Google is evil. But not like you imagine it is.

“Ah, yes, you’re the guy that has a thing against Google.” It wasn’t the best of introductions but I knew what he was on about. I do have “a thing” with Google.  I am jealous as hell!  Because a select few people in Google are literally the closest a homo sapiens has ever come to… Continue reading Google is evil. But not like you imagine it is.

What your girlfriend can teach you about online communication

“Chat?  That is for my teenage daughter!”  Yeah, right.  Only while you are busy pretending to be serious, she and her entire generation are learning communication skills you need to work on.  Some best practices to think about: It is easier!  From a scientific point of view it is well established that we use much… Continue reading What your girlfriend can teach you about online communication

The Asian Toad and Google research for business

My friend James is probably the smartest person I know.  Whether he is teaching himself music in order to do the soundtrack to an amazing documentary of his, building innovative mammal free zones in New Zealand, riding a motorbike or in Madagascar fighting the Asian toad. The what?  When a modern human comes across something… Continue reading The Asian Toad and Google research for business

Mastercard hits rock bottom in advertising

The poster in the Athens metro featured a young man next to a swimming pool at Santorini. “Waking up in the sky: Priceless  With your MasterCard you are welcome all in resorts, hotels, villas and spas.” Oh really?  Welcome are you?  Whoever wrote that hasn’t travelled much in Greece, have they?  Sure, major hotels and… Continue reading Mastercard hits rock bottom in advertising

Send in the Olympics…and then the IMF!

(Note: By popular local demand this article has been translated to Greek with various extra links to older articles about the Olympics here.) This is not some conspiracy theory.  My question is simple:  What is the effect of turning a huge global spotlight on a country via the Olympics? Of course I am thinking of… Continue reading Send in the Olympics…and then the IMF!

In defence of experiments

The recent uproar concerning experiments run by Facebook is really worrying.   Because without experiments, there is no business, there is no progress and we learn nothing.   Most of my working day is spent conducting experiments or setting up experiments.   Most of my business advice ends with “well, let’s try it!”  Facebook being… Continue reading In defence of experiments