The,Community,Advantage,The,Co DIY The Community Advantage

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The Community Advantageby Lois M. Jeary, March 2004If you've been working online for any length of time, you alreadyknow that it's pretty tough trying to 'do' everything by yourself. Without the assistance and guidance of fellow publishers and mentors, you would not come as far as you have in your business.The right software can also eliminate some of the workload, but it's the people we come into to contact with and the relationships we build that are vital to our success.Sharing Knowledge and SkillsThis is why forums have become so popular. They offer advice, suggestions and assistance to those looking for answers. It's a great way to develop your internet presence while helping others to succeed. Websites that offer 'how-to' tutorials or videos are also gaining recognition and popularity.Eliminate the Need For eMailIf I was just starting out and had to rely on email as my method of delivery today, I would not start publishing. When I first started publishing KIT in 2001, delivering my content and receiving feedback from my readers was a relatively simple task.Today, it's become something of a nightmare. You see more publishers sending out notes to let you know that if you didn't receive the latest issue, it probably got killed by the filters. I would suggest that another reason for this second notice is that publishers are no longer receiving the kinds responses they are used to when they send out their latest issue.Each time we step up our level of security or protection by switching from single opt-in to double opt-in for instance, our subscribers are also being asked to jump through hoops just to stay with us.The reason: email is broken. Until the protocol for email is modified, you will continue to see invalid email addresses, false headers, spoofing and phishing scams that directly affect your business while putting everyone at risk. It's time to put an end to this risk.Direct To Desktop PublishingThere are no two ways about it. If you are a publisher, you know how much time, effort and commitment is involved to put out good content on a regular basis.Now add all the nonsense that goes hand in hand with publishing through email today. Masking words so they don't trip the filters. Invalid email addresses. Handling bouncebacks. ISP blocking and filtering. The list goes on and on and it's costing you.Using the rss (real simple syndication) technology to deliver your content is the best solution I've come across in a long time. All your subscriber is required to do is download what is known as a reader and from then on, all your content arrives on their desktop automatically and unaltered. It's also cross-browser, cross-platform friendly at Quikonnex. That's why I chose them. You don't have to worry about which browser or operating system your readers use. Unlike a regular weblog, the rss feed updates your content automatically which means you don't have to send out a message telling your readers that your content has been updated.And don't be concerned about it being a 'new technology' because Quikonnex was made for those of us without a techie degree. They believe in support and live training. They even created their own reader called QuikView which you can customize. It's also a bookmark server so you can add your favorite links and access everything from any computer.You're still notified when someone subscribes to your site. You can track your ad campaigns. Your readers can comment directly on items you post. And the beauty is that it's all done from one place. Once you see how easy it is, you will wonder why you are sticking with email as your delivery method. Take a look at:http://quikonnex.com/channel/quikview/home4success and you'll see for yourself how easy it is to become a member of the Quikonnex community and that membership in Quikonnex definitely has it's privileges. Give it a try. It won't cost you a thing and you will be pleasantly surprised.Direct To Desktop CommunicationAnd since email has become so unreliable, the creators of Quikonnex even developed their own direct to desktop communication medium called QMTP. Membership in Quikonnex will give you access to this system. Connect with your fellow publishers or subscribers without having to wade through your email client to do it. For me it's been an effective alternative to email.Web ConferencingThe latest addition to Quikonnex is web conferencing. Imagine being able to show your readers how your latest software works or help them with a problem on their computer. What about training through a web conference? The possibilities are endless. As a Quikonnex member, you'll be able to set up your own web conference room.Valuable Real EstateAnyone connected to the internet will use their browser to gain access to different websites. And since Quikonnex resides as a sidebar tool in your browser, you and your readers will have easy access to everything you need. This sidebar can also be customized to carry your logo as well as links to your website. Now that's viral marketing.The Community AdvantageThe advantage of building and working within a community is that you aren't left on your own trying to 're-invent the wheel'. Working as a team can benefit your business in numerous ways because you can share ideas, expand your marketing efforts and brainstorm with like-minded and innovative individuals.And that's why I believe the Quikonnex system is perfect for anyone serious about their publishing efforts. It's quick, it's clean and it's safe and gives you a simple way to stay connected to your readers. And isn't that what it's all about? Staying connected?