Hi ,<br />
 <br />
Welcome to this issue of e*Vision! <br />
Volume III - Issue 2003-12-2<br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
The e*Vision ezine is specifically focused on the online <br />
marketing of information products. We hope you find the <br />
information presented in The e*Vision ezine valuable, <br />
and that it helps bring you online success.<br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
 *+* Read Past Issues at ==> <a href="http://ustoday.net/evision/" target="_blank">http://ustoday.net/evision/</a><br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
 <br />
 <br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
             >>> >>> GOOGLE Profit <<< <<<<br />
Earn $500-$9,000/month on Extra Cash in your Spare Time!! <br />
  ==> <a href="http://www.googleprofit.com/c2.asp?c=55" target="_blank">http://www.googleprofit.com/c2.asp?c=55</a><br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
<br />
<br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
        The Secret to Streaming MP3 Files <br />
        That Even Dial-Up Users Can Hear<br />
               - by Jay Jennings<br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
<br />
Some people look at audio on a web site as a passing fad --<br />
after all, if it was really all that useful, why did it just<br />
recently become popular?<br />
<br />
The fact that audio can increase sales and sign-ups isn't<br />
disputed by savvy marketers, but until recently the<br />
technology wasn't cheap enough or easy enough for a "normal"<br />
person to deploy streaming audio. It used to take a special<br />
server and more fiddling than a lot of people were willing<br />
to do.<br />
<br />
And then Macromedia Flash version 6 came on the scene and<br />
introduced the ability to stream MP3 audio files from a<br />
normal server. Soon after that several solutions came on the<br />
market that gave everyone the ability to stream audio.<br />
<br />
So, it's all good, right? Well, not exactly. Since using<br />
audio is a new thing for most marketers there's some<br />
confusion about how to record the audio files, what size<br />
they should be, etc.<br />
<br />
In my communications with people who are putting audio on<br />
their web sites the most common question is, "How can I<br />
create a sound file that even dial-up users can hear without<br />
lots of stops and starts?"<br />
<br />
The stuttering that dial-up users are subjected to is a<br />
result of two factors. First, they're on a slow line and<br />
things just aren't going to come across as quickly. Second,<br />
audio files that are recorded at a high bit-rate require a<br />
high bandwidth connection. Either everyone needs DSL or<br />
better (yeah, right!) or you need to create an audio file<br />
that's much smaller in size.<br />
<br />
So let's look at ways to do that. Note: there are about as<br />
many audio editing programs out there as stars in the sky,<br />
so the following won't be step-by-step instructions. But the<br />
info should get you close enough to make the right choices<br />
in the software you're using.<br />
<br />
There are two options you're going to want to tweak. They're<br />
typically called "sample rate" and "bit rate." The sample<br />
rate numbers will usually be followed by the letters Hz or<br />
kHz and range from about 8000 (or 8 if the info is in kHz)<br />
to 44100 (or 44.1 kHz). Bit rate numbers are usually<br />
followed by the letters kbps and will typically range from 8<br />
or 16 up to 196 or even higher. (If you see just two or <br />
three options, 8, 16, and possibly 32, that's not the <br />
parameter we care about).<br />
<br />
For CD quality audio you'd want a sample rate of 44,100 Hz<br />
but since voice can get by with so much less, set your<br />
sample rate to 11,025 Hz (or 11.025 kHz). And most people<br />
listening to music want their bit rate set to at least 128<br />
kbps, but for voice work we can go much lower. And, if we<br />
want dial-up people to be happy, we have to go very low.<br />
<br />
Try setting your bit rate to 16kbps and see if you're<br />
satisfied with the result. If not, try 32kbps and so on, up<br />
until you are happy. Just remember, every step you take up<br />
the ladder means more dial-up people won't have a smooth<br />
audio stream. Folks with faster dial-up connections should<br />
get 32kbps sound with little trouble -- but if the sound<br />
quality of a 16kbps file floats your boat, then go with<br />
that. Just about everyone should be happy in that case.<br />
<br />
It might take an afternoon of tweaking with your audio<br />
software to get comfortable with it the first time, but <br />
after that you'll be able to crank out audio files as <br />
easily as you crank out word processor docs.<br />
<br />
If you haven't made the move to using audio on your web site<br />
yet, go ahead and give it a shot. There are many great<br />
reasons to use it, and now that you know how to create audio<br />
files that even dial-up users can experience, there are<br />
fewer reasons not to.<br />
<br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
Jay Jennings is the developer behind the Sonic Memo<br />
sound utility and runs an email list that includes<br />
different ways webmasters/marketers can profit with<br />
audio-based products and projects.<br />
