My Little Daughter's Demands

She doesn't want to mention her name because she thinks that she will be kidnapped online!

She always showing her tantrums but I love her so much!

And we are a happy family.

P.S. and I am taking this dictation from her while trying to make her sleep :-)

A Little Big Confusion

Why men has to fight over religious ideologies even though majority of them is without understanding and knowledge of their own religions!

Reading!

I noticed an interesting difference between GenX and GenY students which is related to "reading" abilities. Most GenY students simply don't like to read!  and of course they don't know how to multiply...something somewhere is definitely wrong, still trying to figure it out. 

Joy of Losing

May 2010, I was 78kg, waist 38", BMI 32.3, Body Fats 26.2%,
March 2011, I am 62kg, waist 32", BMI 25.6, Body Fats 16.4%,


So it started in May 2010. I used to feel fatigued and weak in the evenings, especially right after work I used to feel like someone has taken the life out of my body. After a couple of weeks and a couple of scoldings by the wife, I decided doctor check done, just to check if everything was fine. The results... I was told that I had diabetes and very high cholesterol and I had to immediately change my life style or else suffer nasty consequences blah blah blah...

To be honest, I felt pretty bad, came back home, searched the internet and found http://www.diabetesdaily.com and read a couple of articles there by other diabetics; after all I was joining their club :)

After reading a couple of sob stories I felt more upset, depressed, and frustrated. I spent a couple of days thinking and wondering about what to do next. So, I embarked into researching about Diabetes and after reading extensively, I realized that Diabetes is not a disease but a disorder and there are people who managed to overcome this disorder quite successfully. I also noticed that, each story was different, some methods worked for some people but totally failed on others.

And that was it. I realized that I had to find a way that worked for me. I hate gyms, never liked them. Jogging would work, but unfortunately there was no place in the neighborhood where I could peacefully jog! funny isn't it? . Final solution: i bought a mountain bike, and started using it regularly. No car for short distances. Light dinner and it must be before 7:30PM. And I think the most important decision...Drink as much water as possible. The motivation came from Saika (my wife) together with her excellent organisational skills :) . After 3 months, I was down by 3kg by maintaining a routine of biking in the evening, eating light without changing much in my usual diet; however, She did reduce the usual amount of carbohydrates and increased greens instead. You may find all her yummy recipes on her website www.fullyfedup.com. I started to feel better and more energetic. And now, after almost 9 months, I decided to document my experience in my blog. Next, I will be recording a few resistance exercises that worked for me. Finally, my fasting blood sugar has stabilized at 99-105 mgdl and thats without any medicine...

Live and Let Live

The famous Shahrukh Khan has done what most big names in Indian politics will never be able to do, he managed to defeat the whole right wing Shiv Sena in style. All I can say is... well done!! for teaching these chauvinist idiots a lesson on how to "Mind their own business".
At this stage, its once again confirmed that any thing is possible if we stand together and defeat these terrible so called fundamentalist negative forces lurking in every society and looming to destroy our freedom and right to choose. We must stand together against all sorts of terrorism,religious fundamentalism, and social injustice.
"United we stand, divided we fall"
Aesop, Greek slave & fable author (620 BC - 560 BC)

Another Massacre of Innocent Muslims by so called Jehadi Terrorists

Today another incident of suicide bombing in Karachi has made me to write this article. 25 mourners of Ashura were martyred and scores are injured. I really cannot understand why the so called Saudi Muftis and Mullahs are just quiet on these issues? Why can't they issue a combined fatwa to forbid this menace? Why can't Imam-e-Kaaba do something? I suppose the generation of Abu Jahil & Abu Lahib are ruling the Islamic world, what one can expect from them?

Power of the Ring

I started to wear a ring recently, the idea is to control the stress levels and my "so called" anger! anyway, somehow I am feeling less stressed, and less worried about things now, seems like "the ring is working". interesting!
this is the first time when I am lecturing to a bunch of really boring crowed, teaching creativity was never being so much of pain to me before. may be its time to change the tactics, may be its time when I need not to prepare a lecture anymore and just walk in to the lecture hall and utter some crap and make sure people read 40+ pages within two days.trust me, this is the best medicine.

