The StyleSheet - For businesses that use the internet

Vimeo

Posted February 11, 2010 By Nick Weynand

Looking for an alternative to YouTube? Give Vimeo a try. Vimeo is a video hosting platform that lets you upload, organize, share and embed videos. It takes most popular video file formats and can even stream your video in high-definition. Need more? Vimeo offers their Plus account with more files storage and other options for a small fee.

Howcast

Posted February 11, 2010 By Jean Conover

Have you ever needed to know how to do something, but just didn’t have time to read the manual? Now there’s a handy new Web site that features professional videos on how to do everything under the sun. You can search Howcast for any topic and learn how do anything from changing the oil in your car to making corn chowder to being a great boss.

This is like a specialized “how-to” version of YouTube, and of course, the site is complete with a downloadable application of Howcast for your iPhone and Android. Check it out, and learn something new today, or bookmark the site for when you need to figure out how to do something fast!

Posterous

Posted January 19, 2010 By Kyle Greenan

Posterous is a new way to look at blogging. Not a blog pro? If you can send an email, then you can blog with posterous. Easily share pictures, music and more with family and friends. There is no need to sign up, simply email your files and you’ve got a blog. Who knew that it could be this easy?

CraigLOOK

Posted January 19, 2010 By Caroling Lee

Introducing CraigLOOK: finally, an app that remixes everyone’s fave classified ad site. Pros: listings are formatted more at-a-glance and more robust search options. Cons: doesn’t seem to update in real time and not sure if ALL the listings are showing up, but I’m still figuring that out. Check it out – beats clicking on every single listing!

VLC Media Player

Posted December 9, 2009 By Sarah Buser

VLC Media Player by Videolan is a fantastic cross-platform, open-source multimedia framework, player and server and, well, a mouthful. To me, it’s a cool program that plays just about any video or audio file I throw at it – no more having to search for a program to play weird video files. It also does other fancy things like rip DVDs and stream media to other computers, but I just like having go-to program that’ll figure out file formats so I don’t have to.

Foursquare

Posted December 9, 2009 By Manoj Thomas

Foursquare, the latest social networking app to hit the public, is somewhat of a spinoff of Twitter, but takes it to a whole new addictive level by letting users share where they are and learn about the places they frequent in their city. When you “check-in”, your friends are notified of your location and you can suggest other places to go and things to try out. Foursquare also boasts a competitive element by rewarding you with points and badges each time you arrive at a new location – I just unlocked the “Newbie” badge for checking-in at Hot Mama’s Espresso Bar down the street from the TradeMark studio! Check out how other businesses are using Foursquare to reward frequent visitors.

Dipity

Posted November 13, 2009 By Janis Gonser

Creating interactive timelines can be simple. With an easy-to-use interface, Dipity allows you to upload descriptions, images, URLs, videos from video-sharing sites and even locations that display via Google Maps. With a simple code snippet, the timeline can be embedded into your own site and registered users can comment on your content. There are four different payment plans, including a free personal version.

Example timelines:

• Tom Cruise
• Phoenix (Band)
• Apollo (not the Boxer from Rocky)
• H1N1 Vaccine

Greasemonkey

Posted November 13, 2009 By Kyle Greenan

Greasemonkey is an add-on for the popular open-source Web browser Firefox. Greasemonkey allows you to customize Web sites using Javascript. You don’t need to be a programmer to use it, either. If you can install a program, then you can use Greasemonkey. One specific Greasemonkey script I like adds Twitter Search Results on Google when you do a Web search. Remember, these are user-generated scripts so use caution when you install them.

YouMail

Posted October 19, 2009 By Manoj Thomas

Long gone are the days of fiddling with your phone to manage your voicemail inbox. Whether you own a smartphone or not, YouMail allows you to listen to and download voicemails from the Web. YouMail offers completely visual voicemail so you can jump online to see who called and to play back or delete old messages. That’s not all! You can also opt to receive text message transcripts of voicemails as they come in, set up personalized custom greetings for specific callers and block those pesky telemarketers. Start being more productive today!

Groupon

Posted October 19, 2009 By Jean Conover

Groupon.com is a great site that offers its subscribers useful and highly discounted coupons to local businesses. Each day a new deal is featured, and as long as enough people sign up for it, the coupon is available. The idea is for subscribers to invite their friends to join, and for each referral you get $10 in “Groupon Bucks”. This is a great way to support local business and save money at the same time. Check it out and start saving today!