chrispirillo: Dislike Button Comes to Facebook: http://bit.ly/4xSCI7 [What's not to not like?] — 6:26pm
The World is buzzing with talk of the release of Windows 7 at long last. Heck, even I spent my evening talking to the community about their thoughts on the new OS, including a nice long convo about the security of 7 with my assistant, Kat. Everywhere you look online, people are talking about Windows 7. It’s all over Twitter. It’s on blogs. It’s on both Lockergnome and Geeks. It’s even in the news. So, what are people saying?
Earlier today, I posted a video (and blog post) filled with tips on how to maximize your comprehension when it comes to whatever you are reading. That video made me reflect on the types of things I tend to read. I don’t often sit down with a book. When I do, though, my concentration is so absolute that I tend to tune out everything else. I let myself become absorbed by the text. This allows me to truly comprehend and digest whatever it is I’m reading.
Earlier tonight, I put up a blog post discussing the possible trouble you can run into by using generic ink cartridges. Just a few days ago, I talked in another post about what a great deal they can be – for some people. This is why I always caution you to do your research. Not every deal is going to be a good one for every person. Not every brand will work for you. What is “awesome” for one person, may very well be a disaster for you.
Okay, so maybe that’s not how the speech went when Vice-President Roosevelt delivered it. But I like to grab your attention! Saying a popular quote completely wrong is sure to accomplish that.
I’ve talked quite a lot about social media recently, with good cause… everyone is talking about it! It’s the hot new thing. Wait, no – that’s not right. Social media isn’t “new.” Why do people keep saying it is? The only thing that’s new is the name for it – Social Media. As I said in a video earlier, social media is simply a set of tools we can use to communicate. Heck, we’ve had tools to communicate online for years now. It’s just that today’s tools are so much easier to use, everyone can use them. You don’t have to be a hard-core geek anymore. You simply have to be able to get online, and type something somewhere.
Do you remember that song? If you’re as old as I am, then I know you’re singing it in your head now, simply from reading the title. It’s true, you know. We ‘get by’ with the help of our friends. Sometimes, they may not even realize they are helping us, yet they do – simply by being there. Life is full of unexpected surprises, both good and bad. We can’t always be superman (woman!) and just handle everything on our own.
Different types of dance seemed to be a common theme today when I was browsing around on both Lockergnome and Geeks. We had blog titles with the words Jitterbug, Rhumba and Cha-Cha in them! Don’t tell me Geeks can’t get their groove on! I happen to know for a fact that while I myself cannot dance, many of you can! My friend Andy, for instance, is an accomplished Swing and Ballroom dancer… and he’s a hard-core coder! How do you like those apples?
With all the talk of the new Miscrosoft commercials in Europe and the Pre wanting to co-exist with the iPhone, I can’t help but thinking about commercials in general. What’s your favorite technology-related commercial on television? You do remember what TV is, right? Do you love that annoying (yet catchy) Comcast song? Or are you more inclined to watch the Dell laptop commercials over and over? Let’s hear your thoughts!
I was reading a thread on Geeks this afternoon, and it got me to thinking. There are so many different types of social networking sites out there these days. If you’re like me, you belong to them all. Do you log in to them all? Do you update them all? Heck, do you even read them all? How do you know when enough is enough? Where do you draw the line? How much is TOO much?
This guest blog post was written by the geek known as “kpsince1953.”
I don’t think it would be outrageous to suggest that most Geeks are friendly passive creatures who would never dream of committing a savage, violent act. This made me think of the violence in the world and how it affects Geeks and even the part we play in local and global acts of violence.
The individuals who design weapons of war could most likely be described as Geeks. Not because Geeks have any violent intent, but rather though there interests and knowledge of technology. What I’m trying to say is the type of person who succeeds in the world of weapons development most likely has a personal interest in the field of technology and the communities that follow its progression. Therefore, s/he could most likely be described as a Geek.
I feel the Geeks connection to violence extends further. It’s no secret that technological progression has a lot to do with space travel and perhaps even more so, the military. Therefore, a lot of modern technology is a product of violent intentions, and which stereotype uses technology more than any other? Geeks.
I have come to the conclusion that Geeks – possibly the most passive and gentle of all people – are directly involved and largely responsible for all the major wars of our time. I understand this is a sensationalist claim. But I believe my reasoning is sound. As a proud Geek myself I wanted to delve further into this ironic turn of events. In doing so I came to a second more important conclusion. The same category of individual who would be contracted to design a weapon would also be suitable to design a wheel chair, or prosthetic limb. I would even be willing to bet on that it will be a Geek who will cure cancer.
My final conclusion is simple. I believe that the Geeks influence on the modern world is immeasurable. Geeks have provided the tools to perform the worst and best acts in human history. However, while Geeks may be the ones providing the tools to commit these acts, they themselves are controlled by other men and governments who decide how those tools are to be used.
I’m willing to bet that old song is now stuck in your head. If you’re too young to know and remember the song – well, you just missed out. Look it up on YouTube, and immerse yourself!
Even those of us who are power users or experts with technology need help sometimes. None of us can possibly know everything there is to know. Who do you go to when you get stuck and need an answer, or an extra set of eyes? Who can you call up to pick their brains, hopefully helping to solve your problem? I’m lucky to have a good network of friends that I know I can turn to, depending on what the problem is I’m facing. Being a Geek (and a guy!) – I admit I have a hard time reaching out and asking for help. I tend to research and fiddle, trying to fix whatever it is myself. But sometimes, you just have to wave that white flag and say “Help me!!”. So – who can you count on to give you those answers? Have you ever thanked them for taking the time out of their day to patiently help you? Make sure you do!
Someone started a discussion the other day on Geeks, asking others if they felt the site has changed too much. The OP was griping about how not every single discussion and blog post was technology-related, and how dare a group of Geeks talk about anything else?! Kat replied, reminding everyone that when we first began the site, we stated from the get-go that it wasn’t only designed for Technology Geeks. A Geek is someone who has passion for something, whether it be technology, gardening, singing or even motorcycles. Therefore, Geeks is a place for anyone and everyone who has some type of passion. How, then, has it “changed”? People are talking about what’s on their minds, and in their hearts. They’re making use of the site the way I intended it. If some people want more tech-related threads, then they will hopefully start them.
There’s an old saying in the Bible or some book that I don’t even remember for sure. It says “And the Geeks shall inherit the Earth”. A friend of mine argued with me the other night, claiming that it’s supposed to be the meek shall inherit the Earth. I beg to differ. I know what it says, thank you very much. We all know it’s pure fact that Geeks are taking over the World, and that we will one day rule inherit the World. Why haven’t you given in and joined us yet? You know you’re going to have to!
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When I first met Traci, I quickly recognized that she takes the time to respond to most (if not all) comments made to her on Twitter, YouTube, her blog, and even in Geeks! This is someone who understands community, and what it takes to make it grow.
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