Choosing the Correct Statistical Test

A good site to understand the right statistical test for projects and research work. Click from Choosing the Correct Statistic developed by James D. Leeper, Ph.D.

Information Overload

Going through with a difficult situation now. Decision making is tough when we have too many options. The first issue, to leave Pit or not, 2nd issue, if to leave pit, should join the main pit or go for the final objective? goddammit its tough. During my young days, I used to think that my father should have taken the options of foreign assignments , he should have migrated to another country, so many things to blame... today, realize why my dad chose to stay with the family, its impossible for me to leave dua and zoya for 2 day :) cant miss their childhood. Anyway, lets see when happens next, I am all ready for the next challenge... To be or Not to be...

All Human Rights For All

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Adopted and proclaimed by General Assembly resolution 217 A (III) of 10 December 1948

On December 10, 1948 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights the full text of which appears in the following pages. Following this historic act the Assembly called upon all Member countries to publicize the text of the Declaration and "to cause it to be disseminated, displayed, read and expounded principally in schools and other educational institutions, without distinction based on the political status of countries or territories."

PREAMBLE

Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,

Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,

Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,

Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,

Now, Therefore THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.

Article 1.

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Article 2.

Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.

Article 3.

Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

Article 4.

No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.

Article 5.

No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Article 6.

Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.

Article 7.

All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.

Article 8.

Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.

Article 9.

No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

Article 10.

Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.

Article 11.

(1) Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence.

(2) No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed.

Article 12.

No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.

Article 13.

(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.

(2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.

Article 14.

(1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.

(2) This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

Article 15.

(1) Everyone has the right to a nationality.

(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.

Article 16.

(1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.

(2) Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.

(3) The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.

Article 17.

(1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.

(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.

Article 18.

Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

Article 19.

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

Article 20.

(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

(2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.

Article 21.

(1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.

(2) Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country.

(3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.

Article 22.

Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.

Article 23.

(1) Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.

(2) Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.

(3) Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.

(4) Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.

Article 24.

Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.

Article 25.

(1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.

(2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.

Article 26.

(1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.

(2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.

(3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.

Article 27.

(1) Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.

(2) Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.

Article 28.

Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.

Article 29.

(1) Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible.

(2) In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.

(3) These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

Article 30.

Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.

Coping with Lecturer Types

Coping with Lecturer Types

You will meet all kinds of lecturers in your educational experience. Just for fun, and perhaps a little more enlightenment, I want to try to point out a few of the most common types of lecturers and the best way to deal with them.

THE DRONER-

Drones on in a monotone lecture; using the same lecture notes and audio visual materials year after year. Hardly knows students are in the room. Looks at the back wall as he speaks. Don't even try to ask questions in the Droner’s lecture. Instead, visit the lecturer during his/her office hours. Have a reason for your visit, such as further clarification on something in the text or an assignment. Introduce yourself, being as engaging as possible. Show interest in his research or hobbies if any are apparent, and then proceed to your agenda.

DR. FOREIGNER:

Writes long equations or explanations, working feverishly on the board. Has a strong accent, and if you can't understand him, it's your problem, not his. Usually lectures facing the blackboard. Seems to enjoy erasing the board to start filling it up again before you have any hope of getting it all written down in your notes. This lecturer has taught at every university in the country. You have little chance of avoiding him or her entirely. Your only hope is to read the chapters ahead of time so you are familiar with the vocabulary and know what to expect, and try to follow his or her line of thought. Get down as much as you can, but concentrate on the concepts, and understanding what the equations or visuals are describing. Reading and preparing thoroughly before class will make the difference between life and death. If you know what to expect, you will actually be able to understand more of what he is saying. If you are familiar with the material, you will be able to take your notes with less time bobbing your head up and down to look at the board. (I have direct experience here)

THE LEAPER:

Leaps from one thought to another with hardly a passing glance to see if anyone is following. Lots of energy, but confusion reigns. Genuinely likes students, but wants to share so much his students get lost in the clutter. Your best hope is to read the summary material in the text before he starts a new chapter. Then you'll know where he's going, and how it all fits together. Make a brief topical outline of the chapter before class and leave lots of space in your outline to fill in other notes. Then you can skip around in your outline making notes as he leaps, and your notes will stay in linear order.

