casthompson

Five years ago today, I was modding Nextel phones for a living.  Knocking out i95’s in 15 minutes and lining them up with l.e.d.s – until…  I got burnt out!!

Today, I just did my first blackberry mod and I remembered why I decided to get out of the game.  I just don’t have time.   Even though the berry turned out sweet, I can’t see myself turning this into a business model.  Instead, I’ll point you to the video so you can learn how to break the warranty on your device yourself.  Check out Blackberry Housings and get your precision screwdriver set ready.

Click here to see more Nextel throwbacks from five years ago!!

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I’ll admit it.  I have a domain fetish.  Sometimes an idea comes to me and well, sometimes it’s not so easy.   If I have a product idea but not a domain to go with it, I turn to BustAName.com.

Bustaname.com is great for brainstorming compound domain names.   They will automatically put words together and tell you what .com, .net and .org sites are available for that word or phrase.

Oh, the best part is that it’s a free service.   It’s seems as though they make their money through hosting recommendations.   Try em’ out here.

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Ok guys, this is the last clickbank check that i’ll be posting on my site.  You’re probably getting tired of these web checks anyway.   I opened up some business mail today and just couldn’t resist.

This is my last check not because I’m quitting the business but because Clickbank is now offering direct deposit.

Everyone knows that I have a Big Check fetish but all jokes aside, direct deposit offers a lot more security for anyone who gets checks from their affiliate programs or google adsense in the mail.  Last summer I actually lost one of these checks and I went through hell to get another one cut.

If you haven’t set up clickbank direct deposit, you can set it up here.

One less check to put with my dirty socks

I receive 10 – 15 checks a month and if they were all set up via direct deposit, life would be easier.  To learn how to earn money on your blog using clickbank read my CBPayDay Review

How many checks are you recieving per month?

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I was starting to get disturbed by the fact that I couldn’t get notified of @replies to myself unless I had direct message/sms notification on for the person I was following.   People have been replying but sometimes while on the go, I wouldn’t know until I logged back into twhirl or jumped back on to check statuses.

While digging around on twitter I found a tracking command.  Via sms you can track a work on the fly simply by typing track and then the word.   This can be great for following whatever it is you follow in your industry.  If you are a widget maker and you are away from your computer, you can type in track widgets and get notified on the spot or until the next person (even if you are not following them) talks about widgets.

To untrack, just type in – untrack word.

Now on to my original problem.  If you want to get notified of all of your @name replies, just track @yourname and you will know when people are replying to you or at least twittering about you behind your back

If you’re not following me yet, it’s @casthompson

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I just came back from the island of Aruba.  To be honest, it was nothing like I expected.  There’s a saying floating around that goes “Once you’ve been to one island, you’ve seen em all.”  Not true for Aruba

I ended up resting my head in Oranjestad, which is the capital city and the hotel of choice was Talk of the Town.  Usually I shoot for the Marriot but once I began to do my research, I quickly discovered that this is by far the most expensive island in the Caribbean.

If you are traveling alone or with a bunch of fellas, Talk of the Town is adequate.   If you are with your lady friend, wife or family I highly suggest booking any hotel in the Palm Beach area.  This is purely for convenience.  The one thing that I’ve learned over the years is that men can tolerate minor inconveniences more than their female counterparts.  Besides, if you’ve saved up this long for Aruba, you might as well go all out!

The weather was perfect.  It was never too humid but being not to far from the equator, your skin may burn and you wouldn’t even know.   Little did I know that the island is very dry due to the lack of rain and cactus are everywhere.  Native Arubans were extremely friendly and at no point during my trip did I feel unsafe.  Brushing up on your Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese and Italian wouldn’t be bad though.

US money is excepted pretty much every where but Visa/Mastercard isn’t.  ATM machines will spit out cash and without a transaction fee.   As mentioned earlier, the island can get expensive but good food isn’t hard to find.  For those on a budget Taco Bell, Wendy’s, Pizza Hut, Burger King and Quiznos are all within a mile of downtown.  But honestly, you’re on a tropical island, enjoy the fish and vegetables!

So, what makes Aruba so special?  There is no way you can run out of fun things to do.  Regardless is age, there are tons of activities.  The beaches are beatiful but the snorkeling, golfing, horse backriding, parasailing, diamond shopping, rock climbing, hiking, bar hopping, wave running, jungle touring, ATVing and history learning can keep you busy as well.

There is no need to plan ahead because all of these activities are non-stop.  Just go with an open wallet and an open mind and you will have a great time.

Travel Tips: To check out other places that I’ve been click here. All of my trips are booked via Expedia

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Dot ME availability dropped yesterday and yes DontYouLove.Me along with a few other creative domain names are still available.

