As a veteran business leader I am fully aware that changing economic conditions will have an impact on business operations, some good and some bad. In bad times you won’t see me in front of Congress asking for a bailout; like the majority of American business we here at Video Professor are on our own.
As a businessman, a taxpayer, and especially as a consumer I find myself thinking about what government might do to ensure the future of the American automobile industry. Since Henry Ford’s first Model “T” rolled off the revolutionary assembly line, the auto industry has been the cornerstone of our manufacturing sector and the foundation of our economy.
Americans make things. We’re good at it and the world knows this.
GM, Ford, and Chrysler are in a huge financial hole. They helped dig that hole but the major impact is the result of the housing crash. The Big 3 went from having some chance of success to having no chance at all. Of course, assistance from the government must be packaged with fundamental change in all areas of operation. And in the US auto industry there is plenty that needs fixing, in both areas of management and labor.
OK, let’s talk solutions. Now that the band-aid has been put on the big 3 here’s an idea. Why not offer a $10,000 tax credit to any US taxpayer who buys a GM, Ford, or Chrysler by April 15th, 2009? Also offer a zero interest loan and just watch the cars sell.
Right now, generating cash and reducing inventory are most critical to the success of the Big 3. But this can’t happen until the American people start buying cars again, now!
When the leaders of the Big 3 appeared before Congress, not one of them was asked, “How can we help you sell more cars?” It was a missed opportunity.
This bailout, loan, or whatever our government wants to call it, should include some taxpayer benefit. Simply put, the government offers a tax credit to American taxpayers who buy American made automobiles. Without stimulating the market, government is dreaming while asleep at the switch.
A tax credit ensures that all benefit – manufacturers and their employees, suppliers, dealers and their employees, and oh yes, the American taxpayers too. This will get the economic blood flowing again. The increase in sales will create a renewed revenue stream for the automakers, which in turn will reduce the amount of taxpayer money needed from the government. Taxpayers who buy cars benefit when they file their returns April 15th.
This is not rocket science. It’s common sense.
“Simply the best computer learning available – guaranteed.”
But you have to have an incentive for customers to visit showrooms. What’s wrong with a tax break for the folks who drive cars along Main Street, USA? So far, the only people not getting a break are the people paying for everyone else to get a break. That will break us all!
People aren’t buying Big 3 brands due to lack of quality. They make great cars and they can produce even better ones. One of my own cars is a Chevy Tahoe. It is a GREAT vehicle. The housing mess (don’t get me started on that) is the root cause of this particular “evil”. But when the warehouse is stuffed, there is no point in producing more inventories.
A tax credit to reduce inventory and generate cash flow is as good an idea as any I have heard. It’s a start. Why not try it?
The idea of government now getting involved in free enterprise is the last thing any of us should want. But the current situation is what it is. Tax credit for the folks, who one way or the other will pay for it all anyway, seems only fair.
The government keeps saying they want to help the taxpayers but they still haven’t done that as of yet. Wake up and step up Federal Government! Get the cars moving and get taxpayers the break you keep promising!
Sincerely,
John W. Scherer
CEO & Founder
Video Professor, Inc.
ceo@videoprofessor.com
12055 W. 2nd Place
Lakewood CO 80228
303-232-1244 Ext 386
Monday, December 22, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Communication can’t be a generational thing.
com⋅mu⋅ni⋅ca⋅tion-(kuh-myoo-ni-keyh-shuhn)
- the act or process of communicating; fact of being communicated
- the imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs
- something imparted, interchanged, or transmitted
(Thanks to Dictionary.com)
How do you communicate? How much time do you spend on the phone vs. using e-mail? When was the last time you actually wrote a note by hand or actually met with someone in person? Does generation factor into how you communicate?
According to a report this year by Forrester®, “Generation Y sets the pace for technology adoption and digital, far exceeding any platform of traditional media consumed spending. In a survey of 45,315 North American online adults, people 21–-25 spend an average of 17.6 hours online per week, with 65% of that time for leisure purposes.”
Theirs is a life lived online. It’s all they’ve known. It’s a world not only of e-mails, instant messaging and texting, but posting on social web sites like Facebook® or using Twitter.
By contrast, Boomers learned how to read and write both by hand and on something called a typewriter. We also used something called “conversation.” Most, but not all of us, later evolved to electronic communication. Research shows a significant number of Boomers are well versed in computing. Those who aren’t are generally held back by economic or educational circumstances, or plain stubbornness.
So how does Generation Y communicate with the Boomer Generation and vice-versa? Communication between generations has always been a challenge. The divide is prevalent both inside and outside the work place. Sometimes it’s like we exist in parallel universes.
Being in the business of teaching people how to use computers for over 21 years there certainly is anecdotal evidence showing that both generations have room to improve, better yet, to compromise. The good news is today’s computer technology offers the best opportunity to bridge generational divides.
What good is it for someone from Gen Y to be a Twitter whiz, if they can’t work with a simple Excel® spreadsheet? Your Facebook page may rock, but what about your presentation to senior management on a project involving the merge of numerous documents, graphics and images, where you actually have to speak, live, in front of real people?
It goes both ways of course. Boomers belong on Facebook. There’s no reason that senior management can’t use Twitter to communicate short, concise thoughts and opinions.
Perhaps we can teach each other. These are uncertain times at best. We can all do better.
It all starts with communication. We’re happy to help.
-John
John W. SchererJ
ohn is CEO and founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
Monday, December 08, 2008
Chatting it up in Hong Kong
I had the opportunity recently to e-mail back and forth with a graduate student in Hong Kong. She’s doing research for a paper on blogging, how it is a part of corporate communications, etc.
