INC-centricity

OnGuard Online - Spyware

Link: OnGuard Online - Spyware.  I found an informative web site published by the Federal Trade Commission that provides good information about the impact of computer spyware.  The site contains interesting material on how to lower your risk of infection, how to find anti-spyware software, and how to file a formal complaint with the FTC regarding companies that produce spyware.

Does the Better Business Bureau actually provide value online?

I received a letter today from the Pam Morgan, President/CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Northern Nevada, an organization that my company has belonged to since 1989 - and has maintained an excellent track record, I might add.  This is the second letter I have received from them in the last couple of years on the same topic, and one that I believe demonstrates clearly that the BBB does not necessarily provide what it claims to provide its members: the right to promote the fact that they belong to the BBB.  The issue is regarding the limitations the BBB places on PAYING MEMBERS regarding links to the BBB website (which you would wrongly assume they would actually encourage) or use of BBB logos.

Web site provides instructions to get through automated phone systems

I stumbled upon an interesting website that provides quick shortcuts to bypass those maddening automated phone systems so you can speak to a real live human being.  The site lists banks, cell phone companies, credit card companies, insurance companies, and more. 
The typical instruction, using American Express (800-528-4800) for example,is "Hit zero, pound, three times over (ignore prompts that it's an invalid entry)".  My rough calculation is that these instructions will save me approximately 12 days of "on-hold" time per year.
Link: Find-A-Human

Las Vegas Business Press starts series on Nevada Resident Agents and Nevada Incorporation

The Las Vegas Business Press published the first of two articles about the Nevada incorporation and resident agent industry this week.  I am quoted extensively - although not entirely accurately - in the article as the result of my role as the president of the Nevada Resident Agent Association.

Generally, the article is positive - although it significantly overstates the problems within the industry. 

A few years ago, there was a bill before the Nevada legislature that proposed to regulate the resident agents in the State.  That bill was brought by the Nevada Bar Association as one of those "Attorney Full Employment Act" measures that the legal profession is deservedly known for.   During those hearings a couple of legislators asked a series of questions to help them understand the scope of the need for this new regulatory body.

Q:  (Addressed to the Secretary of State's office)  "How many complaints do you receive every year about resident agent activities?

A: "Very few.  Most of the complaints we receive come from resident agents complaining about other resident agents." 

Q:  (Addressed to the Bar Association):  "How many complaints does the Bar receive every year about attorneys?"

A:  "Thousands."

End of hearing.  Regulatory bill dead.

Dropload: Cool (and free) program for sharing large files

I just discovered dropload.com , which I think is a very slick way of transferring or sharing files, databases, presentations and whatever-else-you-left-at-the-office when you are traveling on the road.  To signup, all that is needed is your first & last name, email address and password.  Then, you can send, or "dropload" any file up to 100 mb to anyone else.   Your recipient receives an email notifiying them that a your files are ready for them to download, with easy instructions.  Like I said, very cool.  Your recipient can download files at their convenience, without tying up your bandwidth.  I especially like this because my email server chokes on any file over about 10 mb.

CEO Refresher

CEO Refresher is an interesting website loaded with articles on all aspects of managing and building a company.  There is also a free monthly email newsletter that will deliver all the latest content right to your inbox.  Recommended!

Derek