What's New in CSIT
Blogging Mojo
Well, dear readers, it's been a while. . .
My absence from blogging has got me thinking about some of the core issues with Web communications and, for that matter, social media communication outlets like Facebook and Twitter.
Making time.
A while back in a lively Communications Advisory Board discussion, Joe Connell used a term that resonates with me to this day - "The tyranny of the urgent."
In the rush of the day to day, it can be hard to make communications a top priority. Even when you're a communicator by trade. For the last few weeks I've been guilty of pushing TOW to the bottom of my to-do list. Not because I don't think I need to post, but other urgent items get in the way.
Having something to say.
My idea of having a blog that contains worthwhile content seems to be at odds with what electronic communications experts advise as the rate of post. I just can't be useful 3 times a day - or 3 times a week for that matter. I think that's why tweeting and blogging can get a bad rap - and people joke that the content is of the "what I had for lunch" variety.
I envisioned this blog as having useful, thoughtful content. And that can be hard to crank out with great frequency (at least for me.)
Do these issues resonate with you?
Some strategies
Shared content is the easiest and why ANR blogs like the Food Blog and Latino Briefs Digest work. The job of posting is spread out among many authors.
Aggregate. Sometimes just passing along an outside item of interest is enough. Remember - the Web is all about pointing.
Serialize. Breaking a long post down into several parts gives you more content and makes your blog easier for busy people to read.
Pay yourself first. Financial experts advise that paying yourself first is the surest way to save. Fitness experts advise working out first thing in the morning so you have no excuses later in the day. Notice I'm posting on Monday?
Create a backlog. Write multiple posts when you've got the time or you're feeling inspired. Keep a file of post ideas.
Have you got a favorite strategy? Pass it along!
Blog Changes
The ANR Blogs have seen quite a few more changes this week in both the administration area and the public side. In the Administration area we've changed the main section of the page from lists of links to more informative view of your Blog. The new view shows the number of posts on your blog, number of comments, comments waiting to be approved,...
Adobe Connect Update postponed until May 2011
Learn about the new features of Adobe Connect Pro 8 currently scheduled for May 2011. This update is provided by Adobe on the Adobe-hosted server we use. UCD and ANR have no say in the timing of the upgrade.
Flip died
Last week, it was announced that the Flip camcorder will no longer be made or supported. Details are here: zd.net/fg5pah
I never liked it. It takes great video. It was a pain to edit the way I wanted in its software. It was a pain to import it into other software, except when it wasn't. It was very affordable. It didn't accept external mics or even headphones so doing "keeper audio" was sketchy. It was simple to use, except when it wasn't.
If only the one I have didn't lock up every time I shoot a scene longer than 1 minute. If only removing the battery each time wasn't the only way to get it going again. It is still ideal for quick YouTube videos that don't have long scenes and simple editing will do. But I need better than that. We all do. That's why I never could bring myself to recommend it.
I always dreaded getting calls for Flip help from ANR folks because I knew they were having the same issues I did. I only got one because they had. I wanted to study it, master it. But I learned I didn't want it. Finally, relief is on the way--time is on my side now and the calls about Flip will just fade away.
Farewell, Flip. I'll be adding you my display of yesterday's technology as soon as your specialized rechargeable batteries wear out.
Special Guests
We have had some special guests at the office this past weekend. They have really enjoyed their time here. And it looks like they don't want to leave. These are wild Turkeys that freely roam the City of Davis.The shot here is classic... The male in the background strutting his stuff and the female (?) standing on the fountain getting a drink of...