DygiScape

Just when the blast of snow we had melted away, we received another blanket of snow. Temperatures weren’t that low (e.g. 30F…) so it resulted in a slushy, dangerous mix for Virginia drivers.

Here are a few pictures I snapped from my bedroom:

[tags]Virginia, Snow, Lansdowne, Winter, Photos, Pictures[/tags]

Personal northern va, virginia

Check out this spoof of NBC’s “Heroes” ad. Genius.

I am so sick of watching NBC’s ads for this show… but this makes it all worth it.

Blogging, Funny OpEd, tv

Yesterday, we had a Web 2.0 conference internally at work and it was went quite well. I had the opportunity to network with several others and discuss blogging, online trends, and monetization of the Web.

This woman and I were talking about blogging and she was new to it — she asked the rhetorical question, “Why on earth would anyone talk about their life online?” Well, I’d like to extrapolate on that today.

First, I want to preface and smooth over the Web 2.0 buzz-word that everyone loves to drop. The main difference between Web 1.0 is that large conglomerate sites like CNN and Yahoo used to control the circulation, creation, and control of content online. After the “Dot Com Bomb,” a lot of innovative individuals saw there was a void to fill in the Internet — participation of Web users. Then, came what we call “Web 2.0,” where users make their own content (user-generated content). The more users participate in an online service, the better it is. Simple as that.

Why do people blog? Well, in this transformation, users have learned that the Internet is a level playing field. Everyone has a voice, everyone can listen, and there are no limits. Nothing stops them from talking about their night at the club, their dislike for their in-laws, or their love life. One of the best tricks in sales is to enable someone to let people talk about themselves. If you make the tools easy to use, coupled with the need that people want to share their life online, and now you have a surge.

Now, for the people who don’t blog, my understanding they have these internal conclusions about blogging:

• It’s a young thing to do.
• It’s time consuming or they don’t have time.
• They live a private life. (Or wish to preserve anonymity)
• Not sure what to blog about if they had a blog.
• Not sure of the capabilities of blogging.
• Assume all blogs must pertain to personal life.
• Don’t fully understand the definition of a “blog.” This is apparent when surfers label a general website a “blog”
• They are generally unsure what is needed to make a blog.

So, how do we (as Web 2.0 Evangelists) open up these barriers? Perhaps, traditional communication methods are needed to set some facts straight about social media in general such as Blogs, Networks, Mobile tools, etc.

I’m sure many of you will agree that the TV media sensationalizes the Internet and how it affects people. In almost every story I watch that pertains to the Internet, they rehash the fear, the predators, the crime, the hackers, the spam, the pop-ups. No one wants that, so they tune it out and conclude the Internet and Web 2.0 doesn’t involve them.

Yesterday we had TV. Now we have the Internet. Yesterday, we had pen pals, now we have MySpace. Yesterday, we had FM Radio, now we have Podcasts. I believe this sums up the social media in a nutshell.

We can’t run from it, we must embrace both worlds and attract new users from the traditional mediums, and simplify it.

I want to get some honest answers on what you think. If you don’t blog, why don’t you blog? It’s okay, you can leave anonymous comments. Share some ideas on how to attract new people to blogging!

[tags]Blogging, Internet, Web, Blog, Blogosphere, Web, Web 2.0, Media, Television, Newspaper, Print, News, People, ProBlogger, YOU[/tags]

Blogging, Geeky, Tips discussion, Engagement, OpEd, social media, Social Networking

The volunteers who prevail at helping other computer users over at the CastleCops were attacked by a (lame) DDoS attack. No details are available at this time of who is attacking them and why.

The anti-phishing community at CastleCops.com has been knocked out by a massive DDoS (distributed denial-of-service attack).

The volunteer-driven site, which is run by the husband and wife team of Paul and Robin Laudanski, had been coping with on-and-off attacks since February 13 but an intense wave that began around 3:45 PM EST today completely crippled the server capacity.

At 10:15 PM, despite industry-wide efforts at mitigation, CastleCops.com was still displaying a “Site Temporarily Unavailable” message.
(ZDNet News)

And from CastleCops home page:

Not much for details at the moment, however, here is an mrtg chart from yesterday showing an almost full 1Gb/s attack against CastleCops. We shall prevail!

http://www.castlecops.com/article6745.html

Blogging, Geeky, Safety, Tech News internet, News, Security, web

With the current dynamic landscape of the Web, how does one define success on the Internet? Did the definition of success change when businesses are evolving into the Web 2.0? I aim to find that out.

