Who said you can't teach an old librarian new tricks????
Much to the amusement of my teenage children - I have navigated my way through this adventure and found it to be a real revelation.
I have gone from having little knowledge of terms and concepts associated with Web 2.0 - to a greater exposure and introduction of what's out there and how it works!
On a personal level I have enjoyed the discoveries of blogs, RSS feeds, image generators, Web based applications and Library Thing, to name just a few. I have found it challenging and satisfying then applying them to my needs, interests and taioring them to my PC set up at home so that I may take full advantage of them.
On a work level - I have a far better picture in my head of not only what is available to our patrons but how we can serve their needs more efficiently. Web based applications on our public terminals is just one example of many ideas I have. I also have many more resources and time saving devices that not only I can use, but that I can recommend to patrons. answers.yahoo.com - is just one example that springs to mind.
I have really, really enjoyed the blogging experience too - which was a real revelation to me.
Never one to keep a diary - I have amazed myself at how much I have enjoyed putting my thoughts and feelings into print. (Probably helps that I secretly think no-one in their right mind will read this)
I will never be able to take over any of the IT roles within our organisation - but I feel I have developed some confidence and a better grasp of the ever changing and quickly developing online digital media.
... and probably on a less "technical" level - I have just loved and valued the fact that certain aspects of this program has made me stop and think about my life. What are my favourite books, Why? Memories of libraries long ago, how we tackled tasks prior to technological advancements, taping radio shows before Podcasts ...
Thanks to all involved - although more time consuming than I anticipated - it has been a totally worthwhile experience .... and where else would I have discovered that my Porn Star name is
"Reedy Velvet"
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
#22 World eBook Fair site
O.K - Of the many, many new digital areas we have navigated during this journey - there have only really been about one or two that have failed to really impress me. (Rollyo, for example)
But I have to confess, here now, the whole online, downloadable e book - still leaves me cold.
I get the concept, totally! I visited all the sites and I am aware of the many, many advantages.
- the archives and free access to researchers and scholars
- the online obscure texts
- the wide variety of books and titles available - from Buddhism to Census publications.
- hard to get fiction, hard to fathom non-fiction.
O.K - so yes, I get it.
... but I am yet to embrace the concept - and I still feel it immediately alienates a certain amount of people by its sheer nature. You must have access to a (very up to date) computer, be computer savvy - and in some cases be cashed up.
Finally - fiction e books? How do I take it to bed and read it for comfort - or curl up on my outdoor couch in the sun with my book?
... yeah, I know, get with the times.
But I have to confess, here now, the whole online, downloadable e book - still leaves me cold.
I get the concept, totally! I visited all the sites and I am aware of the many, many advantages.
- the archives and free access to researchers and scholars
- the online obscure texts
- the wide variety of books and titles available - from Buddhism to Census publications.
- hard to get fiction, hard to fathom non-fiction.
O.K - so yes, I get it.
... but I am yet to embrace the concept - and I still feel it immediately alienates a certain amount of people by its sheer nature. You must have access to a (very up to date) computer, be computer savvy - and in some cases be cashed up.
Finally - fiction e books? How do I take it to bed and read it for comfort - or curl up on my outdoor couch in the sun with my book?
... yeah, I know, get with the times.
#21 Podcasts
100 years ago I was a great fan of Tony Martin and Mick Molloy - who together teamed up to produce the phenominally successful afternoon radio show "Martin Molloy". I was very cross if I ever missed a show - because unlike the TV - radio was instant. Miss it and it was gone. None of this setting the VCR business. Of course, you could tape it using the old cassette method, but this was archaic - and hello? If you were there to tape it, couldn't you just listen to it???????? Many the time I lamented this situation.
Twenty years on, as irony would have it, I have a son who is an avid fan of Tony Martin, who heads up the radio show "Get This" on Triple M. He hates missing a show. But when he does?
He simply goes on line and downloads the show he missed.
Welcome to podcasts!
Like many of our other online digital delights, there are directories to enable you to locate a particular podcast of interest - podcast.net, podcastalley.com. yahoo Podcasts - all very extensive and wide ranging.
