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July 13, 2005 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Subscribe | Unsubscribe

Main Stories
o Shares Plunge As Majesco CEO Resigns, Company Reduces Outlook
o Colin Powell Joins VC Firm Kleiner Perkins As Limited Partner
o RIAA: Commercial CD Piracy Fell 27% in 2004
o Comcast-Cox Joint Venture Acquires Interactive TV Developer MetaTV
o Report: 60% of U.K. Households Now Have Digital TV
o PlanetOut Launches Video-on-Demand With Sundance Doc Series
o PassAlong.com, Crowfly to Offer Downloads of Entire Knopfler Tour
o PBS to Offer Downloadable Weekly Web Show From Robert X. Cringely
o General Community Sites Make Largest Leap in Ad Revenue


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

o Briefly Noted: Blinkx - NYTimes.com, TiVo - $99 DVR, GameFly - Del Taco, Planetwide Games - Comic Book Creator, Electronic Arts - John Madden, 2K Sports - "Sid Meier's Pirates," Verizon - "Fantastic Four," Navarre Corporation, Flycell - Naked Cowboy, Video blogs
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> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Marketing Manager
--Advertising And Marketing Position
--Marketing Communications Manager
--Director of Marketing Analytics
--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)
--Internal Communications/ Strategic HR Consultant
--Strategic Communications Group Offers Blog Relations Counsel
 


o Shares Plunge As Majesco CEO Resigns, Company Reduces Outlook

Edison, N.J. -- Video game publisher Majesco announced on Wednesday that company chairman and CEO Carl Yankowski has resigned, under a mutual agreement with the company. Majesco's board elected current board member Jim Halpin to chairman, and has commenced a search for a new chief executive. The company also named John Gross as its new chief financial officer. New Jersey-based Majesco additionally lowered its 2005 financial outlook: the company previously expected revenues of $175-$185 million and income of $16-$18 million, but now anticipates revenues of $120-$125 million and an operating loss of $16-$19 million. The company blamed its woes on the bankruptcy of one of its customers; "substantially weaker than expected sales"; the shifting of a movie-related game's release date; lower than expected initial orders and soft reorders; and an exceptionally slow summer. "We are disappointed in our anticipated results for the year," said Majesco president Jesse Sutton. "Our weaker than expected sales and recent discussions with industry partners have led us to conclude that it is prudent to adjust our guidance. Despite the difficult retail environment we are experiencing, we plan to exploit the growing market for video game products and remain focused on producing high-quality games and other digital entertainment products." The company's shares fell nearly 56% on Wednesday.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050712/nytu167.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050712/nytu166.html
http://www.majescoentertainment.com
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o Colin Powell Joins VC Firm Kleiner Perkins As Limited Partner

Washington -- Colin Powell, the former Secretary of State, has become a limited partner of Silicon Valley-based Kleiner Perkins, one of the most successful and storied venture capital firms in the country. Powell, who will be a "strategic limited partner" at the firm, is expected to focus much of his energy on international opportunities. Powell will continue to be based in the DC area, but will travel regularly to Silicon Valley for meetings. "We will work together to help social and tech entrepreneurs innovate across the planet -- whether helping a venture 'go global' or bringing micro-credit and health care to remote communities in Africa," said Brook Byers of Kleiner Perkins. Since its founding in 1972, Kleiner Perkins has backed hundreds of successful technology companies, including AOL, Amazon.com, Compaq, Electronic Arts, Google, Sun Microsystems, and Verisign. More than 150 of the firm's portfolio companies have gone public.
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/050713/powell_venture_capital.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/13/business/13venture.html
http://www.kpcb.com
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o RIAA: Commercial CD Piracy Fell 27% in 2004

