JohnA lifeBlog

Business 101: If you’re a fad, realize it

Low-Carb Pioneer Atkins Files Chapter 11

One of the things the dot.com bubble taught observant business executives is that, if your business is growing as the result of some “fad” or “buzz”, you shouldn’t allow your business plans to include the belief that the trend will continue indefinitely.

There are many examples of companies who believed their own hype, and paid dearly for that mistake.

I think the worst thing a CXO can do is read the glitterati articles written about their businesses in the trades. It’s almost like a starlet believing everything written about her in Entertainment Weekly.

Wood & Glue Are Awfully Expensive

So, at about 10:00 this morning, around 1,400 pounds of office furniture arrived at our office. Let me state first that I am SOOOO glad we chose to let them deliver it rather than us pick it up.

Anyway, as is the style of our times, I’ve photographed the initial process. We set up Loyd’s furniture first, since that is what a visitor first sees when they walk into the office. Tomorrow? My office and the conference room!

I think the new furniture looks great with our color scheme. What do you think?

Nanny Society 911

Gamemaker Sued Over Hidden Sex in GTA

A woman is suing Take2 Interactive because the game she bought for her 14 year old grandson had hidden nudity.

I’m sorry, but there is a limit. Are you telling me that, despite the game’s Mature (17+) rating, and content featuring drive-by shootings & cop killing, is acceptible for the 14 year old?

To paraphrase from South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut: Remember what the government says; Horrific, Deplorable violence is okay, as long as people don’t show any boobies! That’s what this war is all about!

R.I.P. iFulFill.com

Early this morning, Paul Purdue, president of iFulFill.com, one of UltraCart’s largest fulfillment partners, sent an e-mail stating that as of today, they were out of business.

This shock announcement has created ripples throughout the online merchant community, and we are all anticipating an official response to the situation on Paul’s blog.

I sometimes give UltraCart’s management a hard time about their stinginess. But when something like this happens, I am reminded that their fiscal policy is sound. UltraCart is cash flow positive, growing at more than 25% per quarter, and has significant lines of credit available for the unforeseen circumstances that lie ahead.

Paul is a wonderful entrepreneur, compassionate family man, and a class act. He’ll be back, and I look forward to working with him in the future.

Free^* Stuff!

I don’t play console games, nor do I utilize any Windows Media based online music store. But I do enjoy the occasional Del Taco meal. Their food is much higher quality than Taco Bell, and the people there are much nicer.

Anyhoo, I have these codes that I “won” in their sweepstakes that I will never use. So, first come first serve for my blog readers!

Free 30 day trial at gamefly.com (like netflix for games): click here and enter code DTC7JT3YLY6N

Free music download at buymusic.com: click here and enter code D6656FA7

Stupid contests. Why don’t you have a contest that allows me to win a free paper tray liner… it’d be about as exciting to me.

How Costco Became The Anti-Wal-Mart

I am not a big fan of Wal-Mart. I’ve previously written about how companies seem to become “evil” when their founders pass away. Wal-Mart is not an exception (For example, few remember that Sam’s Choice products were originally called Sam’s American Choice when Sam Walton was still alive)

Thankfully, I can shop at Costco. By treating their employees well, they have succeeded on more than just one level.

Wall Street doesn’t get it. You don’t have to abuse your employees to make a buck. A McDonald’s store manager makes around $35,000. An In-N-Out store manager makes around $80,000. You figure out which one is going to driven to secure better results.

Of course, Costco’s founder is still alive and kicking. One wonders what will happen when he is no longer charting the course…

Better Late Than Never…

It just occurred to me that I didn’t post the pictures I took of Jonathan’s birthday party. Here they are in all their glory.

I gave him an iPod Shuffle, which he has yet to actually use. But, given the whole new office thing, is understandable.

It was great to spend time with good friends, and I ate WAY too much barbecue chicken, drank far too many cocktails, and generally had far too much fun.

We’re getting old, Jonathan.

Time For New Digs?

The City of Merced, as part of their redevlopment plan for the downtown area, is about to complete a set of new lofts overlooking Main Street.

We snuck in and took pictures after lunch today. I really like that space. But what do you think?

I have one of these, so I can get all of those I want

My friend Betsy posted a personals ad on CraigsList, and received over 100 replies. Really.

If I posted a personals ad on Craig’s List, I’d receive maybe 2 replies, one of which would be an offer to purchase a timeshare.

Sigh… must be nice.

Oh, and the headline is an inside joke, so contact me if you want the details.

Harry Potter & The Missing Journalists

I attended tonight’s release celebration of Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince at the local Barnes & Noble… I was quite frankly amazed at how crowded it was.

I photo-documented the entire launch event, and whilst there, I noticed that there was not a reporter from the local paper there covering the event, so I e-mailed the local paper offering them usage of my photos royalty-free as a goodwill gesture towards future events. We’ll see if they respond.

In the interim, you can have a free glance at my record of the event.

I’ve read through chapter 7 at this point, and I’m pleased. Very well written, and much darker than any of the previous books.