Freeview guide not working when viewed from a computer.

Yesterday during the day, channel 9 and associated channels didn't appear in the online Freeview TV guide. This wasn't obvious until later. Last night channel 9, Gem and Go, were absent from the TV guide. This was quite unusual.

Today the Freeview online guide is showing no channels at all.

I've found often with technology, if something happens over the weekend, the situation doesn't get fixed as you think it should. I suspect this is because there's only a skeleton crew available to handle problems.

If you need a TV guide the guide in the TV appears to be working. In addition you may wish to try another site such as https://au.tv.yahoo.com/tv-guide/.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au

Google's Search Magic Revealed - spam

I've received quite a few emails to different email accounts with the subject "Google's Search Magic Revealed".

I've not seen that particularly spamming message and thought it was a change from the regular SEO marketing spam I receive.

Checking the IP address the email was received from, indicates the email used Google's servers which I felt was strange. You would think Google would be one of the most advanced companies in detecting and stopping spam.

If you receive emails from people you don't know it is best to delete them.

If you want to have your business seen think about using JustLocal. JustLocal doesn't use any of the undesirable marketing tactics to promote businesses.

Kelvin Eldridge
JustLocal (An Online Connections service.)
www.JustLocal.com.au

Frankston accountant - Perhaps have you thought about a bookkeeper?

If you run business in or around the Frankston area and are thinking about using the services of an accountant to assist with your record keeping, then perhaps consider a bookkeeper.

J Hesketh Bookkeeping Services is conveniently located close to Frankston in Langwarrin and provides a range of bookkeeping services. You can find J Hesketh Bookkeeping Services on the Langwarrin postcode page of JustLocal (www.JustLocal.com.au/3910).

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au

Australian Dictionary - The preferred Australian English spelling for Microsoft Office on Windows and Mac OSX.

Australian Dictionary - The preferred Australian English spelling is available for Microsoft Office on Windows and Mac OSX.

Isn't the Australian Dictionary provided with Microsoft Office good enough?

The answer is for many people it isn't. The standard dictionary includes many secondary spelling variations which are often considered incorrect in Australia. For example, the word summarize with the 'ize' spelling is included as well as the preferred spelling summarise.

Why does it matter?

Because there are two spelling variations for a word it is possible to include both spelling variations in a single document. This for example can happen easily when copying and pasting text from multiple sources. Many people, including those in tertiary education, believe the secondary spelling variations with 'ize' are spelt using American English. Of course this isn't right, but since they don't know better, students get their work marked as incorrect. The same is true for many people in business and if you're applying for a job, or writing a report, your choice of a spelling variation could make a considerable difference.

There are also dozens of errors the preferred Australian English spelling files for Microsoft Office fix.

So if you'd prefer to produce consistent documents using the preferred Australian English spelling, get a copy of the files today. Visit www.Australian-Dictionary.com.au.

Kelvin Eldridge
Creator of the preferred Australian English spelling files for MS Office.
www.Australian-Dictionary.com.au

Copywriter Melbourne - Claire Halliday's Copy Queens provides great copywriting services.

I'd like to welcome Copy Queens to JustLocal. You can find Copy Queens on the www.JustLocal.com.au/3189 postcode page, or go direct to Copy Queens site at www.copyqueens.com.au.


Copy Queens delivers affordable, effective copy that hits its mark - converting your browsers into buyers for solid return-on-investment. If you're looking for a copywriter, contact Copy Queens.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au/3189

Search Australia is now the default search for JustLocal.

The design of JustLocal is such that a general search facility is not required. However, people like to search and I wanted something people could use that would make it easier to for people to find Australian businesses.

The previous search facility was very similar to Search Australia, but Search Australia now uses the code which is used for a range of search services, so will continue being developed.

People should keep in mind that with Search Australia only sites using .au domains return results. Some Australian companies decide to use domains which end in .com and that is their choice. That choice however does make it harder for Australians to determine if a site is Australian or an overseas site. You can always use Google, Bing or Yahoo to perform a broader search by first entering the letter g, b, or y before the search phrase. Further details are provided in the Help page.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au  

Skip the Chips - Have you ever considered how many kilojoules are in those chips?

Those of you who have been reading my posts will know that at one time I decided I needed to lose weight. A lot of weight. The first 2-3 kg is always easy, but then it gets harder and I never really seemed to get past the easy stage. That is until I decided to investigate the maths behind losing weight. I share what I learnt on www.weightlossmaths.com.au. Today however is an important lesson I learnt when losing weight.