According to Merriam-Webster, Success is defined as:

suc·cess n.
1 obsolete : OUTCOME, RESULT
2 a : degree or measure of succeeding b : favorable or desired outcome; also : the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence

But then again, how does that apply to the new Web 2.0? I don’t think it does.

Many online companies believe in measuring their audience merely by page views, formerly known as ‘page hits’. I would honestly say that if a company only measures their success by their PV’s then there is a serious problem. They should be measuring the vibe online communities discuss about them, their online and offline advertising, organic sales, and of course — their own product. I mean I love my blog and the PVs it garners, but more importantly, I mind the discussions online around it.

Let’s take a look at comparing MW’s definition of “Success” to Kevin Rose’s social news and information Web site, Digg. Is that generating wealth? Not organically, they don’t sell products, but they do profit from their advertising, I’m sure it pays the bills and some salaries. Digg is successful because of the network they’ve established in the news. I will guess that in the next five years, Digg will become one of the largest news and information hubs online, akin to CNN of today.

So, from the example of Digg like I mentioned, it appears the definition of Web 2.0 success is the prominence factor. If you are big and in everyone’s face, you can then advertise to that audience. If you sell widgets to a million people, you make a million dollars; if you give news to 800,000 people, sell advertising to that, you now have a flow of income.

Is success the ability to convince others? … Is it the ability to make visitors make a purchase? … Is it the ability to make someone come back again and again, and sell advertising? Linear thinking does not apply to Web 2.0. Success is attributed to many factors including prominence in a niche, how users use your service and how you capitalize on that.

Any Web 2.0 leaders out there want to share your definition of success?

Blogging, Geeky internet, Success, web 2.0

Yesterday, I went to a time management seminar aimed to improve my time management skills. What’s was shocking was how much I needed this course since it was completely tailored for me. I validated my concerns for time management with the 13 other professionals that were in the same class as me. I took a lot away from this course, in my opinion, every employee at my employer should take it so we are all more productive.

Anyhow, I noticed a section of the class focused on the psychology of how one views and reacts to a task. The course material lightly hinted that of the Ownership Spirit but of course didn’t directly mention it. Here are my takeaways from this Time Management Class:

• Plan weekly goals that you would like to accomplish.
• Plan daily goals the night before (or morning of) to strategically plan your day.
• Don’t let your big projects be at the mercy of smaller stuff.
• It’s OK to say no to a meeting that is irrelevant. Get work done. (I found this rather funny)
• Prioritize your goals, ranked from Importance versus Urgency.
• Actively setting a plan for projects and deadlines will prevent urgent/immediate situations.
• Don’t just plan work, but also your life. This will prevent chaos from happening.
• Check off tasks as you do them, so you feel accomplished. The endorphins produced will motivate you more.
• Be consistent with your task planning. Use both a paper copy (day planner) and/or MS Outlook and keep them updated.
• Dedicate time for projects that require more time — strategic time planning will often yield this result.
• If you use a computer for work, consider putting up your Away Message or similar device that tells others not to interrupt you.
• There’s much more … but that’s all I can think of.

So, this class was awesome. I am already feeling more productive and organized. No more asking myself “What should I do next?” … w00t!

Blogging, Personal, Tips Personal, Success, Work

It finally got really icy where I live, being from Arizona and having no clue about driving on ice, it can be a challenge for a sunbelt driver. Well I decided to seek out advice from experts, and here is what I’ve concluded on how to drive in the snow.

