IoT Specialist in South Africa seeking permanent work in the Netherlands
John K. Weber (johnkweber) is een gepassioneerde en gemotiveerde professional met een sterke focus op IoT (Internet of Things). Met een diepe voorliefde voor de technische aspecten van het internet der dingen, blinkt John uit in het verbinden van verschillende apparaten met internet, waarbij hij zijn expertise gebruikt om innovatieve oplossingen te leveren. Hij bezit een vraatzuchtige leergierigheid en omarmt nieuwe technologieën met enthousiasme. Zoals Albert Einstein welsprekend zei: "Ik heb geen speciale talenten, ik ben gewoon hartstochtelijk nieuwsgierig", een gevoel dat John's houding van continu leren en probleemoplossing op het gebied van IoT perfect weergeeft.
John's uitgebreide ervaring in IoT omvat het werken met geavanceerde technologieën zoals LoRaWAN, Sigfox, en het bouwen van back-endsystemen voor diverse sensoren om te rapporteren via Sigfox, LoRa en GPRS. Hij heeft een indrukwekkende staat van dienst in het succesvol implementeren en integreren van open-source LoRa-gateways, waarmee hij zijn expertise op het gebied van rapid prototyping en IoT-apparaatconnectiviteit aantoont.
Als specialist in rapid prototyping en IoT-integratie blinkt John uit in het overbruggen van de kloof tussen gadgets en internet. Zijn vermogen om verschillende componenten naadloos te combineren en in hoofdprojecten te enten, onderscheidt hem. Met een breed scala aan vaardigheden die zijn opgedaan tijdens jaren van experimenteren en on-the-job training, waaronder embedded programmeren, Linux, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, PHP, MySQL-databaseontwerp en het maken van Joomla-sites, wordt John erkend voor zijn vermogen om zich snel te ontwikkelen en implementeer geïntegreerde IoT-systemen.
John's zelfmotivatie en autodidactische aard stellen hem in staat om zelfstandig ideeën tot wasdom te brengen. Hij schept er veel plezier in om anderen les te geven en te begeleiden, terwijl hij openstaat om van hun ervaringen te leren. Zijn onverschrokkenheid bij het stellen van vragen helpt hem een alomvattend begrip te krijgen van de complexe taken die voorhanden zijn.
Met een aangeboren vermogen om relevante informatie te halen uit uitgebreid lezen, vergroot Johns snelle leerstijl zijn probleemoplossend vermogen. Bovendien heeft zijn vaardigheid in PHP, MySQL en Joomla webontwikkeling hem in staat gesteld om wereldwijd een groot aantal technische sites te creëren, waarbij hij zich voornamelijk richt op IoT-toepassingen zoals het monitoren, regelen en voorspellen van irrigatieschema's voor boeren.
John's IoT-expertise wordt aangevuld door zijn ervaring als probleemoplosser tijdens zijn vijfjarige dienstverband in Nederland. Zijn veelzijdige vaardigheden omvatten client/server-architectuur, advies, klantrelaties, databasebeheer, besluitvorming, Delphi, e-commerce, elektronica, firewalls, HTML, Java, JavaScript, leiderschap, Linux, MySQL, netwerkbeheer, netwerken, randapparatuur, PHP, LoRa, programmeren, Sigfox, kwaliteitscontrole, radio, servers, GPRS, SQL, UNIX en technische websiteproductie.
Als u op zoek bent naar een ervaren IoT-professional met een diepe passie voor geavanceerde technologieën en een talent voor het leveren van innovatieve oplossingen, dan is John K. Weber de ideale kandidaat om de IoT-initiatieven van uw organisatie naar nieuwe hoogten te brengen.
johnkweber@gmail.com
John K. Weber (johnkweber) is a passionate and self-motivated professional with a strong focus on IoT (Internet of Things). With a deep love for the technical aspects of IoT, John excels at connecting various devices to the web, leveraging his expertise to deliver innovative solutions. He possesses a voracious appetite for learning and embraces new technologies with enthusiasm. As Albert Einstein eloquently stated, "I have no special talents, I am just passionately curious," a sentiment that perfectly captures John's attitude of continuous learning and problem-solving in the realm of IoT.
