Pomp & Surkanstance: November 2009

27 November 2009

Canadian identity: un-American

Kevan, Jeremy and Michael ponder the Canadian identity and its historical roots, digging back to the revolutionary war, the war of 1812, confederation all the way to medicare and Afghanistan. Is the Canadian identity nothing more than the never ceasing struggle not to be Americans?

26 November 2009

Germanic Charms...

My family and I recently returned from spending three weeks in Germany and Austria, where a number of charms were particularly noteworthy to our North American eyes.

Bread, beer and sausage are exceptional: both tend to be made from simple ingredients with extraordinary variety and flavour. Beer benefits from the German purity law of 1516, which limits the ingredients to water, hops, barley and yeast. In spite of these limitations, there are hundreds of beers, and the flavours vary considerably, along with the appropriate glass for the consumption of each variety. My personal favourites were the various Weiss / wheat beers. In the summer, a little lemonade can add a refreshing zest to an already exceptional beer, making it into a radler (with Pils) or a russ (with Weiss) depending on which beer you use. The broad variety of alcohol-free beers, admitedly a little counter-culture to fine beer, are thankfully plentiful for those who are driving or cycling after visiting the beer garden.

Visiting a German bakery is an adventure unto itself. The pretzels and dark, hearty breads are full of flavour, not to mention the rolls made of a variety of grains. Where else can you by bread by the pound? Though Germans do eat white breads, the dark varieties are my favourites, especially the spelt (dinkel) flour rolls!

Sausage seems to be a European delicacy with each region producing its own varieties. Some sausages, like white sausage (Weisswurst), even have special serving bowls and rules. In Bavaria it should be consumed before noon and with beer; so much for avoiding alcohol in the morning.

Not to be mixed with an early-morning beer and Weisswurst, the culture of commuting by bicycle is also very refreshing. Not only are bicycle lanes and paths very common and well-maintained, bikes configured for comfort and all-weather commuting, especially the fenders, friction-powered lights and bike racks/baskets. While racing cycling has its following, cycling for daily transportation is very common and comfortable.

German homes are as utilitarian as their bicycles. Inner doors are made of solid wood and most windows open in two directions: they can be tipped up or opened like a door depending only on the direction in which you turn the handle. Even commercial buildings often have windows that you can open for a breath of fresh air. The German tendency to take fastidious care of their homes is both a blessing and a curse. They are delightful places to live, but difficult to part with when schooling and job changes increase commuting times.

The public transportation network is also a pleasure to use, whether for long journeys or within large cities. The stations are generally well-kept and trains tend to run on time. Many people live comfortably without driving their cars often or at all.

Like their homes and train stations, Germans tend to be well-organized and pay close attention to detail and keeping their environment not only clean, but delightfully inviting and attractive.

Although sales and income taxes tend to be high, property taxes are almost negligible, allowing those who own their homes to stay in them when they retire with limited incomes. This is truly a blessing.

OB: Now we know - the game of economics and finance is rigged

In this episode of Practical Economics, John Berling Hardy explains how the economy, and society, are driven by the actions of an elite group that understand and orchestrate what happens, ensuring they always come out on top. The current global recession only makes sense when explained in the context of someone orchestrating things. These same principals of unsporting gamesmanship also apply on the level of small groups, where someone is always taking unfair advantage of others. Understanding that this game exists, and how it is played, is an important part of protecting ourselves and our investments.

You can check out more of John's ideas at http://www.playingtheplayers.com/.

NOTE: You can view the complete list of Practical Economics podcasts to hear more conversations with the experts. Tune in to the weekly economics round-table discussions to hear the latest from the Optimistic Bear.

Job search tales: The human touch still matters when selecting candidates at Google

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", Beverly Friedman talks about the challenges she faces doing recruiting at Google, and what candidates do to torpedo their chances. Its no surprise that Google uses automated tools to help sort through the deluge of applicants, but in the end a human being still looks at the resumes and having a friend in the company helps.

NOTE: Please contact Michael if you are interested in being a guest on "Tales from the job search trenches" podcasts. Michael would like to discuss your job search strategy, and brainstorm ways to improve it with you.

