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Ecommerce / Web Marketing Ezine
November 4 2001
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View the TTB Ezine Archive
Taming the Beast Ezine - November 4 2001
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Contents:
A note from Michael and Kathy
1. Nimda Returns!
2. Taming the Beast Mark II!
3. Article Summary - Internet/Ecommerce Statistics October 2001
4. Article Summary - HTTP Error Codes reference
5. From the Archives - Think outside the square you live in.
Closing Notes and contact details
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October 21 2001
Greetings All,
In this fortnight's offering, we'll examine the return of a "new and improved" version of the Nimda virus.
Included in this issue is an article from our archives that deals with creative thought and web development. We'll also preview two other new articles published by Michael.
The launch of the revamped site is drawing closer! Your feedback would be greatly appreciated as to what you would like to see included on Taming the Beast Mark II!
Many articles are available from our site, free for reproduction on your web site or ezine. Subjects covered include Web Design, Internet Promotion and Marketing, Security and of a general cyberspace related theme. The article index can be viewed at:
http://www.tamingthebeast.net/ articles/articlemain.htm
Don't forget to check out the other great resources on Taming the Beast.net!
Please forward this newsletter on to those who you feel may be interested in the subjects discussed. If you have received this in error, we apologise, and by replying to this email with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject line, we'll remove you from our list promptly. To those of you who have subscribed, we assure you that your email address will not be distributed to any other party for any reason, in accordance with our privacy policy.
Michael and Kathy
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1. Nimda Returns!
Things seemed to have gone a bit quiet on the Nimda virus front over the last couple of weeks and it would have appeared, that like most viruses, it had disappeared into the background noise of other infestations.
If you aren't already aware of the Nimda virus, you can catch up on the background of it here:
http://www.tamingthebeast.net/ articles/nimdavirus.htm
http://www.tamingthebeast.net/ articles/nimdaupdate.htm
Virus writers have been busy playing with Nimda since it's original release and a number of other versions have been brewed, with little impact.
But last week, a new version emerged - W32.Nimda.E@mm, and I have come across it twice in the last 5 days. Once was from a computer hardware web site and in the other incident it arrived as an email attachment, "sample.exe". It would be wise to configure your firewall to quarantine email attachments.
If you don't have a personal firewall and wish to learn more about them, read this:
http://www.tamingthebeast.net/ misc/security.htm
Version E of this virus contains modifications to avoid detection by anti-viral software. Most major anti-virus companies have released updates to accurately identify W32.Nimda.E@mm, so please ensure you have the latest updates from your vendor. Norton's have increased the rating of this virus from a Category 2 to a Category 3 due to the number of infections reported.
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2. Taming the Beast Mark II
Only a few weeks to go and the revamped site design will be released! The new design features improved navigation and most pages load 10 - 50% quicker. We'd love to hear your ideas for future inclusions on Taming the Beast! After all, without you, Taming the Beast.net wouldn't exist.
Is there something you have been looking for out on the 'net, but can't locate?
Do you want to see more articles on a specific subject?
Is there an interactive element you would like to see included?
If so, we'd appreciate you taking the time to drop us a line and let us know how we can improve your online experience. Please email your requests to michael@tamingthebeast.net
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3. Article summary - Internet/Ecommerce Statistics October 2001
Some interesting information gathered throughout the month of October. Areas include:
- Top Online Purchases for 2001 Holiday Season
- Common Influences on Online Purchases
- International Internet Bandwidth by Region, 1999-2001
- Browser Stats
- Monitor Resolution Stats
- Operating System Statistics
View the full article:
http://www.tamingthebeast.net/ articles/octoberstats.htm
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4. Article summary - HTTP Error Codes reference:
"The jargon of the web has added many new words and terms to the English language.... way too many! - it's hard to keep up with the terminology, definition and explanations.
We've all hit those pages that give us mysterious error messages, so what do they mean?"
