Hey folks,
Some of you may have heard about this 1b1t book club that is starting on 5/5. What is this? Well here's some info that I've gleaned from various research around the net.
Let's break it down:
*1b1t stands for 1 book, 1 twitter. This whole idea is based around participation from the twitter community.
*It is the brainchild of Jeff Howe, author/proponent of Crowdsourcing, who is currently a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University. He is also a writer/editor at Wired Magazine.
*Crowdsourcing is the act of taking a job traditionally performed by a designated agent (usually an employee) and outsourcing it to an undefined, generally large group of people in the form of an open call. Jeff Howe has written an entire book on this idea and how it can apply outside of business.
*1b1t takes a popular program like One City One Book, seen in Seattle and Chicago, and extends it to a global level.
*Using Twitter as a base, participants pick the book based on popular vote. Then commentary/ideas/thoughts are shared using the twitter hashtag #1b1t.
Ultimately Howe seems interested in whether Twitter, an open source application, can create global social capital. When Nancy Pearl first started the One City One Book program in Seattle it was so those citizens by reading The Sweet Hereafter would all have a commonality. This is not a program that is focused on a humanities based outcome. While in Seattle this program was successful, when a "Big Read" program was created in my city it seemed like an utter waste of time. I was never compelled by the choices of books and never felt there was a forum developed to facilitate community connection. I wasn't surprised when the program was dropped after a few years.
So why is 1B1t any different? I have to agree with Howe's argument that Twitter allows its participants to transcend geography. It's also an open source program so any economic class can participate, as long as you have internet access in your community. Also Howe allowed the internet community/future participants to pick the book which ended up being American Gods by Neil Gaiman. In my opinion this is a good choice. It's sci-fi, well-regarded, and Neil Gaiman. Gaiman has been a major proponent of using the internet to connect with his fanbase. He's had a blog for 15 years which he updates regularly. He communicates regularly on Twitter and firmly knows the balance between sharing his personal and professional life online. By allowing the community to choose the book it then gives them a personal stake in participating. This is always a good rule in book clubs, and fits with Howe's intentions.
I've always wanted to read American Gods so I'm gonna participate. I also managed to snag a copy from my library, so that's good too. I'm also gonna read Jeff Howe's book on Crowdsourcing to see if I can connect with his ideas. I do believe that the internet can be a great tool to gain social capital on a global scale. It just depends on how it's utilized. Maybe a global book club could be one of those successful experiments. We'll see.
Showing posts with label Internet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Internet. Show all posts
2010-05-04
2010-02-20
Interconnect with Me.
Hey all,
It is crazy times at chez Book Slave. A lot going on but watch out you're gonna have a great deal to read as we crash into the end of this month. Why does February always seem so short?
I want to throw a shout out to author Emily Wing Smith whose book The Way He Lived I reviewed here. She was nice enough to say hello, shake my hand, and put up with my slobbering praise at an author event in my library. Later on I discovered that she had posted a link to my review on her own author blog which I appreciated immensely. Again I reiterate that I meant every word of praise and can't wait for her next book. On a similiar note I also had a fun time talking to Sara Zarr, author of Once Was Lost, and she was great. Having seen her speak several times it's wonderful that she is still excited to connect with her readers.
I think that this is indicative of author's in the young adult genre. I see a notable enthusiasm whenever I attend an author's event. Why is that? It's clearly to match the reaction of their audience. Despite protestations to the contrary, teenagers are voracious readers. If they get hooked into a series young adults want to read them all. This is especially true of young females, more so than young males. Now I'm no literacy expert but I work with young adults all the time in my job. It seems to me that any young adult, no matter how snotty, will be hooked by a great engaging story. (Well really isn't that the case with anyone? but I digress...)
I've noticed though that those in the YA field are more apt to embrace any way that they can connect with their audience. Twitter is full of crazy wonderful authors such as Maureen Johnson and John Green (one of the famous vlogbrothers, already a youtube sensation) who love to interact. Often these authors have personal blogs which balance information, promotion, and some personal insight. This can only increase connectivity with the so-called Net Generation who have adopted the internet as social media. The pioneer of all this is Neil Gaiman. He has written a blog for 9 years now. 9 years! He often answers questions, posts pictures of his dogs, and sometimes shares what he's working on. Clearly he understands and enjoys being able to share with his audience.
The closeness that the internet provides is a natural progression for a genre that is all about emotions. The YA genre has evolved away from easy moral lessons or cutesy humor. (Well maybe not in Meg Cabot books...) Being a teenager is about discovering your identity, being powerless, and learning that life is not always fair. This does not always lead to cheery subject matter. The best books of this genre in my opinion, such as Speak, have intense raised stakes. The protagonist's reward is often an emotional revelation that's a source of empowerment. The internet allows for a sort of empowerment that is becoming unlimited. That's what the new social media is all about.
Either way I think that it's great for teens who are interested in writing to have an opportunity to meet there favorite author. Definitely before the cold cruel world of cynicism smacks down their dreams. By reaching out and embracing their audience, authors are more likely to mold potential talent and gain readers for life.
It is crazy times at chez Book Slave. A lot going on but watch out you're gonna have a great deal to read as we crash into the end of this month. Why does February always seem so short?
I want to throw a shout out to author Emily Wing Smith whose book The Way He Lived I reviewed here. She was nice enough to say hello, shake my hand, and put up with my slobbering praise at an author event in my library. Later on I discovered that she had posted a link to my review on her own author blog which I appreciated immensely. Again I reiterate that I meant every word of praise and can't wait for her next book. On a similiar note I also had a fun time talking to Sara Zarr, author of Once Was Lost, and she was great. Having seen her speak several times it's wonderful that she is still excited to connect with her readers.