John's extensive experience in IoT encompasses working with cutting-edge technologies such as LoRaWAN, Sigfox, and building back-end systems for diverse sensors to report via Sigfox, LoRa, and GPRS. He has an impressive track record of successfully implementing and integrating open-source LoRa gateways, demonstrating his expertise in rapid prototyping and IoT device connectivity.
As a specialist in rapid prototyping and IoT integration, John excels at bridging the gap between gadgets and the internet. His ability to seamlessly combine various components and graft them into main projects sets him apart. With a vast array of skills acquired over years of experimentation and on-the-job training, including embedded programming, Linux, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, PHP, MySQL database design, and Joomla site creation, John is recognized for his ability to swiftly develop and deploy integrated IoT systems.
John's self-motivation and autodidactic nature empower him to independently bring ideas to fruition. He takes great pleasure in teaching and mentoring others while remaining open to learning from their experiences. His fearlessness in asking questions helps him gain a comprehensive understanding of complex tasks at hand.
With an innate ability to extract pertinent information from extensive reading, John's fast-paced learning style enhances his problem-solving capabilities. Moreover, his proficiency in PHP, MySQL, and Joomla web development has enabled him to create a multitude of technical sites worldwide, predominantly focusing on IoT applications such as monitoring, controlling, and predicting irrigation schedules for farmers.
John's IoT expertise is complemented by his experience as a troubleshooter during his five-year tenure in the Netherlands. His well-rounded skill set encompasses client/server architecture, consulting, customer relations, database administration, decision making, Delphi, e-commerce, electronics, firewalls, HTML, Java, JavaScript, leadership, Linux, MySQL, network administration, networking, peripherals, PHP, LoRa, programming, Sigfox, quality control, radio, servers, GPRS, SQL, UNIX, and technical website production.
If you are seeking an accomplished IoT professional with a deep passion for cutting-edge technologies and a talent for delivering innovative solutions, John K. Weber is the ideal candidate to drive your organization's IoT initiatives to new heights.
johnkweber@gmail.com
How can chatGPT enhance your IoT experience
In recent years, the Internet of Things (IoT) has become a buzzword in the world of technology. It refers to the interconnected network of physical devices, vehicles, buildings, and other objects that are embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity, enabling them to collect and exchange data.
However, despite the promises of IoT, many individuals and businesses struggle to navigate this complex landscape. This is where ChatGPT comes in - as a powerful tool that can help the man on the street with IoT.
Decoding Payloads
One of the key challenges of IoT is the need to decode payloads. Payloads are the data packets that are sent from IoT devices to the cloud or other central servers. They typically contain information about the status of the device, such as temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors.
However, these payloads are often encoded in a way that is difficult for humans to understand. This is where ChatGPT can help, by using its natural language processing capabilities to interpret these payloads and provide meaningful insights.
For example, ChatGPT can help a homeowner understand the data coming from their smart thermostat, allowing them to adjust their settings to save energy and reduce their carbon footprint. Similarly, it can help a farmer interpret the data from their IoT-enabled sensors to optimize irrigation and fertilizer use, leading to better crop yields and reduced waste.
TTN or chirpstack payload decoder
Go to chatGPT and login using your gmail account or create a new account and ask the following question:
Create a payload decoder for TTN for a LoRaWAN smoke detector from milesight or use your device model number here!
ChatGPT will then create a javascript payload decoder that you can just plug intothe uplink decoder section in TTN or in your chirpstack instance. This is really insane and cuts down on the number of hours that it takes to deploy a new device on TTN - The Things Network.
Strategy around IoT Devices
Another key challenge of IoT is figuring out which devices to use and how to integrate them into a cohesive system. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
ChatGPT can help here too, by providing strategic advice on which devices to use and how to integrate them. For example, it can help a business owner choose the right sensors to monitor their inventory, or help a city planner select the right IoT devices to optimize traffic flow.
