Copyright cops to target YouTube, MySpace

Universal Music Group, the world's largest record company, contends the wildly popular websites YouTube and MySpace are violating copyright laws by allowing users to post music videos and other content involving Universal artists.

"We believe these new businesses are copyright infringers and owe us tens of millions of US dollars," Universal Music CEO Doug Morris told investors on Wednesday at a conference in Pasadena. "How we deal with these companies will be revealed shortly."

Read more at the Sydney Morning-Herald.

As sites likes MySpace and YouTube increase in popularity, so does the need to have an accompanying website to supplement your online presence. Whether you use the Internet for business, education, or e-commerce, a custom designed website can have a greater impact than an account elsewhere. Custom websites are more flexible than sites like MySpace in terms of design and web applications, and the added convenience of stats and other tools can help improve your business. Contact CINIVA today for more information on getting your business on the Web.

How To Analyze Your Website

By Jerry Bader (c) 2006

How good is your website? Does it do its job? Is it effective? These are all good questions that every business owner and marketing manager needs to ask him or herself. The website has become an essential tool for business. We all know we have to have a website, but are we using this venue to its greatest advantage?

Most people responsible for their company's websites have stats packages and counters to tell them how many hits, how many unique visitors, where they are coming from, what their IP
addresses are, what browser they're using, and of course the all important monitor resolution. So what! Who cares? The real question is do we have an effective website?

Now if you have a transactional website, commonly referred to as an e-commerce site, you know the number of sales you are generating from your site, which is important, but do you
really know how effective your site is? How many orders are you losing because of bad layout, awkward design, confusing navigation, and poor copy? How many potential clients have you
chased away because you haven't put a phone number on your site and an accessible real-person that can answer questions?

A website is your business' public face. Big businesses can look like mom and pop operations and mom and pop operations can look like General Motors. The design of your website should not
be taken lightly, its budget should not be an afterthought, and the designer you hire should be someone who understands more than code. Your Web-designer should be a multimedia-marketing advisor, someone who can counsel you how best to deliver your marketing message, and someone who can go beyond technical issues.

Read more at SiteProNews.

E-commerce on the rise

The Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce announced today that the estimate of U.S. retail e-commerce sales for the second quarter of 2006, adjusted for seasonal variation and holiday and trading-day differences, but not for price changes, was $26.3 billion, an increase of 4.6 percent (±1.7%) from the first quarter of 2006. Total retail sales for the second quarter of 2006 were estimated at $984.9 billion, an increase of 0.9 percent (±0.3%) from the first quarter of 2006. The second quarter 2006 e commerce estimate increased 23.0 percent (±5.4%) from the second quarter of 2005 while total retail sales increased 6.6 percent (±0.5%) in the same period. E-commerce sales in the second quarter of 2006 accounted for 2.7 percent of total sales. - US Census Bureau (read more)

As e-commerce sales rise, it becomes more apparent that retail businesses need to consider an online storefront to broaden reach and attract new customers. Why sit idly by as your competitors reap the benefits of selling their goods online, when an online store can increase the potential for sales and customer loyalty? Maintaining an online storefront is simple, economical, and allows for increased opportunity to advertise your business. CINIVA Systems can help you on the right track to launching the virtual end of your business with an attractive, user-friendly interface.

CINIVA Systems has designed e-commerce sites for several Virginia businesses, including The Bead Cottage, Ribbitt Toys, and RPM Custom Rods. We have also developed the online store for the Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center and Anne Gimenez Ministries. From books to beads, diet pills to safety equipment, if you have it we can help you sell it. Contact CINIVA today to learn more about opening your new online store.

Introducing Compuslim

Compuslim weight loss products are specially formulated to suit different bodies and lifestyles. If you need or wish to lose weight, improve eating habits, and gain more energy for work and play, Compuslim invites you to enroll in their free evaluation program to determine which product is best to aid in your transformation to a healthier, more active life.

When you visit the Compuslim website you will find more than just a sales pitch for diet pills. You will have at your disposal a growing library of information on weight management, inspirational tips to stay focused, nutritional information for favorite restaurants, and updated news on the diet and health industry. Whether you need a stimulating fat burner pill to boost your metabolism, a powerful appetite supressant to help curb unnecessary cravings, or a non-stimulating formula to maintain blood sugar levels as you diet, the Compuslim evaluation program may help you on the path to weight loss. All products are ephedra-free and formulated with all-natural ingredients.

CINIVA Systems specializes in web design and hosting for e-commerce websites. We invite you to contact us today for more information on how we can create an attractive online storefront for your products.

10 things you should be monitoring

Source: ProNet Advertising

Tracking your buzz is really something that is becoming more and more important over and will continue to increase in importance as time goes on. Everything is going social right now and messages fly around the web at a million miles by hour. In order to manage your reputation you need to track the right things, so here's a list of 10 things that you absolutely need to be monitoring.

1. Company name - Obviously your company name is one of the most important things that you need to monitor. Anytime your company or products are mentioned, you should know. Ex. Google

2. Company URL - It is also important to track your company URL for those times when someone links to your company but doesn't mention it by name. This happens a lot and is just another way to make sure you are covering all your bases. Ex. http://google.com

3. Public facing figures - Track the names of any key employees in your company that are public facing figures. What is said about these people also reflects on your company and usually when this people are talked about your company is tied in with that. Ex. Eric Schmidt, Sergey Brin, Larry Page.

