There's a new kid in town -
We think these guys have a great idea and we look forward to participating!
For Release - (Chicago Designers & Developers - www.cd2ug.org). cd2 is about bridging the gap between designers and developers and focuses on the collaboration and importance of the user experience. We are connecting with as many designers and developers as we can to spread the word. We really want to hear from everyone to find out what they want in presentations.
Each meeting starts off with a little networking then moves into presentations. Presentations will cover both functionality and creativity. They will also cover everything from Flash to Silverlight, design theory, processes, tutorials, and panel discussions.
Check out www.cd2ug.org. You can join the group and RSVP for the next meeting.
Down economy not denting digital marketing
The September issue of Direct Magazine Direct Magazine confirms what many web development and online marketing firms have been experiencing for the last 16 months: that the downturn in the economy has not resulted in drastically reduced budgets for online initiatives in 2008.
According to Richard Levey, Direct Magazine's annual survey of ecommerce concerns found that there is considerable continued investment in digital strategies. As an explanation, Veronis Suhler Stevenson analysts note "the weakening economy prompted brand marketers to shift ad budgets to alternative media and marketing services due to strong return-on-investment metrics and high usage among target audiences."
However, what is worth noting is that by and large, investment in digital strategies has not grown from 2007. This, though I don't have the data to support it, might be the first time in many years that statistically zero investment growth in categories like email marketing, editorial material distribution and online promotions has occurred. If there is any indicator of strict budgets in tough times dictating digital strategy among respondents to this survey, this might be it.
Direct Magazine projects that a broad increase in digital strategy spending is in store for 2009, though they don't provide an in-depth discussion or any data to support this. However, Veronis Suhler's observation that online marketers don't want to repeat the mistakes of 2001 when they pulled back their online ad budgets only to lose market share rings true. Perhaps this is why 2009 may be shaping up nicely.
Friday night lights are back and we're ready!
Congratulations to highschoolsports.net on the launch of their new and improved web site for the upcoming high school academic and sports year.
Work to improve the site's user experience and branding / design began in late February. Six months and many many iterations later, the site is servicing individual high school sports programs and their fans in high schools around the country.
On the site, users can get driving directions, news stories, sports specific athletic and fitness training, information on post high school choices and purchase custom spirit wear and photographs and the latest Massey Ratings. Users also have the unique ability to review pictures, videos and scores for their favorite teams.
Highschoolsports.net is the #1 web site for high school sports in the United States.
Thank you to DM, RN, TB, CS, AH, SM, FG, BM, TP, JS, LS, JS, and AS. Everyone did a great job getting this extremely ambitious project finished and ready for heavy use nationwide.