Daily Archives: August 19, 2009

ScanSafe, the pioneer and leading provider of SaaS Web security, today revealed its latest data showing that employers are gradually tightening the reins on which websites their staff can view and are increasingly choosing to block access to popular social networking sites.

“When Web filtering first became an option for companies we generally saw them block access to typical categories such as pornography, illegal activities and hate and discrimination,” comments Spencer Parker, director of product management at ScanSafe. “In recent months, employers are obviously wising up to the dangers and negative impact on productivity linked to certain sites and more and more of our customers have chosen to block social networking, online banking and Webmail.”

An analysis of more than a billion Web requests processed by the company each month confirms a 20% increase in the number of customers blocking social networking sites in the last six months. Currently, 76% of companies are choosing to block social networking and it is now a more popular category to block than online shopping (52%), weapons (75%), alcohol (64%), sports (51%) and Webmail (58%). Surprisingly, employers don’t take the same stern approach to online banking and less than half (47%) of our customers block this category.

ScanSafe specifically found an increase in the number of customers choosing to block the below categories in the last 6 months.

• 28% increase in travel
• 27% increase in restaurants and bars
• 26% increase in sports
• 26% increase in online shopping
• 19% increase in Job Searches
• 16% increase in Webmail

In economic times like these, having a productive workforce is more important than ever and companies are now often expecting employees to work harder for less. Restricting access to non-work related sites could be a way to encourage this much needed productivity.

“Social networking sites can expose businesses to malware and if not used for business purposes can be a drain on productivity and bandwidth,” says Parker. “Given the option, companies are increasingly taking a sterner approach to the sites that their employees are allowed to access. I imagine before long, social networking will be up there with pornography in terms of categories blocked.”

ScanSafe Web Filtering provides control over how employees use the Internet. It provides easy-to-use tools to create, enforce and monitor company Web usage policies. Using the most accurate categorisation databases, Web Filtering helps manage the firm’s Internet traffic, protecting the network and staff from undesirable Web content.

About ScanSafe

ScanSafe (www.scansafe.com) is the pioneer and largest global provider of SaaS Web Security, ensuring a safe and productive Internet environment for businesses. ScanSafe solutions keep malware off corporate networks and allow businesses to control and secure the use of the Web. As a SaaS solution, ScanSafe eliminates the burden of purchasing and maintaining infrastructure in-house, significantly lowering the total cost of ownership. Powered by its proactive, multilayered Outbreak Intelligence™ threat detection technology, ScanSafe processes more than a billion Web requests each month and 200 million blocks each month for customers in over 90 countries.

Today Forward Motion Studios, a Web and graphic design firm launched the next part of their commitment to social media by launching their new web site Twitter and Beyond.Com at www.twitterandbeyond.com. The site currently features free Twitter Backgrounds in 9 different categories with a rage of artistic designs.

Heather Montgomery, CEO of Forward Motion Studios is excited about this latest venture for her design firm, “I am excited to offer free Twitter backgrounds to our clients and the general public at large. The next phase is to offer custom backgrounds for people looking to brand their Twitter backgrounds. I know some people can do this in Photoshop, but I feel for businesses the backgrounds would be more professional and correctly sized if a web design team designed it.”

For some examples of Forward Motion Studios custom Twitter backgrounds they invite you to view www.twitter.com/forwardmotion and www.twitter.com/8womendream

In addition Heather’s company is popular on Facebook at www.facebook.com/forward.motion.studios. The company web site is located at www.forwardmotionstudios.com where viewers can see some examples of their design work.

“I invite everyone to continue checking on our sites as we reach out to the community through our social networking sites. We will also be offering social media classes to businesses.”

About Forward Motion Studios-
Based in San Francisco’s North Bay Area, Forward Motion Studios specializes in complete marketing and design solutions and project management for business including website development, graphic design, social media and product photography. Their focus is on helping clients achieve their branding goals through successful design projects.

As social networking grows increasingly pervasive, more employers are utilizing these sites to screen potential employees. Forty-five percent of employers reported in a recent CareerBuilder survey that they use social networking sites to research job candidates, a big jump from 22 percent last year. Another 11 percent plan to start using social networking sites for screening. More than 2,600 hiring managers participated in the survey, which was completed in June 2009.

