Google Maps Ads for Map Publishers?

Will Google Maps enable map publishers like us to get paid for ads published on maps?  Ad Sense has been a very profitable product for publishers.  I hope they enable publishers like us to get paid for ads displayed on our maps as well.  

Stanley Cup 2016 Playoffs Map

Warm Weather Prevails!  

Where are the Canadian teams?

Intel's Sensor Chip "Curie" Has Lots of Mapping Applications

Intel's Curie Sensor Chip

Lots of amazing mapping applications in Sports, Health, Safety. 

Intel 2016 CES Keynote CEO Brian Krzanich

Less Than .01% of Mobile Apps Are Used on A Consistent Basis

RIP 99% of Mobile Apps

Great Quote from VP of Global Marketing at Facebook Carolyn Everson. 

"80% of the time users spend time on top 4 apps. .00087% of apps are actually used on a consistent basis."  This quote was from the Keynote address at CES 2016.  

This is why we don't develop apps. Apps are too expensive and no ROI.

In today’s digital era, mobile applications have become indispensable tools for communication, entertainment, work, and everything in between. The app marketplace is teeming with millions of options, each vying for a share of our increasingly limited attention spans. However, a startling revelation has emerged: less than 0.01% of mobile apps are used on a consistent basis.

This figure underscores a profound truth about user behavior and app utility. While the average smartphone user might have dozens of apps installed, only a tiny fraction of these are used regularly. The reasons for this disparity are manifold, involving aspects of user experience, app design, and market saturation.

The Overabundance of Choice

The sheer volume of apps available in app stores today can be overwhelming. Users are inundated with choices, leading to a paradox of choice where the abundance of options makes it harder for any single app to stand out. Consequently, even well-designed apps may struggle to maintain consistent usage as users flit from one novelty to another.

User Engagement and Retention Challenges

User engagement is a critical metric for app developers. A well-designed app that meets a clear need can still struggle with user retention. Factors such as app usability, relevance, and the user’s immediate needs play pivotal roles. Apps that fail to offer continuous value or that do not evolve with user preferences often see a steep drop in usage over time.

Moreover, the nature of the app itself can influence its retention rate. Utility apps, such as those for banking or productivity, might see higher engagement compared to entertainment apps, which users might use sporadically. This variability highlights the challenge of creating an app that not only attracts users but also keeps them coming back.

The Role of User Experience

A seamless and intuitive user experience is crucial for fostering consistent app usage. Apps that are cumbersome, slow, or difficult to navigate quickly drive users away. In contrast, apps that offer a smooth, engaging, and personalized experience are more likely to retain users over the long term. This underscores the importance of continual updates and user feedback integration in app development.

The Impact of App Fatigue

App fatigue is a significant factor in the low usage rates of most mobile applications. As users accumulate more apps, their attention becomes more fragmented, and the novelty of new apps diminishes more rapidly. This phenomenon often leads users to stick with a few core apps that they find indispensable, relegating others to the background.

Strategies for Enhancing Consistent Use

For developers aiming to increase the likelihood of their app being one of the few consistently used, several strategies can be employed. First, focusing on solving a specific problem or fulfilling a clear need can help differentiate an app from the multitude of alternatives. Second, investing in a superior user experience with intuitive design and regular updates can enhance user satisfaction and retention. Lastly, understanding and adapting to user behavior through data analytics and feedback loops is essential for maintaining relevance and engagement.

In conclusion, while the app marketplace is vast, the challenge of maintaining consistent user engagement is formidable. Less than 0.01% of mobile apps achieving this feat is a testament to the difficulties inherent in the industry. For app developers, the journey toward creating a consistently used app is fraught with challenges, but with a clear focus on user needs, experience, and engagement strategies, it is a goal within reach.

Which Auto Companies Offer Free Navigation?

Over Half of Auto Companies Offer Free Navigation Telematics for 3+ Years and Some Approaching Lifetime. BMW, GM, Volvo, Hyundai, Mercedes, Nissan

27 hilariously bad maps that explain nothing

Read this article 

How Crony Capitalism Corrupts the Free Markets

The damage the Federal Reserve is destroying the price function of free markets and capitalism.

In a true free market, competition thrives on the principles of merit and fairness, allowing the best products and services to rise to the top. However, when crony capitalism takes root, these principles are undermined, leading to a distortion of market dynamics and a significant erosion of economic efficiency and equity.

Defining Crony Capitalism

Crony capitalism refers to an economic system in which business success is heavily influenced by close relationships between business leaders and government officials. Rather than competing on the basis of quality, innovation, and efficiency, businesses gain advantages through preferential treatment, subsidies, regulatory favors, and other forms of government intervention that disadvantage their competitors. This practice undermines the foundation of a free market, where success is determined by market forces and consumer choice.

The Erosion of Fair Competition

One of the most profound impacts of crony capitalism is the erosion of fair competition. In a free market, companies must innovate and improve their offerings to attract customers and sustain growth. However, crony capitalism allows certain businesses to bypass this crucial aspect of market dynamics. By securing favorable regulations, tax breaks, and government contracts, crony firms can undercut their competitors or maintain market dominance without having to compete on equal footing.

