Well, I asked for feedback, and got it - one respondent made me despondent (not really) and pointed out that I mentioned both portals and verticals in my editor's letter last week, and it could be confusing for anyone who might not know the difference between the two.
Hence, very briefly, I am going to chat about portals and verticals (or vortals).
Simply put, TechTarget and other sources define a portal as a horizontal website that aims to function as an access point for a range of firms and organisations etc. in the same industry. Bizcommunity.com Retail, for instance, aims to bring you news and information on a range of retail sector issues - from retail-related associations, to brand news, green issues, retail trends, and so on. Hence, a portal aims to be a one-stop-shop for an industry sector; think of it as a news and information department store.
A vertical - also known as a vortal - brings you news and information specific to the industry or interest area that the vertical, or vortal, is covering - legal, insurance, logistics, the environment, and so on. Naturally, there are times when something in one sector impacts on others, so there is some cross-posting, but in the main, a vertical/vortal aims to be far more specific in its coverage. So you can think of a vortal as your local jeweller - diamonds and rubies are in, detergents and rissoles are out.
So now you know the difference, as you're a mortal, between a portal and a vortal.
Rod Baker, general manager: content
Submit your company news to
agriculturenews@bizcommunity.com. Exclusive contributions may be sent to
contributors-agriculture@bizcommunity.com.
Over the past ten years, the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) has launched a number of bold and innovative programmes. In some instances the plan is already scoring notable yet under-reported gains. Africa Renewal highlights NEPAD's impact in five key areas. 
Allafrica.com reports that the new director general of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the world's flagship agency for food policy, has indicated that Africa will be his priority at a time of limited resources. In his first press conference, José Graziano da Silva said he wanted to see "one FAO" acting at country-level on the continent. 
The e-tolling system in Gauteng, which was due to commence next month, has been placed on hold. Many Gauteng motorists have been threatening to boycott the entire tolling system by refusing to pay the fees or register for their e-toll accounts to get their e-tags. Numerous petitions against the system were circulated. 
