Wired Magazine reminds us that The Importance of Being Pretty applies to websites as well. “Internet users can give websites a thumbs up or thumbs down in less than the blink of an eye, according to a study by Canadian researchers.”

I don’t know why this should surprise anyone. We make these kinds of snap judgments all the time. This was the subject of Malcolm Gladwell’s excellent book Blink: The Power of Thinking without Thinking. People make the same kinds of judgments about websites based on looks that they do with other people or any print-based advertising or physical location. How you look communicates something to your prospective customers. It’s important to look good and it’s important to communicate the right message.

Lola Ogunnaike explores the pitfalls of e-mail signoffs in The New York Times. It may do more to inspire rather than allay your fears of sending the wrong message in e-mail correspondence, but it’s worth the read. I’ve never considered using ‘Best’ to sign off an e-mail, but now I certainly never will.

New York Times: Yours Truly, The E-Variations

In Seeking an Executive to Tame the Digital Future, NY Times Richard Syklos reports on the challenge media companies face finding the right person to guide the through an online strategy with the following mock wanted ad:

WANTED Digital media genius to guide a nimble — or at least we like to think we are — media giant through transformation from analog to digital in all its gory glory.

JOB DESCRIPTION To take all the stuff we produce for other formats, like TV or print or film, and figure out how to shovel it onto the Internet in a way that makes money.

QUALIFICATIONS The ideal candidate might also have ideas for ways to make a few dollars online that don’t directly stem from our so-called traditional media businesses. (You know — like that whole user-generated thing that the kids are doing. P.S., loved the video clips about how Mentos and Diet Coke mixed together create a chemical reaction — maybe we can turn it into a prime-time special or a theme park ride financed by these brands?)

COMPENSATION Pretty sweet for as long as you last.

RETIREMENT BENEFITS Well, don’t plan on it.

Smaller companies, of course, face similar obstacles, but with fewer resources.