This Blog

I sincerely like to apologize for the awkward lengthy downtimes of ContentSphere just recently. Apparently, some modules in my blog software (Serendipity) is not working that great. There’s a constant overflow of a module intended to block spam - though it appears to block access rather. Secondly, I just found an error in yet another backend module steering the graphics.

But bear with me, rescue is on the way!

Actually, even before I got into this hassle, I decided to part with Serendipity for a number of reasons. Shortly, there will be a switch to WordPress accompanied with…

• an all new design,
  
• all new logo,
  
• neat & clean categories to choose from,
  
• a separation of feeds (business, private, geo location)

… and lots more.

Also, the blog will benefit from my engagement with Marcel Weiß’s blog neumusik.com. Since neumusik is entirely German (language-wise), I’m presenting some of the content or related articles in English right here on ContentSphere. You may consider it as two blog siblings.

Best,
Wolfgang

Recently I hinted at the addition of the AdTaily widget as a part of ContentSphere. First off, to be honest I was a bit sceptical. Though being able to decide which ads get my “go” I expected the usual suspects to ask for ad space.

But I was wrong. I think two weeks had passed (or less) with the widget showing a blank “advertise here” square. Then, I got a mail a request for posting an ad was pending. Still, I thought… ok, here they are - where’s the “Thanks, but no, thanks” button?

Now I find myself positively surprised that it’s something for real. Even better, Magix (who are running the ad you see since about a week) are a perfect fit to the site. Their products are just all about music & media - just have a look.

What I like even more is their connection with mufin, which is a spin-off of Magix. Once working with metadata and semantics myself, it’s simply awesome to see products like the new mufin player go live.

Anyway, it fits. It’s something I’m willing to endorse. Instantly, via their affiliate zanox.com, Magix purchased a 2-week ad at a price of 15.68 EUR. Whoah. Certainly not much… but compare this amount to the numbers I yielded with flattr (which is rather for acknowledgement) or even with AdSense.

Conclusion: Thanks to Marcel Weiss from neumusik.com where I found AdTaily the first time.

Now, I’d really like to test the advertised Magix Digital DJ software - too bad it’s not available as a trial version like other products. Actually, I’d even more like to check out the new mufin player. Though - PC required. And Android. Sometimes, it simply is no Mac world. That’s bad when you completely switched.

Here’s something I think might be interesting… The software is available at EUR 39.99. Subscribing to the Magix newsletter gets me a EUR 10.00 coupon. If November revenues will result in a minimum of EUR 20.00 (flattr, AdTaily - excluding that very first Magix ad) I am going to shell out the remaining EUR 10.00 and buy the software. After all, you can add your 2 cents to make it happening.

However, maybe the guys from Magix are reading this - send me a trial version, and I’m willing to run a full review. Includes Twitter, Facebook and friendfeed service. But - the review will be a non-biased one. You can buy ad space, but not my opinion.

I think that’s a fair way to express my thanks for the ad. Really, I appreciate it. Big thank you to Magix!

Just noticed that flattr is down. To avoid extremely long loading I deactivated the flattr buttons until they are up again. Sorry for any inconvenience. flattr, you’d better do better.

[Update] Everything’s up again.

[Update 2010-10-22 / 12:35 MEST] Everything’s down again. Ok, I made it a sticky now.

[Update 2010-10-22 / 13:15 MEST] Everything’s (yet) up again.