Furthermore, ChatGPT can provide valuable insights into the security risks associated with different IoT devices, helping individuals and businesses protect themselves against cyber threats and data breaches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ChatGPT is an incredibly valuable tool for anyone looking to navigate the complex landscape of IoT.
With its natural language processing capabilities and strategic advice, it can help individuals and businesses decode payloads, select the right devices, and protect themselves against security risks.
As the IoT continues to grow and evolve, ChatGPT will become an even more essential tool for the man on the street.
NOA Data Service - Making IoT device integration easier
NOA Data Service - IoTdc, Gauteng
NOA Data Service
solution specific integration, data visualization and analytics.
they only need the right tools to make it happen.
what they need, when they need it, without the complexity.
Is IOT suitable for every project? By johnkweber, Technical Lead at IoTdc
Article previously posted on ITWeb on 26th July 2022
Utilising IOT in your business can be one of the most significant levers to pull to achieve measurable value like cost reductions, optimisation or delivering specific outcomes like automated compliance or worker safety.
The definition of IOT can be broad but, put simply, it is many small devices sending tiny payloads of data, all working cohesively, to create actionable data and a solution that allows for remote access and sometimes remote manipulation. An example use case might be using IOT sensors to monitor soil moisture and a rain gauge to trigger irrigation when necessary.
There are multiple applications for IOT, and due to broader adoption, the cost of implementing an IOT project has come down in recent years. Logically, one assumes that with more companies using IOT that the complexity will reduce. In my experience, however, the process of delivering a successful IOT project can still be very complicated. Implementers of IOT often underestimate the scope of work and are surprised by unexpected complications.
IOT is a fantastic field where the growth being experienced is phenomenal. Still, it’s not necessarily the right option for every use case. Encouragingly, the number of devices is growing exponentially and there is an excellent quality sensor for every type of measurement. Some of the most successful projects I have worked on use sensors that are purpose-built for one or two specific measurements, with multiple sensors working together as a whole to make lives easier and businesses more profitable.
Hidden challenges
While IOT’s potential is huge, there are still challenges. Actual implementation and project roll-out can be slowed down significantly by unforeseen complications – usually due to lack of understanding around how the various systems fit together to create a viable solution.
IOT products don’t necessarily follow the same standards, even if they use the same protocols – for instance, LoRa. This is because every product manufacturer develops their product in isolation. To make matters worse, some IOT products are actually rehashed outdated products equipped with LoRa communications chips in the hope that they will be more successful in an IOT era. This means that the products are already old technology and not built with the same principles in mind as IOT predicates.
Therefore, integration can be the biggest challenge: projects that were scoped for weeks of development suddenly take months of preparation just to get to the point where they can be integrated. Something as simple as a LoRa sensor to send temperatures to a server can involve far more integration complexity than expected.
The LoRa devices don't send data directly to a server for consumption. They have to go through an LNS (LoRa Network Server) such as TTN (The Things Network) or Helium and then you first have to understand how each different LNS works in order to figure out which best serves your purpose. The organisation could use Chirpstack, Loriot or WMC (Waney Management Center), but all of these options have costs involved. In the grand scheme of a good sized project, they may seem insignificant; however, they are recurring costs that should not be overlooked.
Hidden costs
Almost every system that sends data to various disparate systems will have been built at a considerable cost and that cost needs to be recouped. The amount of data being sent and stored also needs to be accounted for, meaning more costs. Visualisation of that data has to be realised through even a different system, with yet more costs.
Delivering value
In light of the unexpected challenges and costs, one of the greatest mistakes a company can make is to try and implement IOT just because it's such an industry buzzword.
Whether IOT actually adds value to a company should be the one and only driving factor to implement it. Whether it adds value depends on the use case.
