The digital advertising landscape in 2009 saw a notable decline in social network ad spending, a rare contraction in what was then a burgeoning sector. According to projections from eMarketer, total U.S. social network ad spending was set to drop by 3% to $1.1 billion, down from $1.2 billion in 2008. This reversal signaled that…
In the 2009 British Columbia (B.C.) provincial election, the carbon tax emerged as a contentious yet defining issue, spotlighting the intersection of environmental responsibility and economic strategy. Gordon Campbell’s B.C. Liberals, despite facing opposition from the New Democratic Party (NDP), secured a majority government, reaffirming their stance on implementing North America’s first revenue-neutral carbon tax.…
In an industry as dynamic as mobile technology, few companies capture the attention of both venture capitalists and developers in their infancy. Medialets, a New York-based mobile analytics and advertising service provider, achieved this remarkable feat when it secured $4 million in first-round funding. This investment, led by Foundry Group, DFJ Gotham, and angel investor…
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has long been at the center of contentious debates about environmental policy, and its landmark rulings on greenhouse gases (GHGs) have not been exempt from scrutiny. While these rulings aim to mitigate climate change, they have faced significant criticism from within government circles. This internal pushback underscores the complexity of…
Social media has redefined how humanity connects, communicates, and catalyzes change. With the power to amplify individual voices and unite global communities, it has become a formidable tool for societal transformation. Here are ten (plus) ways to leverage social media to make a meaningful impact. Citizen Journalism: Ordinary people now have the tools to report…
In the rapidly evolving landscape of social media, where features often seem to change overnight, Twitter’s adjustments to its @reply system in 2011 represented a key moment of tension between platform growth and user experience. At the heart of the controversy was a simple yet powerful feature: the way conversations unfolded in users’ timelines. By…
The global oil market in 2011 was a reflection of the intricate interplay between supply dynamics, geopolitical developments, and economic recovery. In May of that year, oil prices surged toward $60 per barrel, driven by an unexpected drop in U.S. crude inventories. The market’s reaction underscored the importance of inventory data as a barometer for…
The economic downturn impacts businesses in various ways, forcing them to reassess priorities, streamline operations, and reevaluate marketing strategies. One striking example of this adaptation occurred during a past recession when Hitwise reported a notable decline in paid search traffic to websites, particularly for brand-name queries. Paid search, once heralded as a cornerstone of digital…
In the competitive world of technology, companies are often required to make difficult decisions to stay financially viable and competitive. One notable example of this came in 2009 when Seagate Technology, a leading manufacturer of data storage solutions, announced a restructuring plan that involved laying off approximately 1,100 employees—about 2.5% of its global workforce. This…
The late 1980s saw a surge of energetic and unapologetically theatrical television programming, but few shows captured the public imagination quite like American Gladiators. Debuting in 1988, this action-packed spectacle of athleticism, drama, and competition enthralled audiences, spawning international versions in over 90 countries. Its enduring appeal over two decades cemented its place in pop…