It’s All Connected

With so many websites in the Mojo Network, I don’t have time to add blog posts to every social site I am a member of. These websites are my spaces. I am paying for the domain names and server space so why would I consistently use the free, hosted sites? As someone recently said “It’s like remodeling your kitchen in the home that you rent” it just adds content to something that isn’t yours and the host makes money off of the content. No thanks!

So why am I on Facebook/MySpace/Flickr, etc? Because a lot of people are on them. You go where the traffic is to glean information and to network. Also, think of the social sites as parties. You go to see and be seen, and have a good time doing it, right? The same holds true online as well. With RSS feeds, and open networks between all of the various web apps, I don’t have to go to say, Facebook and post content from Photo Mojo because it is done automagically.

Facebook- I use this strictly as a means to view what others are doing or find interesting. Anytime one of my contacts adds something it is tracked and delivered via RSS feed so I can bypass the site and its increasing advertisements. Look me up: Chris Denbow

Linked In- Think of it as a web 2.0 contact book for workers seeking to expand their professional network. Let’s get linked: Chris “Mojo” Denbow

Plaxo- Used to be the bane of the professional world because of spamming issues and no privacy but has cleaned up and makes nice with more than a few applications since joining Google’s Open Social initiative. I just recently signed up so I can add/remove/sync all of my contacts from Gmail, Outlook, LinkedIn and my smartphone. Add me: Chris “Mojo” Denbow

Outlook 2007- quickly becoming my first stop when managing contacts as well as a social tool. Third party software including Xobni (inbox spelled backwards) allows you to connect with your contacts.

Windows Mobile 6- all contacts are stored into my phone, just in case it is needed. Sync’d with Outlook/Plaxo/Gmail/LimkedIn it is an indispensable tool on my smartphone. By using Fring, mobileware that allows you to chat with your contacts via Google Talk, Skype, Twitter, etc the value just increased.

Groups- Got a collaborative project? Need to connect with like-minded people? Both Yahoo & Google Groups are the place to go when you want secure interaction and a place to hang out collectively.

Twitter- almost as good as instant messaging individuals and groups about whatever it is on your mind or for event tracking in 140 characters or less for each “tweet”. Read/Share tweets: mojodenbow

These sites and connections help build my digital brand and allow me to meet new people both on/offline. There are people I meet with similar passions out there that I want to share with. There are a huge number of folks I meet that I need information and can learn from.

What social tools do you use to connect with new people, contacts? Let us know!

 

 

 

 

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Like 2.0? Can you write?

Calling all tech blogger wannabes! 
Do you like web 2.0/software/webware/computers/gadgets? Can you write? Techno Mojo, is looking for a few (3) enthusiasts who can explain what tools they are discovering to enhance their digital lives and share them with readers from across the globe. If you’ve ever wanted to express your opinion on the things you enjoy, here is your chance! Contact me- mojodenbow[at]gmail.com

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Feeding & Digesting

For a few years now, I have ingested ginormous amounts of content from the internet through RSS feeds I have subscribed to over 300 website’s RSS feeds. This prevents me from visiting each website individually and aggregates them into my feed reader of choice, which is currently Feed Demon. In the past I have tried most readers and really liked Bloglines and Google Reader. Feed Demon is paid desktop software while the other 2 are free web-based apps. But it is your choice in how you want to be served!

So what do I do with all 300 websites that generate on average 3 posts a day each? How does anyone assimilate and digest that much mental food? Let me clarify here: I don’t read ALL of them. In fact, I scan over a few posts to find anything of interest. When I do find something relevant and noteworthy, I’ll read it and use it. If I can’t use it then,  I will flag or save that post for future reference. Think of it as a bookmark to go back to when you have the time or pass on the second helping, thanks.

Also, when flagging for future use, I will highlight a link and tag & save it to my Delicious bookmarks, again, insuring that I will see it and use it.

So when picking through the buffet of web content I chose the finest morsels, feeds that will enrich me and make my world more productive and fun. According to Feed Demon, my top ten feeds I pay attention to (this week) are:

1.      Lifehacker

2.      Mashable

3.      Cybernet Technology News

4.      Boing Boing

5.      Webware.com

6.      TechCrunch

7.      Web Worker Daily

8.      The Terminal

9.      Laughing Squid

10.  Read/Write Web

If I want to see what is going on in the internets, I can view all of the aggregated Popular Topics from the past 48 hours (as of 9/26) according to all of my feeds.

1.      MySpace launches free mobile service

2.      Sketchcast blogging tool

3.      Wordpress 2.3 released

4.      Diigo social annotation tool

5.      Microsoft plans to invest in Facebook

6.      One Laptop Per Child

When feeds include audio or video podcasts, you can bet that they are either consumed on my desktop or transferred to my iPod so I can feed while on the go. Get your brain fed while you work out or commute to work!

That is one of the arguments for RSS feeds: Your news brought to you and consumed by you in the manner and times of your choosing.

Want to subscribe to the Mojo Network feeds that delivers content to you? Add this link from Combo Mojo to your feed reader and enjoy!