Wish I could present like Lawrence Lessig

Aside from the material shared in his presentation, I thought the delivery itself was captivating. I loved those one word slides for effect. I can present, but that is definitely at a higher level than anything I've ever done.

I thought the concerns of John Philip Sousa were really interesting--the idea of people singing songs together and how the new age of technology (recorded sound) would kill that. I thought Lawrence Lessig's explanation of how we are restoring the old days of John Philip Sousa and changing sing-alongs to a read-write culture online was a great point. However, I do think that he may have discounted the entire 20th century of technology. It's true that I may not have been able to make my own movies, but let's not forget that it was Elvis who went into a studio where he was going to pay to make a recording (supposedly for his mother). Here was a teenager from humble beginnings in Tupelo, Miss, who had "read-write" access (even if he had to pay). Sure it's easier now, but it didn't all start on January 1, 2000.

How can I keep my second life going when I can barely keep up with the first?

I have to confess, I was a little skeptical creating my avatar and going through the lab planned for next week. (As I'll be "teleporting" to another country next week, I got a little head start.) I admit it was fun flying through the air and teleporting to new locations. It was also a little lonely. Aside from my two friends who will also miss next week's class, I ran into very few people.

So what was the point?

I think it would have been useful had I read this article by Randall Hand first or this article by Grace Patuwo. The idea of using it for a classroom (although someone is going to have to teach me how to sit down if that is the case) or for interviewing someone as this YouTube video showed, is really intriguing.

There definitely looks like more potential out of Second Life than just playing with your avatar, though I understand shopping for your avatar in the virtual world is a business that is taking off into the billions. Imagine that. Come to think of it, I was not that thrilled with the dress I was wearing...and I could have used some accessories. I may just go back to explore.

It's Not About Me, It's About You!

After reading Liz Ryan's article, I'm convinced that I must be a great networker. I'm a nice person, I'm interested in people, I'm a good listener, and I'm helpful. So today I'm thinking, "How can I help fellow students in my blog circle?"

Let's start with Geoff. Geoff has a good eye for design--just check out his blog and his new website. Last semester we worked together on a couple of projects, and I would definitely work with Geoff again, not just for the visual appeal of his work but also for the content.

Danielle seems to put a lot of thought in her posts. They aren't just a quick overviews of an article--they include a good analysis and a real-life application to her own situation, which always makes the reader think.

Half the semester is over, and I still don't think I've spoken to Jonathan in real life...only in the online world. I enjoy reading Jonathan's blog. His titles are always catchy and make me want to read on.

Olivia is the one who impressed me with her gadgets. Once I saw Yelp on her blog, I had to put it on my own. Not only are her posts thoughtful, but they've got a lot of good visual content.

Jodi-ann was last to join our circle, but she caught up really quickly, and impressively on her own. Her blog, like the others, is well thought out, well written, and interesting to read. And we had fun (and did well) in the group project from last week.

I sure hope this helps you in the search results. It's been a great class, and I've enjoyed being in the circle with you. Keep on blogging and keep networking!

Big Brother is watching you...but who is watching big brother?

I have always had mixed feelings about sharing information about me--whether it's personal details on a product registration survey, home phone number (it's unlisted, so that rarely happens), or my position. I guess I was just not sure (other than looking up a restaurant when I'm out and about) that I could see a measurable benefit.

This weekend has provided the first real-life experience where I think this information would be useful. I have been trying to track down a brother of mine, who lives in another city, and have been worrying for the last 24+ hours. It's unlike him not to have called me back by now. Of course, he's not the most tech-savvy guy. In fact, he rarely even has his cell phone switched on, so tracking wouldn't work--unless we convinced him that there was a reason to stay connected.

...if only to ease little sister's mind.

American Values 2.0

I'm of a mixed opinion that Google and/or the Internet in general are making us dumber and more narcissistic. Aren't these traits already there in the American public? Haven't we seen our kid's scores, particularly in math and science lag behind other countries for years? Are these concerns purely about kids in the US or are our concerns about the nation as a whole?

I see examples of these concerns every day.

• When we are being advised about finding a new job, aren't we told that we have to have a brand? And like any good brand, it must be advertised fully to achieve recognition.
• In the workplace, we often produce written materials to inform and educate colleagues and management. How many times have you sent a document that answers every question a person would have only to be asked a question because the individual hasn't read the document that was provided?
• Participate in conference calls? Ever ask a participant a question only to have him ask you to repeat it because he was "multi-tasking" on something else?

These concerns or problems aren't new, but the speed of technology makes them so obvious.

Do I think that the Internet encourages it? Absolutely. Perhaps it's time to challenge our teachers, parents, writers, etc. to incorporate ways of using today's technology to improve the learning experience and better educate our kids.

Crowdsourcing an option for disaster relief

This article on the application of crowdsourcing in relief efforts in Haiti is timely. It seems like a useful application.

Achieving a balance in corporate blogging

Marketing and corporate blogging don't go together? Does that mean I need to change my MBA concentration from marketing to blogging? I'm certain the two can go together--it's the mindset of corporate marketing that needs to change to make companies better able to connect with its customers in this new medium.

