Love may be too strong a word. Tolerate, especially when it comes to finding those last rare bits of files that take hours or longer to locate, describes it better.

Closing off some of BitTorrent’s inner workings made The Pirate Bay fear that the open protocol has become too closed, and too subject to one firm’s control. They want to develop a new protocol that does away with problems that exist today, TorrentFreak said:

Another reason for a new and improved protocol is the massive number of spammers and anti-piracy organizations that abuse the BitTorrent protocol, either to make money or to bust people who download infringing material. The new protocol will be designed with these potential problems in mind.

We have a suggestion for the protocol developers. The rare bit problem stinks, more than spammers, more than people who upload fake files. As horrifying as the P2P crowd will find the suggestion, Microsoft has reportedly figured out a way around this problem with their Avalanche project:

Avalanche’s improvement begins at the server where the file is first placed. Pieces of the file get encoded with an algorithm. The effect of that encoding allows each piece to know about the other pieces. Once a user collects enough encoded pieces, the file can be recreated.

No more rare bits frustrating file sharing. That would be a real improvement over BitTorrent.

41-year-old Michael Grubb left for “personal reasons,” according to an SEC form provided by Greg Sterling.  If Grubb was a skinny Hollywood socialite, that would probably signal an addiction or breakdown of one sort or another.  But Grubb’s got a lot of skills and knowledge, and it’s much more likely that he’s gone off to work for another company or start his own.

Care to see some evidence?  A second LookSmart/SEC document, also provided by Sterling, states, “Michael Grubb has served as our Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer since April 2005 and as our Vice President, Technical Operations since September 2002.”

It then continues, “Prior to that time, Mr. Grubb served in various positions at Akamai Technologies, a web content delivery service company, most recently as Vice President, Operations and Chief Systems Architect, from March 1999 to September 2002.  Mr. Grubb holds an A.B. in Philosophy from Duke University and a J.D. from the University of North Carolina.”

Obviously, the document’s a little outdated – LookSmart didn’t seem to know that Grubb was leaving at the time of the write-up – but you get the idea.

This development won’t make the job of Ted West, LookSmart’s interim president and CEO, any easier.  As a lowly tech writer, I can’t offer much advice, but I would warn him to look out for further signs of an avalanche.

A ZDNet report about a technology called “People Near Me” in Vista will enable P2P connections between laptops in close proximity.

Microsoft has already built one program, Windows MeetingSpace, that utilizes the P2P technology to permit the sharing of files between those machines. Last August, beta testers of Vista noticed that a P2P application was in place and running by default.

At that time, Microsoft said the application had been turned on for testing purposes and would be turned off by default in the final version of Vista. The article noted that the MeetingSpace application had been known as Windows Collaboration.

Last July, a few details on Avalanche became known to the public. In that model, Avalanche overcomes BitTorrent’s problem of finding the rarest bit of a file by using network coding instead.

Network coding receives more detail in Microsoft’s research report on Avalanche:

In that research note, Microsoft specifically noted how Avalanche includes “strong security to ensure content providers are uniquely identifiable, and to prevent unauthorized parties from offering content for download. The project also ensures content downloaded to each client machine is exactly the same as the content shared by the content provider.”

While the initial debut of MeetingSpace will be limited to those laptops with close proximity to other MeetingSpace users, plans by Microsoft to forge content deals with Hollywood studios could use this as a stepping stone toward those negotiations. Especially if Avalanche is part of the package.

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David Utter is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business.

Nothing to worry about, a News.com report notes in its report of an undisclosed feature in the Beta 1 release of Windows Vista. A P2P application, turned on by default for beta testing, was the culprit behind suspicious traffic hitting those test workstations.

A Microsoft spokesperson said in the article the feature will not be turned on by default when the final version ships sometime next year. The application detects a network connection and tries to contact other Vista machines.

Not much information was given out about the P2P networking feature. Microsoft has been testing a file-sharing application codenamed Avalanche in England. Could this be Avalanche, or something derived from that research?

The article also quotes George Bakos, a security expert at the Institute for Security Technology Studies at Dartmouth College who is associated with SANS, as saying the “peer to peer service tags the PC with a new identifier.” The Avalanche site says of its technology that it “includes strong security to ensure content providers are uniquely identifiable.”