For example, using an IOT solution to monitor a building’s electricity consumption remotely will most likely deliver little in the way of value and savings. However, using the same electricity meter to bill tenants more accurately will save money and deliver value. A use case that could really add to your bottom line would be to distinguish between grid power being supplied to your tenants versus the more expensive diesel generator power provided during load-shedding, and billing tenants accordingly.
Another use case that makes real sense and adds tremendous value is predictive maintenance on regularly serviced machines. A sensor as simple as a LoRa-based accelerometer can use AI to predict when a moving part could be failing. The typical AI-based sensor will run for a short period of time, learning what the normal vibrations mean on a machine; when a bearing is damaged, even the slightest vibration out of kilter can be monitored and an automatic service request can be actioned or some alert can be sent to a maintenance technician to turn the machine off to ensure further damage doesn't occur.
Importantly, the correct parameters need to be measured to ensure the desired outcomes.
IOT not a catch-all
IOT is not a catch-all for every use case or situation. The use case needs to be carefully considered and the outcome should be that it saves money, travelling time or some other costly parameter.
However, this doesn't mean IOT doesn't deliver value. The technology has proven results in thousands of cases around the world and it is becoming more evident that when applied intelligently, IOT provides immense value.
We're seeing more and more standards that are being introduced, and IOT is maturing, with significant advances in IOT products. I view this as a development that could make IOT more viable for more use cases. I believe this will bring stability to what has been a 'wild west' IOT landscape.
Makerstation Guru
I also consult at http://makerstation.co.za at 9 Plein street, Woodstock in Cape Town. Book online at http://makerstation.co.za
Rapid Prototyping, design, manufacturing and basically taking a product from start to finish.
Udemy course for Template Creator CK
Link to Udemy Course
I have been using Joomla for many years now for all sorts of projects and the one main item that is first on my list for every site that I build is the template that the site will use. I have used many different tools to create these templates and some of the best were Artisteer which is a tool that I purchased (A few versions already) and then latest a tool that is used within the joomla site admin page to build a template called Template Creator CK.
T"his tool gives a hell of a lot for extremely little bit of money, however it is a bit of a deep dive to learn the way it works. A real bonus if you know how it works because it allows you to change anything within the template from within your admin tool.
I was very excited to hear that a young gentleman from South Africa has created a course that shows in detail how to use Template Creator CK. I am truly impressed by the course that is on the Udemy platform. It is professional, concise and shows in very small incremental steps how to use Template Creator CK. Kudos to Andries Bester for his awesome course.
Take a look at the preview of the course and judge for yourself. If you are into creating sites using Joomla and need an awesome Template Creator, then I suggest trying Template Creator CK.
Here is a link to the course. I hope you enjoy it.
Get this course on udemy: Template cretaor CK online course
new CD by longjohn - Childhood memories
I am betting that everyone has memories of their childhood, good or bad, the memories usually abound. My memories of my childhood are filled with sound and music from many great artists such as Claude Ciari, Trevor Nasser, Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed and the list goes on forever.
Ofcourse these sounds helped to form my taste or aversion to some music genres that have lasted till today. Affirmed by the many thousands of times I have listened to the music I love so much as an adult.
The CD is a tribute to the elderly people that are really the type of people that would love my music. Nowadays kids have a different taste in music and probably have an aversion to the type of music I love and grew to love as a teenager. Here is the link to the CD and I hope you enjoy the music as much as I have loved listening to it over and over as a child.
johnkweber on soundcloud
- johnkweber
Create a Website Like Udemy And Sell Your Courses Online
I recently joined up and thought I would give it a go. I have been using Joomla for many years now and I thought I knew quite a lot about the power of Joomla. WOW, amazing I start this course as it caught my eye and I was totally amazed at the power of Joomla components. Mathew takes you through every single step of creating your own online school or academy just like UDemy.
Totally amazing. It was a concise course but it told me every single step on how to create my own online school. This is totally amazing that with a small nominal fee I have learned a skill that enables me to start a business today already. It is so easy to use and the cool component that they use allows you to do absolutely no coding and go form zero to hero within 3 hours.