My blog is a weekly exercise on my part. It’s quite separate from our regular marketing here at Video Professor. It is an opportunity to share thoughts and ideas, often times dealing with technology, sports and politics as well.
Simply put, it’s a great way to express myself and I enjoy it.
Ever since we produced our first Video Professor Lesson on MS-DOS, I’ve tried never to take for granted the huge advances in computer technology since we opened our doors in 1987.
One advantage is how computers allow us to communicate, literally with the world, to share thoughts and opinions and even help a grad student in Hong Kong with an academic paper.
It’s one of the reasons we donate our lessons to non-profit groups who include computer literacy as part of their programs here at home and around the world. We recently donated lessons to a group for a school in Tanzania.
Those kids will not only be able to learn about the world around them, but share their world with us as well.
Communication is a good thing.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO and founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can e-mail him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
Monday, December 01, 2008
USA CTO: It’s about time
America is going to have a Chief Technology Officer. It’s all part of the soon to be Obama Administration.
Will it be a cabinet level position? Hard to say, but it deserves to be. It could also be an executive level appointee, akin to being the National Security Advisor.
A lot of names have been speculated for the job, I won’t do that here. There are plenty of good choices and it’s my hope whoever gets the job has real world technology and entrepreneurial experience.
This will be the first Presidential administration that truly acknowledges technology. It’s not surprising as the Obama campaign harnessed it very effectively, while Senator McCain admitted to being decidedly non-tech. It cost him dearly among a generation of voters who grew up with technology being part of their lives.
I’ve posted here before that the progress in computing technology the 21 years Video Professor has been in business never ceases to amaze me. We have computers on our desks, on our belts, in our pockets and purses and certainly at home. We shop, we bank, we invest, we do business, and we research and just have plain fun with computers.
We’ve taught over 10 million people to do all of the above.
The creation of a Chief Technology Officer is good news for consumers. It means Washington finally gets it. We hope this means that innovation and entrepreneurship will be encouraged, that regulatory roadblocks will be at least reduced, and that the way we use technology will empower us more than ever before.
Whatever comes along, we’ll do our best to help you master it.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO and founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
Friday, November 21, 2008
BCS: Success or Mess?
Just about everyone has weighed in this season on the Bowl Championship Series or BCS for short. Most notable is our next President who wants an 8 game playoff system.
The Chairman of the BCS committee respectfully disagrees. Guess who wins that one? The BCS Committee says a play-off wouldn’t be in the best interests of the “student-athletes.” Heck, it might be the best chance their professors actually get to see them.
Here at Video Professor we run the gamut of school favorites. Big 12, SEC, Big 10, PAC 10, ACC, the MAC and the WAC and the list goes on. We have a lot of proud alumni of some great schools working here.
The BCS is a strange brew of polls, both human and computer that no one seems to quite understand, although everybody has an opinion. The best win-loss record doesn’t necessarily mean a trip to the NCAA National Championship. Other factors include some conferences like the Big 12 and SEC have conference championship games while others like the Big 10 and Pac 10 do not, plus strength of schedule, blah blah blah.
But the powers that be refuse to consider (at least publicly) a play-off, even though there is one in college basketball which is a 65 team tourney. Guess what? When you add up all the bowl games played this year and early next year, 64 Division 1 football teams will play.
So we end up with 4 BCS games, and one National Championship Game. In most cases, someone is unhappy.
Ultimately this won’t come down to what’s right, but what makes the most money. ESPN just closed a deal to carry BCS games starting in 2010. While they plan to carry the Rose Bowl on ABC, you’ll have to have cable or satellite to watch the others. Another option is the games will be available on your computer or mobile device.
In the meantime, it’s great fodder for sports talk shows and interviews with the likes of Pete Carroll. He suggests removing the “C.”
I won’t have to wait to hear who makes what BCS games. I’ll just check the vacation request forms and do the math myself.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO and founder of Video Professor, Inc.
Reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
The Chairman of the BCS committee respectfully disagrees. Guess who wins that one? The BCS Committee says a play-off wouldn’t be in the best interests of the “student-athletes.” Heck, it might be the best chance their professors actually get to see them.
Here at Video Professor we run the gamut of school favorites. Big 12, SEC, Big 10, PAC 10, ACC, the MAC and the WAC and the list goes on. We have a lot of proud alumni of some great schools working here.
The BCS is a strange brew of polls, both human and computer that no one seems to quite understand, although everybody has an opinion. The best win-loss record doesn’t necessarily mean a trip to the NCAA National Championship. Other factors include some conferences like the Big 12 and SEC have conference championship games while others like the Big 10 and Pac 10 do not, plus strength of schedule, blah blah blah.
But the powers that be refuse to consider (at least publicly) a play-off, even though there is one in college basketball which is a 65 team tourney. Guess what? When you add up all the bowl games played this year and early next year, 64 Division 1 football teams will play.
So we end up with 4 BCS games, and one National Championship Game. In most cases, someone is unhappy.
Ultimately this won’t come down to what’s right, but what makes the most money. ESPN just closed a deal to carry BCS games starting in 2010. While they plan to carry the Rose Bowl on ABC, you’ll have to have cable or satellite to watch the others. Another option is the games will be available on your computer or mobile device.
In the meantime, it’s great fodder for sports talk shows and interviews with the likes of Pete Carroll. He suggests removing the “C.”
I won’t have to wait to hear who makes what BCS games. I’ll just check the vacation request forms and do the math myself.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO and founder of Video Professor, Inc.
Reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
Monday, November 17, 2008
Vision depends upon your point of view
Folks sure like to predict things. Sometimes the predictions come true, often times they don’t. Predicting can be very un-predictable.
I came across these quotes about computing and technology from years past.
“No one will need more than 637KB of memory for a personal computer” by Bill Gates (Currently new PCs use around 524288KB+).
