#16, Google Docs

I knew of Google docs, their potential, their threat to Microsoft, etc.

But I never really used them until earlier  this semester.

They are now my preferred way to create, save, and move my documents about.  My students use GMail, docs, and calendar to collaborate.

My hope is that very soon, I will have audio broadcast synced in, so even if I don't have a classroom, I will be able to have my students around the library, the campus, and at home, listening to my words as well-timed, theatrical Google presentations assist in wrapping their neurons around concepts that would, if not for Google Docs, escape them.

In other words, I don't see much potential for collaborative programs that allow chatting, automatically save my work, and allow me to go back in time.  Please, someone restore Microsoft's hegemony on what I perceive as acceptable.

#15, Library Wiki:

Libraries are the place for wikis.  I was just spending time on the job seekers page of the best practices wiki, and the information was really sharp and easily accessable.  These volunteers are not only creating quality information, they are organizing and refining it.

Where do I think these have the most application?

Routine, specific avenues of query are a great place for wikis.   How to get things done, because of the same troubles we all encounter, can be assisted with wikis.  This is because anyone can throw their two sense in, so all types of problems and concerns can be addressed. Perhaps they can be of assistance in times when you are left bereft after continued Google searches.  Internal use shouldn't be forgotton, as wikis, as mentioned in my 505 class, are a great way to reduce loss of information when individuals retire or leave their posts.

#14, Technorati

I guess I got a little ahead of myself, as I have already visited Technorati, and checked its top one hundred list earlier on this quest.

So, I went back, and found Mashable.com, a site that I remember was extensively quoted for a peice that I read on the times.

These social sites, promoting web 2.0 and user created art and articles, seem to always have the scoop over the papers.

Remember how important getting the scoop used to be?  Is it still promonent?  Do editors still chase scoops, or do the let the net report, guage the response, and then choose to carry it?

I'm really starting to get confused as to what Blogs mean to papers, and I'm considering that perhaps the two compliment each other more than many in either industry (blog or paper) would like to admit.

#13, Del.icio.us

Okay, another thing I've heard mentioned, but really didn't have time or motiviation to chase down.  Del.icio.us, another social bookmarking tool.

Honestly, I'm glad there are so many people interested in throwing their two cents around.  I really can't imagine taking my time to comment, like, and add to most of the media I consume.  I just consume too much, and I don't like putting my name on work that I don't feel adds value.

Even this blog is hard to write, as I know that my posts aren't revolutionary.  I think I'm deeply intrigued and jacked into Web 2.0, I just prefer to do it as a ghost, an observer.

So, I'm not gonna join Del.icio.us, I'm just gonna profit from their promotion of certain pages, and find them via the other popularity tools I use.

#12, Finding Feeds

I first used Techcrunch to locate some feeds.  I tried using their search box, using the phrase "Microsoft Kinect" and "Project Natal"  However, the results were hard to sift through, so instead, I clicked on the "top one-hundred." button.

Located TechCrunch,  and have found it to be a great business-oriented tech blog.  Now, for Gadgets I'll go to Gizmodo, for Money-related tech matters, I now have TechCruch!

Good thing I have an extra hour today!

#11, Discover RSS

I have been embarassed about my lack of use of RSS.   I am glad this assignment pushed me into it.  I have, much like everyone else, a few select sites that I get my news from.  I'm gonna lay my cards on the table.  Here is where 90% of my news comes from:

-NY Times
-Gizmodo
-The Buffalo News
-Digg

I have them all bookmarked, on my toolbar, with no description, so they are convenient little buttons.  I find getting to each of them to be painless.  However, I've been searching for the easiest way to share news with my friends and family, and to document what I have read, so I can find it years from now.

Is this the tool I've been looking for?  Is there an android app for it?  Lemme check....

I have downloaded Newsrob, look forward to checking its features later today!

#10, check out Librivox

Okay, so I know Librivox is a free service, but I'm surprised at how basic its search functions, were.  I was also upset that when trying to listen to one of Karl Marx's works, the different parts were labelled by the whatever points the reader or uploader chose, not based on chapter.   The fourth file was the first one to actually be the book, but it wasn't labled as such.   I also quickly found out that a work like Marx's, with its complicated phraseology and numerous footnotes (which are read in the order they are encountered in the reading), is for me, impossible to follow via audiobook format.  I also found that the reader's voice can add or detract from the original work.

I was, however, excited that I got to clean my room as a work by Alduous Huxley was read to me in an Irish accent.  Definitely not possible with a book.