Welcome to BenWoods.com

Welcome to BenWoods.com, the website for author, columnist and web developer Ben Woods. This site is home to my past and current attempts at combining humor and technology into a worthwhile read. If you have anything to add, or you just want to say hello, please use the contact form or email

Latest News

New U.S. government 'transparent' sites

July 02, 2009 - Where do your tax dollars go? What data is being collected in this country anyway? Previously, these were difficult questions to answer, but the new administration appears to be making headway toward real answers.

At USAspending.gov, site visitors can see who is receiving federal funds, what industries are benefiting the most from the dough and which contractors are winning contracts. At Data.gov, users can check out numerous types of data catalogs, in numerous formats as well.



Community website (like .comU) purchased by AOL

June 17, 2009 - I found out the other day through an internal company email that AOL has recently purchased two companies as part of its local strategy initiative. I was immensely surprised when checking out one of them, Patch, which is essentially a community-based website geared toward providing info with a small-town flavor. It's quite remarkable how similar this site is to .comU, the original website built by "The Developers."



Congrats Microsoft, you came up with a name ... now what?

May 29, 2009 - Bing, Microsoft's new search engine, is finally here. OK, well, as of May 29, 2009, it's not actually here yet. However, people are already raving over the name "Bing." It does have a nice ring to it, and it goes great with Crosby. But, what's in a name?



One thousand books

May 24, 2009 - I remember reading or hearing something a few years ago that said only 10 percent of all books published ever sell 1,000 copies or more. I cannot seem to find exact numbers anywhere, however, I found a boatload of other statistics on the Para Publishing website. The self-publishing numbers are pretty low ... only 3.4 percent of Xlibris copies have sold more than 500 copies, for example.



Book review: "Healthy Travel: Don't Travel Without It!" by Michael P. Zimring and Lisa Iannucci

May 23, 2009 - Traveling to new countries is a great opportunity to see customs and cultures that you may not find in your own backyard. While it can be an exhilarating experience, it can also turn into a problem when not properly prepared for the journey. To make sure you have everything you need, I would suggest reading "Healthy Travel: Don't Travel Without It!" by Michael P. Zimring and Lisa Iannucci.


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Book News

The Developers

New U.S. government 'transparent' sites

July 02, 2009 - Where do your tax dollars go? What data is being collected in this country anyway? Previously, these were difficult questions to answer, but the new administration appears to be making headway toward real answers.

At USAspending.gov, site visitors can see who is receiving federal funds, what industries are benefiting the most from the dough and which contractors are winning contracts. At Data.gov, users can check out numerous types of data catalogs, in numerous formats as well.

Corporate Ties

One thousand books

May 24, 2009 - I remember reading or hearing something a few years ago that said only 10 percent of all books published ever sell 1,000 copies or more. I cannot seem to find exact numbers anywhere, however, I found a boatload of other statistics on the Para Publishing website. The self-publishing numbers are pretty low ... only 3.4 percent of Xlibris copies have sold more than 500 copies, for example.

Random Articles

I know where you clicked last night

October 25, 2006 - While navigating most websites, you are faced with numerous decisions. Should you click the link? Should you fill out the form? Should you mute the annoying music, which sounds like a cross between a ...



On the Street - the Dilemma of Thievery

June 14, 2008 - As I was exiting the grocery store yesterday, I overheard a conversation between a woman and what I assumed was her teenage son. She was holding at least four candy bars in her hand. "Why were you ...



Next stop: Destinations in New Albany

January 31, 2006 - For my third straight weekend, I'll be making a book appearance, this time in New Albany, Ind. I'll be at Destinations Booksellers (604 East Spring Street) at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4. Destinations is ...



"The Developers" now available for Amazon Kindle

June 20, 2008 - My first book, "The Developers," can now be downloaded for the Amazon Kindle hand-held reader. While it's debatable whether or not the reader will catch on for the mass market, there's no doubt that i ...



Relax and have some cookies

August 07, 2000 - I was talking to your computer the other day, and he said you were a little perturbed. He said you didn't appreciate me or anyone else, especially NATO officials, being able to find all kinds of infor ...

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