Coincidence?

David Utter is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business. Email him here.

Vaporware. Complete garbage. Mr. Cohen doesn’t hide his feelings when discussing a recent research paper from Microsoft touting the virtues of its experimental file sharing system called Avalanche.

Microsoft’s UK researchers at Cambridge have been working on an approach similar to Mr. Cohen’s BitTorrent technology. The two systems both use a swarming technique, where users who request a file simultaneously make that file available to other requestors.

BitTorrent speeds up the process of finding and downloading large files, like those of movies and software programs. Avalanche does the same thing. The Avalanche testers claim to have distributed a 4GB file to their testers in under a day.

But Mr. Cohen finds fault with the simulations Microsoft has performed. “Particularly worrisome for their proposed scheme is disk access,” he said in his blog.

“If the size of the file being transferred is greater than the size of memory, their entire system could easily get bogged down doing disk seeks and reads, since it needs to do constant recombinations of the entire file to build the pieces to be sent over the wire.”

One problem Microsoft has tried to address is the completion of a download. In file-sharing, the swarming technique that brings bits of a file to a system. The last, or rarest, bits, can be hard to find. Users may have to wait hours for their systems to retrieve that last piece.

Microsoft says it avoids that problem by coding all the pieces so that each piece is a linear combination of all the pieces. Download enough pieces of a file, and Avalanche can recreate the original file based on the information in those pieces.

David Utter is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business. Email him here.

"Hi, it looks like you’re downloading a pirated copy of the movie Bubba Ho-tep. Can I help?"

Ok, so the legendary Microsoft Office assistant Clippy isn’t really going to walk users through the process of becoming litigation targets for the MPAA. But developers in the UK have been working on Microsoft’s version of the fast file sharing system known as BitTorrent.

Those R&D people say they can make it easier to share large data files, such as movies, television programs, and software packages like the forthcoming Longhorn operating system.

The Avalanche technology will be similar in function to BitTorrent. With that system, users who download a file from a system simultaneously make that file available to others who want the same file. The distributed method prevents massive bandwidth demands on a single server containing a desired file. Numerous cooperative clients spread that demand out over several systems.

Where Microsoft says they can improve the process is in the end-stages of a download. Those final pieces, the rare bits as Microsoft calls them, create demand problems even on a distributed system like BitTorrent if only a few clients have them and some of them become unavailable.

Avalanche’s improvement begins at the server where the file is first placed. Pieces of the file get encoded with an algorithm. The effect of that encoding allows each piece to know about the other pieces.

Once a user collects enough encoded pieces, the file can be recreated. Avalanche does not depend on central servers to track the download, as BitTorrent does.

In beta testing, Avalanche distributed a 4GB file in a day to several thousand of its software beta testers, according to InfoWorld.

And owners of copyright material don’t need to worry about illegal file sharing. Avalanche will only share content that has been signed by its publisher.

David Utter is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business. Email him here.

Of course, if you’ve spent anytime studying headline creation, you know that the headline can make or break your sales letter. And the fact is, if you can’t push your readers past the headline –infusing them with excitement and a commitment to get in and devour the rest of your sales letter — then you aren’t going to see an ounce of profits for your efforts.

So how can you propel readers into your sales copy? Is there really a way that nearly anyone can create a winning headline that not only strikes interest in your readers, but has them hanging on your next word?

I’m here to tell you there is a way. And it’s much simpler than you might think.

First, of course, you want to write a headline that makes a promise and sums up your offers strongest benefit. An example would be writing the following

“How A Complete Failure In Business Started A Million Dollar Internet Business With $57, And What You Need To Know To Imitate His Success.”

It’s a simple headline. But it gets across the point that anyone can do this on a shoestring budget.

But will people read it? And more importantly, is there enough juice behind this headline to build suspense and have the readers eager to read the rest of the sales letter to find out how the person mentioned in the headline is doing it?

Perhaps. Only testing the headline would tell us for sure. But, by using the simple “Strange Avalanche Iceman Headline Technique”, we can take that same headline and set it on fire.

