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Be Aware of The Article Production Hype

It is maybe... No, it is too early to talk about the end of a hype when the hype has not really started yet. In this way this contribution is not really client focused. Never row against the flow...But it can do no harm either.

Not only some stock exchange experience will teach us that expectations are sometimes inflated. For some trends it could take years before they grow into a real hype. But then, when the expectations are no longer met you should be prepared... For those who are in the Article production business. The threat comes from on aspect which is easily underestimated.

A Hype Cycle is a graphic representation of the maturity, adoption and business application of specific technologies. Since 1995, Gartner has used Hype Cycles to characterize the over-enthusiasm or "hype" and subsequent disappointment that typically happens with the introduction of new technologies. (http://www.gartner.com/pages/story.php.id.8795.s.8.jsp)

Such a cycle consists of five phases;

• 1. "Technology Trigger"
• 2. "Peak of Inflated Expectations"
• 3. "Trough of Disillusionment"
• 4. "Slope of Enlightenment"
• 5. "Plateau of Productivity"

An important lesson of Gartner is that all that is new is fancy and gets (press) support. Then, when the enthusiasm is over, the disappointments follows and support (commitment) falls back. And this commitment is needed for projects to succeed.

The project in this case could be: article production and syndication. If you think that the hype cycle is only for introduction of new technology, you could use the wisdom of the stock-exchange; there too the stock prices are often inflated because of unreal expectations. Disappointment will also follow.

Now what could lead to such disappointment?

Quality.

What is very likely to happen is that the quality of the article production gets hurt by the demands of quantity. We want more and we do no longer bother about the quality. Quality is in danger when quantity gets all the freedom.

Interesting in this context is the economic law of Gresham:

bad money drives out good money

The universal reach of this law is debated. Yet for those who think this future threat is relevant might as well act with further investigation on the topic. Be aware...

2006 Hans Bool

posted by aasdas38493 @ 11:34 PM 0 comments

Pass the Salt - It's a Hot Collectible

Part of the attraction of any collectible is the story that surrounds it, and salt-cellars have a tale to tell. Heres what you need to know about this condiment collectible.

The Salt

Salt-cellars, sometimes called the salt, open salts or salt dips, have been around for centuries. They are the dishes from which salt was served with tiny spoons or the end of a knife blade. In informal situations, you could pinch the salt from the dishes.

Early salt was coarse and caked in humid weather. It had to be kept in open dishes so that the coarse salt could be broken up before serving.

Materials

Salt-cellars were made of many materials including wood, glass, pottery, pewter, crystal, sterling and Faberge. They ranged in style from unadorned, simple-shaped glass to chic decorative sterling silver.

History

In the Middle Ages, where you were seated in relation to the placement of the salt on the table signified your social stature. The desirable seating position was above the salt, a term that is still sometimes used. Wealthy Romans liberal use of salt, a precious commodity at that time, broadcast their social status.

One of the most famous salt-cellars is depicted in Leonardo da Vinci's painting "The Last Supper." It shows an upturned salt-cellar in front of Judas, which signifies bad luck or bad faith.

Salt-cellars became archaic in the early 19th century when new glass technology developed. Glass salt shakers were born and salt-cellars were obsolete.

Desirable Collectible

Salt-cellars are attractive collectibles. They are unique and decorative. You can have an assortment yet they do not take up too much space. Plus, they are not too expensive so you can develop a collection without breaking the bank, ranging in price from a few dollars to pricier crystal or sterling silver.

Antique shops, flea markets, garage sales and E-bay are all good sources for salt-cellars.

posted by aasdas38493 @ 1:33 PM 0 comments