Jenelle D'Alessandro
Communication Strategist / Social Media Consultant
freshgreenwriting@gmail.com
Search
David Pogue on the iPad. Twice.
The NY Times' David Pogue has just written a clever review of the iPad from two separate angles: (1) techies of nerdcore geekdom, and (2) everyone else:
"The haters tend to be techies; the fans tend to be regular people. Therefore, no single write-up can serve both readerships adequately. There’s but one solution: Write separate reviews for these two audiences."
In Pogue's classic style, he's summed up the debate with somewhat biting wit. Techies hate the iPad's impracticalities (and lack of Flash), but love its fast processor. Everyone else is (basically) consumed with wonder about how the iPad apps will change the experience of digital media.
His conclusion?
"If you like the concept, you’ll love the machine. The only question is: Do you like the concept?"
iPad Mania
Time will tell whether or not the iPad is Apple's "next Goldrush," but in the meantime Gigaom has released an interesting infographic that is worth a glance. Apple's (AAPL) record-high stock prices yesterday seem to indicate that expectation is brimming for the new gadget to be the next Golden Girl/Boy.
On the other hand, this morning the BBC reported that developers are warning iPad apps will likely cost more than apps on the iPhone/iPod touch.
If you are among the earliest of adopters and pre-ordered your iPad, you can start tracking your package from Apple's factory in Shenzhen, China.
And if you're a Curious George heading over to the Apple store this Saturday, be sure to check in with Gowalla while you're there. You might win some free Twitter junk.
Hey Jude [Flowchart]
This Flowchart just never, ever gets old.
Thank you, loveallthis.tumblr.com
(HT: Laughing Squid dot com)
Real Conversation = The (Only) End Goal That Matters
I work with companies every day teaching them how to use Social Media to build community and create valuable connections. For many of them, I am seeking to move them toward a paradigm shift in their marketing framework: Relationships matter. Stop talking at people, and learn to listen. Learn to truly listen.
I took this photograph with my beat up (and treasured) Holga. It says something of what I am often trying to say with my work: Real conversations are truly the end goal. We must learn to listen to each other. And better.
Any eleven year old can tell the difference between contrived conversations and "real" ones. Feign interest in a conversation with a tween and you'll lose them quicker than an eye can roll. Good parents stop to listen to their kids, even when it is uncomfortable or inconvenient. It is no different in business.
Companies that can make this fundamental shift toward valuing authentic conversation will be those whose bottom line consistently shifts toward profitability. Non-profits that can can make this shift will jump out of their dying-lifecycle and the organizational dynamics that keep them pinned toward a poverty mentality. They will begin learning from those they seek to serve. They will grow more comfortable with change; they will grow.
Twittter and other social networks excites me to the extent that I am able to meet, connect, and share with my real-time "stream" of contacts. What about you? The real-time web will continue to translate into offline coffees, lunches, and handshakes, but only for those willing to take conversations seriously.
(Holga: Darrelle, David / Breckenridge / September 2010)
Still a Horrid Name, But My Guess = 7 Million Sold in 2010
http://mashable.com/2010/03/29/apple-10-million-ipads/
What say ye? I'm definitely holding out for 2nd or 3rd gen.
Text More, Spell More Better?
Once upon a time in my university days, I wrote a semester-long paper on how "IM speak" was changing our English language. Srsly, u remember all those times when ur Instant-Messaging chat lingo slipped in2 ur academic and/or professional life. Accidentally.
I did some case-studies of how IM speak was sneaking into our vocabulary like a thief in the night, often embarrassing the snot out of people. It's the beauty (ugly?) of the missed code-switching opportunity. It happens to the best of us.
The paper is now almost 10 years old, but I keep meaning to resurrect it for publishing. Dust it off, renovate, breathe new Twitter words into it. If you would like to collaborate with me on that project, do let me know. I would like that.
I just keep finding fresh fodder for its halls of consideration...
I Go Go Gowalla
Let it be known: I am a Gowalla girl. I tried Foursquare for awhile and tried to pretend I enjoyed it. I didn't. The lure of becoming a Mayor sounded kind of interesting. I checked into a few places while I was in Prague. I made a few To-Do lists. Ho-hum.
Then @DanPortnoy told me to just stop it and try @Gowalla. Since Dan is a smart man, I listened.Gowalla has quickly become my favorite iPhone app. I use it constantly.If you're still deciding between Foursquare and Gowalla, here is a decent side-by-side comparison.
Lessons from the Llama: Profile Photos
If you've ever been to the San Diego Zoo, you've likely walked by the Wall of Animal Profile Pics engraved into stone. Ok, it's not exactly a wall o' profile pics, but that's how I saw it as we made our way to the lion's den.
I found the Llama's avatar to be the leader of the pack. Those intense eyes make it look like a Phoenician king. That Large Headed Llama jumped out to me as if to say, "Photograph me, young human." So I did.
If you're living on any Social Media network, your profile photo matters. Does it stand out among a pack of other llamas, bears, and ligers?
Posted
from San Diego, CA
