Happiness XXXV
A functioning mobile phone can be happiness (mine’s not).
Ugh, it’s time for my twice annual custom theme itch…
Don’t know why, but I always seem to get the itch to either develop or buy a custom theme for my blog. I’m not sure why I get these notions, but I start seeming more blogs with the free theme I found and I want to differentiate myself I guess.
I’ll honestly admit that it may be partly ego too – after all I’m only human. I’ve spent enough time with my current theme that I’ve really customized it quite a bit. It’s obviously “Misty Look” (eh, look v3.4 is out) by Sadish Bala – a great theme designer. My customizations are mainly on the sidebar, creating some custom widgets for things that I want on my blog. Another one is adding a feed link in the header for my Link Blog in Google Reader.
I have to admit that I’ve learned a LOT about PHP and WordPress code using this theme and how to customize it. I’m just a sidebar away from getting it widened out to accommodate a second sidebar – their tricky pieces, at least for me.
So I’ll try to keep from changing themes, I’ve made it through my “spring fever” attempt to change my theme and have stuck with Misty Look for many months. We’ll try to keep with one look for awhile.
🙂
Value of online communities = amount of your participation
An online community is no different than the one you live in. It’s built on the same principles and it’s citizens require the same kinds of social interaction. As human beings we’re naturally social creatures, and so require some kind of interaction.
While online communities are different in the physical aspect, they connect us in ways that our physical communities can’t. This, of course, has been talked about for a long time. However, as social networks mature you see new uses of them, and the adoption by the (gulp!) mainstream. This is inevitable.
So to get the most out of a social network, you have to put a lot into it. Look at the people who are gaining the greatest value today. Are they just lurkers? No – they actively update their status, post pictures, trade pokes, and engage in conversations. They don’t hold back and treat their online persona and friends in the same way they act and interact in real life.
If there is a negative perception of social networks, it’s in the eye of the beholder. Mostly I suspect it’s because many are afraid of participating. Either because of their own perception, their unsure of how to start, or what their friends peers would say.
Don’t be afraid of the big bad online wolf
I’ve often wondered why it’s so hard for people (especially tech geeks) to get themselves a site on the web. For many it comes down to time as much as anything, but for several, it’s also about anonymity.
I guess that I shouldn’t be surprised by this, it’s human nature not to expose too much information or place yourself in a position to be noticed. While we all may feel that way to a certain degree, I’ve often wondered why tech people are sometimes the worst at this.
Maybe it’s because they understand the technologies and capabilities inherent in the Internet. Maybe they are scared off by the possibility that there is someone out there smarter than they are, and that they may not be able to adapt quickly enough.
Whatever the reason is, it bothers me that several talented people don’t leverage their skills and promote their brand. There are so many possible things to promote yourself that it’s silly not to. Create a web site for yourself and have information about you, or start a blog about something you’re interested in.
Promoting your personal brand is not hard, and it’s not dangerous. It does require a different mindset than what people are normally used to. When you set out to start promoting your brand, you should be as transparent as possible and only hold back a few pieces of information.
Here are some tips that I strongly recommend for those sitting on the fence wondering if it’s worth the “risk”.
- Get a site on the Internet for people to find you. Whether that’s a blog, a static web page or simply a LinkedIn profile. Have someplace where people can find you.
- If you choose to do a web site, I’d encourage you to go for a blog. You’ll have someplace to do more than just a simple page. And with services like Blogger or WordPress.com, you can do it fast and for free.
- If you’re really serious about your brand – get yourself a domain name and host your own sites at a hosting service. It’s a lot simpler than you think and can cost under $5 a month.
- Participate. Get involved in discussions about things that you’re interested in. Get known around the communities that you have a passion for, things that really are fun for you.
- Make sure to have a page for your biography. Blogs all have a provision for an “About” page. Use it!
- Your resume must be on your site – no doubt about it. I always create a subversion (yes I version all my personal documentation) of my resume sans address, just for on the website. Also, I recommend making a PDF copy for placement on you web – that way nobody can change it easily when downloaded.
- Create an email address (GMail?) just to put on your website. Make it easy for people to contact you.
- Seriously think about putting your phone number on the website. Especially if you are actively involved in social media. (I know some bloggers even make it a challenge to people to call them!)
Yes there is the chance of identity theft out on the Internet, but their really after money. Do you store money on your website? Didn’t think so. Hell, if people want to be me, they can come and do my work for me as well! 
The reality, of course, is that most all the information that someone needs to steal your identity can be found in pay-for databases from a number of firms around the world. The little bit you expose on the Internet just being yourself is negligible in comparison.
Happiness XXXIV
In New Media you will find happiness, grasshopper.
There’s NO valid argument against the SAVE America Act.
My bill would make it easy to vote.
And hard to cheat.
As soon as DHS is fully funded (as it should be within 48 hours), the Senate should resume consideration of it—and stay on the bill until it passes.
Pass it on.
How are Democrats cheating in L.A.?
Let me show you…
There are 26 registered voters at this toilet in Los Angeles.
I’m not kidding. I have the voter records. See for yourself. The only thing here is a stinky port-a john inside an empty parking lot.
No homes. No mailboxes.
As governor, the State Capitol will stand for unity and common sense.
In addition to the POW/MIA flag that has long flown over the State Capitol, we will fly two flags when I am governor: the Wisconsin state flag and the American flag.
That’s it. No politics.
