Something to Think About / The Dunning–Kruger Effect

8月

15日

Something to Think About / The Dunning–Kruger Effect in Politics

The Dunning–Kruger effect is when people with little knowledge overestimate their ability, while experts often underestimate theirs. Politics makes this bias easy to see.

Complex issues like healthcare, the economy, and foreign policy require deep study and nuanced thinking. Yet, some people — after hearing a few headlines or social media posts — speak with absolute certainty. Their confidence comes from not knowing what they don’t know.

At rallies or online, bold, simple statements (“We just need to do X!”) spread quickly because they are easy to understand. In contrast, experts sound less decisive because they recognize complexity and potential trade-offs.

This creates a dangerous dynamic: confidence gets mistaken for competence, and oversimplified solutions dominate public debate. The effect reminds us to question loud certainty and value those willing to acknowledge uncertainty — often a sign of deeper understanding.

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/537082/something-to-think-about-the

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

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ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.) is a technology company based in Bellevue, Washington, USA. Founded in 1987, PSPINC provides web hosting, email hosting, and other internet-related services to businesses and individuals worldwide.

In addition to its hosting services, PSPINC also offers website design and development, domain registration, and online marketing services. The company has data centers located in the United States and Japan, and it offers multilingual support to its customers.

PSPINC has a strong focus on customer service, and it has received numerous awards and accolades for its quality of service over the years. The company is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and industry trends in order to provide the best possible solutions for its customers.

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#Bellevue #Bloguru #BusinessManager #BusinessPlanner #Inventor #KenUchikura #KenichiUchikura #MarketingTips #PSPinc #PacificSoftwarePublishing #Seattle #Tokyo #UchikuraCo

Minimum wages can hurt young people’s growth!

8月

15日

Minimum wages can hurt young people’s growth into productive members of society.
Most young people have little understanding of how the real world works. They learn by experiencing it — and entry-level jobs are one of the best ways to gain that experience. Unfortunately, high minimum wages can eliminate those opportunities, making it harder for young people to get their first job and start learning.

I understand that the government wants to ensure everyone earns a living wage. However, when you first start working, you’re not yet making a significant contribution to the company. In many ways, you’re there to learn, much like being in school — except instead of paying a teacher, the company is paying you.

For that reason, I believe there should be no minimum wage requirement for students or others who are still in the early stages of learning and building their skills.

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/537065/minimum-wages-can-hurt-young-peoples

Minimum wages can hurt young people’s growth!

Minimum wages can hurt young people’s growth into productive members ...

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.) is a technology company based in Bellevue, Washington, USA. Founded in 1987, PSPINC provides web hosting, email hosting, and other internet-related services to businesses and individuals worldwide.

In addition to its hosting services, PSPINC also offers website design and development, domain registration, and online marketing services. The company has data centers located in the United States and Japan, and it offers multilingual support to its customers.

PSPINC has a strong focus on customer service, and it has received numerous awards and accolades for its quality of service over the years. The company is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and industry trends in order to provide the best possible solutions for its customers.

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

#Bellevue #Bloguru #BusinessManager #BusinessPlanner #Inventor #KenUchikura #KenichiUchikura #MarketingTips #PSPinc #PacificSoftwarePublishing #Seattle #Tokyo #UchikuraCo

IBM 5150 ... Today in History!

8月

14日

On this day in 1981, IBM introduced the Model 5150 personal computer, equipped with a 4.77 MHz Intel 8088 microprocessor and running Microsoft’s MS-DOS operating system. Priced at $1,565 (equivalent to over $5,000 today), it brought affordable computing power—by early 1980s standards—to homes and small businesses. The base configuration included 16 KB of RAM (expandable to 256 KB on the motherboard), a monochrome or color display, a cassette port for data storage, and the option to add one or two 5.25-inch floppy disk drives. Graphics capabilities were provided by either the Monochrome Display Adapter (MDA) or the Color Graphics Adapter (CGA). Buyers could choose from various operating systems, though MS-DOS quickly became the standard. This release marked a major milestone in the rise of the PC era, transforming how people worked, learned, and communicated. Ironically, this groundbreaking innovation also sowed the seeds for the decline of IBM’s once-dominant mainframe business, as the world began shifting from centralized computing to the personal computer.

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.) is a technology company based in Bellevue, Washington, USA. Founded in 1987, PSPINC provides web hosting, email hosting, and other internet-related services to businesses and individuals worldwide.

In addition to its hosting services, PSPINC also offers website design and development, domain registration, and online marketing services. The company has data centers located in the United States and Japan, and it offers multilingual support to its customers.

PSPINC has a strong focus on customer service, and it has received numerous awards and accolades for its quality of service over the years. The company is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and industry trends in order to provide the best possible solutions for its customers.