Definitions of Freedom: Europe v. America

Americans like to believe that their country stands out as particularly free on the world scene. My recent travels around Europe remind me, however, that freedom is an ambiguous term. Americans generally have more freedom to own firearms, go shopping at any hour on any day of the week and create entrepreneurial businesses than Europeans. Europeans, however, enjoy other freedoms and quasi-freedoms.

Among the most obvious freedoms in Europe are the freedom of movement between countries and the considerably wider access to alcohol than in the United States, both in terms of locations of purchase and drinking age. There are fewer border restrictions travelling between countries in Europe than there are when driving into California from a neighboring state and they don't share the uniquely American folly of allowing citizens to vote before they can drink.

There are also some ambiguous freedoms. The bans on motor boat use on many European lakes could be considered a freedom from noise and water polution or a reduction of freedom to use public spaces. The lack of restrictions in Europe on taking animals into public places, including restaurants, is arguably an increased freedom in Europe. There seems to be less of an over-active fear of microbes on the continent than in the USA.

Restrictions, especially those involving employment and taxation, are often more apparent to locals than to visitors. Taxes, while high in both Europe and the United States, are distributed differently. The higher sales tax or VAT here in Europe is offset by considerably reduced property taxes. Whereas even a hermit without income who owns his home outright in the USA would soon lose his home for failure to pay property taxes, a German homeowner of limited means has almost no fear of losing his home for lack of abilty to pay taxes.

It is difficult to say which continent is the most desireable place to live, especially for retirees who are less affected by employment restrictions in Europe. If anything, the limitations of freedom are becoming more homogenous between Europe and the USA. The European Union is encouraging more commercial competition between hitherto national monopolies, and the United States is adopting more of the nanny state policies so common in Europe.

25 November 2009

OB: Eugenics resurrected

In this episode of Practical Economics, Alan Hall of The Socionomics Institute talks about his latest research paper on Eugenics, which traces the rise and fall of the movement with the ups and downs of social attitudes throughout history. If the patterns Alan sees hold true, we could see a massive resurgence in an acceptance of ideologies to cleanse humanity of unwanted genes as the depression progresses. Already there are signs that human life is being talked about as a cancer plaguing the world.

You can check out more about Socionomics at http://www.socionomics.net/.

Weekly Economics and Finance round-up

The Optimistic Bear discusses the week's economic and financial news with his guests. Is deflation or inflation up ahead? Has the economy turned the corner? What is going to happen to real-estate, commodities, stocks, or gold prices? Tune in to hear a deeper understanding of why things happen in the economy, and what it really means to you or your business.

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You can find all the Optimistic Bear shows here: Optimistic Bear

You can find all the Entrepreneurs Northwest shows here: Entrepreneurs Northwest

The (First) Unemployment, Anti-diversity and Outsourcing Encouragement Act of 2009

While Obama's first law, forbidding wage discrimination, sounds noble at first glance, it is ultimately destined to reduce employment and erode the possibility of merit pay. It effectively pushes businesses toward rigid, union-style pay scales based on easily-measurable differences like seniority at the expense of pay differentials based on intangibles like merit, reliability and market conditions.

The law forbids companies from having pay disparities based on gender, race, national origin, religion, age and disabilities. The problem lies in that the most noble reasons for pay disparities, market conditions and merit pay, are intangibles that are difficult to measure. This opens up employers to the potential for litigation if they don't follow a rigid pay scale based on seniority and measurable experience like diplomas and licenses.

It would be folly to argue that there are never injustices in pay structures, but the solution to such injustices is for workers to move on to work for employers who pay them their true value. In my own salary negotiations, I have found that there are few negotiating techniques more effective for a valuable, underpaid employee than seriously threatening to leave the company. Great employees are hard to come by and considerable worth a premium over other employees who may have the same race, education and years experience but not work as effectively.

Market conditions can also play a considerable role. During the Internet bubble of the late nineties, my company had such a difficult time finding workers that I ended up hiring less qualified workers than myself at higher wages that I was making. I knew, however, that if the wage disparity continued, I could move to another company or request a pay rise. Further, I was well aware that these new, highly paid employees would be the first to be fired when times were hard. Ultimately, my company raised wages of existing "underpaid" employees to curb the tempation to leave the company.

