TexasDesign.com

Google Inc. today, April 1, 2007, announced the launch of Google TiSP (BETA)™, a free in-home wireless broadband service that delivers online connectivity via users’ plumbing systems. The Toilet Internet Service Provider (TiSP) project is a self-installed, ad-supported online service that will be offered entirely free to any consumer with a WiFi-capable PC and a toilet connected to a local municipal sewage system.

“We’ve got that whole organizing-the-world’s-information thing more or less under control,” said Google Co-founder and President Larry Page, a longtime supporter of so-called “dark porcelain” research and development. “What’s interesting, though, is how many different modalities there are for actually getting that information to you - not to mention from you.”

For years, data carriers have confronted the “last hundred yards” problem for delivering data from local networks into individual homes. Now Google has successfully devised a “last hundred smelly yards” solution that takes advantage of preexisting plumbing and sewage systems and their related hydraulic data-transmission capabilities. “There’s actually a thriving little underground community that’s been studying this exact solution for a long time,” says Page. “And today our Toilet ISP team is pleased to be leading the way through the sewers, up out of your toilet and - splat - right onto your PC.”

BoDo is a new site recently luanched by Catherine (cat) Morley, Neil (nt) Tortorella and Jeanette (jay) Wickham. You nay recognize these folks from the No!Spec Inititaive and Creative Latitude. BoDo is a website for practical business advice. Here is what they say about themselves:

“BoDo is grass-roots-get-down-and-dirty-love-yo-mamma. We’ll talk about serious subjects such as “When to bring in a PITA clause,” “How to keep your clients” and “How to fire a client.” As well as lighter fare like “Working in your undies” and “How to tell when your down time is up.”

While BoDo isn’t filled with deep theoretical conversations on the whys and wherefores of design there is a lot to read and think about. Additionally this is not the place for tutorials on software techniques (although they have a collection in BoDo’s resources).

Take a look at: Bodo- Business of Design Online

Have you ever heard this: “We don’t pay until we see the final design” or “Can you do this project cheap, and we will make up for it with a bigger project later.” Would you ever see a doctor and tell him/her that you will pay him/her only if the results are good? No, as design professionals we bring value to a project by creating a unique solution to the problem, and therefore, we should be compensated fairly.

More and more the design profession is being damaged by organizations that do not understand the value we bring. Additionally, with the proliferation of “design contests” we are being pulled into giving away work under guise of “great exposure.”

Today we will be discussing the topic of speculative work in the graphic design profession with Catherine (cat) Morley, founding member and editor of NO!SPEC (www.no-spec.com). NO!SPEC was created to not only inform and educate clients but to also educate designers. All too often what might look like a good opportunity to get exposure is just another way for an organization to get free work.

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OK, so now you have a pretty good idea of who your ideal client is and what’s so special about how you can help them. Now what?

Where and how do you actually find new clients?
The answer is “Lot’s of different ways, and at least one will be right for you.”

Come join us at the March 7th AIGA Nitty-Gritty TeleForum and learn more about “Six Proven Ways To Get New Clients.” Join your fellow AIGA members and Pam Bryan to discuss:

* Why rust matters, and how to build it
* 6 marketing tactics that work
* How to choose the ones that are best for you.

Yes, you do have to have to do more than one thing!

Get the low down on the Nitty-Gritty TeleForum
The Nitty-Gritty TeleForum series is a great learning opportunity brought to you by your AIGA chapter. A TeleForum is a form of distance learning where you use your telephone to call a pre-assigned phone number in order to participate in an interactive educational seminar. TeleForums provide a great learning experience with your design industry colleagues, without the time, expense and hassle of travel. Just close your door, pick up the phone and join us. You can choose to actively participate or just listen and learn. The choice is yours. Several chapters participate in the Nitty-Gritty series so you can exchange views with design professionals across town and across the country. All without leaving your own office. Oh, and did we mention? They are free! The Nitty-Gritty series is sponsored and delivered by Pam Bryan of Future Results Now. Pam is a business coach dedicated to making life as a design professional more fun and more profitable.

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Check the Houston AIGA web site for more details: www.aigahouston.org