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AGORACOM Traffic – Visits and Visitors Continue To Climb In H1 2010

Posted by AGORACOM at 12:16 PM on Friday, August 27th, 2010

Good morning to you all.  As most of you know, I like to share AGORACOM traffic data on a regular basis and today is no exception, especially given the fact we are in the dog days of summer.

Please find enclosed a Google Analytics shot of our traffic in H1 2010, compared to H12009 (Click on the image for a larger version):

I’m pleased to report that the number of visits (3,600,000) and visitors (547,000) to AGORACOM remain very strong.  The strength and YoY increases can be attributed to the following reasons.

1. Social Media

We have really turned on our social media efforts in 2010, which have resulted in:

Furthermore, we’ve worked hard at cross-promoting our social media channels AND providing different content on each.  If you’re a small-cap company that is simply creating accounts to post duplicate press releases across each, you are simply wasting your time.  Cross-promote and differentiate so that investors have options to consume what is most important to them.

2. Great Content

We recently introduced a “News Flash” feature that allows us to provide investors in every corner of AGORACOM with breaking/important news as it happens (both small-cap specific or macro-market related).  As a result, investors that may be focused on a particular HUB or group of HUBS on AGORACOM now feel as if they aren’t missing important news.  Click-through analysis shows these are a big hit with AGORACOM visitors and a good reason to both keep returning to the site and consuming our content.

3. Great Platform

Small-Cap Investors continue to flock to AGORACOM thanks to what we believe is the best small-cap community platform on the web.  By providing Wiki and UGC tools to our members, we’ve put significant control into their hands and that has benefited the entire community.  From adding/editing/updating content, to self-policing their own HUBS, members have created a small-cap community that is more informative and cleaner than any other small-cap site on the web.  It isn’t perfect – but it is as close to perfect as you can get using today’s technology.

What is perfect is the level of member satisfaction with AGORACOM.  We thank all of our members for fully embracing our platform and will continue to reward your efforts by improving on what we do.

DECREASE IN PAGE VIEWS

On the flip side, we did see an 8.46% decrease in page views that can probably be attributed to two items. First,  one of our busier HUBS was Freewest Resources which was acquired by Cliff’s Natural Resources in Q4 2009, so we haven’t had the benefit of page views for one of the prominent players within the Ring Of Fire.  Second, as a result of our OSC matter, several of our high-profile HUBS have been put on hold.

Nonetheless, we are extremely pleased at our ability to register gains on the visits and visitor front, while holding firm on the total page views.  This points to very positive prospects once the matter has passed.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the increases in visitors and visits are more important to both our clients and ecosystem as they will drive page views as more news develops within the small-cap industry. Going forward, we’ll be adding further fuel to the fire via the following exciting initiatives:

* Our upcoming mobile push in H2 (iPhone, Viigo and of course our Blackberry partnership)

* An expanded content push in H2  (Holding our cards close to our chest)

* A greater social media push (Look for Facebook and Twitter announcements in H2)

Thanks to our great clients and members for continuing to make AGORACOM the best community platform within the small-cap industry.

Regards,
George

Posted in AGORACOM News And Events, AGORACOM Traffic, All Recent Posts | 3 Comments »

AGORACOM Members Rally Around Fellow Member To Save Lives

Posted by AGORACOM at 8:55 AM on Friday, August 20th, 2010

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times.  I am so incredibly proud that AGORACOM Members have taken the site to levels I only dreamed about.  First, from a pure information exchange of small-cap information, you can’t find a smarter, dedicated and giving group of people.  Second, thanks to a system that is focused on attracting quality over quantity, this same group of great people have created a loving and supportive community that rises to every occasion they are called to.

As such, it shouldn’t have come as any surprise when Pam “Optionsgal” Steeves sent me a message on May 24 to say:

Good Morning My Friend. This morning as I post on the KRY board I feel compelled to include you in my thanks, as if this community had not been established I would not be realizing a very important personal goal …..

…… I am astounded this morning and feel the need to thank-you as well. If not for your community here and the connections I have made, I would not be anywhere close to realizing my dream. Agoracom folk are some of the kindest, generous and most supportive people out there.

“Personal goal” was an understatement.  I’d love to tell you the rest of the story – but I decided to give Pam an opportunity to tell you in her words below.

Pam, I want to thank-you for walking 39.3 miles for people that can not.  You are truly an inspiration to each and everyone of us. You are a champion.

Members, I want to thank-you for rallying around Pam, for being so generous and – as a result – for not letting her walk alone. Once again you were summoned.  Once again you responded.

Together, you are going to save lives.  Save …  Lives.

You have all filled my heart with insurmountable pride and I love you for that.

With respect,
George

PAM’S STORY

Agoracom Family Making A Difference….

Breast Cancer has touched many of us, our families and circle of friends, who have couragously battled this disease. We have fought hard for our own lives and those we care about. Every 3 minutes someone is diagnosed with breast cancer. Perhaps someone you love. Why are you reading about this on an investment forum? Because I want to tell you about a group of Agoracom members, just like yourself, who are making a positive difference.