The .me’s are currently available through GoDaddy.com and run $19.99 per year for a two year minimum.   If domaining is your thing then I’m sure that you’ve already picked some up.

If you’re new to domaining here’s 5000 reasons why it’s not a bad investment.

I scooped up six myself.   I’ll tell you about em in a couple of days!

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I never thought that I would say this, but I’m feeling Twitter.  In the past two years I’ve signed up for at least a dozen social networking sites.  I test them out, I study, I network and then I leave them alone.  The truth of the matter is, if it doesn’t make me any money or makes my life easier, then it’s a waste of time.

As simple as it is, Twitter makes my life easier and makes me money (indirectly).   With so much other stuff to manage, I hardly blog on my own personal site anymore but everyone still want’s to know what I’m up to.   Twitter is very public but in an intimate way.

Here are five Twitter Tools that help me throughout the day.

Twitterberry – is a mobile app designed for the blackberry.   It’s free and very easy to use.  It’s also a great way to save on sms charges if you don’t subscribe to a texting plan.   You will need data services active on your blackberry but then again, why would you have a blackberry with no data services?  The program handles replies and direct messaging flawlessly as well.  Many of my Iphone pals are using ThinCloud

Twhirl – is a desktop AIR client for your PC.   When I am online this is the only client I’ll use.   Very intuitive and responsive.   Twhirl will also handle multiple Twitter accounts at once.  Great for site owners who pull multiple followers to different accounts. Honestly Twhirling is easier than using Twitter’s own homepage.

Twitterfeed – feeds your blog to twitter.   Simply put – blog something and it’s gets pushed automatically to your twitter account.  It’s a great way to feed traffic back to your blog but can come off spammy if you publish a blog not in tune with your current twitter following.   I currently feed this site as well as my couscous site.  <—- shameless plug

TwitPic – keeps your audience awake with an occasional picture.   Twitpic uses pictures taken with your mobile phone and sends it along as a Tweet.  Tweets are only 140 characters but a picture can be worth a thousand…   well, you know the rest.   Their homepage also has an interesting mash-up of google maps, similar to Twittervision.

Summize – is a Twitter Conversation Search engine.  I use Summize for research only.  It’s a great way to getter Twitter user’s opinions on products, places, movies, media, websites and just about anything.   Every now and again, i’ll toss out a question to my followers but having the opportunity to search the world of Tweets can be powerful.

Twitter is simple and it works.  If you’re not on it yet, sign up.   If you’re already on, what are some of your favorite Twitter Tools?   Tell me on twitter…   www.twitter.com/casthompson

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Here is my list of favorite blackberry tools that I have come across over the years.  The links in this article are mostly meant to be downloaded directly from your browser’s screen.  Knock yourself out!

Blackberry Ringtones
www.blackberrymp3s.com

Facebook
www.blackberry.com/facebook

Myspace
http://m.myspace.com

Youtube
http://m.youtube.com

Google Search, Google Reader, Google Docs, Gmail, Google Maps
http://m.google.com

Blackberry Wallpapers
www.blackberrywallpapers.com

Bank of America
http://mobilebanking.bankofamerica.com/bb/

Cnn
http://m.cnn.com Download

Opera – Alternate Browser for Blackberry
www.operamini.com/download

The NY Times
http://mobile.nytimes.com/bbinstall

CNBC
http://mobileapps.cnbc.com/mobileLoad.do

TV Guide
http://tvguide.handmark.com

Blackberry Movies – Download Full Length DVDs for your Blackberry
www.blackberrymovies.com

Weekly Blackberry Tips
www.blackberrytips.com

Blackberry File Manager
http://www.rovemobile.com/support/downloads/mfm/

Blackberry Tip Calculator
http://www.gpeters.com/tipgo/

Twitter
www.twitterberry.com

RSS Reader
http://viigo.com/download/method.html

Local Search Tool
m.mypoynt.com

Visual Voicemail
http://www.fvmplus.com

ESPN Launcher
http://espn.mobi/bblauncher

ETrade Stocks (free but Etrade membership required)
etrade.com/mobile

Flickr for Blackberry
http://na.blackberry.com/eng/devices/features/social/flickr.jsp#tab_tab_download

Free Countdown Timer
http://northcubed.com/installers/com_northcubed_countdowntimer_app.jad

Blackberry Wallet
http://mobile.blackberry.com/homepage?book=applications〈=en

Beyond411 (one of my favorite search tools)
http://thebogles.com/blog/projects/berry411/

Yahoo Apps (including messenger)
http://mobile.yahoo.com/go

AIM, Google Talk, MSN Messenger, Skype and Yahoo Messenger in One App
http://www.webmessenger.com

Yahoo Messenger
http://www.blackberry.com/YahooDownload

AIM and Windows Live Messenger
http://www.blackberry.com/instantmessaging

Videos (BB Pearl Only)
http://videostreamsmobile.com/downloadmgr/index.htm

Vlingo – Type without Typing (Super Awesome)
www.vlingo.com/getvlingo

To email this list to your device, just click the Share This button at the end of this article and shoot yourself an email.

