About CenterNetworks

CenterNetworks was relaunched in September 2006 to focus on the "new" Internet. The mission is to help industry professionals learn more about topics including: social networking, Web 2.0, and social media. In addition, one of the main goals with CenterNetworks is to help you create better web apps. 

CenterNetworks is edited by Allen Stern.

Selected media/press mentions:

• WWD - Women's Wear Daily - February 2008
• Business Week - January 2008
• All Things D - Wall Street Journal - January 2008
• Reuters - December 2007
• Chicago Tribune - October 2007
• Wired - October 2007
• CalacanisCast 29 - Discussion of Mahalo and Google - June 2007
• Re-Imagining Google, iMedia Connection - June 2007
• Social Media SNP Podcast - June 2007
• MediaPost Search Insider - June 2007
• ComputerWorld - April 2007
• Google Expands Video Ad Test, News.com - January 24, 2007
• In addition, CenterNetworks has been featured on TechCrunch, Mashable, MicroPersuasion, Reuters, and the NY Times blog.

About Allen Stern

Born and raised in NYC, I started my official working life at The Wiz in NYC where I became the top salesperson in the company. And as a side note, I was the first "official" Newton salesperson for NYC. I sold 2 the first day, ten overall, eight were returned.

I graduated in 1995 with a Bachelors in Accounting and moved back to NYC and went to work at a medium-sized accounting firm. I was nicknamed "Dos Man" because I handled all of the networking and computers.

A friend of mine challenged me to a bet on who could make a better web page. Naturally I couldn't let him beat me. Luckily I won, or else I would still be behind that accounting desk (of course Accounting is much more sexy now!).

In the mid-90s, I made the jump to a large agency called CKS (aka MarchFirst). I worked on the agency's largest accounts including Citibank (built their first credit card web site!), Clinique, IBM, Wimbledon and AIG (their first web site). Absolutely loved that time as people coined me, "The CPS" which stands for "Creative Problem Solver". It was also during this time that I built (with a friend) HTMLCenter. During the early years it was considered one of the top 5 web development help sites.

In 1998, I decided to follow a friend down to Atlanta where I joined Georgia-Pacific. I initially began as the Webmaster and when the CIO created a new hand-selected Internet team, I became responsible for the public facing web sites (about 16 or so). I moved through the ranks and when I left in 2006, I was the eMarketing Manager. I can tell you more about wood and fluff pulp than anyone should ever know! I also completed my MBA during this time at Georgia State University with two majors: eCommerce and Marketing and one concentration: International Business.

CN began initially as a hub for my "center" sites. After we transitioned the various sites into HTMLCenter, it sat idle. I re-started CN in Sept 2006 because, frankly, it was time for a new view. My background is very diverse moving from finance to technology to marketing and that background allows me to look at Web topics with a different viewpoint. I love web analytics and site optimization and consult with a variety of clients with their Internet marketing needs.

I was hooked to the net the first day I used a BBS and today I love it more than ever. The awesome Web 2.0 applications that are being developed, the chance to learn from other people from around the world, the power that new media has, and everything that the Web has to offer makes me glad to be here.

In my off time, I am studying the German language and I love to travel to Europe. 

Disclosure: I currently own less than 25 shares of the following stock symbols: MOT, ATAR, SIRI, REV. I have no other financial interests in any public company or startup.

Consulting

CenterNetworks Editor, Allen Stern is available for consulting projects around the world. Allen focuses on strategy, optimization, analytics and social media (including blogging, video blogging, social networking and Web 2.0 issues). Whether you are an individual/small business just getting into the scene or a Fortune 100 company looking to knock out the competition, we can help.

Allen has worked with companies over the past 12 years including IBM, Georgia-Pacific, Wimbledon, CKS, AIG, Clinique, Citibank and others. Inquire about consulting