Chris Pirillo » geeks

Follower Challenge: Can We Reach 500?

Chris Pirillo — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 03:13:16 +0000

Are you a follower? Wired shared a list of Top Ten Most Popular Celebrities today. Britney Spears gets the most Twitter love apparently, with over 5.3 million followers.

Justin Bieber beat Britney on the Holy Kaw! Twitter’s most-listed though. Bieber’s 264,700+ lists completely crushed the number two on the list, Lady Gaga at 106,900+ lists. Poor Britney isn’t even close. She’s only on 59.900+ lists.

Enough of who’s the hottest celeb though. Let’s talk about who’s cool. Everyone has left the Bell Harbor Conference Center, but you can still connect with the Gnomedex speakers and attendees.

Just click the “Follow this list” button on @gnomedex/gnomedex10-attendees to connect with all the movers, shakers, and deal makers who attended the conference. That’s 236 of the smartest, coolest geeks you’ll ever meet—a Who’s Who of Social Media Leadership.

If you’re not following these folks, you should be. Otherwise you’re going to miss out on all the latest gadgets, great new software, and amazing people.

So come on people. It’s time to step up. Follow the Gnomedex 10 attendees, and let’s increase the number of followers to 500.

Follower Challenge: Can We Reach 500?

How Does a Geek Survive High School?

Chris Pirillo — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 07:54:34 +0000

How Does a Geek Survive High School?

High school is the best four years of your life – and the worst. It’s difficult for anyone to navigate their way through the ups, downs and drama. Believe it or not, even the popular crowd struggles on a daily basis just trying to survive. Imagine what it’s like for those of us who are Geeks! We’ve been looked down upon, picked on and stuffed into lockers for years. Now that Geeks are actually becoming “cool,” it may not be the nightmare that I recall. So, then, I ask you: what tips do you have on surviving high school for the younger members of our community?

To be honest, it’s not only Geeks that could use a little help. As I already mentioned, it’s pretty much every teenager who ever walked the planet that I want to help. Let’s put our heads together and come up with some excellent tips and tricks to give them. When I’ve collected several of them, I’ll publish a new post – just in time for back-to-school. Leave your tips here as a comment to the post.

Every teen needs excellent software on their computer when they head back to the classroom. Don’t forget to check out our software center to find the best deals on all of the must-have titles.

How Does a Geek Survive High School?

Seattle Geek Week

Chris Pirillo — Sun, 09 May 2010 02:21:06 +0000

Seattle Geek Week

So, the 10th Gnomedex conference has been scheduled for August 19 – 21, 2010 (and everybody is invited to attend, by the way).

Some of my Seattle-area friends have been asking if they could hold their event during the week of Gnomedex (assumedly, asking out of respect). That got me to thinking: why not string together some kind of loosely-official “Seattle Geek Week” to further make connections between the lot of us?

I started to write this post long before Andrew Hyde and the Startup Citizens of Boulder, CO announced Boulder Startup Week – but that endeavor is very much in the same vein, and should underscore my vision and serve as call-to-action for Seattle Netizens.

“Geek,” as defined by Wikipedia:

A person with a devotion to something in a way that places him or her outside the mainstream. This could be due to the intensity, depth, or subject of their interest. Persons have been labeled as or chosen to identify as physics geeks, mathematics geeks, engineering geeks, sci-fi geeks, computer geeks, various science geeks, movie and film geeks (cinephile), comic book geeks, theater geeks, history geeks, music geeks, art geeks, philosophy geeks, literature geeks, historical reenactment geeks, 2012 geeks, video game geeks, and roleplay geeks.

If you want to produce a gathering for your own community in Seattle (or any surrounding city), let’s do it. The Eastside can play, too – since that’s where I happen to live. ;)

This idea is not specific to technology groups – it’s for any one of our communities which have only grown stronger through tools like Blogs, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, MySpace, and the like. If anything, I’m hoping to create mutual awareness, helping various communities connect with one another – to help them escape their own echo chambers.

Any group can participate.
Any event can participate.
Any venue can participate.
Any person can participate.

There are no committees – just communities. I don’t even have a logo for the idea, though I did register the SeattleGeekWeek.com domain the other day.

I’ve set up a Google Calendar for the Seattle Geek Week Schedule (iCal) – but this is just an organizational starting point (Boulder used Plancast):

If you’d like to celebrate your connections and interests in a real-world capacity, why not do something that week? To be added to the calendar, simply submit your event details and we’ll get ‘er included:

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All submissions are made public immediately, but many not be included in the calendar until a human volunteer gets to them. I don’t know who that volunteer is yet. :) HELP.