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Endless.com has just launched their affiliate program via Amazon.com.

Endless.com offers Free Overnight Shipping and Free Shipping on returns.

“110% price guarantee, and 365-day returns window on over 500 brands, Endless.com is THE destination for shoe and accessory shoppers.”

It seems as though they will be giving Zappos a run for their money!   This could be a great income stream for bloggers, affiliate marketers or anyone recommending shoes and purses to their lady friends.

Endless is paying out 15% and you can build links here at the Amazion Associates Site.

Learn about Endless.com

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Amazon has always been one of my favorite affiliate programs and after recently getting into video, the timing couldn’t be better.

You can use videos that you already have or create brand new videos to promote the products you really love.

For my tester video, I used the couscous recipe video I posted a few days ago and incorporated Near East Instant Couscous as my product being that I sincerely plugged it anyway

The ultimate question is, as a customer, would you find this annoying, useful or do you have ad blindness?

Play the video and let me know.

Video shot with my Flip Mino

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So, I finally did my first video post. As most of you know, to stay healthy, I have been on a serious couscous kick.  It has gotten so serious that about a year ago I started a couscous recipe blog to document the recipes I have found online.

Although the site is monetized, the true goal is to help people open their eyes to other foods and cultures.  After getting tons of questions from curious friends, I decided to pull out my flip mino and start shooting.

What have I learned about adding video to the site in the past week?

Readers are much more engaged with video over static content.  Sometimes it’s easier to hit play and just listen in comparison to reading.   Video is also more exciting.   The more excited readers are, the more word will travel and the more traffic you will get on your site.

Video is also more socially spreadable the text.   Readers love interaction, even when it’s virtual.  Within an hour of posting, your video can be funneled through friendfeed, twitter, facebook or any of your other favorite social media sites.   Test it out, shoot a video today and your traffic will increase…   just try not to over do it.

By the way, check out my simple couscous recipe video

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• QWERTY keyboard


• 480×360 LCD


• Quad-band GSM/EDGE


• GPS


• Wi-Fi


• 3.2 megapixel camera


• 4.6 OS platform


• BES 5.0 support


• ArgonV processor

Does it look like A Curve replacement to you?

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I got a call today from Kyle over at Market Leverage. It was a typical publisher question and answer session which ended with him approving my application!

They have been receiving a heavy buzz from many top tier affiliates and I did not want to miss any opportunities to make additional money.

A while back ML sent John Chow a Nike bag with tons of goodies. I was a little jealous but hey, I dealt with it. Now they are giving away another bag over at John Chow dot Com.

You’re going to want to sign up for Market Leverage and if you comment on his post, you automatically enter to win the goody bag. Check out all of these freebies!

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I would like to announce our latest project, TryStuffForFree.com.

URL: http://www.trystuffforfree.com

TSFF is a member based, private freebie portal. We have partnered with several online and offline businesses to bring Products and Services for consumers to try before they buy.

We will also communicate existing product and service providers who are offering trials or free promo materials to increase market awareness. We will serve as the liason between the business and you, the free loader

Some of the product and service categories coming to you in the next 6 months are, electronics, t-shirts, health supplements, food products, pocket books, web tokens and then some!

If you are interested in Trying Free Stuff, you can sign up here.

If you are interested in tracking offers and getting contest info, you can follow us on Twitter.

If you are a business owner or blogger interested in reaching a larger target audience, you can contact us here.

As the economy softens, it’s good to know that we can still get some things for Free

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I have less than 1 week to appreciate my Dad!

Any “original” ideas on the table?   These don’t count!

What do you get the guy that already has it all?

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BG just dropped a pic of the Blackberry Thunder coming to Verizon Wireless.   I’m looking forward to this model and I’m very curious to see how it will be received by the public.  

It’s going to be the first touchscreen blackberry and more importantly, It will be released to Verizon Wireless exclusively.   Verizon Wireless is usually the last provider to get any device, so I would watch this closely.

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Still doubtful that you can make money online?  If you have a product that you believe in, then you can earn money online.

The case study started on May 26 (less than two weeks ago) and I challenged myself to make something out of nothing.  Would you like to make $20.88 (or more) in one day?