There are 10's of 1000's on Podcast.net - ranging from soliloquies to crime reports - even a direct message from Jesus. I take it that's from one of his disciples - either that or he's really stepped up to the mark in reaching far and wide.
As I mentioned, it can be used by individuals to listen to radio broadcasts - or indeed broadcast themselves - indeed there are even a few sites to guide you through this process
http://podcasts.yahoo.com/publish
Podcasts can be used for remote school lessons, conference talks, complete news services, itune services - and in a move relevant to our libraries, complete downloads of local publications, free of charge.
I also discovered many sites with podcast reviews of books, in particular the Book Show on ABC Radio National - one of my favourite book review shows - with easy access to podcasts.
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/bookshow/
I do think that podcasting is still really in its infancy in terms of use and appreciation - something that will undoubtedly change rapidly in the future. I also see far greater uses and scope for it in our day to day life.
Twenty years on, as irony would have it, I have a son who is an avid fan of Tony Martin, who heads up the radio show "Get This" on Triple M. He hates missing a show. But when he does?
He simply goes on line and downloads the show he missed.
Welcome to podcasts!
Like many of our other online digital delights, there are directories to enable you to locate a particular podcast of interest - podcast.net, podcastalley.com. yahoo Podcasts - all very extensive and wide ranging.
There are 10's of 1000's on Podcast.net - ranging from soliloquies to crime reports - even a direct message from Jesus. I take it that's from one of his disciples - either that or he's really stepped up to the mark in reaching far and wide.
As I mentioned, it can be used by individuals to listen to radio broadcasts - or indeed broadcast themselves - indeed there are even a few sites to guide you through this process
http://podcasts.yahoo.com/publish
Podcasts can be used for remote school lessons, conference talks, complete news services, itune services - and in a move relevant to our libraries, complete downloads of local publications, free of charge.
I also discovered many sites with podcast reviews of books, in particular the Book Show on ABC Radio National - one of my favourite book review shows - with easy access to podcasts.
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/bookshow/
I do think that podcasting is still really in its infancy in terms of use and appreciation - something that will undoubtedly change rapidly in the future. I also see far greater uses and scope for it in our day to day life.
#20 YouTube
Unlike many of the funky, nifty lil sites and discoveries we've visited on this journey, I
guess you'd have to be living under a rock these days not to have heard of YouTube. If not for its amazing features, for its notoriety in the media - when it has been used in a negative manner.
YouTube -viddyou.com, google.com/videouploadform, vimeo.com - they have all basically created a whole new dimension to our digital world. From old 60's commercials, bloopers, celebrity weddings, politicians pitches - type it in and it will be there for you (and the rest of the world) to see.
On a negative side, only now, YouTube is uncovering huge copyright and other legal issues - and with all new technology, legislating on the run.
On the positive side - well, where to start? Fun, frivolity and time wasters a plenty.
But there are many, many "how to's", informative pieces, documentaries, explainamentaries and many, many valuable videos that could be viewed, appreciated and used by our patrons.
... and for us long suffering "librarians"? Well, we all need to check this out:
guess you'd have to be living under a rock these days not to have heard of YouTube. If not for its amazing features, for its notoriety in the media - when it has been used in a negative manner.
YouTube -viddyou.com, google.com/videouploadform, vimeo.com - they have all basically created a whole new dimension to our digital world. From old 60's commercials, bloopers, celebrity weddings, politicians pitches - type it in and it will be there for you (and the rest of the world) to see.
On a negative side, only now, YouTube is uncovering huge copyright and other legal issues - and with all new technology, legislating on the run.
On the positive side - well, where to start? Fun, frivolity and time wasters a plenty.
But there are many, many "how to's", informative pieces, documentaries, explainamentaries and many, many valuable videos that could be viewed, appreciated and used by our patrons.
... and for us long suffering "librarians"? Well, we all need to check this out:
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
#19 Discovering Web 2.0 Tools
Just when we thought we'd seen it all! We are sent to seomoz.org to view 41 categories and over 200 websites - the annual Web 2.0 Awards. Astounding! Every conceivable category is covered from Health and Hosted Wikis to Philanthropy and Professional Networking.
