Making Sense of the Noise

The Internet and everything can be a lot of white noise to some. Understanding it can be a problem for people that don’t understand the technology. Yet it is this technology that is shaping our future and that of our children.

This would have to be the best video that I have ever seen. It embodies nearly every aspect of where we have been, where we are and where we are going. Sure it has been floating around for a while now but I think it is great, inspiring and very well done. I have seen it about 10 times now, but you need to watch it more than once; the pace is quick.

I am not saying that it explains everything or that it has any answers for you. Yet it might send you on a path of discovery or just help to put things into perspective. The concepts that this video encompasses is the basis of RSS, Web 2.0, content, delivery, community and heaps more. The implications of the principles that this video depicts are wide and far reaching. While I think I understand what is happening around me I still learned a few things by watching it.

It is time to rethink a few things…

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Tracking Web 2.0

This has done the rounds a bit but I still wanted to have my say about it. Movers 2.0 is a web site that sprang up last week that tracks the movements of Web 2.0 websites and is updated daily.

This is nothing new as Seth Godin’s Web 2.0 Traffic Watch List has been around for a while. However, Seth’s page offers nearly 1000 entries and does take a while to load. Plus I don’t think it is as easy to read data from. Still it is more comprehensive. This simpler format while based on the same data is the top 100… or so; as I see there are 207 today. As well as having some nice additional features.

Movers 2.0 is based on Alexa traffic data so make of that what you will as there is much debate over the accuracy of this data. However the debate over metrics is not one that is resolved easily. But, Movers 2.0 is an indicator if nothing else. Plus there are some features that make it stand out. The inclusion of logos and being more of a visual interface makes it a lot easier to read and maintains interest.

Another nice feature is the links next to each entry to pages that contain more specific data. The “Complete” link includes graphs, news, and a nice trust indicator. This data comes from Complete to which you are redirected. However there are also links included that activate graphs with Java Script and a search for blogs linking in powered by Google. Click the “More” link to view these options.

While the top entries on sites such as this won’t change that much in the short term; the bottom 20 or so will. This is where I would be looking for the fast movers and growing sites that should be watched. This is also where you will see already popular site tussle for traffic.

To make this a more complete Web 2.0 tracker there is also a Weekly Movers List that I think is a lot more useful as far as what I do. This page also offers all the features that the main page does. Nice.

This really is a one stop shop for getting a snapshot of the web on any given day and for tracking the weekly goings on in 2.0. No metrics is ever going to be perfect or the most reliable over another but it takes sites like this one to add to our arsenal of sites that tell us about traffic, numbers and ultimately popularity to be able to maintain a balanced view. Nicely done and the inclusion of some off site data is a nice touch.

Huge Digg Site Update

The Digg website has just come online, back up from being offline after a massive update. This is a big change ands sees a visual and layout change and the addition of a swag of new features.

The thing that jumped right at me was the whole site look has changed to a “Web2.0” look and feel, with heaps of AJAX and and slick rendering. The second thing was that you can now submit podcasts to Digg! This is in beta and you need to be registered to even look at it.

Podcasts are ranked in the usual Digg fashion but in addition to that they are catagorized. You can play a podcast from the Digg page, you can subscribe to it using an RSS reader. Plus because individual podcast episodes can be Dugg there are the top 10 episodes to see on the right. The “Top 10” on the right is reflected through the site in all sections.

Video has it’s own section now, due to the popularity of video. There is the function of being able to view video from the page without having to leave. A lightbox pops up and plays the video when you click the thumbnail play button.

One other feature of note is that under each catagory, such as News; there has been added the top stories based on time. For example the Top Story in the last 24 hours right up to a year. Nice touch.

The areas of change in functionality are:

• Interface: Gone is the fixed width format in with flexible format, wide screen owners rejoice. All the navigation has been moved to the top
• Video enhancments: Separate section, top 10 videos and play onsite
• Podcasting: New beta section, digg your faviourate podcasts or episodes, catagories of podcasts
• Profile enhancments: quickly jump between News, Videos or podcasts within your profile as well as a Friends tab to see what they are doing.

Check it all out in full on the Digg Blog, they also include a quick video that covers all the changes. Then… I guess go Digg something.

Marketing Our Podcast: A Challenge Issued!

We are having some trouble at The Global Geek Podcast HQ! We need some kick-arse marketing strategies and quick. No, I am not doing what my brother suggested:

“…Tattoo the URL to your penis, photograph it, then post it on your blog, digg the article.”

While this strategy might spike some interest and probably work; it was not really what I had in mind when I asked him if he had any ideas about exposure! So I am asking the faithful readers of my blog to do a couple of things that will help.