Of those who conduct online searches/background checks of job candidates, 29 percent use Facebook, 26 percent use LinkedIn and 21 percent use MySpace. One-in-ten (11 percent) search blogs while 7 percent follow candidates on Twitter.

The top industries most likely to screen job candidates via social networking sites or online search engines include those that specialize in technology and sensitive information: Information Technology (63 percent) and Professional & Business Services (53 percent).

Why Employers Disregarded Candidates After Screening Online

Job seekers are cautioned to be mindful of the information they post online and how they communicate directly with employers. Thirty-five percent of employers reported they have found content on social networking sites that caused them not to hire the candidate. The top examples cited include:

* Candidate posted provocative or inappropriate photographs or information – 53 percent

* Candidate posted content about them drinking or using drugs – 44 percent

* Candidate bad-mouthed their previous employer, co-workers or clients – 35 percent

* Candidate showed poor communication skills – 29 percent

* Candidate made discriminatory comments – 26 percent

* Candidate lied about qualifications – 24 percent

* Candidate shared confidential information from previous employer – 20 percent

Fourteen percent of employers have disregarded a candidate because the candidate sent a message using an emoticon such as a smiley face while 16 percent dismissed a candidate for using text language such as GR8 (great) in an e-mail or job application.

Why Employers Hired Candidates After Screening Online

Job seekers are also encouraged to leverage social media whenadvertising their skills and experience.Eighteen percent of employers reported they have found content on social networking sites that caused them to hire the candidate. The top examples include:

* Profile provided a good feel for the candidate’s personality and fit – 50 percent

* Profile supported candidate’s professional qualifications – 39 percent

* Candidate was creative – 38 percent

* Candidate showed solid communication skills – 35 percent

* Candidate was well-rounded – 33 percent

* Other people posted good references about the candidate – 19 percent

* Candidate received awards and accolades – 15 percent

“Social networking is a great way to make connections with potential job opportunities and promote your personal brand across the Internet” said Rosemary Haefner, Vice President of Human Resources at CareerBuilder. “Make sure you are using this resource to your advantage by conveying a professional image and underscoring your qualifications”

Haefner recommends the following DOs and DON’Ts to keep a positive image online:

1)DO clean up digital dirt BEFORE you begin your job search. Remove any photos, content and links that can work against you in an employer’s eyes.

2)DO consider creating your own professional group on sites like Facebook or BrightFuse.com to establish relationships with thought leaders, recruiters and potential referrals.

3)DO keep gripes offline. Keep the content focused on the positive, whether that relates to professional or personal information. Makes sure to highlight specific accomplishments inside and outside of work.

4)DON’T forget others can see your friends, so be selective about who you accept as friends. Monitor comments made by others. Consider using the “block comments” feature or setting your profile to “private” so only designated friends can view it.

5)DON’Tmention your job search if you’re still employed.

Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive© on behalf of CareerBuilder.com between May 22 and June 10, 2009 among 2,667 hiring managers and human resource professionals (employed full-time; not self-employed; with at least significant involvement in hiring decisions; non- government) ages 18 and over. With a pure probability sample of 2,667 one could say with a 95 percent probability that the overall results have a sampling error of +/- 1.9 percentage points. Sampling error for data from sub-samples is higher and varies.

Shutterstock, the world’s largest subscription-based stock photo agency, announced today the launch of Shuttertweet, a new tool for Twitter that empowers stock image and stock footage submitters by instantly sending out messages (or “tweets”) announcing when new images and footage clips have been added to their Shutterstock portfolios.