“There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in his home.” by Ken Olson of Digital Equipment Corporation in 1977.
“Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons.” by Popular Mechanics, 1949.
“I think there is a world market for maybe five computers. ” by Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943.
“But what ... is it good for?” (referring to microchip) by an Engineer at IBM, 1968.
“ [By 1985], machines will be capable of doing any work Man can do. ” by Nobel Laureate, Herbert A. Simon.
“Everything that can be invented has been invented.” by Charles H. Duell commissioner of the US Patent Office in 1899.
We seem to have a fascination with trying to predict things. Football pregame shows always include predictions. ESPN’s Bowl predictions change every week.
Las Vegas makes a lot of money off people who make predictions.
It’s all so very predictable.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO and founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
I came across these quotes about computing and technology from years past.
“No one will need more than 637KB of memory for a personal computer” by Bill Gates (Currently new PCs use around 524288KB+).
“There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in his home.” by Ken Olson of Digital Equipment Corporation in 1977.
“Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons.” by Popular Mechanics, 1949.
“I think there is a world market for maybe five computers. ” by Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943.
“But what ... is it good for?” (referring to microchip) by an Engineer at IBM, 1968.
“ [By 1985], machines will be capable of doing any work Man can do. ” by Nobel Laureate, Herbert A. Simon.
“Everything that can be invented has been invented.” by Charles H. Duell commissioner of the US Patent Office in 1899.
We seem to have a fascination with trying to predict things. Football pregame shows always include predictions. ESPN’s Bowl predictions change every week.
Las Vegas makes a lot of money off people who make predictions.
It’s all so very predictable.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO and founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
Friday, November 07, 2008
The transition from traditional media to Web 2.0
How did you watch the election returns Tuesday night? Did you watch on TV, your computer or both? The networks provided a dizzying array of graphics. CNN even used holographic images of reporters and analysts that looked like something out of Star Wars. All produced with computers of course.
But the razzle-dazzle often times got in the way of what most people want on election night, what candidate or issue was winning or losing.
I heard one report that stated as many as 28% of you monitored election results on your computers. Most networks, newspapers and radio stations provided election night web sites that let you be the producer for election coverage.
Web 2.0 played an important part in Campaign ’08. The same held true when the vote was being counted.
While the networks may have been focused on one state, if you were interested in a different race in a different state, there were online options for you. It’s yet another example of how computers and Web 2.0 empowers you and puts you in control of the information flow.
Most election night web sites offered a full map of the United States. You simply clicked on the state you were interested in, and could drill down for more detailed information from there. Another plus was the ability for you to interact with these sites, post comments and blogs.
I try and never take any of these advances in computers for granted, thinking back to the days when we introduced our first lesson on MS-DOS. There have been huge technical advances in computing during the 21 years we’ve been in business at Video Professor, and there was no better proof than what we all experienced on election night.
More changes are coming as “traditional” media makes the full switch to the Web. The Christian Science Monitor will no longer publish a print edition. Everything will be online. Print circulations for newspapers continue to decline, while viewers shift their attention to the online editions.
Radio station web sites now offer multiple video clips. When radio uses video, you know the times are indeed changing.
I’ll make a guess that many of the 10 million people we’ve taught over the years, were watching election results online this year. Good for you. We’re happy to have helped you do so.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO and founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
But the razzle-dazzle often times got in the way of what most people want on election night, what candidate or issue was winning or losing.
I heard one report that stated as many as 28% of you monitored election results on your computers. Most networks, newspapers and radio stations provided election night web sites that let you be the producer for election coverage.
Web 2.0 played an important part in Campaign ’08. The same held true when the vote was being counted.
While the networks may have been focused on one state, if you were interested in a different race in a different state, there were online options for you. It’s yet another example of how computers and Web 2.0 empowers you and puts you in control of the information flow.
Most election night web sites offered a full map of the United States. You simply clicked on the state you were interested in, and could drill down for more detailed information from there. Another plus was the ability for you to interact with these sites, post comments and blogs.
I try and never take any of these advances in computers for granted, thinking back to the days when we introduced our first lesson on MS-DOS. There have been huge technical advances in computing during the 21 years we’ve been in business at Video Professor, and there was no better proof than what we all experienced on election night.
More changes are coming as “traditional” media makes the full switch to the Web. The Christian Science Monitor will no longer publish a print edition. Everything will be online. Print circulations for newspapers continue to decline, while viewers shift their attention to the online editions.
Radio station web sites now offer multiple video clips. When radio uses video, you know the times are indeed changing.
I’ll make a guess that many of the 10 million people we’ve taught over the years, were watching election results online this year. Good for you. We’re happy to have helped you do so.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO and founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
Friday, October 31, 2008
Does our digital age debunk UFO’s?
A generation ago, it seems there was a picture of a UFO coming out every day. Some looked pretty real. Mostly, they were often dark, fuzzy and hard to make out. Some even made the cover of Life Magazine.
Today just about everyone has a camera with them all the time, usually on their cell phone. So, where are all the UFO pictures? Those we do see, remain grainy and fuzzy, even though today’s digital cameras make that almost impossible.
Maybe something did crash back in 1947 near Roswell, NM. I know someone who went to the 50th anniversary of “The Event” back in 1997; he said it was just one big tourist promotion. There were lots of souvenir t-shirts but no proof.
Maybe there are some aliens and a flying saucer being stored at Area 51 outside of Las Vegas. It’s made great fodder for countless science fiction stories and movies, but no proof.
Does anyone truly believe the government could keep any of this a secret if it was true? Our government has more leaks than a sieve.
So I end as I begin, with all the surveillance cameras around, the cameras built into our cell phones, where did the UFO’s go? Or did they ever visit us at all?