I trawled my way through the finalists and the actual winners before deciding on one site to check out in detail - that may be a help or relevant to our library.
Obviously, the collaborative writing and word processing sites such as Docs.google are incredibly useful, such as our last task, Zoho. So many useful and innovative features to share, store and access documents. I was impressed with the city guide sites such as upcoming.yahoo.com and eventful.com - particularly as when you clicked in you were logged straight into your current location. Very handy - especially for the many tourists we cater for.
I settled on answers.yahoo.com (the winner of it's category) and had a good ol' looksee and play.
This site would be a great little asset for us - particularly in busy times. Often at the circulation desk we are thrown hairy little questions - or have searched for a research query that we simply cannot find the answer to. With this site I was very quickly able to type in the question and receive a quick, relevant answer. I was impressed with the speed, relevance and reliability.
Also, the fact that you are provided with the source of the answer and a side panel of related questions. I will use this site at work and recommend it - particularly to students.
On a lighter note - special mention must be give to the finalists in the "fun" area of the awards.
Games, lists, silly forward-it-ons, fart buttons, google games - have a quick peek - they provide some light relief.
But best quote I came across during the whole exercise was on cocktailbuilder.com ...
"bar full of booze and don't know what to do with it" ??????????????
No since I started this!!!
I trawled my way through the finalists and the actual winners before deciding on one site to check out in detail - that may be a help or relevant to our library.
Obviously, the collaborative writing and word processing sites such as Docs.google are incredibly useful, such as our last task, Zoho. So many useful and innovative features to share, store and access documents. I was impressed with the city guide sites such as upcoming.yahoo.com and eventful.com - particularly as when you clicked in you were logged straight into your current location. Very handy - especially for the many tourists we cater for.
I settled on answers.yahoo.com (the winner of it's category) and had a good ol' looksee and play.
This site would be a great little asset for us - particularly in busy times. Often at the circulation desk we are thrown hairy little questions - or have searched for a research query that we simply cannot find the answer to. With this site I was very quickly able to type in the question and receive a quick, relevant answer. I was impressed with the speed, relevance and reliability.
Also, the fact that you are provided with the source of the answer and a side panel of related questions. I will use this site at work and recommend it - particularly to students.
On a lighter note - special mention must be give to the finalists in the "fun" area of the awards.
Games, lists, silly forward-it-ons, fart buttons, google games - have a quick peek - they provide some light relief.
But best quote I came across during the whole exercise was on cocktailbuilder.com ...
"bar full of booze and don't know what to do with it" ??????????????
No since I started this!!!
Monday, October 15, 2007
#18 Web Based Applications
Ho Ho Ho!! Zoho ! Zoho writer is amazing!
All those poor patrons who arrive at our libraries hoping to work on Word documents or other applications - to discover that we don't have software loaded onto our public terminals - all this time they could have been using Zoho Writer! I can't wait to be able to flog it out there!
Zoho looks so professional, yet incredibly user friendly.
I think the fact that as soon as you join up and log in it takes you straight to a blank document with all the usual icons that we are all comfortable with is a great bonus.
The basic services are impressive, word docs, spreadsheets, Access etc... there are many templates and useful applications. A closer look shows other desirable services, such as mail, chat, wikis etc...
It's also very easy to swing between one application to another, just by clicking a button - i.e from your word doc to your wiki .
Then for the more adventurous - you can publish your docs or if you need, send them to your phone or your facebook! It's also handy that multiple users can edit documents.
On reading through their news/comments section - it's obvious Zoho is a very slick, professional and it would appear respected online service. I would imagine this is due to the incredibly varied array of services they offer, the user-friendly set out and the fact you can access your documents from many locations, using many formats.
I can see this being of great use in our library and will recommend it.
All those poor patrons who arrive at our libraries hoping to work on Word documents or other applications - to discover that we don't have software loaded onto our public terminals - all this time they could have been using Zoho Writer! I can't wait to be able to flog it out there!
Zoho looks so professional, yet incredibly user friendly.
I think the fact that as soon as you join up and log in it takes you straight to a blank document with all the usual icons that we are all comfortable with is a great bonus.
