The NewsCloud Blog

A New Open Source Preview Release and Community Support Area

We've got a new open source PHP-based preview release on GitHub. There's a simpler installation process, a generic design skin for your application and some cool new features. The first four developers to successfully install it and post feedback on the installation process will receive a $25 iTunes Gift Card. Learn more.

We're also expanding our open source community support online:

• Use our new open source developer community at http://support.newscloud.com, hosted generously for free by the great folks at TenderApp.com. It's a great place to share questions about the code, request features and tap in to our developer community.
• We have a new blog exclusively for our open source developer community at http://opensource.newscloud.com. Be sure to follow it and follow us on Twitter for updates.

Stay tuned in 2010 for ongoing announcements related to our open source Facebook application work.

A Look Back on the Facebook Application Economy of 2009

As we look toward a new year, we’d like to look back at some examples of startups and established companies, including those from Facebook's own fbFund program, that built their businesses on Facebook Platform and with Facebook Connect, and made significant strides in funding, acquisitions, and creating new jobs in 2009.

via developers.facebook.com

Interesting summary of financially successful (or at least funded) startups based on the Facebook platform.

NewsCloud's Graphic Design Partner: Eye Level

If you're looking for a great graphic design firm in Seattle or want to learn more about customizing the design of one of our Facebook communities, check out Eye Level's Facebook application portfolio:

http://youreyelevel.com/smt/

We've been very impressed with the quality, professionalism, collaborative spirit and teamwork of the entire Eye Level team.

Sometimes Daily's Amanda Congdon Interviews NewsCloud Founder on Microsoft Tax Dodge

NewsCloud founder Jeff Reifman has been reporting on Microsoft's $1.24 billion dollar tax dodge since 2004 but increasingly this year as Washington States $2.6 billion budget deficit comes up for debate.

This week, Internet video reporter and former ABC News contributor and Rocketboom anchor Amanda Congdon interviewed Jeff on the topic of Microsoft's Nevada tax practice. 

Although Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has committed to transparent business practices the company has so far refused to open its Washington State and Nevada tax records. 3,088 Washington taxpayers pay the B&O Royalty tax that Microsoft evades.

For more information, please visit the Microsoft Tax Dodge website and be sure to follow AmazingAmanda and SometimesDaily on Twitter!