Contextual slideshow: Dig up your old but similar content

We recently released a new widget: "Contextual slideshow" and have received some very encouraging feedbacks. This is a marvelous product that brings value to blog readers as well as increases page views for bloggers.

Here are some of the features:

1. Displays "contextual images from your blog". This means that your readers will get more similar content which you wrote several days/weeks ago.

2. This beautiful slideshow increases bloggers' page views. Simply put, a reader gets to see more articles..and bloggers get more page views.

3. "Zero" customization required: Absolutely no customization is required. Just get it from the site and display it. It automatically adjusts in the blog page, sideroll or anywhere else.

4. It broadcasts the bloggers' content to other blogs. This enables bloggers to get new readers to their blogs.

We have put a demo slideshow in our sideroll. Get a slideshow of your own and broadcast your blog to the world!!

Read more...

blogoxy brings more readers to the bloggers

So, at last http://blogoxy.com is standing on its feet. A lot of hard work has gone in this project and looking back I and my team feel so good!

You can imagine how excited we all are. I hope that our efforts bring color and can help fellow bloggers.

I have been so frustrated because there is no good mechanism to market the blogs. Hopefully, http://blogoxy.com will empower fellow bloggers for marketing their blogs.

We are starting in a very soft way. Thats the reason why we are launching only for food blogs. Yes...I love food. And food is the reason why we all survive. So, in true fashion of a food enthusiast, blogoxy is open for fellow food bloggers.

Please give us your feedback. And yes...do visit our blogoxy blog at: http://blogoxy.com/blog

Read more...

Banks and M&A

As I stated in my last post, here are some thoughts from Reuters:

http://www.reuters.com/article/AIRDEF/idUSN0539241020080505

Why did banks advise Yahoo to not go down below $37? O well, simple answer: they did not. It was Yahoo's decision not the bankers' decision to not go below $37. If it was all for the investment banks, they would sell Yahoo for $20 per share. Afterall, they want their commission. Don't they?

Read more...

Microsoft cancelled bid for Yahoo: Why is it good news?

M&A is a tricky business and I am happy for Yahoo! as well as for Microsoft that this transaction did not go through.

Reason:

1. Investment banks and consulting companies (almost) always overstate the synergies in the transaction. Its a simple reason: They get a large chunk of money in the form of transaction fees if the merger goes through.

2. Had the deal gone through, it would have been an uphill task for Yahoo & Microsoft to merge the work-cultures, maintain the Yahoo brand equity, and integrate the operations.

3. Consolidation in this space is not a good thing for the market. Yahoo and Microsoft both like to acquire small companies and this trend boosts the innovative landscape in the valley. Imagine what would have happened (for smaller companies’ acquisitions) if Yahoo would have ceased to exist and Microsoft would have spent a considerable chunk of its kitty on the acquisition.

Good luck to Yahoo and Microsoft. Yahoo! has to come back and execute on the “statement” that it deserves more valuation. I have no doubt in their ability but am not sure about what their strategic vision is. There should be an internal “cleansing” operation within Yahoo so that it can find its glory days once again!

Read more...

Why good education matters

I am finishing my MBA this week. Looking back, time flew really fast. Things were hectic in school, and here I am, on the verge of graduating. So, what did I learn in these 2 years? Did it make any difference in my life? If yes, then how?

I have been a big supporter of good education. Not because it prepares you for a good job, but because it opens up the mind. It broadens the thinking horizon. Job is a by-product of good education. But more importantly, it grooms an individual for challenges in life.

Personally, for me, the school (MBA) has changed me fundamentally. If I compare myself from what I was 2 years ago, there is a huge difference. Yes, I learned the analytical skills, the formulas, the concepts..yada yada yada. But the core difference that it has made in my life is about the way I see the world. I have never been so confident about myself and my abilities as I am today. I believe that the choice of school matters a lot. Every MBA school teaches the same core MBA concepts, formulas, and analytical skills. But there are other "secondary" skills: overall development, leadership etc that vary hugely depending on the institution.

I am starting a new life from this week onwards. And where I will be 2 years from now, 5 years from now, or even 10 years from now will depend on what "secondary skills" I learned at the school. I am bustling with confidence and positive outlook. My goals and objectives that I have set for myself are much more reachable because of the change that I see in myself. Will keep you updated with the latest.

Read more...