I think that this is indicative of author's in the young adult genre. I see a notable enthusiasm whenever I attend an author's event. Why is that? It's clearly to match the reaction of their audience. Despite protestations to the contrary, teenagers are voracious readers. If they get hooked into a series young adults want to read them all. This is especially true of young females, more so than young males. Now I'm no literacy expert but I work with young adults all the time in my job. It seems to me that any young adult, no matter how snotty, will be hooked by a great engaging story. (Well really isn't that the case with anyone? but I digress...)
I've noticed though that those in the YA field are more apt to embrace any way that they can connect with their audience. Twitter is full of crazy wonderful authors such as Maureen Johnson and John Green (one of the famous vlogbrothers, already a youtube sensation) who love to interact. Often these authors have personal blogs which balance information, promotion, and some personal insight. This can only increase connectivity with the so-called Net Generation who have adopted the internet as social media. The pioneer of all this is Neil Gaiman. He has written a blog for 9 years now. 9 years! He often answers questions, posts pictures of his dogs, and sometimes shares what he's working on. Clearly he understands and enjoys being able to share with his audience.
The closeness that the internet provides is a natural progression for a genre that is all about emotions. The YA genre has evolved away from easy moral lessons or cutesy humor. (Well maybe not in Meg Cabot books...) Being a teenager is about discovering your identity, being powerless, and learning that life is not always fair. This does not always lead to cheery subject matter. The best books of this genre in my opinion, such as Speak, have intense raised stakes. The protagonist's reward is often an emotional revelation that's a source of empowerment. The internet allows for a sort of empowerment that is becoming unlimited. That's what the new social media is all about.
Either way I think that it's great for teens who are interested in writing to have an opportunity to meet there favorite author. Definitely before the cold cruel world of cynicism smacks down their dreams. By reaching out and embracing their audience, authors are more likely to mold potential talent and gain readers for life.
2009-05-27
Heartbreakingly Beautiful
Hello,
The weather is beautiful and I find myself with a lot of leisure time. I haven't been this free for a long time. Spent years as a work-a-holic & now I have an open schedule. Too bad my wifi has become inconstant. Well as Mick says "You can't always get what you want." True dat.
I had an awesome time last night at book club. Zach, former co-worker & book club moderator, had also arranged for us to talk with the author via phone. It was very cool. He answered our questions in a wonderfully honest way. Vlautin indicated that he sees his characters as real people. This must be hard because his novels are horribly grim. The brothers in Motel Life, and Alison Johnson in Northline are lost troubled souls. In contrast Vlautin seems like an easy going fellow. It was great talking to him and I thank Zach for pulling that together. Vlautin is a talented writer. His wounded characters will break your heart. He is an author to keep an eye on.
Review
Northline
The main character at the center of Northline is a lost soul. She has such a lack of self that the reader doesn't even know her name. She has been abused, scared, and deserted. She has decided it's time to leave her awful life in Las Vegas. It is at this moment of strength that writer Willy Vlautin reveals to the reader her name. It is up to Alison Johnson to find herself and deal with her pain. However this is not some cheesy uplifting woman overcomes all story, Vlautin gives us a more complex story. For every two steps forward that Alison makes she moves 3 steps back. It's rough to improve your own self image when you don't feel you deserve to be happy. She is wonderfully wounded and complex, this makes her small victories immense. If it's not clear I'll say it out right: I fell in love with Alison Johnson. This is all thanks to Vlautin's ability to create characters that are real. Although he still incorporates fantasy, here it's Paul Newman, Vlautin's writing is full of carefully chosen small moments. Moments like a gift of a snow globe, or a night of bingo, are magical when contrasted with the dark underside of living in Reno. I definitely reccommend this one.
(BTW if possible get the copy with a free soundtrack CD. Writer Willy Vlautin is also a musician in the band Richmond Fontaine. He ended up writing a few instrumentals that serve as a soundtrack to Northline. It was included with my Harper Perrenial paperback. Check it out.)
Other Reviews
The Independent | Book Soup | The Guardian
The Reading List
Books
Starman Omnibus Vol. 2
Goodbye To All That
Magazine
Four Four Two
Comic
Flash: Rebirth #2
Comic Pull List: TBD
Check Out Count: Getting better. Really.
Have a great week! Book Slave.
The weather is beautiful and I find myself with a lot of leisure time. I haven't been this free for a long time. Spent years as a work-a-holic & now I have an open schedule. Too bad my wifi has become inconstant. Well as Mick says "You can't always get what you want." True dat.
I had an awesome time last night at book club. Zach, former co-worker & book club moderator, had also arranged for us to talk with the author via phone. It was very cool. He answered our questions in a wonderfully honest way. Vlautin indicated that he sees his characters as real people. This must be hard because his novels are horribly grim. The brothers in Motel Life, and Alison Johnson in Northline are lost troubled souls. In contrast Vlautin seems like an easy going fellow. It was great talking to him and I thank Zach for pulling that together. Vlautin is a talented writer. His wounded characters will break your heart. He is an author to keep an eye on.