Click here now ==> <a href="http://www.about-cash.com/audio" target="_blank">http://www.about-cash.com/audio</a><br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
 <br />
 <br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
 <br />
 <br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
             >>> >>> GOOGLE Profit <<< <<<<br />
Earn $500-$9,000/month on Extra Cash in your Spare Time!! <br />
  ==> <a href="http://www.googleprofit.com/c2.asp?c=55" target="_blank">http://www.googleprofit.com/c2.asp?c=55</a><br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
 <br />
  <br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
             >>>>>>>> Featured Article <<<<<<<<<br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
         "Choosing a Home for Your Mailing List? <br />
          What You Should Know Before Moving In." <br />
          -by Merle <a href="http://MCPromotionsPress.com" target="_blank">http://MCPromotionsPress.com</a><br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
<br />
If you have a website, you know the importance of <br />
having your own list. Most site guests won't buy from<br />
you on the very first visit. Collecting their email <br />
addresses,and building a relationship with them <br />
through an ezine can lead to converting them to <br />
buyers later.<br />
<br />
So how do you manage your lists? You have <br />
two options:<br />
<br />
1) In House - Manage your own list, either from your<br />
own server, or desktop. Either way, you will need to<br />
install special software for this purpose.<br />
<br />
2) Outsource: Use an outside web-based service<br />
to manage your list. You log in and manage and<br />
send mailing from the Net.<br />
<br />
How do you know which solution is best for you?<br />
You must consider all your needs so that no<br />
matter which option you select, it can do what<br />
you need it to do... even as your needs change.<br />
<br />
The first thing to consider is the format you'll<br />
be publishing in; text or HTML? Some list management<br />
programs can publish in both formats simultaneously,<br />
(called Multi-Part MIME). If your list management <br />
solution doesn't include that feature, the only way <br />
you can publish in both formats is to maintain two <br />
separate lists.<br />
<br />
You also need to consider your technological skill<br />
level. If you're a novice with simple needs, you <br />
don't want to use something overly complicated. <br />
Some vendors offer a 30-day free trial; do take<br />
advantage of these before making your final decision.<br />
<br />
Finally, the size of your list will affect your <br />
decision. If your list is very large, the cost of <br />
using a third-party service may be the factor that <br />
determines how your list will be hosted.<br />
<br />
So how do you know if the software or service you're<br />
thinking of using is reliable? Look for testimonials<br />
on their site. If people are happy with a product<br />
or service, they won't hesitate to send in a few words<br />
about their great experience. If you have questions,<br />
ask. Send a few emails to customer support for further<br />
clarification. Their response time may be another<br />
indicator of their quality and dedication.<br />
<br />
Another thing to consider in this day and age is<br />
"Double Opt In." With more and more states instituting<br />
Sp@m laws, you may want to go this route now if you<br />
haven't in the past. Do make sure that the service <br />
or software you select can handle both single and <br />
double opt in. Requiring your readers to confirm <br />
their subscription requests will slow down the <br />
growth of your list, but will also help to protect <br />
you and give you proper documentation if you ever <br />
find yourself in the middle of a lawsuit or accused<br />
of spamm!ng. <br />
<br />
Also helpful for documentation is the ability to<br />
record a subscriber's IP address. Many services and<br />
programs do this automatically.<br />
<br />
If you decide to use an outside service make sure<br />
they're trustworthy before handing over your hard <br />
earned list. You wouldn't want some devious person <br />
abusing your subscribers. Your subscribers' privacy <br />
should be as important to you as it is to them.<br />
<br />
As an online publisher, you'll also have to deal with<br />
bounces. There are two types, "hard" and "soft." A <br />
hard bounce is a permanent error, meaning the email <br />
address is no longer valid. Soft bounces refer to <br />
temporary problems due to a "full mailbox" or other<br />
server issue. You'll want to know what system is in<br />
place for removing the hard bounces so your list stays <br />
current and clean. I know in my own case  the software <br />
I was using didn't provide for this, so I paid my <br />
programmer to write a script that would automatically<br />
delete all hard bounces the very first time they <br />
bounce.<br />
<br />
Manually maintaining your list can take up a lot of <br />
your time, so this is an important issue to consider, <br />
especially as your list grows larger. <br />
<br />
Also, if you continue to send to bad email addresses,<br />
some service providers may block your IP address. <br />
The result is that none of your emails will ever get<br />
through again. This leads me to the topic of blacklisting.<br />
If you decide to go with an outside service, you'll<br />