Washington -- The production and sale of counterfeit CD albums declined 27% in 2004, even as seizures of counterfeits by law enforcement rose 58%, according to the Recording Industry Association of America's (RIAA) annual report on commercial CD piracy. The RIAA said seizures are increasingly occurring at smaller CD copying plants, although the overall number pirated CD-R burning operations declined in 2004; a total of 1.2 million pirated CDs were seized during the year. While the overall quality of counterfeit CDs and packaging has improved, the price of pirated CD-R albums has dramatically declined -- the result of "organized crime syndicates" in the eastern U.S. that operate on high volume and very low profit margins. "The practice and trade of music piracy have become more sophisticated, cunning and connected to organized crime," said Brad Buckles, executive vice president of anti-piracy for the RIAA. Law enforcement sweeps on city street CD vendors resulted in a 21% decrease in plain-view seizures, as well as a drop in street vendor arrests; the RIAA said the number of search warrants and consent warrants on piracy operations increased. A crackdown on the market for pirated Latin music that targeted 80 top markets led the genre to comprise nearly half of all illicit music product seized in 2004. "Working with law enforcement officials across the country, we continue to develop and implement multifaceted strategies to respond to these emerging threats to artists, songwriters, record labels and others in the music community," added Buckles.
http://www.riaa.com/news/newsletter/071305.asp
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o Comcast-Cox Joint Venture Acquires Interactive TV Developer MetaTV

Philadelphia -- Cable TV providers Comcast and Cox announced on Wednesday that their TV Works joint venture has acquired interactive TV developer MetaTV. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed; both Comcast and Cox were previous investors in MetaTV. TV Works said it will maintain Mill Valley, Calif.-based MetaTV's staff and facilities. The company will now focus on applications compatible with GuideWorks, an interactive program guide joint venture between Comcast and Gemstar-TV Guide International. MetaTV has developed interactive TV applications such as games, caller ID and customer service features that have been offered before by both Comcast and Cox.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050713/phw001.html
http://www.comcast.com
http://www.cox.com
http://www.metatv.com
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o Report: 60% of U.K. Households Now Have Digital TV

London -- The latest figures from U.K. communications watchdog Ofcom show a dramatic increase in the adoption of digital technology in the U.K. Ofcom's second-annual Communications Market report found that more than 60% of U.K. households now have digital TV, while sales of DAB radio sets increased to more than 1.5 million early this year. Each month, approximately 250,000 households switch to digital TV, a boom driven by Freeview, which has increased its total subscriber numbers to more than 4.6 million households. For the first time ever, more households (30%) have broadband connections than dial-up Internet, leading the regulator to predict that, by the year 2010, more people will watch TV on the Internet than on analog TV. "This report shows that U.K. households are now accelerating into the digital age," said Ofcom's Ed Richards. "In parallel, industries formed over decades are being reshaped by digital broadcasting and broadband with every month that passes."
http://makeashorterlink.com/?F57636C6B
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o PlanetOut Launches Video-on-Demand With Sundance Doc Series

San Francisco -- PlanetOut, an online media company focused on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, on Wednesday announced plans to launch a broadband Internet video-on-demand service with programming from TV networks, movie studios and its online community of 5 million members. PlanetOut Video will offer content from partners including Sundance Channel, which will premiere the first episode of its 8-pary documentary series on gender reassignment, "TransGeneration," on the service before it airs on Sundance and MTV's Logo in September. PlanetOut Video will also offer a Gay TV Guide for locating LGBT-related cable and network TV programs. The company will add member-generated video content to the service in 2006. "We believe that PlanetOut Video will allow us to establish relationships with a wider range of advertisers, such as movie studios, TV networks, and Fortune 500 advertisers wanting to engage the gay market through video and thirty-second ad spots," said PlanetOut president Mark Elderkin.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050713/sfw039.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050713/nyw102.html
http://www.sundancechannel.com
http://www.planetout.com
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o PassAlong.com, Crowfly to Offer Downloads of Entire Knopfler Tour

Franklin, Tenn. -- PassAlong.com, a digital download store launched on eBay that offers users rewards for sharing songs, announced on Wednesday that it has partnered with Crowfly Digital Entertainment on a service that will offer downloads of live performances from entire concert tours. The first offering from Crowfly LIVE will be downloads of every performance from former Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler's upcoming tour. Exclusive recordings will be offered the day following each concert for $14.99, encoded in Windows Media DRM, so that providers can set rules for device transfers and CD burns. Knopfler's discography will also be offered on the site for $9.00 per album. Users who share the secured tracks through e-mail and instant messaging will receive points redeemable through PassAlong.com's rewards program. Founded in 2005, Tennessee-based Crowfly is a unit of technology holding company 821 Entertainment Group. "I have never objected to fans recording performances for themselves," said Knopfler. "However, with this new technology we are in a position to give our audiences something of the highest quality they can keep as a lasting souvenir of the night."
http://www.crowflymusic.com
http://www.821entertainment.com
http://www.passalongnetworks.com
http://www.mark-knopfler.com
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o PBS to Offer Downloadable Weekly Web Show From Robert X. Cringely