Speaking of which, don’t forget to vote this Tuesday. Unless you’re an alien.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO and founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
Today just about everyone has a camera with them all the time, usually on their cell phone. So, where are all the UFO pictures? Those we do see, remain grainy and fuzzy, even though today’s digital cameras make that almost impossible.
Maybe something did crash back in 1947 near Roswell, NM. I know someone who went to the 50th anniversary of “The Event” back in 1997; he said it was just one big tourist promotion. There were lots of souvenir t-shirts but no proof.
Maybe there are some aliens and a flying saucer being stored at Area 51 outside of Las Vegas. It’s made great fodder for countless science fiction stories and movies, but no proof.
Does anyone truly believe the government could keep any of this a secret if it was true? Our government has more leaks than a sieve.
So I end as I begin, with all the surveillance cameras around, the cameras built into our cell phones, where did the UFO’s go? Or did they ever visit us at all?
Speaking of which, don’t forget to vote this Tuesday. Unless you’re an alien.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO and founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
Friday, October 24, 2008
2008 Election: Where are the computers?
In just a few days Americans will elect a new President and vote on a myriad of other offices, ballot initiatives and amendments. Here in Colorado the ballot looks more like the phone book than an actual ballot.
Since it’s 2008, we have an entire generation of voters who have never lived without computers. In so many states, those voters will have to vote using paper ballots because their officials cannot figure out how to use computers to count votes.
We use computers to communicate with people halfway around the world, to design the most sophisticated machinery in the world, to buy and sell and to send pictures of the grandkids. We have computers on our desk at work, in the den at home and on our laps in between. We have PDA’s on our belts or in our purses. We can use those PDA’s to access all the information we need about voting, but just not to actually vote.
The reason is simple. The same government running our economy, and both Republicans and Democrats can share in that debacle, can’t seem to find an efficient way to use computers to vote. Systems crash, or go so far over budget that the orders are cancelled. Billions of taxpayer dollars have been spent on systems that just gather dust because they don’t work.
I guarantee that if they gave Bill Gates or Steve Jobs a call; they’d have something up and working in less than a week.
But that would make too much sense, something our government ran out of years ago.
-John
John W. Scherer
John W. Scherer is CEO and founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
Since it’s 2008, we have an entire generation of voters who have never lived without computers. In so many states, those voters will have to vote using paper ballots because their officials cannot figure out how to use computers to count votes.
We use computers to communicate with people halfway around the world, to design the most sophisticated machinery in the world, to buy and sell and to send pictures of the grandkids. We have computers on our desk at work, in the den at home and on our laps in between. We have PDA’s on our belts or in our purses. We can use those PDA’s to access all the information we need about voting, but just not to actually vote.
The reason is simple. The same government running our economy, and both Republicans and Democrats can share in that debacle, can’t seem to find an efficient way to use computers to vote. Systems crash, or go so far over budget that the orders are cancelled. Billions of taxpayer dollars have been spent on systems that just gather dust because they don’t work.
I guarantee that if they gave Bill Gates or Steve Jobs a call; they’d have something up and working in less than a week.
But that would make too much sense, something our government ran out of years ago.
-John
John W. Scherer
John W. Scherer is CEO and founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
Monday, October 20, 2008
Watch out for crooks taking advantage of the economic upheaval.
The news continues to be dominated by the economy; efforts from the Congress trying to fix the mess, and banks failing or being taken over.
You can't miss the headlines about it all, and neither do crooks and scammers. They love to take advantage of a crisis by taking advantage of you.
Don't be surprised if you get an official looking e-mail claiming to be from your bank or stockbroker. It will have all the appropriate logos and official language and ask for personal information to "confirm" your account status.
Delete it immediately!
Your banker or broker will never, ever, ask for such information from you in this way.
The whole economic situation is very confusing, and crooks and scammers know that.
It's one reason our "Protect Yourself Online" tutorial is so popular. It teaches you how to keep you and your family safe from crooks and scammers, especially in these very uncertain times.
If you have questions about the status of your bank or brokerage accounts, 401k's etc, contact them by phone, or stop by the local offices or branches.
It's your money, and the crooks always want it.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO & founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
You can't miss the headlines about it all, and neither do crooks and scammers. They love to take advantage of a crisis by taking advantage of you.
Don't be surprised if you get an official looking e-mail claiming to be from your bank or stockbroker. It will have all the appropriate logos and official language and ask for personal information to "confirm" your account status.
Delete it immediately!
Your banker or broker will never, ever, ask for such information from you in this way.
The whole economic situation is very confusing, and crooks and scammers know that.
It's one reason our "Protect Yourself Online" tutorial is so popular. It teaches you how to keep you and your family safe from crooks and scammers, especially in these very uncertain times.
If you have questions about the status of your bank or brokerage accounts, 401k's etc, contact them by phone, or stop by the local offices or branches.
It's your money, and the crooks always want it.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO & founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
Friday, October 10, 2008
Is your BlackBerry more like a Crackberry?
Do you have a BlackBerry® or similar PDA? They've been around for a few years and the Pew Internet and American Life Project set out to not only find out how our productivity has been affected, but also the impact on our personal lives.
They came up with some interesting findings. But first, think back to what life was like before we had this kind of technology. A great example is to watch the terrific and award winning series “Madmen” on AMC.
Set in the 1960's, there are no computers on the desks, just typewriters. As for making a phone call away from the office, you found yourself a pay phone. Examples of both are on display at the Smithsonian!
Pew Research showed that of those surveyed, 96 percent used e-mail, the Internet or cell phones, and 80 percent said that it made them more productive.
Devices like the BlackBerry allow you to perform all these functions just about anywhere. It also makes it difficult to leave the office for the weekend when your office is attached to your hip.
