I can’t tell you how many times my boss has told me he needs as much information as I can possibly find on a particular individual – IN THE NEXT 5 MINUTES – to prepare for a last-minute meeting, an event introduction, etc. Hey, no pressure, right? So while reading our tech blogs last week, I saw a story about a new program currently in development called 123 People. They were seeking the first 123 people who volunteered to be beta testers, so naturally I responded even though I didn’t think I’d really get contacted. Imagine my surprise (and delight) when they emailed me with a login and password to give it a try!
In case you didn’t see the story, 123people is a program to help you “find everyone you (want to) know.” It basically searches every corner of the Web to find as much information as possible about the person you key into the search field. They claim to be able to find images, videos, phone numbers, email addresses, social networking info, Wikipedia profiles, etc. In addition, you can also add (yes add!) information to the profiles such as tagging, comments, etc. How cool is that?
Currently, the site is optimized for European Web users, so there was a disclaimer in the email they sent that stated US users would have a different experience of the site. For starters, I decided to enter a person’s name who I knew there should be searchable info on to see what would come back (Geoffrey Cowan). I was not disappointed. I found profile and data weblinks as well as weblinks to other places such as Amazon.com where you could buy his books, a ton of images, videos, his email address, a LinkedIn profile and various blogs he'd written. At first glance the site certainly seemed to live up to its hype.
In terms of the user experience, you could add comments, tags, pictures, and additional weblinks that did not come up during the initial search. There was also a ratings section for the individual’s profile that allowed you to rate the person as “smart, sexy, rich, vip, funny or cool.” I tried to explore this feature, but that part of the site did not appear to work. Personally, I thought that feature detracted from the site and made it seem rather frivolous.
I would have to say one of the best things about this program was the “email this profile to a friend” feature. Because they put everything in one neat little spot, it makes it easy to send info about a particular individual to someone else. However, the feature for reporting flaws in a profile could use a lot more work. I found it cumbersome and not well thought out. It would be better if you could click on each flaw and let them know it was incorrect rather than having to list all of the flaws in a single pop-up comment box.
I think this program has great potential even though it will never replace a Google search. The Google search on Geoffrey Cowan was more comprehensive with pages and pages of information. However, the beauty of having a variety of information on someone (contact info, images, videos, etc.) at my fingertips, in ONE place without having to click through a bunch of different search results was wonderful. It is going to be great for quick searches once they get the bugs worked out. I urge everyone to give it a try and see what you think.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Information Overload and Not Enough Time?? Me too!
Does anyone else suffer from information overload??? Or ever feel like they are ALL things to ALL people ALL of the time??? Well, that’s the mental space I find myself in today. Part of it probably has to do with my being out sick 2 days last week, although I can definitely think of other instances where I have found myself feeling exactly this way during weeks when I am not out sick. As a matter of fact, I am rarely sick. I can count my sick days from last year on one hand and still have a couple of fingers to spare. Well, enough of my ranting…and thanks for listening with a sympathetic ear. I have a funny feeling I am probably not alone in this.
I have another hunch that the Internet and technology has been partly to blame for this situation. Being able to use the Internet quickly and efficiently has made me very good at my job. I am able to navigate and find what I need quickly. It makes me appear to have all the answers at my fingertips whenever anyone needs anything. However, in my case this wonderful technology appears to be a double edged sword — at least for me. The words “setting boundaries” spring to mind in my own case. But enough of that.
Let’s go back to the wonderful world of technology…and the program NetVibes. I first read about NetVibes in our required weekly readings (TechCrunch.com) and later heard Erika Shen rave about it in class. It is my latest addiction and something I can no longer live without. I spent several hours today setting up a number of different tabs and then adding all of our class information and the various blogs we should be reading on individualized tabs. I also put everyone’s blogs on a page so I can get to those without having to log into our Wiki. This is going to be such a timesaver to have all of this information pre-programmed. I am really excited about this! If I had the time, I’d do a dorky YouTube video complete with sappy music extolling the virtues of the program. This is probably the one instance where everyone is glad (and relieved) to hear I am simply to busy to undertake such a project.
I have a demanding full time job and finding the time to do all the readings and assignments required for this class has been a definite challenge for me. Based on conversations with some of you, I have to believe you may also share in this struggle. Unlike other graduate classes that simply ask you to read, participate in class and write a paper or two, I find this class to be much more intensive in terms of time requirements. I think part of the reason for this is that I find myself exploring new technologies that I am unfamiliar with and that takes extra time — to learn , to understand, and at times, to try and gain some proficiency. Just learning to get around in Second Life took a few intensive night and weekend sessions - and I would still not claim any proficiency other than “basic.” Add to that, the exploration of the various new technologies I might come across in our tech newsletter readings, or the social networking involvement that I am not ordinarily as committed to, and the reading of other classmates blogs, the regular classroom reading assignments, the module papers and the writing of our own blogs, and I find that my time gets taken up in a number of activities - all valuable - but all requiring a substantial time commitment.
Anyway, discovering a valuable program such as NetVibes that empowers me in ways that allow me to reclaim some of my time makes it worth it! And for that, Comm 534 and Erika Shen, I can’t thank you enough!
