The Great Usability Schism

Master Jakob obviously doesn’t. Why do a 180º on one of his most beloved usability examples? As someone who builds sites for a living, I’ve always looked up to the Amazon model. Why? With revenues hitting $1.75 billion in the second quarter of this year, they must be doing something right UI-wise, else no one would be buying online at the levels Amazon has recorded the past 10 years.

Now my master has issued the ultimate decree: “Normal sites should not copy Amazon’s design“. What are Amazon’s sins? Here are 3 of the 6 sins:
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Check out GrayWolf’s AdSense tips section. While you’re at it, be sure to read his AdSense: Why Bloggers Don’t Get It post. Allow me to quote two of the article’s strongest points:
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+AMDG

83-51. Finally, this one courtesy of the Bulldogs.

Pic credits: Nono Felipe.

I’m currently designing a survey to get user experience feedback about an online facility we launched for members 2 months ago. Can anyone refer me to a template I can plagiarize? :)
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Here’s a gold mine for Google AdSense tip hunters. The Share 3 AdSense Tips thread over at WMW contains tons of information on how to target the right ads, how to increase CTRs, etc.
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During the first part of the Practical AdSense Tips series, we discussed 1) how to position AdSense ads on the screen, 2) the best performing ad unit sizes, 3) practical AdSense color tips and 4) which pages go well with adsense.

Now, here are a few more practical tips to make AdSense worth your while. I’ve compiled quite a few pointers from my online travels. Some tips apply for AdSense, some for SEO, still some others for both. Not all tips apply. Use what you can now, then when ready, return for the others.
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Bad news for GMail users. Google apparently doesn’t own the trademark for “GMail”, Miami-based Cencourse does. If Cencourse doesn’t sell Google doesn’t buy, kiss your GMail address goodbye ;)

Via Searchen.com and Threadwatch.org.

Are the Philippines, China and Eastern Europe cutting into India’s pie or is the global outsourcing market shrinking?
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I’m currently looking for a web copywriter (full-time position). Fresh graduates are very much welcome to apply. Just send your resume to marc-at-macalua-dot-com.
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+AMDG

Win or lose, it’s the school we choose…no really…

Pic credits: Nono Felipe