Of those surveyed by Pew, 22 percent said they checked e-mails "often" during weekends or holidays, and 49 percent said it made it harder for them to disconnect from the office.
I tend to be in that group. Being a CEO is a 24/7 job anyways, but I always check my inbox, if for no other reason than to keep the pile manageable for when I arrive to the office Monday. And I must admit it sure is handy to check everything from flight schedules to sports scores on the Internet from my very own phone.
However, there are also times where I simply turn it off or leave it at home when I'm out with friends etc.
Technology is a tool, but should never be a master.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO & founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
They came up with some interesting findings. But first, think back to what life was like before we had this kind of technology. A great example is to watch the terrific and award winning series “Madmen” on AMC.
Set in the 1960's, there are no computers on the desks, just typewriters. As for making a phone call away from the office, you found yourself a pay phone. Examples of both are on display at the Smithsonian!
Pew Research showed that of those surveyed, 96 percent used e-mail, the Internet or cell phones, and 80 percent said that it made them more productive.
Devices like the BlackBerry allow you to perform all these functions just about anywhere. It also makes it difficult to leave the office for the weekend when your office is attached to your hip.
Of those surveyed by Pew, 22 percent said they checked e-mails "often" during weekends or holidays, and 49 percent said it made it harder for them to disconnect from the office.
I tend to be in that group. Being a CEO is a 24/7 job anyways, but I always check my inbox, if for no other reason than to keep the pile manageable for when I arrive to the office Monday. And I must admit it sure is handy to check everything from flight schedules to sports scores on the Internet from my very own phone.
However, there are also times where I simply turn it off or leave it at home when I'm out with friends etc.
Technology is a tool, but should never be a master.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO & founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
Friday, October 03, 2008
Does the POTUS need a PC?
Before you read further, this is not meant to be partisan in anyway. That said, here goes.
The subject of computer literacy has come up in the Presidential Campaign, specifically the perceived lack of computer skills by Senator John McCain.
Senator McCain admits that he’s not the most computer-savvy person in the world, and the opposition has been quick to pounce on it. So have late night comedians.
I have mixed thoughts on this. I’m in the computer-literacy business. It’s why you see me on TV asking you to “Try my product®.” The Boomer generation, according to statistics by the Pew Internet and American Life Project shows that just 35 percent of people over 65 use a computer on a regular basis. You’d also be surprised at the lack of computer skills for those under 65.
It’s been our goal for 21 years that everyone has access to a computer and knows how to use it.
So what about the President of the United States? I went to Google®, and under images did a search for “Oval Office.” I got lots of great pictures, including some of the current occupant’s desk.
There’s no computer on it.
The job description for President of the United States is Commander in Chief, the leader of the free world. Who-ever sits in the Oval Office isn’t likely to instant message Iran’s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. My guess is the POTUS doesn’t need to prepare a PowerPoint® presentation either, or work up an Excel® spreadsheet for the national budget.
He has other people who do that for him. The President’s job is to make decisions, some of which are pretty serious. The nature of the job is direct, spoken communication. The next President, just like the current one, will listen then decide. The President doesn’t have to be the smartest person in the room; the President simply needs to hire the smartest people in the room. They are the ones with the computers.
The only real piece of technology the President needs is a cell phone. We supply him one as part of the job. Air Force One isn’t a bad perk either.
I really could care less if the next President has a computer on the desk or a laptop in the briefcase. What I care about is their ability to lead, to make decisions under incredible pressure based upon what’s best for you and me.
It’s the toughest job in the world. In this case, computer skills are not necessary. Leadership and decision-making are.
For everyone else, try my product!
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO & founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
The subject of computer literacy has come up in the Presidential Campaign, specifically the perceived lack of computer skills by Senator John McCain.
Senator McCain admits that he’s not the most computer-savvy person in the world, and the opposition has been quick to pounce on it. So have late night comedians.
I have mixed thoughts on this. I’m in the computer-literacy business. It’s why you see me on TV asking you to “Try my product®.” The Boomer generation, according to statistics by the Pew Internet and American Life Project shows that just 35 percent of people over 65 use a computer on a regular basis. You’d also be surprised at the lack of computer skills for those under 65.
It’s been our goal for 21 years that everyone has access to a computer and knows how to use it.
So what about the President of the United States? I went to Google®, and under images did a search for “Oval Office.” I got lots of great pictures, including some of the current occupant’s desk.
There’s no computer on it.
The job description for President of the United States is Commander in Chief, the leader of the free world. Who-ever sits in the Oval Office isn’t likely to instant message Iran’s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. My guess is the POTUS doesn’t need to prepare a PowerPoint® presentation either, or work up an Excel® spreadsheet for the national budget.
He has other people who do that for him. The President’s job is to make decisions, some of which are pretty serious. The nature of the job is direct, spoken communication. The next President, just like the current one, will listen then decide. The President doesn’t have to be the smartest person in the room; the President simply needs to hire the smartest people in the room. They are the ones with the computers.
The only real piece of technology the President needs is a cell phone. We supply him one as part of the job. Air Force One isn’t a bad perk either.
I really could care less if the next President has a computer on the desk or a laptop in the briefcase. What I care about is their ability to lead, to make decisions under incredible pressure based upon what’s best for you and me.
It’s the toughest job in the world. In this case, computer skills are not necessary. Leadership and decision-making are.
For everyone else, try my product!
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO & founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
Friday, September 26, 2008
Tracking Hurricanes Live Online
This has been quite a season for hurricanes. I’m not going to get into the whole global warming debate here, but talk about how technology is literally saving lives when these storms happen.
Galveston appears to have been the hardest hit by Hurricane Ike. In 1900, Galveston had a devastating hurricane that claimed at least 8,000 lives. Back then there weren’t weather satellites, the Internet, computers or PDA’s. By the time people realized what was about to happen, it was too late.
