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Dummies.com relaunches

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For Dummies announced the relaunch of Dummies.com, an ad-supported website that brings the world’s most highly regarded reference series online – now with a robust offering of free how-to videos, knowledgeable bloggers, photo step-by-steps, and expanded instructional articles. As with the trusted For Dummies book series, Dummies.com enlists proven experts to distill complex subjects into concise, jargon-free steps that make learning how to do anything easier.

Boasting an updated user interface with easier access to an expanded selection of free content, the relaunched Dummies.com is unveiling a comprehensive offering of interactive tutorials to suit every learning style, including:

  • How-to videos
  • Articles written by experts in their fields
  • Blogs from bestselling For Dummies authors
  • Photo step-by-steps that illustrate how to complete projects simply
  • A selection of topical Dummies.com newsletters
  • Sweepstakes with premium prizes

Originally posted on January 15, 2009 @ 6:46 am

Filed Under: Web

Agora, A2 Multimedia to produce n1ckola, new additiion to Lonelygirl15 universe

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EQAL, the social entertainment company founded by the creators of lonelygirl15 and KateModern, announced a license agreement with Polish producers Agora and A2 Multimedia for the new story in the lonelygirl15 universe, n1ckola.  The new show produced by Agora and A2 Multimedia is based on the wildly popular lonelygirl15 social show series.  n1ckola combines several genres, including reality, documentary and feature fiction with sensational themes.
 
More than 100 episodes of n1ckola will be produced, with each episode running from one to five minutes.  The show will air four to five times each week, with the premiere episode of n1ckola airing on January 26.
 
Through the licensing agreement, Agora will have rights to the lonelygirl15 brand name, logo, plot, characters and mythology.  EQAL will consult with Agora on the new story, character creation and development, scripts and storyline.
 
Agora, the series’ producer and one of the largest and most renowned media companies in Central and Eastern Europe, will be responsible for marketing and customer relations. A2 Multimedia, the executive producer, which is co-owned by Agora and ATM Grupa, will handle casting, production and episode distribution. 

Originally posted on January 22, 2009 @ 11:16 am

NY Post launches Zootoo.com Pet News

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NYPost.com has launched Pet News powered by Zootoo.com. Zootoo’s Pet News has produced over 1,000 pet stories since its inception and is located in the NY Post’s Entertainment section.

In addition to keeping pet lovers abreast of all news regarding pets, NYPost.com’s Pet News provides mapped listings of local pet services: vets, groomers, shelters, sitters, trainers, etc., many with reviews written by their customers. This is a vital service for pet owners and an efficient way for service providers to market themselves to their community.

Other features of Pet News include questions, photos and descriptions of Adoptable Pets, Pet Videos and Pet Photo Contests.

Originally posted on January 19, 2009 @ 8:42 pm

Filed Under: Web

Jaman rolls out UK operations

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Online destination for high-definition and entertainment Jaman.com is meeting the demands of its international audience by increasing its library of content and expanding into the lucrative European marketplace. With international members accounting for more than 70% of the site’s users, Jaman marks its initial global expansion by introducing its first localized site in the United Kingdom.

Industry veteran David Fischer, former executive vice president and managing director of MySpace and Fox Interactive Media, will serve as managing director of Jaman’s UK and international operations. Based in London, Fischer will be responsible for international business operations.

The UK site debuts with more than 1000 titles, including those from leading film companies such as BFI (British Film Institute), Pathé Films, ContentFilms and Axiom Films.

The company recently announced a partnership with TiVo to make Jaman’s world-class films available in any living room in America – offering a whole new level of entertainment options for film lovers around the country. Jaman’s current content providers include Paramount Pictures, Lionsgate, Eros International, Magnolia Pictures, First Look Films, Arts Alliance America and BBC Worldwide.

Originally posted on January 14, 2009 @ 9:30 am

CollegeWikis become Regroup.com

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CollegeWikis, which raised $2M in a funding round this fall led by HighBAR Ventures, has now become Regroup.com.
 
Regroup.com gives students a school-wide discussion group with both email list and web functionality, and allows them to create full-featured groups for their class year, dorm, courses, and more. Students have created thousands of articles on CollegeWikis; these articles are now being discussed by students on Regroup.
 
The site began as “information for students by students.” Before long, students were using the site to post messages to classmates – events, announcements, questions, and more. When users go to the site, they can browse thousands of messages that students have posted from hundreds of schools. The company aims to make old-fashioned email groups a thing of the past through its full-featured group functionality.

Originally posted on January 20, 2009 @ 6:23 am

Filed Under: Web