Creating templates can be tricky but after this course it is a snap. Mathew teaches you how to integrate a new template that allows you to change attributes in the template without a single bit of coding. I was totally amazed.
Go ahead, take a course at UDemy. Hundreds of thousands of course will astound you and take your skill up a notch.
To take your first course click here!
OR
go to Udemy and enroll for any other course online
I have just created a new site that is going to be great for the Safari and Outdoor Types (People). Although I consider myself to be a couch potato, the owner of this site at http://kanabosafaris.com are most definitely not. Johann and his wife Sandra Nothnagel have been organising and arranging safaris throughout Africa and Kalahari Jo as Johann is known, personally accompanies you through some of the most amazing safari destination that you will ever have the pleasure of seeing.
Everything that Kalahari Jo organises from the moment you book a safari with Kanabo Safaris to the day that you have completed the tour, is personalised to ensure the best ever. From amenities to events within the tour will be personally planned by Kalahari Jo.
If you are wanting to go on a Safari in Africa or in the Kanabo, which stands for Kalahari, Namibia and Botswana then Kalahari Jo is you one stop shop for all this great action packed adventure.
Kanabo Safaris has also got a list of Guest Houses, Farms and Holiday destinations that have been personally selected and vetted. One of the first things Kalahari Jo assured me of, when he started talking about creating this website was that it was not going to be just another website with places to see and visit that had not been personally vetted or visited by himself. Well now that the site has been created it is one of the amazning things of the site. They have vetted or visited each individual place themselves.
I hope that when you decide to go on Safari that you will consider using Kalahari Jo from Kanabo Safaris at http://kanabosafaris.com
I hope you enjoy this site - johnkweber
Items or articles to be found on this site include:
Kanabo Tourism Services
South African Experience
African Experience
Kanabo Travel and Tourism
Tsamma Routes
Guesthouses / BB / Self Catering
Bed and Breakfast
Self Catering
Private Reserves
Private Reserves & Lodges
Caravan Parks
Camp Sites / Caravan Parks
Kanabo Safaris
Kanabo Stays
SA Experience Calender
Tsamma Routes Calendar
SA Experience
Kanabo Africa
Kalahari Desert Experience
K2B Services
Kanabo ABC - Africa by Bike & Cycle
Kanabo Corporate Services
Kanabo Training for Tourism for Africa (KTTA)
Kanabo Golf In Africa
Tsamma Routes
Kalahari Jo's Clothing and Equipment
Kanabo Conservation Link
Valley of the Elephants
Cape Town and Surrounds
Garden Route and Eastern Cape
Indian to Atlantic
Kalahari Jo's Clothing and Equipment
Kalahari Jo's Clothing and Equipment
About KCL
Go To KCL
Kalahari Desert Experience
Valley of the Elephants
Cape Town and Surrounds
Garden Route and Eastern Cape
Indian to Atlantic
Namibia
Hantam Huis, Calvinia RSA
African Experience Calendar
Botswana
Zambia
Tanzania
Bruintjieskraal
Vaalwater
Elandspoort Bush Camp
Vleesbaai
Alte Brucke Resort
Camp Itumela
Kalahari Dreams, Strand RSA
Tsahitsi Lodge, Upington RSA
Die Withuis, Grunua Namibia
Molopo Kalahari Lodge
Witput Country Lodge, Hopetown RSA
Hantam Huis
Majorca House, Somerset West RSA
Waterfront Lodge, Knysna RSA
Kleinplasie, Springbok RSA
Little Sossus Lodge
Amanpuri Travel Lodge, Swakopmund Namibia
Grunua Hotel, Namibia
Letsatsi Motel, Vanrhynsdorp RSA
Vischgat Game Lodge
Kranzplatz, Luderitz Namibia
Antelope Park
Fish Eagle Bay Lodge
Draaihoek Lodge
Molopo Kalahari Lodge
Kalahari Rest
Farm Stays
Camp Folly, Ghanzi Botswana
Rouxville Country House
Kanabo Stays
Camps Site / Caravan Parks
Kanabo Southern African Experiences
SA Experience Calender (2)
Private Reserves and Lodges
Private Reserves and Lodges
Antelope Park, Gweru Zimbabwe
Draaihoek Lodge
Fish Eagle Bay Lodge
Kalahari Rest, Kang Botswana
Little Sossus Lodge, Namibia
Molopo Kalahari Lodge, RSA
Farm Stays
Rouxville Country House, Caledon RSA
Alte Brucke Resort, Swakopmund
Bruintjies Kraal, Patensie RSA
Camp Itumela, Palapye Botswana
Elandspoor Bush Camp, Kalahari RSA
Molopo Kalahari Lodge, RSA
