Changing an Icon

Today I came across a useful tip for developers submitting applications to the Chrome Web Store.

Recently we created a new vector-based icon for Entanglement and decided to use the new version in the Chrome Web Store. (There are a lot of square icons in the store, and hexagons are so cool.) Doing so updates the icon on everyone's "new tab" home page as well, which in turn sparked renewed interest in Entanglement. Notice a snapshot of our Entanglement web analytics above: a bump of approximately 60% more visitors on Monday (the day we uploaded the new icon) than the days before.

Up to now, we were not sure how to best reach people who have installed one of our apps and let them know that we have rolled out a major update. It seems a very easy, and almost elegant, way to do so is to simply change the app icon!

The Edison Project

Last month we were selected as a finalist in an entrepreneurial competition held by our local chamber of commerce: it's titled "The Edison Project" and is designed to help folks turn their creative business ideas into reality. This has been a great opportunity for Todd and I to take a look at the business side of things and think strategically about how we can make a livable income doing what we love: making games for you! Regardless of who wins, having a chance to create and work through a business plan has been a great learning experience.

Here are the other eight businesses that were selected as finalists:

• Christopher Niver with Pansocial Media
• Billy Stephen Bradshaw with An Independent Step
• Dana and Steve DeCanio with Puppy Paws
• David Washco with Price Drive
• Angela Green with DNA Winery
• Brad Rhoney with Brax-Apps, Inc.
• Valerie Huffman with Craft Brew Shop
• Peter Lohr with Advanced Hydrogen Technologies Corporation

The competition consists of three parts: our business plan, a presentation to a few local business leaders this week, and finally a presentation to a public audience. If you live in Hickory, NC, or the surrounding area, come and check it out! It's at the SALT Block Auditorium from 4-6pm on September 19th, 2011. There is no charge and you can vote on your favorite presentation. We can chat afterward about HTML5, game design, or why Todd no longer participates in motorized crowd surfing.

Update: We achieved second place!