Q&As

* The State of West Virginia has teamed with the nonprofit group Mission West Virginia to launch a new program providing training in e-commerce applications for small business and entrepreneurs throughout the state. Four hundred and fifty participants …

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While the World Wildlife Fund’s isn’t about to forsake its panda mascot, another member of the animal kingdom, the travel bug, has inspired an ancillary e-mail newsletter.

Don’t bet the farm just yet on RSS, podcasts and other so-called Web 2.0 media. Marketers are interested in them, but not as much as they are in old-fashioned things like word-of-mouth.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society just saw its e-mail list slashed from 33,636 addresses to 4,510 and the organization’s e- mail director is happy about it.

Coldstone Creamery is shaking things up with a new contest that puts ice cream lovers on the dance floor for a chance to win $15,000.

Vendors, take note: Marketers will spend an average of nearly $250,000 for database upgrades this year. And they are confident these expenditures will pay out.

DIRECT TALKED recently with consultant Kurt Medina, who specializes in the 50-plus market. He shared his thoughts about targeting boomers and seniors.

TALK ABOUT DRILLING DOWN: Great-West Life Assurance Co. increased its coverage of dentists by 7% by offering enhanced benefits and changing its list segmentation.

Picture this: A young couple sits at a table in an upscale eatery. The two chat quietly over a glass of imported beer. A well-dressed attendant approaches