Flash forward a century and it’s a completely different world. Not only were scientists able to track Ike for weeks, but we were too.
I found myself going to a variety of web sites to watch the hurricane develop, and track its projected path. I could access fresh images moment by moment.
I am sure that this proved to be a wonderful tool for the people in the path of Hurricane Ike. Those with computers or PDA’s had plenty of warning time, and plenty of time to evacuate to safety. Imagine how helpful it was for people with PDAs traveling in their cars to get the latest information on evacuation routes and other necessary things.
Yes, there was loss of life, and the damage is simply horrendous. But thousands were saved because they had direct access to warnings, evacuation information and where to go when it came time to try and return home.
Another example of what computer technology is designed to do. Empower, and in this case, save lives.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO and founder of Video Professor, Inc.
Contact him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
Galveston appears to have been the hardest hit by Hurricane Ike. In 1900, Galveston had a devastating hurricane that claimed at least 8,000 lives. Back then there weren’t weather satellites, the Internet, computers or PDA’s. By the time people realized what was about to happen, it was too late.
Flash forward a century and it’s a completely different world. Not only were scientists able to track Ike for weeks, but we were too.
I found myself going to a variety of web sites to watch the hurricane develop, and track its projected path. I could access fresh images moment by moment.
I am sure that this proved to be a wonderful tool for the people in the path of Hurricane Ike. Those with computers or PDA’s had plenty of warning time, and plenty of time to evacuate to safety. Imagine how helpful it was for people with PDAs traveling in their cars to get the latest information on evacuation routes and other necessary things.
Yes, there was loss of life, and the damage is simply horrendous. But thousands were saved because they had direct access to warnings, evacuation information and where to go when it came time to try and return home.
Another example of what computer technology is designed to do. Empower, and in this case, save lives.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO and founder of Video Professor, Inc.
Contact him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
Friday, September 19, 2008
eBay has been in the news lately. JetBlue® used the popular buying and selling site to auction off hundreds of airline tickets with bids starting as low as 10 cents.
Republican candidate for Vice President, Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska brought the house down at the GOP convention when she talked about auctioning off a state-owned jet on eBay.
In both cases, the goal was more about PR than sales, and that mission was accomplished.
I have to admit that when our team talked to me about producing a tutorial about buying and selling on eBay, I was skeptical. I’m not anymore. It’s Video Professor’s No. 1 seller.
It’s a sophisticated buying and selling tool, the keyword being sophisticated. Think about having a sales tool that allows you to market to the world from your own home.
The best part about eBay is that it’s open to everyone. Not just commercial airlines or state governors.
This is yet another example of how technology and the Internet are opening a world of opportunities to anyone with a computer who has willingness to truly understand and use the power it holds.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO and founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
Republican candidate for Vice President, Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska brought the house down at the GOP convention when she talked about auctioning off a state-owned jet on eBay.
In both cases, the goal was more about PR than sales, and that mission was accomplished.
I have to admit that when our team talked to me about producing a tutorial about buying and selling on eBay, I was skeptical. I’m not anymore. It’s Video Professor’s No. 1 seller.
It’s a sophisticated buying and selling tool, the keyword being sophisticated. Think about having a sales tool that allows you to market to the world from your own home.
The best part about eBay is that it’s open to everyone. Not just commercial airlines or state governors.
This is yet another example of how technology and the Internet are opening a world of opportunities to anyone with a computer who has willingness to truly understand and use the power it holds.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO and founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
Friday, September 12, 2008
CDC reports alarming rise in cyber bullying
The Centers for Disease Control is reporting that cyber bullying against children from the ages of 10-17 has risen 50 percent from 2000-2005, from 6 percent to 9 percent.
I encourage you to read the full report.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/dvp/YVP/electronic_agression_brief_for_parents.pdf
This sort of “Electronic Aggression” comes in many forms from nasty instant messages, malicious and often fake posts on popular social network sites to text messages on the child’s cell phones.
The CDC makes the point that it’s not only adults on the cyber prowl, but other kids as well. Bullying is bullying, and technology just provides new ways for kids to pick on others.
It’s critical for parents to be involved in where and how their kids communicate on the Web and with whom. We developed a very useful tutorial, “Protect Yourself Online” to help you do just that. We worked with Cyber Crime Expert and Author Jayne Hitchcock on the project. Jayne was also a victim of cyber bullying.
This tutorial is a great tool to help protect your kids. And you too.
Please read the CDC report, and check with your State Attorney General for further information and tips.
Cyber bullying is a growing problem. While sometimes difficult, it’s important to sit down with your kids and be involved with them in person and online. Children are often hesitant to admit to being bullied, so work as hard as you can to get them to open up to you about any possible threats.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO and founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com.
I encourage you to read the full report.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/dvp/YVP/electronic_agression_brief_for_parents.pdf
This sort of “Electronic Aggression” comes in many forms from nasty instant messages, malicious and often fake posts on popular social network sites to text messages on the child’s cell phones.
The CDC makes the point that it’s not only adults on the cyber prowl, but other kids as well. Bullying is bullying, and technology just provides new ways for kids to pick on others.
It’s critical for parents to be involved in where and how their kids communicate on the Web and with whom. We developed a very useful tutorial, “Protect Yourself Online” to help you do just that. We worked with Cyber Crime Expert and Author Jayne Hitchcock on the project. Jayne was also a victim of cyber bullying.
This tutorial is a great tool to help protect your kids. And you too.
Please read the CDC report, and check with your State Attorney General for further information and tips.
