When and How Did it Start?Early social networking websites started in the form of generalized online communities such as Geocities and Tripod (1995). These early communities focused on users interacting with each other through chat rooms, and sharing information and ideas around any topics via personal homepage publishing tools which was a precursor to the modern day blog.One of the first social networking Web sites that started what would become the most common format of the Social Network launched in 1997, that was SixDegrees.com. On this site user profiles could be created, messages sent to users held on a “friends list” and other members could be sought out who had similar interests to yours in their profiles.Why Did It Start?Social Networks were created by those who wanted to form an online community that shared interests and/or activities and were looking for a way to share that interest with others at large. Most social network services are web-based and provide a variety of ways for users to interact, such as email and IM services. In general, social networking allows the individual to create a profile for themselves in the form of a personal page, and can be broken down into two categories: internal and external social networking sites. An Internal Networking Site is one that is closed-circuit including only those of a particular workplace, educational institution or organization, allowing users to connect and share information for a very specific purpose. An External Networking Site is one that is open to the public at large and allows users to post and connect with a large audience on a variety of subjects.Who Started It?Although Six Degrees would come to be known as the first main stream social networking site, it was largely ahead of its time. It was early in the new millennium when the major players of the Social Networking scene began to surface. 2004 saw the launch of Friendster, followed quickly by MySpace and Bebo. By early 2005 MySpace had already established itself as the powerhouse of the Social Networking field and was reportedly receiving more hits per day than Google. 2006 saw the then almost unknown site Facebook open itself to the population at large. Up to that time Facebook had been a limited network only available to US College Students. With its already core base of loyal users and the ability for user-generated add-on content it quickly became the fastest growing site in the world. According to comScore Media Metrix, the top three social networking sites MySpace, Facebook and Bebo had logged a total of 184.4 million visitors in June 2007 alone. Also in 2007 the online world saw the emergence of Twitter, the site that allowed users to “tweet” short updates about themselves giving all of their “followers” a real-time look at their world and quickly became a favorite for mobile on-line users. With this power trio of sites, MySpace, Facebook and Twitter, social networking went from a passing trend to a mainstream staple.What is the Media Saying?According to an article written by CNN reporter Lisa Respers France “In an era when even the president of the United States has a Facebook page and spectators texted and tweeted about Inauguration Day, the power of online and digital social networking is clear.” For the majority of media outlets, the phenomena of social networking is touted as allowing the whole world to become part of the same conversation.ProsThe upside for the users of the various social networking sites is fairly straight-forward. It allows them to connect, locate, rediscover and otherwise enjoy friends and topics regardless of geographical location. It seems that online there is a place for everyone. Businesses especially can gain a boon from the social networking revolution. They are able to reach out to a much larger audience via the emergence of custom social networking websites and this allows them to stay on top or current trends and events and allows them to better understand their customers and tailor their approaches accordingly.ConsWhile it is a positive way to connect with the online world, social networking also has its down side. The availability of information makes identity theft a risk, as well as unscrupulous users that leverage the sites to spread malware and viruses. For those choosing to avoid those pitfalls by avoiding the sites altogether, also run the risk of falling behind events in their social circle and appearing unfriendly or stand-offish. For corporations the greatest damage that a social network can do is to it’s reputation. One bad experience by a customer or client can spread like wildfire through the networks leaving the business scrambling to do damage control which carries with it both social and monetary penalties.Where is it Going?Michael Rogers, columnist for MSNBC, wrote “The Internet world is relentlessly enthusiastic in its embrace of the latest and greatest, and this year’s new flavor has been social networking. Between MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Bebo and scores of lesser start-ups, social networking seems poised to take over the Internet. Indeed, some digerati have suggested that Facebook, by allowing developers to write mini-applications called widgets, might become the new Internet.”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
A Guide to Help You Pick the Best Air Purifier for Your Loved Ones
Holidays are around the corner. This is the time of year when people start purchasing gifts for their loved ones. If you are going to purchase an air purifier for someone you love, we have some helpful tips for you. If you want to purchase the best unit, you may be able to use this guide to your advantage. Read on to find out more.
1: Set Your Budget
Just like anything you purchase, make sure you have set your budget first. The price of the unit will vary based on a lot of factors, such as the capacity, filter type, features, and brand of the unit. If you don’t have a flexible budget, we suggest that you go for a product that is available to purchase for less than $300.
2: Consider the Needs of the Recipient
Your next move is to consider the needs of your recipient. If you are going to purchase this unit for everyday use, we suggest that you go for a unit that comes with a HEPA filter. On the other hand, if your loved one has a specific need, we suggest that you consider a specialized unit.