want to make sure they're not being blacklisted. If <br />
they are being blocked by any of the major ISP's like <br />
AOL, none of your email will get through to any of your <br />
subscribers that use that service. This is very important.<br />
You don't want to be found "guilty by association."<br />
Choose wisely. You don't want to move your lists and <br />
then find out that hundreds of copies of your hard <br />
earned ezine are being returned to you as undeliverable.<br />
<br />
So now that you know what features to look for, let's<br />
go over some of your options when it comes to software<br />
or service providers.<br />
<br />
Software/Inhouse Options:<br />
<br />
1) CGI Script- <a href="http://CGIScript.net" target="_blank">http://CGIScript.net</a>:<br />
<br />
With a cost of only $49.00, this script installs on<br />
your server and uses your own hosting provider for<br />
actual mailings. Creates HTML or text ezines.<br />
<br />
2) WorldMerge: <a href="http://www.Coloradosoft.com" target="_blank">http://www.Coloradosoft.com</a><br />
<br />
Allows you to quickly and easily generate large numbers<br />
of personalized e-mail messages using your database of<br />
recipients and a "template" e-mail message. A free<br />
evaluation version is available. Purchase for $59.00<br />
<br />
3) GroupMail: <a href="http://infacta.com/gm.asp" target="_blank">http://infacta.com/gm.asp</a><br />
<br />
Desk top software that allows you to manage multiple.<br />
Sends in Two Part Mime format so you don't have to <br />
keep two separate lists for text and HTML subscribers. <br />
If the user can't read HTML, he'll automatically get<br />
the text version. You can also schedule messages for<br />
future delivery. Three versions available: free, pro<br />
and plus. Free to $179.00, depending on the version <br />
you select.<br />
<br />
4) Subscribe Me: <a href="http://www.siteinteractive.com/subpro/" target="_blank">http://www.siteinteractive.com/subpro/</a><br />
<br />
Installs easily on your server and runs on UNIX or<br />
Windows platforms. Allows unlimited mailing lists<br />
and the ability to track your incoming clicks from<br />
links in your newsletter. Offers single or double<br />
opt in.<br />
<br />
5) PHP List: <a href="http://tincan.co.uk/phplist" target="_blank">http://tincan.co.uk/phplist</a><br />
<br />
Free to download. It is written in PHP and uses an SQL<br />
database for storing the information. Personalized<br />
mailing list manager.<br />
<br />
6) Mojo Mail: <a href="http://mojo.skazat.com/" target="_blank">http://mojo.skazat.com/</a><br />
<br />
Mojo Mail is a web-based e-mail list management system,<br />
which runs on any hosting account that can run custom CGI<br />
scripts. Free to download. Try out the live demo on the<br />
site.<br />
<br />
<br />
Web Based Services: Outsource<br />
***************************<br />
<br />
1) iBuilder: <a href="http://VerticalResponse.com" target="_blank">http://VerticalResponse.com</a><br />
<br />
Browser based; upload and manage your own list. Charges<br />
are based on how many emails you need to send out. Full<br />
template system available and a free trial so you can<br />
test it out.<br />
<br />
2) Email Works: <a href="http://www.Emailworks.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://www.Emailworks.co.uk/</a><br />
<br />
Pricing depends on usage: 1 credit = 1 email sent. You<br />
can sign up and try out the service, as you'll be<br />
given 25 free credits for registering. Can send in<br />
plain text or HTML.<br />
<br />
3) Constant Contact: <a href="http://ConstantContact.com" target="_blank">http://ConstantContact.com</a><br />
<br />
Free 60-day trial. Create professional HTML personalized<br />
emails and even allows you to schedule delivery times <br />
in advance.<br />
<br />
4) IntelliContact: <a href="http://www.Intellicontact.com/" target="_blank">http://www.Intellicontact.com/</a><br />
<br />
Create and manage unlimited lists. Sends in Multi<br />
Part Mime Format. Pricing is based entirely on the total<br />
number of subscribers that you have in your account. A<br />
list of 5,000 will cost you 25.00 per month, less if<br />
paid annually. Try it for 30 days, and if you don't <br />
like it your money will be refunded.<br />
<br />
5) GraphicMail: <a href="http://www.GraphicMail.com/" target="_blank">http://www.GraphicMail.com/</a><br />
<br />
A web-based tool for the design, management and <br />
distribution of graphical e-mails. Use the online <br />
editor to design your own ezine, or use one of the<br />
handy templates. A list of 5,000 subscribers will <br />
run you 19.95 a month. No obligation, 60 day trial.<br />
<br />
6) EmailFactory: <a href="http://EmailFactory.com/" target="_blank">http://EmailFactory.com/</a><br />
<br />
Create and manage your own lists with this easy online <br />
interface. Offering many levels of service, the cost <br />
of the beginner tier includes a one time set-up fee of<br />
$100.00, then $25.00 a month.  Easy to upload an <br />
existing list, and can send in text or HTML with full <br />
personalization.<br />
<br />
7) Mailer Mailer <a href="http://www.mailermailer.com/" target="_blank">http://www.mailermailer.com/</a><br />
<br />
Simple web-based interface that allows you to<br />
upload your existing list or start a new one. <br />
Templates available if you'd like to use them. <br />
