A Video That Left Me Speechless

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This eight minute video speaks for itself. An artist in the Ukraine uses sand, a light box and music to depict the occupation of the Ukraine during World War II.

Video left me in awe, not just for its historic reference, but for the reminder that telling a story needn't the tech tools we drool over today.

Sand. Light. Music.

A Laptop, an iPhone AND a Tablet? I'm Not Sold - Yet.

As much as I love my Apple products and stand by the belief that they've made my life more efficient, I'm not 100% sold on the tablet - yet. With a potential cost of a cool $1,000, the tablet aims to change the way households stay connected - from checking email to getting news to keeping up with classroom homework. What does intrigue me, however, are the current discussions Apple is having with mainstream media - newspapers, TV executives, etc. 

There continues to be speculation about what the tablet will do, what it will look like, etc. What IS certain, however, is that Apple understands the need to have a revenue stream from 'old media' to make this 'new media' work seamlessly with consumers. This partnership reminds me of what Seesmsic is doing with their new Look technology - aka Twitter for everyone else.

Google's Business Week Back Page Ad

They've been spotted at the airport and now Ive seen one for myself: Google Apps ad geared towards business leaders. Ad includes the term 'going Google'.

Would You Pay to Watch Your Favorite Video Blogger?

Ustream just announced its pay-per-view service (Dane Cook will be first up to bat), enabling high profile celebs to live stream concerts, events, etc for a fee. Justin.TV's been doing this for a while, so it's no surprise that Ustream is coming on board.

Which makes me think: will this biz model trickle down to some of the more highly trafficked video bloggers? If you are a video blogger and/or would like to be a video blogger, I recommend clinching your Ustream user name now.

iPhone Boot Camp Coming to Chicago

Are you an iPhone Developer?
Do you want to be an iPhone Developer?

February 5 or February 10

Google's Rick Klau Chats Blogger (Numbers Still Look Strong) and Wave

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Seesmic Look: The Updated Portal?

Interesting news out of NYC today. Seesmic launched its new Windows-based tool, Seesmic Look. Designed to work with Twitter (and happens to have a Twitter-approved seal to boot), Look looks to me like an enhanced and suped-up portal page from the 90s. 

The pre-determined Twitter lists (based on various interests and themes) are reminiscent of the portal categories from AOL, Yahoo, MSN, Altavista, Excite, etc. Consumers that aren't heavy Twitter users can still have the experience of Twitter, but in a more efficient way. Brands also jumped on board, enabling Seesmic to use those marketing dollars to make brand oriented Look pages. Smart.

Another interesting development: Seesmic is looking to install this application on PCs at purchase, but is yet to determine who the manufacturer will be. 

Quote of the Day

"I do not play games on computers because there is nothing serious about playing games on computers," Marko said. "If you want to play, go outside and play with your friends."

-Marko Calasan

(Wow. I must meet this kid)

Meet the Youngest Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer

A proud moment to read about Marko, who hails from Macedonia. At 9 the youngest MSCE. Rock on!!

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10435937-56.html?tag=TOCmoreStories.0


Sent from my iPhone

JOB OPENING: Chicago Interactive Marketing + Social Media in Apartment Rental Space

Another Chicago Job Opportunity for those looking...
Please note: skill set requirement also includes INTERACTIVE MEDIA STRATEGY. If you don't have this background, please don't apply. I tend to see folks jump on the social media piece of a job opening, versus realize that an online marketing/media background is also needed. This means you may have conducted an online media buy, complete with some ad serving and analytics.

Title: Director of Operations
 

 

THE COMPANY 

 

We are a funded internet company incubated within a larger real estate development firm. We enjoy the 

resources of an established organization coupled with the dynamic momentum of a start-up.  Our mission is 

simple: completely redefine the way Chicago users access apartment rental information on the web. Our office is 

filled with smiles, ideas, laughter and healthy food. We find that ideas and laughter are highly correlated.  In our 

world, good ideas thrive above all else.  

 

THE JOB 

 

Our venture is looking for a Director of Operations to be a core member of our leadership group. You will help 

transform the way rental content and information is delivered and consumed by tenants and landlords on the 

internet. In this role, you will have the ability to immediately contribute towards our overall direction for data 

acquisition, community development, brand building, marketing and product launch. You will be the translator 

between us and our community of users.  Only individuals living in Chicago with an intimate knowledge of major 

surrounding neighborhoods should apply.  

 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

 

• Coordinate the acquisition of current rental data from local listings 

• Help execute comprehensive interactive media strategy  

• Develop mainstream and innovative grassroots advertising efforts 

• Manage all our channels of communication (Print media, Blogs, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Etc)  

• Conduct market & product research  

• Perform testing & launch 

• Analyze business impact  

• Define future product strategy  

 

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS 

 

This position will require a broad set of skills and experiences including:   

 

• 2-7 years of work experience at an interactive media company, advertising/PR firm, or consumer product 

company is a plus  

• Must have great people management skills, for direct reports, peers and superiors. 

• Must be an excellent communicator, gifted with verbal, written and presentation skills 

• Must have strong project management experience in creating plans and ensuring that projects are executed 

according to time and budget constraints 

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, parallel responsibilities 

• Proven understanding of the areas of user psychology, social media and guerilla marketing  

• Experience with several of the following areas is helpful: e-commerce, social media, content applications, CRM, 

SEO, Web 2.0 

• Proficiency with social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube), internet technologies and MS Office.  

• Experience growing an online business and community through utilizing web and social media tools is a plus 

• BA/BS degree from a four year institution in a related field 

 

COMPENSATION 

 

Your compensation will include a base salary and benefits.  This is a demanding position and you are expected to 

invest significant time in your work, including morning, evening, and weekend time, depending on the situation. 

The company is located in the Streeterville neighborhood of Chicago and is easily accessible by public transport.   

 

NEXT STEPS  

 

Please send your resume along with a friendly note to: rrahman@schatzdevelopment.com 

 

Note: Avoid formal cover letters and the procrastination and stress that come with them. Untether your mind!  We 

look forward to jobbing with you!