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.
Monday, April 12, 2010
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.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Publishing Evolution #82: Print on Demand
Publishing Evolution #82: Print on Demand
Writer Beware has an excellent piece on print on demand (POD). I recommend it to any wanting to know about POD.
I visited each of the websites listed, Lulu, Xlibris, Author House, iUniverse , and Createspace (Amazon.com) to see what they offer. Using these services to print a book can vary in cost, but only regarding the extent of services wanted. The sites themselves are similar with the varying levels of service and cost to have your book printed. What site you would use depends on your tastes.
As for the published books, I saw that there was often 3 possible formats - hardback, paperback, and ebook. Sometimes the cost of a printed book is higher than traditionally published books, probably depending on demand or what the author thinks they can get for it. To my pleasant suprise, however, I found that the ebook format costs less than "traditional" ebooks. This can be a good way to get exposure as an author.
I experienced a form of self publishing in college. Some professors had written their lecture notes and other information they thought relevant to the class that was not included in the textbook. This addition "book" was available at the local copy center for a fee and was printed while you waited. I thought it was a good way to get the information out without needing to have printed copies in stock. The wait wasn't long for printing/copying and the material was always useful. (The professor did write it for the class.)
I might consider buying a self published book, if I found one that was of interest. Cost could be a factor, but if I was interested enough.... I do like to look at books before I buy. Getting reviews can also help. That is one reason I work in a Library and buy used books.
Writer Beware has an excellent piece on print on demand (POD). I recommend it to any wanting to know about POD.
I visited each of the websites listed, Lulu, Xlibris, Author House, iUniverse , and Createspace (Amazon.com) to see what they offer. Using these services to print a book can vary in cost, but only regarding the extent of services wanted. The sites themselves are similar with the varying levels of service and cost to have your book printed. What site you would use depends on your tastes.
As for the published books, I saw that there was often 3 possible formats - hardback, paperback, and ebook. Sometimes the cost of a printed book is higher than traditionally published books, probably depending on demand or what the author thinks they can get for it. To my pleasant suprise, however, I found that the ebook format costs less than "traditional" ebooks. This can be a good way to get exposure as an author.
I experienced a form of self publishing in college. Some professors had written their lecture notes and other information they thought relevant to the class that was not included in the textbook. This addition "book" was available at the local copy center for a fee and was printed while you waited. I thought it was a good way to get the information out without needing to have printed copies in stock. The wait wasn't long for printing/copying and the material was always useful. (The professor did write it for the class.)
I might consider buying a self published book, if I found one that was of interest. Cost could be a factor, but if I was interested enough.... I do like to look at books before I buy. Getting reviews can also help. That is one reason I work in a Library and buy used books.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The Future of Media #81: Get Out Your Crystal Ball
The Future of Media #81: Get Out Your Crystal Ball
You can't look at a crystal ball without thinking of the past. I remember the 8-track vs audiocassette debate and Betamax vs VHS. I remember when the laserdisc first appeared (Think DVD, but LP sized). I still have LPs, 45s and a record player to play them on. I am an early adopter in some regards. You may have read in an earlier post that I have owned a widescreen HDTV CRT for about 8 years.
Technology moves on. I remember when the internet was just starting. Now you can have streaming video on your PC, Laptop, or hand-held device. Despite all this, I think we will always want a format you can hold in your hand AND the convenience of computer access.
But not everyone has internet access. And in homes that do, there may be only one computer. Just because you hear about all the tech, dosn't mean it is in wide use. I watched the HD DVD vs Blu-ray race and still get regular DVDs. I don't see my DVD player dying anytime soon. Same with my VCR, tho if I want to record with it I would need a converter box (maybe. I need to look at the back of the electronics again. Good thing the system is on wheels.)
The new 3D movies are fun, but I don't see myself adopting that tech at home yet, unless it just means a pair of 3D glasses. Maybe the new 3D developments will help advance virtual reality technology. Holo-deck anyone? I think that is the influence for the future.
But I will still go to the movies. Besides, the last movie I attended included 3 adults and 6 teens and I don't think they all would have fit in my living room even if it was clean.
You can't look at a crystal ball without thinking of the past. I remember the 8-track vs audiocassette debate and Betamax vs VHS. I remember when the laserdisc first appeared (Think DVD, but LP sized). I still have LPs, 45s and a record player to play them on. I am an early adopter in some regards. You may have read in an earlier post that I have owned a widescreen HDTV CRT for about 8 years.
Technology moves on. I remember when the internet was just starting. Now you can have streaming video on your PC, Laptop, or hand-held device. Despite all this, I think we will always want a format you can hold in your hand AND the convenience of computer access.
But not everyone has internet access. And in homes that do, there may be only one computer. Just because you hear about all the tech, dosn't mean it is in wide use. I watched the HD DVD vs Blu-ray race and still get regular DVDs. I don't see my DVD player dying anytime soon. Same with my VCR, tho if I want to record with it I would need a converter box (maybe. I need to look at the back of the electronics again. Good thing the system is on wheels.)
The new 3D movies are fun, but I don't see myself adopting that tech at home yet, unless it just means a pair of 3D glasses. Maybe the new 3D developments will help advance virtual reality technology. Holo-deck anyone? I think that is the influence for the future.
But I will still go to the movies. Besides, the last movie I attended included 3 adults and 6 teens and I don't think they all would have fit in my living room even if it was clean.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The Future of Media #80: Movies
The Future of Media #80: Movies
I have used Hulu to watch a free full-length film on my laptop, but I prefer the larger screen of my TV. That is why we have DVDs and cables for connecting the laptop to the larger TV 'monitor'.
I looked for a trailer for the upcoming movie "The Last Airbender". Hulu did not have it in their trailer list, but gave me a search option to find it on other sites. IMDB, or Internet Movie Database, is usually my default site for finding info on movies. They had the trailers with a quick search. I like the additional info IMDB provides. This movie is based on an anime titled "Avatar, the Last Airbender". I guess they changed the movie title after that other Avatar movie came out.
I don't think I would use any of the fee-based services to get the movies I want at home. Between the public Library, Hulu, and other free sites, I can usually find what I want.
I have used Hulu to watch a free full-length film on my laptop, but I prefer the larger screen of my TV. That is why we have DVDs and cables for connecting the laptop to the larger TV 'monitor'.
I looked for a trailer for the upcoming movie "The Last Airbender". Hulu did not have it in their trailer list, but gave me a search option to find it on other sites. IMDB, or Internet Movie Database, is usually my default site for finding info on movies. They had the trailers with a quick search. I like the additional info IMDB provides. This movie is based on an anime titled "Avatar, the Last Airbender". I guess they changed the movie title after that other Avatar movie came out.
I don't think I would use any of the fee-based services to get the movies I want at home. Between the public Library, Hulu, and other free sites, I can usually find what I want.
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