tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371744552024-03-13T06:49:22.909-07:00Social Networking in the WorkplaceDiscussion forum on social networking practices and technologies and how they can be incorporated into the workplace.Stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37174455.post-19336249162088712172008-02-07T06:00:00.000-07:002008-02-06T20:56:17.170-07:00Book 2.0Anytime there is a technology discussion that includes words like reliable, killer user interface, revolution, or instant-anything eyebrows begin to raise, or you wonder what Apple is up to now.<br /><br />Steven Levy's article in <a href="http://www.newsweek.msnbc.com/" target="_blank">Newsweek</a> about <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Amazon-com-kindle/dp/B000FI73MA" target="_blank">Amazon's</a> new ebook reader is certainly interesting. I agree this "will change the way readers read, writers write and publishers publish" (p. 57), but the jury is still out if this is a revolution.<br /><br />The attractiveness of this latest entrant into digital books includes the long battery life, independence from a personal computer, and wireless capability. But it is the many other content capabilities beyond books that make this intriguing; like access to newspapers and magazines, ability to connect to <a href="http://www.wikipedia.org/" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>, <a href="http://www.google.com/" target="_blank">Google</a>, blogs, other web pages, and even other business documents in PDF format. Together these capabilities do make this device the "iPod of reading" (p. 58).<br /><br />Books and reading in general has been a social activity for centuries, but the question remains: will people want to hold a digital book in their hands or curl up in their favorite spot to journey with the author? Will the limitations of sharing, loaning, or shelving books hold this gadget back or will the overwhelming mass of content take us there eventually?<br /><br />From a business perspective, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Amazon-com-kindle/dp/B000FI73MA" target="_blank">Kindle</a> is very efficient. What are your thoughts about the pros and cons from a social interaction perspective?<br /><br />SOURCE: Levy, S. (2007 November 26). The Future of Reading. Newsweek, pp. 57-64.Stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37174455.post-35271667664682656122008-02-01T06:00:00.001-07:002008-10-18T06:08:41.297-07:00Do You See Me Now?<a href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank">Facebook</a> allows users to upload and tag photos of anyone in their network. Once tagged, you anyone in your network can see these photos. There has been some concern about how this "feature" will impact job searchers as Human Resource (HR) organizations become more connected to social networking sites.<br /><br />This tagging process on <a href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank">Facebook</a> is manual, however, there is new start-up on the scene, <a href="http://www.polorrose.com" target="_blank">Polar Rose</a>, that dynamically tags photos using face-recognition software. This takes the HR concern to new levels as photos are uploaded by friends and foes alike and you may (or likely) may not be aware that photos of you have been uploaded.<br /><br />With the growing concern for privacy as well as international security and the beginning stages of HR groups incorporating social networking technologies into their recruiting practices, what are the pros and cons of something like this?<br /><br />Schenker, J.L. (2007, December 24). Finding Faces in the e-Crowd. Businessweek, p. 70.Stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37174455.post-91167524578595248322008-01-26T09:00:00.001-07:002008-01-27T09:52:59.369-07:00Wireless Society (sort of)Increasingly we see our pop culture incorporating internet technologies into their normal routine. With the increase in wireless capability, we also see a dramatic rise in our ability to connect not just for voice, but data and rich-media as well.<br /><br />However, the limitation we are finding is the lack of cooperation of those who control these networks. Organizations like AT&T, Nextel, T-Mobile, and Alltel have a challenge as they seek to protect their interests (which translates into revenue) while cooperating with a growing demand for portability and access. Bruce Meyerson identifies how some are challenging this lack of cooperation on the grounds that it violates free speech.<br /><br />What do you think? Should we be able to send messages between carriers without charge?<br /><br />SOURCE: Meyerson, B. (2007 December 24). Not On Our Network, You Don't. Businessweek, p. 34.Stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37174455.post-61861103327028409872008-01-12T09:00:00.000-07:002008-01-23T21:41:06.328-07:00Who's Really In Control?I came across a fascinating quote recently in <a href="http://www.wired.com" target="_blank">Wired Magazine</a>. Spencer Reiss was interviewing Nicholas Carr about the future of technology. They covered the idea of dummy computers, privacy, the global network, and how we interact with computers, but the most fascinating quote was: <br /><br /><blockquote>We're beginning to process information as if we're nodes; it's all about the speed of locating and reading data. We're transferring our intelligence into the machine, and the machine is transferring its way of thinking into us.</blockquote><br />How are you seeing this in your business?