The basic services are impressive, word docs, spreadsheets, Access etc... there are many templates and useful applications. A closer look shows other desirable services, such as mail, chat, wikis etc...
It's also very easy to swing between one application to another, just by clicking a button - i.e from your word doc to your wiki .
Then for the more adventurous - you can publish your docs or if you need, send them to your phone or your facebook! It's also handy that multiple users can edit documents.
On reading through their news/comments section - it's obvious Zoho is a very slick, professional and it would appear respected online service. I would imagine this is due to the incredibly varied array of services they offer, the user-friendly set out and the fact you can access your documents from many locations, using many formats.
I can see this being of great use in our library and will recommend it.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
#16 What's a Wiki?
I have to confess. I love Wikis - always have.
Why? Mainly, I think, because everything is there. Everything! Think of the most obscure subject and you'll discover that 55 other people have. And not only that - they've all added their two bob's worth!
But that's the silly side of it all. Let's get serious. Apart from being an obvious information tool, how can they apply to our libraries?
I must admit I had to think hard about this. But on reading the prescribed links - I discovered Chad from the Ohio Uni Library and his fab library research wiki - Go Chad! Very worthwhile for his students and anyone seriously needing research assistance.
On applying Wikis to my own, personal library I suddenly realised it could work. We could create Wikis on our Homepage that staff and patrons could update - e.g "Who Writes like... ", Reviews of new releases, Genre lists, Author lists - I really like the idea that patrons could have an input into this - and the homepage seems the obvious link.
It could also work on the Staff Intranet system too. Wikis set up on current projects, current studies or areas of interest that may be timely and pertinent to staff.
And finally, I discovered there's even a Wiki for our little area http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geelong_West,_Victoria - wouldn't it be great to have that accessible to our local patrons at Geelong West Library, to add their knowledge, history and stories. Will keep that in mind!
Why? Mainly, I think, because everything is there. Everything! Think of the most obscure subject and you'll discover that 55 other people have. And not only that - they've all added their two bob's worth!
But that's the silly side of it all. Let's get serious. Apart from being an obvious information tool, how can they apply to our libraries?
I must admit I had to think hard about this. But on reading the prescribed links - I discovered Chad from the Ohio Uni Library and his fab library research wiki - Go Chad! Very worthwhile for his students and anyone seriously needing research assistance.
On applying Wikis to my own, personal library I suddenly realised it could work. We could create Wikis on our Homepage that staff and patrons could update - e.g "Who Writes like... ", Reviews of new releases, Genre lists, Author lists - I really like the idea that patrons could have an input into this - and the homepage seems the obvious link.
It could also work on the Staff Intranet system too. Wikis set up on current projects, current studies or areas of interest that may be timely and pertinent to staff.
And finally, I discovered there's even a Wiki for our little area http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geelong_West,_Victoria - wouldn't it be great to have that accessible to our local patrons at Geelong West Library, to add their knowledge, history and stories. Will keep that in mind!
#15 Web 2.0, Library 2.0
Sitting smack bang in the middle of a massive library change at this very moment - I find the discussion about Library 2.0 very pertinent. This week we closed our library doors - for nine months of renovations. A huge adjustment for staff, the organisation, our patrons and the community. Our planned renovation/re-structure is a perfect opportunity for us to plan for the future - to embrace technological change and be very brave and bold. Only time will tell if we have made the right choices - but given the endless possibilities, I hope we have.
This also ties in with a recurring theme throughout the recommended reading for this exercise.
All commentators seem to be very pro embracing and running with technology in our libraries.
Yes, we all agree wholeheartedly. Bring it on!
There is a tendency to advocate the minimisation of hard copies of collections in favour of on-line versions. But to do this, we must ensure we have the resources/knowledge/space/know-how/time to adopt this stance.
It's all very well to advocate on-line databases, downloads/podcasts/etc.. but the library needs state of the art technological tools, savvy tutors,time and MOST IMPORTANTLY - receptive patrons to access and fully appreciate these changes.
