Come Back Wilson had made the Gold medal playoff…..sorry Bronze….after a torrid season.  Captains’ abandoning ship, sand monsters staggering, penguin wobbles and Tasmanian defections…the stuff legends are made of.

But to top it all off…a wonderful romance evolved from yes…you guessed it…a drunken end of year celebration.

Ok, maybe I’m not a normal horse enthusiast/user of the Queensland Racing site, but I expect a certain standard of Web Site Development from industry peers, particularly from one with significant cash resources and one in which Marketing and Reputation has significant result driven performance and industry expectations.

So, I have decided to do a review, primarily from a website technical perspective, but because I am a racing enthusiast, not ignoring the every day user

Domain Name/Search

• the name has changed from queenslandracing to racingqueensland, and trots and greyhounds have been incorporated… but no metadata, keywords, descriptions, titles have changed – so search engines can’t find content, and therefore neither can the public
• so the content should be searchable-  titles, headings, and content important in indexing of information.. unfortunately content needs to be improved…or exist for top level navigation..http://www.racingqueensland.com.au/thoroughbreds.aspx – no content…http://www.racingqueensland.com.au/greyhounds.aspx – no content…http://www.racingqueensland.com.au/i-want-to.aspx – no content…http://www.racingqueensland.com.au/services.aspx – no content
• why is there no redirect from the old address, a simple implementation
• Greyhounds, harness and multiple pages have the description or keywords “horse, racing, betting, queensland”…excusable for a mum n dad homepage, for an industry website – incompetent
• Greyhounds home page – has no content – what, don’t they have any interesting  information??
• “I want to” as primary navigation…”I” want to never have to visit this site again…but yet again there is no content on this page???
• Services..for the industry…empty again.. quite appropriate given the rest of the site

Navigation

• never, ever in every site that I have visited, observed, used or reviewed when I clicked on side navigation was I given a secondary level of side navigation to click on again…in a day where jquery, mootoools, javascript and basic CSS allow interesting interactive side navigation, How Could This Possibly Occur!
• no user testing could possibly have been conducted on any aspect of the site

Design/Accessibility

• perhaps one of the most recognisable, professional industry standard aspects of the previous site…The Logo, has been removed and replaced with a scribble
• the top level navigation selected, red on black text fails color contrast…and as up to 20% of Australian users face some type of visual impairment or disability, this is unacceptable
• “pdf” is not an acceptable addition to a link, size of file should be included, PDF is the industry standard, and some attachments do not have any assistive information
• Partners, do not seem to exist as no links work, no coloured graphics exist, and grey seems the dominant colour
• a home link in the top right.. well that’s a first, possibly Queensland Racing think they can lead the industry in site navigation, and user expectation? possibly another mistake?

Links

• 1593 broken links, found by running an open source link check program…did anyone check anything??

Information/Content

• as the links indicate, finding content is quite a challenge, although to be fair, as multiple pages link to http://www.racingqueensland.com.au/annual-reports.aspx and the jquery file, and they are broken, then the links could quite easily be fixed
• in an industry where races, videos of these races are the core of the industry…where is the dynamic content
• the content of the site is written for print media, not the web…web content is meant to be able to be scanned, have links to important content, also haeheadings, interactive content and interesting features
• we are in the midst of a social networking revolution, and QR has not a single instance of current social networking or interactive content
• why are the youth not coming to the races, it is specifically because sites like this fail to interest or understand the youth market, and have no comprehension of the significance of Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Flickr in the their daily lives

I initially did not set up to portray a negative perspective on an industry centre piece, but it disappointed at too many levels.

And finally, you know what really disappointed me, my final search for the Grey Flash…nothing, for Monashee Dancer…nothing(ok he only won 4 city races this year), but the great Apache Cat…nothing,  the legendary Takeover Target…nothing, Rough Habit…zip, Melbourne Cup winner Shocking…nope, the champ Campaign King…nothing…and as I attempted to give feedback http://www.racingqueensland.com.au/about-rql/contacts/complaints.aspx but it doesn’t exist!

On a fine day with drying wind and scorching heat, the fast time of Falvelina in the previous race, was identified by several of the owners as an opportunity for a fast click in the Open 1000m Handicap.  Finally fit after several hiccups in his campaign Monashee Dancer was backed from an $11 opening price to $7.50 second favourite at the jump.  In the ring his old attitude had returned, dragging his featherweight strapper around the ring, daring any others to come close enough for a double barrel, and swishing his tail in anticipation.  His full brother, Sir Monashee(Monashee Mountain/Tres Rapide) exemplified the fitness and attitude of the stable, bouncing on his toes around the ring.  Was big brother still king of the stable?

