Steven Savage

It appears the Michael Jackson funeral is a big internet event, and social media is very active on the subject. We're seeing a huge multimedia news event in his passing, one that shows just how important multimedia is to major events.

Economics/Freakonomics/Geekonomics:
Virtual banks can rash too – Some interesting stories and speculation. A fun read, and it touches on finance in MMOs.

Media:
Mayor Bloomberg has a plan to stimulate NYC Media Jobs – So if you're in NYC or thinking of moving there, and are interested in media employment, this is a positive sign – if it works.

Publishing:
McClatchy has a nearly 50% chance of default – That could mean bankrupcy, and either way means more shifts in the publishing world.

Social Media:
Facebook's demographics appear to be trending older faster – This means shifts to what ads work, what services work, etc. I'm guessing some of it is the increase of families using Facebook. Either way, a shift to be aware of – and a fast one. If you're in marketing, social media, etc. this is an article to read in full. I wonder how much of Facebook evolution will be driven by this – and how much Facebook will set the tone for the newcoming demographic.

Technology:
Why consumer hardware may be a good bet for a startup – I found it telling to assess companies potential futures. A good read on why actual hardware companies can survive and prosper.

After saying it won't do a Netbook, Sony pretty much releases a netbook, the Vaio W. At $500 it's a tad pricey, even with the good line. Sounds like they came late to the party – and pricey.

Travel:
Hotels' have had their own recession for 20 months and counting – I still hear talk hotels are a good business bet, and that hasn't been true in awhile. This is just another effect of economic belt-tightening, and should be kept in mind while planning events – you may get good rates, you may also find a chosen hotel has gone under.

Video Games:
ZeniMax raised $105 million to buy ID Software – A staggering number, but it also means they expect this is a worthwhile investment. How long they think it will take to make it back and how they plan to do it will affect future strategy. If they're on your job list, keep that in mind (and if you think you can make that difference, you have a great selling point).

Massachucets legislator wants tax credits for video game companies – Much like the failed 2008 measure. Still, keep an eye on it to see what happens. Seems like a lot of places are trying to stimulate game and media production, could help you with some job or relocation choices.

Square Enix uses Eidos to form Square Enix Europe – Before you get excited, this is going to impact jobs elsewhere in the company. They've also got to make that acquistion pay off.

– Steven Savage

Career:
Want to start your own business? The ever-reliable Jason Alba has a book reccomendation that may be up your alley.

Economics/Freakonomics/Geekonomics:
To big to fail is over? I've been seeing this from several sources – that future banking and corporate rules will be stricter, and even require companies to plan for their own failure, and accelerate corporate sell-off and deconstruction. This could obviously make it much better for companies to stay smaller and more focused. I think there will be a lot less adversity to such regulations, so watch what happens – it may affect your company, but it could lead to more economic stability. I'm concerned about a second round of corporate collapses in 3-5 years, and this might head that off (if of course I'm right).

Social Media:
Social Media and class – An informative read on the fact that social media has class divisions in it as well – and often reinforces them. If you're remotely involved in social media, take a read.

Facebook is still on a roll – Yeah, I know, nothing new. More information from the same sources, including a projection Facebook could be making revenue in the billions in 5 years. Pretty sure that's 55% hype.

Video Games:
TV Networks are interested in the mobile game market. Provides some insights of just how many are getting interested. The branding opportunities have to be heady as well. With mobile gaming expanding this fast, it's something to watch – as is good synergy.

Onatrio putting huge amount of cash into new Ubisoft studio over ten years. Anyone still thinking gaming isn't recognized as a legitimate industry anymore?

Yes, the Japanese game market is slumping.

Writing:
Want to break into writing? Michael Stackpoole says you're going to want to go online. A good read for future writers. Stackpoole has a lot of insights I hadn't thought of – how the rapidity of payment changes income, the internet can bring back the serial, etc.

And finally, a robot to make ramen. How many more geeky things can combine here?

– Steven Savage