THE ARTIST:

Runs to and from the board, drawing stick figures, lines and circles to explain the concept. Disconnected fragments of sentences tumble over one another, confusing you and your classmates. The key here is to connect with the concept. Make a mental image to match his or her sketches, taking down his diagrams in your notes. Read the chapter summary ahead of class so you have a basis for comprehending what he/she's rambling about, and then re-read the text material with your notes and the diagrams in front of you, filling in and labeling the diagrams as you build understanding.

THE STORYTELLER:

Everything has a personal connection and brings back memories for this lecturer, or gives him an excuse to tell a story that may or may not have connection to the lecture topic. May be hard to follow for those who look for specific information in a lecture. Instead of hearing the story for the sake of the story itself, listen with the content under study in mind, so you hear the connections. The lecturer is probably telling the story to illustrate something about the concept. Don't get lost in the events or people in the story and lose the concept the story is intended to exemplify.

IL DUCE:

There are two ways to do things, his way or the wrong way. He's the professor, and don't you forget it. Don't try to argue, you'll only lose. You'll likely find there are definite right and wrong answers to every question. You will need to accept that for this course what he says is right and give him the answers he wants, even if you have a real basis to question the validity. You could try to engage him in a debate, but be ready to back off if this appears fruitless or accept the risk of an F. If you can't deal with his way of teaching the course, you might be better off dropping the course and taking it another time with someone else. Check first that it is offered with someone else. Often Il Duce will be the only one who teaches his course, as in his eye, no one else would do it right.

First Aid Kit (Always keep it for stroks, shocks, and burnouts):

There are many others, of course, and most are a mixture of several types. Know your own profile, and try to adapt your way of learning to your lecturers’ way of teaching. Reading the material ahead of class is always a good idea, and sometimes can make the difference between an A and a C or worse. And remember also, it's not a bad idea to drop a course or change your stream and take a lighter load if you are really in trouble (especially if the stream is chosen by your Daddy). The phrase that pays is "Protect your GPA!" Prospective employers or graduate schools may look harder at your GPA, than at how long it took you to get through school… Practice of repeating modules Wont Make You Perfect!

How did Gemini get its name?

How did Gemini get its name?

Gemini - "Gemini" is the Latin translation of the Greek Didymoi, "the Twins." Many potential candidates were suggested as Gemini's original twins, but many ancient sources attribute them to being Castor and Pollux.

Pollux and Castor were twin brothers. They were the twin sons of a mortal woman Leda – however they had different fathers. Pollux was a son of the chief Olympian god Zeus, and thus Pollux was immortal and would live forever. Castor was the son of a mortal man, and he could die. Their love and devotion for one another was legendary, and they never separated from one another.

The two brothers, Pollux and Castor, took part in many adventures (i.e. they were involved in the Jason and Argonauts Golden Fleece thing). One day in battle, Castor (the mortal brother) was about to die. So Pollux asked his father, Zeus, for the permission to die along side of Castor. It was Pollux's great desire that the brothers might remain united even in death. Instead of allowing Pollux to die, Zeus decided the two brothers would now share in the immortality of Pollux and remain together forever. However, in order for this to happen, Pollux and Castor would have to forever alternate between the light and the dark. For the rest of eternity, the brothers would spend one day on Olympus and then the next day in Hades.

FOSS, The Dead Loss

Finally I delivered the “FLOSS Dead Loss!” presentation today. Almost 3 weeks of hard effort, sleepless nights, and reading of nearly every page on www.fsf.org, www.opensource.org and various other relevant sites, I must acknowledge it was all in vain.