My approach is simple. You can eat whatever you like as long as you eat up to your dieting kilojoule allowance. That includes having takeaway. Notice how everyone knocks takeaway and what they focus on.   The focus is never on the chips.

I you have a large McChicken meal with a diet coke at McDonald's you'd think the most kilojoules is in the burger. Not so fast. Check out the kilojoules for a large chips. The McChicken burger has 1,710 kilojoules, but those large chips, 1,900 kilojoules. This is not meant to be picking on McDonald's. I'm only using McDonald's as an example but the true is the same for the other fast food businesses.

I decided to create an awareness program so people realise that when they upsize, they may not be doing the best thing for their backsides. It's best to downsize, or skip the chips altogether.

So join me and spread the word, Skip the Chips.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au

PS. Oven backed chips are much lower in kilojoules, about 50% less.

Managed IT Services Melbourne - Drennco Pty Ltd.

Are you looking for someone to manage your IT services? Drencco Pty Ltd tailors IT solutions to each individual business. Conveniently located south west of Melbourne, you can find Drennco Pty Ltd on www.JustLocal.com.au/3030 or visit their website at www.drennco.com.au.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au/3030

Alert: Domain Specialists Online - Action Required for - Important Message About Your Website.

When registering a new website expect to receive some spam from other companies such as Domain Specialists Online. I register a .com domain and a while later I received and email which has the body stating: Congratulations on setting up . Have you had your website listed in the search engines yet?

Now I have done no business with Domain Specialists Online and have no intention to. This is just spam. Expect it and delete it. Don't get suckered into paying for services you don't need.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for IT support.

Quinta Real Estate located in Vermont can now be found on JustLocal

I'd like to welcome Trevor Pickens and Quinta Real Estate to JustLocal. You can find Quinta Real Estate on the Vermont/Vermont South postcode page www.JustLocal.com.au/3133. Quinta Real Estate's site is located at www.QuintaRealEstate.com.au.

Trevor Pickens also provides free of charge, his eBook Seven Keys to Successfully Staging Your Home For Sale. If you're thinking of selling your home grab a copy of Trevor's eBook and have a chat with Trevor. You can find his book on his site as following. Click on the menu, select Curious which takes you to the contact page where you'll find his eBook. Click on the link and complete the form to join his newsletter and you'll receive an email containing a link so you can download Trevor's free eBook.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au/3133

Alert: SEO Specialists blog spamming to promote their business.

I received the typical blog spam tonight on one of my blogs. You know, those pointless comments where the only purpose is to promote another business. In this case it was SEO Specialists, which looks like a company in Sydney, but given the site isn't complete it could easily be bogus.

In case you don't know what a typical blog spam looks like here is the one I received tonight. The term Search Engine Optimisation was a link to the SEO Specialists site.  This comment was left on this post (http://justlocal.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/get-to-google-faster-update-your.html). As you can see the comment has nothing to do with the content of the blog post. Just an advertisement for SEO Specialists.

Search Engine Optimisation not only promotes your website, it also increases its visibility. Search engine optimisation is important if you want your web presence to be solid. In case you have missed the opportunity to optimise your website, it’s about time you should. Once your website is optimised, you will enjoy the manifold benefits of SEO.

The problem for Australian companies is they're using low cost overseas companies to do their SEO and often have no idea. They've outsourced this work to a third party who then outsources this to a low cost overseas third party. In this case the comment was made by someone in the Philippines. Their IP address was 124.6.181.168.

Whatever you do, don't use a company like this that uses this type of marketing technique to promote your site. You're only going to do damage to your reputation as SEO Specialists has done.

If you need a reputable SEO specialist feel free to contact me. I'll be happy to put you onto someone more reputable.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au
Helping local businesses find each other.

Repco Eltham, Greensborough, Montmorency, Lower Plenty. Looking to get your car serviced or repaired from an authorised Repco Service Centre.

I'd like to welcome Bonola Automotives to the Greensborough postcode page of JustLocal (www.JustLocal.com.au/3088). Bonola Automotives is an authorised Repco Service Centre.

I've used the services of George and his team for quite some years and found him to be pleasant to deal with and reasonable pricing. There's times he's helped me out and provided advice and guidance separate to the paid work which is appreciated.

If you're in the Greensborough, Eltham, Montmorency, Lower Plenty area and looking for a new motor mechanic, you may wish to consider Bonola Automotives.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au

Alert: Sysfix Computer Services blog spamming to promote business.

Noticed a comment on my blog tonight. A generic comment which adds nothing but a link to a company. Using blogs of others with the only purpose of self promotion is inappropriate.