4. Product names - Track any of your company's product or service names as well. What are people saying about your products and services? Ex. Gmail, Picasa, Dodgeball

5. Product URLs - For the same reasons that you need to specifically track your company's URL you should also be tracking your product URLs as well. Ex. http://gmail.com, http://picasa.com, http://dodgeball.com

6. The industry "hang outs" - This includes blogs, message boards, important players, consumer review sites, and anything else that's related to your industry. Many times the industry feedback, that you can discover from the conversations at these "hang outs" can really help you improve your product or service. It is also a way for you to interactive with your potential and existing customers. Ex. http://searchenginewatch.com, http://seroundtable.com, http://threadwatch.org

7. Employee activity/blogs - Things your employees do online can affect your brand image. If you have employees that blog, it is smart to at least know about their MySpace accounts, Flickr accounts and personal blogs. I am not saying that you should spy on your employees but you do need to monitor these things just in case. It is not considered spying if they already make this stuff public. It might be safe to let your employees know you watch these things. The more well known your employees are the more important this is, many times these employee bloggers turn into company ambassadors. I've heard stories before where employers know an employee is quitting before he or she tells them because they blogged about it or put it on MySpace. Ex. http://mattcutts.com/blog, http://bladam.com, http://crazybob.org

8. Conversations - Are you tracking the comments from blog posts that are related to your company name, url, products, or any other buzz? These are great opportunities that allow you to participate in conversations about your company. Tools for tracking comments include Commentful, coComment, and co.mments. Ex. http://blog.outer-court.com/forum/62569.html, http://www.digg.com/software/Google_Talk_Adds_Voice_Mail_File_Sharing, http://www.flickr.com/photos/smash/36648272/

9. Brand image - What is the overall image of your brand. Do people think you're evil? Or do they love what you're doing. Ex. http://www.opinmind.com/search.jsp?q=google

10. Competitors - Track everything from 1-9 related to your competitors including; company name, URLs, products, key employees, etc. Everything. You need to be ready to move when any opportunity comes up. Ex. http://www.ysearchblog.com, http://jeremy.zawodny.com/blog/, http://www.opinmind.com/search.jsp?q=yahoo

Here is a list of a few of the websites / tools that can be used to track your buzz: Technorati, Sphere, Flickr, YouTube, MySpace, Google Blog Search, Rollyo, TechMeme, OpinMind, Alexa, and Commentful. Any time your company is referenced in any way it is best that you know about it. Track everything.

Converting RSS Feeds to Dynamic HTML

Here's an interesting article picked up from the EntireWeb newsletter on RSS. We have noticed many websites now offer RSS feed options as part of their content, and the trend is growing. As people gravitate toward usage of a one-stop shop front page like My Yahoo or My MSN, RSS feeds on a multitude of topics may be implemented so one can find all the latest news on one page. You can check up on your favorite sports teams, movie reviews and local events, travel discounts, and even sales from your favorite stores. A number of sites we develop utilize RSS for parlaying information to customers - it can be a handy tool for e-commerce. If you decide to contact CINIVA Systems about designing a site for your business, ask us about Real Simple Syndication and how it can work for you.

Converting RSS Feeds to Dynamic HTML

Many webmasters have realized the benefit of using RSS to dynamically update websites. This means that the website content automatically changes when the RSS feed is updated. This allows for webmasters to serve dynamic content or a mixture of static and dynamic content on their website.

Syndication

Often, publishers, interested in expanding their base, will allow other webmasters to republish the contents of an RSS feed. Content providers that allow for syndication, receive additional exposure, and the webmasters serving the content, will generally see web traffic increase as a result of the new content. RSS feeds can be syndicated or displayed using a variety of different methods. Depending on the web host, server configuration, and the intent of the publishers, a variety of different syndication tools exist.

In most cases, providers convert RSS feeds to HTML in order to display the feeds contents. The following are some of the more popular methods to convert RSS feeds as web based content.

Hosted Services

The easiest of solution is not server dependent, a third party host displays the contents of the feed. The downside to using a hosted service is that you are relying on a third party. If the third party's website has problems, your content will not be displayed. Additionally, webmasters often cannot customize the way the contents are displayed on hosted servers and there is no real search engine benefit to third party hosting.

Examples: FeedBurner.com - http://www.feedburner.com and RSS2HTML - http://www.rss2html.com.

Scripts

Using scripts to display RSS feeds on a website is probably the most effective solution. In addition, the webmaster using ASP or PHP scripts to convert their feeds, maintain the control of the "look and feel" of the content displayed. Webmasters also realize the benefit of hosting the feed on a domain that is within the webmasters control.

Using ASP or PHP will allow search engines to spider the actual contents of the RSS feed as if it is part of the actual HTML. Pay particular attention to solutions that cache the RSS feed. If your RSS feed is popular this will save significant bandwidth.

PHP

PHP is a popular scripting language that is often used to dynamically update web pages. PHP support is available on most web servers that run on a Unix Operating System.

Example: rss2html.php - http://www.feedforall.com/free-php-script.htm

ASP

ASP or active server pages is a scripting language similar to PHP but support is more often found on Windows web servers.

