Connecting People & Knowledge - Since May 2000
   
Today's Sponsor:

Axis Marketing & PR, brings new strategic perspectives and creativity to your marketing, public relations and event planning. We bring expertise and knowledge to help your company achieve its goals.  

 


July 11, 2005 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Subscribe | Unsubscribe

Main Stories
o DreamWorks Animation Cancels Offering, Discloses SEC Probe
o Legal File-Sharing Service iMesh Licenses Sony BMG Catalog
o Justice Dept. Seeks More Information on Adobe-Macromedia Merger
o Report: Bo Vesterdorf to Take Over Microsoft Antitrust Appeal
o Calif. Lawmaker Slams Video Game Ratings Board Over Sexual Content
o Amazon.com Buys On-Demand DVD Creation Firm CustomFlix
o Google Wins Cybersquatting "Typo" Case


> Featured Advertisement:
--PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 
 

o Briefly Noted: Solio, Amazon.com - Top 25 music sellers, California Tree Fruit Agreement - iTunes, Packeteer - online game traffic, Vivendi Universal Games - Empire Interactive, Shanda - Gravity, Players Network - Xxtreme Measures, deviantArt, Marlon Brando - chickens - cybersquatting
_____________________________________________

> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Project Manager
--Database Warehouse Architect
--Senior SAP Application Architect
--Online Advertising Manager
--Director of Marketing
--Senior Software Engineer - ASP.Net, VB.Net, Web Services
--Media Supervisor
--Director, IT Planning and Program Management - Biotech
--Technical Account Manager (TAM)
--Account Executives, Integration Software & Solution Sales - Software AG
--Vice President/Media Director
--Sr. Product Manager
--Internal Communications/ Strategic HR Consultant
--Strategic Communications Group Offers Blog Relations Counsel
 


o DreamWorks Animation Cancels Offering, Discloses SEC Probe

Glendale, Calif. -- DreamWorks Animation, the digitally-animated film studio responsible for films including "Shrek," "Shark Tale" and "Madagascar," announced on Monday that it has withdrawn a planned $500 million secondary stock offering, lowered its second quarter outlook, and disclosed that it is the subject of an SEC probe. "Based on the current valuation of our shares, we believe it is in the best interest of all parties, including the company and its current shareholders, to withdraw the offering at this time," said CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg. The company additionally disclosed that the SEC has launched an informal inquiry concerning securities trading and the financial results it reported in May; the company is also the target of a half-dozen shareholder class action lawsuits, over a purported share price inflation related to "Shrek 2" sales predictions. DreamWorks Animation on Monday lowered its second quarter outlook from "no profit" to anticipate a loss of between $0.07-$0.09 per share, citing weaker-than-expected DVD sales.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050711/nym123.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/rb/050711/media_dreamworks.html
http://www.dreamworksanimation.com
_____________________________________________

o Legal File-Sharing Service iMesh Licenses Sony BMG Catalog

New York -- iMesh, a peer-to-peer file-sharing service founded in 1999 that has since adopted a legal, commercial model, announced on Monday that major record label Sony BMG has licensed its songs for distribution on iMesh. Last week, Sony BMG signed a similar deal to license its songs to Mashboxx, another legal peer-to-peer service. New York-based iMesh paid $4.1 million to settle a copyright infringement lawsuit brought by the recording industry in July 2004, and has since worked to develop a for-pay service that is slated to launch this year. The company said the new, legal service will offer more than 15 million tracks from multiple sources, including the Gnutella network. "We are pleased to make our music available to the new iMesh as they build a service that will offer consumers a compelling experience and will respect our copyrights," said Thomas Hesse, president of Sony BMG's Global Digital Business Group.
http://www.imesh.com
http://www.sonybmg.com
____________________________________________

o Justice Dept. Seeks More Information on Adobe-Macromedia Merger

San Jose, Calif. -- Adobe Systems, a developer of print and online publishing software, announced on Monday that the U.S. Justice Dept. has made a second request for additional information regarding its proposed $3.4 billion acquisition of Macromedia, developer of the Flash multimedia web format. Adobe said the second inquiry is limited to information about the companies' products in the areas of web authoring/design and vector graphics illustration. The inquiry will further delay antitrust approval for the deal, until 30 days after the companies comply with the government's request. Adobe and Macromedia still expect the deal to close in the fall of 2005.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050711/115363.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/050711/adobe_macromedia.html
http://tinyurl.com/ctzpo
http://www.macromedia.com
http://www.adobe.com
____________________________________________