Here’s how it works

People are moved by words. And certain phrases and words create strong mental pictures in our minds. Just look at the name of this headline technique and see what I mean:

It’s designed to peak your interest. After reading the name of this technique, you might wonder what’s so strange about it? Why is it called the “Strange Avalanche Iceman Headline Technique”? And what the heck does cold stuff have to do with creating headlines?

Questions like this create a need for answers. And if you can raise questions in your headlines that propel people to look for answers, then you’re going to get them into the body of your copy.

So, let’s take the headline I wrote earlier. And let’s add a little punch to the headline so it creates some curiosity.

“How A Complete Failure In Business Started A Million Dollar Internet Business On $57 Using This Super Strange Technique He Learned From A Cereal Box, And How You Can Use Exactly What He Does To Make YOUR Millions Too”.

Does that create interest for you? If so, why?

Chances are good most would read this headline and wonder what’s so strange and how someone could start a business with a technique on a cereal box, which nearly everyone gets their breakfast out of, and most of us read while we eat.

And that’s the power behind it. People want to read on to discover the whole story. They feel an irresistible urge to get to the bottom of it fueled by hundreds of thoughts that they need immediate answers too.

Does it work? Like a charm. But the best way to see it is to actually put it into action for yourself and gage the results against your existing headlines. Believe me, the 10 minutes you’ll spend creating intriguing headlines will be well worth the investment.

FREE: Sales Letter Critique by Grady Smith where he details how
you can instantly increase the response of your sales letter
using deadly effective mind techniques. Limited offer — visit
his website right now for your FREE revealing critique:

http://www.cheap-copy.com

Of course, if you’ve spent anytime studying headline creation, you know that the headline can make or break your sales letter. And the fact is, if you can’t push your readers past the headline –infusing them with excitement and a commitment to get in and devour the rest of your sales letter — then you aren’t going to see an ounce of profits for your efforts.

So how can you propel readers into your sales copy? Is there really a way that nearly anyone can create a winning headline that not only strikes interest in your readers, but has them hanging on your next word?

I’m here to tell you there is a way. And it’s much simpler than you might think.

First, of course, you want to write a headline that makes a promise and sums up your offers strongest benefit. An example would be writing the following

“How A Complete Failure In Business Started A Million Dollar Internet Business With $57, And What You Need To Know To Imitate His Success.”

It’s a simple headline. But it gets across the point that anyone can do this on a shoestring budget.

But will people read it? And more importantly, is there enough juice behind this headline to build suspense and have the readers eager to read the rest of the sales letter to find out how the person mentioned in the headline is doing it?

Perhaps. Only testing the headline would tell us for sure. But, by using the simple “Strange Avalanche Headline Technique”, we can take that same headline and set it on fire.

Here’s how it works

People are moved by words. And certain phrases and words create strong mental pictures in our minds. Just look at the name of this headline technique and see what I mean:

It’s designed to peak your interest. After reading the name of this technique, you might wonder what’s so strange about it? Why is it called the “Strange Avalanche Headline Technique”? And what the heck does cold stuff have to do with creating headlines?

Questions like this create a need for answers. And if you can raise questions in your headlines that propel people to look for answers, then you’re going to get them into the body of your copy.

So, let’s take the headline I wrote earlier. And let’s add a little punch to the headline so it creates some curiosity.

“How A Complete Failure In Business Started A Million Dollar Internet Business On $57 Using This Super Strange Technique He Learned From A Cereal Box, And How You Can Use Exactly What He Does To Your Own Successful Business”.

Does that create interest for you? If so, why?

Chances are good most would read this headline and wonder what’s so strange and how someone could start a business with a technique on a cereal box, which nearly everyone gets their breakfast out of, and most of us read while we eat.

And that’s the power behind it. People want to read on to discover the whole story. They feel an irresistible urge to get to the bottom of it fueled by hundreds of thoughts that they need immediate answers too.

Does it work? Like a charm. But the best way to see it is to actually put it into action for yourself and gage the results against your existing headlines. Believe me, the 10 minutes you’ll spend creating intriguing headlines will be well worth the investment.

