Saturday, April 12, 2008

Social Networking Sites

In today's world, much of what we do is digital. We watch TV for hours each day, we call people instead of seeing them face to face, we shoot our contacts e-mails, etc. Why? Because it is easy and very convenient. Social networking sites provide a huge opportunity to enlarge our social lives and boundaries. Social networking sites are perfect to get in touch with people you haven't seen in ages, while at the same time creating a comfortable place for you to stay in contact with your ever growing social network (hence the name "social networking sites").

Here are my personal favorite social networking sites:

  1. Facebook
  2. Myspace
  3. Bebo
  4. Xanga
  5. hi5
  6. Friendster
  7. Orkut
  8. CyWorld
  9. Buzznet
  10. iMeem

Thursday, April 10, 2008

The Art of Selling Domain Names

In my recent embarkings upon the world wide web, I have begun to understand the importances of domain names. Yes, I know, I am late to the game. Is it half-time already? But seriously, everything on the internet revolves around domain names. Domain names are the addresses of spaces owned by everybody from people like you and me, to people like Bill Gates who start the multi-billion dollar companies. These "spaces" or "addresses," as they are sometimes referred to, host information on Everything and Anything. Literally.

You knew this already, and so did I. What I had never thought about before, though, was buying prominent domain names and then reselling them on websites such as Sedo (note: many domain auction sites do charge a commission rate). This, as it turns out, is a very profitable business to go into. All you need to get started is less than $10. Buy a domain name that you think holds some merit, then sell it. If you do not like the idea of selling your domain on an auction website, try selling it on webmaster forums (many of these will have domain name sections in which you can do this). Many potential domain buyers post on in these communities. How do they pay you for your domain? Very simple. Clarify that you will only accept paypal payments. Most people will have no problem with this, and as a matter-of-fact, most prefer it (if you don't have a paypal account, go click here)!

Erghh, Reporting Income Taxes

With tax season well upon us, many people still have not filed their income taxes. With April 15 around the corner, the IRS will be eagerly opening their mailbox to see who has and who has not filed their taxes. Here are a few quick tips that experts provide so you don't get Uncle Sam chasing after you:

  • Mark your calendar with important tax deadlines
  • Be sure to fill out the right tax form; the simplest one possible!
  • Make sure to mark ALL possible exemptions for yourself and each dependent
  • If for some reason you need more time to file your tax return, the IRS will provide you with a grace period. It is called an "extension." Here is the catch though: you have to ask for it!
  • If you are not required to file your taxes on paper, go e-file. It is much faster and safer

For more information go to IRS.gov