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Today, at SemTech 2011, Ode Magazine and Federated Media (FM) are launching OdeWire, an innovative optimistic news service based on advanced semantic technology.

Every day, inspiring solutions and new possibilities occur. But the media somehow manages to bury that news under an overwhelming load of problems and failures. Who ever reads the positive story on page 23 where a creative entrepreneur explains an efficient way to generate energy out of waste?

That’s why Ode and FM are proud to introduce OdeWire, the first automated, optimistic solution-oriented 24/7 news service in the world. OdeWire is the result of a strong partnership between Ode and FM. “Odewire was an excellent case study for FM’s Slant Engine because it presented the challenge of collecting just the right pieces of content from thousands of competing items, rather like looking for a needle in haystack, in a way that conventional tools cannot possibly grasp,” says Tim Musgrove, FM’s Chief Scientist. “We look forward to evolving this further with Ode, as we begin to experiment with different applications of it on FM’s own sites as well.”

Advanced semantic search technology, partly driven by 16 years of Ode archives, enables OdeWire to present an optimistic, solution-oriented selection of the world news as presented 24/7 by respected and trusted international sources. Readers are presented with the first paragraph of the story and can also navigate to the site of the original news source In this way, OdeWire will serve as an aggregator driving traffic to the sites of its sources. “It is important for people to know how we solve these problems we’re always hearing about in the media,” says founder and editor-in-chief Jurriaan Kamp.

Federated Media Publishing (FM) powers the best of the Independent Web at scale, and believes that the majority of meaningful engagements across digital media occur via high-quality independent sites and services. These sites leverage top digital talent to attract influential audiences who together create meaningful dialogue. Brands benefit from improved loyalty and increased sales when they become part of this experience.

The Dutch edition of Ode Magazine was founded in The Netherlands in 1995; the US edition was founded in 2004. With offices in San Francisco and Rotterdam, the two international editions of the

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SAN DIEGO, May 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Sometimes the internet does not play nice, but a knowledgeable PR firm can navigate clients into the right direction if faced with a fierce competitor. And, a solid PR foundation is anchored by crisis management – and every company should be equipped with a solid public relations action plan should a potentially damaging situation arise.

Take for example the recent PR scandal surrounding Facebook.

In a string of recent schemes that have gone embarrassingly public, Facebook and Burson-Marsteller, PR firm to the social giant, are scraping together an explanation for emails aimed to undermine Google and their new brainchild, Social Circle, a social networking site and potential threat to the social empire.

The unsavory emails were posted for public showcasing on a popular blog after staffers on behalf of the PR firm pitched their ideas to newspapers, journalists and bloggers. Representatives on behalf of Burson-Marsteller even promised syndication on Washington Post, Huffington Post, and other popular news favorites in exchange for a “Google-bashing” editorial, according to MSNBC.

Now, Facebook must face the PR nightmare and has since issued several statements regarding the incident, including admission to hiring the PR firm but without ill-intent. Burson-Marsteller has chosen not to fire their representatives, rather opting for extra training instead.

With Facebook and Google neck-and-neck in terms of web prominence and the latter upping its influence in the social media sphere, the impetus behind Facebook’s failed campaign is not hard to understand. The method, however, is tantamount to a public relations crisis for Facebook, who now appears untrustworthy while nemesis Google emerges as a mere stand-by.

Facebook’s high-profile embarrassment creates an invaluable learning opportunity in the realm of PR blunders and crisis management. The following tips are essential to mending a PR nightmare should one occur.

• Come clean immediately. Evading the answer to a scandalous question or accusation will only encourage reporters to dig and rumors to spread.
• Be honest. Once an investigation is launched, the truth is bound to come out sooner or later. If it comes directly from you, you’ll have a better chance at recovering your image.
• Make a firm statement. Falling back on the “no comment” line is just as evasive as saying nothing at all, and few journalists will let it lie. State your case honestly and completely to settle debate and avoid prolonged investigation or news coverage.

About Social Icing

Social Icing is a social media marketing public relations agency that harnesses the power of the social web phenomenon to industries including publications, non-profits, consumer goods,

Article source: here

Increased Security Measures Implemented Before Service Restoration; Consumer Data Protection a Full-Time, Company-Wide Commitment

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TOKYO, May 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Corporation and Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) announced that Sony Network Entertainment International (SNEI, the company) will today begin a phased restoration by region of PlayStation®Network and Qriocity Services.  The phased restoration will be on a country by country basis beginning in the Americas, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Middle East.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20020701/SFM066LOGO )

The first phase of restored services for these countries and regions will include:

