E-mail Marketing Made Easy with Send Blaster Pro
Oct 5th
I have been producing e-mail marketing campaigns for the last five years for a variety of clients. Usually when a client approaches me they tend to mention a product like Constant Contact which is not a bad product but unless your are going to use the product on a daily or weekly basis the cost of a service like this will quickly add up. For sometime I have been searching for a stand-alone personal desktop side email marketing software and after testing many platforms out many just did not offer what the client was asking for.
You need to be able to provide analytics and tracking for the e-mails, control your campaigns and contacts, and be able to set up e-mails to look and act exactly as you need it too. And, up until this point none of the programs I tried would give me all the features I needed until I came across SendBlaster Pro . This program is simply amazing and is a fraction of the cost of one of the e-mail marketing services that charge you monthly or per contact.
Offering free templates or having the controls to design your own templates you can easily create that professional e-mail marketing message you are looking to do. SendBlaster also allows you to create and build permission based list using forms that you can integrate on your website to further enhance you list and targeting for future e-mails based on form fields. And, one of the biggest options is the integration of Google Analytics to analyze all of your data and track customers.
In addition to creating just e-mails you can also create newsletters and use the WYSIWYG HTML editor,import your own code or use the free templates provided. The software will also allow you to personalize e-mails, embed images, add un-subscribe links, schedule e-mails, import contacts and much much more. This is really the ultimate stand-alone Email Marketing Software and I have started to use this product for my e-mails and plan to use it and recommend it to my clients too.
Why should you keep paying a monthly fee for this expensive services when you can a pay a one-time charge and have all the same options, controls and more right at your finger tips. If you are looking for e-mail / newsletter marketing software then Send Blaster Pro is the way to go! To make things even better SendBlaster is available in two version… Free and Pro , visit SendBlaster today to compare and get your e-marketing campaign started today!
Read more of my reviews at : DamnGoodReviews
The ultimate viewing experience with Brite-View’s CinemaGo Wireless.
Aug 11th
With cable prices soaring higher and higher and some people I know canceling cable all together. To have the ability to watch free HD over the air or shows through the internet sparked my interesting into internet media players. This is really nothing new to me as when I lived with my brother, the two techno-geeks as some would call us, we built our own DVR system with some basic video playback and internet TV capabilities too. The problem was that it was more like building a computer system that plugged into my LCD TV acting as a monitor and having to stay close even with a wireless keyboard which proved to be a pain as you could imagine.
A few months ago I started reading reviews of HD based media players both hard-wired and wireless units and being that I would like the option to watch a variety of internet based programs or local network videos in my bedroom, which is not close to the router, the wireless units seemed to be the best idea. Also, having an Xbox360 and a Wii I really didn’t need to add another device on the downstairs TV.
The majority of these units will play local files from the USB or SATA ports or through your home network and many units also offer HD up converting capabilities too Sure, I have a lot of local and networked files I would like to play but my ultimate goal was to watch a variety of different media content from the web. That’s where a media server like PlayOn or Tversity is a great tool and many of the players will interface with these programs.. PlayOn, which was my software application of choice, will also work on the Xbox and Wii, and turns your home computer into an internet streaming media server. With a new plugins always being developed and released this software package would give a media device the ultimate internet media capabilities. Now the problem was to find a system that supported the PlayON software. After much research and reading many reviews, I came to the conclusion the CinemaGo by Brite-view had everything I wanted. The unit offered included wireless connectivity, Dolby, DTS, HD – 1080p Up-converting a variety of output options, USB and SATA connections and a huge list of playback support of many of the most popular formats. The software interface on the hardware has everything from controls to play videos, music and pictures and bonus options that give you direct connection to Muzee Internet Radio and TV, Flickr access and you can only imagine what additional bonus options are planned. Another awesome option is that has a built in torrent downloader which means if you have an external hard drive connected to the system you can download the latest and greatest torrents.
The setup of the unit was extremely simple and everything, at least from a tech stand point, was pretty self-explanatory but the included instruction guide was very informative too. I hooked the CinemaGo to the TV with the provided HDMI cable, installed the included batteries in the remote and placed wireless USB device in the port. The only thing at this point I felt was a little odd was having this USB stick taking up not only one of my two USB ports but also that It sticks out the front of the unit. This should be something built-in to the unit and have a dedicated USB port for the wireless device. Nevertheless, the remote is very simple, clear and straight-forward making it already a very simple device to navigate. I powered on the unit and immediately the menu appeared and I scrolled through all of my options… including video and music menus and more. I played back a few local media files I had on a thumbdrive and the quality was awesome. I had some stuff in Standard Definition and a few short videos in 720p which played smooth and looked excellent!
