Citation
(2008), "Whats on the web", Strategic Direction, Vol. 24 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/sd.2008.05624bag.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Whats on the web
FreePint is a “global network of people who find, use, manage and share work-related information.” Concerned with providing tips on best use of internet resources this site is comprised largely of forums and archived newsletters. The layout is rather sparse though quotes from users suggest a loyal following. As a networking site the main aim is, unsurprisingly, to convince people to join FreePint. It appears that to gain full use of the site’s facilities one needs to register, as the material available prior to registration does not measure up to the testimonials. Introductions to reports are contained on site although to view the entirety of the reports requires purchase. Many of the links unfortunately seem to go around in circles, possibly due to the fact that the company is part of a larger network; several of its sister sites are linked and viewers can find themselves diverted beyond the scope of the FreePint site.
What about …
Although just one of the sections of the about.com web site, this could easily be a large stand-alone site. The extensive range of information is split into four main sub-sections: essentials, business offers, topics and tools. Each of these contains further sub-headings before one follows the link, helping to prevent the usual frustrating and time-consuming internet searches. While the content of the “topics” and “essentials” sub-sections is good, that of the “offers” section is somewhat lacking and is probably best left alone. Various topic-dependant, related, web site addresses are available throughout the pages, articles are supplied in abundance and forums are also featured. The site itself is relatively easy to navigate although occasionally one ends up in another part of the about.com web site. This may not necessarily be a bad thing however, as other parts of the site are certainly worth looking at – even for entrepreneurs.
Weird fish
Red Herring is concerned with providing information regarding the latest technology and the effect that advances of the same has on business. The site is mainly comprised of articles related to various aspects of technology and the latest news and research on the topic. As well as articles specifically related to the business world, generic articles concerning the general public are also included. The listings are divided into specific areas and range from finance, to communication, to biosciences, to security. New articles and “most popular” are the most prominent, giving up-to-date information and an overview of what others have found interesting. This web site provides an in-depth view of the issue of technology and suggests a refreshing “non-teccie” attitude to a sometimes vexed subject.
Good looking
www.businessownersideacafe.com
Particularly colorful and “starry” this is a web site aimed at small business owners and budding entrepreneurs. Although the layout is a little haphazard, the content it contains is very passable and could prove quite useful. Much of what is written on site is done so by those in the same position as the reader (or the position the reader would like to be in) e.g. successful small business owners. One bonus of this is that this gives the reader the opportunity to learn from others’ mistakes; however, some of the advice sounds as if it is stating the obvious a little. Though much of the site is accessible to the casual viewer the site gives the option to join; this is free and will give access to the “regulars” areas of the site. With sections on how to start, finance and market a business this fun and breezy site is well worth a browse.
Too good to be true?
“Startupslive are a series of highly inspirational business events. They are specially designed to help you start and build your business.” Highly usable and professional are the overwhelming first impressions given by this web site. The purpose of the site is to advertise the seminars that this company organizes in various locations around the UK. Surprisingly these apparently are completely free. Confirmed speakers at the different locations are listed and at present include the founder of the Eden Project, the founder of Applied Language Solutions, and the founder of Coffee Republic amongst others. Previous events are reviewed and an overview of what one can expect from the seminars is given, both in word form and through video footage. If the web site is anything to go by the seminars could be very worthwhile, especially as there seems to be nothing to lose.
And finally
“10 Totally Stupid Online Business Ideas That Made Someone Rich”. Absolutely true and worth a look. See www.nichegeek.com
Best of all
For a particularly interesting and useful site you could always try the Emerald one!
If you have any favorite (or otherwise) sites that you would like us to review on these pages, or wish us to consider your own site, please drop us an e-mail and we will ask our reviewers to check them out.