TicketLuck - Event Tickets go Sticky

TicketLuck went live with IngBoo today. This is another great application of sticky search. If you are looking for a great deal on Lady Gaga, for example, just do a search and save it.

It is very easy to use this function. Enter a search term in the search field (e.g., "lady gaga"), execute the search, view the results and then track the changes using web, mobile, email, Twitter and soon Facebook.

Technorati Now Using IngBoo Web Syndication

Today, Technorati launched their new web syndication solution using the IngBoo service. They have implemented sticky search and tag tracking features.

If you do a search, the results are now displayed with an option to subscribe to changes to the search results. Look for the blueish button with "RSS" on it.

Also, under the tags tab, you can pick tags and then subscribe to updates as well.

These are two very powerful features, tied to consumer-intent.

Google to Search - IngBoo to Track

We now launched an integrated Google/IngBoo search experience on our portal at IngBoo.com. It allows you to search anything on the web via a regular Google search and then set up a sticky search for it.

First you enter your search term in the normal search window. In my example, I use "ipad". After the IngBoo results show, you will see an option to search Google.

After clicking, you will see the Google search results. You will also see a button that allows you to track the search.

Clicking on Track Search button will add the search to your subscription list for future updates.

Haiti Earthquake

The Haiti earthquake is on our minds tonight. It has been several days and people are still being found in the rubble. Help is arriving but the situation remains critical. Watching 60 minutes tonight, you could see amputations with hacksaws sterilized with Vodka and Rum. The doctors use what they have available, they are creative but it is extremely hard to watch.

We put together a bundle of some sources that regularly report on the situation. The bundle includes, among other things, a blog by a family who lives there. View the bundle at http://bit.ly/8wDYgW

You can tweet it, share on Facebook, send as an email.

IngBoo Web Start for BlackBerry Now on More Sites

Shortly after we rolled out IngBoo Web Start on BlackBerry App World, we pursued other venues as well. Today, the application is available at MobiHand, CrackBerry and PocketBerry.

Although RIMM has been late in the app store game (or, maybe because they have), there is not shortage of outlets for BlackBerry application developers.

In addition, we got our first writeup today on PocketBerry. You can read it here.

The application is generally working great. We discovered one issue related to missing or mis-configured APN settings in the device. This may affect unlocked devices, devices that are roaming or, devices that are not connected to the RIMM service (BIS) so, for the time being, we are restricting use the North American market.

IngBoo in the BlackBerry App Store

The BlackBerry version of its app store (a.k.a. Blackberry App World) has recently approved the IngBoo application. We built a native application for the Blackberry audience because it represents our target demographic. We will follow up with Android and iPhone soon.

The application now runs on Blackberry 8900, 9000, 9630 and 9700 devices. We are adding support for other models as well. With the basic support, we are reaching close to 20% of the current Blackberry users, according to AdMob's most recent statistics.

We haven't really promoted the application yet. We are therefore surprised and happy to have clocked several thousands of downloads to date. Besides BlackBerry App World, we have also submitted the application for review and publication at CrackBerry.com.

It is modelled for the mobile form factor, it is designed after the original BlackBerry killer app - email snacking and it has the fewest clicks-to-content of any content reader in the market!

If you have one of the supported devices, please download the app here and give us some feedback!

IngBoo Featured on TechNow TV

IngBoo was recently featured (again) on TV. This time on TechNow, which is a half hour television show about technology, seen on NBC stations in San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego.

Just like NBC News, it was IngBoo and jobs that was the subject.

Connecting Your Blog to the Eco-System

Just like many other bloggers, we have registered the IngBoo blog with various blog directories in order to increase visibility. One interesting effect of this, is that you can search these directories for content associated with your blog, the topic you cover or other aspect of what your blog covers. We are trying such a function right now using BlogCatalog. In the right column of this site, you see an image called "Get the Buzz!. When you click on it, we set up a sticky-search for the blog search function at BlogCatalog. In our case, we search for "ingboo.com" and get updates based on what we and others say about IngBoo. While this is currently a clickable image, we are also considering developing a widget that would list the search results within the blog for the readers to enjoy. Users can see results, click to see full search results at BlogCatalog.com or setup a sticky search and get update notifications.

