Volume 3, Issue 3 | June 2006

Note from the Publisher:

With summer fast approaching, it’s time to gear up for the travel season and all the great things associated with this season – BBQ, long days, relaxing over a good book, and vacation. Yes, there’s a theme there. Summer for many is a time to slow down and relax, whether at a vacation destination or at home. While Americans overall have less vacation time than most other developed countries, we are unwilling to let things get in the way. Even higher gas prices, as you’ll see in this issue.

In this issue, Jenn Gleckman writes about Web 2.0 and the concept of net neutrality and what it means for you. She also speaks to the issue of gas prices and its predicted impact on travel this summer.

We hope you find these articles useful and interesting. As always, we appreciate your comments, both on this newsletter and in general. Feel free to email me - I'd love to hear from you.

Regards,

Carl Ribaudo
President & Publisher
Strategic Marketing Group
carl@smgonline.net

THIS ISSUE

Web 2.0 – Why the Hype?
At the recent SMG Lake Tahoe Tourism Conference, David LaPlante of Twelve Horses spoke of the new wave of online applications that are impacting the way many (mostly younger) people interact with and use the Internet. Read on.

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About the Net Neutrality Debate: Legitimate Concerns for Businesses?
The recent news that the House had rejected the ‘Net Neutrality’ amendment (as part of the overhaul of the old Telecommunications Act) raises concern among many as the Communications Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act makes its way to the Senate for debate. Read on.

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Summer Travel in the Era of the $3 Gallon
About 6 months ago I wrote an article on gas prices and travel. Funny enough, that subject is just as relevant today. Read on.