One commentator infers we should lose the "just in case" collections - because just about everything is online now. Although good in theory, I envisage problems with this approach. Before any bold sweeping changes are made, we must ensure that we have the technological tools in place to replace the collections we have removed. I guess it's all about balance - but the one thing I don't want to see happen is that the socially disadvantaged, the less fortunate, the less educated or those in a minority will be left behind in the bubble of excitement over Libraries 2.0.
This also ties in with a recurring theme throughout the recommended reading for this exercise.
All commentators seem to be very pro embracing and running with technology in our libraries.
Yes, we all agree wholeheartedly. Bring it on!
There is a tendency to advocate the minimisation of hard copies of collections in favour of on-line versions. But to do this, we must ensure we have the resources/knowledge/space/know-how/time to adopt this stance.
It's all very well to advocate on-line databases, downloads/podcasts/etc.. but the library needs state of the art technological tools, savvy tutors,time and MOST IMPORTANTLY - receptive patrons to access and fully appreciate these changes.
One commentator infers we should lose the "just in case" collections - because just about everything is online now. Although good in theory, I envisage problems with this approach. Before any bold sweeping changes are made, we must ensure that we have the technological tools in place to replace the collections we have removed. I guess it's all about balance - but the one thing I don't want to see happen is that the socially disadvantaged, the less fortunate, the less educated or those in a minority will be left behind in the bubble of excitement over Libraries 2.0.
#14 Technorati
50 million blogs on Technorati. Get your head around that.
Years ago - the only blogs we knew of was that bloke "Joe Blogs" - now every man and his dog (including Joe Blogs) has something to say out there.
I did as requested and searched on Technorati (again, who thought of that name??? It sounds like someone racing in the Grand Prix ) - for "Learning 2.0” in the different search headings.
Under Blog Posts, there were 422 listings. And they were all very different and all appeared terribly technical. Couldn't see many/any at first glance that pertained to our area of interest.(Though I must fess up, I didnt check the entire 422 - no lollies for me).
Under Blog directory, there were just three listings - and all seemed to be talking about a biker in Chicago.
Under tags - interestingly, 3 references only - and all seemed to be referring directly to our particular online course and our weekly modules.
So, it obviously makes a huge difference to blog searching - a) under what heading you search and b) whether your blogs are tagged.
It was interesting to have a looksee as to the most popular blogs on on Technorati - Boing Boing was the standout favourite and won a big award. I had a scout around it. Boing Boing did nothing for me. I can understand enthusiasts really being hooked on the most popular blogs, such as moneymaking ideas and celeb gossip - but Lifehacker and other irrelevant ramblings were not for me.
After deliberating and reading the HTML instructions - I decided not to tag my blogs. Not because it seemed difficult - but purely because I feel they are so boring, no-one else could possibly want to read them - or find them in a search.
Years ago - the only blogs we knew of was that bloke "Joe Blogs" - now every man and his dog (including Joe Blogs) has something to say out there.
I did as requested and searched on Technorati (again, who thought of that name??? It sounds like someone racing in the Grand Prix ) - for "Learning 2.0” in the different search headings.
Under Blog Posts, there were 422 listings. And they were all very different and all appeared terribly technical. Couldn't see many/any at first glance that pertained to our area of interest.(Though I must fess up, I didnt check the entire 422 - no lollies for me).
Under Blog directory, there were just three listings - and all seemed to be talking about a biker in Chicago.
Under tags - interestingly, 3 references only - and all seemed to be referring directly to our particular online course and our weekly modules.
So, it obviously makes a huge difference to blog searching - a) under what heading you search and b) whether your blogs are tagged.
It was interesting to have a looksee as to the most popular blogs on on Technorati - Boing Boing was the standout favourite and won a big award. I had a scout around it. Boing Boing did nothing for me. I can understand enthusiasts really being hooked on the most popular blogs, such as moneymaking ideas and celeb gossip - but Lifehacker and other irrelevant ramblings were not for me.
After deliberating and reading the HTML instructions - I decided not to tag my blogs. Not because it seemed difficult - but purely because I feel they are so boring, no-one else could possibly want to read them - or find them in a search.
Friday, October 12, 2007
#13 Tagging etc...
