I explored Technorati, including running searches for topics of interest, following tags, and I even claimed this blog. But frankly, I just don't see how I would really use it.
I can see how it could be a useful tool, but mostly for those that are either into blogging as a hobby or use it as an aspect of their job (for example, those in the media or larger institution libraries that might write and monitor others' blog entries, or for monitoring our blog participation in Vermont's 23 Things!).
For my own personal and job related purposes, I think I'll stick to my RSS feeds.
Showing posts with label RSS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RSS. Show all posts
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Spokeo = spooky?
An article in Newsweek, Friends under the microscope, first brought the site spokeo to my attention. It's one of those web 2.0 apps that are bound to bring fear and loathing to the hearts of privacy lovers everywhere. Being somewhat of a millennial, I don't have the paranoid tendencies of most technophobes, so of course, I wanted to check it out straight away! I have to admit, I can see both the appeal of the site and yet understand why it can be disturbing.
The site is dedicated to allowing users to track this friends online content (which is public information since it's is out there in cyperspace) without having to access each application- much like a RSS aggregator allows one to read various blogs in one central format without going to each blog's site.
Spokeo specifically advertises "Track your friends. Spokeo tracks your friends' new content, so you don't have to visit their websites one by one." And, "Spokeo find your friends' blogs and photos that you never knew about, guaranteed."
And they are right. I uploaded my address books from my various email accounts. I found people's (including my husband's) amazon wish lists and shopping carts. I found pictures uploaded from site like Flickr and Picasa from old co-workers or friends that I'm no longer in contact with (but since I have their email, they are tracked on this site). Which of course, made me feel like some kind of stalker type. Or at least like an uncomfortable voyeur.
It is a little spooky, even for this tech enthusiast. That said, I will continue to use this site because it's the only way I can track updates on everyone's online content without having to visit their various sites, which is so much easier for me (just like RSS). And I can easily delete the people that I am not interested in tracking from my "friends" list on spokeo, so I don't have to feel uncomfortable viewing their online info.
The site is dedicated to allowing users to track this friends online content (which is public information since it's is out there in cyperspace) without having to access each application- much like a RSS aggregator allows one to read various blogs in one central format without going to each blog's site.
Spokeo specifically advertises "Track your friends. Spokeo tracks your friends' new content, so you don't have to visit their websites one by one." And, "Spokeo find your friends' blogs and photos that you never knew about, guaranteed."
And they are right. I uploaded my address books from my various email accounts. I found people's (including my husband's) amazon wish lists and shopping carts. I found pictures uploaded from site like Flickr and Picasa from old co-workers or friends that I'm no longer in contact with (but since I have their email, they are tracked on this site). Which of course, made me feel like some kind of stalker type. Or at least like an uncomfortable voyeur.
It is a little spooky, even for this tech enthusiast. That said, I will continue to use this site because it's the only way I can track updates on everyone's online content without having to visit their various sites, which is so much easier for me (just like RSS). And I can easily delete the people that I am not interested in tracking from my "friends" list on spokeo, so I don't have to feel uncomfortable viewing their online info.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
RSS
What do you like about RSS and newsreaders?
What I like most about RSS and newsreaders is that I can synthesize my reading(s) into one area. I especially like google's because I can read my feeds regardless of what computer I'm using. This is very convenient for me, to keep abreast of my reading whether I'm on the home desktop, my lap top or my work computers.
How do you think you might be able to use this technology in your library or personal life?
I think this technology is very useful for any library because there are blogs for most types of employment types. There are even some cool dewey blogs! I like the also like the medical library blogs.
How can libraries use RSS or take advantage of this new technology?
Obviously libraries can take advantage of RSS by pushing updated info out to their customers by keeping their own blogs or by subscribing to relevant blogs out there that will keep the librarian abreast of relevant information.
What I like most about RSS and newsreaders is that I can synthesize my reading(s) into one area. I especially like google's because I can read my feeds regardless of what computer I'm using. This is very convenient for me, to keep abreast of my reading whether I'm on the home desktop, my lap top or my work computers.
How do you think you might be able to use this technology in your library or personal life?
I think this technology is very useful for any library because there are blogs for most types of employment types. There are even some cool dewey blogs! I like the also like the medical library blogs.
How can libraries use RSS or take advantage of this new technology?
Obviously libraries can take advantage of RSS by pushing updated info out to their customers by keeping their own blogs or by subscribing to relevant blogs out there that will keep the librarian abreast of relevant information.
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