I just read a report that said that most people don’t know how search engines work (l). That just isn’t right. You need to know how a search engine works for three reasons: 1) it helps you be better searchers, 2) it helps you make your site easier to find, and (3) I think it’s … Continue reading
Need to create a PDF?
I have a neat free tool to tell you about this week. I don’t think it’s new to the world – but it’s new to me. It creates PDF documents for free! It’s called PDF995. PDF is short for portable document format – most of us run into PDFs when we download larger documents, such … Continue reading
Have a Tech Problem?
I think the heat is getting to the computers – everyone I know seems to be experiencing some kind of computer problem. So it seems like a good time to talk about fixing and avoiding problems. Step One: cure the problems by avoiding them at the onset. You can help do that with a virus … Continue reading
A Few Good Conferences
If you are like me you’re looking for any event that is air-conditioned – I have a few suggestions. E-Tapestry hosts fully functional fundraising databases for nonprofit organizations. I talked to them last week and I must admit I don’t know much about their product – except that it’s free for nonprofits with fewer than … Continue reading
Good Looking Web Sites that Search Engines Love
Yesterday I spoke at a MAP/MCN conference for nonprofit techies. Specifically I talked about 10 ways to improve your site ranking with search engines and improve usability. I thought I’d share that list with the Byte subscribers today. And for the new subscribers who were at the presentation – welcome and thanks for joining us … Continue reading
Avoiding Spam
Spam in Austin is good spam in email is bad. I’ve been seeing a lot about spam these days, which made me think that it’s always a good time for anti-spam reminders for anyone who uses email – which by definition includes this list. Here are some tips and suggestions: Never reply to a spam … Continue reading
My Favorite Lists
This week I thought I’d share my favorite e-newsletters. Some are work related; some aren’t. GrantStation – A terrific list if you like to keep your eye on national nonprofit conferences and funding opportunities. Dictionary Word of the Day – The name says it all! Tourbus – Topical articles on a wide range of Internet … Continue reading
Online Book Club to Discuss Rise of the Creative Class
Summer is here! So today I bring you a good excuse to spend next couple of weeks sitting in the sun and reading a really good book. Minnesota Rural Partners and E-Democracy are starting a statewide online book club so that participants can read and discuss books about community. The first book is The Rise … Continue reading
Learn More about the Hill Library
The City Pages lists the James J Hill Library as the Best Library for 2003. The title is well earned. The library is a beautiful space to do research – and a lot of the collection is available online – for those who can’t or don’t want to go downtown. If you can visit the … Continue reading
Need information on who lives where and does what?
The Census has published a great “Facts for Features” page for Mother’s Day. It’s full of fun facts and it’s a great reminder that Mother’s Day is this weekend. It’s also a great reminder of the Census. Census information can be great if you are doing industry research for a business or marketing plan, if … Continue reading