Review
Northline
The main character at the center of Northline is a lost soul. She has such a lack of self that the reader doesn't even know her name. She has been abused, scared, and deserted. She has decided it's time to leave her awful life in Las Vegas. It is at this moment of strength that writer Willy Vlautin reveals to the reader her name. It is up to Alison Johnson to find herself and deal with her pain. However this is not some cheesy uplifting woman overcomes all story, Vlautin gives us a more complex story. For every two steps forward that Alison makes she moves 3 steps back. It's rough to improve your own self image when you don't feel you deserve to be happy. She is wonderfully wounded and complex, this makes her small victories immense. If it's not clear I'll say it out right: I fell in love with Alison Johnson. This is all thanks to Vlautin's ability to create characters that are real. Although he still incorporates fantasy, here it's Paul Newman, Vlautin's writing is full of carefully chosen small moments. Moments like a gift of a snow globe, or a night of bingo, are magical when contrasted with the dark underside of living in Reno. I definitely reccommend this one.
(BTW if possible get the copy with a free soundtrack CD. Writer Willy Vlautin is also a musician in the band Richmond Fontaine. He ended up writing a few instrumentals that serve as a soundtrack to Northline. It was included with my Harper Perrenial paperback. Check it out.)
Other Reviews
The Independent | Book Soup | The Guardian
The Reading List
Books
Starman Omnibus Vol. 2
Goodbye To All That
Magazine
Four Four Two
Comic
Flash: Rebirth #2
Comic Pull List: TBD
Check Out Count: Getting better. Really.
Have a great week! Book Slave.
2008-11-22
A Day Without Computers
Hello folks,
Howse it going? Good I hope, I'm doing well. I had a fascinating day at the old bibliotech (that a fancy schmancy way of saying library folks). It's been awhile since I've thrown down here with some library talk. Yes to remind y'all I do spend time working as a librarian in a fabulous facility known for it's architecture. And I love it for many reasons.
The main reason is that it combines my love of books with the emotional wonderfulness of helping people. I won't lie, some days it can be trying. Crazy homeless people or teenage kids that forget you are a human being with feelings take time to get used to. Worse are when people lie to your face and then accuse you of doing wrong. There are some diamond hard-hearted librarians out there who don't care about books. I've worked really hard to stay positive and cling to the good experiences. Nothing beats putting a patron together with a great book.
Today was a real test. See when I got in this morning all the computers were down. No catalog, no internet, no computers at all. Yes it was back to old school brothers and sisters. Rather than be daunted by the lack of technology, however I loved it. It was a great challenge. Do you know your shelves? How well do you know books and authors? I enjoyed the test. Sometimes I fear that I'm chained to my desk. It's a problem in modern librarianship that people are stuck to their computer screens. So today there was no excuse whatsoever to be stuck at the desk. I wandered around, filled displays, even shelved some books. It was awesome. In fact, and this may be heresy, but I think we should do it every three months.
Have a great weekend! Book Slave.
Howse it going? Good I hope, I'm doing well. I had a fascinating day at the old bibliotech (that a fancy schmancy way of saying library folks). It's been awhile since I've thrown down here with some library talk. Yes to remind y'all I do spend time working as a librarian in a fabulous facility known for it's architecture. And I love it for many reasons.
The main reason is that it combines my love of books with the emotional wonderfulness of helping people. I won't lie, some days it can be trying. Crazy homeless people or teenage kids that forget you are a human being with feelings take time to get used to. Worse are when people lie to your face and then accuse you of doing wrong. There are some diamond hard-hearted librarians out there who don't care about books. I've worked really hard to stay positive and cling to the good experiences. Nothing beats putting a patron together with a great book.
Today was a real test. See when I got in this morning all the computers were down. No catalog, no internet, no computers at all. Yes it was back to old school brothers and sisters. Rather than be daunted by the lack of technology, however I loved it. It was a great challenge. Do you know your shelves? How well do you know books and authors? I enjoyed the test. Sometimes I fear that I'm chained to my desk. It's a problem in modern librarianship that people are stuck to their computer screens. So today there was no excuse whatsoever to be stuck at the desk. I wandered around, filled displays, even shelved some books. It was awesome. In fact, and this may be heresy, but I think we should do it every three months.
Have a great weekend! Book Slave.
2008-09-30
"Don't go shooting all the dogs, just because one has flees"
Hello Blogosphere,
How are you this week? I am doing well. Starting a new schedule this week and it's a little weird, but ultimately I can nothing but good things coming my way. (Of course now a little voice inside me is shouting Look Out! Bad times are coming. But I will shut that kind of negativity out with thoughts of rainbows and flowers.) I know that you all were saddened and shocked not to see an entry on Sunday but I will make up for it I assure it. Sometimes the Internet leaves you all of sudden. No note, no call. Just dissappears and you are left cold and alone. But then it reappears and says "See I'm back" and you forgive the Internet. Because it gives you entertainment and porn.
Anyway Onward!
Review
Twilight of the Superheroes
This was my first read for the new book club I've joined. It is a collection of short stories from a first time author Deborah Eisenberg. The stories center around disconnection in a post-9/11 world. The main characters in these stories all live more internally although they are surrounded by family and friends. I found that some of the stories were more successful then others. My favorite was the opening story, which the book is named after, was the most effective. Particularly the juxtaposition of different characters and events were very impactful. Unfortunately not all the stories reach that same quality.
What's In My Bag
Books
X Saves the World
Bel Canto
Magazines
Four Four Two
Comics
Northlanders
Comic Pull List: Batman #680, Tor #6, Trinity #18
Check Out Count: Shameful.
