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May 24, 2007

We Won an EPpy Award

Today the 2007 EPpy winners were announced at the Editor & Publisher/Mediaweek Interactive Conference, and FastCompany.com won the Best National Magazine-Affiliated Web Site award.

Awards were given in 32 different categories for excellence in online media, both for design and for content.

Since 1996, the EPpy Awards have honored the best new media services from the newspaper industry. Each year, an independent panel of industry experts selects the top examples of interactive services in a variety of categories. The awards are co-sponsored by E&P and Mediaweek magazines.

Posted by Lynne d Johnson at 3:47 PM | 3 Comments

April 25, 2007

We've Been Nominated for an EPpy Award

FastCompany.com and its sister site Inc.com have both been nominated as finalists for the Best National Magazine-Affiliated Web Site 2007 EPpy Award.

The 2007 EPpy Awards, which are sponsored by Editor & Publisher and MediaWeek magazines. The finalists were announced today. EPpy winners will be revealed at the Interactive Media Conference and Trade Show in Miami on May 24.

The 2007 EPpy Awards competition is expressly designed to honor Internet sites that are affiliated with the media industry, and especially newspapers, television networks and affiliates, radio networks, syndicated shows, local radio stations, and magazines.

Posted by Lynne d Johnson at 12:44 PM | Add Comment

March 19, 2007

Investing a New Way

Have you ever thought of putting your money where your principles lie? And not just to do good, but to earn a profit. Well Fast Company has some tools that you could use to make your investment strategies pay off -- for you and for the planet.

Visit our Sensible Investing package to learn about 21 companies that are driving profit while making human impact. Also learn about how we teamed up with two San Francisco-based firms, HIP Investor and SVT Group, to evaluate and rate publicly listed companies. You can even rate the companies yourself, and take a quiz to find out whether your company is a HIP (that's Human Impact + Profit) company, and then find out where it falls on the "HIP Revenue" and "HIP Practices Rating" chart.

Posted by Lynne d Johnson at 9:31 PM | 1 Comment

March 3, 2007

BlogHer Business Coming to New York

BlogHer Business '07 conference takes place March 22nd and 23rd at the Affinia Manhattan in New York City. The conference promises to strip away the hype and hyperbole and answer some questions that most businesses are still asking about social media:

• Should my company blog? How do we decide and then identify the best people to do it?
• OK…I get we're supposed to be "authentic." What are the boundaries?
• Do I have to allow people to say anything they want to about us on our business blog?
• I hear a lot about blogger "outreach" and how it has to be done just right. Can I get some specifics please? How do I find the right bloggers? And how do I avoid offending them? Why can't I just ask the Technorati Top 100 to blog about my product and be done with it?
• Are blogs a religion or a tool? I just want to be able to measure results in some way…is that so wrong?
• Does the cost of social media ever outweigh the benefit?

The ladies of BlogHer are offering a registration discount to Fast Company readers. To register for the event, go to the BlogHer Business '07 registration page, and at the bottom of the page, after filling out the registration info and activity questionnaire, you will be asked to enter a promotion code. The promotion code for Fast Company readers is BHBSK-FC. FastCompany.com is a media sponsor of this event.

About BlogHer

BlogHer has developed one of the most influential communities by, for, and of women who blog. BlogHer's mission is to create opportunities for women bloggers to pursue education, exposure, and community through our online platforms and conferences. We developed the BlogHer Business Conference in response to the overwhelming popularity of the Busines Blogging content tracks at our previous two sold-out BlogHer Conferences.

Posted by Lynne d Johnson at 2:22 AM | 2 Comments

January 30, 2007

Windows Vista Guidebook

Windows Vista went on sale today, but reports reveal that no one was lining up to get a copy of the latest operating system released by the Redmond-based Microsoft Corp. Sales results of the operating system will more likely be determined by businesses adopting the new platform. No news here, right?

So let's go behind the scenes. In the latest issue of Fast Company, senior writer, Linda Tischler, wrote about how Microsoft created the sound of Vista, in "Twenty People, Four Notes."

Also, for anyone still unsure about what Windows Vista has to offer, we've put together a guide -- "Ten Things You Need to Know About Windows Vista."

Posted by Lynne d Johnson at 11:28 AM | 1 Comment

January 22, 2007

Multi-Touch Computing In Action

It looks like we won't have to wait until the year 2054 to experience real multi-touch computing, as the film Minority Report infers. Some of us may have already seen a demo video of Microsoft researcher Andrew D. Wilson diplaying Microsoft's TouchLight Project. There was also a company called FingerWorks, that had developed integrated multi-touch technology into its TouchStream LP keyboard and iGesture pads. And, according to CrunchGear, the founders of FingerWorks were picked up by Apple, which goes a long way in understanding how with the release of the iPhone Apple can make it appear as if the computer maker created multi-touch technology all alone.