Example: rss2html.asp - http://www.bytescout.com/how_to_display_rss_using_asp.html

Javascript

Javascript is easy to use, and many sites will produce the code that needs to be inserted into the HTML web page, making implementation very easy for webmasters. The downside to the majority of the javascript solutions is that the webpage calls the script each time, and the actual contents of the feed is not able to be spidered or indexed by search engines. So while javascript is easy to use, there is very little benefit to the webmaster. Search engines will not detect any new content or keywords contained in the contents of the feed, so their is little optimization benefit to displaying RSS feeds using javascript. Additionally, while it is unusual, occasionally website visitors will have the javascript turned off in their browser, if that is the case they will be unable to view the contents of the feed.

Example: FeedRoll Pro - http://www.feedrollpro.com

Advanced Scripts/Merging Scripts

Webmasters will often find value in merging multiple RSS feeds in to a single feed. This is particularly useful when attempting to aggregate news on a specific topic. The script allows you to produce an RSS feed by taking the latest items from multiple feeds.

Example: RSSmesh - http://www.feedforall.com/rssmesh.htm.

Filtering/Newsmastering

Due to the enormous and ever-increasing information flow we are all submitted to, the only way to improve our ability to access and use the information that is really important to us, must take place by scaling up one notch our ability to filter, aggregate, and access relevant content.

Example: Newsmaster kit - http://www.masternewmedia.org/reports/newsmasterstoolkit/

Prepublish Scripts

On occasion, webmasters will choose to build a large amount of content, and gradually release it over time. FutureRSS is a PHP script that when used properly will only display feed items that publish dates have passed.

FutureRSS - http://www.feedforall.com/future-rss.htm

A number of flexible solutions exists for webmasters to create, filter, and display content contained in an RSS feed. Using these simple solutions, webmasters can dynamically maintain webpages with unique content.

About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for NotePage http://www.notepage.net a wireless text messaging software company.

Introducing The Buzz Factory

Does your business need a buzz? Why not employ the services of The Buzz Factory, Hampton Roads' premier public relations firm. Whether you seek to promote yourself or your products through local, regional or national channels, the good people at The Buzz Factory can get the word out with efficience and effectiveness.

The Buzz Factory is one of our newest developments, and in time you can revisit the site for informative articles on marketing and promotion, and learn how you can start your own "buzz" and get noticed.

Be sure, too, to contact CINIVA Systems today to learn how we can help get your business or organization noticed with attractive web design, search engine optimization and e-mail marketing.

Protection Against Credit Card Fraud and Loss for Ecommerce

With CINIVA Systems and Cardservice online payment solutions, there is no need to worry about fraud and other issues regarding reconiliation of payments. CINIVA and Cardservice are aligned with LinkPoint® e-commerce payment services, through which fraud-risk ratings are delivered regularly to merchants. Each transaction made through a CINIVA website is protected and monitored, so that fraud is immediately spotted and reported, with provisions in place to assure merchants of safe, efficient online payment traffic.

Learn more about our card service solutions, and contact us today for an estimate.

CINIVA Web Design, associated with the best

We at CINIVA Systems are proud of our portfolio, and of the clients for whom we design and host. That the people of Hampton Roads believe some of our clients are the best in the region comes as no surprise to us. Quality work and reputation allows us to create a professional, quality design for any business, non-profit organization, or group.

This year, we congratulate two of our clients for being chosen the Best of Hampton Roads in the annual readers' poll from the Virginian-Pilot. Ribbitt Toys took the Silver Award for Best Children's Specialty Shop in Norfolk, and Suffolk Insurance won the Bronze Award for the Best Place to Work in Suffolk. Sundays Tanning Resort won the Gold Award for Best Tanning Salon in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach - for the 14th straight year!

Contact CINIVA today to learn how you can enhance your business with professional design and custom programming, that you may join the Best of Hampton Roads on the Internet.

Introducing Final Kick Sports

Biking, running, and swimming enthusiasts need only look to Final Kick Sports for the one-stop shop for all activities competitive in Tidewater. Final Kick is one of the top sporting good stores specializing in triathlon equipment - ranked highly by Inside Tri Interactive! Today, we are proud to relaunch their online presence.

Final Kick's site is twofold: there is a section for the community. Find out the latest news on area triathlons, bike races, and training clinics. Join the online forum and find a workout partner, or find out how to join the Final Kick team.

There is also an online store, where you can pick among the top brands in road bicycles, running apparel, shoes, and wetsuits. Keep an eye on closeouts and join the mailing list for sales information. You can even purchase bike shipping online and have your gear delivered to your next race.

Introducing CMI Technical Services

For comfort, dexterity, and maximum protection in the workplace, look no further than CMI's wide selection of safety equipment. CMI's extensive catalog of safety gear is designed to protect the body from many dangerous elements.

CMI is proud to serve the many dedicated emergency medical technicians, doctors and nurses who work long hours to preserve our life and health. When you browse their online catalog, you will find over 5000 items designed to enhance workplace safety. Ventilators for buildings, tool kits, harnesses and protective gear is here and ready for purchase.

CINIVA Systems specializes in designing and hosting online retail sites like CMI. If you are interested in seeing your business grow on the Internet, contact us today for more information.

