School Internet Blocks Cause Bigger Problems?

I just found out about a site based in Russia at CommunicationTube.com. The site offers a free service that allows you to use IM and other things all in one place in a web browser. This means that you can use a browser at school or the office to use IM even if the computer network you are using normally blocks them. While searching for more information on the site I found this page where other options for getting around blocks are discussed.

This kind of thing has been going on for some time now as kids pursue that which is forbidden. But what deeply disturbed me was the fact that here is a Russian site that does not identify itself in any way, that is getting people to provide them with their Gtalk and other account information which could then be used to access other accounts. Worse, any communications that goes through the Russian servers could be monitored and recorded. This could allow people to steal passwords, personal files, and anything else that is transmitted during an IM or chat session between friends. While there may be no risk from this site, the lack of advertising or fees, begs the question of why they are offering this service and how is it supported...???

So by blocking access to certain sites, we may be pushing people to practice unsafe computing.

Yeah, it sounds a lot like the "Wait until you are married" and the drug prohibition that has resulted in so many problems in Mexico and the US.

I heard on the radio yesterday that 10 million people have their identity stolen every year. I'm starting to think that number is vastly under-reported. The US is under attack and will suffer from the millions and millions of small cuts unless we beef up our education of the public on these types of issues...

Legal Services for Companies Doing Business in China

Affordable Legal Services for Companies Doing Business in China

Cleveland, OH, April 08, 2009 -- Zydorek Law Office, LLC, a law firm with an expertise in China - U.S. transactions, has opened its doors for business in Independence, Ohio. The announcement was made by Edyta Zydorek, Esq., the firm's founder. "Having lived and worked in China for over a year, has allowed me to see the need for bridging the gap between entrepreneurs and companies on both sides of the globe. Upon returning to the United States, I decided to provide such a platform and set up Zydorek Law Office, LLC concentrating on the China - U.S. transactions and operational issues facing small and medium companies every day. Since not all companies are in a position to afford big international law firms, I would like to provide affordable yet effective services for those considering China as their next business destination" Ms. Zydorek noted.

"Our competitiveness lies in our strong personal and professional relationships with Chinese attorneys, trade consultants, accountants, government representatives, entrepreneurs and media. We were able to build these relationships while living and working in China. There is no substitute for the actual experience of interacting with Chinese entrepreneurs and learning first-hand the Chinese legal system and we had the opportunity to do both," Ms. Zydorek added.

Within its China Practice, Zydorek Law Office, LLC is successfully assisting American and international companies doing business in China. The firm advises on setting up and structuring operations in China and Hong Kong, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) matters as well as on a range of operational issues such as employment, purchasing, sourcing and distributing. Cooperating closely with the Chinese law firm of Flower & May, Zydorek Law Office, LLC successfully represented a European manufacturing company before The Labor Arbitration Commission in Ningbo and defended a wrongful termination dispute with its Chinese employee, culminating in a lucrative settlement. Zydorek Law Office, LLC has also recently advised an American auto parts distributor on the American judgment enforcement matters in China.

Zydorek Law Office, LLC is also representing Chinese companies and entrepreneurs pursuing investment opportunities in the United States, forming partnerships with American companies or defending disputes with American trading partners.

In addition, Zydorek Law Office, LLC advises domestic and international manufacturers, technology companies and service providers on matters ranging from structuring the formation of various business organizations to agency and distributorship to Import/Export compliance. Zydorek Law Office, LLC has extensive experience with transactional work, including negotiation and drafting agreements related to technology transfers, IP protection and outsourcing as well as real estate acquisitions and financing.

"Our hands-on approach gives us the edge in providing cost-effective solutions to the wide range of issues facing companies seeking to do business in China. If needed, we are in a position to go to China with our clients and assist them with their legal and business needs", Ms. Zydorek stated.

Zydorek Law Office, LLC is located at 6100 Oak Tree Boulevard, Suite 200, Independence, Ohio 44131. The firm has also launched a website at www.zydoreklaw.com.