I think I am repeating myself - but I truly had no concept prior to starting this online learning - of the scope and depth of the technology, tools and sheer enormity of what is available to avid web devotees. It is staggering.
"De-Li*&cious" - or whatever the name of it was - you know what I'm talking about - is an example of the tools that avid, serious web users can access to revolutionise their bookmarking/searching sessions.
The fact that you can compress and centralise all your bookmarks and access them from any computer is a huge bonus to committed internet users. I was amused with one user's advice to "stalk" other users and make use of their bookmarks!
The PLCMC account set up for us was also very interesting. I was very impressed to see all our special sites that we have accessed, all grouped together under the tag "options". I will refer back to this page.
For my usage - I would not benefit from creating a Delicious account at this stage. However, I can see it's huge benefits and potential (particularly since it was taken over by Yahoo) and will definitely recommend it to researchers, students and serious web users.
"De-Li*&cious" - or whatever the name of it was - you know what I'm talking about - is an example of the tools that avid, serious web users can access to revolutionise their bookmarking/searching sessions.
The fact that you can compress and centralise all your bookmarks and access them from any computer is a huge bonus to committed internet users. I was amused with one user's advice to "stalk" other users and make use of their bookmarks!
The PLCMC account set up for us was also very interesting. I was very impressed to see all our special sites that we have accessed, all grouped together under the tag "options". I will refer back to this page.
For my usage - I would not benefit from creating a Delicious account at this stage. However, I can see it's huge benefits and potential (particularly since it was taken over by Yahoo) and will definitely recommend it to researchers, students and serious web users.
#12 Rollyo
I missed something here.
Grandma poss created her Rollyo account and went around and around the site (which incidentally I found clunky and not user friendly) - looking for the possum magic??
It's basically just a fancy search engine to me.
Boring.
Grandma poss created her Rollyo account and went around and around the site (which incidentally I found clunky and not user friendly) - looking for the possum magic??
It's basically just a fancy search engine to me.
Boring.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
#11 LibraryThing
Cyber cataloguing! LibraryThing is an interesting thing.
I enjoyed having to think about my favourite books - why they were my favourites and the memories they evoke. What time of my life was itwhen I first read them?
Like many of the new areas we have ventured into during this journey, I feel that LibraryThing would be a very obsessive and time consuming pastime, if I let it be.
I liked the tab that took me to "things you can do". Again - where do these people get the time for all of this???
... and sorry, make a photomosaic of my favourite books for my phone???
What - advertise the fact even more that I am a book nerd? I don't think so.
But overall, another pleasant surprise, as to what's on offer out there and I will add to my list and explore more, when I have time.
I enjoyed having to think about my favourite books - why they were my favourites and the memories they evoke. What time of my life was itwhen I first read them?
Like many of the new areas we have ventured into during this journey, I feel that LibraryThing would be a very obsessive and time consuming pastime, if I let it be.
I liked the tab that took me to "things you can do". Again - where do these people get the time for all of this???
... and sorry, make a photomosaic of my favourite books for my phone???
What - advertise the fact even more that I am a book nerd? I don't think so.
But overall, another pleasant surprise, as to what's on offer out there and I will add to my list and explore more, when I have time.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
#10 Image generators
Now this is just too much fun.
The first thing that comes to mind is - how much spare time do people have?
Who thinks these things up? Find a movie with your name quoted in it, apology note generator and my favourite - "Magic Makeover Generator"! They dress you for the prom and give you a total makeover. I sat on that site for ages waiting for my photo to be made over - I guess some jobs are too hard, even in cyberspace. I aint going to the prom.
But I did have a lot of fun in http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/ -I finally managed to create my work badge. Orders being taken.
The first thing that comes to mind is - how much spare time do people have?
Who thinks these things up? Find a movie with your name quoted in it, apology note generator and my favourite - "Magic Makeover Generator"! They dress you for the prom and give you a total makeover. I sat on that site for ages waiting for my photo to be made over - I guess some jobs are too hard, even in cyberspace. I aint going to the prom.
But I did have a lot of fun in http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/ -I finally managed to create my work badge. Orders being taken.
#9 Finding Feeds
It's obvious given my "hearty stature" that I have never had trouble finding feeds.
