Week 8: Social Networking Footnote

One point I forgot to mention is my very high regards for the producers of the YouTube series Commoncraft: Explanations in Plain English. The title truly says it all. If I am confused, they literally draw it out for me. If not, they educate me with a way to explain it to those around me....like..oh... my mother. In this most reason segment on Social Networking, I especially liked the description: "Like a map for a highway, [social networking sites]..show you the people network to get to you next destination..."It doesn't get much simpler than that.

Week 8: Social Networking and Stereotypes

Not the most educational lesson for me personally whereas I have mentioned before my avid use of MySpace, however it did breathe life into my soapbox. In the podcast, there were several key points that need to be repeated-over and over again until the message gets out.
1. New technology breeds fear.
2. The Internet is constantly evolving.
3. Molesters are seen as lurking on the Internet (where in reality children are molested by someone they know 8 out of 10 cases).
4. Perception is distorted.
5. We need to teach and model safe practices.
6. Be relevant. Be where the next generation of customers is.
These points are so very important when it comes to Internet in general. Let's delve in deeper. Take my generation, the thirty-somethings. Many of us not only utilize and enjoy a social network, but rather have more likely than not signed up for each one coming and going. I personally don't recall how many I'm on with a picture and a profile. I can tell you with much confidence thought that all are outdated with the exception of my MySpace (www.myspace.com/taintedangelheart). DISCLAIMER: This is my personal, not so private, page and in no way, shape, or form reflects the beliefs, opinions or attitudes of any of my family, friends or employers. Any judgements made about my person or values are solely the opinion and responsibility of the viewer and may not be assumed to be an accurate perception or representation of who I am as an individual. With that said, I've decided to fore go that portion of the assignment and introduce you to my existing "masterpiece."

Week 7: Web Widgets, Gadgets, and Warcraft

Imagine that! I've been using "widgets" or "gadgets" all along and didn't have a clue that what it was. I am an avid myspacer so I've been introduced to this (of sorts) long ago. None-the-less I very much enjoyed this lesson and discovered a widget via http://www.widgetbox.com/ that I truely like on the goings on of the popular online game, World of Warcraft. Two words-Thank you!!!!

Week 6: Del.icio.us Update

AHA!!!!! I figured out how to add bookmarks and tags to Del.icio.us without adding the handy dandy button onto to the toolbar. Now I feel accomplished for the day.

Week 6:Tags,Social Bookmarking, and Folkso-what?

Ok...Tags I get, understand and like. In theory- the whole of this lesson I understand. In action-not so much. I was certain I grasped it until I began my Del.icio.us adventure. I signed up, logged in and jumped onto the confusion bandwagon. But I think I also discovered the error of my ways. In reading over the help topics from Del.icio.us this struck me; "The recommended way is to use one of our browser add-ons. Once installed..."If I'm right, I am completing the majority of these lessons while at work and on a network maintained by someone other than myself and I am guessing my installations my have limits. If I'm wrong, then...I'm clueless. Anyone who can shed light, please feel free to ease my flusteration.