For more information, contact Edyta Zydorek, Esq. at 216.643.6787 or at edyta.zydorek@zydoreklaw.com

Contact Information
Zydorek Law Office, LLC
Edie Zydorek
216 643 6787
edyta.zydorek@zydoreklaw.com
www.zydoreklaw.com

---

 

10 Internet Marketing Tips for New, Small-Law Firms

LexisNexis Offers 10 Internet Marketing Tips for New, Small-Law Firms

An unprecedented series of law firm layoffs has thousands of lawyers looking for work. Many are hanging a shingle for the first time as solo practitioners or as part of two- to five-partner "micro" firms. To turn the pink-slip trend into a profitable new business in this tough economy, every non-billable hour needs to generate leads and build business. Debra Regan, vice president of the internet marketing agency at LexisNexis, offers suggestions for budding solo practitioners and micro practices.

NEW YORK March 22, 2009 -- An unprecedented series of law firm layoffs has thousands of lawyers looking for work. Many are hanging a shingle for the first time as solo practitioners or as part of two- to five-partner "micro" firms. To turn the pink-slip trend into a profitable new business in this tough economy, every non-billable hour needs to generate leads and build business. Debra Regan, vice president of the internet marketing agency at LexisNexis, offers suggestions for budding solo practitioners and micro practices.

1. Advertise Online. Print yellow page advertising alone won't cut it. The investment for a one-time, print display ad is an expense unsupported by demonstrated or measurable data. Investment in online marketing will likely yield more qualified leads and enable easier measurement of ROI as compared to a similar investment in print advertising or print directories.

2. Invest in a professionally designed and developed web site. A polished, professional web site is a must-have for anyone launching a new firm, regardless of size. In 2008, 32 percent of solo attorneys and 20 percent of firms with two-to-five attorneys did not have a web site, according to a 2008 Harris Interactive study on Marketing among Small Law Firms. Don't be one of these unfortunate few.

3. "Consumerize" your web site. When prospects seek an attorney, they want someone with obviously good credentials, but they also want to know what kind of person their attorney is. Pepper in some personal data about schools, hobbies and outside interests.

4. Incorporate video on your site. Develop an introductory video of the managing partner that showcases personality as well as expertise. Post the video on the web (and YouTube) and even consider a TV spot down the road.

5. Get listed in and link to online directories. Identify all online directories available for posting attorney and firm profiles. This includes attorney-specific portals and social networking sites. Link to these on your web site and don't forget to add your firm's web site to each online listing you post.

6. Hire an expert. You practice law and let others grow your business! Consider outsourcing your internet marketing campaign to qualified experts. First, ask for a consultation and determine a comfortable budget (earmark usually 2-5 percent of monthly budget as a good start point). Let the experts generate leads for your fledgling practice.

7. Optimize your web site. Search Engine Marketing experts can be tremendously helpful in improving online visibility and optimizing a firm's organic search rankings. Select a search marketing team that offers transparent and results-driven metrics.

8. Engage in pay-per-click advertising. No firm is too small to reap tangible benefits from pay-per-click campaigns. Ensure your marketing experts select appropriate keywords, based on analysis, that are geographically and topically suited to your firm. This strategy helps favorably position small firms to directly compete with larger firms in your market.

9. Understand and use appropriate metrics. Learn how success and ROI are measured in an online marketing campaign. While you don't need to be an expert, you do need to understand the difference between organic and paid search, as well as "clicks," "impressions" and "conversions." Tracking leads is an appropriate metric used by only 20 percent of attorneys.

10. Be responsive! While your internet marketing team brings in qualified leads, put a system in place to respond to each one. Make a phone call, send an email in response to an inquiry, or schedule a meeting. Keep these leads in a simple database so when you're ready to send the first newsletter from the firm, clients and prospect lists are easily accessible. Don't forget to reference the LexisNexis marketing checklist to get the marketing wheels turning!

Debra Regan is vice president of the internet marketing agency at LexisNexis, part of the LexisNexis Lawyers.Com and Martindale-Hubbell networks since 1999. For more than 10 years, LexisNexis has delivered a full suite of online marketing services to lawyers as a trusted brand. The in-house agency is staffed with search marketing, pay-per-click, video and web design experts along with a full team of web developers with key industry certifications.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Jayme Soulati
LexisNexis
937-312-1363

---

Mini Credit Reports
Minnesota Phone
Dial-Up-Internet
High And Low Risk Investments