Sign up for ability to try then out by sending <br />
up to 200 messages for free.<br />
<br />
8) Simple Post: <a href="http://simplepost.com/" target="_blank">http://simplepost.com/</a><br />
<br />
Easy to import your existing list. Provides you with<br />
statistics about how many people received the message,<br />
how many opened it, and what links in the email were <br />
clicked. Your subscriber base can't go over 50,000 and<br />
a list of 5,000 will cost you 24.99.<br />
<br />
As you can see, you have many options when deciding on<br />
a home for your list. It's important that you find one<br />
that does what you need now and has the ability to<br />
grow with you into the future. Inhouse or outsourced,<br />
the choice is yours just make sure you choose wisely.<br />
A good home is hard to find, and once found you wouldn't<br />
want to have to move out unexpectedly.<br />
<br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
Merle <a href="http://www.EzineAdAuction.com" target="_blank">http://www.EzineAdAuction.com</a><br />
"Where some of the BEST Deals in Ezine Advertising are <br />
Made" Buy & Sell Ezine Ads in a live auction setting!<br />
Publishers sell off your excess inventory and Buyers<br />
pick up some Fantastic bargains. Free E-book on how to<br />
write "glowing" ezine ads.....Download Now at<br />
<a href="http://www.ezineadauction.com/ebooks/greatezineads.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.ezineadauction.com/ebooks/greatezineads.pdf</a> <br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
 <br />
   <br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
             >>> >>> GOOGLE Profit <<< <<<<br />
Earn $500-$9,000/month on Extra Cash in your Spare Time!! <br />
  ==> <a href="http://www.googleprofit.com/c2.asp?c=55" target="_blank">http://www.googleprofit.com/c2.asp?c=55</a><br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
 <br />
 <br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
                >>> eBook of the Week <<<<br />
   The Ultimate Guide to Christmas - by Kevin Fichtner <br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=       <br />
Who Stole Christmas? And how can we get it back?<br />
<br />
If your family traditionally celebrates the holiday season, <br />
chances are that right about now your blood pressure is <br />
rising, you're getting short with the people around you and <br />
you wish you were on some desert island away from all the <br />
stress. STOP! It doesn't have to be that way. Play a little <br />
game with me. Close your eyes for just a moment, take a deep <br />
breath and let your thoughts take you backward in time. <br />
Remember how excited you were when the first signs of <br />
Christmas began to appear? See if you can remember writing <br />
out your Christmas list in your squiggly block letters.<br />
How about when your Mom and Dad took you to see Santa Claus? <br />
Wow! You were so in awe that when your turn came to sit on <br />
his knee, you couldn't remember what you wanted to ask him.<br />
Every day was agonizingly long, stretching out longer and <br />
longer as you marked the calendar leading up to the big day.<br />
And what about Christmas Eve? You thought the day would never <br />
end and it was the only night of the year that asked to go <br />
to bed early! After setting out the milk and cookies for Santa,<br />
you loudly proclaimed to the entire household that THIS year, <br />
you were going to stay awake and watch him slide down the <br />
chimney. Those memories CAN be recaptured, if you will just <br />
allow it. The Ultimate Guide To Christmas will guide you <br />
through the season and help you recapture some of those <br />
feelings. It's just a wish and a click away.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://twico.com/christmas/index.htm" target="_blank">http://twico.com/christmas/index.htm</a><br />
<br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
 <br />
 <br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
       >>> >>> WORLD INTERNET SUMMIT <<< <<< <br />
        Sydney, Australia, 19-22 February, 2004 <br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
Tickets are selling FAST!!  Early Bird Offer Ends soon!!!<br />
  ==> <a href="http://www.worldinternetsummit.com/earlybird.html" target="_blank">http://www.worldinternetsummit.com/earlybird.html</a><br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
 <br />
    <br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
The e*Vision eZine is published by Tom Hua <br />
Copyright (c) 2003, all rights reserved. <br />
No portion of this publication may be reproduced <br />
or transmitted without the express written consent <br />
of the publisher or contributing editors and or writers. <br />
 <br />
DISCLAIMER: We disclaim any liability for the use of <br />
Any contributed information contained herein.<br />
 <br />
I hope you've enjoyed this issue of the e*Vision ezine. <br />
Please let me know if you have any questions, suggestions <br />
or requests.<br />
 <br />
All the Best, until next time!<br />
 <br />
Tom Hua - Editor & Publisher<br />
<a href="mailto:eVision@UStoday.net">eVision@UStoday.net</a><br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<br />
 *+* Read Past Issues at ==> <a href="http://ustoday.net/evision/" target="_blank">http://ustoday.net/evision/</a><br />
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=