As if next weekends Wordcamp 2009 wasn't enough technophilia for one week, Facebook Developers Dallas is also holding a Developer's Garage at the Crescent Hotel here in Downtown Dallas. The event was described as...

"A half-day of presentations and discussions by web developers, social-media veterans and Facebook employees about how to best utilize Facebook and social-media for technical, business and marketing purposes. The networking scene will be phenomenal.

This event always draws the cream of the crop from the entrepreneurial and marketing communities in Dallas, Austin, Houston, and Bryan-College Station..."

This meeting will cover two different tracks:

-Developing for Facebook Platform & Facebook Connect
-Marketing/Business Opportunities

Covering:
-Facebook Pages
-OpenStream API
-Facebook Connect
-Facebook Connect for iPhone
-Social Metrics
-App Verification Program
-fbFund
-and more...

For more information, head over to the Facebook Developer Garage Page (Click Here)... Strap your nerd goggles on... its about to get ugly!

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For all you Wordpress heads out there, Wordcamp Dallas 2009 is coming up next week. Founded in 2008, the organization formed a Meetup Group with over 200 users in the DFW area, and boasts one of the 2nd largest meetup groups for Wordpress in the world.

This event is poised to be one of the biggest CMS events of the summer here in Dallas, with over 300 people expected to be in attendance. This years events will be held at the University of Texas at Dallas in Richardson. The damage for the two day event is only $30 and they even throw in get a free WordCamp Dallas 2009 t-shirt and free lunch both days! Here is the rundown...

When?
Saturday, June 27, 2009
9:30AM - 5:00PM

Sunday, June 28, 2009
9:30AM - 4:00PM

Where?
University of Texas at Dallas
800 West Campbell Road
Richardson, TX 75080

[Map]

Cost?
USD $30

For more information on tickets, be sure to stop by www.dallas.wordcamp.org

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I was researching in complete amazement at the new specs offered in Google SketchUp Pro 7, when I came across this nifty new feature that allows you to embed 3D Models from the Google 3D Warehouse. It's basically a community for people to share their work and knowledge. I am guessing this is to facilitate the eventual 3d mapping of the planet, one person and Google Earth API at a time!

How does Google Sketchup, Google 3D Wharehouse and Google Earth all tie in? One of the most interesting and groundbreaking features, is the ability to build 3D models of existing structures, just like the new Dallas Cowboy Stadium in Google Skethcup and map them directly into Google Earth. What, what?

Yes, you heard me right. We are now officially mapping a completely virtual, mirror image of our entire planet on the internet. Like some freakish Johnny Mnemonic flash back, but with more nerds. I still don't now how I feel about that completely, but it is undeniably interesting and potentially very useful if used correctly. I will say from their open source practices on countless other projects this type of technology is destined to change the world as we know it. Google continues to amaze me...

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Google is at it again, and this time they very well have reinvented the way we all communicate on the internet. What this technology could mean, how it could be used and the fact that it is open source could very well roll in the next "wave" of evolution in web based communication, effectively merging e-mail, project management and instant messaging into group based interactions that can later be played back in the order they progressed. This would be very useful for a large project that required several departments who all had a part to play.

Not only could different departments get the information they need in real time, but account managers, VP's and other higher level executives would have play by play access over the entire animal, being able to identify where things went wrong and adjust accordingly. For developers this is like being a kid in a candy shop, with robust API's, well thought out and organized source code that is easy to work. Oh, did I mention this is FREE!? For more information be sure to stop by the Google Wave Preview.

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Without a doubt, Twitter is becoming one of, if not THE latest and greatest way to share updates in the social media landscape. Great! ANOTHER account I have to obsessively update!

For those of you who have been living under a rock, Twitter is one of the fastest growing social network and micro-blogging services on the internet. Their service enables users to send and receive updates, known as "tweets". Tweets are basically text-based postings of up to 140 characters, displayed on the author's profile page and delivered to other users, known as followers, who have subscribed to their page. Users on Twitter are able to send and receive tweets via the Twitter website, Short Message Service (SMS) or an external application. The service is completely free over the Internet, but using SMS may incur fees through your phones service provider.

In my quest to identify effective techniques to use Twitter, I came across a great article on How to Use Twitter Without Twitter Owning You - http://ping.fm/NAjOU. There are definitely some great tips for anyone out there feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the "Social Clutter". Whatever your approach, I think it is important to never lose sight on what social media is really about. Sincere communication coupled with valuable information, media or data will always be the best formula for building trust and return visitors. Regardless of the vertical market you are in, no bot, intern or link jacking strategy will ever substitute for a genuine person in the know.

In that sense, Social Media as a whole has leveled the playing field a lot more, but unfortunately many business owners are still out of the loop on exactly how to wield this technology to increase their bottom line. They may have heard of it, perhaps on the news or through a colleague, but very few business owners I come across to this day have any idea how to deploy a coherent strategy that actually fruits results.

Finding truly experienced individuals for Social Network Website Design in the Dallas area can be tricky. Because of this, I have decided to introduce a blog series in the coming weeks entitled "Social Media For The Laymen" to further explain this newly emerging paradigm in greater detail to small business owners who are not all that tech savvy, but want to learn more.

We plan on keeping it simple and to the point, with tutorials, whitepapers and more! Stay tuned...

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In my Sunday microblogging frenzy, I found a great post for Graphic Designers / Web Developers and other creative professionals looking to save money on their taxes.

Check it out... Designers Dozen: Tax Saving Tips for the Graphic Artist - http://ping.fm/YR6kz

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In the world of Web Development there are a lot of available technologies that some companies don't necessarily want you as the consumer to know about. The more in the dark you are about how everything works and what options are available, the more likely they can coral you into a solution that benefits them the most. This, unfortunately has become the Modus Operandi for many web development companies.

If you are considering starting a Social Networking website for example, you should expect a hefty price tag when you request a bid. However, a social network, does not have to be an expensive business venture these days, at least if the developer is honest with you. I wanted to write an article about the options that are currently available and hopefully remove some of the smoke and mirrors for people who are seeking larger, dynamic website developments of this nature.

If you are considering starting a social networking website, you basically have 4 options:

Read More...

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Website Redesign should be considered if a company's current website fails to meet its key marketing objectives. Is your current website outdated and hard to navigate? Does it communicate your brand effectively to visitors? Is your copy error free and optimized for search engines? Does it explain what you do in a concise and consistent way? If you have answered no to any of these questions, you may consider redesigning your current website.

Whether you are looking for a complete overhaul or just a quick touch up, we offer select clients in Dallas Website Redesign services that can significantly expand your brand recognition. Remember that your visitors need a look, AND a message that is coherent and persuasive for your site to be effective. We implement a Website Redesign that has a strategic focus, incorporating your long-term goals and branding into any easy to navigate, well organized marketing tool, not just a website.

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E-Mail Marketing when executed correctly is not only very affordable but also an extremely effective form or communication with potential and existing customers. Depending on how your company plans to measure targets E-Mail Marketing can yield significant response rates.

E-Mail Marketing done right...
Spam is a real problem on the web, so It is very important you maintain ethical opt-in standards that are in compliance with the requirements of the CAN-SPAM Act from a legal and ethical standpoint.

Newsletter Design, Content Development and more...
AXZM can help your company find the most cost effective, secure and ethical solution to manage its E-mail Marketing campaigns. From small event promotions with a list of 200-500 people to sophisticated subscription management targeting specific user criteria with a list of 10,0000 we have the knowledge, expertise and experience to identify the best fit for your needs. In addition to sending and setting up your e-mail list we are also able to custom design any web banners, newsletters or landing pages you may need for your Online Marketing.

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