This month we launch another major update to the Lijit website. We are rolling out a new design that focuses on what you want: more engaging, useful content based around your search results and ad revenue. At Lijit we want our data to be as accessible and useful as possible, and with the continuing improvements to our website that is a major focus.
Changes this round include a new navigation style for the header and footer, home page and profile, along with a new color scheme and styles throughout the site; all of which fall in line with new features we are working on. In the new design we wanted to highlight the search and data services we provide you by using a design that will compliment the presentation of your personalized data.
Lijit users will notice that your profile page has been cleaned up and organized to section your profile and search data better. We want to make Lijit an unforgettable experience, from our stats email to how we present your unique stats, making you come back often to view your data.
Over the next few months we have many more improvements planned to make your entire “Lijit experience” easier and more useful. You can look forward to an improved company & support section along with a completely revised way of how you view your stats. As a Lijit user or even a guest, we value your opinion, so leave a comment on your thoughts about the new design. Whether you like it or not, we listen.
If you’re unsure about how to interpret some of our stats, I’m breaking it down for you over there. Check it out and if you have questions, be sure to leave a comment on Barb’s blog!
Although his title above is self-appointed, there are many signs that point to it being true. For instance the header on John’s blog states that the stunts he performs on a closed course should not be attempted by the home viewer. I think this has something to do with MySQL, but I could be wrong. In addition, he also claims to be the first person on earth to connect a Tcl/Tk application running on a Mac to a PostgreSQL database running on an mklinux server.
Yep. He really is that awesome.
But just in case, you need further proof, check out what John has to say when asked some hard-hitting questions.
What is your Lijit contribution?
I’m on the team that is developing the coolest business intelligence system on the planet. Right now I’m building the processes that will load the data. When it is done, Lijit will rule the universe. No really, it will.
What is your least favorite sound and why?
Gasoline engines. They just don’t have the calming rumble of a diesel. Crying is a close second.
What turns you on emotionally, spiritually or creatively and why?
Hiking in Colorado, especially near streams does it for me. Instrumental music really helps me in the creative category.
What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt and why?
I’d like to be a professional fishing and hunting guide. Then I would know where all the secret spots are and have a great excuse to go more often.
Something you’re guilty of…
Nothing - I was acquitted, thank you. I will admit that I have no problem stealing candy from my kids’ Halloween stash, or desks of co-workers.
Now that we know that none of the candy in the office is safe, John suddenly seems much more dangerous. Or perhaps that’s just how all top-notch database architects talk?
Either way, welcome aboard John. We’re glad to have you joining us in the mission of total domination. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Our first release of 2010 is an exciting one. And we’re not just saying that because we worked extra hard on it. However, there’s nothing like a new look and new features to really kick off a new year. Check it out.
Web:
Our homepage is getting a little bit of a facelift. We want to be sure that when people come to our site, they know what we do. Crazy, I know. With this release, we’ll be doing a more effective job of explaining our value to both blog publishers and advertisers. In fact, with a simple click, you can find out why using Lijit can help both you and your blog readers.
This release also brings an enhancement to how you can build out your network within Lijit. When creating your network, you can now add the blogs of your Twitter friends and make those searchable. To see this feature in action, simply log into your Lijit account and click on ‘Network’ at the top. You’ll see a shiny, new Twitter tab. For now, this feature is an all-or-nothing add, which means that you can either add all the sites of your friends on Twitter or none.
Ads:
There is a new zone size available to the publishers using our Ad Services. This new zone size is an IAB standard 728×90 leaderboard. If you’re interested in running this size ad on your blog, simply log into your Lijit account and click on the ‘Ad Wijit’ tab to change existing zones.
Search Results:
In case thumbnail images weren’t enough bling in your search results, we’re now doing more with video thumbnails. We previously supported YouTube and Vimeo thumbnails on your Content tab, but as of today, Viddler has been added into the mix as well. And as before, you can play those videos from within your search results.
This means that if you do a search for ‘cage’ on our CEO’s blog, you’ll now see a Viddler video listed in the search results.
AND? Even cooler is that we are slowly rolling out the ability to see video thumbnails from your blog posts. If you embed videos from Youtube, Viddler, or Vimeo in your blog posts, we’ll show thumbnails for those videos in your blog search results.
Told you this was an awesome release. If you have any questions or feedback about the new stuff, feel free to leave a comment. We love hearing from our users!
Mix in even more employees, add bigger pint glasses and sprinkle some humor at the management’s expense. Judging from the looks of everyone in the office today…you could safely say the party was a success.
And many thanks to Greg Keller for the amazing pictures to prove it.
Following are a few highlights from last night’s Annual Lijit Holiday Party…
The roof was raised.
As were the pints.
With speeches made,
jokes told,
and the band back together,
the crowd couldn’t help but have a good time.
Some folks were hanging ten,
some finance guys (almost) got licked,
and some new guys were hazed…in the most innocent sense of the word.
(It’s not like we spanked him or made him drink all of that beer.)
And of course, smiles aplenty…
Here’s hoping your company’s holiday celebrations are this much fun!
(Did we mention the cops showed up? Because that’s always the sign of a good party!)
Our VP of Market Development, Perry Quinn, was interviewed at Blog World by Geekazine about the value of Lijit’s service to both blog publishers and blog readers. Enjoy.
And many thanks to Geekazine for posting the video and using Lijit to power the search on your site!
Whatever you do today, make sure you take a moment to think of all those who have put their lives in danger to protect our freedoms. All across the Lijit network, publishers were making their voices heard in posts commemorating Veteran’s Day. Here are just a few that I found…
Bargain Briana has a post up today with a list of national businesses that are showing their appreciation to all veterans by running special deals or offering free giveaways.
Like many people, the authors of Silicon Valley Moms Blog had family members that served in the military. Their Veteran’s Day post includes memories of those family members and a touching tribute to all those who have fought for our country.
Our favorite tax blog, Don’t Mess with Taxes, shares a helpful list of military tax tips featuring valuable information about special tax considerations for those currently serving in the armed forces.
The Moderate Voice, a hub for moderates, centrists and independents posted a very special cartoon in honor of our veterans today.
Finally, for something a little different, Screen Rant names the movies that Veterans love…as reported by the veterans themselves.
From all of us here at Lijit and our over 11,000 publishers, we’d like to thank all the veterans. We wouldn’t be where we are without you.
Last night, our CEO, Todd Vernon, and COO, Walter Knapp, were interviewed by Bloggers School on Blog Talk Radio. They discussed the history of Lijit, the business model behind our company and how our search adds value to both the publisher and the blog reader. The majority of the interview centered around questions about Lijit’s premium Ad Network and how we’re making it even easier for bloggers to make money on their blogs. Give it a listen if you want to hear more from the top dogs themselves.
