Around the Web 7.24.08: Microsoft fumbles, Facebook connects, hackers target Google, Apple

-- Who's next in line to run Microsoft's struggling online business? Go ask Steve Ballmer (pictured right) -- or not. Boomtown

-- AdMob has got mobile advertising down. TechCrunch

-- Opposing Views gives people something to talk about. CNet

-- Analyst says Apple's success has attracted hackers. Times Online

-- Google's Blogger hosts 2% of the world's malware. PC Pro

-- Twitter tries to improve service, outrages users -- again. ReadWriteWeb

-- Will the real video Twitter please stand up? TechCrunch

-- Nintendo says Wii limited storage issue is a mainstream problem. MTV

-- Om Malik explains why Facebook Connect matters. Gigaom

-- Or is Facebook just a fad? Mashable

-- Zuckerberg: We don't need no stinkin' revenue. Silicon Alley Insider

-- Nokia and Qualcomm end patent war. Engadget

-- Jessica Guynn

Photo: Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer. Credit: Kay Nietfeld / EPA

Comments

[Lewis Haidt]

Hopefully, the Mainstream Media won't be hood-winked by Zuckerberg re: "social networking" or "online communities" the same way the ent. biz was by Jobs re: music.

Facebook is a walled garden. Unless you pay, especially upwards to thousands of dollars, an average business owner can not create a user profile on FB. My company, like many other across the WWW on FB, had our profiles deleted, most likely in advance of the launch of their "improvements." FB is clearly optimizing the site so maximize advertising revenue at the expense of their users, particularly users with small businesses who cannot afford to purchase "ad sales" from their team.

I hope the Times starts providing subtle analysis around issues of inter-operability, privacy protection, data information and general consumer/user freedoms.

Instead of just covering the brands, large personalities, urr, mini-celebrities and general drama ("Just another episode in'As the tech world turns.'"), hopefully someone besides Healey's "Bit Player" (perfect title given lack of attention in the rest of the paper) will cover issues relating to digital commons and the knowledge ecology movement (google "A2K" or "Adelphi Charter" for starters).