Shuttertweet also enables submitters to monetize their use of Twitter. Submitters earn a referral commission from anyone who makes a purchase after clicking on the link to their Shutterstock gallery in one of their Shuttertweet messages.
In addition, Shuttertweet sends an update regarding submitters’ download counts on a daily basis to share the success of their portfolios with people that follow them on Twitter.
“Shuttertweet is truly a win-win for our submitters: not only does it automatically showcase their work, it also allows them to make money via our affiliate marketing program using Twitter,” said Jon Oringer, founder and CEO of Shutterstock.
To sign up, submitters login to the submit site and click the option under “Make Money” or click here to enable Shutterstock to send tweets on their behalf. Submitters can deactivate Shuttertweet at any time.
“Shuttertweet is a great way to advertise my work,” said Jake Hellbach (Shutterstock submitter name: JHDT Stock Images LLC), a successful Shutterstock photographer and videographer based in Sugarland, Texas. “I used to post links to my images and footage clips manually on Twitter when I had the time, but with this tool, I know my name is getting out to stock photo and stock footage buyers each day, so I can get back to shooting.”
About Shutterstock(R)
Founded in 2003, Shutterstock is the largest subscription-based stock photo agency in the world. Its outstanding collection of premium photos, illustrations, and vectors combined with a selection of innovative, user-friendly subscription plans has made Shutterstock a trusted resource for an expanding global customer base. An industry pioneer in selling royalty-free stock by subscription, Shutterstock was also the first online photo agency to offer editorial photos and launch a video library. Shutterstock Footage offers a comprehensive library of royalty-free video clips available on a per-clip basis or by subscription. For more information, visit Shutterstock.com.

MAGIC, the world’s most comprehensive fashion trade event, will exclusively equip its attendees with their own secret style weapons via a debut Twitter campaign set to launch at their upcoming summer events. A select group of esteemed fashion journalists and stylists will be canvassing Project Global Tradeshow, POOLTRADESHOW, WWDMAGIC, S.L.A.T.E., Street, Premium, Menswear and Sourcing at MAGIC, unleashing a bevy of product picks, key trend forecasts, can’t miss exhibitions, celeb spottings, party promotions and the best of what Las Vegas has to offer.
Attendees are invited to follow any and every Marketplace channel, our goal being unparalleled and expert access that engages and informs our attendees in real-time. Each expert will cover all areas of MAGIC, PROJECT and POOL with their own unique voice and focus. These Twitter feeds are currently available for pre-registration and Twitter kiosks will be available throughout Project and MAGIC for on-site registration. Also present will be a dozen large plasma screens that will feature these live Twitter feeds as they happen on the show floor.
“The MAGIC Marketplace is the ideal environment for social networking, especially as our attendees #1 goal is always to find what’s new and next amongst our exhibitors in a matter of days,” said Chris DeMoulin, MAGIC International President and Executive Vice President of Advanstar’s Fashion Group. “We are very excited about Twitter and the ability to provide such a great tool that will enormously benefit our customers.”
MAGIC’s live Twitter updates will come courtesy of industry experts Sherri Hoke, celebrity stylist and fashion journalist; Michael Nash, celebrity stylist and contributing GQ fashion editor; Antenna fashion editor Jenni Lee; founder of Third Rail Clothing, Kelly “Risk” Gravel; and Sourcing expert Daniela Gilbert.
Sherri Hoke, who will be covering womenswear for WWDMAGIC, PROJECT and POOL, has dressed numerous A-list celebrities, including Nicollette Sheridan, Taraji P. Henson, Jennifer Hudson, Isla Fisher, just to name a few. Her clients have been featured on countless best-dressed lists and Vogue, InStyle, The New York Times – and many more have praised her style selections. She has also produced style-focused shows for E! and The Style Network.
Michael Nash will tweet about menswear for MAGIC, PROJECT and POOL. Michael is a creative and brand consultant, wardrobe stylist, costume designer and contributing fashion editor for GQ magazine in NYC. Prior to his freelance work as a creative and brand consultant, Michael was Fashion Director of Vibe magazine and Fashion Editor of Mens Journal.
Bringing her fresh perspective to all things Progressive Street within MAGIC, PROJECT and POOL will be Jenni Lee, Fashion Editor of Antenna Magazine, the first mainstream magazine dedicated to the newest and coolest products on the horizon. Featuring everything from fashion to footwear and technology to cars, Antenna is considered to be a non-disposable guidebook for the progressive streetwear community.
Kelly “Risk” Gravel, who will be following Street trends throughout MAGIC, PROJECT and POOL, is world-renowned graffiti artist and the founder of Third Rail clothing. After years as a successful designer and fashion entrepreneur, Risk has shifted his attention back to art and his work can be seen in motion pictures, music videos and art galleries throughout the world.
Daniela Gilbert will lend her eye to the latest trends in materials and manufacturing from a Sourcing perspective. Daniela is a former fashion editor at WWD and HFN, where she conceptualized and developed the publications’ textile trend reporting and feature stories. Most recently, she held various textile executive positions with leading brands including Diane von Furstenberg and Chado Ralph Rucci, sourcing fabrics and materials from around the world.
Register to follow MAGIC on Twitter today at:
Project Global Tradeshow Twitter handle: projectshow WWDMAGIC Twitter handle: wwdmagic MENSWEAR at MAGIC Twitter handle: menswearatmagic S.L.A.T.E. at MAGIC Twitter handle: slateatmagic STREET at MAGIC Twitter handle: streetatmagic Sourcing at MAGIC Twitter handle: sourcingatmagic POOLTRADESHOW Twitter handle: pooltradeshow
About MAGIC
Every August and February, the fashion industry converges in Las Vegas for the most influential event in the business – the MAGIC Marketplace. The August 2009 MAGIC marketplace will run from August 31 – September 2. For up-to-date exhibitor listings, seminar scheduling, travel support and registration information, please visit www.magiconline.com.

