Nov 9th 09
Posted by Brent in Announcements
Podcamp AZ is (one of) the best social media conferences on the planet and this weekend is PCAZ Number 3! I can’t even express how amazing this event is and if you have any possible way to attend, you NEED to come! Don’t worry though, I know this is short notice and if you are not going to be in AZ, you can watch the live show featuring most, if not all of the speakers, their topics and some great virtual communication. Please join us this weekend and expand your knowledge, share some ideas and engage in the awesome that is Podcamp AZ! It’s gonna blow your mind!
Nov 4th 09
Posted by Brent in Whataposts
I’m not a psychologist, anthropologist or any other kind of “ologist” but I think I might see a trend taking hold on our society and I would love for us to take a moment and discuss it’s possibility (or impossibility). I suppose we could just call it human nature and leave it at that. But I believe we are capable of learning from our past and growing beyond it if we agree to look at ourselves objectively and seek the truth behind what is going on. What if we just stop for a second to evaluate if we really know who we are and how we belong over what we do, what we have, what we have achieved or what we know.
In my opinion, we are perpetuating a virtual land grab all too similar to the bloody conquest of territories we’ve seen throughout our world’s history. We tend to call ourselves civilized and above all the bloodshed of history past. But just because there’s no physical blood being spilt, doesn’t mean there’s no casualties in this war.
It seems that there are more people talking about starting networks, founding conferences and gaining followers than actually taking the time to listen to each other, participate and collaborate. Since the dawn of time, or at least as long as I can remember or read about, human nature has been a lot about possessing and conquering. I am reminded of Napoleon and he’s just one of the mass conquerors of our history. But think of even today where in the US we have corporate giants that have conquered all sorts of “land” (either physical, figurative or otherwise) and the inherent trait is always the same. Possess, control and retain!
I think there’s a big difference between what social media is becoming and open source, what I believe to be its core value. Open source says that all individuals are equally important. There’s open communication, open information, sharing and mutual respect across all platforms. Granted, there should be some things that are protected and remain sacred, but I hope you get my idea and not focus on what could be mistaken for a socialist point of view. That’s not my goal here. Social media was once open source in it’s mentality, and that was only like a couple years ago. But now that it’s going mainstream, I’m starting to think that maybe it wasn’t after all. I could be wrong. Maybe social media started out as an open environment and our greedy tendencies took hold and perverted it. It is possible that the founders of various networks we now occupy had divisive motives, but that is beside the point. The core belief, in my humble opinion, is this semi-utopian idea of open source and the thought that we can still fight for the purity of its ideals to stand strong and not die.
Open source says that all are parts should have a voice. Now I understand there needs to be leadership, standards or at least some form of rules to adhere to. I’m not talking about socialism and please don’t get too political on me. I’m not a political kind of guy and really don’t think I could debate on that level. I am just posing a topic for discussion so we can figure this out together. I’m hoping to bounce this idea off some great minds (you and yours).
Ok, so think about it… With a mutual respect for all other parties and a pure cooperative, collaborative attitude, can you imagine how awesome this planet would be to live on? Capitalism isn’t entirely a bad thing, but we have taken it to a horrible new level (ahem Wall Street) and a lot of people are getting trampled in the process. In the US especially, we apply this thinking process to everything. How many times have you heard, thought or even said “What’s in it for me?” In a pure environment, it could be an honest question, but most of the time, it’s nothing more than a pavlovian response because of the culture we live in and the experiences life in this country brings.
The best example of what I see going on today, especially in the social media sector, is all too similar to that game “Hungry Hungry Hippos.” It’s like a virtual land grab, with a “Get more followers” here, and a “Join my page” there. Or, “Come to my event” and “That’s MY [insert just about anything], don’t touch it!” Does that sound familiar to you? Sounds almost like a preschool classroom at playtime to me. People, I think we’re better than this! Don’t get me wrong…
- Should you start another event?
- Should you create a page on Facebook?
- Should you seek out more people to follow?
- Should you go after sponsorship?
- Should you become more visible on the internet?
I believe… YES!
But why not first consider these questions…
- What are your motives?
- How will the people around you think/react/benefit?
- What is the big picture influence you have or will have through this?