<br /><br />SOURCE: Reiss, S. (2008, JAN). Do You Trust Google? Wired, p. 42.Stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37174455.post-56251720522653387372008-01-05T21:32:00.000-07:002008-01-23T21:36:03.975-07:00The Not-So-Original IdeaThe idea of a network of like-minded people connecting is certainly nothing new. This has been happening for ages. Why we are at the same time so enamoured and scared of <a href="http://www.myspace.com" target="_blank">MySpace</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank">Facebook</a> is interesting. It was also interesting to learn about <em>The Well</em>.<br /><br />Launched in 1985 on a dial-up bulletin board system (BBS), The Well is one of the earliest online communities for collaboration, innovation and debate. In a recent article in Wired's 15th Aniiversary: A Look Back, Malinowski identified two key reasons for the success of this community:<br /><br /><li><b>Accountability versus anonymity</b> Many sites today remove the identity which opens up some unprofessional behavior. The Well provided the ability for people to create unique "handles" but kept them linked to a real person. </li><br /><li><b>Depth versus brevity</b> Instant messing (IM) and SMS messages are increasingly influencing our communication patterns and expectations. Some discussions merit much more than can be communicated by texting a message on a PDA. The Well provides a mechanism where people can enter into deep discussion, some of which go back 20 years.</li><br /><br />The implication for business' considering social networking include building in accountability and encouraging contributors to add meaningful thoughts and ideas to the discussion. This may require some well-trained moderators to keep the discussions on tract.<br /><br />SOURCE: Malinowski, E. (2008, JAN). The Well Runneth Over. Wired, p. 49.Stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37174455.post-79819391272189557302007-12-23T07:00:00.000-07:002007-12-22T11:06:24.794-07:00Privacy and AccuracySeems like just the time I settle in on a service of choice (for me it is my <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/sbcarman" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> page), I receive a new request to join another colleague's network, which of course is based on their preference.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.businessweek.com" target="_blank">BusinessWeek</a> reports an interested trend as more professionals create their online presence using these tools. A growing number of statups are aggregating information from various online sites like <a href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank">FaceBook</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com" target="_blank">MySpace</a>, <a href="http://www.linkedin.com" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="http://www.plaxo.com" target="_blank">Plaxo</a> and others to "track people and their reputations" as well as provide a single source for editing and maintaining their online profiles.<br /><br />The challenge is around privacy and accuracy. For example, I recently received a request to join a colleagues network on <a href="http://www.spock.com" target="_blank">Spock</a>. When I arrived, I found several threads from other profiles I had created online, but also threads for others with my name, but who are clearly not me.<br /><br />For the record, while these are real facts for others that share my name, they should not be showing up on my page on the <a href="http://www.spock.com" target="_blank">Spock</a> site: <br /><br /><li>Senior Project Manager at Northrop Grumman</li><br /><li>Member of the State of New York Legislature in 1788</li><br /><br />These can be confirmed by voting on or off one's profile, but the individual must go to the trouble to do this on a regular basis.<br /><br />From a workplace perspective, what should be taken into consideration when creating online profiles and how can you protect not only your privacy but also your credibility as those who do not know you may become confused as they are unable to distinguish names and who they belong to?<br /><br />SOURCE: Stead, Deborah, ed. (2007, September 24). It Isn't Just YourSpace Anymore. BusinessWeek, 13Stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37174455.post-15591929620138835692007-12-18T18:41:00.000-07:002007-12-18T18:48:33.983-07:00"Professional" Social NetworkingMany professionals are warming up to the idea of using social networking tools to help extend their professional networks--especially those finding themselves in a job search. Popular tools are <a href="http://www.linkedin.com" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> and <a href="http://www.plaxo.com" target="_blank">Plaxo</a>, but now that <a href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank">FaceBook</a> has opened up to non-students, this is also emerging with some.<br /><br /><li>What concerns should professionals have when using these tools?</li><br /><li>Should professionals keep separation between their "professional" and "personal" networks?</li><br /><li>Should employers search these or other internet sources as they recruit or qualify candidates?</li>Stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37174455.post-12895722418216871852007-12-15T16:00:00.000-07:002007-12-18T18:49:24.929-07:00Virtually EverywhereSemper International, along with many other organizations are turning to Web 2.0 technologies for social networking, blogs and other technologies to play a key role in it's recruiting initiatives. Read more in the December 10, 2007 issue of <a href="http://www.workforce.com" target="_blank">Workforce Management </a>.