First off I would like to wish you a belated Happy New Year and the greatest success for 2010.

I’ve been offline for a while as we moved house in late December and this brought with it all the usual disruptions. In fact, Etisalat (our local telecommunications provider) has still not shifted our internet connection to the new location (so I’m having to poach a weak WiFi link from a nearby hotel – not good at all).

As usual, with such moves things are slowly getting sorted out thankfully.

I have to say that, as with many folks, 2009 was not a great year in the general sense and I’m relieved it is over and everyone can look forward to a less stressful 2010. Having said that, 2009 was my most successful online year. This is relatively speaking since, for various reasons, I was not able to meet all my targets but at the same time many valuable lessons were learned.

I’m looking forward to 2010 being a great year and have some interesting projects lined up, which I will let you know about as and when they are completed. Likewise, I trust you have set your goals for the year and I wish all the best in achieving them.

Just one thing I want to touch on briefly. Have you noticed the huge increase in the amount of web pages equipped with Exit Splash. Seemingly even giveaway sites done under ad swap are using them – so I’m seeing too many of these for my liking:

Don’t get me wrong, I actually think Exit splash is a good bit of software, and I nearly bought the product myself. However, the pop-up is quite ‘in-your-face’ and, with so many people having purchased the product, the above image is becoming a little too commonplace (IMHO).

I have seen Exit Splash used for discounting a product and this is great (I’ve even bought something myself this way) but seeing it used on a giveaway page (and then linking to the same giveaway) is a bit like grabbing a customer by the shoulder as he tries to leave the shop. A bit too unsubtle for my liking.

One suggestion I have for the developers is allowing purchasers to customise the pop-up with images, just for uniqueness. Anyway, just my 2c worth!

Once again, I wish you well for 2010, both in you online endeavours and all things important to you.