Thing #24: Refresh Your Blog

Well, I've given my blog a makeover. I went from washed-out and sedate to tutti-frutti. I needed to cheer up after a long dreary winter. I tried to give my avatar a makeover too, but decided after much trying on of different clothes and accessories that I liked me just the way I was. I did add a list of books I'm reading right now for school. I like to test-drive books for my library.

I confess I haven't done any blogging since the last 23 Things on a Stick. I'd rather write my thoughts down in my journal than put my thoughts out there for the whole world to see. I'm not that good about writing in my journal either, truth be told.

As for blogging, it has its uses. One of the coolest blogs I've seen lately was a friend of a friend's blog live from the Inauguration. He was blogging from his iPhone as events happened. Pretty cool, huh?

Here We Go Again

Well, here we go again. I'm going to try the next 23 Things on a Stick.

I know I've been bad -- not using the blog I set up this time last year. But it always seems like there's too little time and too much to do. Besides, I'm reluctant to open my mouth. I'm afraid I will say too much and get myself in trouble in one way or another. It's not that I don't have opinions, it's just that if you don't voice them, the people in charge can't use them against you.

So here we go again. I will try to keep up while testing, packing, cleaning and fixing.

Thing #23 - Final Thoughts

*cue inspirational music from 'Rocky' and start victory dance*

I completed the 23 Things on a Stick! I have to say my favorite things all had to do with photos and graphics. Which makes sense since I love taking photos...I'm just not so keen with posting them online. My least favorite things all had to do with social networking, but since I'm not incredibly social, I'm not real surprised at this either.

Thank you for letting me be part of this experience. Bring on the next 23 Things!!!

Thing #22 - What Did I Learn Today?

Almost there! There were times when I got so caught up in all the other things that life throws your way that I didn't even think about 23 Things for days at a time. Then, I looked at my calendar with April 16th circled on it and thought, "Oh no! I have to finish my 23 Things!"

Except you're never really finished. If I learned anything while I worked out in the big, bad world of technology, it's that the shiny new computer with its fantastic new programs sitting on your slightly cluttered desk is already obsolete. It was obsolete before it came out of the box, because everything is constantly changing and evolving. As much as I hate change, I know I need to change and evolve as well or I'll get left behind. Our patrons look to us as gurus, whether it's what book they'd love to read next or how do I get my paper from this computer here to my computer at home without using a flash drive or CD.

So, that said, I resolve to keep learning. From photo storage and manipulation, to blogs and social networks. And I resolve to not feel guilty about taking that time to learn. Even if sometimes it does look like it's really play =)

Thing #20 - Facebook and MySpace

OK, I'm still not convinced that having your personal information out there for the world to find is such a good idea. However, after finally being able to take a look at Hennepin County Library's MySpace page, I can see some good applications for a library. In this day and age, it's almost impossible to get everybody together for book club. You could certainly do this online -- no face to face commitments and no constraints on a specific physical place at a certain time. Also, the walls would make a good place to write down quick book reviews, suggestions for next reads, etc. The library could use these places to post new collection items, items for sale and gather suggestions for titles to acquire. I can certainly see the positives along with the negatives. If you strictly policed the walls and posts, you could have a great communication tool.

Thing #21 - Beyond MySpace: Other Social Networks

Thing #21 is coming before Thing #20 due to the fact that I have to due the MySpace and Facebook assignment at home -- both are blocked at work and with very good reasons.

I'm not a big fan of social networking...too much information that can come back to bite one later and it takes so much time. Not being a social butterfly by nature, I can't see the point of putting in a huge amount of effort to be the most popular person on Facebook. Call me a pessimist, but having my life out there for the whole world to see (or hack) doesn't make me sleep well at night. I really don't want to discover my whole life's been hijacked by some nefarious soul who found me out in cyberspace. Or worse, my new 'friend' in the social network turns out to be a serial killer. Yikes! Yep, I read too many murder mysteries.

I tried out Ning just to see what it's like. It's OK, but I don't think I'll spend my life on it.



View my page on 23 Things on a Stick

Thing #19 - Podcasts

Okay, I admit I've been a slacker for the last two weeks, but it's down to the wire so I need to get these last 5 things done.

I like the idea of "radio shows" for the iTunes age. As I blog, I have the Musicheads podcast from MPR's The Current playing in the background. I'm always cruising for new music and most radio stations just don't stray off the beaten path anymore. This is definitely a podcast that I will be listening to regularly.

After trying out the suggested podcast directories, right now I don't have a favorite. However, Podcast Alley bothered me with the items in their 5 Featured Products list. I also didn't like that Yahoo! defaulted to music tracks. I think that the Educational Podcast Directory would be a good starting spot for students and staff wanting to explore podcasts as possible classroom and research tools.

While commiserating with others about our boring meeting later today, I had a brilliant thought for a podcast. Now to see if I actually carry through with it!