San Diego, CA– June 7, 2007 — In a world of continuous information bombardment it’s easy to get totally lost in a quagmire of words and images that amount to nothing more than streaming gibberish. With the widespread and growing proliferation of “news” outlets, it is extremely important that readers select the sources that give them open and unbiased coverage of the topics and issues of interest and concern to the reader.
Blogs fall in the category of streaming information focused on the individual’s opinions. In many instances, the blogger uses clips and links to build their case. This works well as long as the reader agrees with the blogger and isn’t interested or willing to consider other ideas. Based on the 11 years of publishing broadbased information outlets — HomeToys Home Technology and EarthToys Alternative Energy — we have seen that people thrive on multiple opinions and experiences. Reader feedback has shown they are interested in gaining a well-rounded understanding of the topic and not just the opinion of one individual…even that of our editor-in-chief!
The company’s first venture, HomeToys.com, was a Home Technology eMagazine that has been online almost since the beginning of Internet Time as we know it. Every 2 months the editor asks readers to submit articles about their area of expertise and the depth/breadth of response and inputs have grown steadily over time. The prime submission criteria are that the articles must relate to Home Technology and provide educational merit and assistance/guidance to the increasingly savvy home technology user market. The rich content is published in the bimonthly eMagazine which is available to subscribers around the globe. Delivered in the same general format as a print magazine, HomeToys.com has a clear, concise index that delivers news and information summaries as well as a cover page and articles/ads intermingled to deliver sound educational and useable information the reader can use immediately or in the future to improve, expand and enhance his or her home technology enjoyment.
“Its always amazing to me how things come together with a common theme with absolutely no target application demands or strict guidelines on our part,” said editor Bob Hetherington. “The industry really does report on itself and without any influence from opinionated individuals. The topics of the day reveal themselves for our readers without any ulterior motive. The news, information, application and how-to articles don’t simply hype a specific process or product over another as some veiled ad but provide useful information and insights for novice and technically experienced readers.”
The articles come from a wide range of sources including bloggers, scientists, technicians, hobbyists, web publishers, manufacturers, marketers, reviewers etc. Topics range from opinions and analysis to product reviews and technology details and design.
Some examples this month include: a review of the Fatman iTube (a tube amplifier for iPods), a discussion of 3D displays, what is the Next Major Trend In Home Systems?, Game Consoles Aren’t Just For Kids and Demystifying the World of HDTV. The articles are always topics of the day.
Every article in its entirety is indexed and placed in the library thus creating a permanent historical record. There are thousands available by searching for key words, authors, companies or you can just go back and read every issue since inception in October of 1996.
In September of 2002 this concept was expanded with the introduction of EarthToys.com … an Alternative Energy eMagazine. The same principles are encouraged and the response has been outstanding. This month alone, the issue has articles covering such topics as Solar Projects, Comparisons and Investment Ideas, A furnace that makes electricity using fuel cell technology, the Hydrogen Economy, China’s Solar Energy Industry, and the future of Water Recycling. Even the possible use of Algae to make oil for fuel was explored.
In addition to the eMagazines, both websites offer a wide range of free resources for readers and researchers including news headlines, link libraries, software libraries, product showcases, event calendars and much more.
So, the choice goes to the reader.
blog = one individual’s opinion on many topics
eMagazine = many individual’s opinions on one topic
The current issue of the eMagazines can be found at:
HomeToys Home Technology — www.hometoys.com/htinews.htm
EarthToys Alternative Energy — www.earthtoys.com/emagazine.php
Contact:
Bob Hetherington, Editor
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