On jumping the Dancer easily led, with Azzaland taking a sit on his shoulder on settling.  On approaching the turn, the grey flash was low level flying, Azzaland a length off, and most of the field hard  ridden.  On straightening, Joe Bowdich allowed a little reign and the grey kicked 3 lengths clear at the 300m mark.  Under pressure, Azzaland dug deep at the urging of Stathi Katsidis, and at the 150m mark got to within a length.

Monashe Dancer 23 Jan 2010

Courageously Monashee Dancer kicked and went head to head with the Za-Im bred speedster before finally being overpowered in the last 40m.  The grey flash had returned, beating the best of the rest by 4 lengths, Azzaland breaking the 1000m track record in the process.

Blake was Back!  They say no one remembers 2nd, but for this group of owners, and the talented trainer Darren Bell and his wife Jane, this race will be remembered as one of the greatest performances of the grey flash Monashee Dancer – 56.18.

• Google Wave will begin to establish itself as a relevant, effective useful innovative tool – with many users initially using it as an email alternative, with future benefits integrated with new web 2.0 products
• Twitter will attract a significant takeover bid from an established technological company, not necessarily from a Web 2.0 established business
• Layar will become one of the leaders in augmented reality, and associated applications/web sites will use this or similar products to innovate on the web
• A new application will emerge in which antonyms to “Like”, “Recommend”, “Tag”, “Favourite”, “This is good”,  or “Digg” will be significant
• Wikis will become accepted and commonplace in large organisations and government
• Sharepoint will continue to attempt to be all things web 2.0, and fail, continuing as a word document repository with too many confusing or poorly performing functions
• Enterprise mashups involving relatively new technology will become common place
• Previously secure and confidential company data will be publicly released as organisations search for new business opportunities
• A social network aggregator will emerge with a feature or innovation which will lead to wide adoption and acceptance
• EC2′s commencement of a spot market for cloud hosting, will herald a hosting market similar to the commodities spot market today
• Mobile platforms will become essential for success of new and innovative web 2.0 applications
• The Twitter API will continue to assist in innovative expansions of the Twitter platform, leading to wider acceptance in the business community
• MySpace will continue to decline in user numbers, but will eventually stabalise as a niche music networking site with assistance from an increasing developer network
• Collective intelligence and an “Army of Davids” will increasingly be used by large sporting organisations and media organisations in marketing and consumer feedback
• User generated content will become increasingly relevant to businesses where customer service is one of their key business success measurements
• Acquisitions such as EtherPad will become common for exciting new Web 2.0 innovators
• Youtube will innovate in attempt to increase profitability and relevance
• Sharepoint 2010 will attempt to enter the social networking market, and create a new “type” of user which only have used Microsoft products in their lifetime
• public display of ROI of successful Enterprise 2.0 implementations will assist in broader adoption
• A significant security breach in a major social networking platform will occur, with broader repercussions

Many of these predictions will occur and  not be noticed by the majority of the population, while some may take several years to develop.  Significant advances in Web 2.0 adoption and use will occur in large business, most noticably in companies with Enterprise 2.0 as an acknowledged  part of their business plan.

• I now  have significant search results in Google for Pete Wildermuth
• When Web 2.0 is added, all article on the page are ones that I have written over the semester
• When Enterprise 2.0 is added, all articles are mine, or ones that are linked to mine
• after 12 weeks I now have a significant search presence

I think it is only a matter of time before searching for brisbane Enterprise 2.0 that I will start appearing in search, as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Life’s Good (my blog name) are all interconnecting an creating critical mass.

More importantly, I have a network of comments in the blogosphere, I have bloggers including content from my articles and have a multitude of comments out on the net.  I have guest blogged on Digital Orgs and added a list of great blogs to the Digital Orgs Wiki.   I have evaluated lots of new platforms, and developed an Enterprise 2.0 strategy fo Drinx Hotel Group.  It will be interesting to see the evolution of my recommendations and whether their online businesses continue to remain competitive.  I have enjoyed providing feedback to undergrads, and assisting with simple tasks such as using the WordPress platform.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the subject, and now feel capable of taking my skills into the Workplace.  Finally, the image on this blog is of the great Cox Plate winner Better Loosen Up.  One of my all time favourite race horses, and a winner of the Cox Plate, my destination this weekend for a few celebratory drinks