Winter Weather Driving Tips

1. Make sure your car is maintained. This includes brakes, cooling system, fluid levels, windshield wipers and tires.
2. Use Winter/All-Season Tires. These tires have unique tread pattern and temperature tolerances. Invest in a set of all-season tires if you experience the “four seasons”. Make sure the tire pressure is set to the PSI that is labeled on the driver’s door. If you are like me, and use aftermarket tires, it should be labeled on the tire itself. If unsure, 35PSI is a safe number until you confirm it with a mechanic.
3. Drive Slow. Velocity coupled with your vehicle’s momentum with minimal traction is dangerous. Driving slow will be helpful for everyone. But, if you’re approaching and uphill, keep the vehicle going by slightly speeding up.
4. Don’t accelerate or brake suddenly. This behavior will often make your vehicle lose traction instantly, and spin out. Ease into it, just like your driving instructor always told you.
5. Let your vehicle warm up. This is often a no-brainer, but if your fluids are cold or near frozen, they can’t circulate. Warming the vehicle up before driving will render a warmer car, and your engine block will love you for it. True, it consumes gas, but it is worth it.
6. De-Ice/Snow your entire car. Don’t just do the windshield or your glass. It’s important to brush all the snow off your car. The reason is three parts: it will slide off, into your windshield when you are stopping, and it might slide off into someone else, it might be the law in your state. If you don’t have one already, purchase a decent Ice Scraper with a Brush.
7. Be prepared for the worst. You never know what’s going to happen when, even with the best luxury or 4WD vehicle. Keeping a road safety kit in your trunk is helpful. It helps to include flashlights, jumper cables, a tool set, and contact information for your insurance company and towing company.

I hope that information helps. There are numerous other tips and information, but taking driving cautiously will be the underlying tip for all of these. Even if you have a luxury vehicle or a four-wheel-drive, you can’t beat lack of friction. Take a moment to safely understand how your vehicle handles in the snow in an empty parking lot. Hopefully, we’ll be safer drivers in the snow. Take a look at other tips and checklists: here, here and here.

What winter driving tips do you have?
[tags]Snow, Ice, Winter, Tires, Cars, Vehicles, Safety, Cold Weather, Tips, Advice, Blog[/tags]

Tips Lists, Tips, virginia

It’s no question that social networking Web sites are growing rapidly everyday. This growing trend of sharing yourself more and more online; safety is often overlooked. Setting forth some safety guidelines will benefit the users of social networks, parents and children.

Social Networking Safety Tips

• Review the Web site’s safety notifications, standards, and learn how to report violating content. Most often it will be disclosed at the registration phase. Otherwise, might be noted at the bottom of the site. This information will educate users about the function of their web site in regard to Internet safety.
• Parents: Talk to your children about social networking. Suggested topics to discuss would include not posting private information; explaining what information is private and public, pictures, and declining requests to meet people.
• Understand that people are not who they claim they are. You wouldn’t reveal your personal details to just anyone, would you? Don’t post it on your profile unless you want everyone (including bad people) to see it. Don’t agree to meet anyone online unless you specifically know that person.
• If you wish to meet someone, do it safely. This discretion can be a difficult one to judge, but if you do choose to meet someone online, make sure you’re in a safe location. I suggest meeting them in a large mall mainly because: it’s public, indoors, safe and provides either of you the option of “running errands” if you wish to not meet. Bring a friend with you just to be safe and have a good time.
• Be careful — Social Networking is a double-edged sword. It’s okay to have fun and connect with other people on social networks, but just be alert to the fact that criminals may prey on others. Take precautions to prevent possible negative outcomes.
• Setting your profile ‘Private’ to screen outsiders. Most social networks will permit you to set your profile private to prevent outside individuals from viewing your profile. This enables you to reach out to other’s who you are friends with, but exclude incoming profile requests. I suggest parents enforce that their children’s profiles remain private.
• Maintain your computer’s defenses. As a general precaution, it’s important to make sure you have an updated anti-virus, firewall, anti-spyware and operating system updates. It’s been noted previously, some MySpace advertisements contain malicious code and can infect your computer system. I’ve listed four ways to prevent spyware, check it out.
• Consider using a fake name or alias. There is no need to use your real name on social networks. Get creative and take a look into Social Security Administration’s popular names database and find one you like.
• Don’t get ‘Phished’. Phishing is a common tactic of spammers to compromise some else’s account and send messages purporting their products. Take a moment to understand how to properly login to the social network. Don’t click links you didn’t ask for or expect. If a link prompts you to log in again — it’s most likely a phishing scam.
• Research other online internet safety resources. There are plenty of other resources to help you learn more about Internet safety. CERT has a security tip all about social networking. Plenty of additional resources for parents are freely available too from the SafeKids.com Web site. Also, check into ProBlogger, blogs about his blog stalker and his tips for blogging safely.