Track specific Adwords keywords with new tool

Free New AdWords Alerts Service

A free alert service kicks off with two alerts related to Google AdWords and AdSense. You can get daily email alerts with the costs of the most expensive AdWords both by bid and by cost per day. Today is a new alert by keyword that emails you when new advertisers appear for a keyword you supply. Assuming you don't mind a flurry of email when tracking popular categories, this can be handy.

Source: Search Engine Watch Blog

Are you the new trend?

What is everybody searching for in Google, and how do you become part of the searched? Google is testing yet another handy tool for site owners called Google Trends. Enter a key phrase to find out from where the majority of searches on that phrase come, as well as the top links for that phrase according to date.

Introducing China / Brazil Consulting

In a world becoming ever smaller and more integrated through globalization, the need for international presence and understanding is becoming integral to a successful business plan. Success in the globalized market depends upon firms’ capacity to address and capitalize upon the unique challenges and opportunities that exist in today’s multi-cultural, multi-national world market.

With on-the-ground experience in both China and Brazil, advanced knowledge of the cultural and linguistic environments in both countries, and a superior education in both economics and the environment, China Brazil Consultants can help you meet the challenges of the international business market and capitalize on the vast opportunities emerging in South America and Asia.

CINIVA specializes in the design and hosting of websites for consultants and other business organizations. We offer quick turn-around, varying levels of maintenance according to your needs, online credit card processing capabilities, and dedicated customer support. Contact CINIVA Systems today to put your business on the Internet.

Now taking online donations...

...not for ourselves, of course, but for your organization. CINIVA Systems is more than a simple web design company. We offer unique, proven applications created by our team of techs to give your site functionality and profitability. If you are a retailer seeking to build an online store - our software allows customers to shop according to size, category and style, and leave reviews for products purchased.

Non-profits and religious organizations can benefits from our special online donation applications. Allow visitors to make credit card donations to your ministries and charities, and register for special events. Information may be collected for opt-in e-mail advertising for later use.

Contact CINIVA Systems today to learn more about how we can allow your current site to accept credit cards, or how we can build a new site to suit.

Re-Introducing Anne Gimenez Ministries

Anne Gimenez Ministries is an extension of Rock Church International, based in Virginia Beach. Pastor Anne Gimenez is a noted evangelical minister whose services are broadcast internationally. Pastor Gimenez present preaches to the largest congregation in the United States under a female pastor.

When you visit the site of Anne Gimenez Ministries, you will find information on the many services AGM provides worldwide to people in need of medical, financial and spiritual aid. Donations made be made online, and a special members-only section allows Platinum Donors to access Pastor Anne's private blog, create their own blog entries and communicate with other members in the private forum.

CINIVA Systems specializes in website design and functionality for non-profit organizations, charitable organizations and churches. If you are interested in learning more about how we can create a beautiful online presence for your church or ministry, contact us today.

Introducing Platinum Steel

Platinum Steel offers a wide range of steel building kits which they can build onsite for you anywhere in Virginia. Their team of in-house designers, architects, and construction developers are dedicated to customer satisfaction, and will create the perfect steel framed building for your project.

If you have a design layout in mind or wish to start from scratch with a unique, custom floor plan, Platinum Steel will accommodate you and your budget. When you visit Platinum Steel's website, you'll find a portfolio of available steel building kits, suitable for building churches, storefronts, office buildings, hangars and crane buildings. You can request an estimate online and learn more about the material used in making and shipping these kits.

CINIVA Systems specializes in websites for Virginia-area businesses. We can design and maintain a website placecard for your business or implement an online shopping cart system, so you can sell your product online with credit card payments. Contact CINIVA today to learn more about what we can do to help your business grow.

Re-Introducing All Aboard Tours

All Aboard Tours and Travel offers a wide range of full service tours for groups of all ages that include deluxe motor coaches equipped with lavatories, VCRs and microphones for tour leaders. We arrange the hotel accommodations, meals, professional guides, and many varied and interesting sightseeing experiences. We customize the tours to your exact specifications with respect to both attractions and your economic requirements.

All Aboard Tours offers customized itineraries for pre-formed adult and student groups, including our exclusive "College Awareness" programs for secondary schools. Fixed date departure tours are available for individual foreign exchange students living in the United States. The photos above will link you to each program where you may view our diverse itineraries arranged by destination and theme.

This is a redesign of an established travel site. CINIVA Systems specializes in sites related to travel and tourism - as you can see from our portfolio, we have designed sites for Norfolk, Currituck County, and Stafford County tourism bureaus. We are always interested in design and marketing for travel organizations. If yours is in need of an online makeover, we invite you to contact us today for more information on how we can create a unique, dynamic presence for you on the web.

Introducing Vella Chiro

At Vella Chiropractic Center, attention is given to the spine, but the focus is the whole body. When people think of chiropractic medicine, it is assumed all attention is relegated only to the back. While physical manipulation of the spine and back muscles are heavily involved, chiropractic care is beneficial to the entire body.

The professional, licensed staff of Vella Chiropractic brings a combined 33 years of education and experience in chiropractic medicine to the Hampton Roads area. Browse their website for more information on our services and specialized training, and contact us today for a consultation. Let Vella Chiropractic Center help you on the road to wellness through good back and spine health.

Does your health organization or clinic have an online presence? Contact CINIVA today to learn more about how we can design and host an online counterpart to your business.

