WebGems and NiftyClicks, Part 1: Cool Web Tools and Resources What Spam Disappear, Window Shop, and More Andrew Lock
I'm always on the lookout for nifty Web sites, tools, and software that can benefit your business. My friends have come to rely upon me as their trusted source for the latest and greatest productivity tools and resources. So without further ado, here are my first set of Web gems for you.
Ever wonder how you started receiving spam e-mails? If your e-mail address is listed anywhere online — for example, in Web directories or on your own Web site — that's almost certainly responsible for much of the spam you receive.
Software robots comb the Web to find, harvest, store, and sell e-mail addresses. Hence, your e-mail address ends up being bombarded with spam messages.
Spam Disappears.com is a free anti-spam blocker. It creates a new, public e-mail address that Internet browsers can see, but remains invisible to spam robots.
It's very easy to use — just three steps, in fact: enter your e-mail address, what you want the link to say, and then copy the code into the bottom box.
As you can see, the tool generates a special HTML code in real-time. Post it in your Web page, and it'll be automatically encrypted.
Never again put normal e-mail links on a Web site; instead, always encrypt the address using a tool like SpamDisappears.com and watch spam disappear from your inbox.
A reader told me about TryBrevity.com, and I've become a member myself, so I wanted to share it with you too.
Brevity, a members-only Web site, is an extension of the executive book-summary concept. The problem with conventional book summaries is that they tend to be boring — they lack personality and voice. Also, there's no one to compare notes with and brainstorm about how the lessons can be applied to small business.
Brevity is different. It combines three ingredients: analysis, action, and traction. Each week you'll receive a book analysis (not a summary). It includes action points and you can compare notes with others. That interactive participation is invaluable.
Window Shop
Also on the book theme this month, WindowShop.com is a new Web site from Amazon.com
A bit difficult to describe, though appropriately named, Window Shop is a showcase for Amazon's latest and greatest products — books, music, movies, and anything else it wants to feature.
The cool part is that it's a lot of fun to use. You navigate the "shop windows" using your arrow keys on the keyboard, and as you move over a new item, it zooms in to feature it on your monitor.
For music products, you'll hear samples from the album, which play automatically. For books, you'll hear a brief synopsis, again which plays automatically. For DVDs, you'll see the movie trailer play, and it's nice and large, too.
It's a great way to discover new products in an enjoyable interactive environment. Of course, Amazon makes it easy for you to buy anything you like, with a prominent "buy" button in the corner of each window — very smart. Try it out and see for yourself. It's what the Web is all about in this day and age.
I'm always on the lookout for nifty Web sites, tools, and software that can benefit your business. My friends have come to rely upon me as their trusted source for the latest and greatest productivity tools and resources. So without further ado, here are my first set of Web gems for you.
