What it does
Everyone has received unwanted forwards, chain letters, or urban myth emails. But unfortunately, when these come from your friends or co-workers, your spam filter won’t block them, and there is no ‘unsubscribe’ link at the bottom. StopForwarding.Us is a new site that let’s you battle this problem by sending a polite, anonymous email to ask your contacts to stop sending these types of unwanted emails. To do so, you simply enter the offender’s name and email address, and they will receive an email that asks them to kindly stop sending email forwards, and even provides some tips on email etiquette (such as “Avoid sending forwards to friends or relatives that you’ve grown distant with. It can be frustrating for the recipient when the only correspondence you have with someone is via impersonal, unwanted email.”) To prevent abuse, StopForwarding.Us will only allow one anonymous email to be sent to a single email address every three months. The site also has a small store that sells spam or forward-themed t-shirts and mouse pads, with proceeds helping to fund the site.
In their own words
This site was created to meet the need of those who are bothered by poor email etiquette, specifically when it comes to forwarded chain letters, urban myths, and bad jokes. The primary function of the site is to allow individuals to anonymously email someone who has sent them spam or forwards a generic letter that politely asks the recipient to refrain from sending this type of email.
Why it might be a killer
If you have an email account, you have almost certainly received the types of email that this site combats. Asking a friend, co-worker, or acquaintance (particularly one you don’t know well or don’t keep in close touch with) to stop sending the unwanted emails could be awkward, but the anonymous nature of StopForwarding.Us would ease that discomfort.
Some questions
Could they add a few options to choose from for the anonymous email? The email automatically sent right now is fairly long and includes information on email etiquette. Could there be the option of sending an email that’s a bit more brief? Aside from the very limited online store, how does this site plan to make a profit?
Updates
read full story of "StopForwarding.Us - Fight Chain Letters and Forwards"
What it does
Working for an Internet startup requires a different skill set and mindset than employment at a large or established company does. StartupAgents.com is a new job network that aims to connect startups with quality employees who can help their startup take off. The site focuses on the software, hardware, life sciences, nanotechnology, and green/clean technology sectors. Both companies and ‘agents’ (job seekers) can register detailed profiles on the site, and at the moment, companies can contact agents, but not the other way around. Registration is free, but companies pay a monthly subscription fee to contact agents. However, during the current beta testing period, the monthly subscription fee is waived. The startups are generally private companies less than five years old, have less than 100 employees, and offer employees equity as compensation. Agents pay nothing to use StartupAgents.com, and can even communicate with other agents to learn about potential employers or ask questions any other topic.
In their own words
“StartupAgents is a matching service dedicated to helping startup companies worldwide find the talent they need to build next generation products and services… Our mission is to help startup companies change the world by connecting teams and talent.”
Why it might be a killer
Larger job sites like Monster, CareerBuilder, or even Craigslist can be so big and general that it is hard for employers and job seekers to connect. Startup companies and the type of worker who seeks employment at one could both benefit from the focus of this niche job site. Since it is free for ‘agents,’ they really have no reason not to register, and for a company, finding a quality, qualified employee would certainly be worth the small monthly subscription fee.
Some questions
Since startups tend to have fairly few employees, will many companies bother to maintain a subscription to StartupAgents over time, or will they simply sign up for a month or two while they are looking to hire, then cancel their subscription as soon as they’ve filled the openings? If this occurs much, and if the site stays ad-free, will StartupAgents generate enough income to really take off?
Updates
read full story of "StartupAgents.com - Job Network for Startups"
What it does
At MagToo.com you can create free image presentations known as “MagShows,” to display on your blog or on social network profiles like Facebook, Myspace, or Friendster. You can create a MagShow that is a Slide Show or a Panorama Show, and MagToo will even auto-stitch photos together to create your panoramic image. Add any music you want, or record voice narration, and add it to your MagShow in mp3 format. If you link your MagShow to a Google map, it is called a “TripShow” and can be used as a visual travelogue. Any MagShow is easily customized with styles, themes, and skins, and there is a magnifier tool if you’d like to zoom in on your images. Adjustable privacy settings allow you to control who views your slideshow.