Share Updates via Twitter, Facebook, Email and More

We quietly updated the service a few days ago with a much improved sharing feature. You can now mouse over an update, click on "SHARE" and quickly share via Twitter, Facebook, email and any other way you want.

This is a step in our direction of being "social network friendly". The traditional email sharing is still available but the ability to single-click share via Twitter and Facebook makes it so much easier to share and comment on updates. Enjoy!

Single-Click Subscribe via Twitter

Today, we searched on Twitter for "ingboo" (we search everyday actually, since we have a persistent Twitter search in our IngBoo lists) and came across a tweet from RemBeatZ, owner of BlazingMinds blog.

All great ideas are simple and obvious once you see them. In this case, RemBeatZ had posted a tweet offering a single-click subscribe using IngBoo.

This is effectively the Twitter version of an IngBoo button. We like it!

Share Your Favs is Open for Business

We have now launched "Share Your Favs". This feature allows any user to create favorite lists of topics they like. The list is represented as a URL and can be shared via email, Twitter, Facebook, etc. While we currently only support direct sharing via email, single-click sharing with Twitter and Facebook will be there in a couple of weeks. For now, you can copy and paste the URL wherever you want. I have created a Fav List for Santa Cruz, Ca where I live. You can check it out here.

We want your feedback on this feature so try it out. There can even be a reward for it!!

Chennaionline Launched

Today, Chennaionline launched new services aimed at providing more value to their users.

To accomplish this, they are using two IngBoo features:
1. Content bundles (a.k.a. preview micro-portal) and,
2. Sticky job search.

Chennaionline is a great example of the new online media companies that are emerging on the Internet. They use IngBoo to perfect their content subscription strategy. As you can see, their site is very well structured and free from all types of clutter. This helps the users find and engage with our relationship tools very quickly.

Share Your Favs - Upcoming Features

Very soon, IngBoo users will be able to create and share their favorite topic lists on IngBoo. Initially, we will generate a URL that can be pasted into an email, tweet, Facebook message or other message of choice. As we roll out more integrated sharing functions, you will be able to share via one-click functions, just like you share a YouTube video, for example.

You will be able to create multiple "fav lists" with your own IngBoo list as a starting point. You can add additional topics of choice to your fav list.

We will also promote the this feature. Users will be entered into a drawing to win a cool price (to be announced).

The core purpose of the Fav-Feature is to provide a tool for users (and publishers too) to quickly create and share resources that are useful to others. These bundles represent micro-portals that offer previews of great content and quick-launch to the content sources. The URLs to the micro-portals can be used on blogs and other communication to provide value to the community at large. If you want to see what a micro-portal looks like, try the real-estate micro-portal here.

Sticky Job Search at OneCubicle

Recently, we connected with OneCubicle, a social business service created to help young professionals brand themselves, build their careers and expand their networks.





Among other things, we combined the excellent job search of OneCubicle, with IngBoo Sticky Search. This is a function that allows a job seeker to watch changes to the job search results produced on the site. IngBoo brings updates to the job search to the user via web, email, twitter, mobile and soon even Facebook. It is of course possible to subscribe to OneCubicle directly from IngBoo as well. You can search for "onecubicle" or, you can find it under "jobs" in the IngBoo catalog.

The OneCubicle Blog uses the single-click subscribe function. The blog is also available under "jobs->job blogs" in the IngBoo catalog.


All OneCubicle topics can be enjoyed as a bundle here!

IngBoo on iGoogle

IngBoo is now available on iGoogle as a Google Gadget. The IngBoo list is perfect in the gadget form factor. For those who like the personalized portal experience, this gadget combines the benefits of IngBoo with the iGoogle experience, maybe the perfect match!?

The gadget can be located on iGoogle by selecting to add a gadget and searching for "ingboo". For direct access, click here.

IngBoo Available via More Channels

We made another service upgrade today. It is now possible to quickly and easily set up notifications over email, mobile, web, RSS, Twitter, RIMM/BlackBerry and iGoogle. The iGoogle gadget is really cool. The BlackBerry application also rocks. It is initially available for the Bold 9000 and the Tour 9630. We are working hard to increase its reach to the BlackBerry Storm and other devices. We will keep you posted on the progress. All the options are available in the right column on the site.