Remembrance
Paul Newman died this weekend at 83. Now I know this is a book blog but he did star in two of my favorite literary adaptations Hud (based on the book Horseman Pass By) and Nobody's Fool from a book by Richard Russo.
Here's a great clip from Hud:
Have a great week! Look for another entry this week. Book Slave.
How are you this week? I am doing well. Starting a new schedule this week and it's a little weird, but ultimately I can nothing but good things coming my way. (Of course now a little voice inside me is shouting Look Out! Bad times are coming. But I will shut that kind of negativity out with thoughts of rainbows and flowers.) I know that you all were saddened and shocked not to see an entry on Sunday but I will make up for it I assure it. Sometimes the Internet leaves you all of sudden. No note, no call. Just dissappears and you are left cold and alone. But then it reappears and says "See I'm back" and you forgive the Internet. Because it gives you entertainment and porn.
Anyway Onward!
Review
Twilight of the Superheroes
This was my first read for the new book club I've joined. It is a collection of short stories from a first time author Deborah Eisenberg. The stories center around disconnection in a post-9/11 world. The main characters in these stories all live more internally although they are surrounded by family and friends. I found that some of the stories were more successful then others. My favorite was the opening story, which the book is named after, was the most effective. Particularly the juxtaposition of different characters and events were very impactful. Unfortunately not all the stories reach that same quality.
What's In My Bag
Books
X Saves the World
Bel Canto
Magazines
Four Four Two
Comics
Northlanders
Comic Pull List: Batman #680, Tor #6, Trinity #18
Check Out Count: Shameful.
Remembrance
Paul Newman died this weekend at 83. Now I know this is a book blog but he did star in two of my favorite literary adaptations Hud (based on the book Horseman Pass By) and Nobody's Fool from a book by Richard Russo.
Here's a great clip from Hud:
Have a great week! Look for another entry this week. Book Slave.
2008-04-17
Library 2.0 and the future
Hello folks,
Today I am going to discuss a general topic that libraries are taking to heart at the moment. A new idea has slipped into library philosophy called "Library 2.0." Library 2.0, as I understand it, involves the idea that technology can bring information to patrons. With information being more easily available it's questionable where libraries physically fit. It's a scary idea to those in the profession that there will be no need for librarians because patrons will look up everything on computers. Alarmists also like to scream that there will be no need for books in our future paper-less society.
I call BS on these fears, but I understand the existential angst. In terms of technology encroachment, the only options libraries have is to evolve. Let's face it, you can't push back the tide, man. Librarians need to train themselves to use these technologies to help patrons better. Technology does not equal extinction. Patrons, and human beings in general, will always want human contact. They trust human beings to answer there questions, or at least confirm what they already know, more than machines.
As a reader I believe that there will always be printed books. Haven't had the chance to use the new Amazon Kindle. However there's nothing new about digital ebooks, just visit Project Gutenberg. I think that digital representations of books lack a major psychological pull: the turning of the page. In this way the reader is physically able to move forward and feel accomplishment. It's not the same reading off a screen and clicking forward. Plus books are smaller, and don't need batteries or a power outlet.
So in the end Libraries/Librarians need to evolve and learn new technologies. It's hard to keep up, but I'm glad that I've had the chance to learn some new things. In the future I'm sure there will be a Library 3.0 where we can learn even more.
Have an awesome weekend. Book Slave.
Today I am going to discuss a general topic that libraries are taking to heart at the moment. A new idea has slipped into library philosophy called "Library 2.0." Library 2.0, as I understand it, involves the idea that technology can bring information to patrons. With information being more easily available it's questionable where libraries physically fit. It's a scary idea to those in the profession that there will be no need for librarians because patrons will look up everything on computers. Alarmists also like to scream that there will be no need for books in our future paper-less society.
I call BS on these fears, but I understand the existential angst. In terms of technology encroachment, the only options libraries have is to evolve. Let's face it, you can't push back the tide, man. Librarians need to train themselves to use these technologies to help patrons better. Technology does not equal extinction. Patrons, and human beings in general, will always want human contact. They trust human beings to answer there questions, or at least confirm what they already know, more than machines.
As a reader I believe that there will always be printed books. Haven't had the chance to use the new Amazon Kindle. However there's nothing new about digital ebooks, just visit Project Gutenberg. I think that digital representations of books lack a major psychological pull: the turning of the page. In this way the reader is physically able to move forward and feel accomplishment. It's not the same reading off a screen and clicking forward. Plus books are smaller, and don't need batteries or a power outlet.
So in the end Libraries/Librarians need to evolve and learn new technologies. It's hard to keep up, but I'm glad that I've had the chance to learn some new things. In the future I'm sure there will be a Library 3.0 where we can learn even more.
Have an awesome weekend. Book Slave.
2008-04-10
Wonderful World of Podcasts
Hello,
Today I'll be talking about one of my favorite new obsessions: Podcasts!
Podcasts are awesome!
Yes, hello everyone. I am a podcast addict. It's true. I started learning about podcasts in 2005 although my fanaticism did not really begin until Spring 2007.
If you aren't convinced yet, here are the awesome pros of podcasts:
*They are FREE! yes FREE folks!
*There is a podcast on every subject under the sun.
*Multi-national. Listen to viewpoints from other countries!
*Uncensored. Sometimes crazy and freewheeling.
Like the internet itself.
*Listen on your Ipod, MP3 player, or computer anywhere!
I've found that there are several different types of podcasts. Some are highly commercial and slick, others are pretty banal. As I've said in a prior post, I prefer podcasts that are a group of friends talking about a common subject. There are also some great interview shows.