1.  Read and establish a niche.   I love electronics.  So everyday I read up on gadget news.  Not necessarily to buy websites, just for the love.  Your niche should always be something you love and have a passion for.   If it’s not then the whole process will seem like work (and work sucks!) –
Note – don’t pick ringtones, weight loss or dating.   These aren’t even niches anymore.  Be truly unique.

2.  Get ahead of your niche.  Whatever niche you roll with, be a chess playing, ninja style assassin.  Know the trends of your niche and then you’ll have a feel for whats coming next.

3.  Start a blog, a website, a twitter account, a myspace page, something…  or anything, just start.   The people who are afraid to start, out weigh the people that do it.   I started the flipmino site for $5.99.  Don’t complain about expenses, skip Starbucks for two days and put that money into an online investment.

4.  Hook up with Amazon.   Amazon is my favorite long term affiliate program.   When Ebay was rolling with CJ, I could count on some strong earnings but now Amazon really does it for me.  As seen in the image, all you have to do is drive a potential customer to the site.   It doesn’t matter what they buy, you will make a commission.

Note – Amazon was the perfect affiliate for the Case Study but depending on your niche, you might want to check out other programs

5.  Hustle, Hustle, Promote, Hustle, Promote, Promote

6.  Don’t give up.   By my own admission, I got lucky with this test site.   It doesn’t always go this smooth.  A matter of fact, I fail way more than I succeed.   I fail so much that I have a process that minimalizes failure.  The key is that I keep trying and my processes has gotten tighter over the past 6 years.  Another thing to keep in mind is that failure isn’t often glorified.   There aren’t too many sites where the author is displaying how many times he’s messed up.   All you see is the money he/she made promoting xyz product or getting seed money for his/her startup.

Have fun with it!  oh, and check out the Flip Mino

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The Flip Mino, a pint-sized but more powerful companion to the so-easy-your-grandma-will-be-a- YouTube-star Ultra, is now official. We already saw the $180 mini-cam in a fuzzy picture, but now we know that although it carries 2GB of on-board flash for 60 minutes of VGA-quality recording like the Ultra, it’s 40% smaller—a scant 4” x 2” x 0.6”. The Mino distances itself further by adding a Li-ion battery and a flat back-panel with touch-sensitive buttons (rather than the Ultra’s AAs and push buttons). Check back shortly for a full hands-on; meanwhile, there’s a spec-laden fact sheet and a gallery’s worth of more shots after the jump.

Flip Video Mino Camcorder Details:

• Amazingly thin, pocket-sized camcorder
• 40% smaller than Ultra Series. Dimensions : 4” x 2” x 0.6”. Weight: 3.3 oz.
• 2GB of on-board flash memory records up to 60 minutes of video
• Sealed, internal rechargeable lithium ion battery that recharges through built-in USB arm
• Flat back-panel with touch-sensitive buttons
• No Glare display screen (1.5”)
• TV quality video
• Instant playback, pause, fast forward/rewind, and delete features
• Available in black and white models
• Connects to TV for instant viewing
• Built-in high-speed software enables instant video sharing from any PC or Mac:
  o Save and organize videos on computer
  o Email videos and video greeting cards
  o Publish videos instantly on video sharing sites like YouTube, MySpace, and AOL
  o Capture still photos from video clips
  o Create custom movies with your own music
  o Make your own DVDs and have them shipped anywhere in the world

Nationwide at www.flipminos.com Available at additional retailers Fall 2008.

Suggested Retail Pricing:

60 minute model: $179.99

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Going from nothing to number one for a search term on a new domain is always something to be happy about.   Since this is more of a learning tool, we wont be popping out the champaign quite yet though.  This screen shot is for learning purposes only.  The first rule is…  never brag about being number one on google for a search term!

Bragging will only draw attention from other marketers and will create unwanted competition.   Don’t think that you can hold the spot forever if other people have caught on.

The second rule is, be ready for success.   Have you ever searched for something, clicked on the number one spot and it’s a wasted page?   Grrrr…    Without being too spammy, try to provide quality content related to your niche.   That’s the best way to hold your position.

I still have not spent anything for advertising and the test site got 75 hits yesterday.   Tomorrow is the 4th so we will see what Flip does with the Mino.

(fingers crossed)

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Here are three perspectives of the new BMW One Series. The One Series, in class, fits right between the Mini Cooper and Three Series.

The US version (in red) is a nice entry level Beamer for those who want afford ability but still want to feel the roar.

Sitting on 300 Horses, it’s definitely inspired by the M. $26,000 will put you in the drivers seat but put and extra two grand away for some wheels.

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