Los Angeles -- PBS on Wednesday announced plans to launch an hour-long, weekly downloadable Web video series featuring technology columnist Robert X. Cringely. Thirteen episodes of "NerdTV" will launch on Sept. 6, with Cringely interviews of technology personalities including PayPal co-founder Max Levchin; original Macintosh programmer Andy Hertzfeld; and Sun Microsystems co-founder Bill Joy. "With more than half of American homes with Internet access now using broadband, computer video -- especially downloaded computer video -- has become a viable but still little-used option for TV distribution," said Cringely. "The strength of this new medium can be found in how it serves niche audiences. This is where Internet distribution shines." PBS will distribute "NerdTV" under a Creative Commons license, meaning viewers can redistribute or even edit their own non-commercial version of the programs.
http://www.pbs.org/aboutpbs/news/20050713_nerdtv.html
http://www.pbs.org/nerdtv
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o General Community Sites Make Largest Leap in Ad Revenue

New York -- General community web sites were the fastest growing sector in online advertising revenue last month, outpacing gains by sites in the health and fitness, business, men's general interest and shopping and auctions categories, according to new statistics released by Nielsen/NetRatings. General community web sites, led by MySpace, saw ad revenues jump 214% to $33 million. Health and fitness sites grew 80% to more than $4.5 million, and business web sites took in $12.6 million, rising 46%. "General community sites tend to have a higher level of engagement or interactivity with their users, making the sites very attractive to advertisers," said Gerry Davidson, a senior media analyst for
Nielsen/NetRatings.
http://www.netratings.com/news.jsp?section=new_pr

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> 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.
 

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o Briefly Noted:

(San Francisco) Blinkx, a provider of a searchable index of Web video, announced on Wednesday that it has signed agreements to offer video content from NYTimes.com, About.com and BusinessWeek Online. Blinkx will now include NYTimes.com "Minutes" on movies, theater, music and health and business, in addition to news analysis and product reviews from David Pogue. Also added to Blinkx will be About.com content relating to style, home and garden, and gadgets, and BusinessWeek reports and podcasts from Steve Wildstrom.
http://www.nytimes.com
http://www.about.com
http://www.businessweek.com
http://www.blinkx.com 

(Alviso, Calif.) TiVo has discounted the price of its TiVo Series2 40-hour digital video recorder to $99, for units purchased and activated during July. The promotion, which ends on August 20, also includes two free months of service -- normally $12.95 per month.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050712/sftu098.html
http://www.tivo.com

(Los Angeles) GameFly, an online video game rental service, on Wednesday announced a promotion with Mexican fast-food restaurant chain Del Taco. GameFly and Del Taco will affix 5 million game pieces to soft drink cups, with some revealing a 30-day free trial to GameFly and its library of 2,500 game titles.
http://www.gamefly.com
http://www.deltaco.com/digitalsummer 

(San Diego) Online game developer Planetwide Games on Wednesday introduced a preview version of its video game comic book self-publishing software, at the Comic-Con International comic book convention in San Diego. The Comic Book Creator software will allow gamers to self-publish comics created from favorite scenes from their own video game play.
http://www.planetwidecomics.com 
http://www.ryl.net 

(Redwood City, Calif.) Video game publisher Electronic Arts announced on Wednesday that it has signed a multi-year extension to its agreement with football announcer John Madden, who will continue to lend his name, likeness and game development consulting to EA's line of NFL video games. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. EA's Madden NFL Football franchise, now in its sixteenth year, has sold more than 43 million games. The latest installment, "Madden NFL 06," is slated for release on August 9.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050713/135325.html
http://www.madden06.com 