Again, my ultimate goal was to get this thing playing internet media. So, I went to the setting menu and setup my wireless connect ion, which was extremely simple, but documentation should be included in case some people need a bit of help. The unit connected to my network and I tested the connection with the included Flickr viewer and Muzee Radio Stations..Which all worked perfectly. I ran a system update which took a few minutes and it added the Muzee Internet TV service which says it is in beta but offers TV from around the globe… and yes I did check it out. There is some very interesting programming on the other side of the planet.
Now ready to actually see more content, I downloaded the 14-DAY Trial of the PlayON service and of course the laptop I installed it on gave me a bunch of errors and it didn’t work. So, I installed on my desktop computer which is always anyway. The service started up and I had tons of included media sites available and now I could go connect my CinemaGo to the new media server. And I did just that..since my media server is on the network and has sharing enabled and now the CinemaGo is on the same network I quickly refreshed my connection options and the PlayON server appeared. This is awesome!
I scrolled through a few media site options and tested videos on YouTube and Hulu.. both standard definition and high definition and honestly both looked great. I have read that some sites might generate “file not supported errors” but I have yet to encounter that and with PlayON third party developers consistently adding new plugins this is really the ultimate media experience. If you are not using the PlayON service there are other options like TVersity and others including ones built into Windows 7 but I chose to use the PlayON service as my system are mostly running XP and not the media center version and I love all the plugins too. For local files, it will connect to your windows media library and play videos, audio and photo and with a wide range of supported formats you really can’t go wrong with this unit.
I can’t wait to try the torrent downloader which I plan to have in a follow-up article in addition to testing out the support of ISO files which will allow you to navigate a video just like that of a DVD menu.. This pint-sized powerful media unit has not only met but far exceed my expectations and with a retail price on www.brite-view.com for only around $100 this is one product that you need to get right now or at least put on your holiday list! And, if you plan on playing internet media then the service like PlayON currently cost around $40 and the $20 a year after that.. which compared to $120+ Cable Bill.. I’ll take it!
You should keep in mind that a lot of content on the web is still not in HD.. so don’t be upset when you watch a video that was shot on a cell phone and it doesn’t look great. Nevertheless, the quality of video and media being delivered is only getting better and faster and the CinemaGo will be right there to play it! Time to watch some more of my favorite programming! For more information or to purchase the CinemaGo visit the company website, www.brite-view.com . Enjoy!
Please also be sure to check out my video review of the CinemaGo at www.expotv.com
Finally Some Back Relief with Spine-Worx! (Review)
Aug 3rd
As a sufferer from lower back pain I have tried many different remedies to relieve my pain. I’ve tried everything from medicine to chiropractic care and various exercises but my weak lower back still gives me problems and I’m always looking to try something new. A while ago I saw an advertisement for a product called Spine-Worx which the description states that this natural back support system, designed by a chiropractor, uses your body’s own weight to apply controlled pressure to the spinal vertebrae. As you lie on Spine-Worx, your spine is pressed firmly against the length of its two unique padded and contoured rails, injection-molded to fit the natural shape of the mid- and lower back. The vertebrae in the spine are gradually and gently encouraged to realign into their natural positions, which ultimately is said to relieve pressure and pain.
So, with nothing to lose, except the lower back pain, US Therapy, Inc sent me a unit for review. Upon opening the box the Spine-Worx product almost looks like a toy and some sort of gimmicky product. But prior to requesting the unit I read many other great reviews and new that they had to hold some truth. I read the instructions, which I highly recommend, since if used improperly you may potentially hurt yourself. After finishing the instructions I placed the product on the floor and aligned myself with the support system. In my mind I thought when I laid down and applied pressure I would hear everything pop in place… but that was neither the case nor how this product works. It was a bit uncomfortable at first but with a pillow behind me head it became less uncomfortable and I could feel the even pressure being placed on my spine from my body weight. And honestly, this product could not have come at a better time as my deskchair at work was giving me serious lower back pain issues with no lumbar support what so ever.
After the first use of about 10 minutes or so I actually felt some relief after getting back up. So, with that in mind I put the product to the test and used it for two-weeks for about 10 minutes every night. I was presently surprised each and every time that I used the product my back did not bother me as much during the day or at night since starting to use the product. Additionally I have also started to do some basic back stretches too and the combination seems to be working great! The Spine-Worx product even though it may look simple and silly is a great product and I can’t say enough about it. I look forward to continuing to use Spine-Worx in addition to my basic exercises and will surely recommend it to others who are also in the same position as me and looking to find relief from back pain.
Thanks!