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

#Bellevue #Bloguru #BusinessManager #BusinessPlanner #Inventor #KenUchikura #KenichiUchikura #MarketingTips #PSPinc #PacificSoftwarePublishing #Seattle #Tokyo #UchikuraCo

Ken Uchikura Newsletter Vol. 350 Why Do People Visit Social Media But Not Your Website?

8月

14日

Why Do People Visit Social Media But Not Your Website?

Many businesses face this challenge. Every time you post on social media, your posts grab people’s attention through likes and comments. Yet, your company’s website hardly gets any traffic. Why is this?

There are several reasons, but here’s a breakdown of a few key points:

1. Social Media is a Passageway. The Website is a Destination
Social media is like a passageway that users check daily. Users scroll through their feed and react to anything that catches their eye, casually hitting the like button. A website, on the other hand, is somewhere you go to intentionally get information. In other words, people won’t visit it unless they have a clear purpose or interest.

2. Social Media is About Now. Your Website is the Big Picture
Many companies and individuals constantly look for new information by flocking to social media. That's why social media account managers update information daily to attract attention.

In contrast, once you create a website, it often doesn’t update for months, sometimes even years. That said, a website is your company’s “big picture”, so it’s not as easy to change or update.

Social media just conveys a small part of the company’s activities. The website should consolidate the truly detailed and reliable information.

3. The Call to Action is Insufficient
Even if you include your website link in a social media post, people won't click it unless they have a reason to. Simply pasting a URL isn't enough; you need to find a way to communicate what's on the other side or what value they'll get.

4. A Vague Website Won't Produce Results
Many company websites function as little more than an information shelf, with basic sections like About Us, Services, and Contact Forms. However, if it isn’t clear what the user should do or what action they should take, they won’t stay long, and they likely won’t return.

Your Website is the Core of Your Business
Social media is merely a tool to guide people to your website. Use short, light content to spark interest, and then deliver your most important, value-driven information on your site.

In other words, social media is the entrance, and the website is the main base.

Summary

Link social media to your website and vice versa.
Social media should grab interest and create an actionable opportunity.
A website should show the big picture and lead to trust and results.
Instead of choosing one or the other, you should strategically use both.

The fact that social media is popular, but the website isn’t, is an opportunity for many companies. How you leverage that traffic is a crucial key to your future web strategy.

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.) is a technology company based in Bellevue, Washington, USA. Founded in 1987, PSPINC provides web hosting, email hosting, and other internet-related services to businesses and individuals worldwide.

In addition to its hosting services, PSPINC also offers website design and development, domain registration, and online marketing services. The company has data centers located in the United States and Japan, and it offers multilingual support to its customers.

PSPINC has a strong focus on customer service, and it has received numerous awards and accolades for its quality of service over the years. The company is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and industry trends in order to provide the best possible solutions for its customers.

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

#Bellevue #Bloguru #BusinessManager #BusinessPlanner #Inventor #KenUchikura #KenichiUchikura #MarketingTips #PSPinc #PacificSoftwarePublishing #Seattle #Tokyo #UchikuraCo

Today's Wallpaper | Supporting Small Businesses

8月

14日

Supporting Small Businesses

These days, many small businesses—especially brick-and-mortar stores—are being forced to shut down or are bought out, often by larger corporations. This unfortunate trend is the result of several factors working against independent business owners.

In many areas, regulations have become so complex and costly that they place an overwhelming burden on small companies. Compliance often requires extra staff, consultants, or fees that large corporations can absorb but small businesses cannot. While fair wages are important, the minimum wage in some places has risen to a level that makes it extremely difficult for small businesses to hire young, inexperienced workers. These entry-level jobs once provided valuable real-world experience, but now many small employers can’t afford to give those opportunities.

On top of that, commercial rent prices have reached record highs, especially in prime locations, making it difficult for small businesses to stay open. Interest rates for borrowing remain high, putting even more pressure on business owners. Without affordable access to capital, they can’t invest in growth—or sometimes even keep the doors open.

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities. They provide jobs, personalized service, and unique character that large corporations simply can’t replicate. If we want to preserve them, we need policies that create an environment where they can survive—and thrive—rather than forcing them to compete on an uneven playing field.

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/536969/todays-wallpaper-supporting-small

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.) is a technology company based in Bellevue, Washington, USA. Founded in 1987, PSPINC provides web hosting, email hosting, and other internet-related services to businesses and individuals worldwide.

In addition to its hosting services, PSPINC also offers website design and development, domain registration, and online marketing services. The company has data centers located in the United States and Japan, and it offers multilingual support to its customers.

PSPINC has a strong focus on customer service, and it has received numerous awards and accolades for its quality of service over the years. The company is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and industry trends in order to provide the best possible solutions for its customers.