If that's the case, where does the Head of Corporate Blogging report in the organization? If corporate blogging doesn't belong in the marketing organization, perhaps it would be better suited in customer service. That would make sense if the goal is to engage with customers so as to improve their experience with the company and products and incorporate their feedback.

What happens, however, if there is some controversial issue and the company wants to control its public response to it? Some articles contend that the company has to be honest and respond to these issues openly. At times (if the company is facing a lawsuit, for example), it may be wise for the corporate blogger to look to the official PR machine of the company for a response or perhaps answer honestly to say, "This is an issue that is being dealt with by our company's legal counsel and therefore I must refer all questions on this topic to them."

This area will evolve within the corporate space as it is embraced by more companies. There will need to be a reasonable balance between openness and honesty and protecting the company image.

What's in it for the innovators?

While sharing and collaboration in a general sense are easier than ever, it is uncertain how they can be applied broadly to aid in research and product development outside the government or public arena.

The concept is appealing--get lots of subject-matter-experts or fanatics to pool their brain power and come up with the next new product innovation. But what do they get for their time and effort? A pat on the back? The right to sit on the sidelines and watch some mega-corporation get even richer off their ideas without personal financial gain while the corporations have no upfront costs? There must be some incentive for the collaborators or they won’t collaborate.

A good example of how to motivate individuals to use their brain power for a common cause can be found in the DARPA network challenge to locate 10 weather balloons placed around the US. MIT, who won the contest, used social networking coupled with a compensation framework for those who contributed to their search. Imagine how many companies could gain if they provide a clear incentive scheme to motivate someone who already has a propensity for innovating and sharing.

Two good (and completely different) articles on social networking

Hi everyone!

I read two articles I found this week about social networking that were completely different but both interesting.

John Soat's article "7 Questions Key To Social Networking Success," Information Week, January 16, 2010 has some really good ideas about social networking in business.

Bob Townsend's article "The Delicious Frugality of 'Clara's Kitchen'," Access Atlanta, January 20, 2010 highlights a 94-year-old woman with a Facebook account, a blog, and a cooking show brought to you courtesy of You Tube (and her grandson who does the filming). It's very interesting not just from a social/historical perspective but also from the social networking perspective, and how popular it's become. I recommend it--it's a quick and easy read.

Networking....to the nth degree

So much reading, so few hours…

I read three articles this week:

A Practical Guide to Social Networks by Rob Cross, Jeanne Liedtka, and Leigh Weiss
The article helped clarify the concept of social networks in a business environment based on tangible positive results achieved by the highlighted organizations. I liked how the article focused on the business goals of the organization first and the use of technology second, as a supplement. This article forces the reader to think beyond the technology.

Missing from the article were examples of less-than-best practices—or examples of companies that tried, failed, and tried again. My natural response is to want to implement some new approaches in my own company. A review of failed attempts would help steer me in the right direction.

A key point that I agree with completely is that in order for a social network to be effective, it has to become a part of the company culture and supported at all levels of the organization. If company executives and managers at all levels do not support this concept or provide the tools and encouragement to make it happen, it will not succeed—especially at large organizations.

The other two articles I read were Clive Thompson on Real-World Social Networks vs. Facebook 'Friends' and Six Degrees of Lois Weisberg by Malcolm Gladwell. Thompson’s article contends that networks are more productive when its members know each other well. This premise, however, is challenged in Gladwell’s thoroughly entertaining article about Lois Weisberg. There are numerous examples of Lois accomplishing things (such as the Gallery 37 project) by reaching out to contacts that are described as “not close at all.” In addition, there are studies cited in which it is revealed that while employees may have found jobs by knowing someone at the company, a further evaluation shows that the 83.4% of those interviewed only occasionally or rarely saw their contacts. The conclusion appears to be that weak ties are more important than strong ones.

I believe there are merits in both conclusions. In my own experience at AU, I have seen where project groups’ interactions have improved as the students have gotten to know each other better. Conversely, I have had experiences where strangers (people connected to my connections on Linked In) have been willing to meet or talk with me. The take away from both articles for me is that networking is an ongoing and evolving process and in order to grow personally and professionally, it must be a regular part of one’s activities.

References:
Cross, Liedtka, and Weiss, “A Practical Guide to Social Networks,” Harvard Business Review, May 2005.
Thompson, Clive, “Clive Thompson on Real-World Social Networks vs. Facebook ‘Friends,’” Wired Magazine: 16.08, July 21, 2008.
Gladwell, Malcolm, “Six Degrees of Lois Weisberg,” The New Yorker, January 11, 1999.

Footy

Future blogs are certain to be more "academically oriented."

Today it's football:

• After Liverpool's sad defeat and lack of energy against Reading, it may be time for Benitez to do the honorable thing and step down.
• ACN: Ivory Coast has to beat Ghana or they may be out of the Cup.
• Chelsea hanging on at the top--go Blues
• Welcome back to Arsenal, Sol!
• And for a "different" kind of football, Go Ravens!

My First Blog Post

Hello!

Step 1 completed--blog created.

I am a student blogging for my class, Social Networking, Social Media, and Web 2.0.

Academic Integrity Pledge:
On my honor, all posts on this blog are my own.