Vaalwater Camp, Baviaanskloof RSA
Vleesbaai 4x4 Camp, RSA
Kanabo 2nd Base (K2B)
Malawi
Valley of the Elephants
Kalahari Desert Experience
Cape Town and Surrounds
Garden Route and Eastern Cape
Karoo
Kanabo Travel Services
Berrybush Camp, Tshabong Botswana
I was intrigued by the drilldown method of probing into where a particular problem lay within some structure. Bear in mind that this still needs a method of creating the json file in the correct flare.js type style. I will probably add the php file at a later stage.
The idea is that when facing a lot of data such as messages or other information that you would like to search out where the error might be, this way would show you a color tree based on green for no problem, orange denotes an upcoming issue and red denotes a problem. This way you drill down into the issue and see visually where the issue lies.
This code is taken from a website https://leanpub.com/D3-Tips-and-Tricks/read where a number of tricks are shown how to use D3 javascript library.
I just changed the code according to the chapter in this ebook. A chapter on autostyling nodes:
https://leanpub.com/D3-Tips-and-Tricks/read#leanpub-auto-styling-nodes-in-a-tree-diagram
Here is the code and the json file used to create this demo: Click here for demo
ThisIsMe.com - Now people can verify who you really are
I was rather surprised the other day to hear that this has actually been created and may I say it has been done very nicely indeed. The site is extremely professionally created and it is extremely easy to verify all the badges that one needs.
Think about how nice it would be to advertise on gumtree and people can trust that the person they are speaking to actually exists in the real world. With all the scams that abound it would be even nicer to know that when you go to buy something on OLX that you are talking to some real person that has been validated and actually exists in the real world.
I cant wait for the day that I dont need to show my whole pedigree to the bank manager in order to verify who I am. He can just use my link and figure out that I am who I say I am. That will probably be the most challenging thing to verify with this system.
So I hope that you go and take a look at this site and check out the benefits we can all have if we get verified. I also know of course that we all hate our privacy being abused and this might be another way in which our privacy gets abused but in theory I love the idea.
OPTIMIM.INFO - Online Project Management System
OPTIMIM stands for : Click here to go to OPTIMIM.INFO
Online Project management
TImesheets
Management Information http://optimim.info/images/onlineprojectmanagement1.png
Information Management
OPTIMIM is a product that I have created over the last two years while working for KWCE who was working with Dark Fiber Africa - DFA. As there engineer that would apply for wayleaves and do designs etc we had a lot of projects running simultaneously. This meant that it was hard to keep track of the projects and so OPTIMIM was born. It made it so much easier to now handle hundreds of projects.
The simple dashboard system gives a quick overview of the status of various deliverables for the project and the Gantt chart allows for full on project management.
There is a document repository which allows user to email docuementation, photos and certificates etc to the system and it automatically gets filed into correct projects and categories. Once emailed the document also enters an audit trail which noted when documentation was entered allowing for full transparency by all parties involved in the project. It is based on a term I learned while building a Command and Control system while in the Netherlands. The term used is COP - Common Operational Picture meaning everyone gets to see relevant data when needed. It raises situational awareness and allows for problems to be sorted out as they arise instead of later when they really can cause major headaches.
We have managed many projects with our clients over the last year and it has helped to eliminate a lot of the headaches that usually arise. The main thing is that everybody gets to see data timeously which causes discussions to happen when data is seen instead of later after having hidden issues for a month or two.