View the full article:
http://www.tamingthebeast.net/ articles/httperrorcodesreference.htm
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5. From the archives - Think outside the square you live in
"Inside each of us is a song"...... the same could be said for web sites. Killer web sites!
One of the secrets behind success (both financial and statistical) on the Internet today is the niche market. Traditionally, our niche markets had boundaries such as our town, cities and countries.
It's 2001.......
It's time to think global....
As an example, in one of my classes I had a student who had a pretty well defined unusual interest. It was so unusual that this person had no one to bounce ideas off (including me). Actually, there would have been very few people in our city of one million that would have shared the same ideals. So they set off creating their site with very little web design experience.
The result was very impressive, definitely not from a technical point of view, but this site was really drawing visitors!
As a species we tend to limit ourselves to what we are taught is the "norm". We look to others to set the example of what we should be doing. Anything falling outside the norm is encouraged to be hidden, if not scorned.
To pass through this life with knowledge not shared is to have a meaningless existence........
International barriers are breaking down rapidly, thoughts and ideas that were once quashed are now able to mingle in the mainstream. This of course has created a deluge of "undesirable" content on the Internet, but has also given birth to many great products and concepts. So many of us who design web sites keep looking on the Internet for ideas, when we really should be looking within ourselves..."have the dream, then make it real"
What makes you special as a person? What makes you different from everyone else in your home town? What are your special skills and knowledge that cause people to seek you out? These are the things that will bring you success on the 'net. Because no matter how individual you believe yourself to be, there are millions of other similar "individuals" world-wide. These are your future visitors, your clients. This is an extraordinary time in human history and it is exciting to be a part of it.
After all, I'm sure the guy that said "I know, I'm going to sell books online" had his fair share of ridicule and criticism - especially since the Internet was considered to be the Grim Reaper for the book trade.
So whether you are launching into web design for commercial or other reasons, stick to what you know best - your niche market. Many sites try to be a one stop shop for every item imaginable. I have tried this, it doesn't work. A couple of years ago, I tried the online store concept and had over one million products available for purchase - guess how much money I made - zilch. The reason being that I had no idea of what I was selling! No credibility.......
By refining your product or concept, you have greater control over it and are able to easily answer visitor queries regarding it. The netizen consumer is becoming more discerning.
However "off the wall" your interest is, whether it be toenail clipping art or a book you have written on how to successfully annoy ferrets....put it on the Internet, promote it well.....you can't go wrong!
As for designing and promoting your web site on the Internet, you are in the right place. Also, my site has a number of tips and tricks to help you create that killer site. Check it out .... and send me a commission when you are rich and famous! In your success is mine!
Authors Note - please, no toenail clipping art gifts - cash is fine - but then again, I would be interested in the ferret book.... :O)
Michael Bloch
michael@tamingthebeast.net
http://www.tamingthebeast.net
Tutorials, web content and tools, software and community.
Web Marketing, eCommerce & Development solutions.
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Copyright information....If you wish to reproduce this article, please acknowledge "Taming the Beast" by including a hyperlink or reference to the website (www.tamingthebeast.net) & send me an email letting me know. The article must be reproduced in it's entirety & this copyright statement must be included. Thanks. Visit www.tamingthebeast.net to view other great articles FREE for reproduction
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Well, that's all for this Taming the Beast update. We appreciate your support and the next time you visit, take the time to fully explore the site as it is expanding rapidly. We are very open to feedback, so please don't hesitate in contacting us.
We hope that life is treating you kindly. We hope for a better world.
Regards from Australia
Michael Bloch & Katherine Tyndale
Taming the Beast - Established 1995
michael@tamingthebeast.net
kathy@tamingthebeast.net
www.tamingthebeast.net
Tutorials, web content and tools, software and community
Marketing, eCommerce and General Training Services
To subscribe to this newsletter, simply send a blank email to subscribe@tamingthebeast.net
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