I have another hunch that the Internet and technology has been partly to blame for this situation. Being able to use the Internet quickly and efficiently has made me very good at my job. I am able to navigate and find what I need quickly. It makes me appear to have all the answers at my fingertips whenever anyone needs anything. However, in my case this wonderful technology appears to be a double edged sword — at least for me. The words “setting boundaries” spring to mind in my own case. But enough of that.
Let’s go back to the wonderful world of technology…and the program NetVibes. I first read about NetVibes in our required weekly readings (TechCrunch.com) and later heard Erika Shen rave about it in class. It is my latest addiction and something I can no longer live without. I spent several hours today setting up a number of different tabs and then adding all of our class information and the various blogs we should be reading on individualized tabs. I also put everyone’s blogs on a page so I can get to those without having to log into our Wiki. This is going to be such a timesaver to have all of this information pre-programmed. I am really excited about this! If I had the time, I’d do a dorky YouTube video complete with sappy music extolling the virtues of the program. This is probably the one instance where everyone is glad (and relieved) to hear I am simply to busy to undertake such a project.
I have a demanding full time job and finding the time to do all the readings and assignments required for this class has been a definite challenge for me. Based on conversations with some of you, I have to believe you may also share in this struggle. Unlike other graduate classes that simply ask you to read, participate in class and write a paper or two, I find this class to be much more intensive in terms of time requirements. I think part of the reason for this is that I find myself exploring new technologies that I am unfamiliar with and that takes extra time — to learn , to understand, and at times, to try and gain some proficiency. Just learning to get around in Second Life took a few intensive night and weekend sessions - and I would still not claim any proficiency other than “basic.” Add to that, the exploration of the various new technologies I might come across in our tech newsletter readings, or the social networking involvement that I am not ordinarily as committed to, and the reading of other classmates blogs, the regular classroom reading assignments, the module papers and the writing of our own blogs, and I find that my time gets taken up in a number of activities - all valuable - but all requiring a substantial time commitment.
Anyway, discovering a valuable program such as NetVibes that empowers me in ways that allow me to reclaim some of my time makes it worth it! And for that, Comm 534 and Erika Shen, I can’t thank you enough!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Disconnect Between Voting and Online Activities
In my last post I found myself obsessing over the current Presidential campaign and lamenting the fact that Obama and his campaign appear to be doing a much better job at harnessing technology to gain support. I shared the Obama Girl link with others and wondered about the future of “Hillary Tube” and whether her campaign (or at the very least, some crazy Hillary fan like me) could generate a Hillary Boy to counteract the power of the all mighty Obama Girl.
Well, imagine my delight upon hearing the news --repeated incessantly by the “if it bleeds, it leads” media pundits – that our viral icon poster girl failed to vote! Oh happy day. Poor thing was too sick to get to the polls, but did manage to find her way to the Svedka Fembot Election Returns PARTY in New York City that night. Mmmnn.
This begs the question of how much of the online hype about Obama is actually real? Yes, Obama won the MySpace poll, but was that poll made up of 15 year old girls with a crush? Was Obama Girl just in this for her 5 minutes of fame? If so, it looks like she just upped her fame factor another 5 minutes by NOT voting.
Seems to me that there is still a bit of a disconnect between online activity and what actually drives voters physically to the polls. Could it be that while people may enjoy participating in the online chats, blogs and townhall discussions taking place in cyberspace, they are not as motivated to push themselves away from their computers and leave the house to go vote? Or is it simply a matter of age demographics?
Since online activity favors the youth vote, we will have to wait and see. Several things I’ve stumbled across in the last few days that gave me pause for thought:
1) Hillary garnered the bulk of the votes in the technology capital of Silicon Valley
2) Hillary split the youth vote in CA and won the youth vote in AR and NY
3) In Second Life, the members signed up for Obama and Clinton groups are representative of the mainstream Democratic population – split 50/50.
Sure, Obama won big this weekend, and I won’t pretend I’m uneasy about what’s ahead for the Hillary campaign but (lest you think Obama has a lock on hope and inspiration) I’m still HOPEful.
Well, imagine my delight upon hearing the news --repeated incessantly by the “if it bleeds, it leads” media pundits – that our viral icon poster girl failed to vote! Oh happy day. Poor thing was too sick to get to the polls, but did manage to find her way to the Svedka Fembot Election Returns PARTY in New York City that night. Mmmnn.
This begs the question of how much of the online hype about Obama is actually real? Yes, Obama won the MySpace poll, but was that poll made up of 15 year old girls with a crush? Was Obama Girl just in this for her 5 minutes of fame? If so, it looks like she just upped her fame factor another 5 minutes by NOT voting.
Seems to me that there is still a bit of a disconnect between online activity and what actually drives voters physically to the polls. Could it be that while people may enjoy participating in the online chats, blogs and townhall discussions taking place in cyberspace, they are not as motivated to push themselves away from their computers and leave the house to go vote? Or is it simply a matter of age demographics?
