Comments on: The Need for an IYP Network http://gesterling.wordpress.com/2008/05/08/the-need-for-an-iyp-network/ Greg Sterling's Thoughts on Online and Offline Media Sat, 06 Sep 2008 01:44:28 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=MU hourly 1 By: The ‘Local Paradox’ and IYP Affiliate Network « Screenwerk http://gesterling.wordpress.com/2008/05/08/the-need-for-an-iyp-network/#comment-131118 The ‘Local Paradox’ and IYP Affiliate Network « Screenwerk Thu, 15 May 2008 14:13:19 +0000 http://gesterling.wordpress.com/?p=3339#comment-131118 [...] essentially a competitor to AdSense for local sites. This is the flip side of my argument about an IYP ad network — or an extension of [...] [...] essentially a competitor to AdSense for local sites. This is the flip side of my argument about an IYP ad network — or an extension of [...]

]]> By: Greg Sterling http://gesterling.wordpress.com/2008/05/08/the-need-for-an-iyp-network/#comment-131058 Greg Sterling Mon, 12 May 2008 16:03:59 +0000 http://gesterling.wordpress.com/?p=3339#comment-131058 Thanks Chris. It just struck me that this should happen but it probably will not. Thanks Chris. It just struck me that this should happen but it probably will not.

]]> By: Chris Silver Smith http://gesterling.wordpress.com/2008/05/08/the-need-for-an-iyp-network/#comment-131057 Chris Silver Smith Mon, 12 May 2008 15:50:34 +0000 http://gesterling.wordpress.com/?p=3339#comment-131057 This is a strong concept. Enabling an easy/uniform process for nationwide companies to purchase ad placements across many main IYP sites simultaneously could help to bullet-proof their ongoing purchase of products for a lot longer. All the IYPs and many nationwide companies would likely benefit from enabling a one-stop purchase to get placement across-the-board. In addition, I'd go further and encourage the IYPs to collaborate some on improving overall data reliability for the public good -- benefitting consumers of directory info as well as local businesses. One method I've proposed before would be an <a href="http://searchengineland.com/070604-093700.php" rel="nofollow">Open Local Profile Format</a> -- allowing businesses to generate a single business profile for use by many IYPs/local-engines, similar to how the engines cooperated to create the Sitemaps protocol. There might also be other industry-wide ways to address this, too. This is a strong concept.

Enabling an easy/uniform process for nationwide companies to purchase ad placements across many main IYP sites simultaneously could help to bullet-proof their ongoing purchase of products for a lot longer. All the IYPs and many nationwide companies would likely benefit from enabling a one-stop purchase to get placement across-the-board.

In addition, I’d go further and encourage the IYPs to collaborate some on improving overall data reliability for the public good — benefitting consumers of directory info as well as local businesses. One method I’ve proposed before would be an Open Local Profile Format — allowing businesses to generate a single business profile for use by many IYPs/local-engines, similar to how the engines cooperated to create the Sitemaps protocol. There might also be other industry-wide ways to address this, too.

]]> By: Greg Sterling http://gesterling.wordpress.com/2008/05/08/the-need-for-an-iyp-network/#comment-131029 Greg Sterling Sat, 10 May 2008 12:41:44 +0000 http://gesterling.wordpress.com/?p=3339#comment-131029 Apparently Apparently

]]> By: Malcolm Lewis http://gesterling.wordpress.com/2008/05/08/the-need-for-an-iyp-network/#comment-131026 Malcolm Lewis Sat, 10 May 2008 03:29:40 +0000 http://gesterling.wordpress.com/?p=3339#comment-131026 You, me and David Carradine... - Grasshopper You, me and David Carradine…

- Grasshopper

]]> By: Greg Sterling http://gesterling.wordpress.com/2008/05/08/the-need-for-an-iyp-network/#comment-131019 Greg Sterling Fri, 09 May 2008 16:42:58 +0000 http://gesterling.wordpress.com/?p=3339#comment-131019 You're enlightened but others might not be. You’re enlightened but others might not be.

]]> By: Malcolm Lewis http://gesterling.wordpress.com/2008/05/08/the-need-for-an-iyp-network/#comment-131018 Malcolm Lewis Fri, 09 May 2008 16:41:33 +0000 http://gesterling.wordpress.com/?p=3339#comment-131018 I agree, Greg. This is exactly what IYPs need. They can each maintain their own branded site and sales force, but share content inc. courtesy listings (esp. extended data), ads, and metadata such as ratings and reviews. The only possible argument against content sharing is that IYPs want to differentiate themselves on content. I suspect the benefits of sharing (improved user experience) outweigh any competitive advantage content siloing might bring. Businesses want to update/enhance their business in one place only. Advertisers want to buy in as few places as possible. Separate sites for the 3-4 major IYPs thwarts both desires and helps Google. Egos might prevent this from happening, but logically it's clearly the way to go. I agree, Greg. This is exactly what IYPs need. They can each maintain their own branded site and sales force, but share content inc. courtesy listings (esp. extended data), ads, and metadata such as ratings and reviews. The only possible argument against content sharing is that IYPs want to differentiate themselves on content. I suspect the benefits of sharing (improved user experience) outweigh any competitive advantage content siloing might bring.

Businesses want to update/enhance their business in one place only.

Advertisers want to buy in as few places as possible.

Separate sites for the 3-4 major IYPs thwarts both desires and helps Google.

Egos might prevent this from happening, but logically it’s clearly the way to go.

]]> By: Greg Sterling http://gesterling.wordpress.com/2008/05/08/the-need-for-an-iyp-network/#comment-131001 Greg Sterling Fri, 09 May 2008 01:29:12 +0000 http://gesterling.wordpress.com/?p=3339#comment-131001 You're probably correct in your pessimism. However, AtHand was shut down in part because of anti-trust issues that no longer would be controlling. You’re probably correct in your pessimism. However, AtHand was shut down in part because of anti-trust issues that no longer would be controlling.

]]> By: Old timer http://gesterling.wordpress.com/2008/05/08/the-need-for-an-iyp-network/#comment-130997 Old timer Fri, 09 May 2008 00:09:35 +0000 http://gesterling.wordpress.com/?p=3339#comment-130997 hmmmm.....anyone remember the "success" ;-) of the Athand network in the late 90's?. Waaaay too many egos at the incumbents to think outside the box like this. Nice idea but I don't see incumbents such as ATT, RHD and Idearc, playing nice together ....add in someone like Yellowbook and the chance is even further removed. hmmmm…..anyone remember the “success” ;-) of the Athand network in the late 90’s?. Waaaay too many egos at the incumbents to think outside the box like this. Nice idea but I don’t see incumbents such as ATT, RHD and Idearc, playing nice together ….add in someone like Yellowbook and the chance is even further removed.

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