Introducing Meetings Worldwide

Meetings Worldwide is the official site International Destinations Inc. IDI serves as the US / North American bureau's preeminent resource for international meeting planners in contacting leading conference and meeting venues around the world. Meetings Worldwide offers information and assistance to impact decisions on site selection for events large and small.

When you visit Meetings Worldwide you'll find information on the five major cities where IDI can plan a successful conference or retreat for your corporation. Browse information on accommodations in Cancun, Auckland, Istanbul, Paris, and South Africa, and request and estimate for IDI's services.

CINIVA specializes in travel and tourism related sites, having many years of experience in various aspects of the industry. We have designed sites for tourism bureaus and travel agencies, and are willing to help bring your travel company to the Internet. Contact us today for more information.

Introducing Beauty Meets Beauty

Hampton Roads has a new, exciting way to meet singles with Beauty Meets Beauty. BMB is more than just an online database of pictures and profiles, it is a comprehensive, interactive dating website. Here you'll find informative articles on dating, relationship advice, and information on the most romantic spots in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and the rest of Tidewater.

What's more, when you register to join Beauty Meets Beauty (FREE through June), you become eligible to receive discounts for restaurants and retail gift shops, and discounted admission to the many BMB events planned for this year. Come try your luck at Speed Dating, Lock and Key parties, 52-Pick Up and other BMB-sponsored get togethers. Now is your chance to find your beauty.

Introducing Full Fathom 5

Based in Los Angeles, Full Fathom 5 is an entertainment company, producing documentaries and feature films, music videos and shorts. Recent project include the harrowing drug documentary Dying For Meth , which details graphically the consquences of drug addiction.

With this website, Full Fathom 5 seeks to educate others about the damage meth can do. Copies of Dying For Meth and Poor Man's Dope are available to schools and other organizations for educational purposes, and DVDs are also available to the general public, for anyone interested in these critically-acclaimed films.

CINIVA continues its dedication to drug abuse awareness through Drugs of Abuse Testing, an online commerce site selling drugs tests in singles and bulk - suitable for home and school use, and for employers concerned about drugs in the workplace.

Introducing Shop History is Fun

ShopHistoryisFun.com is a sister project connected to the Jamestown 2007 website, another of our clients. If you are unable to explore Colonial Williamsburg and the Jamestown/Yorktown historical sites this summer, you can still bring home a piece of our nation's heritage and support this worthwhile foundation.

ShopHistoryisFun.com offers everything Jamestown and Yorktown. Purchase books on the settlements' histories, reproductions of Native American and Colonial art, t-shirts and tri-corn hats, and even purchase admission tickets to both sites for when you are able to come visit in person.

Proceeds from purchases made through the site support museum programs at the Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center.

Re-Introducing Doormation

The name says it all. Doormation is in the business of implementing and repairing automated sliding doors, revolving doors, high speed doors for garages, and safety sensors for large entranceways. If you've ever walked through an automated door, whether at the grocery store or a large department store, chance are Doormation may have installed or repaired it at one time.

As Ciniva was behind the original concept for Doormation's website, the company came to us for the redesign and update. Here Doormation's clients can use the website to send reports for needed repairs or send for more information. Prospective clients can browse the simple navigation to see what Doormation can offer in terms of product and service for revolving and automatic door needs.

Introducing Drugs of Abuse Testing

The last thing parents want to discover about their children is that they are doing drugs. As peer pressure mounts on young people, so increases the temptation to fit it by perhaps experimenting with marijuana, meth, or even cocaine. DrugsofAbuseTesting.com understands the need for reliable and affordable drug test kits, which are now available online to parents, schools, and places of business.

Drugs of Abuse Testing offers urine and saliva tests for up to ten different controlled substances. Schools and businesses can buy tests in bulk at a discount, and here you'll also find information on legal issues with drug testing in the workplace and drug testing in schools.

Introducing TriCity Communications

Tri-City Communications provides structured cabling systems for government projects, home offices, and businesses large and small. They are the Mid-Atlantic region's leader in quality communications cable installation and testing, and we are available to offer your business or organization an effective solution to your connectivity needs. Tri-City workers are BICSI certified and maintain the highest standards in structured cabling installation and repair.

Visit the Tri-City site and see what services and products are offered, and read up on current projects (which include Charlotte Arena and the Maryland House of Delegates, among others). Use the contact form, too, to request an estimate on a connectivity project.

Introducing Armed Forces Reunions, Inc.

Armed Forces Reunions, Inc. is a local company enjoying nationwide reach when it comes to arranging reunions for all branches of the armed forces. Whether you served in the Gulf War, Vietnam and/or Korea, or even WWII, AFRI has the contacts and wherewithal to plan a memorable night or weekend with the friends made in your outfit.

Reunion committee members can log onto the site and watch the progress of their reunions, and prospective clients can learn more about what AFRI offers. AFRI caters to most major cities in the US, with contacts in the hospitality industry all around the country.

Watch your Internet business grow...

...and get a bit sexier.

BottomDollarShoes.com is one of our earliest projects, and a recent success story. This is the online storefront of Tammy Shoes and Jewelry, a Virginia Beach boutique offering a wide selection of sexy shoes and stiletto heels, and alluring silver crafted and precious stone jewelry.