Using NFC and QRcodes makes it a lot easier for contractors to update status changes in their projects. Using a smartphone the contractor points towards the QRCode or even an NFC tag which is encoded with the correct URL and then gets a dropdown box where the status of a deliverable can be changed. As easy as that. No fuss. No hassles. Photos taken at site or documentation such as certificates are easily mailed to the system and automatically filed for later searches etc.
Here are a few leaflets describing the major points of our system.
IXXO - Multi Vendor Shopping Cart - Excellent product
At a prearranged time I was given a URL to share the developers screen and we chatted on skype. He explained all the features of the shopping cart. While evaluating a product it is the most difficult thing to download a tool and then try to figure it out on your own. This is a great way to evaluate a product BUT I can tell you firsthand it is even better being taken through the tool with the developer showing all the features.
They answered every one of my questions to my satisfaction. The most amazing concept that their cart has over any other cart was the Paypal Adaptive Payment system that has been integrated into their cart. Amazing how all the payments headaches will vanish when using the right solution.
I am extremely impressed by their shopping cart solution. They have a stand alone version which is responsive for mobile phones and tablets as well as a joomla version which will catch up on the responsive side by August 2013. It is an impressive cart that will give you the most flexibility that I have not seen in many other carts.
As far as I am concerned, it is the most impressive Multi Vendor Responsive Shopping cart out there in the price range that is affordable to the average Joe setting up a shop.
Thanks for the demo guys.
http://www.ixxocart.com/ixxo-multi-vendor
One liners that speak volumes - Twitter feeds and those one liners that mean something to me
One of the other people's tweets I love to read are those of my dad Sydney Weber, He has a knack of seeing things in a different light than most people. If you would like some insight into many topics such as love, friends etc than you can follow him at https://twitter.com/skwebers
This was an excellent book to read. Quite compelling and most definitely food for thought. This book gives me, as internet entrepreneur, the reason behind why my tny book written by an obscure person from nowhere sold at least 100 copies in the last year. It is beyond comprehension that with such little effort on my part, almost no effort whatsoever, I could manage to even get one person to purchase my book.
Without the long tail and specifically the long tail filters such as amazon, google and all the myriad of other search engines that each have their own algorithms for creating views into the long tail products, I would never have sold one book.
Get this book, and read it. If you are doing any sort of internet business then this book is a must read as it shows you why it is that your book can sell. Even if you are a no name writer or even if this is the first music or song you have ever recorded, the chances are excellent that you will sell some of your art online.
The FILTER is the answer and this is the secret to all this online selling.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Long-Tail-Business-Selling/dp/1401302378
Snapbill.com - really easy to use invoicing system
http://www.snapbill.com/
Flexible recurring billing made easy.
Powerful cloud-based billing system for any business.
Online invoicing
I have been fortunate to have been able to use Snapbill for the last year as an online invoicing platform. I say fortunate because it is one of the few companies I have worked with online that supply the service that they do. There tech support was second to none. If I emailed them someone came back to me virtually instantly and tried to help me. They even helped integrate some stuff for me and gave me examples which helped me along the way with the integration of their service right into my site. They are truly an amazing service.
Really cheap to use and worth every cent.
When you need to use an invoicing system that is integrated right into your backend system of your site I would suggest giving the guys and gals at Snapbill.com a trial run. I am 100% sure that you will be very glad you did as they give the most excellent service I have received online till today.
You can try it for free today by going to this link
http://www.snapbill.com/
support@snapbill.com
Regards
johnkweber
My grandfather A J Mantel was an artist who painted in watercolors (mostly anyway). As a child I watched many hours as he sat quietly first drawing and then painting his masterpieces. I was always fascinated by the skill that he displayed in mixing the colors and ensuring that whatever he was painting turned out to look like a photograph.