A fair warning: Just like with webpages the internet is a graveyard of dead podcasts. Oftentimes without warning a podcast will just disappear. It's sad, but I just go out find some new podcasts.
Netlibrary
Enjoy audiobooks? Well now you can download them for free. Yes folks FREE! I myself am not a big audiobook person, however I know many who are. I think portability is the biggest positive here. No more changing CDs or big bulky packaging. All one needs to do is download into a device and your good to go. So now it becomes a question of content. Netlibrary needs to open itself to more than just the classics. But I guess that will come with time. Another downside is that Netlibrary does not like my Ipod. That needs to change since Ipods are the #1 mp3 player.
Libraries can take advantage of these free internet offerings. Libraries can create download stations and offer checkout playaways. This can be used to save space and allow for more collection development. With a ton of holds on one book like Harry Potter perchance, we can offer people the chance to download it online rather than waiting.
So enjoy your weekend and pay your taxes. Book Slave.
Today I'll be talking about one of my favorite new obsessions: Podcasts!
Podcasts are awesome!
Yes, hello everyone. I am a podcast addict. It's true. I started learning about podcasts in 2005 although my fanaticism did not really begin until Spring 2007.
If you aren't convinced yet, here are the awesome pros of podcasts:
*They are FREE! yes FREE folks!
*There is a podcast on every subject under the sun.
*Multi-national. Listen to viewpoints from other countries!
*Uncensored. Sometimes crazy and freewheeling.
Like the internet itself.
*Listen on your Ipod, MP3 player, or computer anywhere!
I've found that there are several different types of podcasts. Some are highly commercial and slick, others are pretty banal. As I've said in a prior post, I prefer podcasts that are a group of friends talking about a common subject. There are also some great interview shows.
A fair warning: Just like with webpages the internet is a graveyard of dead podcasts. Oftentimes without warning a podcast will just disappear. It's sad, but I just go out find some new podcasts.
Netlibrary
Enjoy audiobooks? Well now you can download them for free. Yes folks FREE! I myself am not a big audiobook person, however I know many who are. I think portability is the biggest positive here. No more changing CDs or big bulky packaging. All one needs to do is download into a device and your good to go. So now it becomes a question of content. Netlibrary needs to open itself to more than just the classics. But I guess that will come with time. Another downside is that Netlibrary does not like my Ipod. That needs to change since Ipods are the #1 mp3 player.
Libraries can take advantage of these free internet offerings. Libraries can create download stations and offer checkout playaways. This can be used to save space and allow for more collection development. With a ton of holds on one book like Harry Potter perchance, we can offer people the chance to download it online rather than waiting.
So enjoy your weekend and pay your taxes. Book Slave.
2008-04-03
Wonderful World of Online Apps
So today I'm going to write about the new wonderful world of online web applications.
Populist Technology for the Masses
In fact I am currently writing this on Google Docs. This web based word processing program functions about exactly like my Microsoft Word program. Now I could curse myself and pine for my money already lost in Bill Gates coffers. However I do believe this is the new evolution of internet technology. Google Docs, as well as technology like Open Office and Lulu.com, allow anyone anywhere to type a document or spreadsheet and save it and publish it. I applaud the populism of this new accessibility because in my opinion I think basic software should be free. Let's face it hardware is nothing without the software to support it. And don't get me started on upgrades.
However as I looked through Google, Google Labs, as well as the Web 2.0 winners, I noticed a proliferation of mainly business applications. I can see the influence of capitalism and "the man" and it worries me. I want the Internet to maintain it's freewheeling, sometimes insane, independent nature. However then again maybe what's good for the goose is good for the gander. In this circumstance Google is allowing access to anyone who can hook up to the internet which is great. I hope it stays that way.
Google Labs
So a brief word here on this. Isn't it great how transparent Google is? Putting these little experiments out there and taking the hits when they don't work. I applaud the idea. Of the group currently up I think the best of the lot is the Google Web Page Creator. I remember the painful early days when creating a simple web page could make one lose hair. HTML! Ahh! This app with it's built in WYSIWYG nature is awesome for quick easy use. As for the rest well it was cool to look at Mars and find out when/where I can get a cab. I also a move toward phone based technology which reinforces my belief that I seriously need to upgrade my phone.
Web 2.0 Awards
If you're looking for a great list of web sites here they are. Of course there's Amazon and Google up there, but it was good to see some of the new ones like Lulu.com. I also like that it was set up by categories with the top 3 choices. Worth checking out here.
Anyway I think there is a lot of library applications here. Using online apps our patrons can write their papers, type up resumes, and be able to collaborate on group projects. Again technology has converged to make our lives easier. What a great world. Book Slave.
Populist Technology for the Masses
In fact I am currently writing this on Google Docs. This web based word processing program functions about exactly like my Microsoft Word program. Now I could curse myself and pine for my money already lost in Bill Gates coffers. However I do believe this is the new evolution of internet technology. Google Docs, as well as technology like Open Office and Lulu.com, allow anyone anywhere to type a document or spreadsheet and save it and publish it. I applaud the populism of this new accessibility because in my opinion I think basic software should be free. Let's face it hardware is nothing without the software to support it. And don't get me started on upgrades.
However as I looked through Google, Google Labs, as well as the Web 2.0 winners, I noticed a proliferation of mainly business applications. I can see the influence of capitalism and "the man" and it worries me. I want the Internet to maintain it's freewheeling, sometimes insane, independent nature. However then again maybe what's good for the goose is good for the gander. In this circumstance Google is allowing access to anyone who can hook up to the internet which is great. I hope it stays that way.