Tammy has done well since launching this site, and caters to customers all over the country. We're happy to announce that she has expanded her inventory to include lingerie items - now discerning shoppers can find the shoes and intimate apparel to match.

BottomDollarShoes.com, on the back end, uses a simple shopping cart system that any store employee can use to upload inventory. You don't need a degree in computer science to operate the system, and you can collect data from customers for use in mailing lists, coupon offers, and other promotions. If you have something to sell on the Internet, sell through Ciniva! Contact us today for more information.

Introducing FlowCushion.com

The first brand under the Nutranique label is now live and accepting orders. FlowCushion.com is a technological breakthrough in sitting comfort. Don't liken FlowCushion to any regular air cushion, this seat utilizes alternating pressure air flow to promote good circulatory health in your lower back and legs. When you sit on FlowCushion, the patented micro air bladders move the cushion up and down very gently, like sitting on an ergonomic cloud!

FlowCushion.com is ideal for travelers and patients confined to wheelchairs, as well as people who sit for work, whether in a car or at a desk.

Introducing RPM Custom Rods

There's only one place to go online for the best custom-made bass fishing rods. RPM Custom Rods is owned and operated by champion bass angler Rick Morris; as we are proud to maintain his personal website, so we have created a companion online store showcasing this fine collection of fishing rods.

If you're shopping for a gift for the fisherman in your life, why not visit Rick's store and check out the selection of casting rods and spinning rods? Each rod is designed and approved by Rick Morris, who placed second in this year's Citgo Bassmaster Classic. You don't have to be a professional fisherman to use an RPM custom rod, though with practice you could cast with the best of them.

Introducing Tidewater Homebuyers

Real estate is a booming business in the Hampton Roads area, which makes it necessary for companies like Tidewater Homebuyers to have a presence on the Web. Tidewater Homebuyers is in the business of buying homes from people who need to sell on short notice. Being a military dense area, it is not unusual for residents to need to move at a moment's notice, and Tidewater Homebuyers can help alleviate the hassle of selling a home while you're trying to relocate.

Tidewater Homebuyers will buy homes in most areas of Hampton Roads, regardless of condition. Whether you have financial problems, need to liquidate to settle an estate, or no longer wish to manage property, you can visit this site and request an offer for your home.

Introducing Rick Morris

It may surprise you to know that the Hampton Roads area is home to a number of famous faces in sports and entertainment. Bruce Hornsby may be seen occasionally around Williamsburg when not touring, and reality TV fans will know that Rudy Bosch of the first Survivor series makes his home at the beach. Virginia Beach is also home to a number of sportsmen, including professional bass angler Rick Morris.

A number of years ago, we designed RPM Lures, Rick's online shop of hand-poured fishing baits. With that site's success, we felt it was time to give Rick his own online presence. RickMorris.net highlights Rick's career and professional accolades, and features articles by and about one of the top bass fishermen in the country. You can find out here where Rick will be competing next, and see photos of past tournaments. Stay tuned, too, for Rick's latest venture, an online store of custom bass fishing rods.

Introducing Edgewater Asset Management

In today's economy, it's important to have your money working for you, and growing toward a comfortable retirement. Financial advisors Lynne Mallory and Steve Winter of Edgewater Asset Management work with a select number of clients to make their money grow, and with their website help them to explain the difference between financial planning and wealth management.

If you meet Edgewater's specific requirements, you are welcome to contact Lynne and Steve with regards to planning your fiscal future. The website offers sound advice on investment planning and the latest financial news, the personal you would receive as one of Edgewater's clients.

Introducing VisitCurrituck.com

Currituck County's official tourism website highlights the hidden jewels of North Carolina's Outer Banks. From the majestic wild horses that roam free along the sandy white shores to the elegant beach villas for rent, VisitCurrituck.com should be the first online stop for anybody interested in a relaxing vacation along North Carolina's shoreline, and we are proud to have revamped their online presence. CINIVA Systems specializes in sites for tourism organizations, and Currituck is one more feather in our cap.

Currituck County is one of the state's fastest growing areas, yet still maintains the natural beauty that attracted our colonial settlers. Browse the directory of restaurants, lodging, shops and attractions and request a visitor's guide online today.

Introducing Kimberly Hudson, Artist

Local artist Kimberly Hudson specializes in wall murals, portraits, and faux paint projects for homes. Her website is designed to act as her online portfolio, showcasing the best of her work and allowing potential patrons to contact her for commissioned work.

When you visit Kimberly's site, you will find her credentials and an impressive collection of artwork - portraits of children and adults, beautiful renditions of Florida scenery, and samples of wall mural designs and work that looks like wallpaper, but is actually a painted design. As Kimberly's portfolio grows, so will her site, allowing her commissioned projects to grow.

Re-Introducing Spangler Erkert and Associates

Spangler Erkert and Associates (SEA) is a partnership of highly qualified and experienced advertising and public relations professionals. Established in 1986, our firm’s active involvement in the broader business community, as well as our experience with a variety of clients operating in local, national and global markets, gives SEA a unique perspective and seasoned approach to problem-solving.

To match the excellent work this company offers to their clients, we updated their website with a brand new look and created a dynamic online portfolio of their award-winning advertising campaigns.

Introducing CJF Security

Carl Fisher of CJF Security brings many years of experience in training, law enforcement, and consultation to the security and protection industry. CJF Security specializes in corporate security and training, international risk issues, defense against terrorism, and homeland security issues.