Cyber bullying is a growing problem. While sometimes difficult, it’s important to sit down with your kids and be involved with them in person and online. Children are often hesitant to admit to being bullied, so work as hard as you can to get them to open up to you about any possible threats.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO and founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com.
Friday, September 05, 2008
It’s September and it’s about time!
A lot of folks head back to work after the Labor Day Weekend a bit depressed. It means that summer is over, and the next holiday isn’t until Thanksgiving. So there is a little blah in the air.
Except, of course, for those of us who love football, both NFL and college. We have picked our fantasy teams, spent extra money for all the game day television packages, we’ve found an even bigger flat screen than we had last season and generally, we’re a very happy bunch.
Our PDA’s have been programmed for scoring alerts, as have our laptops and desktops. Our Favorites list tends to be dominated by web sites of our favorite teams, both real and fantasy.
We’re not hard to miss. We have sort of a glazed over look in our eyes and a big smile on our faces. The best place to find us Mondays is by the water cooler or in the break room. If you can’t see us, you’ll hear us talking rather animatedly about plays both big and blown, along with no small amount of trash talking.
It’s a new season. Anything is possible. At least in your heart and mind, if not backed up by the roster.
Here at Video Professor, Friday is casual day and when Fall arrives, just about everyone here is wearing the jersey of their favorite NFL or college team. From the Broncos to the Bills, Texas to Kansas, our team is ready to root for their team.
The long summer is over. Football is here and life is as it should be.
-John.
John W. Scherer
John is CEO & founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
Except, of course, for those of us who love football, both NFL and college. We have picked our fantasy teams, spent extra money for all the game day television packages, we’ve found an even bigger flat screen than we had last season and generally, we’re a very happy bunch.
Our PDA’s have been programmed for scoring alerts, as have our laptops and desktops. Our Favorites list tends to be dominated by web sites of our favorite teams, both real and fantasy.
We’re not hard to miss. We have sort of a glazed over look in our eyes and a big smile on our faces. The best place to find us Mondays is by the water cooler or in the break room. If you can’t see us, you’ll hear us talking rather animatedly about plays both big and blown, along with no small amount of trash talking.
It’s a new season. Anything is possible. At least in your heart and mind, if not backed up by the roster.
Here at Video Professor, Friday is casual day and when Fall arrives, just about everyone here is wearing the jersey of their favorite NFL or college team. From the Broncos to the Bills, Texas to Kansas, our team is ready to root for their team.
The long summer is over. Football is here and life is as it should be.
-John.
John W. Scherer
John is CEO & founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Google: 800 pounds and counting.
I wonder how Olympic swimmers who had to compete against Michael Phelps felt? Years of training and preparation just to watch the ’08 Games Golden Boy feat.
It must be the same feeling for search engine newcomers like Cuil or Wikia.
Cuil launched over a month ago to much hype, and less than positive reviews. So how’s it going today? Writer Dan Nystedt of IDG News Service says Cuil has .0070 percent market share in the Internet search business. By contrast, Google® has over 70 percent.
However, Sam Diaz writing in ZDNet says that “nibbling” might be a better approach compared to a full frontal attack on Google. Death by a thousand digital cuts.
Ultimately consumers always need a compelling reason to switch away from something they’re familiar with.
Just a few years ago people asked, “Do you Yahoo?” Since then Google has become both a noun and a verb, and the first choice in search engines for most people.
As social networking grows in popularity around the world, some search engines might think less about market share, and more about niche opportunities. Less indeed, could really be more.
It’s all about choice, and there is plenty of it out there on Web 2.0.
That’s good news for all of us.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO & Founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
It must be the same feeling for search engine newcomers like Cuil or Wikia.
Cuil launched over a month ago to much hype, and less than positive reviews. So how’s it going today? Writer Dan Nystedt of IDG News Service says Cuil has .0070 percent market share in the Internet search business. By contrast, Google® has over 70 percent.
However, Sam Diaz writing in ZDNet says that “nibbling” might be a better approach compared to a full frontal attack on Google. Death by a thousand digital cuts.
Ultimately consumers always need a compelling reason to switch away from something they’re familiar with.
Just a few years ago people asked, “Do you Yahoo?” Since then Google has become both a noun and a verb, and the first choice in search engines for most people.
As social networking grows in popularity around the world, some search engines might think less about market share, and more about niche opportunities. Less indeed, could really be more.
It’s all about choice, and there is plenty of it out there on Web 2.0.
That’s good news for all of us.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO & Founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
Friday, August 22, 2008
I thought 60 was the new 40?
Ok, whoever came up with that expression had to be at least 60. But it does emphasize the point that the baby boom generation is healthier, and living and working longer than the generation before them. They’re also pretty affluent.
So it came as a bit of a surprise to me that according to both Focalyst and Dynamic Logic; and the Pew Internet & American Life Project, just 37.6 percent of Americans 62 and older are going online. That’s about 17 million boomers. So what about the other 62.4 percent or over 30 million?
According to the research, online boomers use the Internet for searching, keeping up with family and friends through blogging and e-mails etc, checking out news, making travel plans, paying bills and even learning online.
Two key factors keeping some boomers offline seem to be education and income. Neither should be an issue. Computing has never been easier to learn, we know that at Video Professor. Prices for computers make them affordable for just about everyone, and libraries fill the gap for those who can’t afford one.
I’ve blogged before about some of the jokes being made about the nation’s most famous baby boomer, Senator John McCain and his perceived lack of computer skills.
Computer literacy is crucial to our nation’s continued growth and success regardless of age or situation. I hope he embraces that, and leads millions of other baby boomers by example. Let’s not let the computer literacy gap become a chasm.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO & Founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com.
So it came as a bit of a surprise to me that according to both Focalyst and Dynamic Logic; and the Pew Internet & American Life Project, just 37.6 percent of Americans 62 and older are going online. That’s about 17 million boomers. So what about the other 62.4 percent or over 30 million?