FREE: Sales Letter Critique by Grady Smith where he details how
you can instantly increase the response of your sales letter
using deadly effective mind techniques. Limited offer — visit
his website right now for your FREE revealing critique:

http://www.cheap-copy.com

Of course, if you’ve spent anytime studying headline creation, you know that the headline can make or break your sales letter. And the fact is, if you can’t push your readers past the headline –infusing them with excitement and a commitment to get in and devour the rest of your sales letter — then you aren’t going to see an ounce of profits for your efforts.

So how can you propel readers into your sales copy? Is there really a way that nearly anyone can create a winning headline that not only strikes interest in your readers, but has them hanging on your next word?

I’m here to tell you there is a way. And it’s much simpler than you might think.

First, of course, you want to write a headline that makes a promise and sums up your offers strongest benefit. An example would be writing the following

“How A Complete Failure In Business Started A Million Dollar Internet Business With $57, And What You Need To Know To Imitate His Success.”

It’s a simple headline. But it gets across the point that anyone can do this on a shoestring budget.

But will people read it? And more importantly, is there enough juice behind this headline to build suspense and have the readers eager to read the rest of the sales letter to find out how the person mentioned in the headline is doing it?

Perhaps. Only testing the headline would tell us for sure. But, by using the simple “Strange Avalanche Iceman Headline Technique”, we can take that same headline and set it on fire.

Here’s how it works

People are moved by words. And certain phrases and words create strong mental pictures in our minds. Just look at the name of this headline technique and see what I mean:

It’s designed to peak your interest. After reading the name of this technique, you might wonder what’s so strange about it? Why is it called the “Strange Avalanche Iceman Headline Technique”? And what the heck does cold stuff have to do with creating headlines?

Questions like this create a need for answers. And if you can raise questions in your headlines that propel people to look for answers, then you’re going to get them into the body of your copy.

So, let’s take the headline I wrote earlier. And let’s add a little punch to the headline so it creates some curiosity.

“How A Complete Failure In Business Started A Million Dollar Internet Business On $57 Using This Super Strange Technique He Learned From A Cereal Box, And How You Can Use Exactly What He Does To Make YOUR Millions Too”.

Does that create interest for you? If so, why?

Chances are good most would read this headline and wonder what’s so strange and how someone could start a business with a technique on a cereal box, which nearly everyone gets their breakfast out of, and most of us read while we eat.

And that’s the power behind it. People want to read on to discover the whole story. They feel an irresistible urge to get to the bottom of it fueled by hundreds of thoughts that they need immediate answers too.

Does it work? Like a charm. But the best way to see it is to actually put it into action for yourself and gage the results against your existing headlines. Believe me, the 10 minutes you’ll spend creating intriguing headlines will be well worth the investment.

FREE: Sales Letter Critique by Grady Smith where he details how
you can instantly increase the response of your sales letter
using deadly effective mind techniques. Limited offer — visit
his website right now for your FREE revealing critique:

http://www.cheap-copy.com

2. Become well known by speaking or chatting at seminars. The seminars could be held offline, in a chat room, by telephone or via e-mail.

3. Start a free ebook club on your web site. People could sign up to receive a free ebook from you each month. Just include your product ad in the ebooks.

4. Give away your products or expertise to internet business newbies. Just ask them in return to place your link on their web site.

5. Trigger your visitors to buy your products by using colors. You should totally relax and think about which colors would compel prospects to order.

6. Let your past offline customers know about your web site. When they visit and sign up to your e-zine it will remind them to shop at your online store.

7. Create a long term relationship with your entire customer base. You can stay in touch with them through an e-zine, with greeting cards, etc.

8. Repeat the 3 most powerful or appealing benefits throughout your ad copy. Repetition can brand your product’s benefits quicker in your prospects mind.

9. Give your new customers surprise free gifts. This will increase their loyalty and give you more word of mouth advertising.

10. Make your long ad copy interesting enough so people click through to the next web page. If it’s not, they won’t take the time to click and read more.

Over 40,000 Free eBooks & Web Books when you visit: http://www.ldpublishing.com/ As a bonus, Bob Osgoodby publishes the free weekly “Your Business” Newsletter – visit his web site to subscribe and place a FREE Ad! http://adv-marketing.com/business