Visitors to the CJF Security website may find helpful tips on personal security and information on the specialized training programs offered by the CJF staff, many of whom have worked in the past for a number of high profile clients and events, including the Grammy Awards, Hollywood movie premieres, and the Olympics.

Re-Introducing Sundays Tanning Resort

When Dennis Ligon, owner of Sundays Tanning Resort of Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, decided to remodel his tanning salons, he opted to have us do a makeover of his very popular website, too. The re-launch of TanSTR.com also coincides with the opening of the fifth salon in this landmark Hampton Roads chain - an exclusive Blue Box Tanning salon which features tanning beds and booths found nowhere else in the United States!

Just as STR customers are so pleased with the salons to vote them Best of the Beach for thirteen straight years, we know, too, everybody will love the website's new look. Here you'll find information on the latest tanning technology imported from Europe, mapped directions to each salon, and Dennis' blog, where Dennis keeps you up to date on tanning specials and lotion sales. Sign up for the free newsletter when you visit for exclusive STR updates.

Introducing Suffolk Insurance

This agency is as much a Suffolk, Virginia institution as Mr. Peanut himself! Ciniva is proud to have designed and to maintain the website for the Suffolk Insurance Corporation. Serving Hampton Roads for nearly a century, Suffolk Insurance serves clients all the Hampton Roads area, Virginia, and across the United States.

Located in the heart of Tidewater's farming country, Suffolk Insurance naturally specializes in farmer's insurance and coverage for corporations, luxury items like boats and motorcycles, and equine mortality. The website includes a more detailed listing of coverage possibilities, and will allow future clients to request quotes online.

Introducing The Bead Cottage

The Bead Cottage of Virginia Beach is, quite literally, a beader's paradise. Owner Carol Willoughby's enthusiasm for her work and for beading is infectious. Who could not walk through her store and be amazed with the large selection of beads and accessories available?

Glass beads, gold-filled beads, seed beads, cloisonne and crystals...whatever you have in mind to create a necklace and matching earrings, or something equally stylish, is right there, and Carol and company are always willing to help. The Bead Cottage website is designed with their enthusiasm in mind; a whimsical yet practical design allows any bead hobbyist or professional to find the necessary supplies for a beadwork project. Best of all, the site is open when the store isn't, so you can always check on upcoming beading classes and current inventory, then order online if you are unable to visit the store.

Google Ads in the Pilot?

It's possible one day you might open an issue of the Virginian-Pilot and find Google Adwords, resting to one side, next to Ziggy or Dear Abby or Larry Bonko's column. Already in test mode in Chicago, according to Chicago Business, the ads are similar to the panel ads seen in Google search. Question is, will a purchase of Google Adwords online carry over to the advertiser's local paper? If not available locally, can the advertiser choose to put up ads in a nearby paper. This is one to watch as Google's reach into traditional advertising expands.

Introducing London Bridge Baptist Church

London Bridge Baptist Church of Virginia Beach welcome all visitors to join them in worship, Bible study, and fellowship. We at Ciniva Systems are proud to have redesigned their website in a fashion that details their tremendous growth. Here you will find information on weekly services, the church's preschool and youth groups, Bible studies and music programs, and the many ministries the church provides to the community. If you would like to make a donation to London Bridge Baptist, we have arranged it so you can do so online.

A website makes for an excellent calling card for your church. As newcomers to your area often use the Internet to find information on places to live and things to do, your website should stand out and attract visitors, and in turn attract new parishoners. Contact us today if your church is in need of a website or website redesign.

Is SEO dead?

From "SEO is Dead" by Stoney deGeyter at Search Engine Guide.

Many have been claiming the death of SEO for years, something that I have never bought into and time has proven that belief correct. I do, however, believe SEO-only providers will be dead within the next four years… if not substantially sooner. The reality is that while SEO will remain an integral part online marketing, those that focus exclusively on achieving top search engine rankings will fail. Not only will they fail to deliver any kind of valuable service to their clients, but the bottom line is that without incorporating marketing aspects into an SEO campaign, achieving top placement for competitive keywords will become increasingly difficult if not impossible.

Do you feel sometimes, you are losing focus as you maintain your website? Do you feel you would be better off optimizing for a specific audience rather than trying to appeal on a broader scale? It's difficult to compete with the Amazon.coms and Yahoos of the world, who have the resources to spread themselves thin. By balancing content and SEO to your target, you may find you will achieve certain success.

I have previously defined SEO as being only about achieving top rankings. This is a narrow interpretation, but I used this to point out that many so-called SEO companies are still providing SEO as a stand-alone service without any thought to other more marketing oriented services such as usability, conversions, etc. These marketing issues are now, more than ever, necessary for any "optimization" campaign to succeed. Those seeking optimization services that fail to understand this will ultimately choose a firm that will be ineffective in meeting their needs.

Many SEO companies already integrate usability into their optimization services. While these companies may still operate under the "SEO" banner, their services truly are not SEO-only services. Any proposal received for optimization services should spell out the marketing aspects as well as the optimization aspects. Those that don't often rely on useless guarantees as a means to sell you their service.

While helpful, SEO isn't the be-all and end-all of making a website work. How well is your content written? How easy is your website to navigate? Does design compromise usability. These are just some things to consider when choosing a website company. Whatever decision is made, be sure to get all the facts.