According to the research, online boomers use the Internet for searching, keeping up with family and friends through blogging and e-mails etc, checking out news, making travel plans, paying bills and even learning online.
Two key factors keeping some boomers offline seem to be education and income. Neither should be an issue. Computing has never been easier to learn, we know that at Video Professor. Prices for computers make them affordable for just about everyone, and libraries fill the gap for those who can’t afford one.
I’ve blogged before about some of the jokes being made about the nation’s most famous baby boomer, Senator John McCain and his perceived lack of computer skills.
Computer literacy is crucial to our nation’s continued growth and success regardless of age or situation. I hope he embraces that, and leads millions of other baby boomers by example. Let’s not let the computer literacy gap become a chasm.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO & Founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com.
Friday, August 08, 2008
What’s your lifestyle choice? Real, virtual or both?
The folks at Google™ have joined the virtual life competition with something called Lively. In contrast to the spartan design of its regular pages, Lively is very lively! You can choose from avatars and have rooms to congregate in as you gather, giggle and google.
Sound familiar? Second Life® is another virtual world and remains the gold standard, or perhaps I should say the gold avatar of living an online life in case your real one is boring or mundane.
And these web sites are becoming hot stuff. Last season, an episode of CSI New York centered on Second Life characters. People operate businesses and other enterprises, all in a virtual world that exists only in their computer. And if what I saw on CSI was any indication, people via their avatars can take part in no small amount of mischief.
Participating in these virtual worlds is a full-time life for a lot of folks. I wonder why? Is our current real world that bad? When you read the headlines about the economy, gas prices and yet another political campaign season headed to Mudville, can you really blame someone for wanting to escape?
As for me, I like the real world with its challenges. Its ups and downs. For me, real life is a full-time occupation.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO & Founder of Video Professor, Inc.
Reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
Sound familiar? Second Life® is another virtual world and remains the gold standard, or perhaps I should say the gold avatar of living an online life in case your real one is boring or mundane.
And these web sites are becoming hot stuff. Last season, an episode of CSI New York centered on Second Life characters. People operate businesses and other enterprises, all in a virtual world that exists only in their computer. And if what I saw on CSI was any indication, people via their avatars can take part in no small amount of mischief.
Participating in these virtual worlds is a full-time life for a lot of folks. I wonder why? Is our current real world that bad? When you read the headlines about the economy, gas prices and yet another political campaign season headed to Mudville, can you really blame someone for wanting to escape?
As for me, I like the real world with its challenges. Its ups and downs. For me, real life is a full-time occupation.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO & Founder of Video Professor, Inc.
Reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
Friday, August 01, 2008
It’s just business, not politics.
I get more than a few e-mails (which I always appreciate getting, by the way) about what networks we advertise on. One recent e-mailer was upset because we advertise on The O’Reilly Factor on FOX News.
Another person wrote that they were upset because we advertised on a competing network that they didn’t like.
Where and when we advertise Video Professor Lessons is a decision based on audience and the cost for us to reach that audience.
Bill O’Reilly for instance, is controversial. Not everyone likes him. But millions of others do and we want to sell them our lessons! Advertising Video Professor on his show produces results, just as it does on other programs like FOX & Friends or news and entertainment programming on other networks.
While I do admit to having a soft spot in my heart for the folks on FOX & Friends since I have appeared on the show three different times, ultimately we advertise with them because they have such a great audience. And many of the viewers buy our lessons.
We have a talented team of media buyers who make decisions on audience, cost and which networks and programs produce the best results.
Politics and business are a bad mix. That’s why in our ads I ask you to "Try my product®." You’ll never see me telling you how to vote. If one of our commercials appears just before or after a story on any candidate, it doesn’t mean we endorse that candidate.
Ultimately it’s you, the consumer, who is in charge. I hate to admit it, but sometimes when people see my smiling face on a commercial, they switch the channel! Others, however, pick up the phone and order a lesson.
Most folks have hundreds of channels to choose from, plus the Internet, and we just try to reach as many of you as possible. If you don’t like what you see, the problem is solved with just a click of your remote. I know, I do that a lot during election time!
Please keep on writing and sharing your thoughts with me.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO & Founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
Another person wrote that they were upset because we advertised on a competing network that they didn’t like.
Where and when we advertise Video Professor Lessons is a decision based on audience and the cost for us to reach that audience.
Bill O’Reilly for instance, is controversial. Not everyone likes him. But millions of others do and we want to sell them our lessons! Advertising Video Professor on his show produces results, just as it does on other programs like FOX & Friends or news and entertainment programming on other networks.
While I do admit to having a soft spot in my heart for the folks on FOX & Friends since I have appeared on the show three different times, ultimately we advertise with them because they have such a great audience. And many of the viewers buy our lessons.
We have a talented team of media buyers who make decisions on audience, cost and which networks and programs produce the best results.
Politics and business are a bad mix. That’s why in our ads I ask you to "Try my product®." You’ll never see me telling you how to vote. If one of our commercials appears just before or after a story on any candidate, it doesn’t mean we endorse that candidate.
Ultimately it’s you, the consumer, who is in charge. I hate to admit it, but sometimes when people see my smiling face on a commercial, they switch the channel! Others, however, pick up the phone and order a lesson.
Most folks have hundreds of channels to choose from, plus the Internet, and we just try to reach as many of you as possible. If you don’t like what you see, the problem is solved with just a click of your remote. I know, I do that a lot during election time!
Please keep on writing and sharing your thoughts with me.
-John
John W. Scherer
John is CEO & Founder of Video Professor, Inc.
You can reach him at ceo@videoprofessor.com
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