Chitika Review

Chitika Review

One of the biggest ad networks out there and a good alternative to Google Adsense. Like Google Adsense, Chitika serves ad contextually, but unlike Adsense, it serves ad based on the search queries. Chitika has an unique algorithm to identify what a user searches and accordingly change the ads served even though the content and ads might not be related to one another.

I/ Overview

So what does "Chitika" mean? When Chitika co-founders, Venkat Kolluri and Alden DoRosario left Lycos in 2003 to start their own company, they sought a name that would suggest the speed with which its customers would be able to put up ads on their Web sites. Chitika, which means "snap of the fingers" in Telugu (a South Indian language), captured this sentiment and Chitika Inc. was born. Chitika introduced its online advertising service in January, 2004.

To understand why Chitika is a good advertising network you need to understand the method with which it displays ads to visitors to your site. Chitika does not check the content of your web pages to display relevant ads, they scan the search queries that were used to enter the site. By just looking at, for example “Used car New York”, Chitika is able to display extremely relevant ads, sometimes even more than Google Adsense. By displaying relevant ads they are able to pay the publisher top CPC rates, because the ROI for the advertisers is very high (advantage of content-relevant ads). An example: Dating ads on a website about insurance will most likely result in absolutely no conversions. It's very simple to test how relevant your Chitika ads will be. Just go to any website that runs Chitika ads and append “#chitikatest=Used car New York” to the end of the URL, press enter and reload the website. You should then see advertisements about whatever you entered, in my case Used car New York.

When I first had a look on the default layout of Chitika's ads I was amazed. I previously made a post about psychological Adsense optimization where I talked about colors and all that. The layout is extremely important as it decides whether the user clicks on the ad or doesn't. Chitika offers all methods of optimizing your ads, changing the title color, text color, border color and URL color. That's of course what Google offers as well but there is one significant difference. Google's TOS disallows placing images next to your advertisements because they think that that could somehow encourage the user to click the ads. What's the big deal? That only means more money. The visitor sees the image and then automatically focuses the ad unit next to it resulting in more clicks. That's a clever trick which Chitika automatically implements. Check out the picture,  Chitika automatically displays relevant ads next to the pictures! Amazing, I was stunned when I saw that the first time. That of course means more revenue for you.



So, is Chitika good for you? Should you give it a try? If Google Adsense is for you, I do not see any reasons not to give Chitika a try. It has become immensely popular among webmasters and we have seen many top bloggers and websites serving Chitika Ads on their websites. Based on my experience with using Chitika – it pays lower for websites in technical or related niche when compared to Adsense. On the other hand, in general niche websites (like entertainment, music, shopping, review etc.), Chitika has better chances to perform well as it has more chances to serve relevant ads to users from the search.

II/ Ad Details & Rates

(Images taken from Chitika's Official Blog).

1. Chitika Premium

Chitika Premium displays ads to visitors that reach a page directly from a major search engine. They detect the search query used by the visitor and then return ads that best match that search query. Returning well-targeted, highly relevant ads should result in a higher Click-through rate. This is how the ads monetize the "second click". All Chitika Premium ads are Pay per click (PPC) and are promoted by Chitika as their best performing ad product for publishers based on effective Cost per impression (eCPM).

Chitika Premium ad units are 100% compatible with Google AdSense. According to Chitika the Chitika Premium ad units do not conflict with the Google Adsense terms of use because the ad units are not contextual and the ad units do not look like Google Adsense ads.

2. Chitika Local Ad Exchange

Chitika launched their Local Ad Exchange (LAX) in July, 2010 with the intent of bringing together search-targeting and local advertising. LAX offerings include a local interactive map populated with advertisements.

3. Chitika Mobile

Launched as part of the above-mentioned LAX product, Chitika Mobile is a feature that allows standard Chitika Premium ads to change dynamically into mobile-designed ads based on a user's user agent.

III/ Summary

Ad Types	CPM and CPC
Format	Banner, Inline, Mobile
Allow Adult Contents	No
Min Payout	$10 (Paypal), $50 (check)
Payment Frequency	NET-30
Payment Method	Paypal, Check
Country	US

IV/ Payment Proof

CPM.biz Review

Being one of the newest faces in the market right now, CPM.biz has proven to be a reliable and fairly well paying advertising network.