o Report: Bo Vesterdorf to Take Over Microsoft Antitrust Appeal

Brussels -- According to a report by Reuters, Microsoft's antitrust appeal will be heard not by Hubert Legal -- the judge who has handled the case to date -- but rather Bo Vesterdorf, president of the Court of First Instance. "I can confirm that the case has been moved to the Grand Chamber," an unnamed court official told Reuters. Pundits say the decision to remove Legal, who will not sit on the new 13-judge panel led by Vesterdorf, may be a reaction against a recent interview Legal gave to French journal Concurreces in which he criticized some of the court's assistants. Concurreces quoted Legal as saying that some of the assistants, dubbed "ayatollahs of free enterprise", had a tendency to argue in favor of overturning Commission rulings. Legal, however, has insisted that what he said in the interview was not meant as attack on the way the Commission operates.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?L3D04196B
____________________________________________

o Calif. Lawmaker Slams Video Game Ratings Board Over Sexual Content

Sacramento -- A California state lawmaker who has sponsored a number of video game-related bills has now attacked Rockstar Games, makers of "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas," over a modification to the game that features graphic sex scenes. Calif. Assemblyman Leland Yee has targeted the industry's Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB), saying the group failed parents by neglecting to place a rare "AO" (Adults Only) label on the game, which currently features a "M" (Mature) rating. It is unclear whether the sexual content in question is an unfinished "mini-game" included in Grand Theft Auto's source code, unlockable only with code modification found on the Internet, or whether it was created entirely by outside programmers. The ESRB told GamesIndustry.biz that it has launched an investigation into the matter. "If after a thorough and objective investigation of all the relevant facts surrounding this modification, we determine a violation of our rules has occurred, we will take appropriate action," said ESRB president Patricia Vance. Although the author of one patch that enables the sexual mini-game, 38-year-old Dutch programmer Patrick Wildenborg, claims the code was already in the game, Rockstar told GameSpot.com that the company or its agents did not insert the code into retail copies of the game.
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a12/press/p122005060.htm
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=10032
http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/07/11/news_6128837.html
http://www.rockstargames.com/sanandreas
____________________________________________

o Amazon.com Buys On-Demand DVD Creation Firm CustomFlix

San Francisco -- Online retail giant Amazon.com has acquired CustomFlix Labs, a provider of on-demand DVD creation services, The Los Angeles Times reported. Amazon did not provide financial details on the deal, which comes three months after its purchase of BookSurge, a provider of print-on-demand books. Founded in 2002, Santa Cruz, Calif.-based CustomFlix creates and stores digital copies of less-popular films and TV programs, and only prints a DVD and accompanying packaging when an order is placed -- saving room in warehouses.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-amazon9jul09.story
http://www.customflix.com
____________________________________________

o Google Wins Cybersquatting "Typo" Case

Minneapolis, Minn. -- Google has won a cybersquatting case against a man who registered domain names like Googkle.com, Ghoogle.com and Gooigle.com that could be mistakenly entered by web surfers as typos. The National Arbitration Forum (NAF) ruled on Friday that Sergey Gridasov registered the domain names in bad faith, and in fact was using them to redirect users to sites that attempted to download viruses, trojan horses and spyware to their computers. The sites will now be turned over to Google.
http://www.arb-forum.com/resources/news/index.asp?id=39

Top


> Featured Advertisement:

> PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 

PricewaterhouseCoopers Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 is the leading global entertainment and media industry forecast, including in-depth global analyses and five-year growth projections for 14 industry segments covering every major global region. The complete 550-page book, is available in print or electronic format. The 50 page "Global Overview" (available in print or electronic format)or any of the 14 individual industry segment chapters (electronic format only) can be purchased separately for $95. For sample content and to order, click here.
 

