The semantic web for narcissists
November 5, 2008
It’s important to drop the semantic web into conversation as, in a few years time, when everybody’s using it, they’ll remember you as the internet oracle. This will give weight to your God complex and distract them from the fact that you are actually nuts.
Pay attention class:
What it is
The semantic web is a way of standardizing the way data is stored online so all information can be effectively linked to other relevant bits of information. Think of the semantic web as a giant mashup, a way of comparing data for any question you have, like — Why do Norwegians like death metal?
How it works
It works by understanding what is on each page and interpreting the information to find the answer to your search. In the example given, it will look at data on Norway and data on death metal and find connections in the information, for example — suicide rates rise in winter months, death metal fans paint their rooms black, blondes feel pressure to have more fun, etc etc.
Why it is good
When you search the semantic web, you’ll get only the information you want, minus the information you don’t need. Instead of a complete Norwegian country profile, you’ll only see sections of that data that relate to death metal.
When will it be running
It’s happening now. Semantic Hacker is a great way of seeing it in action and understanding how the bejesus semantic web works.
Who’s hairbrain idea is this anyway?
The grand high priest of the web, Tim Burners-Lee
Where to find more facts
Youtube interview with Tim Burners-Lee
World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) on the Semantic Web
SIMILE - putting the semantic web into action
All hail, the Great One is 10
September 11, 2008
In absence of a proper date for Google’s birthday, I’m celebrating in my own (pathetic) way today. Here is why Google is great for copywriters (brownnoser? Moi?)
How do you say it?
When writing copy for an audience that most certainly isn’t you, it’s hard to get in their skin and use the right terminology. Use Google to search terms related to your topic and simply see which gets more results.
Technical Writing
August 14, 2008
Technical writing for customers (B2C for the abbreviationally inclined) crops up in even the most un-technical of professions. If you find yourself trying to unravel the metaphorical ball of wool in hope of making a beautiful sweater then follow these pointers and you’ll be fine.
Are puns so bad?
June 2, 2008
Amongst the copywriting fraternity (like the freemasons but with more spectacles) there is much distaste for the trusty pun. Considered to be the lazy writer’s cheap gag, the pun occupies a part of the advertising world that was last seen in 1986 and, as many consider, it should stay there.
Off Topic: The Rules of the Art Gallery
April 29, 2008
Let’s go mad and talk about something other than copywriting. The rules are:
Spend more time reading the notes than looking at the art.
A fart in a gallery will be heard and smelt on the floors above and below you. It will also follow you into every room disturbing the intellectual aura and branding you the filthy retrograde.
Writing Through the Block
April 5, 2008
What do you do when you reach an inspirational cul-de-sac in your copywriting?
Don’t bother
Trying to write when you’re feeling uninspired is like trying to eat toast covered in salt. It’ll take you hours, you won’t be satisfied at the end and you’ll wonder why you bothered. Hire a professional to do the job, my rates are very reasonable.
I Can See into the Future – Part 2
February 26, 2008
Can you see yourself using the term should of/would of/could of? The erroneous use of should’ve/would’ve/could’ve is more common, and increasingly more acceptable than you probably realize.
I Can See into the Future
January 30, 2008
Language is a slippery beast. We get new words, lose old ones and flip the current ones before we’ve quite pinned down whether we’d rather hang out with a Dinky or Twocker (or neither). There’s nothing like a new word to make you feel your age and distance from the yoof lexicon so it’s good to stay abreast of words that won’t reveal your true age (or make you look as cool as David Cameron in a Hoodie).
Do you Speak Canadian?
December 1, 2007
You should. Using Canadian English in your copy makes it accessible to English, American and European markets by adopting the best bits of all. Instantly travelable, it uses spellings and turns of phrase adopted by the majority and has inclusively in its very fabric. If you intend to trade across time zones Canadian English increases your chances of whispering sweet nothings into your customer’s buying ear and cooing the words they feel most familiar with.
Quick Fix Writing for Non Writers
October 13, 2007
Creating quality web copy is the key to creating a dedicated fan base and helping the office narcoleptic to keep their job.
If you’re limited for time but need to update your website there’s a few on-the-spot things you can do to fix it up real nice.