They are also the first network this blog will cover. Why? For a simple reason, they are new. Most other networks are already reviewed unto death (some literally, *cough* WidgetBucks *cough*), and I am too late to their parties; while with CPM.biz, I will be one of the first reviewer to write about them, which you probably know already, is a good way to start my business.

So... let's head over to CPM.biz before we make any judgment.

I/ Overview 

You will see that the site is professionally designed, which speaks well for them. The 420 fans who like their Facebook page is an indication of how new (and unsaturated) they are to the scene. Never fear though, give them a few months and this number will undoubtedly grow.

While you're here, you will probably want to register a new account. This process is surprisingly very simple, only some basic information is required like your name, address (I don't think you have to enter your real address if you choose to get paid via Paypal, but it's your call), and payment method (Paypal, Wire Transfer and Postal Remittance). After registering you will be given a new account and can start putting banner ad on your websites immediately. Neat, eh?



Now, login to your account, you will see a simple chart showing how well your campaign's doing during the last week. Of course, there are more advanced report options in the Report tab should you want to find out specifically _how_ well you are doing. Oh, and don't mind my measly earnings, give it a few month and it will certainly grow. ;)



You probably want to create your first ad units at this point, so let's head to the Ad Tags tab, the Publisher Banners section. Again, this part is fairly simple, there is not much customizable going on, you can just pick your ad type and apply it anywhere on your website. There are currently 3 types of ad: Dynamic (CPM and CPC mix), Fixed Rate (CPM ads) and CPC-only ads in format ranging from Leaderboard (728x90 and 468x60) t0 Square (300x250 and 250x250) to Skyscraper (160x600 and 120x600). Pick & mix as you wish to get the best result; but from what I gathered, Fixed Rate and CPC are the better paid of the 3.

II/ Ad Details & Rates

1. Banner ads

As had been said, CPM.biz provide you with 3 ad options: Fixed CPM (pure CPM ads), CPC-only ads and a mixture of the 2. CPC can range anywhere from $0.1 to $1 as per other ad networks. While CPM rate varies from country to country as shown in the table below:



(British, Spanish and Brazilian publishers should take note).

2. Referral

As a new ad network, CPM.biz is looking to draw in more publishers and advertisers. As such, they are offering a rather attractive referral program, giving you $5 for every new publisher who signs up and receives his first payment, as well as an amount equal 2% of his earnings forever after that. The advertiser referral program is even more lucrative, with them offering you up to 10% the value of the campaign, effectively making you their sale guy, should you choose to.

Latest Technology 4G

A few years ago, none could have imagined that the developers are able to provide some incredible technologies, such as 4G. Mainly used in telecommunications, this technology represents the fourth generation of wireless network standards. It is fundamental to know that this technology relates to a series of applications, which are suitable for different mobile devices, such as phones and computer wireless modems. Its always wise to get mobile phone insurance as this technology brings along a series of facilities, including multimedia, gaming services, IP 4gtelephony, internet access and many others.
A Little Bit of History: 4 G Background Information

The development process of this technology highlights a series of interesting facts which might stir up the curiosity of numerous individuals. Thus, the very first technology, which has started the entire process that lead us to the 4G capability, is known as 1G networking generation application. Developed in 1981, this technology included a series of analog services. The second step in the evolution of the fourth telecommunication technology highlights the 2G networking transmission capability. This capability, which was developed in 1992, introduced users to the new digital era.



In 2001, the developers launched the new 3G technologies, which allowed users to enjoy the very first multi-media experiences. Obviously, after the 3G technologies were launched, the mankind was already expecting the fourth generation of telecommunication capabilities. And finally, the long-awaited 4G technology has come. However, it has not come alone but together with some great features, such as multi-carrier transmissions, mobile ultra-broadband access, and packet-switched networks.
4G: The Way It Affects Cell Phones

This technology is very important for supporting different functions and features that most modern cell phones deliver. Thus, the fourth generation telecommunication technology allows us to have some truly cool devices, which help anyone to complete different mobile tasks. Furthermore, thanks to this new technology, there are no limits, cords or wires. Thus, none can deny the fact that the latest generation technology has a positive influence on the cell phones’ development.

As you are able to observe, this technology seems to pair the mobile devices incredibly well. Moreover, all the previous telecommunication technologies have influenced in a truly positive way the development of the mobile world, helping different developers to create some truly incredible applications, which are about to change our lives for good.
2G, 3G and 4G: What Are the Differences?

