João Rufino's Blog

Charity organizations are plenty and although we would love to solve all worlds problems we usually feel very reluctant to put our money in organizations that we don’t know and where usually we have no idea where our money ends.

The first time I heard from Kiva was last Christmas. I received a Kiva gift. 25$ to lend to a entrepreneur in the development world empowering them to lift themselves out of poverty.

Across time I see my money repaid and I have done other loans. A great thing is that you get updates how these people are doing and how they are working for a better life.

It was sincerely one of the most original and useful gifts I ever got.

Posted by João Rufino under Business & Internet | 2 Comments »

It is true. After continuously check my blog stats using Google Analytics I realized that it is important for me to have it translated in more languages. My first attempt is here . Using a small script and Google Translator I introduce you my blog in 10 other languages:

And finally, my viewers location

Posted by João Rufino under Internet | No Comments »

This is exactly my question. Somehow I do not understand the current value of most of the social networks that exist today. Some of them have potential but I do not believe that the majority of them have it. We see Bebo, it cost a fortune to AOL but I personally see it as “it’s time is passing” and there is a lot to be done there. The majority of its users are under 18 and people are joining (and sticking with) other social networks instead. Their retention level does not seem great at all and they are not targeting well. Of course it can bring AOL up and back to the game but it is surely a huge challenge for the talented people working in both companies.

I can’t write a post on social networks without mentioning Facebook. It’s potential is enormous and well recognized by everyone. It is said that it can possibly change the web but it’s value… isn’t it overpriced? As mentioned, they can contribute to the evolution of the web and, in the future, be worth the money that they are valued now or even more, but the risk is still high and they need to deliver more that they have done till today. We have seen Social networks coming and going. All of us have joined a few (or several) but just a bunch of these networks stick around in our daily routine for a long time. The issue is: Can they retain users/clients on the long run? I think long term retention is still not proven/achieved by Facebook. They have brilliant minds working for them and they know the challenge that they face to keep their userbase (active) and avoid being just ‘the flavour of the year’. Personally I believe that they will be able to take the next step and bring more value to the web. Continue Reading »

Posted by João Rufino under Business & Internet & Misc | 1 Comment »

A misc post. Last weekend I was out of Dublin and a friend of mine (also a known Googler) that strongly believes in the importance of dreaming decided to share the idea and force me to dream more while I’m asleep at home. So he did exactly the same in my room what he did in his… Want to see the pic of the dream sign? Check here.

By the way… I think it works…

Posted by João Rufino under Misc | No Comments »