.  For one, online networking diversifies and increases your network.  No question, it aids in making you highly accessible to anyone and everyone.  Without the need for any validation, networking online breaks any geographical and time boundaries, and it is not only effective but also a cost-friendly marketing tool.

However, when you take part in any network marketing scheme, it will do great for you if you know your market very well.  Therefore, you should know who your customers are or your target audience and clientele.  Like for instance, your products are suitable for the young group or the teenagers, so take the time to find out and locate where teenagers usually hang out.  This way, you will be guided where to go.  You are not necessarily asked to talk to each one of them.  Instead, observe and pay attention to them and see how they behave.  Also, try to be in their shoes to get a better idea on what they need and want.

Moreover, online interaction with your target market is another beneficial way to know more about them.  You may post some form of questionnaire for your readers to answer.  It may composed of questions about their likes or dislikes, or the things that interest them, or factors which they consider as their preferences in buying products such as yours.

So again, in online and network marketing, keep in mind that you are in search of individuals whom you can sell your products to.  Thus, it is essential that you know who and where to look for these people.  But it’s not enough to be able to classify them, but you have to reach out to them as well.  Make use of trustworthy networking sites on the web to accomplish you goal.  Connecting on such sites will prove to be a brilliant move for you as it paves the way to greater success for your business.

Establishing an online account on any social network is a big leap itself. The time alone allocated for this is no joke. You need to constantly update your account, as well as link it to the main site. But once you have it started, you will then be associated directly with the primary website utilized to offer the products and services. Hence, an unsuccessful social networking account is quite scary. But you have your options and there are ways to make it work.

To help you establish a social account for your business, you may take the honest shortcut. By this, you will need backlink companies and freelance writers. Both can create a fitting business account for you and regularly update it. Updates may be through articles, rss feeds, press releases, microblogs and blogs depending on what social network is used.

Several rules are to be observed when setting up a business account on a social network. If you are using a variety of social sites, each of the accounts must use only one name, or that each should be the same. Doing so helps putting a name of yourself or your business. In other words, it brands your business all through social channels. And do not forget to apply easy-to-remember account name. Also the kind that is easy to spell. Apparently, a less complicated name is easier to remember.

Moreover, smaller networks which center on similar niche as yours may also serve as excellent niche. Although most of these popular networks aren’t niche-related, there are indeed smaller social networks which offer traffic from individuals who are in search of a particular piece of information. Just browse through the web and you will find appropriate niche of social networks.

Social networks provide potential hits. A personal account is not a very good idea to promote your business. If you want a sure way to do it, go for social networks. You can take your pick from the plethora of choices. The most commonly heard these days are Facebook, Twitter and MySpace, to mention a few.

The Internet is a goldmine. It has treasures for the taking, if you know how to find these. Online business opportunities abound and you can venture into these to grab hold of your share of the pie. The top 3 money making options you can pursue include offering your very own information product, joining an affiliate program, and monetizing blogs. You can either do these individually or make use of all these as different income streams to make more money for you.

Take a look at these 3 money making options in the Internet:

Money making option #1: Create your very own info product.

This is perhaps the way to make the most money over the Internet. With your own product, you get 100% of the sales. The experience you get with this approach will be valuable. You get to try Internet research on marketable info products, create these products by writing these yourselves or outsourcing these, and marketing these over the web to get the sales you want.

Money making option #2: Join affiliate programs.

This is a best option if you don’t want to create your products and just want to market the products of others. You earn by making commissions from the sales you generate. You will not have problems in coming up with an excellent product for a hungry market; you only have to worry about generating traffic towards an affiliate link given to you so that you get credit for the sales. A very good affiliate program out there is by clickbank.com. You may want to check it out. Joining is free and your commissions will be paid by cheque.

Money making option #3: Monetize your blogs.

A rather simple way of making money online is by monetizing your blogs. You surely have a topic or subject you are passionate about. You can blog about these things. You can then put on Ads through google adsense program. When somebody clicks on these ads, you get some money. Imagine if you have lots of visitors on your blog and if they click on the ads, this will mean more money for you. This is definitely worth checking out. The easiest way to get a blog for free is through blogger.com.

There are many ways to make money online. This article mentioned three ways: creating your own product, joining affiliate programs, or monetizing your blogs. You can do any of these or you can do all. These three options can make you a lot of money if you put your mind into it and if you put in the necessary effort. Online money making options are available for you to choose from and make serious money from.