My theme was to show the benefits of FOSS by doing a comparative analysis of marginal cost, creativity and team based development approach. I managed a valuable research on a duopoly model to defend the point from Harvard Business School’s published paper—done a fantastic SWOT analysis of FOSS.

All theoretical aspects were looking smooth and promising.

So what went wrong?

First, the projector refused to recognize the signal. After checking the resolution I tried to change the setting to 800x600 format…and for my bad luck (or FOSS’s) I realized that Ubuntu supports only 1024x800 resolution. Gamindu (Gamz) came forward to help me out, and bang! Linux crashed! It simply refused to load the GUI.

After many unsuccessful attempts we decided to boot without the projector and save the open office presentation file in PowerPoint format and use windows [was not in the original agenda]. Alas, OpenOffice went mad, it started opening in the “recovery file mode” one after the other, and finally it froze!

All this time our audience was quietly and patiently waiting for the presentation. So we decided to boot one more time and copy the files in PowerPoint mode. This time things went alright, managed to copy the files in required formats reboot the system with windows and there you go! All formatting was gone for a six!

Anyhow, I managed to use the slide show to provide whatever I have had planned. But in the end, there were many sarcastic smiles on the faces…

So what’s the conclusion…? Interoperability and Reliability of FOSS desktop applications are still a question mark. Someone should seriously consider changing the development model as well as understand a basic rule “Applications are designed for end-users not for developers”.

Linux Tutorials

For all who like to re-capture good old unix, have a look at www.unix-tutorials.com its a good resource for both advance & new users. Have fun !

I FLOSS!

Ok, I was forced to talk about FOSS! I really don't know whether to talk in favor of FOSS or against! On one hand, I do agree with the concept behind FS, but on the other I never like the idea to exploit the creativity of young and budding programmers by "providing them experience of working on enterprise applications while studying". I feel its immoral and unethical at the same time I also accept the fact that there is nothing wrong with the model FOSS is following in terms of Capitalist Economic Concepts... I think I need to bang my head now. Have a look at the following article Differences between open source and free software. Anyway, it will be fun, there are already rumors that I am having a "Debate on FOSS" with a Monk!!!

Cyber Marketing

Review Questions

1. Define e-business and e-marketing.

E-business is the continuous optimization of a firm’s business activities through digital or information technology. E-business involves attracting and retaining the right customers and business partners. It permeates business processes, such as product buying and selling. It includes digital communication, e-commerce, and online research, and it is used by every business discipline. (pp 2-3)

E-Marketing is the application of a broad range of information technologies for:

• Transforming marketing strategies to create more customer value through more effective segmentation, targeting, differentiation, and positioning strategies;
• more efficiently planning and executing the conception, distribution, promotion and pricing of goods, services, and ideas; and
• Creating exchanges that satisfy individual consumer and organizational customers’ objectives.

This definition sounds a lot like the definition of traditional marketing. Another way to view it is that e-marketing is the result of information technology applied to traditional marketing. E-marketing affects traditional marketing in two ways. First, it increases efficiency in traditional marketing functions. Second, the technology of e-marketing transforms many marketing strategies. The transformation results in new business models that add customer value and/or increase company profitability. (pg 2)