Although these three technologies are similar with regard to particular specifications, they still highlight a series of differences. The most significant ones relate to their data transfer rates and signal quality. The fourth generation wireless technology is much stronger and faster than its predecessors are.

Another important aspect is the fact that the 2G and 3G technologies are well defined, providing some regulate systems. The 4G technology is not regulated, which actually means that the authorities that govern and moderate the wireless technologies have not set any specific rules with regard to this new technology.

Additionally, there are a few misconceptions which relate to the use of the latest communication technology. The very first one relates to the idea that many people believe that they benefit from the latest technology. In fact, they are connected to an enhanced version of the 3G technology. Therefore, you should be aware of the fact that the fourth network technology is still new, which means that it has not been established in too many places. In case that you are using the 3G generation network, you should contact a local company which provides the fourth generation networks. This way, you can check the conditions which allow you to benefit from this ultimate form of network connection.

As you already know, the aforementioned technologies differ in terms of data transfer rates and signal quality. While the second generation networks can only cover the minimum requirements for download and upload, the third generation provides upload rates of 5.8 Mbps and download rates of 14Mbps. Even greater, the 4G technology offers connection speeds that highlight values of 100 Mbps for both, uploads and downloads.

Additionally, any potential user should know that these networks also differ when it comes down to their features. Thus, these networks require special antenna systems which can help them to operate the way they should. For example, the 3G network requires “spatial multiplexing” antenna systems. The forth generation uses the WiMax systems, which help users to send and receive different data across extended regions. The latest technology presents a great development when compared to any previous network alternatives especially with regard to accessibility and signal strength.

As you are able to see, there are only a few differences between the previous network technologies and the latest option. However, even though we can observe only a few differences, these are quite important. But even more essential is the fact that the developers are continuously improving the fourth generation networks, which take us farther away from the 2G and 3G technologies.
Top Reasons to Get Connected to the 4G Technology

In case that you do not really comprehend why you should opt for the latest connectivity option, there are a few essential aspects that you must take into consideration. The most important reason to connect to this great technology is the fact that it represents one of the cutting edge technologies that can enhance the functions of our systems like 3D TV . As you might already know, it is always better to become a part of these great processes than to stay outside, looking at them.

Another important reason that you should take into account is the fact that this technology ensures some truly great speeds and an incredible mobility. It is true that you can expect for other developments, but there is so point in waiting for some technologies, which might never be launched. Until a better connectivity option will be launched, the fourth generation is the only alternative which can literally deliver the best possible and enjoyable connectivity technology.

As you are able to see, there are a few important reasons why you should consider connecting to the latest mobile connectivity technology. Thus, if you intend to get the ultimate connectivity experience, which delivers the most suitable support for unlimited ambitions of different developers, you should definitely go for the 4G technology.

LED TV Technology

The very first thing that you should know about the LED TV is the fact that it tends to become a common appliance. And this is because most people who do not have such a device seriously consider purchasing a LED television. In case that you also intend to buy this type of television, you should know that it is a flat-screen TV, which transmits the images with the help of light emitting diodes, also known as LEDs. Due to the high performance markers that relate to these diodes, the current technologies are much better than those of the old TVs. Thus, those people who choose the LED technologies are going to enjoy a high picture quality, which comes with nice colors, and crisp and clear images.


The LED TV Technology and Its Actual Prospects



A TV that operates with the help of the LED technology is actually built in a specific way which determines vast ranges of contrasts, from the absolute black to the absolute pure white. This thing guarantees a magnificent color range, which looks incredibly natural and vibrant. Furthermore, unlike some other TV types, this TV technology does not use mercury for protecting the processes which are taking place inside the TV unit. The LED TV uses a series of components, from which the most important one is arsenic. As arsenic is a dangerous element, the most important issue that relates to the use of this technology highlights the disposing of the LED TVs.


The Future of the LED TV Technology



The LED TVs that come along with screens of 75 inches represent the future of the LED technology. Furthermore, the producers of these TVs have succeeded to create even larger screens and some with 3D TV. These developments are very important especially because they give individuals the feeling that they can really “taste” the action which is presented on the big screens. Thus, no matter whether we refer to sporting events, concerts or historical occasions, the LED TVs allow people to enjoy every single moment as if they are there.



One of the most important countries which take part in developing the LED technology is South Korea. For the moment, this country is the biggest producer for flat screen LED televisions. Obviously, as the LED TV popularity is continuously increasing, the demand for this technology shows an incredible uptrend. And even though the costs of this technology are high especially for the end user, the predictions with regard to this technology guarantee the fact that almost anyone is going to afford these types of TVs quite soon.