Is SEO dead? Certain tactics are definitely obsolete, but we shouldn't bury SEO just yet. As the search industry has changed over the years, SEO will more than likely change to suit new needs and wants in search. We may not submit regularly to search engines anymore, but surely a new technique will come along for everybody to try in order to achieve high search rankings.

Web Content Mass + Keyword Optimization + Links = SEO

Highlights from the article "Web Content Mass + Keyword Optimization + Links = SEO" by Joel Walsh from SEO News:

How does web content really affect SEO? It's often said that the answer is simply that content does not affect SEO very much – it's all about more technical issues. Yet a website's content still plays an enormous and fairly direct role in search engine ranking.

Of course, the whole goal of the search engines' ranking schemes is precisely to deliver good, relevant content to users. The mechanism for how search engines select and reward good, relevant content is essentially just a technical issue, though admittedly an extremely important technical issue.

Walsh's articles focuses on three major factors that can determine good search rankings: inbound links, content mass, and keyword optimization. Of course, this is not news. Some engines do place weight on the number of quality weblinks leading to your website. By quality we mean, of course, websites of equal or greater relevance - it's important to avoid FFA (free for all) link sites that are basically respositories for links to irrelevant and at times pornographic sites and "splogs" (weblogs produced for spamming purposes). If you maintain a website dedicated to a favorite baseball team, for example, it is better to have a link to your site from the team's official site than to have one from a site that is less relevant to sports in general.

Content mass: the more webpages you have, the more chances you have to attract a spider's attention. More content, more information can lead to more search results - not necessarily limited to one search phrase - and more opportunity for quality, relevant websites to link back to yours. Getting back to your baseball team's website - it is better to have a separate webpage for each member of the team than to have one page featuring all players. A webmaster maintaining the official site of the team's star player may find your site and link back, or a baseball blog may find the information on your site useful and link back to it.

Keyword optimization - a delicate balance of saturation, prominence in text, variation, and research. If you utilize Yahoo/Overture PPC, take advantage of their keyword tool to help you determine the relevant keyword searches your target audience uses.

SEO Tips In A Sea Of Change

Highlights from Jim Hedger's article on SEO Tips from WebProNews:

Google remains the most popular search engine and continues to drive more traffic than the other search engines combined. Another thing that has not changed is the greater volume of site traffic generated by organic search placement over any other form on online advertising.

With the algorithm updates completed in Google, the idea is to highlight even more the relevant websites that need not approach others for reciprocal linking, etc. We think of behemoth sites like CNN.com and Amazon.com, which will likely remain high under relevant searches because they are viewed as trustworthy. Minor sites are apt to link to such site unbidden because of the fresh content provided.

Take a look at your own website. How relevant is the content to the audience you wish to target? Does it have an attractive, neccesary quality about it that would prompt another site owner to link back without having to be asked? How often is the content updated?

Organic search engine placement now requires a lot more work on our part and on the part of our clients or their webmasters. Content needs to be updated regularly, navigation simplified and shared analysis of on-site traffic is increasingly important. Top10 websites, especially around their main entry points, have become production pieces requiring a greater degree of strategic planning than the general, annually updated brochure sites do. Creation of that content needs to be considered a standing business expense though that expense should be more than made up for in long-term advertising savings.

People are interested in now. To maintain traffic, your site must stay current.

SEO News, 1-12-06

Highlights from the latest edition of SEO News include:

Google, post-Jagger: Is your website affected for the better? If not, how can you regain the search success your site once enjoyed?

What can help: Fresh site content with a stickiness quality (get visitors and keep them), an established domain (with age comes trust), inbound links from trusted, relevant sources

What can hurt: Duplicated, irrelevant content, hidden text, reciprocal and "bad links" (avoid link farms and FFA sites)

What can be done: Re-evaulate site content for freshness and relevancy, and consider a more dynamic site in that respect; parse your content into articles for submission to article directories (e.g. Ezine Articles) with links to your site, re-evalute outbound links and clean up irrelevant code.

The trend toward attracting natural inbound links (sans obligatory reciprocation) is clearly becoming a greater factor in improving a site's SEO. Of course, one shouldn't depend entirely on one method, and neglect the need for good content. With the right combination of optimization techniques, search success can be achieved.

Introducing Ribbitt Toys

November, 2005 marked not only the beginning of Ribbitt Toys' fourth year of business in the Ghent district of Norfolk, but the beginning of the popular toy store's online presence. We are proud to contribute to Steve and Marcia Brodie's success with the launch of www.ribbitttoys.com, where discerning parents can find a wealth of fun and educational toys for children of all ages.

If you have the physical Ribbitt Toys store on Colley Avenue (just a few steps from Naro Expanded Cinema and Taste Unlimited) you'll know this is no ordinary shop. Where chain toy stores seems to have exchanged the whimsy for tall, overstuffed and imposing aisles of pink and blue, Ribbitt has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Very interactive, too, as you'll see the occasional child (or parent) testing a new toy for purchase. There is a wonderful selection of plush animals, science kits and construction toys, nostalgic toys, and Madame Alexander dolls, and the front store display is always changing! If you're unable to visit Norfolk, be sure to visit the online Ribbitt store and unleash your inner child.