We have also been playing around with subscribe counters and some have it enabled already. The subscribe counter displays together with the IngBoo button (see up to the right on this site). It is currently necessary to send us a request via support@ingboo.com and ask for the snippet for this. However, this will soon be available via partner central as a self-service tool.

New Job Numbers

The latest job numbers are troubling. The unemployment rate is now 10.2% according to the US goverment. One can argue that the government programs are helping somewhat but the US population is still under siege. Another article mentions that landing a new job is like getting into Harvard!

Meanwhile, IngBoo provides a powerful solution for the job seeker. To get started, just click here and begin to set up your job search on multiple job sites. Add additional resources that help you smarten up. Be the first to know by configuring your notification options. You can be notified via web, mobile, email, Twitter and soon even Facebook!

ProAssisting and IngBoo - It is Official

Here is the press release:

ProAssisting partners with IngBoo for Link Services

ProAssisting and IngBoo offer new tools to members and readers for staying on top of job searches and the daily flow of assistant information from the web.

New York, NY (PRWEB) October 29, 2009 -- ProAssisting, an online executive, personal and administrative assistant training program, has partnered with IngBoo Inc. to service links relevant to its members and readers via IngBoo's service, which allows anyone to stay on top of their daily web searches, job searches, blogs and online information via content previews.
By using mobile text, email or Twitter and specifying which time of day you want your notifications, users are the first to know of the constantly changing information on the web. When Ethan Bull, CEO and Co-founder of ProAssisting, met with IngBoo and learned how this free service simplifies and "seals the cracks" when searching for a job online, he realized IngBoo was the perfect business partner to provide ProAssisting's links to their members and readers.
"With all the different websites that have job postings out there, trying to stay on top of them on a daily basis takes a lot of time and energy", said Ethan Bull, CEO and Co-founder of ProAssisting. "With IngBoo, you input your information for each of these job search sites once and then you're updated how and when you prefer when new job listings are added to your search criteria. Given the economic climate, searching for assistant positions is a big concern for a majority of our members and readers. By partnering with IngBoo, we're giving them a tool that completely simplifies searching for assistant positions in their specific location and makes sure they won't miss any new postings if they don't happen to check a particular job search site that day."

"ProAssisting is a great example of a career development site that offers targeted information and programs to its users", said Rikard Kjellberg, CEO of IngBoo. "We have been focused on job-related publishers for some time. ProAssisting not only fits this focus, but represents a great example of a partner who is fully leveraging our service and technology."

About ProAssisting: ProAssisting is an online training program for executive, administrative and personal assistants that utilizes the interactive qualities of the Internet to provide comprehensive tools, training, resources, support and daily personalized guidance for assistants in any industry.

About IngBoo: Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, IngBoo launched its service in April, 2009. An online marketplace for information updates, the "IngBoo list" delivers users the most relevant and timely information from any source on the Internet; organizing it in a clutter-free user experience. IngBoo returns control of Web-based information to the consumer, separating relevant information from spam and organizing content in a relevant fashion (patents pending).

Bundle Your Topics!

IngBoo offers a bundle feature for its publisher partners. This allows the publisher to create a URL that resolves to a preview list of multiple information sources. It is also possible to create "bundles-of-bundles". We just launched this with ProAssisting. Their announcement can be found here. To see what the bundle-of-bundle does, click on this link.
The basic bundle turns an otherwise static list of links, into a live preview of content sources. The preview can be consumed by the user before deciding to subscribe. Once a decision has been made, the subscription process is one click away. This experience changes the equation for content syndication via RSS. As you may know, RSS adoption has stagnated at 11%, primarily because it doesn't cater to the online community at large. Early adopters and news professionals have gone through the hurdles of making it work. However, mass-adoption requires a seemless experience. That is what IngBoo delivers.

We Want Your Job Story - Earn a Cool $100!

Many of our users have set up their job searches and are now receiving job listing updates via IngBoo. If you have found your new job or, if your career prospects have been improved as a result of using IngBoo, we want to know. We are putting together a larger story on what the US government is doing, what is going on in Silicon Valley and specifically what IngBoo is offering the job seeker. We need your story!
If you want to share your story with us, other IngBoo users and potentially with media at large, please send us an email at feedback@ingboo.com

We will subjectively select a few of the stories. Those selected will receive a $100 gift card to spend on whatever you want!

