Introduction to the Semantic Web (For Noobs)

This got posted internally at work, and I found it important enough to cross-post where applicable.

Common Sense eCommerce » MonsterCommerce Upgrading to Network Solutions Shopping Cart

Via Technorati, I found a blog post reporting some information about the coming software migration and update. It gives a pretty good perspective.

This is news that has been bubbling for quite some time. If you have a MonsterCommerce website, you probably already know that Version 4x is being supplanted by Version 7x. As the jump in version numbers indicates, this is not a minor update. In fact, it’s not an update at all but a full migration to a different platform.

View the full post at Common Sense eCommerce.

However, there was one opinion I didn't agree with and I felt I had to respond to this post with the following.

I agree with most of what you wrote except for this - "If you are considering MonsterCommerce [snipped] this would be a good time to wait things out."

I posted more (which is waiting in moderation), but you should go to Frank's site to read it. From my understanding of this, his suggestion was that our company is going through a rough transition and this would not be a good time to sign up. Whereas the migration and upgrade ahead for our v4.6 clients will possibly involve some deep hand-holding and patience from both sides --as it would with any transition of this magnitude-- clients that are already on the new platform or that are considering using our services will not be affected.

I hope that clears up what I meant to say. Read more from Frank Ross' Common Sense eCommerce.

Hidden Secrets of the Amazon Shopping Cart

On Future Now's GrokDotCom, there is an excellent post detailing the history, evolution and effectiveness of the [ Add to Shopping Cart ] button on Amazon.com.

Chances are, many of you click this "Add to Shopping Cart" button several times throughout the year.

So, why does it always stump audiences of online marketers when I ask them where in the checkout process Amazon has us select a quantity for the item(s) we're adding-to-cart?

The answer to the above question might surprise you. This is definitely a good read as a study in what works and why. Also, it's nice to have a reminder that a website --especially an e-commerce website-- is a constant work-in-progress. Check it out for yourself at Hidden Secrets of the Amazon Shopping Cart. Found via del.icio.us.

Get Add To Cart Buttons

MonsterCommerce has been a long time advocate of using buttons that don't say "BUY" but "ADD TO CART" for a whole litany of reasons, some of which are touched on in the article above. The buttons below are linked to a page where you can get the full set of matching buttons for your site.

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Five Years

I expected it to go by with little fanfare, but a long-time senior staff member here sent me an email congratulating me on my FIVE YEAR anniversary. Yes, it has been five years since I first began at . It should be pointed out that I left the company amicably and temporarily for about 6 months to pursue a job as web developer for my local school district, but it has been 5 years since my original start date. And what a long strange trip it's been.

For those few who were around at that time --especially in technical support-- the following should make you laugh, but not for the reference to Donald Trump.

moar funny pictures

Here's to the next five years! Drink up me' hearties, yo ho!

Technical Support Supervisor

The e-commerce technical support team here in Belleville is awaiting an announcement concerning an opening for a new Technical Support Supervisor. Personally, I've applied for the position and am interested in this new job role. The interviews were completed in the last two weeks so we should hear something this week. I'm not a betting man and I don't have a good view on who might be the best candidate. Humbly enough, it might not be me and I'll have no problems with the decision if I'm not chosen.

A good philosophy is that all job interviews should be approached as a learning experience, as well as practice for the NEXT job interview.

More information will be posted as it becomes available.

Update (2008/03/14): Congratulations to Dave L. who received the promotion from Senior Technical Support Representative to Technical Support Supervisor. I haven't had a chance to post an update about the announcement until tonight, but I wanted to. He's earned it. In addition to Dave, they have also hired one external new hire to fill a third supervisor position. Growth continues.