Almost 18 months ago I began training to participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. A two day, 39.3 mile walk that will take me through the streets, bridges and parks of NYC in October, for the purpose of raising funds for breast cancer research and providing care for those women and men who are under-insured and cannot afford to be screened or seek treatment.

When I started my fund raising campaign, I set my goal at $2,500. Thanks to the generosity of many fellow investors/friends on the KRY Agoracom hub I was quickly, almost overnight, able to exceed that goal and set my sights on $5,000. Remarkably, last week that goal was exceeded as well. Although many have encouraged me to spend these last 68 days concentrating on my physical training, I will not rest. With a hopeful heart and renewed passion, I have re-set my goal again to $7,500 and will not stop my fundraising efforts. I will turn over every stone and push for more resources until I am on that pier in NYC ready to begin the event. I am pushing harder for those who are fighting for their lives and can’t.

Agoracom was founded to bring individuals in the investment community together. A place where we can share ideas, gain knowledge, utilize resources and communicate with like minded investors. It goes beyond that my friends….way beyond that. Although my home is on the KRY board, I have frequented many hubs and have been warmly welcomed. Each hub a wonderful community of individuals, compassionate men and women, who look out for one another and care about the bigger picture…..giving back and making a positive difference. Each hub a FAMILY.

I am “IN IT TO END IT”. Alone I am limited, but together WE can make a tremendous difference. Join us my Agoracom “Family” as we take a stand against breast cancer. Please visit my site at http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/PamForLife

Thank-you,

Pam Steeves/Optionsgal

Posted in AGORACOM Members, Life | 1 Comment »

AGORACOM Members Host 2nd Annual “Ring Of Fire” Golf Tournament

Posted by AGORACOM at 4:15 PM on Thursday, August 19th, 2010

Proving once again that AGORACOM is a small-cap community like no other, a couple of AGORACOM members have taken it upon themselves to repeat their success from last year and organize the 2nd Annual ROF Golf Classic & Dinner on September 11th, 2010 (full details below).

As you can see below, this isn’t just a few guys and gals getting together to hit a few balls & throw back some brews.  No, this group has gone all out to include a buffet dinner “with a chef manned carving station for the following….. – Hip of Roast Beef (slow roasted for 10 hours)”

Moreover, there are going to be enough prizes for everyone to take home.  We were happy to contribute swag to last year’s event and will be doing so again this year.  (I personally would love to play but after suffering a herniated disc during a hockey game 4 years ago, golf is out unless I can just pitch and putt all day.)

The good news, according to the last post I saw, is that some golf spaces are still available – or you can simply join everyone for dinner afterwards.

Congrats to Stratopod, Glorieux and everyone else involved in making the event possible.

Regards,
George

DETAILS – THE 2nd RING OF FIRE GOLF CLASSIC & DINNER

When : Saturday, September 11th, 2010.

Where : Hidden Lake Golf Club (Old Course) (Burlington, Ont.)

Ladies & Gentlemen,

All the final details are now in place. Whether you’re a golfer or just want to attend the fabulous buffet dinner I’ve arranged at the golf course, it will be an event not to be missed. Here’s all the info.

– Cost for golf & shared cart, buffet dinner with wine and entertainment is $150 per person.

– Cost for just the buffet dinner with wine and entertainment is $60 per person.

The golf tournament is a Team Scramble Format with 4 members per team. Some refer to this as a Best Ball format. I will be assembling the teams to make them all as equal as possible, while also keeping all couples together and honoring requests for team partners where it’s possible to do so.

If you haven’t already contacted me about the golf and are interested in playing, please PM me with some details about your golf game (scores, courses you play, tee boxes you hit from, are you a good putter, big hitter, etc.)

A number of people have come forward with some wonderful prize donations and I thank them all for supporting the ROF Golf Classic.

Nobody will go home without a prize, including all dinner guests.

Speaking of dinner….check this out ! A superb strato-buffet dinner, with a chef manned carving station for the following…..

– Hip of Roast Beef (slow roasted for 10 hours), Glazed Baked Ham & Roast Chicken, WITH roasted potatoes, vegetables, penne pasta & tomato sauce, salads, fresh baked rolls, red & white wine at each table, dessert & coffee.

*** Glorieux (Frank) has kindly volunteered to handle all payments for the golf & dinner, as he did last year. He is setup to receive credit card payments or cheques.

Please contact Frank by PM to arrange payment.

Golf course website

Map of course & accommodations in the area (please note that Lake Medad on left side of map, is Hidden Lake).

strato-golf

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Best Investments During Deflation

Posted by AGORACOM at 8:34 AM on Thursday, August 12th, 2010

Market Folly, a financial blog that tracks the portfolios of 40+ prominent hedge funds on a daily basis, put out a great article that helps answer the question I have been asking myself lately (and no doubt you have as well) – what are the best investments during deflation? (Deflation Definition)

WHY YOU NEED TO CONSIDER THE DEFLATION SCENARIO

This is a very important question considering the fact the markets now believe deflation is a real threat, though most continue to believe (as I still do) that inflation continues to pose the biggest threat.  Nonetheless, considering the fact the stimulus injected by central banks around the world hasn’t produced the desired reflationary effect for the economy – resulting in the fact that  we are now into stimulus 1.5 – the deflation scenario has to be considered.