For example, if they are more prone to respiratory issues, such as allergies and infections, we suggest that you get a UV purifier for them. The devices are designed to neutralize viruses and bacteria.
3: Think About the Available Space
Another primary factor is to consider the available space in the office or house of the recipient. For example, if they need a general-purpose unit for a small apartment, you may want to consider a filterless unit.
On the other hand, if they have plenty of free space, you may consider a bigger unit that features a higher airflow rating. These units are powerful enough to cover a large face.
4: Consider Extra Features
Lastly, we suggest that you consider additional features that they will just love. For example, some units come with an indicator that turns on when the filter needs to be replaced. This will allow the user to change the filter so that the device continues to work properly.
So, you may want to consider these features before you place your order. These features may not be important to you, but your friend may just be over the moon.
Long story short, we suggest that you consider these four tips if you are going to purchase a gift for your loved one on these holidays. Since the air is full of pollution during winter days, nothing can make a better gift than an air purifier. Therefore, you should consider these tips before looking for an online or physical store to make your purchase decision.
The Basics of Tradesman Insurance
You may have hired the services of many workers, but you have to believe that gardeners, carpenters and builders are on the list of the most diligent workers. However, the problem for these workers is that they are prone to several risks. For instance, they may lose their tools or they may get involved in an accident while working at a site. Let’s know more about the tradesman insurance.
Tradesman Insurance
As said earlier, tradesmen’s job involves the risk of accidents. An average office worker may not be prone to as many risks as a tradesman. Actually, tradesmen make use of dangerous tools. That is the reason they are more likely to get injured than other people. The majority of tradesmen is usually self-employed. So, replacing a damaged or lost equipment is very hard for them. They may lose a lot of potential income if they don’t get a replacement for their lost or damaged tool. Fortunately, they have a ray of hope in the form of the tradesman insurance. This type of insurance is provided especially for these people.
If you have no idea what this insurance is, you can go ahead and read through this article. Tradesman insurance offers the following coverage:
Public liability coverage
This type of coverage offers coverage against legal expenses that may incur because of the claims of a property damage or injury to a worker.
Personal accident coverage
Personal accident coverage will provide coverage in case of an injured staff member at the workplace.
Damage to someone else’s property
This type of coverage helps you to pay for the expenses that occur when the workers cause damage to the property of a client.
Contractual works
This type of cover insures the construction works of the tradesman, including materials, especially if they get damaged or stolen. Aside from this, it can reimburse the heavy expenses related to extra costs of labor needed in order to rebuild the things that were completed earlier. For instance, this can offer coverage if a storm causes a damage to a building that is being built by a contractor.
Tools and equipment
The tools and equipment insurance offers coverage to the policyholder in case of the costs that occur in case of a repair or theft of a tool or piece of equipment.
Commercial Vehicle Coverage
This type of coverage protects you against the cost of upkeep of a vehicle of van that you use for business. Aside from this, it can cover for the rental cost of a vehicle. You can also buy other optional features or covers. For instance, with efficacy coverage, you can reimburse the litigation expenses if you are held liable for the installation of a faulty security alarm.
You can also buy tax investigation coverage if your business is being investigated for reasons related to tax. It will provide coverage against the loss of income during the investigation.
The Takeaway
So, if you are a tradesman, we suggest that you give a go to the tradesman coverage. Hope this helps.
Quick Guide to An Insurance Claim
Before anything else, we first have to understand what an insurance claim is. This way we can better appreciate the whole procedure and it simply becomes easy to go through because we already know what to do step by step, in relation to the whole process.
A claim is when you ask the insurance company to compensate you for damages you have sustained after a car accident, or when you ask the insurance company to represent you or intervene on your behalf when you are liable for damages.
You pay a lot of money for your car insurance, so it makes sense that if you are involved in an accident, you will want to make a claim. Depending on whether the accident is responsible, or not responsible, and the type of damage, your insurance company will be able to provide coverage based on the kind of car insurance coverage you have.
Claims can be paid from the comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, or any of the minimum car insurance requirement sections, such as liability. Claims may also be paid from multiple sections of your policy depending on the circumstances of your car crash.
If you are wondering whether your collision claims process will be more difficult to bear than the accident itself, the good news is that filing a claim is usually fairly simple. By following a systematic approach and carefully recording what has happened, you can gather all of the information you need. The following guidelines will help you ensure the process goes smoothly.
ON THE ACCIDENT SCENE
One of the best ways to speed up the entire claims process is to get off to the right start, and that begins at the accident scene itself. The more good information and evidence you can collect there, the better.
Here’s what to get:
Personal Data: Try to get basic personal information from everyone at the scene. That includes all other drivers, passengers, and bystanders. Get their names, phone numbers, and home and email addresses. Anything that will make it easier to find them later. If you have time, take some notes about what each witness saw and heard. Pass all of this information along to your claims adjuster, but be sure to keep copies for yourself.