Furthermore, the producers are continuously searching for different ways which might allow them to combine this technology with some other prospects. This thing is meant to deliver some truly affordable products, which can satisfy most consumers with regard to the price and quality of the LED TVs. What is cloud computing  the specialists also predict that the LED TVs are going to replace the computer and CTR screens as soon as the broadcasting companies will turn to digital broadcasting for good. Yes, it is true that numerous companies have already adopted this technology but there are many others that operate based on previous transmission methods. Therefore, the big shift would be possible only after all the broadcasting companies adopt the new technologies.


Why Should You Buy a LED TV Now?



This is a very important question that you should consider. The main answer which might convince you to purchase such a TV relates to the fact that this technology represents the future of television. Moreover, the new LED devices are very thin, ensuring the ultimate flexibility in placing them anywhere inside your home. Another important thing that you must know is that fact that the LED TV can be individually powered and customized in order to deliver the picture quality that has never been thought possible.



However, prior to choosing a specific type of TV, you should know that the LED technology comes into two different options:



    * the white edge LED televisions, which can be set around a specific screen and use diffusion panels for spreading the light
    * the dynamic RGB televisions that are positioned behind the panel itself



In order to understand the differences between these two options, you should know that the edge LED technology allows the LED TVs to be thinner than those that come along with the RGB dynamic technology. The RGB LED technology backlights TVs, allowing local dimming. This thing actually means that you are able to observe a much better dynamic contrast that on the edge Led TVs.


How to Buy a LED TV



Nowadays, you can find numerous producers and brands that offer customers their wonderful products. It is important to know that all these producers provide numerous LED TVs which come along with different advantages and disadvantages. In some cases, you can find numerous cheap LED TVs which might seem to deliver the best alternatives for you. However, you should check all the features and functions of these TVs prior to purchasing any of them. Only this way, you can be sure of the fact that a particular TV is the one that you are searching for.



This thing is important as although we are talking about the same LED technology, you can find numerous subcategories of TVs that come embedded with different associated technologies and functions. Thus, some of these technologies are not as advanced and powerful as the functions of other TVs. In order to comprehend different things that can influence the quality of your reception, the following lines highlight a few essential aspects that you should take into account prior to purchasing a specific type of TV.



The standard LED TVs provide a truly dynamic contrast. Additionally, the edge LED technology delivers some very thin devices, which can be of only 3 centimeters thick. The edge LED technology also ensures less power consumption than the devices that come along with common technologies. And the last point relates to the fact that the disposal of the edge LED technology highlights a lower environmental impact when compared to the one that is implied by the disposal of the regular LED TVs. By considering all these aspect, you are able to get the best possible LED TV, which can definitely meet any of your demands.

What is LCD?

LCD (liquid crystal display) is the technology used for displays in notebook and other smaller computers. Like light-emitting diode (LED) and gas-plasma technologies, LCDs allow displays to be much thinner than cathode ray tube (CRT) technology. LCDs consume much less power than LED and gas-display displays because they work on the principle of blocking light rather than emitting it.

An LCD is made with  either a passive matrix or an active matrix display display grid. The active matrix LCD is also known as a thin film transistor (TFT) display. The passive matrix LCD has a grid of conductors with pixels located at each intersection in the grid. A current is sent across two conductors on the grid to control the light for any pixel. An active matrix has a transistor located at each pixel intersection, requiring less current to control the luminance of a pixel. For this reason, the current in an active matrix display can be switched on and off more frequently, improving the screen refresh time (your mouse will appear to move more smoothly across the screen, for example).

Some passive matrix LCD's have dual scanning, meaning that they scan the grid twice with current in the same time that it took for one scan in the original technology. However, active matrix is still a superior technology.

Types of Operating System

An operating system or OS, is a software program that enables the computer hardware to communicate and operate with the computer software. Without a computer operating system, a computer and software programs would be useless. In the picture to the right, is an example of Microsoft Windows XP, a popular operating system and what the box may look like if you were to visit a local retail store to purchase it.

Examples of computer operating systems

Microsoft Windows 7 - PC and IBM compatible operating system. Microsoft Windows is the most commonly found and used operating system.
Apple MacOS - Apple computer operating system. The only Apple computer operating system.
Ubuntu Linux - A popular variant of Linux used with PC and IBM compatible computers.
Google Android - operating system used with Android compatible phones.
iOS - Operating system used with the Apple iPhone.