I remember clear as daylight him telling me that he considered himself first and foremost as a painter and not an artist. He considered an artist to be someone who could create a drawing or painting from within his mind, whereas A J Mantel would copy some postage stamp or postcard or picture and then turn it into a larger precise color copy.
As children some of my siblings must have gotten a lot closer to him than I ever did as his "artiness" rubbed off on them. They also managed to make beautiful paintings and even in my grandfathers time I remember my sister Marisa Nel (Weber) being one of his favourites as she managed to do almost naturally what he took many years to master. Marisa also made a few beautiful paintings but alas hung up her brushes and palette along time ago when she became a mother. One day I am hoping she will have time to be more creative again and paint some more for us.
Sydney Keith Weber (my father) also has some paintings that he can boast with as well as Sydney's sister Dorothy Klatter (Weber).
In honour of my grandfather A J Mantel I have created a site where people who have paintings that he made can place them online for the enjoyment of the family as well as create some sort of line of history of some of his paintings. Many of them were sold to clients and I remember some went to a gallery near East London where my grandfather lived for as long as I can remember him.
On the site I have allowed for the other family members to also portray some of their paintings. As many of my friends know, I got married in April 2012 to Hannah Brandt Weber (J S van Eck) and she also seems to have the knack for the oil canvas. So you will also her paintings on the site. Ofcourse as her husband I am probably biased towards her a teeny bit - lol.
I hope that the many people who have A J Mantel paintings will join our site and place high quality images of my grandfathers paintings on the site so that we may preserve them for the future and for our grandchildren to also admire what their great grandfather had accomplished.
- johnkweber 2012
A J Mantel
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Crowdfunding - The next wave
It was amazing to watch Pebble come to life with the crowdfunding model as viewed by KickStarter
Never before have I been more excited than seeing those Dollars climb past the $10 000 000 mark. These guys have a product that the world believes in and this is where I think the turning point starts for funding a project. With Venture Capitalists starting to diversify by investing in multiple small investments instead of going all out in one large project and investment, this seems to mark the beginning of a new way of getting funding for your homegrown project.
Here is a list of a few crowdfunding sites to get your project kickstarted.
https://www.crowdtilt.com/
http://crowdfunder.com/
http://wefunder.com/beta
http://www.indiegogo.com/
http://www.microventures.com/
https://www.secondmarket.com/
http://www.studioneat.com/pages/about-us
http://www.rockethub.com/
http://www.kapipal.com/
http://www.unbound.co.uk/
http://www.kickstarter.com
But the post that kickstarted this article was at http://www.kickstarter.com - Pebble epaper watch
- johnkweber
I rarely promote a guest house even though I go regularly to them. I love just going out and spoiling myself and my partner every now and then and what better way than to go relax at a guest house where everything gets done for you. After the running around of the week there is a need to just relax and enjoy.
This December I had the good fortune to hit the road and just see where it takes us. It was great. NO planned stays anywhere. SO there was also no reason to rush anywhere. Everyone said we were mad to just go on the whim and yet we found places to stay even though December is a peak season. We ended up being referred to a guest house that had just been started by a lovely couple. Hendrik and Linda Aucamp.
Man what a pleasure. Hendrik is a builder and I think he spared no expense to make the place beautiful. He really went to town and as he says, "Why skimp on the little things since they are the things everyone notices." For the very first time in about 20 years I woke up feeling refreshed and without any stiff or sore back. I now realise the importance of an awesome bed. We tend to spend so much time in our beds yet we skimp on the one thing we really should splurge on.
I am really happy to recommend Caledon23 Guest house in George. Situated in Caledon street number 23 (the place to be apparently in George) it was a stay to remember. Hendrik and Linda are a really friendly and outgoing couple and I know that you will enjoy your stay there.
OH - and the best thing is the price. For a guest house that has all the finery that they have I was expecting to pay a fortune. However the price is almost the most attractive item. At under R800 for a couple bed and breakfast included it was amazing.
If you are ever in the neck of the woods in George, go look up Hendrik and Linda Aucamp at Caledon23 Geust house. You wont be sorry. -
johnkweber