In bear markets like the current one, with rising unemployment, the expanding pool of skilled, unemployed workers will cause wage levels in many industries to fall. New hires are rationally paid less than existing employees, creating pressure for existing employees to work harder to avoid getting fired. If companies were forced to re-level wages to market conditinos every six months or to hire new workers based on a rigid, out-dated pay scale, they would be unable to effectively adapt to changing labor market conditions. Who would want to work for a company that re-leveled their wages to market conditions every year? Who would want to work for a company that paid mediocre and exceptional workers with the same seniority the same wage?

Perhaps the most ironic aspect of the new policy is that Obama also actively promotes volunteerism. In other words, he encourages people to work for free. We have a lot of unpaid volunteers at my school, for example, and they are mostly the wives of well-paid husbands who have their children enrolled. This new law makes a dangerous proposition of paying a modest stipend to such volunteers. Unless such volunteers are paid the same wages as other full-time employees performing similar functions, they cannot be offered a cent for fear of litigation under this new law. In other words, Obama would prefer that some people not be paid at all, rather than allow the possibility of them being paid at pay levels agreeable to both parties.

Most noble reasons for wage disparity are intangibles like work ethic, reliability and market conditions which are difficult to measure. This new law will force companies to try to defend such practices in court. Companies should be fearful of hiring new workers under these conditions and may very rationally consider outsourcing more of their operations to countries where merit pay is still legal. They might also be expected to hire a less measurably diverse work force, as gender, race, national origin, religion, age and disability diversity is now, more than ever, a liability. All hail the first unemployment, anti-diversity and outsourcing encouragement law of the Obama administration.

23 November 2009

Job search tales: Ask not for help in your job search, ask what you can do to help

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", Kevin Kermes explains that today's challenging employment market requires a different approach by job seekers. Candidates need to find activities which allow them to both demonstrate their skills, learn, and network at the same time. Offering free advice, and help, to companies you are interested in working for can build those relationships you will need to get your job. Don't just send a resume asking for a job, tell people how you are going to help them.

Check http://www.kevinkermes.com/ezinesignup/ for more of Kevin's ideas on how to build a successful job search strategy.

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NOTE: Please contact Michael if you are interested in being a guest on "Tales from the job search trenches" podcasts. Michael would like to discuss your job search strategy, and brainstorm ways to improve it with you.

Job search tales: Executives approach job searches differently

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", Mark Hovind explains that 6 figure executives approach job searches in a very different way from the average job seeker. They pay good money to market themselves. Networking is certainly a good tool, but it has its limitations, and highly compensated individuals understand the need to run marketing campaigns. In particular, Mark has seen that mass mailings by post can bear real results in small to mid-sized organizations, which don't typically post their openings on public job boards.

Check out http://www.jobbait.com/ for information on how job-seekers can hire a service to market them, or see the free information on how to do-it-yourself.

18 November 2009

Round table economics discussion - 2009-11-17

In this episode of the Optimistic Bear round-table economics discussion our panelists (Elliott & Jeremy) talk about how the fact the US does not have much debt denominated in foreign currencies sets it apart from other nations which have had gret economic stresses. They also talk about how a deeper recession may not mean a break-down in civil society, but that it could lead to greater inneficiences as businesses and consumers start to keep greater supplies of goods to make up for a less predictable supply chain.

17 November 2009

Job search trenches: Christian Buckley says job searches take patience and a willingness to volunteer

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", Christian Buckley talks about how job candidates have to stay busy, doing projects, and work, to keep them mentally fit, and in an optimistic mood, even if that next great role is taking a while to appear. After departing from Microsoft, it took Christian nearly 6 months to find his new position, and this was with a company he had talked with, and kept meeting with, from his first days as a job seeker. His efforts of providing free consulting, and help with clients, for his new employer eventually landed him the job he was after. Candidates need to be patient, and willing to give their time and expertise freely.

Check out http://buckleyplanet.typepad.com/ for more information on Christian's journey in the job search world, and his happy ending with a new employer.

EPNW: Rob Mathewson looks for money in the custruction industry

In this episode of "Entrepreneurs Northwest" Rob Mathewson explains how Geedra (his latest startup) has been turning heads with plans to simplify job site photo management for the construction industry. Instead of just blindly dumping pictures into dumb folders, or requiring extensive efforts in naming, Geedra automatically generates meta tagging and associates pictures with the relevant parts of blueprints. Geedra has been a finalist in Seattle area startup competitions, for best business plans, and already has letters of intent from customers. All Rob needs now is to close on angel funding to complete development.