This distortion not only stifles innovation but also discourages new entrants from entering the market. New businesses, lacking the same connections and influence, find it challenging to compete with established firms that enjoy government favoritism. As a result, the market becomes less dynamic and less responsive to consumer needs, ultimately leading to stagnation and reduced economic growth.

Resource Misallocation

Crony capitalism often leads to inefficient allocation of resources. When businesses receive government support or protection, they may invest in projects or products that are not necessarily aligned with consumer demand or societal needs. This misallocation can lead to overproduction in certain sectors while others suffer from a lack of investment and development. For example, subsidies for fossil fuel industries can crowd out investment in renewable energy technologies, even as the demand for sustainable solutions grows.

Inequality and Social Unrest

The impact of crony capitalism is not limited to economic inefficiency; it also exacerbates income inequality and social unrest. When a small group of businesses and their allies control significant economic resources through their political connections, the wealth gap widens. The general public, who are often excluded from these networks, may see little benefit from economic growth and may even experience a decline in their standard of living.

This growing disparity can lead to disillusionment and dissatisfaction with the economic system, fueling social and political instability. The perception that the game is rigged against ordinary people can erode trust in institutions and democratic processes, further destabilizing the economy and society.

Addressing the Challenge

Addressing the challenges posed by crony capitalism requires a multifaceted approach. Strengthening regulations to prevent conflicts of interest, promoting transparency in government contracts, and ensuring that competition laws are robust and effectively enforced are crucial steps. Additionally, fostering an inclusive economic environment that supports entrepreneurship and innovation can help counterbalance the advantages enjoyed by crony firms.

Ultimately, restoring the integrity of free markets in the face of crony capitalism is essential for promoting sustainable economic growth, enhancing social equity, and ensuring that the benefits of prosperity are widely shared. By reasserting the principles of fairness and competition, societies can build markets that truly serve the interests of all, not just the privileged few.

Cool World Cup Tweets Map

Visit Tweetping.net

Be Fearful When Others Are Greedy

The Put Call Ratio vs the S&P 500 Is Unhealthy Once Again

Everyone Buying Calls & No One Is Buying Puts

Healthy Markets Correct To Clean Out The Crap & Pretenders

This Market is Phony Just Like The Fed Who Does Not See A Bubble

This is Not a Map But An Important Chart to Understand

Be Fearful When Others Are Greedy: Investing During Recessions

In the world of investing, the old adage, "Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful," encapsulates a timeless strategy, particularly pertinent during economic recessions. While the temptation to follow the herd can be strong, understanding the nuances of market psychology and economic cycles is crucial for making informed investment decisions. Here’s why recessions present unique opportunities and why one must exercise caution amid widespread optimism.

Understanding Market Cycles

Economic recessions are periods of declining economic activity, characterized by reduced consumer spending, falling stock prices, and increased unemployment rates. While these conditions can be daunting, they often present opportunities for savvy investors who can look beyond short-term volatility. Historical data shows that many of the best investment opportunities arise during downturns when asset prices are depressed, and the general sentiment is pessimistic.

The Psychology of Fear and Greed

Human psychology plays a significant role in financial markets. During a recession, fear often grips investors, leading to panic selling and market downturns. Conversely, during periods of economic growth, optimism can drive prices up, leading to speculative bubbles. The phrase “be fearful when others are greedy” underscores the importance of contrarian thinking. When the market is booming, and everyone is eager to buy, it might be time to consider selling or at least reassessing your investment strategy.

Opportunities in Recession

1. Valuation Discounts: Recessions typically lead to lower asset prices. Stocks, real estate, and other investments often become undervalued as fear dominates the market. For long-term investors, this can be an ideal time to buy quality assets at a discount.

2. High-Quality Investments: Companies with strong balance sheets and solid business models often emerge stronger from recessions. Investing in these companies during downturns can lead to significant gains as the economy recovers.

3. Diversification: A recession is a reminder of the importance of diversification. By spreading investments across different asset classes and sectors, investors can mitigate risk and capitalize on opportunities in various areas of the market.

Caution in Overconfidence

While there are opportunities during recessions, it is essential to approach them with caution. The temptation to invest heavily based on the belief that prices will continue to fall can be dangerous. It’s important to:

• Do Your Research: Thoroughly analyze market conditions, economic indicators, and individual investments before making decisions.
• Avoid Herd Mentality: Resist the urge to follow the crowd. Often, the most significant gains come from taking a contrarian stance when others are panicking.
• Stay Informed: Keep abreast of economic trends and financial news to make informed decisions that align with your investment goals and risk tolerance.

Conclusion

Investing during a recession can be a daunting task, but it also offers unique opportunities for those willing to navigate the complexities of market cycles. By understanding the psychology of fear and greed, recognizing undervalued assets, and maintaining a disciplined approach, investors can position themselves to benefit from downturns. As Warren Buffett famously said, “The stock market is a device for transferring money from the impatient to the patient.” Embrace patience, stay informed, and let the market’s volatility work in your favor.5

Who Owns These Santa Barbara Mansions on the Beach?

A Baseball Diamond On The Beach in Santa Barbara?  Wow!