(New York) Video game publisher Take-Two Interactive's 2K Games label on Wednesday shipped its "Sid Meier's Pirates" title for Xbox to retailers. The title was originally developed for the PC by Firaxis Games.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050713/135113.html
http://www.sidmeierspirates.com 

(Bedminster, N.J.) Verizon Wireless on Wednesday launched mobile entertainment publisher Mforma's "Fantastic 4" online game. The title is available for $6.99, or $2.99 for monthly access. Verizon also launched developer Reaxion's "Hero's Quest," which will sell for $4.99, or $1.99 for monthly access.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050713/nyw075.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050713/nyw026.html

(Minneapolis) Navarre Corporation, a publisher of CD, DVD and video game titles, announced that its board member and chief financial officer James G. Gilbertson has resigned, to pursue other business interests. Minnesota-based Navarre anticipates appointing a new, independent director and has undertaken a search for a new CFO.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050712/cgtu052.html
http://www.navarre.com 

(New York) Mobile entertainment publisher Flycell said on Wednesday it has signed a promotional deal with the Naked Cowboy, an underwear-clad street guitarist in Times Square. The company will offer wallpapers and ringtones of Naked Cowboy tunes, including "Chicken Soup Makes Me Poop."
http://www.flycell.com 

(San Francisco) Wired News on Wednesday published the first of a three-part series on video blogging, or blogs that instead of text and links feature short, amateur-produced video segments. "Vlog" topics range from politics to technology to DIY how-to videos. Yahoo's online community of video bloggers numbers over a thousand; Apple's recent addition of podcasting support for iTunes also included the ability to subscribe to video blogs. Issues facing the format include copyrights, if music is included in videos. "The technology to capture what's around you is becoming so prevalent," documentary filmmaker and video blogger Chuck Olsen told Wired News. "It's completely clashing with existing laws. I just think we're in this weird growing-pains stage where it has to be worked out."
http://www.wired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,68171,00.html
http://www.vlogdir.com

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> Classifieds -- Advertise

> Marketing Manager - San Diego or Los Angeles

Nine Systems seeks Marketing Manager with minimum of 3 years of Internet infrastructure or Web-based marketing experience. Applicant will execute and manage lead generations campaigns and help create marketing materials. Applicant should be experienced with list management, lead capture, direct marketing, search keywords, online advertising, special customer events, customer co-marketing and other lead generation tactics. If interested, please submit resume to opportunities@ninesystems.com and include job title in the subject line or visit http://ninesystems.com/company/careers.html#job6.
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> Advertising And Marketing Position

Morristown Agency Seeking Part-time/Full-time Employees in Advertising/Marketing Industry, Web Developer and Client Services Position with 1 to 2 years experience. Contact 201-486-7167 or send resumes to michelle.nelson@iideagroup.com
_________________

> Marketing Communications Manager

Network World has a great opportunity for a creative project manager with a marketing background (including online marketing) to lead the Marketing Communications department producing innovative and effective ways to further promote the Network World brand. Great people and project management skills; effectively lead a quality team juggling many priorities in a fast paced, dynamic environment. Excellent communication (oral and written), copywriting, proofing and editing skills; a solid understanding of design processes and software applications. Must be competent with financial administration to manage a budget. Send resumes to hotjobs@nww.com
 _________________

> Director of Marketing Analytics

In this position, the Director will support the Marketing department by providing analytical reports, interpretations, and recommendations. The ideal candidate should have a fluent knowledge of SAS foundation products and some experience in Hyperion, ESRI or VB.NET. A min. of 10 yrs exp. in an analytics role with a background in direct marketing. Degree in Statistics or Mathematics, Base SAS, ODS, SAS/STAT, SAS/Graph, SAS/Access to ODBC, Basic knowledge of marketing terminology and concepts. Exp. in marketing analytics: ROI, LTV, Segmentation, etc. Send resumes to: bvklbell@comcast.net. Visit http://www.investools.com
 _________________

> 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.
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> 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
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> 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
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> 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
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> 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
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> 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
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> 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
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> 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
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> 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
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> 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.
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