Check out http://www.geedra.com/ for help managing photos.

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NOTE: Check out the complete podcast directory of discussions with entrepreneurs. If you would like to be a guest on Entrepreneurs Northwest, to talk about your business venture, contact Michael Surkan. In this episode of "Entrepreneurs Northwest" Rob Mathewson explains how Geedra (his latest startup) has been turning heads with plans to simplify job site photo management for the construction industry. Instead of just blindly dumping pictures into dumb folders, or requiring extensive efforts in naming, Geedra automatically generates meta tagging and associates pictures with the relevant parts of blueprints. Geedra has been a finalist in Seattle area startup competitions, for best business plans, and already has letters of intent from customers. All Rob needs now is to close on angel funding to actually start building a prototype.
Check out http://www.geedra.com/ for help managing photos.
NOTE: Check out the complete podcast directory of discussions with entrepreneurs. If you would like to be a guest on Entrepreneurs Northwest, to talk about your business venture, contact Michael Surkan.

EPNW: Bob Scheier says entrepreneurs can learn a lot from curmudgeonly reporters

In this episode of "Entrepreneurs Northwest" Bob Scheier explains how entrepreneurs can learn a lot from curmudgeonly reporters. He can't begin to count the number of product pitches he heard in his years as a tech reporter that made his eyes glaze over. If you can't articulate what is new, or uniquely compelling, about your product to a reporter, then you likely won't have much luck making headway with customers.

Check out http://scheierassociates.com/ for more of Bob's thoughts on marketing and PR.

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NOTE: Check out the complete podcast directory of discussions with entrepreneurs. If you would like to be a guest on Entrepreneurs Northwest, to talk about your business venture, contact Michael Surkan.

EPNW: Chris Early offers training and network opportunities to Seattle startups

In this episode of "Entrepreneurs Northwest" Chris Early explains how the Founder Institute can be a great resource for aspiring tech entrepreneurs to learn from others who have built successful businesses of their own, as well as network with other attendees. A unique equity sharing system for all attendees, giving everyone a stake in their respective ventures, fosters a great spirit of cooperation that lives on. Chris also talks about the discipline, and approach to innovation he learned at Microsoft, and believes there are plenty of ways that nimble startups can compete with with the giant.

Check out the Founder Institute at http://www.founderinstitute.com/. They offer courses in several cities including Seattle.

13 November 2009

EPNW: Neicole Crepeau teaches small businesses how to use Twitter effectively

In this episode of "Entrepreneurs Northwest" Neicole Crepeau explains that Twitter can be an effective marketing tool for small businesses but that it takes persistence. It doesn't make sense for businesses to engage in one to one conversations on Twitter, but they do need to be consistently broadcast useful information throughout the week. She suggests that businesses use tools that allow them to write all their weekly tweets at the same time and schedule the broadcasts throughout the week.

Check out http://nmc.itdevworks.com/ for more of Nicole's thoughts on Twitter and web marketing.

12 November 2009

EPNW: Sam Beamond demystifies search optimization

In this episode of "Entrepreneurs Northwest" Sam Beamond explains how to create a winning search optimization (SEO) strategy that ensures your web sites are number one on search engines. Web sites should be built from the ground up with SEO in mind. Usability and the quality of content are also critical components in ensuring your web site does well in searches. Other internet marketing venues, like blogging and social networking, may appeared over the years, but SEO is still the corner stone of any web marketing effort.

Check out http://www.beamondcreative.com/ for more ideas about web marketing, and to contact Sam.

11 November 2009

EPNW: Bryan Cox shares marketing tips from the entertainment industry

In this episode of "Entrepreneurs Northwest" Bryan Cox explains how his experience in the entertainment industry has taught him a lot about entrepreneurship and marketing. The new world of Internet Radio is hungry for content, and on-line resources make it easy for entrepreneurs to issue press releases and volunteer to help journalists as experts. With a combination of press releases and direct e-mailing to internet radio shows, Bryan has been able to build an audience of 500,000 for his most recent commedy sketch. Tune in to hear Bryan explain how any entrepreneur can publicize themselves, and their products.