Seattle Geek Week

How to Make use of Geeks

Chris Pirillo — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 02:15:46 +0000

How to Make use of Geeks

Add to iTunes | Add to YouTube | Add to Google | RSS Feed

Joseph is a member of our community, including having an active account on Geeks. He recorded a video talking about how he makes use of Geeks, and giving recommendations as to how YOU can best use it, as well.

Geeks is a site that allows you to have a profile, participate in discussions, add videos and photos, and even have a blog of your own. You can even join or create groups for anything you are interested in, which lets you meet people with common interests.

As of the writing of this post, Geeks has just over 26,000 members. There are more than 13,000 blog posts, 18,000 discussions and 1100 groups! Our members have added approximately 10,000 videos, 64,000 photos and several thousand audio files.

You can earn points through Ning, and give virtual gifts to your friends. Leave a comment for anyone you choose, or have fun decorating and customizing your profile page. Most of the content on the site can be shared with the World via Twitter, thanks to a simple-to-use Twitter button that will show up near the posts.

If you aren’t a member of Geeks yet, what are you waiting for? There are so many things you can do and get involved with… and it won’t cost you anything other than your time and imagination.

Want to embed this video on your own site, blog, or forum? Use this code:

How to Make use of Geeks

When is Your Birthday?

Chris Pirillo — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:41:45 +0000

When is Your Birthday?

I noticed around the web that we have three community members celebrating birthdays today! Traci Toguchi, Frank Eliason and Drew Olanoff will all be blowing out candles today. Now, normally I’d say a simple “Happy Birthday!” and be done with it. However, realizing today is Drew’s birthday gave me pause, and made me think…

Six months ago, Drew completely sure what his future held. He was diagnosed with cancer back in May, and the fight began. He finished up his last Chemo treatment a week ago, and the doctors have given him the awesome news that his tumors are gone. He is free of that stupid disease, hopefully forever. He continues his fight against Cancer, with the support of many thousands of people… including Drew Carey. In order to help raise money for the Livestrong foundation, all you have to do is click that little “Follow” button on Drew Carey’s Twitter page. For every follower – up to one million – that Drew gets prior to midnight on New Year’s Eve, he will donate one more dollar. How cool is that?

Thinking about all of this, and Drew O’s birthday, kind of puts life into perspective a little, eh? It makes one remember to stop and be thankful for what we have… right here, right now. It makes us want to push ourselves a little harder to do the things we promised ourselves we would do. It makes us want to reach out and tell those we care about that we do, in fact, love them.

Cancer touches everyone. EVERYONE. In some way or another, your life will be affected by Cancer at some point. Even though Drew’s personal fight may have come to an end, the war has only begun. Keep doing your part in kicking Cancer’s ass, everyone. We won’t rest until we eradicate it for good.

Birthdays aren’t the only thing going on in our community today, as you know. All of you are busy posting and writing, sharing your thoughts and dreams. What have you read that was interesting or thought-provoking? If I missed something, please leave a follow-up comment and share it with the rest of us!

Today in our downloads center, we have several excellent apps for Windows. Be sure to check them out!

[awsbullet:cancer handbook]

When is Your Birthday?

Windows 7 – Thumbs Up or Down?

Chris Pirillo — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:24:26 +0000

Windows 7 – Thumbs Up or Down?

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?

It’s an awesome thing to see that much of the response is very, very positive. After the disaster that was Windows Vista, Microsoft has rebounded very, very well. I am enjoying using Win 7 myself, so much so that I have already written and published an eBook full of tips and tricks. I am using it on my Mac via Parallels, and even upgraded my HP TouchSmart to Windows 7 tonight, as well! I’m happy to report that Kat was right… the drivers are all updated on HPs website to make the Touch features work in Win 7!

So… let’s have it. What are your thoughts on Windows 7? Do you have it yet? If so, what do you think so far? If you don’t have it yet… are you planning to upgrade anytime soon? Why – or why not?

Windows 7 isn’t the only thing our community has been discussing lately, of course. On any given day, you’ll find blogs and discussions on any number of topics, ranging from health to politics to religion to computers and technology… and all the way to education, likes and dislikes and anything even remotely Geeky! If you aren’t contributing to either site yet, we’d love to have you. Even if you don’t feel you have anything to say, why not take some time to read what others are up to? You just may be surprised at the fact you can learn something new, or even gain a different perspective than you otherwise would have about something important.

As always, be sure to check out what Apps are on sale and hot off the presses in our downloads center! The team is finding some excellent deals for you every day.

Windows 7 – Thumbs Up or Down?

What Do You Read?

Chris Pirillo — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:05:55 +0000

What Do You Read?

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.