History of Electricity

The family history of Thomas Alva Edison goes way back. The first American Edisons appear to have come from Holland about 1730 and settled on the Passaic River in New Jersey.

Edison's grandfather, John Edison was a Loyalist during the American Revolution, who fled to Nova Scotia, Canada and later moved to Ontario. Edison's father, Samuel Edison, thought he saw a moral in his father's exile. Samuel wanted to make no such error. So, when the War of 1837 broke out, thirty-three year old Samuel Edison, sided with the anti-British insurgents. However, this was losing side as well and Samuel Edison was obliged to flee to the United States, just as his father had fled to Canada. He finally settled at Milan, Ohio, and there, in 1847, in a little brick house, Thomas Alva Edison was born.

Early Life of Thomas Edison
When Thomas Edison was seven his family moved to Port Huron, Michigan. The fact that he attended school only three months was not due to poverty. His mother home-schooled Thomas after his schoolmaster reported that he was "addled-brain".

Thomas Edison had a laboratory in his cellar and was an avid experimenter. He needed money for chemicals and that led to his first job and business ventures.

"By a great amount of persistence," Thomas Edison wrote, "I got permission to go on the local train as newsboy. The local train from Port Huron to Detroit, a distance of sixty-three miles, left at 7 A.M. and arrived again at 9.30 P.M. After being on the train for several months I started two stores in Port Huron, one for periodicals, and the other for vegetables, butter, and berries in the season. They were attended by two boys who shared in the profits."

Thomas Edison bought produce from the farmers' wives along the line which he sold at a profit. He had several newsboys working for him on other trains; he spent hours in the Public Library in Detroit; he fitted up a laboratory in an unused compartment of one of the coaches, and then bought a small printing press which he installed in the car and began to issue a newspaper which he printed on the train. All before he was fifteen years old.

Thomas Edison's career as a traveling newsboy came to a sudden end. He was at work in his moving laboratory when a lurch of the train jarred a stick of burning phosphorus to the floor and set the car on fire. The irate conductor ejected him at the next station, giving him a violent box on the ear, which permanently injured his hearing, and dumped his chemicals and printing apparatus on the platform.

Thomas Edison and Telegraphy
After losing his job, Thomas Edison soon began to dabble in the mechanics of telegraphy. An interest he wrote began, "from visiting telegraph offices with a chum who had tastes similar to mine."

Edison and his friend strung a line between their houses and learned the rudiments of writing messages by telegraph wire. Then a station master on the railroad, whose child Edison had saved from danger, took Edison under his wing and taught him telegraphy.

At sixteen Edison began a period of five years of being a travelling telegrapher. Toledo, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Memphis, Louisville, Detroit, were some of the cities in which he worked, studied, experimented, and played practical jokes on his associates. He was eager to learn something of the principles of electricity but found few from whom he could learn.

Edison arrived in Boston in 1868, practically penniless, and applied for a position as night operator. "The manager asked me when I was ready to go to work. 'Now,' I replied." In Boston he found men who knew something of electricity, and, as he worked at night and cut short his sleeping hours, he found time for study. He bought and studied Faraday's works. Presently came the first of his multitudinous inventions, an automatic vote recorder, for which he received a patent in 1868. This necessitated a trip to Washington, which he made on borrowed money, but he was unable to arouse any interest in the device. "After the vote recorder," he says, "I invented a stock ticker, and started a ticker service in Boston; had thirty or forty subscribers and operated from a room over the Gold Exchange." This machine Edison attempted to sell in New York, but he returned to Boston without having succeeded. He then invented a duplex telegraph by which two messages might be sent simultaneously, but at a test the machine failed because of the stupidity of the assistant.

Penniless and in debt, Thomas Edison arrived again in New York in 1869. But now fortune favored him. The Gold Indicator Company was a concern furnishing to its subscribers by telegraph the Stock Exchange prices of gold. The company's instrument was out of order. By a lucky chance Edison was on the spot to repair it, which he did successfully, and this led to his appointment as superintendent at a salary of three hundred dollars a month. When a change in the ownership of the company threw him out of the position he formed, with Franklin L. Pope, the partnership of Pope, Edison, and Company, the first firm of electrical engineers in the United States.