All of the above examples of multi-touch computing are quite interesting, but I think none quite as interesting as New York University research scientist Jeff Han's. You may have heard of his presentations at ETech and at TED. Now, Han's story and technology have been updated and we've got it covered in this month's issue of Fast Company. Thanks to Adam L. Pennenberg for the article, "Can't Touch This," and to Jeff Han for an exclusive demo video, "Remapping the Universe."

Posted by Lynne d Johnson at 3:15 PM | Add Comment

January 17, 2007

Music's Secret Money Machine

Just in case you didn't know, the February 2007 issue of Fast Company is on newsstands now.

The cover story, also featured on the web site this week, is about Musictoday, a cutting edge marketing solutions company that empowers fan connection to drive revenue for more than 700 clients including The Rolling Stones, John Legend, Gwen Stefani, John Mayer, and the Dave Matthews Band.

There are also special features in this package, including an audio clip of a song from John Legend, an audio clip of an interview with John Mayer, and a Q&A with Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino. Also view our slideshow, Music's Invisible Money Machine for an in-depth look at the programs that Musictoday has put together for various music artists.

Enjoy!

Posted by Lynne d Johnson at 12:30 PM | 1 Comment

January 5, 2007

The Three Keys to Change

This week, we at Fast Company have been celebrating the release of Alan Deutschman's book, Change or Die: The Three Keys to Change at Work and in Life. The book started with a very widely-read article titled, "Change or Die."

We started the week off with a blog entry from the author, that explored what can we do to improve the odds of making our New Years resolutions stick.

Then, we published an excerpt from the introduction to his book, and wrapped up our celebration with an audio conversation between senior editor David Lidsky and Deutschman about the original article and how it became a book.

Congratulations to Alan.

Posted by Lynne d Johnson at 1:56 PM | 5 Comments

December 19, 2006

More Blogs at Fast Company

If you haven't noticed, we've added a little more content to the Fast Company Web site recently. Along with our magazine content, original Web-only features, Resource Centers, and FC Now, the Fast Company staff blog, we now bring you FC Expert Blogs, a collection of blogs written by experts on topics related to innovation, digital media, leadership, organizational change, careers, design, social responsibility, and work/life. We're just getting off the ground with this, but I wanted to make sure I told you about it before anyone else does.

Posted by Lynne d Johnson at 11:20 AM | 1 Comment

October 30, 2006

Bringing Home the Gold, and Silver

I've been a little remiss in sharing that a week ago Fast Company brought home two Folio Awards. We won the Gold Eddie for best consumer business magazine (beating Fortune and Black Enterprise), and the Silver Ozzie for best overall design of a consumer magazine. More on the 2006 Folio Awards here.

Posted by Lynne d Johnson at 11:24 AM | Add Comment

October 20, 2006

2007 Fast 50 Nominations Open

THIS YEAR'S FOCUS: Our sixth annual global readers challenge will spotlight businesses that are helping to save the world. We're looking for profit -- driven problem solvers-people and companies out to address the planet's woes and make money at the same time. Tell us about yourself, someone you admire, or someone you work with. But make sure your nominee is using new strategies, new ideas or new technologies to tackle issues like global warming, pollution, sustainability, access to healthcare, poverty, trade impact, child labor, and other concerns. No charities, please. We believe that business -- capitalist business -- is a profound force for positive change. Help us prove it.

To nominate yourself or someone else, visit the 2007 Fast 50 Application.

Posted by Lynne d Johnson at 3:36 PM | 1 Comment

September 29, 2006

Wit's End: Your Stories Needed

Do you have a psycho boss? Or a great one? Or did you, once? We’re looking for real-life tales from the workplace—your actual stories about bosses you’ve known and loved (or not). We want stories that are human, funny or sad, and (importantly) true. We’ll pick the best one to be published—in comic-book form, in the pages of Fast Company. The winner will get a frame-worthy print of the cartoon, signed by the artist Michael Kupperman.

Send your stories to wits_end@fastcompany.com.

Posted by Keith Hammonds at 11:08 AM | 5 Comments

August 6, 2005

FC Now BlogJam 2005

FC Now's second anniversary is next week, and we've lined up about 75 Fast Company as guest hosts to participate in our annual collaborative blogging project. Volunteers include Resource Center contributors Margaret Heffernan, Tim Manners, and Richard Watson, as well as Web notables John Moore, Ross Mayfield, and Robert Scoble.

