We are drowning in irrelevant advertising. Some are inspired by it, most ignore it, some would like to get more relevant ad messages.
I have been convinced for a while now that selling user data is one of the most direct and potentially lucrative ways social networks can achieve the kind of revenues that would justify their valuations. A recent article on Facebook’s intention to “cash in” on user data reminded me of a recent conversation.
Filed under Business Models, Media, Technology
In just two years (the 2008 edition is its third one), the Monaco Media Forum has established itself as a major appointment in the digital media conference calendar. The 2008 edition takes place on Nov 12-14 and the Taglift crew is on its way. This year the attendees list and the roster of speakers is as impressive as it gets. You can follow the event on a special socialmedian site.
I have been invited to participate in a panel on “user-generated data” moderated by Esther Dyson with Richard Cooperstein of Facebook, Auren Hoffman of Rapleaf, Mattias Miksche of Stardoll and Lisa Suonio of Dopplr.
Looking forward to it.
Photo by rsepulveda
So I finally did it. With the weather forecast promising three straight 80s-and-fog-clear coastal days, I headed to King Range National Conservation Area to descend north to south the 25.6-mile stretch of the Lost Coast trail from Mattole to Shelter Cove. Here’s the log.
Friday, Oct 10, 2008
3:15 am: Left San Francisco to drive north on H101. Deserted Golden Gate bridge has a surreal quality to it. I am doing good time all along the way, though encountering multiple slower men-at-work areas along the freeway.
Filed under Travel
An interesting coincidence this weekend in San Francisco. Two big events, two celebrations of the fruit of human ingenuity, creativity and technology. Both are the result of the vision of Italian minds.
After 8 years or renovation the new California Academy of Sciences, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, opened its door to awe thousands of visitors with its innovative architecture and its spectacular exhibits.
At 2 pm on Saturday, the 289-foot Maltese Falcon, the largest private sail-propelled yacht in the world, designed by Italian shipyard Perini Navi, made its entrance into the San Francisco Bay through the Golden Gate, sporting its beautiful computer-controlled sail system.
Things to be proud of.
“Italiani di Frontiera”, Italians at the Frontier. It’s the project of Roberto Bonzio, Reuters journalist and entrepreneurial spirit who is turning a six-month sabbatical in California into a blog, book and multimedia project, covering Italians past and present who have taken to the American frontier.
I had the pleasure to sit down at Caffe del Doge in Palo Alto (apt location!) with Roberto for a chat. He posted his report here (in Italian).
Filed under International Business, Technology
Because of my work, my board role at an international business association, and my alum status from a European business school, I often receive or come across career/bizdev help requests from European and, though less frequently, Asian professionals, students and companies. At the risk of insulting someone, I’d like to offer some advice to the many non-Americans friends out there.
Filed under Management, Tips
Once a year, Y-Combinator holds Startup School, its “annual free conference for hackers interested in startups.” This year’s videos from speakers like Jeff Bezos, Marc Andreessen and Peter Norvig among others are available online here: http://omnisio.com/startupschool08/
Recommended to any startup entrepreneur.
Filed under Innovation, Management, Technology
During the recent Mind the Bridge 08 series of events in San Francisco, I had the pleasure to meet the great finalist companies and their representatives. It was humbling to be part of the roster of presenters with Giacomo Marini, Vittorio Viarengo and the other speakers. Here are my slides from the day. I posted my two cents on doing business in the US from an Italian perspective on Slideshare.
Filed under Events, Innovation, International Business, Tips
LA7, a major Italian television broadcaster, has produced a Silicon Valley reportage that is now available online. A sweeping view of the opportunities, challenges and motivations of Italian entrepreneurs and professionals in Silicon Valley, including startups, BAIA, SVIEC, Google, Stanford, Tim Draper, John Hennessy,… Interviews and reportage by Frediano Finucci and Damiano Ficoneri, LA7 News. Note: the video is in Italian. 
Filed under Innovation, International Business, Technology
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