Google Labs
So a brief word here on this. Isn't it great how transparent Google is? Putting these little experiments out there and taking the hits when they don't work. I applaud the idea. Of the group currently up I think the best of the lot is the Google Web Page Creator. I remember the painful early days when creating a simple web page could make one lose hair. HTML! Ahh! This app with it's built in WYSIWYG nature is awesome for quick easy use. As for the rest well it was cool to look at Mars and find out when/where I can get a cab. I also a move toward phone based technology which reinforces my belief that I seriously need to upgrade my phone.
Web 2.0 Awards
If you're looking for a great list of web sites here they are. Of course there's Amazon and Google up there, but it was good to see some of the new ones like Lulu.com. I also like that it was set up by categories with the top 3 choices. Worth checking out here.
Anyway I think there is a lot of library applications here. Using online apps our patrons can write their papers, type up resumes, and be able to collaborate on group projects. Again technology has converged to make our lives easier. What a great world. Book Slave.
2008-03-27
Search Me
Hello,
What's with the cold and snow? I think Utah is intent on messing with your mind continuously. Anyway today we will work through search engines. Hit me baby!
Some other Online Search Engines
Do you remember the days when the internet was new? In those wacky days the search was to find the best search engine. First there was Webcrawler, Infoseek, and Lycos. Then there was Dogpile, Altavista, and Excite. Of course these all bit the dust as soon as Yahoo appeared on the scene; then of course came Google who reigns supreme.
So I was not surprised to hear that there are some other search engines out there, just waiting to be discovered. I was most impressed with Exalead, Although Clusty was a close second. These search engines are probably better then Google in the ability to get a lot of info quickly. However they lack what Google has which is simplicity. BTW in my opinion due to its funky bizarre graphic design I found Kartoo ridiculously confusing. Also if you look at their image and video tabs you are sent to Yahoo, so what's the point. Just use Yahoo.
Anyway these are key to reference work for the new age librarian. Patrons will ask you any questions under the sun, for there research projects, or just crazy obssessions about Mars. Maybe I'll give some of these a try in the future.
Housekeeping
Just like to point some stuff out.
*LibraryThing is updated to reflect all the books that I have reviewed since the beginning of this blog. My goal is to read and review 52 books this year. Right now I'm on target.
*Have been thinking of adding another blog to reflect my other passions. Any suggestions for names, please drop me a line.
*May post a special report on the World Horror Convention 2008 that I will be attending for a day here in Salt Lake.
*Please check out the other blogs listed on the Blog Roll. I think they are spiffy.
Alright I'se need to get going. Have a great day! Book Slave.
What's with the cold and snow? I think Utah is intent on messing with your mind continuously. Anyway today we will work through search engines. Hit me baby!
Some other Online Search Engines
Do you remember the days when the internet was new? In those wacky days the search was to find the best search engine. First there was Webcrawler, Infoseek, and Lycos. Then there was Dogpile, Altavista, and Excite. Of course these all bit the dust as soon as Yahoo appeared on the scene; then of course came Google who reigns supreme.
So I was not surprised to hear that there are some other search engines out there, just waiting to be discovered. I was most impressed with Exalead, Although Clusty was a close second. These search engines are probably better then Google in the ability to get a lot of info quickly. However they lack what Google has which is simplicity. BTW in my opinion due to its funky bizarre graphic design I found Kartoo ridiculously confusing. Also if you look at their image and video tabs you are sent to Yahoo, so what's the point. Just use Yahoo.
Anyway these are key to reference work for the new age librarian. Patrons will ask you any questions under the sun, for there research projects, or just crazy obssessions about Mars. Maybe I'll give some of these a try in the future.
Housekeeping
Just like to point some stuff out.
*LibraryThing is updated to reflect all the books that I have reviewed since the beginning of this blog. My goal is to read and review 52 books this year. Right now I'm on target.
*Have been thinking of adding another blog to reflect my other passions. Any suggestions for names, please drop me a line.
*May post a special report on the World Horror Convention 2008 that I will be attending for a day here in Salt Lake.
*Please check out the other blogs listed on the Blog Roll. I think they are spiffy.
Alright I'se need to get going. Have a great day! Book Slave.
2008-03-20
Time Suckage
Hello,
Today we are going to discuss various ways in which the internet can take your life away.
Online Image Generators
While fun, and kinda frightening (check out the fake badge and ID generators!), image generators are a major timesuck. I played around with the various options out there. While it was amusing to add profanity and foolish jokes to church signs and book covers, ultimately it's pointless. I'll giggle a little, but then it's time to move on. Those who are involved with graphics and displays would most likely find the most use for these apps. However, if you look at the right hand column I did find some enjoyment using Mosaic, which puts together a group of photos from Flickr with common tags. I think I'll rotate it from time to time.
Online Video
So Youtube is probably the best known source of videos on the web. As I've looked around at what's available I am continuously amazed. Who are these people who have the time to put together these videos? What drives them? And why do they feel the need to share it with the world?
A little background: In the early 2000's I was heavily involved with video editing and production. Now remember this was in the early days before Imovie/Avid was available to the general public. I loved video editing. Still do. However I haven't done it in several years and technology has probably passed me by. At that time though the most exciting aspect of DV was that it opened the door to easy distribution. Once streaming video caught up then anyone would be able to post and download anyone's video from anywhere! This rocked our world. And then 5 years later came Youtubeand the future became now.