• Sign-in for PlayStation®Network and Qriocity services, including the resetting of passwords
• Restoration of online game-play across PS3 and PSP
• Playback rental video content, if within rental period, of PlayStation Network Video Delivery Service on PS3, PSP and MediaGo
• Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity, for current subscribers, on PS3 and PC
• Access to 3rd party services such as Netflix, Hulu, Vudu and MLB.tv
• ‘Friends’ category on PS3, including Friends List, Chat Functionality, Trophy Comparison, etc
• PlayStation Home

Increased Security Measures

As the result of a criminal cyber attack on the company’s data-center located in San Diego, California, U.S.A., SNEI shut down the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services on April 20, in order for the company to undergo an investigation and make enhancements to the overall security of the network infrastructure. Working closely with several respected outside security firms, the company has implemented new and additional security measures that strengthen safeguards against unauthorized activity, and provide consumers with greater protection of their personal information.

The company has made considerable enhancements to the data security, including updating and adding advanced security technologies, additional software monitoring and penetration and vulnerability testing, and increased levels of encryption and additional firewalls.  The company also added a variety of other measures to the network infrastructure including an early-warning system for unusual activity patterns that could signal an attempt to compromise the network.

“I’d like to send my sincere regret for the inconvenience this incident has caused you, and want to thank you all for the kind patience you’ve shown as we worked through the restoration process,” said Kazuo Hirai, Executive Deputy President, Sony Corporation.  ”I can’t thank you enough for your patience and support during this time. We know even the most loyal customers have been frustrated by this process and are anxious to use their Sony products and services again. We are taking aggressive action at all levels to address

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Services Return Following Implementation of Increased Security Measures; Consumer Data Protection a Full-Time, Company-Wide Commitment

SAN DIEGO, May 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) announced today that restoration of its game services will begin today.  The phased restoration will include the return of nearly all of SOE’s portfolio of online games, the reinstatement of SOE’s game forums and websites, and added functionality to require players to reset their passwords.

Increased Security Measures

As the result of a criminal cyber-attack on the company’s network, SOE shut down its game services in order for the company to undertake an investigation and incorporate rigorous enhancements to the overall security of the network infrastructure.  SOE worked with several outside respected security firms during the course of implementing significant security measures that strengthen safeguards against unauthorized activity and provide customers with greater protection of their personal information.

SOE made enhancements to overall data security as well, including updating and adding advanced security technologies, additional software monitoring, performing new penetration and vulnerability testing, and increased levels of encryption.  

“Our main priority is the safety and security of our customers’ personal information,” said Kazuo Hirai, Executive Deputy President, Sony Corporation.  ”We are making consumer data protection a full-time, company-wide commitment, and have applied enhanced security technologies so that our customers can feel protected and confident about playing our games.”  

Hirai added, “We are committed to delivering secure and entertaining games for players of all ages and thank each of our players for their patience and support during this difficult time.”

SOE will also be offering its customers a “Welcome Back” program that includes special game content and services to all registered Station Account holders.  As part of this program, players will receive 30 days of additional game time plus one day for each day SOE’s services were down.  The details of this program are available at http://www.soe.com/securityupdate/welcomeback/.

For more information about the SOE network intrusion and restoration, please visit http://www.soe.com/securityupdate.

About Sony Online Entertainment

Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games.  Best known for its blockbuster hits and franchises, including EverQuest®, EverQuest® II, Champions of Norrath®, PlanetSide®, Free Realms®, Clone Wars Adventures™, and DC Universe Online™, SOE creates, develops and provides compelling online entertainment for virtually all platforms, including the PlayStation®3 Computer Entertainment System, Personal Computer, mobile and social networks.  Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., SOE is building on its proven

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There are astonishingly significant business calls done daily that are likely organized poorly and inefficient time-wasters.  Realistically, even the executives are not exempted on this.

The telephone can either be a time-saver or time-waster so, to elude misuse or abuse of this facility, here are some time-saving tips:

• Courtesy is foremost but make it short, then go direct to the reason for the call.
• Avoid the number one cause of telephone time-waster which is the unproductive idle talk.
• Write down important pointers before placing a call.  This will make the conversation faster and efficient, shuns neglects and the need for call-backs.
• Make the people know when available to receive calls.
• Maintain record about people being contacted through phone as to:
  • When are they available to accept incoming calls
  • When are they too busy and not available to receive calls
  • When are they out for lunch, etc
• Be ready with reference materials at hand when making a call.
• When possible, let the party knew in advance about the call to be made.  This will give him time to be prepared for the call, to have the material and information needed ready.
• Have calls screened by the secretary or assistant.
• To eliminate waiting time when circuits are overloaded or the concerned party is still being located or get-offs the line on another call, have the secretary or assistant place the calls.
• Consider making a call before writing.  The long distance charge maybe higher but the time and cost of preparing the letter, usually permit the call and communicate the objectives faster.