I did my best to make this list comprehensive, but keep in mind it doesn’t cover all aspects about online safety. I wanted to convey awareness and some solutions to problems with online safety and social networks. What tips do you have about social networking safety?
[tags]Social Networking, Internet, Safety, Tips, Parents, MySpace, Blogging[/tags]

Blogging, Geeky, Safety, Social Networking, Tips Engagement, Lists, Safety, social media, Social Networking, web 2.0

Do you hate it when Google Maps gives you wrong directions or forces you to pay tolls? I want to help improve Google Maps to help make it the best Internet Map service. Here is my list of suggestions to improve their already decent mapping service.

Possible Improvements for Google Maps:

• Give users the choice over why type of route they want.
• Pull a traffic feed in to the page. This will help super-serve your users to get the latest details.
• Include Weather.com RSS feeds as a mashup?
• Link to cities’ traffic cams. This will provide users a real-life look at the traffic.
• Let users comment nearby routes or let users share their routes with others.
• More … ?

Basically, if you examine my suggestions, you will find that I want the Google Maps to transform to a infantile mapping service to a complete maps and traffic information hub, to serve as a utility for everyone find the best route and information about the roads. Mapquest already provides the user the ability to not take tolls, highways, or otherwise.

What do you think? What should Google do to improve their Maps service?
[tags]Google, Maps, Internet, Roads, Suggestions, Mashups[/tags]

Geeky Blog, internet, OpEd, web

I’m continuing my weekly roundup and this is the second installment. Comparing last week to now; things have improved. Find out what is happening in my life, work, and other things.

My car was picked up earlier this week, and will be sold at an auto auction either in MD or here in VA. My current car is my beater 2000 Neon. I had to splice and reconnect my battery wiring since it used to have this habitual problem of not starting. I troubleshot it down to the ground wires. I spend my mid-morning to afternoon taking care of that. The cold weather here (30F for a high) is having quite an impact on the car which was used to having 90F for an ambient temperature.

Things are going well at work. My comrades fell victim to sickness and I wish for their good health. I’ve got some upcoming training that will help me become more successful overall. My manager and I have identified my opportunities to improve and to that, I will be. I constantly have to remind myself to take small steps into new ideas. Taking large leaps can often leave one stumbling and opens the likelihood of failure. Overall, things continuing to improve and remain dynamic and upbeat.

Sarah is doing well herself. Her emotional maturity dwarfs mine in comparison, she has been liking to work for her employer despite their anti-piercing/tattoo policies in place. We’ve worked out some great financial plans. She’s also working for Sam’s Club. Their benefits are almost comical and they have no “perks” for working for them. This might validate my reasons on why customers receive such poor service from Wal-mart employees. Anyhow, her drive and passion to succeed inspire me everyday.

Speaking of poor customer service … I had an encounter with Sprint/Nextel that lasted over an hour. A while back, I lost my Blackberry and I purchased a phone Motorola V610, at the then-current retail price ($249) and had to activate it. What would have normally a few minutes to bind the SIM ID to my account; was dragged out for 45 minutes. I receive a letter from Sprint stating they renewed my contract. This notice was a surprise to me because I never signed or verbally authorized that to occur. I called customer service — who then directed me to contact the store’s manager for assistance. The store’s manager directed me back over customer service to remedy the issue. To my dismay, I didn’t accept that because I was not going to be run around in circles for this. The manager observed that I wasn’t his average Joe so to speak, and proceeded on to contact his internal Sprint support. Then finally, I am able to deeply understand their company’s caliber when the CSR hung up on the store manager. After waiting again through the dead air — he was able to straighten it out and restore my previous contract. Sarah says I should switch to Verizon, because they wouldn’t have happened. Who knows … I know that I will not be using Sprint/Nextel!

Friday night, I went to see The Departed. It was a great movie, and very action packed. I didn’t expect that much detailed violence though. Where someone’s head gets shot, it really leaves nothing to the imagination. Ideally, this is not a child-friendly movie (which made for a quiet theater) but was a good one. This is the third movie Sarah has picked. Yay.

[tags]Weekly, Roundup, Blogging, Events, News, Personal, Work, Rants, Sprint, Customer Service[/tags]

Blogging, Personal, Work Rants