Content Wise

Keep Tabs on Cool Tech: CoolSW

It's nearly impossible for mere editors and publishers to keep up with the never-ending flow of new sites and services on the Web. One solution: Let the crowd point the way.

Intel just unveiled a Digg-style site that lists the most promising new tools and startups, based on the voting of its tech-savvy audience. It's called CoolSW (for "cool software").

CoolSW had been an internal site that Intel employees used to track and rank emerging technologies, according to the full story at Wired Tech Biz. Glad they decided to share.

Freelance Programming Help

Is there a cool tool you've been dying to add to your site? Do you need a database built, and quick? If you can't afford an in-house programmer, check out Scriptlance and Elance.

They are auction sites: You submit a description of your project, and programmers bid on it. You can review a programmer's rating and look at his or her previous jobs. Projects go for as little as $10, though most average a few hundred. Elance, which is more user-friendly than Scriptlance, also offers the services of designers, writers, accountants, and more.

On HighRankings.com, Web consultant Scottie Claiborne, who has used Scriptlance several times, offers good tips for making sure a project goes well  But take a look at the comments too; other folks have been less pleased.