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

#Bellevue #Bloguru #BusinessManager #BusinessPlanner #Inventor #KenUchikura #KenichiUchikura #MarketingTips #PSPinc #PacificSoftwarePublishing #Seattle #Tokyo #UchikuraCo

On October 1, the EV tax credit of $7,500 will end for good.

8月

13日

Pros and Cons of EVs — It All Depends on What You Expect From Your Car

Electric vehicles (EVs) have become a hot topic in recent years, with strong opinions on both sides. But in reality, whether an EV is a good choice for you depends entirely on how you use your car and what you expect from it.

I own one EV and one hybrid, and I have no plans to go all-EV. EVs can be a great choice for daily commuters—especially those driving predictable routes with access to charging at home or work. The smooth drive, quiet operation, and lower “fuel” costs make them appealing.

It’s true that EVs are generally more expensive than gas-powered cars, but the current $7,500 federal tax credit can help make them more affordable. However, this incentive ends on October 1, and when it does, new EV sales could take a significant hit.

On the flip side, if your car is part of your work equipment—whether you’re in sales covering large territories, running service calls, or transporting goods—EVs can be a major limitation. Charging takes time, and range anxiety is real when your job depends on getting somewhere on time.

For those who are pro-environment, EVs also project a certain image—owning one can signal your commitment to greener living. But it’s important to remember that while EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, they still have an environmental footprint from battery production to electricity sourcing. Sometimes, EV ownership is as much about making a statement as it is about helping the planet.

In the end, an EV is neither inherently good nor bad—it’s simply a tool. Like any tool, it works best when matched to the right job.

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/536883/on-october-1-the-ev-tax-credit-of-7500

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.) is a technology company based in Bellevue, Washington, USA. Founded in 1987, PSPINC provides web hosting, email hosting, and other internet-related services to businesses and individuals worldwide.

In addition to its hosting services, PSPINC also offers website design and development, domain registration, and online marketing services. The company has data centers located in the United States and Japan, and it offers multilingual support to its customers.

PSPINC has a strong focus on customer service, and it has received numerous awards and accolades for its quality of service over the years. The company is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and industry trends in order to provide the best possible solutions for its customers.

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

#Bellevue #Bloguru #BusinessManager #BusinessPlanner #Inventor #KenUchikura #KenichiUchikura #MarketingTips #PSPinc #PacificSoftwarePublishing #Seattle #Tokyo #UchikuraCo

The Great Advertisement That Wasn’t Planned

8月

13日

The Great Advertisement That Wasn’t Planned

When controversy first started brewing around this ad, American Eagle initially considered pulling it. However, the public’s reaction went in the opposite direction. Stores became packed with customers, and the company’s stock price soared.

From a business standpoint, the data was undeniable — the campaign was driving massive foot traffic, brand awareness, and sales. Instead of retreating, American Eagle made the strategic decision to double down on the campaign, maximizing the momentum and turning unexpected controversy into a powerful marketing advantage.

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/536882/the-great-advertisement-that-wasnt

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.) is a technology company based in Bellevue, Washington, USA. Founded in 1987, PSPINC provides web hosting, email hosting, and other internet-related services to businesses and individuals worldwide.

In addition to its hosting services, PSPINC also offers website design and development, domain registration, and online marketing services. The company has data centers located in the United States and Japan, and it offers multilingual support to its customers.

PSPINC has a strong focus on customer service, and it has received numerous awards and accolades for its quality of service over the years. The company is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and industry trends in order to provide the best possible solutions for its customers.

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

#Bellevue #Bloguru #BusinessManager #BusinessPlanner #Inventor #KenUchikura #KenichiUchikura #MarketingTips #PSPinc #PacificSoftwarePublishing #Seattle #Tokyo #UchikuraCo

Why U.S. Cars Struggle to Sell in Japan

8月

12日

Why U.S. Cars Struggle to Sell in Japan

Despite the popularity of American culture in Japan, U.S.-made cars have never gained a strong foothold in the Japanese market. The reasons go far beyond personal taste—they are tied to structural, economic, and cultural factors that make it difficult for American automakers to compete.

1. Size Matters
American cars tend to be larger, both in length and width, than Japanese roads and parking spaces are designed for. In Japan’s dense cities, where narrow streets and compact parking spaces are the norm, maneuvering a full-size American sedan or SUV is simply impractical for many drivers.

2. Car License Tax Based on Vehicle Size
Japan’s car license tax system heavily favors smaller vehicles. The larger the car’s engine displacement and dimensions, the higher the annual tax. This immediately puts U.S. cars—which often have larger engines—at a financial disadvantage compared to compact Japanese models.

3. Consumption Tax Favoring Domestic Manufacturers
While Japan applies a standard consumption tax, certain subsidies, incentives, and tax breaks are structured in ways that benefit domestic automakers. This makes locally produced cars more affordable and attractive to consumers than imported alternatives.