A Dear Child Has Many Names

Earlier today, we announced that we had raised $800K and that we now have 50+ partners in our affiliate program (see blog post below). The "Internet chatter" (Twitter, blogs, etc.) has been pretty loud, but it also resulted in an article in Venture Beat. We are now a "Web Aggregator". This is actually a pretty good label. Others have called us "RSS on Steroids", "Better than RSS", "The Really Simple in RSS", "The Best Feed Reader", "RSS and More". The list goes on. The point is that nothing is more rewarding and educational as when people describe you. We listen, learn and reposition as a result. Thank You!

IngBoo Press Release October 26

IngBoo™ Raises $800,000 in Funding and Announces 50 New Partners in its Online Publisher Program

New funding is fueling the company’s online publisher program that is driving traffic and ad revenue to Websites using the company’s innovative software

SUNNYVALE, CA – October 26, 2009 – IngBoo (www.ingboo.com), the best free online
service for consumers to organize their Web activities in one place, today announced that it has raised $800,000 in seed funding led by Elis Nemes and Saeed Amidi of Amidzad Partners, Doug Tsui of Horizon Ventures and Allen Miner of Sunbridge Partners.

The company also announced the official launch of R3, its online publisher program. R3, which stands for Reach, Revisits and Revenue, offers a new revenue generating opportunity for all online content publishers. It is the only program of its kind to offer advertising revenue to publishers for content previews. To date, more than 50 publishers and advertisers have signed on.

“Over the last several years, we have had the opportunity to evaluate hundreds of innovative startups from around the World,” said Saeed Amidi, founder and CEO of Amidzad Partners. “We believe that IngBoo is a category-defining startup, perfectly positioned to facilitate and accelerate the growth in users who organize their Web activities by subscribing to content previews.”

“IngBoo’s R3 program has enabled us to deepen the relationship with our audience,” said Randa Clay, owner of freestuff4kids.net. “The one-click subscription model with content preview increases visitation to our site and has created incremental revenue opportunity for us.”

“That we were able to raise this amount of seed capital in today’s challenging economic times and secure more than 50 publishers speaks volumes about our technology and business model,” said Rikard Kjellberg, CEO and co-founder of IngBoo. “And even more than giving publishers a new and free way to earn money from their content, IngBoo helps end users save time and money by giving them a free resource to organize all of their Web activities from a single page.”

About IngBoo, Inc. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, IngBoo launched its service in April, 2009. An online marketplace for information updates, the "IngBoo list" delivers users the most relevant and timely information from any source on the Internet; organizing it in a clutter-free user experience. IngBoo returns control of Web-based information to the consumer, separating relevant information from spam and organizing content in a relevant fashion (patents pending).
For more information, visit http://www.ingboo.com/.

Job Site Partnerships

We recently connected with Ethan Bull, owner of ProAssisting.com. ProAssisting focuses on career development for executive assistants and executive administrators. They have resources and educational programs for this job category. ProAssisting is a great example of the new type of web sites that are emerging in the job/career category. It is an industry-focused site, run by experts in the field, sharing and marketing the assets that they have accrued over the years.

ProAssisting and IngBoo has created a preview bundle of content sources applicable to job seekers.

On the site, you will see the following image:

Clicking on the image takes the user to a "micro-publication" with previews of excellent content sources and prime job search sites. We will add resources to the preview but it is already a great tool for the job seeker.

The New Look of IngBoo

We were able to launch the IngBoo Web UI 2.0 over the weekend. The objective was to turn our site into a "Try This!" experience. What it means is that anyone should be able to engage with the service within 10 seconds.


















New users will now have a much clearer idea of what they can do on the site. Please try it out and give us your feedback!

IngBoo Co-Founder Interview

IngBoo COO and co-founder, Furkan Khan, was recently interviewed by Paul Matadeen at ItsTheJobBlog. The podcast provides a great introduction to how IngBoo can help jobseekers get organized, smarten up and be the first to know.
You can hear the interview here.