The Web According to Google #88: Wave, Buzz, and Mobile
Wow, talk about being connected. Google Wave and Google Buzz are more developments to connect to others. Yahoo! has something for you to get updates from those in your contacts & Buzz may be something similar (and beyond). Wave, I'm not sure I'm quite ready for it yet-I've just been introduced to sharing Google Docs. I think I'll wait to see how it develops before going any deeper into that pool.
Some of the Google Mobile apps are interesting, but I don't have a mobile phone. I could borrow my DH's, but it has a small not very clear screen (not 3G). If I did have a more web capable phone, I would choose Maps and Search. Those are apps I use regularly on my PC. When I do get a cell phone, eventually sometime, I don't think I'll have access to these anyway.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
The Web According to Google #87: Google Reader
The Web According to Google #87: Google Reader
I took the tour to try the service out. I may still sign up later. At this time I mainly use Bloglines for my feeds. I also watch a few feeds on My Yahoo! also. I can see where using Google Reader in iGoogle and adding feeds could be more convenient. I usually check email on a daily basis and I like the few I watch on My Yahoo! being just a click away. I’m just debating how involve I want to be with iGoogle at this time.
Subcribe to a favorite site with feeds? I’m already subscribed to my favorite sites via Bloglines and did not want to duplicate. I found that there are some preselected bundles you can try out. I selected the Staff Picks list. It still duplicates a few sites, but it looks like a fun way to experiment. I can always delete the ones I don’t like. Now I have 14 (minus the few dups) new feeds to read.
I took the tour to try the service out. I may still sign up later. At this time I mainly use Bloglines for my feeds. I also watch a few feeds on My Yahoo! also. I can see where using Google Reader in iGoogle and adding feeds could be more convenient. I usually check email on a daily basis and I like the few I watch on My Yahoo! being just a click away. I’m just debating how involve I want to be with iGoogle at this time.
Subcribe to a favorite site with feeds? I’m already subscribed to my favorite sites via Bloglines and did not want to duplicate. I found that there are some preselected bundles you can try out. I selected the Staff Picks list. It still duplicates a few sites, but it looks like a fun way to experiment. I can always delete the ones I don’t like. Now I have 14 (minus the few dups) new feeds to read.
Monday, April 12, 2010
The Web According to Google #86: Calendar and Documents
The Web According to Google #86: Calendar and Documents
Creating a calendar in Google Calendar and adding some events and tasks to it was easy. I think I would use Google Calendar more at home than in the workplace. Not a lot of my work is something I can do from home. I can see how sharing a calendar with family could be very good if all cooperated. I still have trouble getting some to write it on the home wall calendar. There could be other uses for those sharing a common calendar, whether it be a coach posting times for practice or to combine multiple work and play schedules for a family.
I created a file Google Docs and shared it with a few people, including myself at a non-Gmail address. I can see this as a way to collaborate on a group document. You do need to create a Google account in order to participate in a shared Doc. I also uploaded one from my computer. This is a good way to keep and access documents online instead on carrying them on a flash drive. I can see myself using Google Docs in addition to a desktop office application. It is a way to easily access and share documents, but I don't want to be limited if I cannot connect to the net.
Creating a calendar in Google Calendar and adding some events and tasks to it was easy. I think I would use Google Calendar more at home than in the workplace. Not a lot of my work is something I can do from home. I can see how sharing a calendar with family could be very good if all cooperated. I still have trouble getting some to write it on the home wall calendar. There could be other uses for those sharing a common calendar, whether it be a coach posting times for practice or to combine multiple work and play schedules for a family.
I created a file Google Docs and shared it with a few people, including myself at a non-Gmail address. I can see this as a way to collaborate on a group document. You do need to create a Google account in order to participate in a shared Doc. I also uploaded one from my computer. This is a good way to keep and access documents online instead on carrying them on a flash drive. I can see myself using Google Docs in addition to a desktop office application. It is a way to easily access and share documents, but I don't want to be limited if I cannot connect to the net.
The Web According to Google #85: Resistance is Futile
The Web According to Google #85: Resistance is Futile
For those in the know: Resistance is futile
I use several Google products on a regular basis. Among them are Websearch, Gmail, Maps, Earth, and a
few others. Most of these are search functions of one sort or another and I like the way they work. The mail I use due to my DDs preference and allows me to keep in touch during the day. They are not the only products I use for the various search and mail funtions, but they are a very nice and convenient set to access.
I check out Google Labs on a regular basis. You never know what may be there. Of the current list, City Tours and People Hopper look interesting. I'm more likely to use the City Tours than People Hopper, but I think the People Hopper concept would appeall to a number of people.
