3W Studios Reflects on 2001

As 2001 came to a close, 3W Studios took a moment to reflect on the year and to review several of the sites which now reflect the 3W Studios mark of design. During a year when many dot.com agencies failed to survive, 3W Studios continued to thrive and produce award-winning websites on an international level. We are grateful to you, our customers, for the opportunities you extended to us in creating and developing your websites and look forward to continuing that relationship in 2002.

A new type of Internet ad — Shoshkeles

A report in the January 14^th, 2002 edition of the Wall Street Journal, proves the changing nature of internet advertising. While traditional media such as magazines have had years to perfect their messages so that readers stop and marvel at their full-page fashion ads, and TV stations have found just the right element to make viewers pick up the catchphrase of a clever 30-second spot, internet advertising is still evolving. While web banners, boxes, and pop-ups have hit the market with outstanding results driving hits through the roof, they have to date lacked the "remembrance factor" enjoyed by so many traditional media spots. Placement of banner advertising is also key to ensure high click throughs. This plays a much larger factor in web advertising than in TV, radio or even outdoor.

Although opinions differ on the solution to "fixing" Web ads, one of the most recent developments in banner advertising is the shoshkeles. Developed by United Virtualities, a shoshkeles ad features animation and sound, and its elements typically move across a Web page within the browser, rather than popping open a new browser window as many ads do. The shoshkeles is designed to run on every computing platform imaginable, requiring no special software downloads by the user, unlike some other kinds of online ads, and an advertiser can choose to give viewers the option of turning off the ad by clicking an "x"

Sent to United Virtualities via e-mail in the form of a Flash file, United Virtualities associates use a proprietary, automated software program to convert the Flash file into a shoshkeles unit. United Virtualities won’t reveal details about this process because it has applied for patents on the technology, which haven’t yet been granted.

Currently being tested, the rate at which viewers chose to replay the ad is giving a strong indication that users are really interacting with the shoshkeles ad.

You can learn more and see demos by visiting www.unitedvirtualities.com/shoshkeles.htm.

No "Hanging Chads" in United Kingdom

Robin Cook

Our friend and ally, the United Kingdom, is planning to make Britain the first country to use the Internet for voting.

Robin Cook, the leader of the Commons, told The Guardian that online voting would ‘enfranchise’ under-40’s by attracting them back into the democratic process. The first schemes will be piloted at local elections in spring, but Cook could not say for sure if all United Kingdom citizens would be able to vote using the web by the next general election.

Cook also plans to allow feedback on policy choices to be sent to parliament via the web.

The announcement follows calls to advance Internet voting made by the e-commerce minister Douglas Alexander in October 2001.

Teens online

Think the "most-wired" teens are from Silicon Valley or Seattle? Think again. According to a recent report from America Online, Pittsburg teens are online more than other teens across the country.

Nationally, ages 12-17 spend an average of about 12 hours, 15 minutes a week online with Pittsburgh teens spending an average of 16 hours a week online.

So, what are these teens doing online? Talking. E-mailing (81%) and sending instant messages (70%) are still the top activities. However, more than half in this age group rely on the Net to do homework (58%) and download digital music (55%) and nearly 3 out of 4 (70%) play games.

According to AOL’s Regina Lewis, "Teens are using the Internet in all facets of their lives; it’s instinctive for them. They’ve become early adopters in other categories because it’s natural for them."