With nearly 750 million users and 65% of the Internet audience active in social networking, destinations such as Twitter and Facebook are reshaping the way we communicate. Reconnecting with old friends and long, lost relatives may be great, but there are things that you can do to keep yourself and your children safe. HowStuffWorks.com has everything social networkers need to know to stay smart and savvy about social networking.

For starters, a solid understanding of How Facebook Works and How Twitter Works will give even the most seasoned social veteran a good glimpse into the inner workings of these two powerhouses. Armed with knowledge, it’s much easier to make smart decisions.

It’s certainly easy to over-share in this world of TMI (too much information), so What are the Pros and Cons of Social Networking Sites? From over-sharing to personal security, some things are better left offline. Find out the Top 10 Things You Should Not Share on Social Networks.

Once you have taken all of the necessary precautions, locked down your identity and launched your Web presence, what’s next? Now it’s time to grow your base. While Ashton Kutcher can quickly grow his followers, there are some tips for the rest of us. Get answers to all of your questions and go inside everything social at HowStuffWorks.com.

Medical Tourism City, the Largest Social Network in Medical Tourism and for Global Healthcare, announces that it has over 350 members from over 30 countries actively participating. The members of medical tourism city are from international insurance companies, health insurance agents, medical tourism facilitators, hospitals, clinics, governments, doctors, healthcare providers, consulting, pharmaceutical companies, medical supply companies and more.

“The global healthcare community has been a wonderful success. The social network provides a common place for people to meet, talk and negotiate regardless of what country or time zone they are in,” said Renee-Marie Stephano, Esq, President of the Medical Tourism Association.

The social network and community allows users to:

1) Create their own private blog
2) Create own forums and post messages
3) Share photos and videos
5) Create private online networking groups and allow people to join them to discuss ideas
6) Create a private network of business contacts
7) Privately email people and connect with potential business partners

MedicalTourismCity.com “Your Global Healthcare Community” is a project of The Medical Tourism Association and it expects to have at least a thousand active members by January 1, 2010. The purpose of the online social community is to allow organizations and people involved in global healthcare, medical tourism, medical travel, and health tourism to meet, network, share ideas and thoughts and to grow the industry in a positive direction. The social network also is a “think tank” where people from different countries share and debate ideas and concepts.

To set up your own free account go to the Medical Tourism City website.

“The MTA launched the social network as a way for people to find a common place to communicate and grow the medical tourism industry in a positive direction,” said Renee-Marie Stephano, editor of the Medical Tourism Magazine, and President of Medical Tourism Association. “Anyone, anywhere in the world can use the site freely. The most important part is users of the medical tourism city social network will have access to meet business people and colleagues online that otherwise they would never be able to meet,” said Renee-Marie Stephano.

The Medical Tourism Association (Medical Travel Association), also known as the Global Healthcare Association, is the first international non-profit association made up of the top international hospitals, healthcare providers, medical travel facilitators, insurance companies, and other affiliated companies and members with the common goal of promoting the highest level of quality of healthcare to patients in a global environment. Our Association promotes the interests of its healthcare provider and medical tourism facilitators members. The Medical Tourism Association has three tenets: Transparency, Communication and Education. Please visit the Medical Tourism Association website for more information.