I also spend a great deal of time reading things online. I’m constantly perusing blogs, forums, website postings, news sites – you name it, and I likely read it if it’s online. Even though it’s something I’m reading on a computer screen, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve my full attention. It doesn’t mean that it isn’t just as important as a book I can hold in my hands.

What do you read the most? Do you spend time curled up with a book, or are you like me… preferring to read what people in the world are up to, thinking, feeling and writing about? If you haven’t been keeping up with what people are doing on Lockergnome and Geeks, now is as good a time as any.

Be sure, as always, to keep your eyes on our downloads pages. We’re constantly updating it to bring you the very best and hottest software and apps at the lowest prices we can get for you!

What Do You Read?

Do Your Research – on Every Topic

Chris Pirillo — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 05:07:44 +0000

Do Your Research – on Every Topic

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.

It doesn’t matter if you’re buying print cartridges, a new television or computer, or even whether you’re in the market for a new house. Do your research. Find out what others are saying. Know what the strengths and weaknesses are of whatever it is you’re looking at purchasing or investing in. Don’t buy something only because so-and-so told you that you should, even if that so-and-so was me. Buy whatever is going to fit your needs – and your budget – the best.

One great way to find out what is good, and what is not so good, is to read what people are saying on Lockergnome and Geeks.

If you’re in the market for new software of any type – mobile platforms included – be sure to keep an eye on the deals and discounts we pass on to you every day!

Do Your Research – on Every Topic

Walk Loud and Carry a Soft Stick

Chris Pirillo — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:47:57 +0000

Walk Loud and Carry a Soft Stick

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.

What does the real quote walk softly and carry a big stick mean to you? I’ve talked to others about this before, and the answers actually vary slightly. That’s one of the things I love about our community. Even when we agree on something, we still have differences in exactly what we’re thinking and saying. One of the best parts of my day is always reading what you guys are up to, what you’re thinking and feeling about things going on in the world. If you’re not making time to read the content others are pushing out, you are definitely missing out.

Walk Loud and Carry a Soft Stick

Are YOU a Social Media Geek?

Chris Pirillo — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:52:38 +0000

Are YOU a Social Media Geek?

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.

It’s amazing and awesome to me to see the amount of people who are introduced to social media every day. The number of us who just seem to get it is growing faster than I can keep up with. There are those who scoff, claiming social media is a passing phase. HELLO! Where the hell do you get that idea? As I said – I’ve been immersed in social media for about 17 years now. How is that a passing phase?! Those are the people who don’t get it. They are the ones who don’t take understand the immeasurable ways that interacting with others online in this fashion can change their lives. They are the ones who are missing out.

So, I ask again – are YOU a social media geek? Do you get it? What IS social media to you, anyway – and how do you make it a part of your life?

You do know that I have a couple of social media-related sites, right? If you don’t, what rock have you been hiding under? Hopefully, you’re a member of Geeks, and follow what’s being posted on Lockergnome, as well. We certainly have a hell of a lot of people on those sites who GET social media. Why don’t you check us out?

Are YOU a Social Media Geek?

I Get By With a Little Help from my Friends

Chris Pirillo — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:22:14 +0000

I Get By With a Little Help from my Friends

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.

It’s ok to reach out to someone when you’re hurting/mad/confused/pissed off. It’s ok to need someone to talk to. It’s ok to need your friends! After all, they need you, too!

So why am I writing about this, anyway? It’s not some deep thought, nor a cry for help, I promise! I just happened to hear the song on the radio a bit earlier, and it made me remember how thankful I am to have such an awesome circle of friends surrounding me. I hope that you have that in your lives, as well!

One great way to make new friends is to reach out to like-minded people on social networking sites, like both Lockergnome and Geeks. Search through titles of posts and read things that interest you. Here, let me make it easy on you!

I Get By With a Little Help from my Friends

Geeks can Dance!

Chris Pirillo — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 06:47:50 +0000

Geeks can Dance!

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?

Can you dance? Do you just shake it in time to the music, or can you do fancy steps with difficult names? Do you step on your partner’s feet, or are you a regular Fred Astaire (or Ginger Rogers!)? Let’s hear it… we promise not to laugh!

Geeks can Dance!

What’s Your Favorite Commercial?

Chris Pirillo — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:48:18 +0000

What’s Your Favorite Commercial?

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!

What’s Your Favorite Commercial?

Do you Network Socially Too Much?

Chris Pirillo — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 03:28:18 +0000

Do you Network Socially Too Much?

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?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!

Do you Network Socially Too Much?

Geek Violence

Chris Pirillo — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 07:13:55 +0000

Geek Violence

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.

Geek Violence