I browsed around Google Books. I admit it had been a little while since I did this last. Wow. It just keeps on growing. I like that they have LIFE magazine available for viewing. The My Library feature is a convenient way to keep track of the items you like. I can see this becoming an extra resource for Libraries seeking reviews, previews, or actual books and magazines in their entirety.
For those in the know: Resistance is futile
I use several Google products on a regular basis. Among them are Websearch, Gmail, Maps, Earth, and a
few others. Most of these are search functions of one sort or another and I like the way they work. The mail I use due to my DDs preference and allows me to keep in touch during the day. They are not the only products I use for the various search and mail funtions, but they are a very nice and convenient set to access.
I check out Google Labs on a regular basis. You never know what may be there. Of the current list, City Tours and People Hopper look interesting. I'm more likely to use the City Tours than People Hopper, but I think the People Hopper concept would appeall to a number of people.
I browsed around Google Books. I admit it had been a little while since I did this last. Wow. It just keeps on growing. I like that they have LIFE magazine available for viewing. The My Library feature is a convenient way to keep track of the items you like. I can see this becoming an extra resource for Libraries seeking reviews, previews, or actual books and magazines in their entirety.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Publishing Evolution #84: Writer Communities & Author Websites
Publishing Evolution #84: Writer Communities & Author Websites
I have gone to favorite author websites to find out the latest on upcomomg publications. They are usually the best source for that information and often have excerpts to whet your appetite. Most of the time, I just read the website info and like reading about the authors. Once in a while I will contact an author with a question.
The idea of a book being published based on popular vote gives some concern. I understand publishers wanting to publish popular, thus moneymaking, titles. However, I think that such voting should be taken with a grain of salt. Having a lot of people vote for something doesn't always mean it is good. It may be a good way to "test the waters", but how do you know whether the author just has a very large family to skew the vote?
I have gone to favorite author websites to find out the latest on upcomomg publications. They are usually the best source for that information and often have excerpts to whet your appetite. Most of the time, I just read the website info and like reading about the authors. Once in a while I will contact an author with a question.
The idea of a book being published based on popular vote gives some concern. I understand publishers wanting to publish popular, thus moneymaking, titles. However, I think that such voting should be taken with a grain of salt. Having a lot of people vote for something doesn't always mean it is good. It may be a good way to "test the waters", but how do you know whether the author just has a very large family to skew the vote?
Publishing Evolution #83: Paper to Pixels (or e-ink)
Publishing Evolution #83: Paper to Pixels (or e-ink)
I prefer paper over pixels. It is much easier to read a paper book in bed than a PC, laptop, or E-reader. With a book it is easier to hide the light I use after dh goes to bed. There are also times that I will take a paperback (or 2 or 3) with me while traveling and leave them behind when finished for someone else to discover. (a note in the book lets them know it is not lost, but abandoned) Another reason is access. I share 2 computers betweem 3 people at home. One is an avid gamer who hovers when not on the net. The other is a student & video maker. I really don't have time to read online.
I have learned patience in getting my reading material. I have found that books tend to be less expensive if bought used. less money per book = more books Beside, I just like the feel of a book.
I'm not sure how I feel yet about the cost of a digital book versus a paper copy. Again, I tend to get used books most of the time. The few time I did get digital copies was when I use the Library's download service. It was free and there wwas no risk of an overdue fee.
I visited iFiction to look at what it offers. I like the idea of preview and then pay. It give me the chance to see if I like the story and wrting style. The price is right, too. I have seen it range from $0.49 to $4.00 to read the "rest of the story". The preview percentage also differs. I think it is at the authors discretion. The links to the author Bios are nice too. It looks like a good way for authors to get exposure.
I prefer paper over pixels. It is much easier to read a paper book in bed than a PC, laptop, or E-reader. With a book it is easier to hide the light I use after dh goes to bed. There are also times that I will take a paperback (or 2 or 3) with me while traveling and leave them behind when finished for someone else to discover. (a note in the book lets them know it is not lost, but abandoned) Another reason is access. I share 2 computers betweem 3 people at home. One is an avid gamer who hovers when not on the net. The other is a student & video maker. I really don't have time to read online.
I have learned patience in getting my reading material. I have found that books tend to be less expensive if bought used. less money per book = more books Beside, I just like the feel of a book.
I'm not sure how I feel yet about the cost of a digital book versus a paper copy. Again, I tend to get used books most of the time. The few time I did get digital copies was when I use the Library's download service. It was free and there wwas no risk of an overdue fee.
I visited iFiction to look at what it offers. I like the idea of preview and then pay. It give me the chance to see if I like the story and wrting style. The price is right, too. I have seen it range from $0.49 to $4.00 to read the "rest of the story". The preview percentage also differs. I think it is at the authors discretion. The links to the author Bios are nice too. It looks like a good way for authors to get exposure.
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