• I asked him what were the issues currently in his business
• I offered a technical solution for a current domain name issue
• I concurred that while email may be an issue in his business, his was not a unique problem – and offered to look at a solution
• When questioned on the future relevance of Web 2.0, I related Twitter and Facebook back to technology such as the web and email, which he also would have had doubts about using initially
• I gave a few examples of how a Wiki could streamline several Human Resource activities (as I previously worked in his industry)
• I was enthusiastic about the future and Web 2.0
• I emphasised the cost (which he liked), that was primarily staff wages for most social media application implementation
• I related to other issues with his business (not Web 2.0 related) and attempted to build a cooperative, mutually beneficial relationship
• I commended him on his online presence, metadata implementation and favourable search ratings (for relatively new businesses)

He has seen the rapid growth of his online business, and the emerging legislative and political restrictions in his bricks and mortar business.  Primarily these factors, and the cheaper cost of conducting an online business, assisted my initial meeting in identifying issues which may be resolved by Web 2.0 technologies, many that wont, and the opportunity of proposing some solutions.  He is a successful businessman for many reasons, but the one which I initially identified with was the ability to listen, take relevant new information and rapidly identify if it could realise future profits in his business.  An enjoyable, challenging meeting, with multiple future paths to take on the Web 2.0 strategy proposal.

• Since early 2009 his friends have been rapidly migrating from MySpace to Facebook, mainly due to following status updates and the popularity and ease of use amongst friends – now 85% to 90% use Facebook
• He uses Wikipedia to  ”get info” on something, but realises that not all content is factual or a reliable source
• Female friends use Facebook more “cause they don’t do anything” – when asked to expand on this, the fact that they had a bit more time to chat due to their non-continual involvement in cricket or sport emerged
• Surprisingly he has read sporting blogs, occasionally commented, and can usually differentiate them from news sources
• Facebook is “too difficult to get around” via mobile (Mum’s)
• Use on Facebook is split between updates and applications/quizes
• Chat or interaction about school on a weekly basis is only with about 30 of 250 friends
• Regularly chats with 2-5(max) friends online at once via MSN
• While Facebook is blacklisted at school, he would have an extremely favourable opinion of a future employer who allowed him to spend 1/2 and hour a day online socialising
• Usually uses Google for search but none of their Web 2.0 applications, has used askJeeves for some searches but never heard of Bing
• still uses an iPod for music, but “downloads free music a bit” without a second thought, and is not aware of the Web 2.0 music applications emerging

So, Jacko is probably a typical Teen Web 2.0 user, he suggested that “techy” is not necessary, but more important to use is having a sociable outlook.  Interestingly he says it is easier to use than a phone – which I have interpreted as more convenient, and,  as previously noted he can have several conversations at once.  Cheaper and easy access are common statements and important to this age group.

• Writing for the web is crucial to a successful blog
• the length of the blogpost is relevant for the potential audience
• the content is targeted to your potential audience
• content contains facts, and is credible
• the content is sticky (i.e. interesting, evokes emotional connections, has images or video)
• is scannable and browsable – Jacob Neilson in early studies found that 79% of users scan a page, and 16% read a page word by word

I few key points on writing for the web

• Highlight or link key words in the page
• Use recognisable sub headings (in the language of the user)
• show numbers as numerals and use digits rather than letters (e.g. % & $ rather than percent and dollar)
• use bullet points
• Place important general information early in the article ( similar to an executive summary), then expand with details later if necessary
• word count should be 1/3 to a 1/2 of conventional print, or an assignment
• cut out “Happy Talk” or large blocks of text
• talking head video is boring
• “F” shape scanning is common, and a reason the above writing styles should be used

If some of these attributes are used in your blogging, then understanding the content, speed of reading and impact of message were all found to have increased values.

From here, how do you develop a successful blog?

• blog regularly, with factual or researched content
• try to create emotional connections with your readers
• cross promote your blog through other social media such as Facebook and Twitter
• respond to comments, and get out into the blogosphere and comment on other blogs
• link to successful blogs with similar themes
• blog about blogging or giving away something for free attracts new readers
• nail the title tags

And the final suggestion…don’t be shy, especially if you’re a bloggabeewannabee

• use of Web 2.0 is popular in 40 somethings (particularly those with a technological or inquisitive outlook)
• they are not familiar with the term
• social media online is becoming a part of their lives
• they use Facebook, Youtube and Wikipedia regularly (and some use Twitter)
• there is minimal integration of their social media onto their mobile device
• following the first interview findings I would predict use of social media is more popular amongst females and their friends