Top


o Briefly Noted:

(Los Angeles) Better Energy Solutions, a U.K.-based, eco-friendly technology firm, has developed a solar-powered battery charger for portable devices like Apple's iPod and mobile phones, Billboard reported. The $100 Solio captures solar power to charge the iPod battery, and plugs into a wall outlet when no sunlight is available. The British rock band Coldplay recently offered a limited edition of 200 branded Solio devices on its website.
http://www.solio.com 

(Seattle) Online retailer Amazon.com on Monday announced the top 25 bestselling music artists on its site over the past ten years since the company's launch. The top 10 in Amazon.com's Hall of Fame, in order of most units sold, were The Beatles; U2; Norah Jones; Diana Krall; Eva Cassidy; Frank Sinatra; Santana; Enya; Bob Dylan; and The Rolling Stones. The company has already released a list of top-selling authors, and plans to announce its all-time DVD top-sellers later this week.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050711/115423.html
http://www.amazon.com/halloffame 

(Reedley, Calif.) The California Tree Fruit Agreement, a trade group for the state's peach, plum and nectarine farmers, announced on Monday a "Music to Your Ears" promotion that will award free digital song downloads from Apple's iTunes Store to purchasers of California fruits. Under the promotion, consumers will receive three free song downloads when they purchase three pounds of California peaches, plums and nectarines along with two bags of Fresh Express ready-made salad.
http://www.freshexpress.com
http://www.eatcaliforniafruit.com 

(Cupertino, Calif.) Packeteer, a provider of bandwidth management applications for network operators, announced on Monday a new plug-in that can regulate recreational gaming on a corporate or other network. The company's PacketShaper product -- which has been used at some universities to regulate file-sharing traffic -- can now also identify the most popular online games and control how much bandwidth is allocated to users playing them.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050711/115303.html
http://www.packeteer.com 

(Los Angeles) Vivendi Universal Games said on Monday that it has signed an agreement with U.K.-based developer Empire Interactive, to distribute the company's "FlatOut 2" title in North America. Developed by Finland-based Bugbear Entertainment, the game is slated for release in 2006 on PlayStation 2, Xbox and the PC.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050711/lam017.html
http://www.empireinteractive.com
http://www.vugames.com 

(Shanghai, China) Chinese online games operator Shanda Interactive Entertainment announced on Monday that it has signed a licensing agreement with Korean online game developer Gravity, to replace the existing publisher for Gravity's "Ragnarok Online" game in China.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050711/cnm007.html
http://www.snda.com
http://www.gravity.co.kr 

(Las Vegas) The Players Network, a producer of gambling-related TV and video programming, announced on Monday that it has partnered with Xxtreme Measures, a wireless entertainment marketing company, to offer gambling-related mobile entertainment for cell phones. Under the deal, Players Network will offer gaming statistics, news and information to Cingular, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, Nextel and AT&T subscribers.
http://www.playersnetwork.com
http://www.xxtrememeasures.com 

(San Francisco) Wired News on Monday reported on a collaboration between deviantArt, an online community of 1 million aspiring artists, and a number of bands soliciting potential new band logos from deviantArt members through a competition. If chosen, the artists' work could be featured on album covers and t-shirts for musicians including Alanis Morissette, Jurassic 5 and Sum 41. "It's another way that we are attempting to give artists an outlet to becoming well-recognized artists," deviantArt president Angelo Sotira told Wired News.
http://www.wired.com/news/business/0,1367,68115,00.html
http://www.deviantart.com 

(Los Angeles) The Los Angeles Times recently reported on an odd Internet domain dispute between the estate of the late actor Marlon Brando, and Brando's former business manager he hired to run his website and take care of his chickens. Jo Ann Corrales, of Kalama, Wash., told The Times that Brando said she could do as she pleased with MarlonBrando.com. But now the actor's estate has initiated an arbitration to determine who owns that site and others. Corrales, who is also suing Brando for sexual harassment, was also charged with the care of Brando's 35 live chickens. "Marlon, when he was talking to someone -- it didn't matter if it was Warren Beatty or the king of Siam -- he'd say, 'Jo An, here is my friend so-and-so. I want them to hear the chickens.' Now, I had to take a portable phone to the chicken pen and hang it over the pen so he could hear the chickens making all this noise. This went on for three years," Corrales told The Times.
http://www.latimes.com/technology/la-et-brando8jul08,1,7627720,full.story
http://www.marlonbrando.com
 