Since online activity favors the youth vote, we will have to wait and see. Several things I’ve stumbled across in the last few days that gave me pause for thought:
1) Hillary garnered the bulk of the votes in the technology capital of Silicon Valley
2) Hillary split the youth vote in CA and won the youth vote in AR and NY
3) In Second Life, the members signed up for Obama and Clinton groups are representative of the mainstream Democratic population – split 50/50.
Sure, Obama won big this weekend, and I won’t pretend I’m uneasy about what’s ahead for the Hillary campaign but (lest you think Obama has a lock on hope and inspiration) I’m still HOPEful.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Hill-Ar-Y! Hill-Ar-Y! Hill-Ar-Y!
I don’t know about anyone else, but I have become obsessed with the current presidential campaign. I have turned into a political junkie hooked on ALL of the political talk shows and a regular listener of POTUS 08, the XM Radio channel dedicated to election coverage. After 8 years of George Bush, I’ve had enough and this election seems more crucial than ever.
Last week I shared the link to “YouBama” that was covered on Techcrunch.com. As a Hillary supporter, I’d like to know why there is no HillaryTube?! In another post on Techcruch this week, http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/01/googles-gathers-social-graph-information-from-the-web-launches-api/ entitled “In Time for Super Tuesday, It’s Super Obama Girl,” Eric Schonfeld discusses viral videos as endorsements for political candidates –even getting Craig Newmark of Craigslist into the discussion after calling him “no Obama Girl.”
If I had the skill set, I’d have created HillaryTube myself, but unfortunately it’s beyond my technical capability — for now. But perhaps that’s the point. Hillary’s supporters tend to be older and not the type who sit at the computer pouring over You Tube videos, whereas Obama’s supporters are younger and more tech savvy. It’s really a shame that someone on Hillary’s team was not focused on using the Web in a way that could reach a younger audience. When I searched YouTube for Hillary videos, the top videos were all negative rather than positive. This can’t be a good thing.
In addition, in analyzing the videos posted about Obama, I noticed that many were coming from once source (barackobamadotcom) and they were entitled things like: Meet Barack Obama, Obama Family Holiday Greeting, Victory Speech (Iowa), My Plans for 2008, and Barack Obama’s Response to Bush’s State of the Union Address. It’s clear that his campaign is taking advantage of technology in a way that Hillary Clinton’s is not. However, his smart use of YouTube is not enough to change my mind about her ability to lead the nation.
I still feel experience counts for a lot. I like Barack Obama and will happily throw my support his way if necessary. But I’d rather do all I can to see that Hillary gets the nomination FIRST. Frankly, I find her just as inspiring as Barack. He does not have a lock on hope and inspiration. She is a strong woman who has been through great adversity which she handled with dignity. In short, she’s battle-tested. She has a direct and candid manner that I find very appealing and wouldn’t that be a nice change in the Oval Office!
So with only two days left before Super Tuesday, how do I plan to help the campaign? I’ll be making phone calls on her behalf urging fellow Democrats to join me in voting for Hillary on February 5th. And if all goes well, maybe the next thing to tackle might be a YouTube video starring a Super Hillary Boy!
Last week I shared the link to “YouBama” that was covered on Techcrunch.com. As a Hillary supporter, I’d like to know why there is no HillaryTube?! In another post on Techcruch this week, http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/01/googles-gathers-social-graph-information-from-the-web-launches-api/ entitled “In Time for Super Tuesday, It’s Super Obama Girl,” Eric Schonfeld discusses viral videos as endorsements for political candidates –even getting Craig Newmark of Craigslist into the discussion after calling him “no Obama Girl.”
If I had the skill set, I’d have created HillaryTube myself, but unfortunately it’s beyond my technical capability — for now. But perhaps that’s the point. Hillary’s supporters tend to be older and not the type who sit at the computer pouring over You Tube videos, whereas Obama’s supporters are younger and more tech savvy. It’s really a shame that someone on Hillary’s team was not focused on using the Web in a way that could reach a younger audience. When I searched YouTube for Hillary videos, the top videos were all negative rather than positive. This can’t be a good thing.
In addition, in analyzing the videos posted about Obama, I noticed that many were coming from once source (barackobamadotcom) and they were entitled things like: Meet Barack Obama, Obama Family Holiday Greeting, Victory Speech (Iowa), My Plans for 2008, and Barack Obama’s Response to Bush’s State of the Union Address. It’s clear that his campaign is taking advantage of technology in a way that Hillary Clinton’s is not. However, his smart use of YouTube is not enough to change my mind about her ability to lead the nation.
I still feel experience counts for a lot. I like Barack Obama and will happily throw my support his way if necessary. But I’d rather do all I can to see that Hillary gets the nomination FIRST. Frankly, I find her just as inspiring as Barack. He does not have a lock on hope and inspiration. She is a strong woman who has been through great adversity which she handled with dignity. In short, she’s battle-tested. She has a direct and candid manner that I find very appealing and wouldn’t that be a nice change in the Oval Office!
So with only two days left before Super Tuesday, how do I plan to help the campaign? I’ll be making phone calls on her behalf urging fellow Democrats to join me in voting for Hillary on February 5th. And if all goes well, maybe the next thing to tackle might be a YouTube video starring a Super Hillary Boy!
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