E-Commerce Blog

The Chinese media’s increased reporting of protests over land, labor and investment issues reflects an attempt by the government to manage the impact of bad news by acknowledging it, according to two well-placed sources. “The Chinese government has started to loosen its control on the negative information,” said one of the sources, an academic close to the propaganda authorities who declined to be identified. “They are trying to control the news by publicizing the news.”

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China’s Softening Resistance to Reporting Bad News

Facing down the nastiest alien creatures in “Gears of War 2″ may seem like a cakewalk compared to the big boss battle awaiting the video game industry this Christmas — maintaining strong sales during an extremely challenging economic environment that has resulted in gaming retail outlets Circuit City filing for bankruptcy and Best Buy warning of consumer spending slowdowns. Yet October sales figures give the industry some momentum as it heads into the crucial holiday buying period.

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Game Sector Hauls In October Treats

The military squad members from the hyperviolent “Gears of War” video game franchise are on your TV screen, sandwiched in between football scoring drives or reality show arguments or autopsies on “CSI Des Moines.” Only there’s not a insectoid killer alien to be seen for miles in this particular commercial. Instead, the game’s central character, Marcus Fenix, broods under a lone tree in a field. Another character uses his sniper scope … to zoom in on a flower. Another sits besides a massive vehicle, gazing at a smudged photo of a pretty lady from happier times.

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Game Makers Going Soft? Don’t Count on It

Two major factors that have spurred the rapid growth of online video include the increasing availability of broadband Internet access and Web 2.0 technology that allows user interaction with and control of content. Those, according to Metacafe CEO Erick Hachenburg, are the main reasons online video is outpacing traditional TV in the contest for viewers’ eyeballs. With 37 million unique monthly visitors, the online video network Metacafe is the second-largest online video site. Only YouTube has more monthly visitors.

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The Network Is Us: Q&A With Metacafe CEO Erick Hachenburg

The competitive environment that characterizes today’s broadband and value-added services landscape benefits the growth of many digital lifestyle products and services. Consumers are also primary beneficiaries of increased competition among carriers. Case studies reveal that when at least two service providers on relatively equal footing in terms of offerings are actively battling to acquire and retain customers, the end results tend to be 1) lower prices; 2) additional value-added offerings, and 3) improved customer support.

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Service Providers Compete on Technology - Why Not Support?