Some minor issues

Mapping massive amounts of information into understandable structures, that’s what information architects do. There is a Japanese firm that does this very well: iA. They just released the 4th version of their Web Trend Map, and it’s (again) a pleasure to look at!

 
See full size on Flickr. This time they were smart enough not to host it on own servers

The map maps all kinds of firms, services, social networks, .. that live on the web in a subway like structure. You have different lines, representing different focus domains. These focus areas may overlap in specific fields. Add to that the stability and the use, combined with some trend setters, and you know how complex this information is.

Learn more about it on webtrendsmap.com or even order a print. I’m sure some services are missing, and that’s why it’s kind of pity there is no interactive version of this. I would love to search, sort, highlight, filter, ..

For instance, I can’t find Netlog on the map (quite huge in Europe) and I’m pretty sure it was there on the previous version .. However I do find Skyrock, which is quite big but only in France. So probably Netlog is there, but I just can’t find it .. Who helps me out?

To finalize a little video they made to promote the map.

Enjoy!

So there’s this thing called crisis. Like a filthy disease it’s creeping into our lives, immobilizes us, and spread to our loved ones. Oh yes, talking about viral, here is viral redefined.

To be honest, till a month ago or something, the crisis was something that didn’t affect me at all, not in theory nor in thinking. I figured out it was something that would pass, at least pass me and the people I work for/with/ .. And sure, I still have my job, and luckily Nascom isn’t doing bad at all (keep fingers crossed), but I did hit on quite some people I respect and consider to be good at what they’re doing. In fact the whole advertising industry in Belgium has taken a hit, largely international controlled, but still. And it’s not only the advertising industry, I do know that ..

What’s happening in the ad industry however, is a sign what’s happening in the society as a whole, and is supporting the thesis I’m bringing here.

(more…)

See it here:

Yes, this embed is the site. Just go to www.BooneOakley.com to see how serious they are. I mailed them to say I’m in love with this, curious to see if they’ll get back to me.

BTW: views are adding up swiftly. Great marketing, guys!