Of course as with any application their are pros and cons. Online Video has provided a platform for anyone to use for either entertainment or instructional purposes. Also as with anything internet related it can also be bended to our base interests/needs, like porn or extreme violence.
Libraries can make use of How to mini-videos to show patrons. They can create a link on their main page to allow patrons to post their own testimonials. This would contribute to a sense of community and create a feeling of ownership. Of course this would require a web moderator/IT person to make sure there was no malfeasance.
Anyway I like to use Online video for movie trailers so here's one that I think looks awesome.
In the end, we have the age old question of fun vs. functionality. Clearly these applications fall into the category of the former, rather than the latter.
Have an excellent week! Book Slave
Today we are going to discuss various ways in which the internet can take your life away.
Online Image Generators
While fun, and kinda frightening (check out the fake badge and ID generators!), image generators are a major timesuck. I played around with the various options out there. While it was amusing to add profanity and foolish jokes to church signs and book covers, ultimately it's pointless. I'll giggle a little, but then it's time to move on. Those who are involved with graphics and displays would most likely find the most use for these apps. However, if you look at the right hand column I did find some enjoyment using Mosaic, which puts together a group of photos from Flickr with common tags. I think I'll rotate it from time to time.
Online Video
So Youtube is probably the best known source of videos on the web. As I've looked around at what's available I am continuously amazed. Who are these people who have the time to put together these videos? What drives them? And why do they feel the need to share it with the world?
A little background: In the early 2000's I was heavily involved with video editing and production. Now remember this was in the early days before Imovie/Avid was available to the general public. I loved video editing. Still do. However I haven't done it in several years and technology has probably passed me by. At that time though the most exciting aspect of DV was that it opened the door to easy distribution. Once streaming video caught up then anyone would be able to post and download anyone's video from anywhere! This rocked our world. And then 5 years later came Youtubeand the future became now.
Of course as with any application their are pros and cons. Online Video has provided a platform for anyone to use for either entertainment or instructional purposes. Also as with anything internet related it can also be bended to our base interests/needs, like porn or extreme violence.
Libraries can make use of How to mini-videos to show patrons. They can create a link on their main page to allow patrons to post their own testimonials. This would contribute to a sense of community and create a feeling of ownership. Of course this would require a web moderator/IT person to make sure there was no malfeasance.
Anyway I like to use Online video for movie trailers so here's one that I think looks awesome.
In the end, we have the age old question of fun vs. functionality. Clearly these applications fall into the category of the former, rather than the latter.
Have an excellent week! Book Slave
2008-03-12
For Evil or Good...
Hey folks,
Today we are talking about a classic topic: What should we use the internet for?
Mashups and 3rd Party's
I think that once someone comes up with a wonderful application, like flickr, the masses feel compelled to add little ancillaries to it. Whether this is helpful or a hindrance depends from widget to widget. Looking through these various widgets I ask myself what would be fun and cool to add to this blog and what is actually helpful. Through one 3rd party affiliate Librarything I can include book covers of what I'm reviewing. Librarything links the covers to Amazon and any one who's interested in the book has a great link to get a copy themselves. Pretty awesome right? However I also find an affiliate like Mappr where I can visually show which states I've been to. Whereas this is a fun little thing, unless you know me personally, it really has no application to helping readers find the books I write about. The best widgets in my mind actually combine fun and functionality.
Topix, Synd8, and more on Technorati
So here's some more search sites to ponder. I saw very little difference between Topix and Technorati. Each employ similiar search engines using tags, however I would only use these to search for current events/pop culture topics. Again very little application to library usage beyond that. I did search each site for info on the new Watchmen movie (March 2009 yay!) and each gave 5 different sites for a total of 10. Please note that none of these were the official site blog.
So onto Synd8. This site was incredibly helpful when it came to finding RSS feeds. What are RSS feeds? Either they are incredibly awesome or an amazing time suck. You be the judge. For me I like using RSS feeds to be able to know when the blogs and websites that I follow have updated. I don't need to check those websites individually and I can sort out articles I actually find interesting. At Synd8 I was able to find several great RSS feeds on any subject. However I was completely turned over by the bare bones/very little graphics appearance of the site. Maybe this makes me shallow. I just need my sites to be somewhat pretty. Library applicable? Not really. Kinda fun? Yes.
Again this shows us the two sides of the internet. There are applications that are simply there for fun and time suckage. (This is a preview to next weeks entry which is all about time suckage) A website/application can exist solely to entertain or feed into our base hedonistic needs coughporncough. However there are great applications that can be used to facilitate the search for information. Apparently both now have a place in our lives forever, like television. Whether you use it for good or evil is up to you.
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Erin go Bragh! Book Slave.
Today we are talking about a classic topic: What should we use the internet for?
Mashups and 3rd Party's
I think that once someone comes up with a wonderful application, like flickr, the masses feel compelled to add little ancillaries to it. Whether this is helpful or a hindrance depends from widget to widget. Looking through these various widgets I ask myself what would be fun and cool to add to this blog and what is actually helpful. Through one 3rd party affiliate Librarything I can include book covers of what I'm reviewing. Librarything links the covers to Amazon and any one who's interested in the book has a great link to get a copy themselves. Pretty awesome right? However I also find an affiliate like Mappr where I can visually show which states I've been to. Whereas this is a fun little thing, unless you know me personally, it really has no application to helping readers find the books I write about. The best widgets in my mind actually combine fun and functionality.
