Point - N - Click

In response to Steve Rubel’s question: “What feeds should be default in IE7 and Longhorn“, I like when programs give me a clearly-written option to install extra things, but otherwise leave everything plain-as-vanilla by default. I could see the question arise during installation (or even later) if I would enjoy the chance to select from several well-established RSS feeds across a small spectrum. Not too vast to blow-away the new user, but with some interesting categories. To me, a few selected feeds under headings such as these would be good:

• News
• Technology
• Politics / Government
  (does my city have an RSS newsfeed? How can I get more involved in my community?)
• Entertainment (Movies & Music)
• Living / Lifestyle / Travel
• Health
• …and maybe some light shopping links

Finally, I would love a well-written, easy-access audiovisual presentation from Microsoft explaining lightly what an RSS feed actually is, how to use them, why it’s valuable to the everyday user, and how to spot one. One thing is incredibly clear: when Microsoft wants to promote an idea or a concept, they do an exceptional job.

«soapbox»None of us fully know where RSS is going, but we know its very nature restricts confinement. Please, Microsoft, be a team-player in the larger RSS landscape on this one. Don’t try and cage it up or force it to obey you. Let the people choose. Just give us the tools and show us how to use them.«/soapbox»

At Steve Rubel’s suggestion, I am here, trying out Yahoo!360. I like social software, and this sure looks easy and simple enough to use.

More than anything, how extensible is the framework? Will I be able to trackback to other sites (and allow them to trackback to me?) Can I add my own HTML in the sidebar?

Bring it on, Yahoo! You’ve done a great job in the past, but don’t box me in too tightly, please!

See my trial at: http://360.yahoo.com/theloseweightguy

Thinkgeek is selling a miniature USB-powered lava-lamp for $10 — now that’s a good buy!

Link

(via Boing Boing, Gizmodo)

As many people are already blogging, Microsoft is supporting some cool stuff with RSS in Longhorn

So now that the public is credited for calling the shots, what does it mean for public relations? Here are the 10 commandments for public relations professionals as I see them in the Golden Era of Participation…

Micro Persuasion: 10 Commandments for The Era of Participatory Public Relations

Over the weekend, del.icio.us moved to new servers, and the results are great. Much faster bookmarking and the new "tag clouds" are interesting. Nice job!

del.icio.us: delicious del.icio.us cool web tech

You already know this: In your career search, knowing people, and knowing people they know becomes very important. 

Linked In is a (free) tool I am using to manage my professional and personal relationships.  Linked In makes it easy for me to introduce you to people I know that I think you should know.  Plus, like writing a blog, it helps you become more alive to me, and potential colleagues.

If you’re on this website because of a relationship we have (either through SOS Technical, or some other reason), please contact me and (after you have joined Linked In yourself) ask me to add you to my contact list.  I would love to have you connected to me and, through me, my network of good people.

Notes:

• First, thanks to Paul Allen for introducing me to Linked In.
• See my Linked In profile
• Once you’re Linked In, download their (free) Linked In Jobs Insider Toolbar for Internet Explorer.