- Does this already exist in your local community?
- Do you HAVE to be in charge?
- Are you going to care if someone else does the same thing?
- Are you ready to really listen to those around you so that together you can make the best decisions?
There’s so many things to consider but the core of the thinking here is that I believe what we are all going for is a mutual, honest, caring, respectful perspective on each other. I know there are many out there that don’t have that frame of mind and will try to take an unhealthy advantage of this attitude. But that doesn’t make it wrong. And yes, I understand that this could be viewed as kind of an unobtainable utopian perspective. But does the fact that we don’t believe we can obtain this in it’s entirety mean we need to revert to cannibalism and just give up? I honestly think that the last 20 years has really evolved some of our thinking and given us a chance to begin to form something that society has really never come closer to in the past. All I ask is that we all think about it, discuss it and try to just go for it.
Please stop this game of Hungry Hungry Hippos and focus on the truly great things in our freedom, society, culture, relationships, communities and even our capitalism. Let’s hunt out and kill only the things that tear at the core fabric of what could make this all so great. Please stop to consider who you really are, and how that is translating into the social media world.
Now, here’s where you come in… Like I said, I’m not a scholar by any means, or even claim that I have landed on the absolute solution. I just want to kick off the conversation and see where it takes us. So… What do you think?
Nov 4th 09
Posted by Brent in Random News, Whataposts
I got a DM this morning from my pal @sinpantalones on twitter. She was asking if I could check out her post about stuff to stock for her visiting granddaughter this Thanksgiving. I’m not an expert by any means, but I do have a toddler so I turned on my random-thought-generator and this is what came out:
Baby Einstein flicks are essential for Cadie. If you have a Netflix account, that’s probably the best bang for your buck. Even if not, get one for just a month and grab as many as you can to try. if they don’t work, you can have more in 2 days. Cadie LOVES PIXAR movies (and so do I) those help too. Especially the Toy Story ones. Not sure where you live, but sidewalk chalk if you can still go outside. Ok, random list coming…
Play-doh for sure! Something bouncy like a bouncy horse or rocking horse. Several different sized balls. Washable crayons and markers. Roll of butcher paper for drawing on. Cardboard box, endless fun! I also second the iPhone/iTouch apps if you have one.
For the car, Cadie likes anything with lights, sounds and letters or numbers. Loves to sing her version of the ABC’s and count to 10 (out of proper sequence of course). For a little of your sanity, a simple popup type toy seems to work well. You know, the ones you turn or push a button and a little flap pops up with a character on them. Ours has no music or anything so it’s a nice break. Also, the iPhone/iTouch can come in handy too. We have Pixar movies and shorts loaded on ours as well as the toddler apps for car trips.
Oh! there are these little cups with rubber tops that the kid can stick their hand through to get stuff like crackers and stuff. Saves on the spills.
Snack-wise, Cadie likes the cheddar bunnies (whole foods, hippie version of goldfish). Honey-nut pretzels. Rice crispy treats, Corn chips, mini cookies, apples, carrots, cheese, and those gummy fruit snacks. Just be careful not to sugar out the kid. 
Food: Eggs, eggo waffles, mac & cheese (she prefers the white cheddar shells – again Michelle is kind of a hippie haha so Whole Foods has a lot of great options), turkey dogs, kid’s oatmeal/cereal. YoBaby yogurt, rice, etc.
Remember, they don’t eat a lot so don’t overstock and their attention span is very short so it’s not about the amount of stuff you have for her but the time you spend with her. Bottom line, you are the best toy a kid could ever have. They tend to occupy themselves. Just play with them and all will be well but if you are getting tired, maybe SOME of the above ideas will help. You’re gonna have a blast! Enjoy it!
Who knows if it will help but it’s a shot. My best! Have a happy holiday!
Nov 2nd 09
Posted by Brent in Whatacast, Whataposts
Dealing with clients is an ever-evolving course of twists and turns. In this labyrinth, I have one method that has worked for me (as of today). I don’t claim this method to be the perfect solution, but present it as “one of many” in hopes that you glean something off of it and make it even better. Please comment and share your wisdom. We all can use the discussion on this topic.
Enclosures: mp4, mp3