Allen
Save money on your car insurance with Vinshield
Jul 20th
If you live in the garden state then you know how expensive car insurance can be and anything that might get you a discount off your yearly premium is worth looking into. A big security feature for many cars is having the windows etched with the VIN number to act as a theft deterrent. Mostly this is offered as an option at the major auto dealers when you purchase the car or truck. The technique is not hard but this is a real money maker for the dealerships as some can charge more than $300 for the etching process which take only about 20 minutes to complete.
Not wanting to spend that amount of money, I researched options online and came across the company Vinshield.com . They offer a whole kit for around $25 that will cover your automobile and comes with everything you need… even the form to submit to your insurance company for the discount.
On the site they ask for your cars information and VIN number to print on the specialty transfer paper. The package comes with detailed instructions, etching cream, applicators, rubber gloves, two-practice microscope slides and enough transfer to cover your entire car in addition to the practice slides. Unfortunately, I waited too long an my etching cream dried up and only had enough for the test slides but it is the same stuff the local art store sold so I purchase and used that.
Make sure you read the instructions carefully and use the precautions for handling the etching cream as it is extremely caustic and dangerous to your skin and health. After performing the test slides and getting the technique down I was ready to go live with it. First, make sure you clean the outside of the window where you will apply the etching. Next peel off your transfer sheet with the VIN number, make sure to double check that all of the transfer paper has the correct VIN, and then adhere it to the window. I used the company recommendation and added an additional border of tape around the template to make sure none of the etching cream got anywhere else on the car. If it does make sure to wash the area immediately because this will damage your glass, paint and skin.
I put on the gloves and applied the cream in a circular motion working the cream into the letters as described. Finally I applied another layer to cover all the letters and then let this sit for about 8 minutes, which worked best for me. I repeated the process all away around the car and they came out great! Once the process is completed
clean the area with water to make sure no cream is still active and your etching is complete. Make sure to be careful when removing the stencils too as the cream can still hurt you.
Finally, I filed out the included form saying that the vehicle has been etched and I submitted for my insurance policy. On my car and policy this will qualify as a category anti-theft system and will save me about $18 a year and the kit cost only $25! So, if you plan on having your car for more than two-years and would like to save on your car insurance premium than etching your windows with the VINshiild kit is for you!
For more information visit vinshield.com
MB Motorsports Announces Director of Digital Media
Jul 2nd
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9 A.M. EDT, July 1, 2010
MB Motorsports Announces Director of Digital Media
MB Motorsports is pleased to announce the appointment of, Allen Gottfried, as Director of Digital Media & E-Marketing. Gottfried will focus on the development and maintenance of the www.mbmotorsports.com, inventory management, social media profiles, blogs, media creation, cross-platform marketing, and the branding and promotion through traditional, existing and emerging delivery platforms.
Gottfried is a proven director of digital media and video production with over 10 years experience in the media industry with multiple awards, videos and globally distributed products.
NJ Auto Dealer Launches New Website
Jul 2nd
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9 A.M. EDT, July 1, 2010
NJ AUTO DEALER LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
MB Motorsports is pleased to announce the launch of its newly redesigned and
improved website, www.mbmotorsports.com . Offering many of the same great features as the previous site, MB Motorsports has made a more user-friendly layout, navigation, search features and inventory management. The newly launched website also offers the traditional photo collection and now also offers custom promotional videos of each auto listed in the inventory system, allowing
for the ultimate user experience and online automotive sales platform.
Additionally, MB Motorsports will further expand their web presence by increasing blog posts, e-mail campaigns, social media profiles and more custom, promotional and how-to videos too.
About MB Motorsports: at MB Motorsports, quality vehicles and spectacular service run in the family. Our business has always been family owned and operated, and each customer benefits from our combined 75 years experience in the automobile industry.
Whatever you’re looking for, MB Motorsports is here to help. Enjoy the site-or stop by and see us today!
We love cars & motorcycles – and it shows. It’s not just what we do – it’s who we are.
-End-
Weak Cell Signal? I might have your solution! Wilson’s Signal Boost DB Pro!
Jun 14th
Review By: Allen M. Gottfried
Airbrush Action Magazine
In this day and age of wi-fi hotspots popping up everywhere, new cell towers being constructed and commercials constantly asking if you can here me now or telling us that there is a map for that, many people simply don’t think cell phone reception is still a major problem. Nevertheless, many small companies, auto shops, and homes in cities big and small may very will be in a poor signal strength area and it could be hurting business and communication.
