The Carnival of the Mobilists (COM) sets up tents a last time this year here at MobileGroove, marking the end of a great year for the mobile industry and an even better one for the COM.
Indeed, the COM —the destination bringing you the best of mobile blogging from around the Web — has a new look, a new focus and a new schedule. With so much happening, I'd like to start off by running through the significant changes one at a time.
The monthly Carnival of the Mobilists (COM) sets up camp at MobileGroove with an entertaining and eclectic mix of themes and topics that speak volumes about recent developments in mobile. From a curated list of Mobile Web influencers to an examination of the pros and cons of mobile apps, it's all there - so let's dive in!
Tomi Ahonen is in rare form this month with a deliciously disruptive post dripping with sarcasm. It would be a great laugh if it was only fiction. But this quiz, which tests our ability to run Nokia into the ground (as it appears Microsoft and Stephen Elop are doing as we speak), is based on keen observations from a long-time Nokia watcher (and former employee).
The countdown starts! Just one month until the Carnival of the Mobilists marks its fifth anniversary. By way of background, Carlo Longino (our host at COM #238 this week) and Russell Buckley (perhaps best known now as Global Chair Emeritus; Mobile Marketing Association and AdMob Evangelist) launched the COM over at the MobHappy blog with this post on October 13, 2005. Since then we've grown to over 100 and we continue to add new Mobilists and mobile enthusiasts around the world. To make our anniversary memorable and make sure the next five years are even more I encourage you to contact me with your ideas and input. (peggy@msearchgroove.com)
So let's roll on with this week's line-up.
In brief: This week's line-up includes mobile social games opportunities (now that Facebook is bombing and mobile is booming); must-read mobile design element documentation, mobile Bible content, and a look at why the Web is dead (not).
A few reminders before we deep-dive into the best in this week's mobile blogging. As COM coordinator (or "keeper of the tents") I'd like to encourage regular contributors and Mobilists to help me make the COM more interactive and valuable for everyone.
In brief: The Carnival is up (again) at MSG with a selection of solid posts that ask some tough questions. Topics include: The math that spells trouble for app developers; the issues handset makers face as they strive for differentiation on Android; connecting the dots in recent carrier comments; bad mobile advertising that should have us thinking; and good mobile outreach that raises awareness about prostrate cancer.
I'm pleased that my calls for posts and hosts via Twitter (@COTMobilists) have encouraged new activity and interest in the Carnival. This is reflected in the number of submissions I received this week and the offers from Mobilists to take the helm and host the COM. Thanks to Steve Litchfield over at allaboutsymbian.com, who will host later in July. There are more slots open, so check out the calendar and pick your date to host soonest.
In brief: The Carnival is up at MSG with a balanced mix of must-read posts and rants. Topics include: Apple's reign, Android's gain, video how-to, SMS voting and a campaign that could have been in Slovakia.
Thanks to Communities Dominate Brands we get a great update on the numbers that play in the zero-sum game involving smartphone makers worldwide. As the inimitable Tomi Ahonen sees it, it's a bloodbath – and he has the stats to back it up. It's a meaty, must-read post that recounts shipments and sales by all the major players. It also claims "Apple's market share has indeed peaked and we'll see gradual market share decline for this year 2010 compared to 2009." Is Tomi right? Read on, find out… (and bookmark!)