4. Support Infrastructure and Dealer Network
Japanese automakers have extensive dealership networks across the country, providing easy access to sales, maintenance, and parts. U.S. automakers, by contrast, have far fewer dealerships, which means less convenience for potential buyers. Without a strong network, after-sales support becomes a major concern.

5. Availability of Skilled Mechanics
Most mechanics in Japan are trained primarily on domestic brands. Specialized knowledge, diagnostic tools, and parts for American cars are harder to find, leading to longer repair times and higher maintenance costs for owners.

Conclusion
For U.S. automakers, breaking into the Japanese market has always been a challenge. Without adapting vehicle design, pricing, and support infrastructure to Japan’s unique environment, American cars will continue to remain a niche choice for a small group of enthusiasts rather than a mainstream option.

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/536831/why-us-cars-struggle-to-sell-in-japan

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.) is a technology company based in Bellevue, Washington, USA. Founded in 1987, PSPINC provides web hosting, email hosting, and other internet-related services to businesses and individuals worldwide.

In addition to its hosting services, PSPINC also offers website design and development, domain registration, and online marketing services. The company has data centers located in the United States and Japan, and it offers multilingual support to its customers.

PSPINC has a strong focus on customer service, and it has received numerous awards and accolades for its quality of service over the years. The company is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and industry trends in order to provide the best possible solutions for its customers.

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

#Bellevue #Bloguru #BusinessManager #BusinessPlanner #Inventor #KenUchikura #KenichiUchikura #MarketingTips #PSPinc #PacificSoftwarePublishing #Seattle #Tokyo #UchikuraCo

Sales Tax on Services

8月

12日

Starting October 1, 2025, the State of Washington will begin requiring businesses like ours to charge sales tax on services such as web hosting, web development, and other digital services.

Up until now, these were considered “non-taxable services” under Washington State law, meaning they were not subject to sales tax. This change effectively treats these services the same way as physical goods when it comes to taxation.

What’s even more concerning is that this decision was made without a public vote. There was no direct input from the people of Washington — the very individuals and businesses who will be impacted. Instead, it was pushed through at the state level, adding a new cost burden to both service providers and customers.

For small businesses, startups, and organizations that rely on affordable web services, this means higher costs starting this fall. For providers like us, it also means the added responsibility of collecting and remitting sales tax on services that have never been taxed before.

While the state sees this as a way to increase revenue, for many in the tech and service industries, it feels like yet another example of policy changes made without meaningful public discussion or consent.

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/536819/sales-tax-on-services

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.) is a technology company based in Bellevue, Washington, USA. Founded in 1987, PSPINC provides web hosting, email hosting, and other internet-related services to businesses and individuals worldwide.

In addition to its hosting services, PSPINC also offers website design and development, domain registration, and online marketing services. The company has data centers located in the United States and Japan, and it offers multilingual support to its customers.

PSPINC has a strong focus on customer service, and it has received numerous awards and accolades for its quality of service over the years. The company is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and industry trends in order to provide the best possible solutions for its customers.

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

#Bellevue #Bloguru #BusinessManager #BusinessPlanner #Inventor #KenUchikura #KenichiUchikura #MarketingTips #PSPinc #PacificSoftwarePublishing #Seattle #Tokyo #UchikuraCo

PSPINC as a Technology Company

8月

12日

PSPINC as a Technology Company

Since the very beginning, PSPINC has always believed in building things ourselves.
There are plenty of companies that resell other people’s services, but we never chose that path. The reason is simple — that approach doesn’t allow you to make the small but important adjustments that customers often need.

The Dreamersi hosting service and the various SaaS products we offer are all planned, developed, and operated in-house.
We manage our own servers, write our own code, and provide our own customer support. This gives us the flexibility to add features or change specifications based on our clients’ needs.

Another important part of who we are is our role as a behind-the-scenes partner.
We don’t just operate under our own brand — we also work through OEM arrangements and joint development projects with partner companies. Even if our name isn’t in the spotlight, we’re there, powering their business like an engine that keeps things running smoothly.

Technology is only a tool.
But whether you can create your own tools or not can make a huge difference in your company’s future.
PSPINC will continue to use our own technology as a strength to support the growth and success of our customers and partners.

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/536815/pspinc-as-a-technology-company

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.) is a technology company based in Bellevue, Washington, USA. Founded in 1987, PSPINC provides web hosting, email hosting, and other internet-related services to businesses and individuals worldwide.

In addition to its hosting services, PSPINC also offers website design and development, domain registration, and online marketing services. The company has data centers located in the United States and Japan, and it offers multilingual support to its customers.

PSPINC has a strong focus on customer service, and it has received numerous awards and accolades for its quality of service over the years. The company is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and industry trends in order to provide the best possible solutions for its customers.

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__