Business Week’s Best of the Web

Readers – BusinessWeek’s Best of the Web is out – lots of good stuff here, take a look when you have some time.

NYT

Good news.  NYT is not charging to view sections now.  Good info here.

Still Not a Fan.

So, Wal-Mart is changing it’s slogan from “Always Low Prices,” to “Save Money. Live Better.”  David Kiley of BusinessWee’s Brand New Day does a nice post on the topic.  And after reading his post, I see that for marketing, this could be a great case study and I see the value in it, I do.  However, I work in PR, not marketing per se, plus, I am a consumer.  And a consumer who found herself at Wal-Mart the other day buying a variety of items – mostly toys.  And I still feel the same way every time go there, which is a rare occasion.  Aggravated.  Plain old aggravated.  I know they have the lowest prices around, for the most part, but that does not take away from the frustrations.  So the “live better” part of the their slogan is interesting – we should see if that really happens in their stores.  It would be nice to be able to wheel wagons that don’t squeak, down the aisles without bumping into things and actually find the products that you are seeking.  It would also be nice if they could tone down the flourescent lighting, but I guess it can’t be perfect.

Like, so not fair – again.

This is not the first time I have blogged about this.  Actually I think I linked to Cathy’s original blog on this.  This entire issue is just plain sad.  Here I am thinking we have come so far, and really we are in the same place.  But it doesn’t seem like it’s just women who need to change the way they think. Listen up men, you too are capable of change – and believe it or not, it doesnt always have to benefit you.  Imagine the concept for a bit.  Ever since I was young, my brother has referred to me a “femi-nazi” because of the way I view things – but really all I am asking is that things are fair.  Don’t we live in the United States?  I thought fair was the norm?  Guess not.

The iPhone situation…

Now I do not have one, nor will I.  The less connected I am outside of work the better my quality of life is. I do not feel the need to watcha movie on a 3 inch screen or anything of that nature.  But when I heard the news about the price drop I could only feel for those that bought into the hype and went out 10 weeks ago and got one.  Maybe there is a lesson here?  Like when a new model car comes out – don’t buy the first year, but wait.  I dont know.  David Pogue has a good post on the issue, links to USA Today’s coverage.  And of course we know of the $100 credit, but somehow I don’t think that makes a big difference to those who are now forces to spend $100 on MORE Apple products.

Great.

Not that I need to worry much at this point, but still.  This is not surprising at all, just a bit deflating.