Topix, Synd8, and more on Technorati
So here's some more search sites to ponder. I saw very little difference between Topix and Technorati. Each employ similiar search engines using tags, however I would only use these to search for current events/pop culture topics. Again very little application to library usage beyond that. I did search each site for info on the new Watchmen movie (March 2009 yay!) and each gave 5 different sites for a total of 10. Please note that none of these were the official site blog.
So onto Synd8. This site was incredibly helpful when it came to finding RSS feeds. What are RSS feeds? Either they are incredibly awesome or an amazing time suck. You be the judge. For me I like using RSS feeds to be able to know when the blogs and websites that I follow have updated. I don't need to check those websites individually and I can sort out articles I actually find interesting. At Synd8 I was able to find several great RSS feeds on any subject. However I was completely turned over by the bare bones/very little graphics appearance of the site. Maybe this makes me shallow. I just need my sites to be somewhat pretty. Library applicable? Not really. Kinda fun? Yes.
Again this shows us the two sides of the internet. There are applications that are simply there for fun and time suckage. (This is a preview to next weeks entry which is all about time suckage) A website/application can exist solely to entertain or feed into our base hedonistic needs coughporncough. However there are great applications that can be used to facilitate the search for information. Apparently both now have a place in our lives forever, like television. Whether you use it for good or evil is up to you.
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Erin go Bragh! Book Slave.
2008-03-06
Flick'en
Hello humble readers,
First I offer apologies on the lateness of this post. Didn't plan on my internet being unavailable on Wednesday. However here we are with today's topic (drumroll) Flickr. Since the beginning of the internet users have been posting photos online. Once download speed became amazingly fast this became more and more the focus of online usage. I think that this is an evolution of social connectivity that a website, like Flickr would come along. This site makes it much easier for folks to share their pics with each other and the masses. As someone who has never really been interested in creating or looking at other peoples pictures of their proms or babies I've watched this development from the sidelines. However looking through Flickr I can now see the appeal for library application. Working at SLC Library I see patrons and pros all the time taking pictures of our building. When it looks like this (see picture at right)how could you not. To have a place where these can be collected, shown, and shared is pretty awesome. In this way we get to connect with current patrons as well as future patrons. It was also fun looking at other libraries from all over the world. I would hope that using Flickr my library system can integrate pictures of/by patrons onto our account.
Pretty cool eh? Have a great week, Book Slave.
2008-02-28
Some Web food...
Hello,
Tonight we are going to kill a few birds with one stone. Tonight it's all about some wonderful new sites that I've explored on this great World Wide Web. Enjoy!
Technorati
I actually found this to be very interesting to me personally. I have been on the hunt for a good Blog search site. I'd found Google Reader to be difficult to use. So here's a site that is easy to use, thanks to tags, and can lead me to what I'm interested in. However, I see the library application is slim to none. Again a lot is dependent on key word search, which can lead you through a maze of blogs that are far far away from where you started. Two hours later you are reading someones opinion about Marion Cotillard's dress at the Oscars (which I thought was fabulous BTW!) and not an explanation of the country's current sub-prime mortgage crisis.
LibraryThing, Goodreads, Shelfari
Well this site basically eliminates the idea of keeping a book journal or filling out 3 X 10 cards. Each site has a very easy interface and the visuals of the covers is marvelously appealing. However lets not forget that this is another version of social connectivity where we don't even need to ask you face to face about what books you are reading/have read. I'll just look you up on LibraryThing and there it is. All fears of our society's move towards an inability toward human contact aside, I will say that these sites are a lot of fun. I joined with LibraryThing because I like the library credibility of it. (It's there in the title!) And I did link it to this blog here. Although I will only be listing the titles I talk about here in Reviews. I also found it very savvy that by clicking on the covers you will instantly be sent to Amazon.com. Those crafty buggers at Amazon! Of course for library usage this can be incorporated into Reader's Advisory. It is so much better than What to Read Next.
Well there you are folks some web food for thought. Have a good week! Book Slave.
Tonight we are going to kill a few birds with one stone. Tonight it's all about some wonderful new sites that I've explored on this great World Wide Web. Enjoy!
Technorati
I actually found this to be very interesting to me personally. I have been on the hunt for a good Blog search site. I'd found Google Reader to be difficult to use. So here's a site that is easy to use, thanks to tags, and can lead me to what I'm interested in. However, I see the library application is slim to none. Again a lot is dependent on key word search, which can lead you through a maze of blogs that are far far away from where you started. Two hours later you are reading someones opinion about Marion Cotillard's dress at the Oscars (which I thought was fabulous BTW!) and not an explanation of the country's current sub-prime mortgage crisis.
LibraryThing, Goodreads, Shelfari
Well this site basically eliminates the idea of keeping a book journal or filling out 3 X 10 cards. Each site has a very easy interface and the visuals of the covers is marvelously appealing. However lets not forget that this is another version of social connectivity where we don't even need to ask you face to face about what books you are reading/have read. I'll just look you up on LibraryThing and there it is. All fears of our society's move towards an inability toward human contact aside, I will say that these sites are a lot of fun. I joined with LibraryThing because I like the library credibility of it. (It's there in the title!) And I did link it to this blog here. Although I will only be listing the titles I talk about here in Reviews. I also found it very savvy that by clicking on the covers you will instantly be sent to Amazon.com. Those crafty buggers at Amazon! Of course for library usage this can be incorporated into Reader's Advisory. It is so much better than What to Read Next.
Well there you are folks some web food for thought. Have a good week! Book Slave.
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