BEST INVESTMENTS / STRATEGIES DURING DEFLATION

Market Folly lists them as follows:

  1. Cash / US Dollar
  2. Pay Off Debt
  3. Buy Long-Term Bonds
  4. Short Equities
  5. Buy Dividend Paying Stocks
  6. Short Housing / Avoid Real Estate
  7. Short Leverage
  8. Long Technology
  9. Gold
  10. Buy TIPS

For an expanded discussion on each of these items, read the full article here.  I highly recommend it.

Regards,
George

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Why David Rosenberg Believes Resource Sector Remains A Core Holding

Posted by AGORACOM at 8:00 AM on Thursday, August 12th, 2010

If you don’t know who David Rosenberg is, you better get to know him.  Why? Forget about his title – there are plenty of useless anyalysts out there with big titles -  here is his track record in what has been a very difficult decade for institutional and retail investors:

From 2001 to 2008, Mr. Rosenberg was ranked first in economics in the Brendan Wood International Survey for Canada, ranked second overall in the 2008 Institutional Investors Survey for the U.S., and was on the Institutional Investor All American All Star Team from 2005-2008. Mr. Rosenberg also ranked 4th out of 104 economists in the 2009 Thomson-Extel survey of global portfolio managers. Mr. Rosenberg also ranked 4th out of 104 economists in the 2009 Thompson-Extel survey of global portfolio managers.

He is currently the Chief Economist over at Gluskin Sheff and a Canadian. I don’t add in that last point for humour.  As a Canadian, I believe he has a decidedly more rational head than his US counterparts that are typically guilty of both following the herd and looking after their own pockets.  I love the fact that Rosenberg doesn’t sit on the fence.  He develops a market outlook and tells you what he’s going to do about it.  None of the typical, “the ying could yang, but the yang could ying” bullshit that you often hear from these guys.

More importantly, as his track record demonstrates, he is often right.

Rosenberg is a great tool for retail investors because he isn’t shy about sharing his views.  He frequently speaks with both traditional media and some of the better financial blogs, including my friend Barry Ritholtz.  As such, it’s pretty easy to follow his thoughts.  I suggest you follow him via a Google Alert RSS Feed so that you don’t miss a thing.

RESOURCE SECTOR REMAINS A CORE HOLDING

In his market commentary yesterday, he provided his typical great analysis on the state of the markets.  It’s a must read as he covers inflation, deflation, the US economy, emerging markets and his recommended investment strategies.  In addition, he made the following statement with respect to the resource sector:

Moreover, I don’t believe in all the stories about China collapsing. In fact, if there is a bullish story to be told, it is that the secular growth paths in not only China, but India, Indonesia and Korea and that will continue to ensure that the resource sector remains a core holding, with oil and food retaining geopolitical significance and gold remaining a critical hedge against ongoing reflationary policies that weakens the U.S. dollar in coming months as a critical mid-term election approaches.

If that isn’t telling it like it is, I don’t know what is.

Regards,
George

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Why Skype IPO Is A Buy

Posted by AGORACOM at 7:31 PM on Monday, August 9th, 2010

Internet telephony company Skype today announced plans to IPO, the details of which are included in this registration statement.  As an online investor relations company, AGORACOM is extremely bullish on the long-term prospects of great online technology (including our own).  I’m personally a user, big fan and plan to incorporate Skype into AGORACOM over the next 6 months.  If you are a small-cap company, you should be using Skype to both save costs and better connect with shareholders – but we’ll save that conversation for another day.

SHOULD I BUY SKYPE STOCK?

For now, the most important question I need answered is – should I buy Skype if and when it goes public?  The answer is yes and it comes from two sources of information:

1.  THE DATA

As you can imagine, there is a ton of good data floating around on Skype’s business so here are a few tidbits (hat tip to Techcrunch):

  • Revenues for the first six months of 2010 were $406 million, with a net income of only $13 million.
  • However, a big portion of that was interest income. Income from operations was only $1.4 million for the six months.
  • Gross margins are a healthy 51% and expanding thanks to scale and the ability to negotiate lower telephone fees around the world.
  • The company currently has $85 million in cash.
  • Skype users made 95 billion minutes of voice and video calls during the first half of 2010.
  • Skype users sent 84 million SMS text messages during the period.
  • Skype is averaging 124 million users a month, with only 8.1 million of those paying users.
  • The paying users pay an average of $96 a year.
  • Skype growth is going to come from: More paying customers; More enterprise customers; and Advertising

2.  THE EXPERTS

All of the data above is great but it still doesn’t tell me is Skype should be a buy.  Are their growth objectives realistic? What is the competitive landscape like? Will they be the leader 5 years from now or will Skype get “Yahooed”? Truth is that nobody has a crystal ball but if there is one guy I trust to summarize the big picture, it’s AGORACOM Keynote Speaker and leading global financial blogger – Paul Kedrosky.  His commentary below was the icing on the cake for me, all I have to do now is wait for the IPO.

Regards,
George

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