Twitter (Kinda) Launches A Directory

The next time you login to Twitter.com, you might see a new tab at the top of the page: “Directory.” It’s not quite a directory in the traditional sense, but it is Twitter’s latest tool for helping users find new accounts to follow. And it’s their best attempt yet at facilitating user connections.
(Note: Even if you don’t see a new tab at the top of your Twitter home page, you may still be able to access it here: http://twitter.com/#!/who_to_follow. TechCrunch also reported earlier that some users may see this under a “People” tab, not “Directory.”)

Here’s a screenshot of what the test looks like.
It defaults to showing a list of suggestions, similar to the users that are recommended on your home page. Two other tabs on the left side let you browse categories of users (like “Books,” “Charity,” “Entertainment,” etc.) or find friends via their email or a LinkedIn account. There’s also a search box where you can do keyword searches (like “Yankees” or “lady gaga”) to find suggestions.
It’s a bit more clever over on the right side: Twitter shows you the 10 accounts you’ve most recently followed, and clicking on each one will show two accounts that are similar. (Note: this feature doesn’t seem to work if you’ve followed a newly-created account. Those accounts may not have been around long enough to develop a reputation score and be classified with similar accounts.)
Below that, there’s Twitter’s existing “Invite Friends” email tool, and two new links to recommendation tools from Bing and Listorious.
Twitter has made several attempts over the years to help users find new accounts worth following; this version seems to be the most comprehensive and effective to date.
This article is taken from- http://searchengineland.com/twitter-kinda-launches-a-directory-56423

Google Execs Get Millions In Equity Awards For 2011; Brin, Page, Schmidt Keep $1 Salary

Four of Google’s highest-ranking executives will soon pick up equity awards valued at more than $50 million total, as well as 30% pay raises for 2011. Co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page, along with CEO Eric Schmidt, will continue to collect $1 salaries, as they’ve been doing for many years.
According to a new SEC filing, Patrick Pichette (Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer) and Nikesh Arora (President, Global Sales & Business Development) will each get a $20 million equity award on December 1st. Alan Eustace (Senior Vice President, Engineering & Research) will get a $10 million equity award, and Jonathan Rosenberg (Senior Vice President, Product Management) will get a $5 million award. Equity awards are given in the form of stock options.
That same group of four executives is also getting matching pay raises of $150,000 for 2011 — increasing their salaries 30%, from $500,000 to $650,000 per person. Google is also raising the target bonus percentage for all four from 150% to 250% of base salary, which could add another $1.625 million for each if personal and company goals are met next year (and if my math is correct).
CEO Eric Schmidt and co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page will each take $1 salaries in 2011, and none of the three are getting equity awards. They’ve also declined to take part in the executive bonus plan.
The SEC filing is dated November 8, 2010 — this past Monday. That’s the day before news spread about Google giving employees a 10%, across-the-board pay raise next year, along with holiday bonuses and other financial considerations.
(tip via Gary P.)
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This article is taken from- http://searchengineland.com/google-execs-get-millions-equity-awards-2011-55691

Google Maps Privacy: The Street View & Wifi Scorecard

It seems not a week goes by without news of a new investigation into Google’s Street View service, or into Google’s collection of personal data via unencrypted WiFi networks that occurred over three years as Street View vehicles drove the world’s streets. It seems like one country opens an investigation just as another country ends theirs. Some countries have multiple investigations open. Or closed.

You need a scorecard to keep track of it all. So, we decided to make one. Below is a list of investigations that we’re aware of — a list we’ll update as new developments warrant or as we learn about new information we’ve missed. There are two different types of investigations that are most commonly launched:
    * investigations into Street View itself, the service where Google vehicles take photos in towns and cities around the world and put them online in Google Maps
    * investigations into Google’s collection of personal data over unsecured WiFi networks that occurred via Street View vehicles
We have two separate tables below, one for each kind of investigation, followed by a timeline of important events related to these investigations. Based on our count, there are close to two dozen countries and governmental organizations that have investigated — or are still investigating — these issues. Some have concluded that Google broke national laws but, to date, none have fined or penalized Google.
To know more informetion......http://searchengineland.com/google-street-view-scorecard-55487

Public Outcry Gets Amazon To Remove Pedophile Guide From Inventory

People were outraged with Amazon and used social media to tell them that their sale of the ebook "The Pedophile's Guide to Love and Pleasure" and their defense of doing so would lose them customers.
Yesterday Twitter was filled with disgusted comments for Amazon and people tweeted their intentions of boycotting the company and return purchases.
The listing was subsequently pulled, though Amazon initially defended its decision.
"Amazon believes it is censorship not to sell certain books simply because we or others believe their message is objectionable. Amazon does not support or promote hatred or criminal acts, however, we do support the right of every individual to make their own purchasing decisions," the company released in a statement.
News stations, talk shows and other media got behind the Twitter buzz. At least two Facebook pages were created with over 9,000 members
This article is taken from- http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/101111-023453

Google Fires Leaker Of Payrise Info

CNN Money reports Google fired the employee who leaked the confidential internal memo about the company's pay raises.
The pay increase - 10% across the board and $1,000 - has been seen by many as an attempt by Google to improve company morale.
CNN Money reports that of the approximately 1900 resumes on LinkedIn of Facebook employees 300 are former Google employees.
As Google has rapidly grown, the fun work environment apparently has changed. Former Google Maps and Wave creator Lars Rasmussen told the Sydney Morning Herald he left Google as its "growing size hindered its employees' ability to get things accomplished," CNN Money stated.
The confidential memo about the pay increase is below"
CONFIDENTIAL: INTERNAL ONLY
GOOGLERS ONLY (FULL TIME AND PART TIME EMPLOYEES)
I'm pleased to share some very, very good news with Googlers worldwide. But first let me say, on behalf of everyone on the management team, that we believe we have the best employees in the world. Period. The brightest, most capable group of this size ever assembled. It's why I'm excited to come to work every day--and I'm sure you feel the same way. We want to make sure that you feel rewarded for your hard work, and we want to continue to attract the best people to Google.
So that is why we've decided...to give all of you a 10% raise, effective January 1st. This salary increase is global and across the board--everyone gets a raise, no matter their level, to recognize the contribution that each and every one of you makes to Google.
There's more. We've heard from your feedback on Googlegeist and other surveys that salary is more important to you than any other component of pay (i.e., bonus and equity). To address that, we're moving a portion of your bonus into your base salary, so now it's income you can count on, every time you get your paycheck. That's also effective January 1st. You'll be receiving an email shortly with further details about these changes to your compensation. And one last thing...today we're announcing that everyone will get a holiday cash bonus, too.
Googlers, you are what makes this company great, and our goal here is to recognize you for your contribution, in a way that's meaningful to you. Thank you for all that you do, and for making Google a place where magic happens.
This article is taken from- http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/101111-051643