In their own words
“MagToo is an image widget application and portal site which allows users to create slide shows with a unique magnifier tool, and immersive 360 degree panorama style shows. Furthermore, users can share these on social network sites (Facebook, MySpace, etc.), as well as create virtual ‘travelogues’ on Google maps. MagToo’s virtual travelogue is a unique feature unavailable on other image widgets, and allows users to map and share their travels with slide and panorama shows.”
Why it might be a killer
MagToo claims to be the world’s first web-based tool that auto-stitches your photos together to create a panoramic image. This function alone will really set the site apart. Furthermore, the MagShows you create are attractive, fun, free, and easy to customize – and can be added to a variety of web pages, many of which are already popular, such as the social networks. When someone sees a MagShow on their friend’s Facebook profile and likes it, they’ll become a potential new MagToo user.
Some questions
How will this site make a profit? Are the slideshows you create on this site unique enough to really set MagToo apart from other photo slideshow widgets?
Updates
read full story of "MagToo.com - Make Panoramic Photos and Slideshows"
What it does
Parents-to-be have a new site where they can look for inspiration on what to name their baby. ValleyOfNames.com is a huge database of names that is constantly growing, because registered users can add new names. It is free to register, and when you do so, the site will keep track of all the names you view, so you can browse freely without worrying that you might forget about a name you liked. Another feature is that, as you look at names, you are always presented with a list of similar or look-alike names, so you can get some ideas on variations of the name you’re currently viewing. You can browse recently added names or the most popular names, by gender, or by first (or even last!) letter. You can also do a search that excludes names that start or end with a particular letter.
In their own words
“We know all too well how hard it can be to find a fitting name for your baby. Most names are not really what you’re looking for. And when you finally do find a name, there always seems to be someone with that name already, which somehow often spoils it… At ValleyOfNames.com we try to do something about that, by giving you some online tools to aid you in your search.”
Why it might be a killer
Because users can add their own names to the database, ValleyOfNames.com may end up with a lot more original names than other sites that do not allow users to add names. People might also like that they can leave comments here, so they could leave their thoughts on a name or pose a question about the name for other users to answer.
Some questions
Is there enough on this site to keep users interested? There doesn’t seem to be information provided about the meaning or origin of names (which a lot of similar sites do provide), and while you can leave comments, there don’t seem to be many yet. I checked the entries for John, Mohammad, and Sarah, and none had a single comment posted.
Updates
What it does
Parents-to-be have a new site where they can look for inspiration on what to name their baby. ValleyOfNames.com is a huge database of names that is constantly growing, because registered users can add new names. It is free to register, and when you do so, the site will keep track of all the names you view, so you can browse freely without worrying that you might forget about a name you liked. Another feature is that, as you look at names, you are always presented with a list of similar or look-alike names, so you can get some ideas on variations of the name you’re currently viewing. You can browse recently added names or the most popular names, by gender, or by first (or even last!) letter. You can also do a search that excludes names that start or end with a particular letter.
In their own words
“We know all too well how hard it can be to find a fitting name for your baby. Most names are not really what you’re looking for. And when you finally do find a name, there always seems to be someone with that name already, which somehow often spoils it… At ValleyOfNames.com we try to do something about that, by giving you some online tools to aid you in your search.”
Why it might be a killer
Because users can add their own names to the database, ValleyOfNames.com may end up with a lot more original names than other sites that do not allow users to add names. People might also like that they can leave comments here, so they could leave their thoughts on a name or pose a question about the name for other users to answer.
Some questions
Is there enough on this site to keep users interested? There doesn’t seem to be information provided about the meaning or origin of names (which a lot of similar sites do provide), and while you can leave comments, there don’t seem to be many yet. I checked the entries for John, Mohammad, and Sarah, and none had a single comment posted.
