I came across this article two weeks ago, which was originally written by Matt Hartley of the Globe and Mail, and have condensed it for your perusing benefit…

… Microsoft’s new strategy is to turn to its marketing department to get people interested in trying Live Search by borrowing a page from frequent-flyer and gas-station loyalty programs.

Earlier this year, the company rolled out four initiatives, each designed to place marketing before technology by offering users and advertisers perks to try out Live Search. Microsoft believes that by offering financial incentives to try Live Search through prizes, offline advertising and discounts with online retailers, more users will be willing to try the service, giving marketers a reason to buy more ads…. (more…)

I read a pretty compelling, albeit morbid, email the other week from Jason Calcanis, founder of Mahalo. He spoke about “The Start-up Depression” in the wake of current economic conditions in the US. He followed up with an equally forceful article titled, “Good News for People who Hate Bad News“. It sounded more like Armageddon was imminent. His words were harsh and foreboding:

“The severity of what has happened can’t be underestimated. There will be no white knight. Even the massive coordinated government action–including the first global rate cuts and bail outs–has done nothing to stop the panic or create a bottom (at least from where I sit). Bottom line: there is zero chance of a short or medium term-rebound. Zero.”

It’s clear that he’s not overexaggerating. Market conditions are impacting investing. Here are some harsh realities:

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