The Big Wave Blog

Question: What does Microsoft do when it cannot develop a good product?

Answer:
A: It buys out a competing company that has a good product (ex: Visio, Hotmail).
B: It uses its power to destroy the competing product (ex: Netscape, Lotus, WordPerfect, Novell, and Real Networks).

Let’s start with a personal statement from me: “Internet Explorer is the worst web browser I have ever used.” When Microsoft destroyed Netscape using its unfair advantage, it was not able to kill the code base. Mozilla Foundation inherited this code and in 2004 released the cure for the common Microsoft browser.

After killing Netscape, Microsoft did their usual thing; they never updated their terrible browser and left the world at the mercy of Internet Explorer. The growth of Mozilla’s Firefox has been phenomenal. It is now used by close to 17% of the world, compared with IE at 78%. With their total market domination in jeopardy, Microsoft finally woke up and released updates for IE (version 7 and  the “new” upcoming 8th version).

Lethargic companies that are not tuned into the future (and are in bed with Microsoft) force you to use Internet Explorer. Don’t give in! More people do use IE (for now), but it’s got nothing to do with security or performance… just plain lethargy brought about by Microsoft and their domination of the personal computer market.

What can our readers do to help save the world from Microsoft? CLICK HERE to download Firefox 3, which is one of the most superior browsers in the market. Ditch Internet Explorer,  as it has made the web a more treacherous and slower-paced environment.

Charles Darwin once said “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” So let’s do our part in changing how we browse the web.

I would like to thank everyone in the beautiful village of Nosara, Costa Rica for your wonderful hospitality and generosity. I have visited Costa Rica many times before, but this was my first trip to Nosara, and by far my best trip to the country.

Nosara is a beautiful little village on the Nicoya Peninsula, made up of 2 beaches, Playa Guinoes and Playa Pelada. I stayed in Playa Pelada at Panchos Resort, but I surfed each morning and afternoon at the break in Playa Guinoes.

I would like to personally thank Craig Sutton, owner of Nosara Paradise Rentals and Fishing Nosara, and his friendly staff, for an exciting sunset fishing trip where we landed 3 Yellow Fin Tuna and 1 Rainbow Runner. Craig owns about 6 vacation rental properties in Playa Guinoes, just steps from the beach, and also coordinates fishing and snorkeling trips throughout the area. He is The Man To Know in Nosara, Costa Rica.

While in Nosara, I noticed some very smart marketing moves coming from such a tiny village nestled in the jungle. They were brilliant with domain names and have an excellent presence on the web.

I researched my trip from these sites:

• Surfing Nosara - Daily surf report from Playa Guinoes
• Fishing Nosara - Nosara fishing information, forecast and boat charters
• Nosara Yoga - Daily class schedule and teacher training at the Nosara Yoga Institute
• Nosara Surf Shop - Surf shop steps from the waves at Playa Guinoes where you can rent boards, take lessons and buy surf gear

I don’t think there is a town in Central America with a better web presence than Nosara. Not only are the domains a perfect fit for SEO, but the sites have very good information and are frequently updated.

Costa Rica is a beautiful country that is deeply rooted in the Pura Vida spirit (much like the Aloha spirit in Hawaii). Pura Vida translates to Pure Life, and that is exactly what you get when you visit Costa Rica: delicious food, friendly people, great waves and a beautiful landscape. I highly recommend it for your next vacation.

This weekend, our resident Surfing and Search Marketing Guru Ronnie was out giving surf lessons to the kids. He volunteered with a local group before heading out to beautiful Costa Rica for a surf trip.

It made me think of the time he first inspired me to get on a surfboard. Surfing by far has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. Ronnie’s willingness to share his vast knowledge has always amazed me, and he truly is a maven of his trade and his sport.

Having a good teacher changes how we look at life, and giving the gift of learning is definitely noble. The kids had a smashing time with their longboarder coach.

Here are some photos:

Ronnie shouting “PADDLE!”

Two of his students walking on water!

And one really old guy he inspired to hit the waves…

Thanks, Ronnie, for changing people’s lives through the joy of surfing and search marketing!

Warm aloha to our readers and our Hawaii neighbors.

This is Day 10 working on the North Shore of Oahu, and it’s been the easiest 10 working days of my life.  Not because I’ve been slacking off: I’ve been putting in long days, filled with the usual calls, research, meetings and project work. But everything changes when there is an ocean breeze blowing, waves crashing, and daily Hawaiian sunsets to be seen from the beach.  Being on Oahu is pure pleasure, as are the interactions with all the people we meet.  I think it’s safe to say that we will be spending a lot more time here in the future.

So now, more than ever, we are really looking forward to our Honolulu seminar on July 24.  We feel so welcome and at home here on the North Shore, we can’t wait to share some of our knowledge and marketing advice with the people around us.  Please keep in mind - we will not be selling our services AT ALL.  There has never been the hint of a sales pitch at any Evision educational event!  Plus, there is no charge for the seminar.  Consider it a hostess gift to the island!  We absolutely want to support Hawaii businesses in any way possible - and that includes anyone from big hotels to small surf schools.

Please contact us if you are able to join us on the 24th.  We’re meeting at the ‘Ilima Hotel at
445 Nohonani Street.  We’ll start at 1pm and present for about 90 minutes.  Then we’ll stay until all your questions are answered.  The format is casual and fun, and I know that participants will learn some very useful things about the internet and how it can help your business, even on a small budget.

Seats are limited, but we’ll move to a bigger space if needed.  Please invite anyone who may be interested - all are welcome.  Mahalo!