Insurance Information: This is particularly important. Make sure to exchange insurance information with the drivers of all vehicles involved in the accident. It’s probably going to be the first thing your adjuster asks you for.
Pictures: Take a bunch of photos of the accident scene. If you can get pictures before the vehicles are moved out of the way, great, but don’t create a dangerous situation just to take them. Definitely take photos of all damages to your car, every other vehicle involved, and anything else. Take a few pictures of the accident location as well. A few different angles are always helpful. Take pictures of the parties involved and all witnesses, if you can. And, finally, take photos of each party’s insurance card.
Law Enforcement: Always call the police after an accident. They may or may not be able to respond, but it’s always worth a try. When they arrive, make sure to get the officers’ names. They will gather their own information and take interviews for their report, and instruct you on how to obtain a copy the report once it is written up. Hold onto whatever paperwork they give you and pass on copies to your adjuster.
Contact Your Insurer ASAP
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “most crimes are solved in the first 48 hours after the incident.” That’s because the crime scene remains intact and the details are still fresh in the minds of the witnesses. It’s kind of like that with an auto accident. We’re not talking about a crime here (I hope), but the idea still works. The sooner you contact your insurer, the easier it will be for them to make the inquiries they need to get the most accurate data. It’s not a bad idea to call them from the scene of the accident, if possible.
Be Cooperative and Prompt
Most small accidents are relatively simple for your adjuster to handle. He or she has done them hundreds of times over. That doesn’t mean that a claim can’t be held up by some missing piece of evidence or information.
If your adjuster calls you and leaves a message to call him or her back, do it as soon as you can. Good communication between insurer and claimant is vital. Plus, it’s hard to complain about slow processing if you’re the one holding it up.
Be Honest
This rule seems obvious, but not everyone follows it. It’s human to want to avoid pain, and admitting that you are at fault for your accident can be pretty painful. But if you are at fault, don’t try to get out of it by lying. First of all, insurance adjusters have a lot of experience with accidents and fibbers.
They’re really good about figuring out what actually happened and that can be pretty bad for you if you are less than forthcoming with the facts. Remember “Double Indemnity”? Insurance fraud is frowned upon and could cost you a lot more money than the premium increase you’ll likely get by admitting fault.
And if you’re looking for a speedy conclusion to the claims process, being dishonest will surely slow it down, and sometimes bring it to a crashing halt.
7 Good Reasons to Invest in a Functional Life Coach
If you have no idea what life coaching is all about and how it can have a positive impact on your life, you are on the right page. In this article, we are going to discuss 7 good reasons to invest in a functional life coach. Basically, the role of a life coach is to give you the advice, motivation and a different perspective on issues so you can keep moving on. Let’s find out more.
1. Gaining Clarity
First of all, life coaching helps you get a better idea of what you want and how you can get it. It’s important that you have a better understanding of who you want to become and how you can achieve your desired goals.
The majority of people don’t take the time to understand their life. Therefore, they don’t have a clear direction. So, gaining clarity is of paramount importance.
2. Improving Confidence
For success, it’s important to gain confidence and improve your self-image. Aside from this, it’s important for strengthening your physical health and maintaining your relationships.
So, what you should do is know your worth, elevate your standards, and look at yourself as a person who gets the most out of their life. This is what will empower you so you can work harder to achieve your goals.
3. Overcoming your Fear and Insecurities
Running from your fears won’t help at all. You should recognize your fears and use them to your advantage. In other words, you should use your fear to achieve your goals in life.
4. Implementing your Plan
If you have a solid theory, you should put it into practice. The idea is to get an education and motivation for achieving your desired results.
5. Recognizing Possibilities
Some individuals consider their life non-changeable with no control or choice. If you consult a coach, you can get a different perspective and use a lot of options irrespective of your circumstances.
6. Creating a Plan to Achieve your Goals
The majority of people don’t follow a goal or life plan. In other words, they don’t have any clear intentions, mission or vision. This can be changed by consulting a coach. After all, having a solid plan is important if you want to deal with the routine challenges in a better way.
7. Holding yourself Accountable
Consulting a life coach can help you hit your targets. At times, it’s quite difficult to look for people who can hold you responsible for your mistakes while giving you the motivation you need. This is what a life coach can do for you. They will identify your mistakes and spur on you to go through the entire process.
So, if you are finding it hard to go through the challenges of life, you may want to look for the services of a meaningful, productive, compassionate, and passionate life coach. Your coach will work with you so you can get the most out of your life and efforts. To hire the best coach, we suggest that you do your homework.