Bryan also put his expertise with Radio to work by producing the great new introduction piece you will hear on the Entrepreneurs Northwest show. Check out http://www.coxmarketing.ca/ to get in touch with Bryan, and get links to all the resources we discussed in the podcast.

Weekly Economics and Finance round-up

Optimistic Bear Round table discussion podcast series

Welcome to the Optimistic Bear round-table discussion podcasts. Check out the latest conversations about economic news, and issues, with my friends and guest speakers.

(2009-11-10) Kevan & Jeremy discuss the definitions of inflation and deflation, and whether government policy makers actually understand economics or are willfully driving the economy into a deeper hole. The Optimistic Bear's attempts at finding hope from economic trauma, with the belief that the depression will cure the mal-investments, are tempered by Jeremy's comparison to the rise of Fascism in 1930s Germany, and Kevan's concerns that the lack of US savings, and massive unfunded liabilities cannot possible lead to a happy ending.
(2009-11-05) In this episode of the Optimistic Bear round-table economics discussion our regular panel (Kevan, Elliot & Jeremy) discuss the Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates unchanged, and whether their hands are tied by the direction of the Treasury Bill markets. We also ponder the morality of "walking away" from properties that are worth substantially less than the mortgage, even when a home-owner is able to continue making payments.
(2009-10-30) In this episode of the Optimistic Bear round-table economics discussion Matt Stiles joins us as a guest, filling in for our regular participants who are unavailable this week. We talk about the paradox of a declining stock market at the same time that the economic news was so positive this week and the financial stresses that local governments are experiencing with pension obligations.
(2009-10-22) Kevan, Jeremy, and Elliott discuss whether rosy earnings reports indiciate that tech industry has turned the corner, and whether innovation thrives during recessions. Kevan takes on the deflationists, suggesting that the worst might only be starting for the dollar.
(2009-10-16) Elliott and Jeremy talk about the significance (or lack thereof) of the Dow hitting 10,000 and societal attitudes when markets hit bottoms. Hear about how stocks are not a panacea for long term investors, and that bonds usually perform better in the long haul. Also, the Optimistic Bear points out that bearish investors need to tread carefully since the cards are stacked against bearish investors.
(2009-10-08) In this episode of the Optimistic Bear round-table discussion podcast, we talk with Jeremy about growing problems with reverse mortgages, and how to make head or tails of the inflation/deflation debate when each side claims the Federal Reserve is doing different things with the money supply. We also talk discuss about the societal, and career, pressures to just "play along" that many people faced during the bubble years.
(2009-10-01) Welcome to the inaugural Optimistic Bear round-table discussion podcast. The Optimistic Bear chats with Kevan, Elliott & Jeremy about Economics, inflation/deflation, bond prices, with a smattering of politics thrown in for good measure.

NOTE: You can view the complete list of Economics Unveiled podcasts to hear more conversations with the experts.

Round table economics discussion - 2009-11-10

In this episode of the Optimistic Bear round-table economics discussion our panelists (Kevan & Jeremy) discuss the definitions of inflation and deflation, and whether government policy makers actually understand economics or are willfully driving the economy into a deeper hole. The Optimistic Bear's attempts at finding hope from economic trauma, with the belief that the depression will cure the mal-investments, are tempered by Jeremy's comparison to the rise of Fascism in 1930s Germany, and Kevan's concerns that the lack of US savings, and massive unfunded liabilities cannot possible lead to a happy ending.

This is a recording of the innaugural live broadcast of the Optimistic Bear weekly discussion.

NOTE: Tune in to the weekly economics round-table discussions to hear the latest from the Optimistic Bear. You can view the complete list of Practical Economics podcasts to hear conversations with the experts.

10 November 2009

Introducing the Optimistic Bear Weekly Economics and Finance

Tune in to the Optimistic Bear live internet radio show every Tuesday night at 9:00pm (Pacific Time).

The Optimistic Bear discusses the latest economics and financial news with both guests and listeners. Has the global economy turned the corner? Is deflation or inflation ahead? What will happen to stocks, bonds, real-estate, commodities and gold? Is there anything that can be done about it? Tune in to find out. The Optimistic Bear has his own opinions, but his guests offer different views to give listeners a broad perspective.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/optimisticbear

Note: You can check out the full directory of past episodes from the Optimistic Bear weekly economics discussions.