If people are prepared to take this approach I'd highly recommend you look for other businesses to use. IT people often have access to your confidential information. You need to be confident the IT business you are dealing with has the highest standards. Blog spamming indicates a business will use questionable means for self promotion.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au
Helping businesses to promote themselves ethically.

The Block 2014/2015. Is this the next location for The Block?

I've read the producers of the The Block have purchased an office block at 121-127 High Street, Prahran, which is near Chapel Street and opposite Swinburne University. The building is glass fronted and currently, if viewed through Google maps, shows the company name of viXtel.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au
Real local advertising.

10th Entrepreneur workshop dates for May and June.

Gary Hipworth - Business Coach and Rohan Merry - Entrepreneur and Sales Coach, are holding their next 2 Day Workshops on the 8th/9th of May and 12th/13th of June. The 2 Day Workshops are for Entrepreneurs who want to take their business to the next level and become better business people and achieve sustainable success.

The 2 Day Workshops will be help in the Geelong CDB. For more information visit www.10thentrepreneur.com.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au/3225
JustLocal - Real local advertising.

GoDaddy - Important information regarding your discontinued product(s).

This made me laugh.

I just received an email from GoDaddy letting me know nicely, that because certain products are no longer in high demand, that as from June 25, 2014 the products listed below in the email would be discontinued.

I thought is this a scam. No it looks legit. What products!. Where's the link they mention for each product.

Then I realised that since perhaps I didn't use any of the products being discontinued, there was no list to send me. Yes an email that provides me a list of discontinued products that doesn't contain a list at all.

I think they're just trying to play with my mind and I reckon it worked. LOL

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 901 703 for IT support.

What's My Time Worth calculator just released.

I decided to write a calculator that would make it easier to work out how much time they were spending on various activities and then they compare what they've earned for the time invested.

You can find the calculator at http://www.justlocal.com.au/clients/whatsmytimeworth/ and I've actually called it What's My Time Worth.

As an example I joined a networking group some time ago. Most people factor in the joining fee and then the weekly breakfasts, but few factor in the value of their time. I would have spent at least five hours a week going to the weekly meeting, preparing for the meeting, meeting with other members of the group for what were called dance cards at one stage. Plugging in that I spent 5 hours a week and putting in a notional time cost of $30 an hour (I'd easily make that if I were employed), and selecting 48 weeks for a year, that total is $7,200 of time.

The question then is did I make that money. First I should add I quit after 8 months so the figure should be 2/3 which is $4,800. Well the reality is I didn't even have to factor in the time when considering if it was worth it. Direct costs for membership plus breakfast was around $1,500 and I made $1,800 in the eight months. So cleared around $300. Definitely a waste of my time and energy.

How much are you spending on activities such as social networking? Have you worked out the time cost? It really is an eye opener. The best thing is once you are aware you can make better decisions.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for IT support. 

Appears filming set up in Little Collins St

Noticed cars being positioned in Little Collins Street, between King and Williams Streets. Lights and a support vehicle would indicate some filming about to happen. Perhaps avoid for a while if driving.


Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you require help with your computer.
No problem too small.

Movie review of The Counselor. - Give it a miss.

I must admit I was a bit biased about watching The Counselor. The marketers seemed to have decided that Australia is not important enough to localise the spelling to 'counsellor', whereas they did so for the British market.

However against my better judgement I decided from a choice of four we'd watch The Counselor from iTunes using the Apple TV. My judgement wasn't far off. This is probably the worst movie I've seen from Apple's iTunes store. Long self-indulgent difficult to hear narratives from crooks being philosophical were totally unbelievable. Brad Pitt should be careful in the roles he picks as this one did nothing for him and will make me question his movies from now on.

The lesson here however is simple. Check the reviews. Whist I expect there will be quite a few fake reviews, if you notice, the number who hated it far exceeds any other category. That to me is an interesting observation and should help me avoid similar disappointments in the future.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au

10th Entrepreneur can now be found on JustLocal 3225 postcode page.

I'd like to welcome Gary Hipworth and Rohan Merry's business 10th Entrepreneur. You can find 10th Entrepreneur on the Point Lonsdale page www.JustLocal.com.au/3225.

I asked Gary why 10 Entrepreneur and thought his response was worth sharing.

Statistics say that only 1 in 10 start-ups survive and thrive whereas the other 9 either die or limp along. The 10thentrepreneur has the secrets, i.e. business system that we introduce them to - to survive and thrive!

All the best Gary and Rohan.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au/3225