2. What are performance metrics and why are they important?
Performance metrics are specific measures designed to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the e-business and e-marketing operations. This is so important in today’s e-business climate that media reports seem to be full of references to ROI (return on investment) and other measures of success for e-business strategies and tactics featured in the model. (pg 6)
3. What are some of the key legal issues that affect e-marketing?
Current and pending legislation can greatly influence e-marketing strategies. Chief among these are laws concerning privacy, digital property (including copyright), expression, and fraud. Examples include opt-out e-mail, digital property rights, and spam. (pp 6-7)
4. How does technology both raise and lower costs for companies?
Many firms have saved money on staff and paperwork via electronic order processing, billing, and e-mail. Conversely, technology can be a costly investment. Web page development can cost millions of dollars, and large e-commerce operations require expensive hardware and software, especially if they use extensive data gathering and distribution applications. Meanwhile, technology is emerging for improved security, new payment instruments, and low bandwidth. Over time, new technologies continue to emerge, which make current investments obsolete. Finally, putting technology to use entails a steep learning curve. Firms must therefore pay close attention to both technology and strategy if they are to succeed with a viable business model, on or off the Internet. (pg 8)
5. As a technology, how does the Internet compare with the telephone?
Referring to the property descriptions, the telephone is a mediating technology, has global reach, and has network externality. In contrast, the Internet has properties that create opportunities beyond those possible with the telephone, television, postal mail, or other communication media. It is these differences that excite marketers and have them wondering how to best capitalize on them. (pg 9)
6. What are some of the marketing implications of Internet technologies?
Exhibit 1-4 highlights the marketing implications of Internet technologies in the following categories: Bits not atoms, Mediating technology, Global reach, Network externality, Time moderator, Information equalizer, Scalable capacity, Open Standard, Market deconstruct, and Task Automation (pg 10)
7. What are the three main markets of e-business, and how do they differ?
Exhibit 1-5 highlights three important markets that both sell and buy to each other: Businesses, consumers, and governments. (page 11)
The business market is huge because a higher proportion of firms are connected to the Internet than consumers, especially in developing countries. Much of the B2B online activity is transparent to consumers because it involves proprietary networks that allow information and database sharing. Businesses that sell online face increasing competition due to globalization and lower market entry barriers brought about by the Internet. Because the Net contributes to market deconstruction, many firms are changing their entire supply chain structures—which often results in conflict between different marketing channels. This is especially true when manufacturers sell directly to consumers online, thus taking business from retail partners. On the other hand, many firms experience greater interdependence in their value chain due to electronic collaboration practices. Other issues include difficulties serving both offline and online customers, Information overload, and generating revenues in a digital economy. Finally companies in unlikely industries find it relatively easy to forge partnerships that supply value to customers. (pp 11-12)
The balance of power is shifting to consumers—one of the most fundamental changes to marketing because of the Internet. Marketers have practically lost control of brand images and must consistently underpromise and overdeliver, or be found out under the bright lights of the globally networked community. This community also differs greatly by average annual income, Internet penetration, and online usage. The Consumer market is concerned with privacy, safeguarding their children from objectionable Web sites, unsolicited e-mail messages, as well as provide convenience, self-service, speed, good customer service, personal attention, and value. Fortunately, e-marketing can meet all these needs. (pg 13)

The U. S. government is the world’s largest buyer, purchasing over $200 billion in goods and services every year. Add to this the purchasing power of U.S. states, counties, cities, and other municipal agencies, and this makes for a huge market. The governments of other countries are also major purchasers. Government agencies have many rules for suppliers to follow regarding qualifications, paperwork, and so on. Additionally, firms often must compete to be on the government list of approved suppliers, and then compete yet again for specific work contracts through a bidding process. Government agencies are generally very particular about timely delivery of quality products at reasonable prices. The good news is that small and large businesses usually have an equal chance of selling to governments, and that government Web sites announce their buying needs in advance of the bidding process. (pp 14-15)
8. In the context of e-marketing, what does “revenge of the consumer” mean?
Prior to the Internet age, sales orientated marketing appeared along with aggressive and deceptive sales practices. One hundred years of exposure to marketing strategies have made consumers more demanding and more sophisticated, and marketers will have to become better at delivering customer value. Marketers have practically lost control of brand images and must consistently underpromise and overdeliver, or be found out under the bright lights of the globally networked community. (pg 13)

Discussion Questions

9. As a marketer, do you agree with the U.S. executives who say “better quality customer relationships” is one of the most important e-business benefits? Why?