• If you have not checked out the podcast, head on over to The Global Geek Podcast homepage and at least have a listen to the show, if you like it SUBSCRIBE to the RSS feed.
• If you like the podcast or you think someone else might then tell them.
• If you have a blog then why not give us a bit of a plug or put the podcast in your blog roll or links. I can get you a logo or graphic if you want it to look good.
• We reviewed a site called Folkd in the last podcast it is a great “Digg” type site but very, very good and looks awesome, I have posted our podcast on there so that it can be voted on. If you like the podcast then Register and give it a Folkd! (vote/”digg”).
• Same for Shoutwire and Newsvine
• If you have a Digg account then why not Digg the latest episode? (doesn’t look so good if we do it…)
• Let us know what else we might do to spread the word about the podcast.

I think that we have a reasonable podcast and that our content is good. So now we need exposure. We are trying to do that but we need your help! If you listen to the podcast and reckon other people should as well then tell them, or at least another two people, then tell them to do the same. It is greatly appreciated.

So I also issue a challenge! Read on…

If one person truly blows me away by something that they do to give us some major exposure (that we can see results from – like more downloads), I will personally fund a prize for that person! That’s right I’ll send you clobber. Don’t expect anything too amazing, we are not making money you know, but it will be cool and practical – cause that’s what you do when you don’t have much cash!

And you are on the show (if you want to be) to tell everyone what you did!

If there are any podcasters out there or anyone else for that matter with some great ideas then let me know by dropping me a comment or you can also send us email at The Global Geek Podcast. Thanks everyone I appreciate it and so does The Podcast Network!

The Global Geek Podcast: http://www.globalgeekpodcast.com

RSS Feed: http://globalgeek.thepodcastnetwork.com/feed/

Great New Features for Mikons

Some time back I reviewed a site called Mikons. At the time I did not know how popular this story would be. If my memory recalls correctly it remains the top post on this blog for hits. I touted the site as a great place to make your own logo or avatar, which I would still maintain. I am in the process of “colourising” my own logo which I am hoping to use in some way shape or form, I also added extra text and formatting. (don’t worry Mark I am getting to it!). But that is the serious side to the site for me and that is but a small part.

As I said then this really is a service that people are looking for and are excited about. Since that post I have spoken with the owner of the site, Mark Smith and I can tell you that there is more install for this great site in the way of features and function in the near future. Which leads me to this post. Mikons have launched some great features that are worthy of mention.

For a start the site has had a bit of an overhaul as far as layout. The new layout looks good and is functional. This to me is not the big feature that is now available. Now you have the option to “Visit the Mikon’s Store”. The link is on the right hand side of the web site. I would suggest to Mark that even knowing the site I do not think this is as prominent as it could be. When I originally set eyes on this new layout and looked for the link I found it hard to find, I was looking for it in the top menu. You do have to be logged in to take advantage of the shop!

Click the link and you will be prompted to log in, once logged in you will have the option to buy T-Shirts and Stickers in various configurations, shipped to your door. Still only offered in the black and White variety, but stay tuned on that front. I say no more than that. But the interface to make your purchase is very slick and easy. Although I did think that the description of the presentation for the print being square or contour needed a bit more explanation – I actually thought that an image would be great here, nothing like a visual to help out. So in just a few minutes, following the steps you can order your mikon or logo or whatever you wish it to be called to be plastered on a T-Shirt to wear around town.

I encountered a bit of a problem at this point. For this review I was wanting to check the ordering and security. But the Shopping cart did not like the fact that I was an Australian and I did not have a U.S. post code or “zip”. So it would not let me continue. It is Okay I put in a bogus zip for me – New York for test purposes! So I can tell you that the checkout is over a secure SSL encrypted web page. Good. Fill in your details and I am assuming that is all there is to it. Phew! The process is nice and uses an Ajax interface which is smooth, although the prompts “fade away” a bit quickly. It would be good to have the checkout link near the “buy” button as well. Minor gripes though.

The same process applies to order stickers that come in two sizes. Black and White affair. The ones that Mark has sent me are excellent quality as well. They look like they would stick to just about anything. The ute will be get the treatment when I next get the motivation to wash it! Which I could send into Mikon Sightings! Yep not only can you order stuff, you can take a picture of any Mikon you see in the wild and send it in to the crew at Mikons and they will post it on the site! Nice feature and fun!

However, it would appear that at this time overseas ordering is not available. I will discover when it will be and let readers know.

So get into the Mikons scene visit the site, sign-up and start making your own to wear or plaster the walls with stickers and have fun being an individual. I still maintain that this is a great site with a load of potential and future. I think it is great that the web2.0 concept is begining to go beyond the web and make an impact where you least expect it – your wardrobe!