Updates
What it does
galleryXchange.com is a new site for artists and art lovers alike. The site acts as an online art gallery, where artists can post images of their artwork, to help attract potential buyers from anywhere in the world. Art enthusiasts can use the site to find pieces they would like to buy, or artists they would like to contact. GalleryXchange registration and listings are free for artists at the moment due to a promotion, though it normally costs 50 cents. The art for sale is separated into “Art” and “Photograph” categories, which are further subdivided into media types for the art, and subject matter for the photographs. When you enter an e-gallery, you see small images of all the available art, and clicking on the thumbnail opens a larger image with price and artist information. When an artist sells a piece through the site, galleryXchange takes a 3.5% commission. On the front page of galleryXchange, there are “New Arrivals” and “Featured Art” categories as well. It costs $5 per day to be listed as a Featured Product.
In their own words
“galleryXchange - Where selling and buying art is simple.”
Why it might be a killer
Because it costs little-to-nothing to list pieces (depending on whether a promotion is in effect), artists will likely find this site quite attractive. Then, the more artists who join, the more appealing galleryXchange.com will become to art buyers, who could use the site to find undiscovered artists or pieces they might never come across in their geographic are or on mainstream e-galleries.
Some questions
How do the listing prices and commission rate taken by galleryXchange compare to other online art galleries? Does this site offer artists or buyers any sort of insurance or refund policy in case one or the other does not follow through on their end of a purchase agreement?
Updates
What it does
galleryXchange.com is a new site for artists and art lovers alike. The site acts as an online art gallery, where artists can post images of their artwork, to help attract potential buyers from anywhere in the world. Art enthusiasts can use the site to find pieces they would like to buy, or artists they would like to contact. GalleryXchange registration and listings are free for artists at the moment due to a promotion, though it normally costs 50 cents. The art for sale is separated into “Art” and “Photograph” categories, which are further subdivided into media types for the art, and subject matter for the photographs. When you enter an e-gallery, you see small images of all the available art, and clicking on the thumbnail opens a larger image with price and artist information. When an artist sells a piece through the site, galleryXchange takes a 3.5% commission. On the front page of galleryXchange, there are “New Arrivals” and “Featured Art” categories as well. It costs $5 per day to be listed as a Featured Product.
In their own words
“galleryXchange - Where selling and buying art is simple.”
Why it might be a killer
Because it costs little-to-nothing to list pieces (depending on whether a promotion is in effect), artists will likely find this site quite attractive. Then, the more artists who join, the more appealing galleryXchange.com will become to art buyers, who could use the site to find undiscovered artists or pieces they might never come across in their geographic are or on mainstream e-galleries.
Some questions
How do the listing prices and commission rate taken by galleryXchange compare to other online art galleries? Does this site offer artists or buyers any sort of insurance or refund policy in case one or the other does not follow through on their end of a purchase agreement?
Updates
What it does
galleryXchange.com is a new site for artists and art lovers alike. The site acts as an online art gallery, where artists can post images of their artwork, to help attract potential buyers from anywhere in the world. Art enthusiasts can use the site to find pieces they would like to buy, or artists they would like to contact. GalleryXchange registration and listings are free for artists at the moment due to a promotion, though it normally costs 50 cents. The art for sale is separated into “Art” and “Photograph” categories, which are further subdivided into media types for the art, and subject matter for the photographs. When you enter an e-gallery, you see small images of all the available art, and clicking on the thumbnail opens a larger image with price and artist information. When an artist sells a piece through the site, galleryXchange takes a 3.5% commission. On the front page of galleryXchange, there are “New Arrivals” and “Featured Art” categories as well. It costs $5 per day to be listed as a Featured Product.
In their own words
“galleryXchange - Where selling and buying art is simple.”
Why it might be a killer
Because it costs little-to-nothing to list pieces (depending on whether a promotion is in effect), artists will likely find this site quite attractive. Then, the more artists who join, the more appealing galleryXchange.com will become to art buyers, who could use the site to find undiscovered artists or pieces they might never come across in their geographic are or on mainstream e-galleries.