Top


> Classifieds -- Advertise

> Project Manager

Cauldron Solutions, a leading provider of technology solutions that manage the production, distribution and transaction exchange of on-demand content, is seeking an experienced Project Manager. The right candidate will possess a strong track record of delivering large-scale media or technology projects on time and on budget. Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, PLC discipline, and strong client-relationship management skills are essential. Visit www.cauldronsolutions.com and send resumes to jobs@cauldronsolutions.com.
_________________

> Database Warehouse Architect

This individual will lead in the design, modification, development and implementation of the company's database warehouse products and associated embedded and third party reports. He/she will lead in the testing process through test review and analysis, test witnessing and certification of software, research & employ commonly used concepts, procedures and best practices software development. Four plus years of overall software development experience is required as well as one plus years in Java. If interested, please submit your resume to vbhatia@hirestrategy.com, or visit, http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire275.asp
_________________

> Senior SAP Application Architect

2-3 Years SAP BW Implementation and Development Exp. 5 Years of total exp in full life cycle SAP Implementations, with focus on Basis installation and configuration. 3-4 Years exp with a 3rd Party BI tool such as Business Objects, Cognos focusing on Architecture, Implementation and Configuration. Ability to work with minimal direction yet keep all parties well informed Communication and writing skills. Send resumes to kathe.yamagata@claraview.com
_________________

> Online Advertising Manager

Proffiliates, Inc is seeking a highly motivated individual to help grow a successful and profitable email marketing company. Reporting to the co- founders of the company, the Online Advertising Manager will assist in all day to day operations of the business. This is a tele-commuting position. Proficient with Excel and other Office applications, Working knowledge of HTML 2.0, Past experience in the email advertising and/or direct marketing space, Good overall business experience, Strong problem solving, organizational, interpersonal and motivational skills. Deadline oriented. Send resumes to general@proffiliates.com
_________________

> Director of Marketing

Hartley Hickey Executive Search works with small to mid-sized companies to help find talented marketing executives. Our client, a software provider of healthcare billing services, is looking for a seasoned direct marketer. Define marketing strategy for the customer experience. Define and manage marketing budget and oversee implementation of marketing components. Coordinate with product development and operations to ensure the success of the product. Send resumes to chris@hartleyhickey.com
_________________

> Senior Software Engineer - ASP.Net, VB.Net, Web Services

Build Web Services for commercial CRM. Must have experience building Web Services and related technologies in a .NET environment: XML, XSL, SOAP, UDDI, WSDL ,WSE (.NET), security methods and standards, JavaScript, CSS, DHTML, ASP .NET, ADO.NET, MS SQL Server, T-SQL, stored procedures, triggers and data access optimization techniques. SharePoint 2003 Web Part Development, SharePoint Portal Server 2003 and Windows SharePoint Services configuration. Send resumes to recruiter@tmaresources.com
_________________

> Media Supervisor - Manhattan, NY

In this management position, the Supervisor oversees all aspects of online media campaigns, including planning, implementing and tracking for one of the top 10 advertisers in the country. Require: Five to seven years of exp. in media, marketing or strategic planning, Exp. in online marketing and current knowledge of trends and innovations in interactive media, Proven leadership skills and mgmt exp., Excellent written and verbal communications skills, Detail-oriented approach. Please email cover letter and resume to Arela Simerson arela@cm-recruiting.com
_________________

> Director, IT Planning and Program Management - Biotech

Key member of IT organization; senor management position within IT. Manage staff of 3-4 professionals; partner with CIO in managing IT planning, program management and administration. Prepare and track IT budget; determine performance measures; lead program management across all business functions; establish standards. Requires experience managing multiple large IT projects across diverse business units. Send resumes to fsltd@earthlink.net
_________________

> Technical Account Manager (TAM) - Springfield, VA

Verio is a global industry-leading hosting and service provider. We are currently offering a position within our Technical Account Management group. The selected candidate will be responsible for the detailed tracking/resolution and day-to-day operational management of our dedicated hosting clients. The TAM will facilitate and assist with the troubleshooting of escalated client issues(24x7). Technical account/project management skills, preferably in a hosting environment, are desired. Bachelor's degree required. For more Information please visit http://ver.hrdpt.com Send resumes to cmerritt@verio.net
_________________