Jenny is online daily,  uses “Mozilla” (firefox) as a browser, searches for  information via Google and Bing, and finds ads a disturbance to her browsing experience.  Both of her work places permit use of social media, but this is rarely an option due to time constraints.  Whilst not familiar with the term Web 2.0 Jenny is an avid user of Facebook

• using it daily
• primarily as “community therapy” to chat and catch up with friends
• 15% of friends use it
• believes some youth don’t understand the long term ramifications of certain content
• does not use at work (office job) – but would be supportive of her employers if they allowed time for use

New Web 2.0 applications such as LinkedIn, google docs, bebo, Digg, friendfeed and blip.fm were unfamiliar terms although

• stumbleupon -”love the name, funny”
• and delicious - “love name, naughty”

evoked fascinating emotional connections, possibly leading to use in the future?  Wikipedia has been  used as a source for basic homework facts for her girls, and the reputation of Twitter (although used by a few of her friends) is one of a “texting toilet” with instant boring updates with a celebrity  watching slant.  Flickr, MSN and FB chat use is occasional and communication via phone is preferable.  Youtube is used in personal situations, often via a link to a funny video.

She browses a paper daily (as awareness for school), does not browse online via mobile, accesses blogs occasionally (for a bit of “sex in city chick relationship stuff”), and has never paid for online subscriptions

A few of my conclusions following a qualitative analysis are

• whilst 40 somethings may not be familiar with the term Web 2.0, a small percentage use some form of this technology (although it is increasing)
• generalisations regarding use of Web 2.0 across different age groups are difficult to make
• similar to the previous interview, uptake by females is more popular and the community like platform of Facebook is popular
• “What am I missing out on?” or “what’s going on?” is a common perspective/reason for use across different age profiles, particularly among females
• just because someone is educated or has a degree,  does not automatically mean that they are exposed to multiple Web 2.0 applications
• mobile uptake may be being limited by time, effort or current device

So, Jenny was an intriguing interviewee, with quiet a few unpredictable uses of social media, and some interesting terminology and anecdotes.  And the dwarfs…we’ll leave that for another blog

• use of Web 2.0 is abundant in 20 somethings
• they are not familiar with the term
• social media is an integrated part of their lives
• they use Facebook, Youtube and Twitter regularly (and rarely blogs or wikis)
• they have integrated much of their social media onto their mobile device
• (contrary to several reports) is that twitter is used predominantly by older (25+) users and those with a technology background or interest
• from a qualitative analysis perspective I would also predict that users use some type of aggregator, Tweetdeck being my choice.

Kirsty was my first volunteer, a 21 yr old Psychology graduate currently working 4 different jobs whilst maintaining an active social life.  Surprisingly (from my perspective) she 1st used the internet at school “Googling” for information at the age of 13.

It was dial up initially, advancing to yahoo.com when a friend mentioned it,  progressing to broadband these days, but not to mobile (“that’s for texting, time and talking”).  Whilst not familiar with the term Web 2.0 Kirsty is an avid user of Facebook

• using it 2-3 times per week
• primarily for putting up photos and organising functions
• 95% of friends use it
• a surprise use was organising presents for friends 21sts
• does not use at work (office job) – and would have a lower opinion of a company which allowed employees to use FB

It is interesting to note, that while comfortable with technology and it’s use through Uni, Kirsty did not use Wikipedia as a source for assignments.  References were usually provided for research papers and she has rarely used Youtube, DIGG, Delicious, Twitter or any other forms of social media.

She still reads a paper daily (front to back on weekends), does not browse via mobile, accesses music, in the car mostly, via radio in the morning at home, music or radio when cleaning,  and some times music at night, but not on mobile (“used to listen to radio sometimes when I used to walk to uni”) and buys a magazine probably once a month, but doesn’t read online (“sometimes just the news page after I sign out of hotmail”).

A few of my conclusions are

• whilst 20 somethings may not be familiar with the term Web 2.0, a high percentage use some form of this technology
• generalisations regarding use of Web 2.0 across different regions and demographics can be difficult to make
• qualitative analysis of Web  2.0 trends can offer significant differences to quantitative analysis
• just because someone is educated or has a degree, it does not automatically mean that they use every available form of Web 2.0
• mobile uptake may be being limited by cost and ease of use
• much of the use of Youtube is via secondary resources such as Facebook

So, Kirsty was a very interesting interviewee, with quiet a few unpredictable uses of technology, both old and new.  Next in the series 40 somethings and Web 2.0