For example, if you were to come stand in my new home and try to get a cell phone signal I wish you the best of luck getting any reception. Well, that’s unless you stand on one leg with and arm out and tin foil wrapped around your head. My area is what the industry calls a dead zone and you simply won’t get a very good signal. As many know this is very frustrating especially when people try to reach you on your phone or you use texting to do a lot of your communicating. Of course the option to switch carriers is available, but I don’t want to do that and I also just renewed my contract and would be subject to cancellation fees. So, what are my options? I could call the wireless provider and constantly bug them to put up a new tower or repeaters in the neighborhood which more than likely won’t happen as I am no priority to them.
After researching affordable and available solutions online, I came across a few companies that build cell-phone signal amplifies and repeaters. Some seem to costs thousands of dollars and are designed for large buildings but many of the companies are building units for household/office use. Keep in mind that you still need some signal, even a weak one, to make these units work but it’s a great start and should give you better reception than what you have to start with. After much research, I felt that Wilson Electronics had one of the best solutions the DB SIGNAL PRO KIT and was one of the most cost effective for a small business and/or household use. At a cost of around $500+ this unit will allow you to connect to all the major wireless networks and boost your signal through-out the house or up to 2500 square ft building. So did it work?
The box came from Wilson Electronics a few months ago but due to the horrible cold weather I could not install the unit. Now that the weather is nice I was ready to get the ball rolling. First I sent my brother up the ladder to find the best location for the antenna. Luckily for me there was a place that already had a coax cable running into the attic
and I was able to tap off that. But I still had to run the cable from the attic to the first level which was very time consuming but needs to be done. The biggest part of this project was mounting the antenna on the roof and then having to run a cable through the house…but if you have experience running cable then you should be fine…if not most likely an electrician or AV installation company can probably run these cables for you.
Once the cable run was complete I made the connection to the antenna and to the base station unit down stairs. The unit powered up and magically my signal jumped from EV or 1 signal bar to a strength rating between 2 and 3 bars depending where in the house I was standing. Nevertheless, I can actually make a phone call now if needed. When I spoke to the tech support with Wilson they did tell me sometime repositioning the base unit or separating the base and antenna more will give you better strength variations… but it all does depend on what signal you are starting with and if you can get to a high enough point to capture the signal through the antenna.
Never expecting to get full bars and signal I was more that pleased to see this unit working as described. If you plan on purchasing one of these unit I would plan on taking most of a day to install the unit from start to finish and recommended not ordering it when it’s cold outside. I want to thank Wilson Electronics for developing such a quality product and realizing that everyone does not have the perfect signal. This was a fun project… no one fell of the ladder.. there was a lot of sweat.. a few beers and now I can proudly say I have a signal…. and you can hear me now too.
Restoring the peace to my document organization chaos!
May 11th
Restoring the peace to my document organization chaos!
Review By: Allen M. Gottfried, Airbrush Action Magazine
Like many, I’m sure you can relate to having paperwork, bills, notes and pages from magazines that are scattered everywhere around your desk at home or in the office. As much as I would like to say I am the neatest most organized person… I simply can not and needed to find a solution for organizing this chaos and tidy up my mess, with an easy to use well-priced software package that will scan and organize all of my documents on to computer system? This solution was something I have been researching for sometime now but many of the software packages are very expensive and hiring a company to do this are even more money and most people don’t need that. Additionally, upon researching software options one program would offers one feature and not another… maybe you can just import your document, or maybe just scan and convert with OCR (optical character recognition) but the filing system is no good or hard to use.
So, what do you do when you need a program on a budget, offers a user-friendly interface and yet still will do everything you are looking for? You do exactly what Karlie Shah, founder of eDoc, llc did. Start your own company and build your own software package that is easy to use and will get the job done right! Karlie started creating eDoc Organizer after she couldn’t find an easy to use and affordable document management solution for her own needs, much as was my dilemma here in the office and at home. In only March of 2009 she successfully launched her company and produced the document management software, eDoc Organizer.
The interface is very simple to use and to the point… no guessing with what crazy menu options mean. Additionally, the native format of the program uses Adobe PDF to ensure compatibility for many years to come. Options like printing, export and e-mail capabilities are all right on the main screen and importing or scanning existing documents is a synch! You can easily label and categorize all of your documents and scan the text of your documents making it an easy task to find information quickly.
The software is currently offered in three different versions: Basic, Standard and Ultimate. They all have the same capabilities accept for the amount of documents you are allowed to save with the Ultimate edition giving you an unlimited amount of document space for only $99! Unfortunately the software is not network friendly just yet but future plans state that a multi-user network based eDoc Organizer system that will help small businesses achieve paperless offices will be beta testing this month.
I highly recommend this software and think it is a great way to go paperless and keep your workspace and home neat and clear of messy paperwork.
To download a demo or purchase the full-version of the software visit, edocorganizer.com