We know we’re jumping around a bit on describing SXSW, but it has been a fairly hectic few days since returning from SXSW.

So let’s get back on track, Day two of SXSW was an informative and inspirational day of sessions. As mentioned in the previous post, the very interesting “icanhasacheezburger”:http://blog.armadillostudios.ca/article/sxsw08-guess-the-web-site session really took over the day.

But one of the most important client side sessions came early on Sunday morning. A session simply called “Online Advertising for Newbies”:http://2008.sxsw.com/interactive/programming/panels_schedule/?action=show&id=IAP060555.

Here at Armadillo Studios, have been continuously working with our clients to capitalize on various revenue generating streams; it was nice to see some of the recent success stories and to discover some new ideas.

The session provided ample information regarding different avenues in which web logs can transition their content and passions in to revenue. Some ideas were fairly basic and included; the incorporation of “AdBrite ads”:http://www.adbrite.com or “DoubleClick”:http://doubleclick.com ads into a site’s layout. These ads generate revenue for the publisher based on clicks per million visits. (Basically the number of clicks an ad gets based on a One Million views) Or bloggers can align themselves with large professional blogging networks like ProBlogger or “eMoms at home”:http://www.emomsathome.com/blog/, which will pay bloggers who bring their wealth of new readers to their networks. Or even the idea of bloggers selling local banner space to local restaurants and businesses to provide a local connection to their readers.

Some of the more unconventional ideas included incorporating Amazon.com’s referral program or an iTunes referral program to give bloggers a percentage of all purchases directed from the site. Web logs that deal with pop culture issues or deal directly with cooking can greatly benefit from this form of revenue, as it generates income based on content. This idea works hand in hand with sites that promote or review a variety of products.

If you are interested in ways to generate income on your web log, feel free to contact us. You don’t even have to be an existing client; we really enjoy helping people get the best from their web logs.

Hey! That’s why we call ourselves blogging experts.

Two years ago, South By Southwest was sparsely attended by only a handful of Canadians. Even worse there was only a mere three attendees from Calgary and the Southern Alberta region. This year there was an encouraging boost in the number of Canadians at the conference. Even more encouraging was the dramatic increase in the number of Calgarians and viable Calgary centric corporations. Companies like “istockphoto”:http://www.istockphotos.com, “veer”:http://www.veer.com, “DigitalArts Alberta”:http://www.digitalalberta.com/, and “Cambrian House”:http://cambrianhouse.com had a strong presence at the conference.

One of the most explosive and interesting panels from Monday’s SXSW session was the “Blame Canada Panel”:http://2008.sxsw.com/interactive/programming/panels_schedule/?action=show&id=IAP060310 which explored the 7 reasons Canada is ahead in New Media Development. Containing five, top new media experts in Canada, the panel spoke to the largely Canadian audience about the advantages and disadvantages of startups in Canada. It explored the dynamics of a small population base, spread out over a large landmass. It also explored the many benefits of our strong government supported initiatives. Including the important S.R.E.D fund.

But the real fireworks came at the end of the session, when a challenge regarding Canada’s _actual industry presence_ was brought fourth. Which brought up some valid points on Canada’s percentile representation at SXSW and our representation in the Industry as a success. Many valid points were presented on both sides. By the end of the session a strong sense of accomplishment and _we can do more_ was really explored.

As a company based in Southern Alberta, it was very interesting to connect and see some of the strong activity occurring in Calgary. It was a great opportunity to meet with the people from “Digital Alberta”:http://www.digitalalberta.com and see the strong work they are doing to promote the industry in Southern Alberta.

Web Designer Wall recently posted a great little article illustrating the beauty of “Vector Graphics in Web Site Designs.”:http://www.webdesignerwall.com/trends/vector-illustration-trend/ In the post you’ll find 30 fantastic examples of Vector Illustrations enhancing the look and feel of numerous corporate web sites.

Vector Graphics (images created through Adobe Illustrator or other vector based programs) are a fresh new alternative to Stock Photography in web site design. One of the most fantastic examples from the _webdesignerwall_ article is “Joyent.com”:http://joyent.com/, a hosting and application developer based in California.

As you can see the vector image brings a fresh and unique vibrancy to the overall feel of the site. It instantly draws the views attention and invokes a warm and pleasant feeling for the site despite the fact it’s designed to promote a complex product such as web site hosting and application development.

One of the major benefits of vector images is that they leave a more substantial impression in comparison to your typical Stock Photography. Imagine if you will, the Joyent site cluttered with “stock photos of servers or the overused proto-consultant.”:http://www.acriley.com/web-content/pivot/entry.php?id=173 It is safe to say the current vector illustrations gives the Joyent site a more memorable impression.

We here at Armadillo Studios are big fans of vector illustrations and encourage our clients to utilized this emerging trend. It may cost a little more than the average stock photo, but we believe they leave a longer initial impression with potential clients.