Global competition amongst firms greatly increases the need for additional value added attributes or services. This is because both competitors and consumers can easily and quickly check prices by visiting their respective Web sites. In fact, selling firms can provide customized Web pages to make it even easier for buyers. Competing sellers can thus view competitors prices and thus may try to match them. In this environment, firms must differentiate their products on some basis other than price that is important to buyers: non-price competition. Undoubtedly better quality customer relationships is critical in differentiation their product in this increasingly commodified market. (see question 11 as well.)
10. As a consumer, are you likely to benefit when e-business becomes “just business” in the near future? Explain your answer.
Major corporations such as Microsoft and Sony recognize this eventual online integration of e-business into everyday life. Thus the fierce competition to capture the entertainment system market as a gateway into the home market. Soon every device will become an interactive, customizable conduit for sales. This ubiquitous existence of technology will create a highly specialized market for consumers allowing them to find specialized products with greater ease. Very likely consumers’ buying habits, likes-dislikes, and other data will be recorded thus leading to privacy issues. This practice is already done by major credit card companies like Master Card, Visa, and American Express. Some students may be surprised to know that they are already being tracked by their CPU ID’s for any Pentium III processors or better. The just business part will seamlessly come as more and more users adopt the technology of the future. (Look at how telephones and tv changed marketing!)
11. Some economists suggest that the increase in e-commerce within the B2B market will lead to greater competition and more goods and services becoming commodities;that is, solely competing on price. How do you think this is likely to affect buyers within the B2B market? How would it affect sellers?
Competition might increase because purchasing firms can easily and quickly check prices for competing selling firms simply by visiting their Web sites. In fact, the selling firm will send e-mail and provide customized Web pages to make it even easier for buyers. Sellers can similarly view competitors prices and thus may try to match them. In this environment, firms must differentiate their products on some basis other than price that is important to buyers: non-price competition. They can use the Web to help them by conducting market research to see what customers want, how they perceive various competitive products, and by using these data to modify product offerings. They further can use the Web to customize communication to buyers thus adding value.
12. What concerns about consumer privacy are raised by the increased use of wireless computing and handheld devices outside the home or workplace?
The rapid proliferation of wireless networks outside the home and work place has resulted in increased concern over privacy. Security issues with hard-line Internet connections with “always-on” services like DSL and cable were concern enough already. Now with services that broadcast data throughout the air freely available to everyone, consumers have reason to be even more concerned. The same issues with privacy, credit cards numbers, personal information, etc. apply, except now people can listen in and even jump onto your network with a Pringle’s can for an antennae and a little know how. Encryption standards are still widely debated, but it is likely the added convenience will win out in the end.

Hope

This picture was taken while on a relief task to Tsunami affected areas in a small coastal town in east Sri Lanka called Kinniya. We distributed toys and chocolates among the kids there; expressions on their faces were unexplainable.

mIRC

After 5 years, today logging into mIRC was really a treat. Nothing has changed there even after such a long period of time. Folks are still disguising themselves in nicks representing their inner personalities. Interesting people, they are all loyal to mIRC including me.

I really don’t know why I am writing this one, but I think I should write, I should speak, and I should speak loud.

In a discussion with Gamz who is a Jedi blogger, I have realized that many people are commenting on each other’s blog. Well, I think it’s a bit contrary to the overall idea of blogging. What’s the point of writing with an expectation of “comment” from god knows who, or whoever!. In my opinion, blogging is all about we, ourselves and our thought, why other bother? Are we using blogging as Psychological Refuge?

By the way, I was advised to not to enable the comment option, but again, why? Should people have at least this level of courtesy to not read and poke their “noses and legs” in other people bloggs?
Between, what do you call when other poke their nose in your blogs? A “Plog”

To All desperate for GMAIL,

it feel nice to have an account with 1000MB stated right at the bottom. But I am wondering why so many people gone crazy to get the Gmail account? A suggestion to all of you guys you are virtually dying to get the account!
"Keep your faith on GOD, don't blog to show your Desperation for GMAIL, Wash your face four times a day and don't forget to change your underwear every single day... (NOTE: don't forget to brush your teeth and also a good mouthwash, as far as I know GOOGLE has this cool algorithm to check web user's breath... Now you know why aren't you guys getting GMAIL.....