Next week Monday, Aug. 8, and Tuesday, Aug. 9, FC team members and readers will once again collaborate to collectively explore the state of business, leadership, and innovation -- and celebrate FC Now's second anniversary. I hope you'll join us!

Posted by Heath Row at 12:15 AM | 3 Comments

July 18, 2005

FC Now BlogJam 2005

Last year, more than 30 Fast Company readers, Company of Friends members, and FC Now regulars participated in the inaugural FC Now BlogJam to celebrate the anniversary of this blog's launch in August 2003. Over the course of two days, participants contributed almost 100 entries about leadership, innovation, and related topics.

The second FC Now BlogJam is quickly approaching! Monday, Aug. 8, and Tuesday, Aug. 9, FC team members and readers will once again collaborate to collectively explore the state of business, leadership, and innovation -- and celebrate FC Now's second anniversary. If you'd like to participate, email me to volunteer. We'll be lining up the roster in the weeks to come.

Posted by Heath Row at 6:06 PM | 1 Comment

June 29, 2005

Intern BlogOff

We'd like to introduce a new FC New feature today: the Intern BlogOff. About once a week, we'll pick a business news item or development and ask our Web interns -- Kevin Ohannessian and Kerry-Ann Austin -- to take opposing viewpoints on the issue or challenge.

Tune in later today for the first installment. The interns... blog off!

Posted by Heath Row at 4:15 PM | 1 Comment

May 18, 2005

Sweet Sweepstakes

Congratulations to Christine Choi for winning our Fast Track Leadership Survey Sweepstakes! (Access code required to read survey results.)

Keep reading Fast Company online for future contest offerings.

Posted by Heath Row at 6:22 PM | Add Comment

February 25, 2005

Trophy Wise

Thanks to everyone who supported FC Now while voting for the Business Blogging Awards. Fast Company's team blog secured the top spot in the Media Blog category. Similarly, we recently learned that FC Now is listed as one of the most popular business blogs, according to Yahoo. We're honored by the recognition.

Posted by Heath Row at 11:02 AM | Add Comment

February 18, 2005

Customer Service Station

An anonymous FC Now reader has reported that they're having difficulty unsubscribing from the FC Now email newsletter. Unfortunately, they didn't use their real email address in their comment, so I can't follow up with them.

That said, if you would like to sign up for -- or unsubscribe from -- any of our newsletters, you may do so online. And if you ever need any assistance, you can easily contact us.

Just be sure to tell us who you are -- and how to contact you.

Posted by Heath Row at 10:37 AM | 4 Comments

February 11, 2005

Get Out the Vote

FC Now is a finalist for the 2005 Business Blogging Awards in the Best Media Blog category.

If you read FC Now regularly and think we deserve recognition, consider placing a vote for FC Now.

We appreciate your support!

Posted by Heath Row at 3:50 PM | 4 Comments

January 13, 2005

Scheduled Site Maintenance

Fast Company will start to upgrade its Web servers the morning of Jan. 14.

As a result, Web site performance, services, and features will be greatly enhanced over the coming months. However, some parts of the Web site will be unavailable until Jan. 20, 2005, including blog comments in FC Now, discussion forums, polls, membership and newsletter sign-ups.

Thank you for your patience.

If you need immediate assistance, please feel free to contact us.

Posted by Heath Row at 5:57 PM | Add Comment

November 18, 2004

Deadline Approaching: The Fast 50

Fast 50 applications are due Dec. 1, so there's not much time left to enter.

Fast Company is looking for remarkable people -- it could be you or someone you work with or admire.

We're looking for courageous leaders, energetic innovators, problem solvers and troubleshooters, trend and agenda setters -- readers who are fueled by courage, integrity, passion, and a commitment to results.

What did you accomplish in the last year? What did you learn? What story would you like to share?

Apply to be included in the Fast 50 by Dec. 1, 2004 -- only a couple of weeks to go! -- and you could be featured in the pages of Fast Company magazine.

Posted by Heath Row at 11:57 AM | Add Comment

October 11, 2004

Announcing: The 2005 Fast 50

We just opened the 2005 Fast 50 global readers' challenge for applications. Learn more about the project, apply for inclusion, and alert your friends and colleagues: The 2005 Fast 50.