Some questions
How do the listing prices and commission rate taken by galleryXchange compare to other online art galleries? Does this site offer artists or buyers any sort of insurance or refund policy in case one or the other does not follow through on their end of a purchase agreement?
Updates
What it does
Bkkeepr is a tool that utilizes Twitter to help you to keep track of what books you read, and also lets you share that information with others. To start using the service, you only need to have a Twitter account and direct it to follow “bkkeepr.” You then send bkkeepr updates via reply or direct message. You can update via the Internet or SMS text messages. Bkkeepr is set up so you can keep track of information like when you start or finish a book, or you can make notes on or bookmark specific pages. To add a book, you must enter the ISBN number, which will direct bkkeepr not only to the book but to the specific edition. On your personal bkkeepr site, you can see a summary of the books you read and whatever information you entered about them, as well as a picture of the cover. You can share your page with friends or browse other users’ pages from the bkkeepr homepage. Bkkeepr is a project of booktwo.org, which is a blog and project that investigates the intersection of literature and technology.
In their own words
“Want to remember what you read? Want to share your dog-eared pages, and see what everyone else dog-eared? Love LibraryThing, but are always forgetting to add your books? bkkeepr helps you do it, wherever you are… bkkeepr lets you track your reading and bookmark on the go, via the web and SMS.”
Why it might be a killer
There are countless Twitter applications out there, but this one stands out as one that might actually be useful. You can use it to keep a personal record of what books you read or how long you take to read them, and you can share this information with friends. You can also bookmark pages or make notes, and it is possible to do all this from your mobile device via SMS, so you could even use bkkeepr to send yourself notes about the book if you don’t have a pen with you or it’s not your book to write in.
Some questions
Would using Twitter to keep track of your reading or to make notes as you read take away from the experience of simply sitting down and reading a book? Are the commands you must message to bkkeepr to update it a bit too complicated to really be useful on-the-go? For instance, if you are reading a book with ISBN # 9781841493343 and want to note that page 73 is “important,” you’d have to send the following message:
@bkkeepr 9781841493343 73 “important”
Updates
What it does
Kidmondo.com is a site where parents can create a comprehensive online baby journal chronicling their child’s life - for posterity’s sake, and to share with family and friends in a safe, private environment. Basic accounts are free, while paid subscriptions go for $5-$10 per month and provide an ad-free journal, greater storage capacity, and allow for more children’s sites per family. Parents can essentially blog on the site, adding stories, noting milestones, and uploading videos and photos of their child. You can further personalize the site with a customized web address, colors, and themes. There is a growth charts feature where you can track your child’s height and weight (and compare it to world averages), and even a dental chart to keep track of when baby’s first tooth arrives, or when the Tooth Fairy makes her first visit. An interactive timeline brings all of these features together to visually represent your child’s growth. Parents can share all of these features with family and friends by sending an invitation (you cannot make a public baby journal). There are also private pages only for the parents, such as a medical and food journal feature where you can track your child’s diet, immunizations, etc.
In their own words
“The first years of a child’s life are full of excitement. They grow, develop, and discover the world around them - milestones every parent wants to remember. Kidmondo offers a fast and easy way to record their first smile, first step and their everyday adventures. Kidmondo is a gift for yourself, your family and your child!”
Why it might be a killer
You get quite a bit out of the free accounts on Kidmondo.com, which could help the site to gain lots of users (therefore making it appealing to advertisers). The site is easy-to-use and the baby journals created are attractive, look professional, and are very easily personalized.
Some questions
Are many users going to bother paying to subscribe to Kidmondo.com? The free accounts allow for up to three children and are almost identical to the paid accounts with the exception of storage space and whether you see ads on your page. How many families these days have more than three children? If you decide after a while, or when your child is older, that you no longer want to pay to update the site monthly, is there some sort of archive the parents can take away with them?
Updates