.... but these feeds are food for thought of a completely different nature.
I actually found navigating them all a tad overwhelming. Perhaps because I approached them with no real definite goal in sight. For example, I was just playing, had I been carrying out proper research, my searching may have been less haphazard. Having said all that, I must say I did find Feester and the widgets user friendly. Topix net was a bit much to take in - folks talking to me from Serbia, Malaysia and all funnily enough, with odd hair dos? But I like the way it also focused on my local area - topical news stories and events. Very smart. Google blog search was easy, quick and user friendly - maybe that was because I am very "at home" with the Google set up and found it more comfortable. Technorati - who thought of that name? That was enough to put Grandma Poss off before she even went there.
In a nutshell - this area is a whole new world to me - which of course is one of the aims of this online journey. Personally? At present, I probably would not have the time or use for all the wonderful avenues of information - but it will DEFINITELY be an area I will be promoting to those I feel may benefit from this astounding array of information. And won't I look smart when I bring it up at the next party. Smart or even more nerdy.
.... but these feeds are food for thought of a completely different nature.
I actually found navigating them all a tad overwhelming. Perhaps because I approached them with no real definite goal in sight. For example, I was just playing, had I been carrying out proper research, my searching may have been less haphazard. Having said all that, I must say I did find Feester and the widgets user friendly. Topix net was a bit much to take in - folks talking to me from Serbia, Malaysia and all funnily enough, with odd hair dos? But I like the way it also focused on my local area - topical news stories and events. Very smart. Google blog search was easy, quick and user friendly - maybe that was because I am very "at home" with the Google set up and found it more comfortable. Technorati - who thought of that name? That was enough to put Grandma Poss off before she even went there.
In a nutshell - this area is a whole new world to me - which of course is one of the aims of this online journey. Personally? At present, I probably would not have the time or use for all the wonderful avenues of information - but it will DEFINITELY be an area I will be promoting to those I feel may benefit from this astounding array of information. And won't I look smart when I bring it up at the next party. Smart or even more nerdy.
Monday, October 8, 2007
#8 RSS and Newsreaders
Well, i'll be. In the old days RS stood for something not quite complimentary and Newsreaders were the suited up bods who delivered the world's happenings every night at 6pm.
Where will this adventure end?
I'm taking off to links to astounding webpages with little links that tell me I can RSS them - and they'll automatically feed me!!!!
Trawling through all these links and web pages and blogs - I am constantly amazed at the depth of commitment and love these folk have for their industry. These are not people who go to work, check out books and go home.
How about these folk, the unshelved mob http://www.unshelved.com/ - daily posts, competitions - merchandise!!!! A "Library Raider Hat" that glows in the dark!!! Gotta get me one of them - though I find being at work in the daylight scary enough, let alone by night.
And they won a competition for reading aloud for 106 hours. They obviously weren't reading to my storytime mums.
Seriously though, this is a great tool - particulary I feel for those regularly accessing the web and many varied websites in their line of work, study or general interests. I will be happy to pass this info onto others.
Where will this adventure end?
I'm taking off to links to astounding webpages with little links that tell me I can RSS them - and they'll automatically feed me!!!!
Trawling through all these links and web pages and blogs - I am constantly amazed at the depth of commitment and love these folk have for their industry. These are not people who go to work, check out books and go home.
How about these folk, the unshelved mob http://www.unshelved.com/ - daily posts, competitions - merchandise!!!! A "Library Raider Hat" that glows in the dark!!! Gotta get me one of them - though I find being at work in the daylight scary enough, let alone by night.
And they won a competition for reading aloud for 106 hours. They obviously weren't reading to my storytime mums.
Seriously though, this is a great tool - particulary I feel for those regularly accessing the web and many varied websites in their line of work, study or general interests. I will be happy to pass this info onto others.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
#7 Technology
Where do you start?
I think the single biggest, most incredible jump in technology has been mobile phones.
Now OK - I hear the howls of disapprovement from all the naysayers. But hear me out.
As a parent of teenage children, there is simply no better source of comfort than the mobile phone. I know, I know - what about the bills etc... but I feel the pros far outweigh the cons.