Posted by Heath Row at 7:29 PM | Add Comment

August 12, 2004

Jumping the Gun

Just so his entry doesn't get lost in the already active FC Now Blog Jam -- thanks, everyone, for coming by! -- I'd like to bubble up Peter Higgins' entry about taking a leap of trust. Peter was a little eager to get this Blog Jam going, posting his first entry two days ago. I hid it as a draft until now so we could all get started together.

As additional context: Every so often, we send Company of Friends coordinators and long-time readers we keep in touch with tokens of our appreciation. The book Peter received was one such gift of thanks. Additionally, Steve Farber, Radical Leap's author -- who guest hosted FC Now this spring -- should be joining us later on during the Blog Jam.

Posted by Heath Row at 10:53 AM | Add Comment

A Luddite ... or Just Cranky?

Morning. I'm Peter Rees. I know why Halley, Robert, John and Jackie are here. This is my FC, Company of Friends card - it might explain me. It's been a peeve of mine that FC staffers start writing on FC Now without letting the reader know who they are, or why they're posting.

[Aside] I feel like I've walked into a neighbours home and started cooking. Weird!

Weren't Jackie and Ben the first authors to guest host??

Posted by Peter Rees at 4:34 AM | 1 Comment

August 11, 2004

Paperless Anniversary IV

Starting tomorrow, Fast Company will hold the inaugural FC Now Blog Jam. FC Now turned 1 year old early this month, and to celebrate, we've invited friends and readers of Fast Company -- as well as FC Now readers -- to join as contributors.

More than 30 people -- including Robert Scoble, Jackie Huba, Halley Suitt, and John Patrick -- have answered our call for collaborators.

And for the next 48 hours, FC Now is sure to be a high-energy, heavy-activity source for ideas and insights on business, leadership, innovation, and change. I hope you'll join us -- the entire FC team, as well as the 30-plus guest hosts -- for what is sure to be a fun and functional two days.

Posted by Heath Row at 6:09 PM | Add Comment

March 19, 2004

The Blogging of Business

Contributors to FC Now try to avoid being too self-referential -- if you want to know what Fast Company is working on, it's probably best to sign up for Fast Take, our weekly email newsletter -- but we just put the April 2004 table of contents online, and the issue includes a piece I think FC Now readers will find particularly interesting.

Jena McGregor's feature "It's a Blog World After All" makes the business case for blogs, highlighting how companies such as Verizon, IBM, and Microsoft are using blogs for knowledge management -- as well as marketing. Online, we've also produced a Web Exclusive package expanding on the piece.

David Weinberger considers how conversations within companies can scale globally. Robert Scoble offers a starter set of corporate blogging guidelines. A VH-1 producer shares what he learned from the Web. And Fast Company staff writer Alison Overholt takes the pulse of online business networking.

Check it out. And let us know what you think.

Posted by Heath Row at 7:04 PM | Add Comment

February 13, 2004

(Blog)Roll Call

We recently added a "blogroll" -- a list of business, innovation, leadership, and technology blogs and frequently updated Web sites that FC Now contributors follow -- to FC Now. On the left-hand side, if you look below FC Now Archives, you'll see FC Reads, our Web reading recommendations -- and the sites we check in on every day or so.

FC Reads is not a comprehensive list of sites and blogs that link to fastcompany.com or FC Now, and it will change over time as our daily reads ebb and flow. (Our blogroll shifts as blogs' and sites' frequency and relevancy increases and diminishes.) If you'd like to suggest a site for us to explore and consider for adding to our daily reads, let us know. We'll be happy to check it out for consideration.

Posted by Heath Row at 12:25 PM | 15 Comments

January 26, 2004

Feed Me, See More

FC Now is now also available via an Atom feed. You can learn more about Atom clients online.

Posted by Heath Row at 5:32 PM | Add Comment

December 31, 2003

Happy Holidays! II

I cannot speak for my fellow FC Now contributors and teammates, but I do know that I'll be out of the office -- and offline -- for the rest of the week. On behalf of the entire Fast Company team, happy new year! May 2K4 bring only the best in all things.

Posted by Heath Row at 2:57 PM | 1 Comment

December 22, 2003

Happy Holidays!

I cannot speak for my fellow FC Now contributors and teammates, but I do know that I'll be out of the office -- and offline -- Dec. 23-28 for the holidays. We've lined up a good holiday week's worth of FC content for the home page, and next week, I'll again don the FC Now mantle for the days leading up to New Year's. On behalf of the entire Fast Company team, may you and yours have the happiest of holidays.

Posted by Heath Row at 5:05 PM | Add Comment