09 November 2009

Job search tales: Your next job may be with your ex-employer

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", Jennifer Ellis explains how companies such as Microsoft often like hiring alumni to fill new openings. Job seekers should consider their previous employers as places to work, and ex-employers often value the knowledge of the business, and organizations, that they bring to the table. Better still, the connections that alumni have with their ex-employers give them a distinct advantage over other applicants. Jennifer also offers tips for how alumni, who have been through lay-offs or other difficult situations, when leaving their previous employers can get in a healthy mental state before applying for new jobs.

Jennifer offers more specific help to Microsoft alumni at http://www.microsoftalumni.com/, where ex-employees can find a variety of services and community.

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NOTE: Please contact Michael if you are interested in being a guest on "Tales from the job search trenches" podcasts. Michael would like to discuss your job search strategy, and brainstorm ways to improve it with you.

Job search tales: Lynn Rodriquez offers candidates practical advice on how to stand out

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", Lynn Ferrari Rodriguez explains how the intense competition for jobs means that candidates must work extra hard to differentiate themselves. She offers practical advice on how to make your resume stand out, and shine during interviews. The difference between landing the job and coming second place can be miniscule, and candidates need to have a plan for setting themselves apart. Lynn also suggests that having a good job search plan, and being active (even through volunteer work), can keep job seekers mentally fit, and in a mindset that is ready to seized serendipitous opportunities that might arise.

Check out http://achieveresults.homestead.com/ for more of Lynn's excellent suggestions, and to learn more about the career counselling services she provides.

EPNW: Say it with a video: the indispensible tool for effective web marketing

In this episode of "Entrepreneurs Northwest" Tim Reha explains that video can be a key part of the private label content created in web marketing strategies. It's not enough to just have blogs, or podcasts to reach today's fragmented audiences. Videos are also popular, and can reach target audiences on a deeper emotional level. Even deeply technical products can be talked about on video. The dropping production costs make it possible for even the smallest companies to take advantage of video for their marketing efforts.

Check out http://www.timreha.com/ for more information about private label media, videos, and marketing strategies.

Job search tales: The first step of every job search is to know thyself

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", Mark Richards tells how his efforts to help fellow job seekers, with blogs and networking groups, led to landing his own ideal role. He also explains that one of the first things every candidate needs to do is an realistic assessment of their goals and objectives. Make sure you really are the type of person that companies are looking for in the field you are targeting. On the other hand, don't just jump into retraining for new careers (or certifications) without some serious examination of your current goals. Don't jump out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Check out http://candidateschair.com/ for the extensive list of resources, and advice, that Mark has put together to help job seekers.

07 November 2009

EPNW: Greg Satell explains why social networking is not a marketing panacea

In this episode of "Entrepreneurs Northwest" Greg Satell talks about the limations of social networking marketing strategies, and points out that marketing isn't a one way street: companies need to listen to the market to learn how to fine tune, or even repurpose, their products. Greg may live in the Ukraine, but his grasp of marketing strategies is both expansive and insightful. Tune in to get a intellectual view of marketing as well as a guide to practical applications.

You can check out more of Greg's marketing suggestions at http://www.digitaltonto.com/.

06 November 2009

Round table economics discussion - 2009-11-05

In this episode of the Optimistic Bear round-table economics discussion our regular panel (Kevan, Elliot & Jeremy) discuss the Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates unchanged, and whether their hands are tied by the direction of the Treasury Bill markets. We also ponder the morality of "walking away" from properties that are worth substantially less than the mortgage, even when a home-owner is able to continue making payments.

03 November 2009

EPNW: Gist makes social networks easy to manage, but will people pay for it?

In this episode of "Entrepreneurs Northwest" T.A. McCann explains how his latest startup (Gist) provides a portal, and filtering mechanism, for all the data streams people have to deal with from their friends and acquaintances. Unlike his previous ventures, Gist has been well endowed with capital by investors, and has been able to take the time necessary to build a good product before taking it to the broader public. The real challenge will be to convince users there is enough value to pay for subscriptions when Gist begins monetizing their service later next year.

You can sign up for the beta at http://www.gist.com/.