On Saturday night after a long, tiring day my teenage son decided to drive his mates to Ballarat in the dark. When he had broken out of the cupboard I locked him in and the chains I had shackled him with and he managed to disengage me from his leg -he set off.
3 Valium later (me, not him) and one hour and 5 minutes later I received a text from him saying "here mum". and all was good in the world.
I often wonder how we coped in the days pre mobiles - were we all a little more secure? Did we not need constant reassurances? Perhaps. But I just find them a necessary and valuable tool in terms of organisation, planning, contact and communication.
... and hey, you can always turn them off (just ask my son!!!)
I think the single biggest, most incredible jump in technology has been mobile phones.
Now OK - I hear the howls of disapprovement from all the naysayers. But hear me out.
As a parent of teenage children, there is simply no better source of comfort than the mobile phone. I know, I know - what about the bills etc... but I feel the pros far outweigh the cons.
On Saturday night after a long, tiring day my teenage son decided to drive his mates to Ballarat in the dark. When he had broken out of the cupboard I locked him in and the chains I had shackled him with and he managed to disengage me from his leg -he set off.
3 Valium later (me, not him) and one hour and 5 minutes later I received a text from him saying "here mum". and all was good in the world.
I often wonder how we coped in the days pre mobiles - were we all a little more secure? Did we not need constant reassurances? Perhaps. But I just find them a necessary and valuable tool in terms of organisation, planning, contact and communication.
... and hey, you can always turn them off (just ask my son!!!)
#6 Mashups and TradingCards and other cool stuff.
It's amazing what is actually out there - when you start looking!
Mash ups and Trading cards and what about the FDToy thingy ? How are the links in that and the things you can make? I checked out the badge maker - http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/badge.php
obviously the Chaser boys did too - before their little APEC adventure!
Grandma Poss is thourghly enjoying this new little adventure!
Mash ups and Trading cards and what about the FDToy thingy ? How are the links in that and the things you can make? I checked out the badge maker - http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/badge.php
obviously the Chaser boys did too - before their little APEC adventure!
Grandma Poss is thourghly enjoying this new little adventure!
#3 This Flicker thingo
Pretty amazing, isn't it?
I searched for the first thing that popped into my head - and seeing as I stayed up until some ungodly hour watching the Brownlow - yes, tragic, I know, I typed in Jimmy Bartel - given that he took home the medal. Very sad for little baby Ablett, but life is full of disappointments. Anyway, i digress. Much to my delight - up popped a photo, not only of Jimmy, but baby Ablett too! So, everyones's a winner!
... but what amazed me, straight under that was a link to Cats. But they were the real cats, the creepy, sneaky ones that lean against your leg and wee on your garden at night. Not the ones we love, the boys wearing the blue and white stripes.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pdr/862890722/
I searched for the first thing that popped into my head - and seeing as I stayed up until some ungodly hour watching the Brownlow - yes, tragic, I know, I typed in Jimmy Bartel - given that he took home the medal. Very sad for little baby Ablett, but life is full of disappointments. Anyway, i digress. Much to my delight - up popped a photo, not only of Jimmy, but baby Ablett too! So, everyones's a winner!
... but what amazed me, straight under that was a link to Cats. But they were the real cats, the creepy, sneaky ones that lean against your leg and wee on your garden at night. Not the ones we love, the boys wearing the blue and white stripes.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pdr/862890722/
Magic seems to be working
Well. so far so good.
Now I just have to register the thing with the people who keep sending me all the emails telling me that every other person has registered and won lollies and I'm the only one at the bottom of the class. How embarassing. Oh well, here goes.
Now I just have to register the thing with the people who keep sending me all the emails telling me that every other person has registered and won lollies and I'm the only one at the bottom of the class. How embarassing. Oh well, here goes.
Possum Magic
... well that's what it's going to take to get me through all this!!
What am I doing?
Oh well, being the philosophical Cats supporter I am, I will stick with my Cats motto - I am here, cross my fingers and see what happens next!
What am I doing?
Oh well, being the philosophical Cats supporter I am, I will stick with my Cats motto - I am here, cross my fingers and see what happens next!
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