Author Archives 
Tendo Communications is a communications agency that specializes in custom media. We develop communication programs that attract, engage and retain the audiences that are important to you: customers, prospects, partners, employees. We produce custom content—publications, websites, editorial, video and interactive— that speaks to your audience, strengthens their relationship to your brand, and maximizes ROI.
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Political websites
When I sat down to review the official websites of Barack Obama and John McCain, it was with the specific goal of neutrality—keeping my own politics removed from a critical view of each site.
Turns out that’s impossible. Divorcing my own leanings from the review wasn’t too tough, but it was difficult to avoid… Continue reading
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Apple, where art thou? Your iPhone 3G release is a bomb
This morning, shortly after Apple released the iPhone3G, mayhem transpired all over the Web when new customers were unable to activate their phones, and those trying to update their old iPhones stalled during the final step of the process.
Stories of the troubles quickly hit the front pages of major news sites. Bloggers, twitterers, and online… Continue reading
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Williams-Sonoma: No backyard? You’ll still want this outdoor grill
Packed with information and illustrated with gorgeous photography, the Williams-Sonoma website appeals to novice cooks and seasoned chefs. But the site is missing opportunities to build community. Continue reading
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After the ad
Today is my last day at Tendo. I’m taking a job at an ad agency.
It was a difficult decision to leave Tendo. Not just because the people here are great (they are) and the Tendo work is good (it is), but because I really believe that Tendo is on the cutting edge in terms of… Continue reading
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The inside scoop on the Tendo View redesign
In January 2008, we redesigned Tendo’s monthly email newsletter, The Tendo View.
If we developed a new email approach for a client, we’d certainly follow-up with some analysis on whether or not the redesign was successful and adjust our strategy accordingly. So, we’re doing the same for our internal effort and want to share the results… Continue reading
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Web redesign tip: show your readers what’s coming
Planning changes to your site? Give your web visitors a peek behind-the-the scenes. Use it as an opportunity to engage them in a conversation about what they want and then give them previews about what’s coming.
I check SFGate every day. They’ve been rolling out a new design of their site over the last few months… Continue reading
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Business Objects: A site about business intelligence that’s—mostly—intelligent.
Business Objects
Business intelligence is interesting stuff. It helps people do their jobs more efficiently, saves companies money and resources, and facilitates creative solutions. And the Business Objects site does a decent job of communicating that. Mostly. Continue reading
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Is Buzz Tracking Worth the Effort?
“I don’t know what it is, but I know I need it.” Five years ago, the “it” was SEO. Two years ago, “it” was a blog. And in 2008, “it” means buzz tracking.
At Tendo, we’ve had clients come to us desperate for us to help them track their online buzz. When we ask… Continue reading
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Who’s on LinkedIn vs. Facebook?
Everybody is buzzing about social media and what it can do for your company. With anything that’s “new” on the Web, there is always a lot of hype and hyperbole. So I was curious…how many people in the Tendo universe are actually using the big-name social networks?
I decided to conduct my own little experiment. I… Continue reading
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Seeing the world in 2D
You probably have a digital camera in your pocket or your handbag right now.
Seriously, they’re everywhere. Try finding a cell phone without one. And this means we can all see our embarrassing photos of that Friday night float around to all our friends before we’ve hit the warm embrace of our bed that… Continue reading
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Web headline lessons from The Onion
Lots of us here at Tendo read The Onion, the fake newspaper with the funny headlines. (The link to the online version is included, but frankly, the print version is better.) We’ll ask, “Did you see the headline in The Onion this week?” and then repeat whatever grabbed our eye.
And therein lies the… Continue reading
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How much is your content worth?
There’s a terrific piece in the March issue of EContent Magazine by Ron Miller called “How Much is Your Content Worth? – Measuring Website Content ROI”
(I’d love to include a link to the article…but it doesn’t exist on their website. For a publication that has such good content on this topic, it’s ironic that their… Continue reading
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Hallmark knows its audience, but is it alienating everyone else?
For nearly 100 years, Hallmark has been a trusted brand in America, with familiar slogans like, “when you care enough to send the very best.” But now it’s time for Hallmark.com to morph into a brand of the 21st century. Continue reading