Coffee Break: Google, Google, Gmail, Bing Vs. Google, Blogs on Paper, and Michael Jackson doesn't crash the Internet

I’ve got six goodies for you today.  Google just announced a new operating system based on their recently released web browser, Chrome.  Is it a threat to Windows? They also recently removed a little word that’s been hanging around your Gmail screen since you joined the tens of millions of users of that popular email service: “Beta”

Just to transition away from a heavy Google news day, we’ve also got a review of Microsoft’s new search engine, Bing, which was launched about a month ago, and how it compares to Google.  David Pogue seems to be quite smitten, but the numbers aren’t in Microsoft’s favor.  Since launch, Bing has been hovering at around 3% market share, while Google is still at around 89% (source: StatCounter).  But just because it’s the little guy doesn’t mean it’s not great.

Coffee Break: Google, Google, Gmail, Bing Vs. Google, Blogs on Paper, and Michael Jackson doesn't crash the Internet

I’ve got six goodies for you today.  Google just announced a new operating system based on their recently released web browser, Chrome.  Is it a threat to Windows? They also recently removed a little word that’s been hanging around your Gmail screen since you joined the tens of millions of users of that popular email service: “Beta”

Just to transition away from a heavy Google news day, we’ve also got a review of Microsoft’s new search engine, Bing, which was launched about a month ago, and how it compares to Google.  David Pogue seems to be quite smitten, but the numbers aren’t in Microsoft’s favor.  Since launch, Bing has been hovering at around 3% market share, while Google is still at around 89% (source: StatCounter).  But just because it’s the little guy doesn’t mean it’s not great.

'Coupon' Codes Can Lead to Conversions

No matter what some might say to the contrary, we’re soooo not cheap. We’re, uh, frugal. Yeah, that’s it – frugal; thrifty; economical, even.

OK, so perhaps we think two-ply tissue is for wimps, and when the dish detergent runs out we fill the bottle with water and shake it until extra suds squirt out the top. That doesn’t make us cheap; it makes us sensible – and, if we might add, environmentally friendly. Not like we feel the need to explain ourselves. We don’t. We just wish someone would get off our case already… Dad!

[Breeeeath. Count to 10.]

'Coupon' Codes Can Lead to Conversions

No matter what some might say to the contrary, we’re soooo not cheap. We’re, uh, frugal. Yeah, that’s it – frugal; thrifty; economical, even.

OK, so perhaps we think two-ply tissue is for wimps, and when the dish detergent runs out we fill the bottle with water and shake it until extra suds squirt out the top. That doesn’t make us cheap; it makes us sensible – and, if we might add, environmentally friendly. Not like we feel the need to explain ourselves. We don’t. We just wish someone would get off our case already… Dad!

[Breeeeath. Count to 10.]

Attention E-tailers: You're in for a Bumpy Sleigh Ride

Do you hear what we hear?

It’s the sound of cash registers closing as more consumers click their way into holiday debt.

Whether or not we’re in a recession is still the subject of controversy, but one thing’s for sure – though the dollar is comparatively weak, Americans are starved to spend it.

To be fair, as a nation we’re not eager to bequeath our Benjamins as “generously” – we’re going with that term since “absentmindedly” may be unsettling for some – as in the past (or so say industry analysts), but eMarketer’s Online Holiday Sales Forecast suggests that retail e-commerce sales will continue to grow. Take a look.