I’ve been pretty vocal on The 3/50 Project’s Facebook page today about the overwhelming risks passage of SOPA or PIPA would have on independent brick and mortars. Here’s a cheat sheet to get you through the muck.
SOPA: Stop Online Piracy Act (the House bill)
PIPA: Protect Intellectual Property Act (the Senate bill)
• Main difference: SOPA extends to also include streaming content
• Main risk: While the initial focus was international pirating of video and music, the bills have been overwritten to include all domestic U.S. sites, including social media, making site/page/blog owners responsible for fan posts and content
A simple example of SOPA overkill making a small business owner responsible for someone else’s unethical behavior: http://bit.ly/AzREYA. (For the stationery store owners and printers in the group, think: Bride brings in her own graphic or monogram design…) [click here to continue…]
I go to great lengths to keep politics out of the blog—would rather focus on the things small business owners have first hand control over than invite the “aromatic waft” accompanying most political debate these days. This morning, however, Bob Schieffer (host, Face the Nation, CBS) delivered an editorial that really resonates in my brick-and-mortar lovin’ heart: [click here to continue…]
An email arrived today that began with a website link and a simple sentence: “What planet does this guy live on???”
I clicked the link…and found that “a certain retail consultant” is recycling his old material, telling merchants to delay participation in consumer awareness campaigns (again singling out only The 3/50 Project by name).
Yeah. Right. Limit your store’s visibility during these days of stiff internet and big box competition. Not exactly the advice I’d give. (Ever.)
In keeping with the recycling theme, here’s my original response.
(Is it just me, or do you also get the impression someone has a sour grape caught between his teeth? Sorry, but it’s sure beginning to look that way.)
As you recall from my earlier rant about the ease with which Verizon kicked me to the curb caused me to reevaluate our relationship a few weeks ago, I’d decided it was time to break up. Or, more aptly put, had come to recognize that I loved Verizon a whole lot more than Verizon loved me.
Broken hearted, but firm in my resolve, I was packing by bags and leaving, headed toward a shiny new iPhone and ATT…just as soon as my New Every Two contract would release me sans penalty.
Fast forward to last Wednesday. [click here to continue…]
Warning: Rant ahead.
The grocery manager at my locally owned, independent market will attest to the fact I’m a soldier when it comes to brand loyalty. Not only have I stuck with them for twenty-four years, but numerous brands found on their shelves have retained Must Have Status in my every day life.
This spring, the laundry detergent I’ve used for delicate loads for 15 years suddenly disappeared from the shelves. He searched high and low—including at competing stores—but couldn’t locate it anywhere.
Two months ago, my favorite oatmeal vaporized. He got on the horn with the distributor, learned the manufacturer had discontinued the item…then inquired about possible substitutes.
When things go south, he finds solutions. When an item’s forever gone, he suggests alternatives. When he sees me sauntering up the aisle, he greets me with a smile, aware there’s a 50/50 chance we’re about to embark on another exploration.
Solutions and smiles solidify long term loyalty. He gets it. [click here to continue…]
Join me in absolute and unfathomable shock that Swoozie’s is being resurrected. Like many of you, I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact they (a) filed bankruptcy: (b) left an extraordinary list of vendors, reps, and landlords holding the bag (with a hole in the bottom instead of cash): and (c) are now reopening several locations as “The real Swoozies.” [click here to continue…]
Those of you who own a registered trademark, brand, or business name know how important it is to protect it, assuring that a third party doesn’t use it without permission, then twist your hard work into something unintended. Thankfully, social sites like Facebook and Twitter understand the inherent risks, and uphold the law, doing a fine job of quickly pulling down unauthorized use of trademarks and copyright protected materials (upon confirmation of legal ownership).
Blogger, on the other hand, chooses to protect the scammers.
That’s right. I said scammers. And in case there’s any doubt, I’m seriously ticked off (more accurately, I’m seriously p***ed off, but my Mom reads this, so gotta keep it clean). [click here to continue…]
I’ve been pretty vocal on The 3/50 Project’s Facebook page today about the overwhelming risks passage of SOPA or PIPA would have on independent brick and mortars. Here’s a cheat sheet to get you through the muck.
Okay, this one’s a personal rant, so please take it as such. 