> Account Executives, Integration Software & Solution Sales - Software AG

Established for over 30 years, Software AG is an expert in world-class enterprise modernization and information integration. We seek Account Executives with an advanced understanding of integration, middleware solutions, BPM, and workflow delivery software to sell our portfolio of software, solutions, and services. Visit http://www.softwareagusa.com/ or email resume to kim.burger@softwareagusa.com
_________________

> Vice President/Media Director - Boston

Our client, one of the top interactive and analytical data marketing firms in their space, is searching for a Vice President / Media Director. Candidates should have at least 10 years of strategic media planning experience, large team management and strong client relationship building experience. P&L responsibility along with new business media lead pitch & win experience is required. The client will pay for full relocation for the right candidate. Reports to EVP/ Media. Boston. Requires relocation to Boston. Send resumes to dhonig@market- search.net
_________________

> Sr. Product Manager - Walnut Creek

The Product Manager is the worldwide owner of assigned products throughout the product life cycle, including market analysis, definition of feature requirements, product positioning, competitive analysis, partner identification, and product launch. Require: 5 years enterprise software or hardware appliance product mgmt, understanding of IT environments in general and network troubleshooting in particular, strong communication and writing skills, strong strategic and analytical skills, ability to work in and foster a collaborative team, BS/BA required, MS/MBA preferred. Visit http://www.wildpackets.com Send resumes to hr2005@wildpackets.com
_________________

> Internal Communications/ Strategic HR Consultant

Innovative and fast-growing strategic communications firm is seeking an exceptional internal communications Campaign Director responsible for the strategy and day-to-day execution of high-visibility communication projects. Contract Position. Min 3 to 5 years internal communications exp. Organizational development, change mgmt, and HR exp. Branding and communications design exp. Project mgmt exp. with emphasis on delivering projects on-time and on budget. Willingness to travel throughout US and Europe, possibly as much as 50 percent of the time. Highly motivated, dynamic personality. Send resumes to jobs@bonfiresf.com Visit http://www.bonfirecommunications.com
_________________

> Strategic Communications Group Offers Blog Relations Counsel

Enter the Blogosphere prepared - Enhance your sales and marketing programs. Take advantage of blog relations and blog technology at its forefront. As blogging matures and becomes a prevailing force in communications, allow Strategic Communications Group to assist you in meeting your sales, profitability and corporate valuation goals. Contact us for a free white paper. Send inquiries to info@gotostrategic.com or call 301.408.4500. Visit http://www.gotostrategic.com/blogptw.html  for more info.
_________________

Top


About Us
Digital Media Wire, Inc. is a news organization, publisher and events company serving the digital media industry since May 2000. Our daily newsletter delivers original briefings on business, legal and financial developments shaping digital media and read by over 30,000 executives and professionals.

Digital Media Wire, Inc. is part of the Tech Wire Media Group, an international network of publications that includes Potomac Tech Wire, New England Tech Wire, Southeast Tech Wire, Bay Area Tech Wire, Tri-state Tech Wire, Thames Tech Wire and European Tech Wire. The network reaches more than 70,000 individuals from over 70 countries each business day.

More information:
www.digitalmediawire.com, www.potomactechwire.com, www.newenglandtechwire.com, www.bayareatechwire.com, www.tristatetechwire.com, www.southeasttechwire.com, www.thamestechwire.com, www.europeantechwire.com


Executive & Editorial Team
CEO & Publisher: Ned Sherman
Co-Founder & Executive Editor: Paul Sherman
VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than Sherman
Marketing & Events Coordinator: Heather Nicolaides

Editor: Mark Hefflinger


Contact Us
Questions, Comments & Suggestions - comments@digitalmediawire.com

News Tips & Press Releases - editorial@digitalmediawire.com
Advertising - marketing@digitalmediawire.com


Telephone:  323-852-7130

For a free subscription to Digital Media Wire:

Your Email address:
(Required) Your name:
(Required) City, State:

To unsubscribe, please type (do not cut and paste) your email address in the box below:

Your Email address:

If you have any problems unsubscribing, please send an email with PLEASE UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line to unsubscribe@digitalmediawire.com

Top


Copyright 2005 Digital Media Wire, Inc. All Rights Reserved.