<br /><br />How does your organization use <a href="http://www.myspace.com" target="_blank">MySpace</a>, <a href="http://www.linkedin.com" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="http://secondlife.com" target="_blank">Second Life</a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank">Facebook</a> for HR-related activities?Stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37174455.post-52868856306793911912007-12-12T18:00:00.000-07:002007-12-18T18:34:45.239-07:00Unintended BroadcastingOne of the features of many social networking sites like <a href="http://www.linkedin.com" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank">FaceBook</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com" target="_blank">MySpace</a> and others is the ability to control the connections between family, friends, and colleagues and share information with them that others outside the network cannot see.<br /><br />Whether it is contact information, lists of favorites, or other bits of information, this feature is in large part one of the strengths of these tools which draw people together because of some shared interest or experience.<br /><br />Many of these sites are seeking ways to make a buck. The most common way to do this is either to provide features that are only available by agreeing to pay a subscription to access these features and the other way is to incorporate advertising.<br /><br />Steven Levy asks an interesting question about FaceBooks move to integrate "social advertising" into its site. This feature essentially generates an "ad" based on products or services used by its members. The problem Levy identifies is that these ads are not controlled by the members but are rather auto-generated by the site.<br /><br />There are numerous issues raised with this type of approach ranging from member privacy, control of information to unintended "sponsorship" of products and services used by members. <br /><br />From a workplace perspective, what issues are raised as members make personal choices for products which may be from competitors? Should employees fear retaliation from their employer as this information is "broadcast" to their community (which may contain co-workers) without their knowledge or permission?<br /><br />Levy, Steven (2007, December 10). <a href="http://www.newsweek.com/id/73351" target="_blank">Do Real Friends Share Ads?</a> <span style="font-style:italic;">Newsweek</span>, 30.Stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37174455.post-24535060473477519202007-12-08T18:00:00.000-07:002007-12-18T18:59:00.977-07:00Social Networking Site Review<li>Confused by the many social networking sites available?</li><br /><li>Are you thinking social networking is only for those under 30?</li><br /><br />Check out reviews of feature/capabilities of the leading <a href="http://social-networking-websites-review.toptenreviews.com" target="_blank">social networking sites</a>, and find one that fits your needs.Stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37174455.post-6314931789179896402007-11-01T09:24:00.000-07:002008-01-23T21:31:19.699-07:00Google Phones?I like <a href="http://www.google.com" target="_blank">Google</a>. And I love my <a href="http://www.apple.com/iphone" target="_blank">iPhone</a> because of the way this changes the way we think about this "mobile communications device." Apparently Google is looking at ways to enter the cell-phone business and take their business model of ad-based service to a new level.<br /><br />Would you use a Google Phone? Would you want ads on your cell phone?<br /><br />SOURCE: Crockett, R.O. (2007, October 8). Will a Google Phone Change the Game? Businessweek, p. 38.Stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37174455.post-23882096638471830782007-09-25T12:13:00.000-07:002007-12-25T12:18:02.282-07:00Social PressureI agree with Jon Fine that there is an overwhelming sense that <a href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank">Facebook</a> is a "must have" for everyone, whether or not you fully understand what it is or how you would use it. The once "for students only" social networking network utility, the recent purchase of <a href="http://www.myspace.com" target="_blank">MySpace</a> by Rupert Murdoch has promted Facebook to shift into hyper-gear in an attempt to win not only market share but market hype and heart as well. Like Mr. Fine, I too have succumbed and have my own Facebook site which you can find by the proverbial link below:<br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen_B_Carman/523865883" title="Stephen B. Carman's Facebook profile" target="_blank"><img src="http://badge.facebook.com/badge/523865883.174.1550466378.png" border=0 alt="Stephen B. Carman's Facebook profile"></a><br /><br />Of course, like many, I am awaiting the mashup that will allow me to update one site and publish to the many (many) sites that are springing up.<br /><br />Source: Fine, Jon (2007, September 17). O.K. (Sigh), I'll Join Facebook. BusinessWeek, 24Stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37174455.post-46431315892215079802007-08-04T07:48:00.000-07:002007-08-04T07:52:04.305-07:00Mobile Wave or Fad?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WyKqt3SxZak/RrSR1QY302I/AAAAAAAAABk/7sQ0hlF2a2k/s1600-h/SBCiPhone.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WyKqt3SxZak/RrSR1QY302I/AAAAAAAAABk/7sQ0hlF2a2k/s200/SBCiPhone.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094857422581257058" /></a><br />So I took the plunge and jumped into the latest wave. Some question whether this is more like a fad. <br /><br />With the integration of video as well as the other expected features of phone, e-mail and web, the question is how can this device be leveraged for performance support with a geographically disperse workforce?<br /><br />Time will tell...for now, it's not only a cool device that works, it is also a great conversation starter.Stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37174455.post-29150504348442047142007-05-25T12:20:00.000-07:002007-12-25T12:23:44.104-07:00MIMI have never really connected with the idea of Instant Messaging. Not sure if it was the crazy abbreviations, being in a mobile job, or not being fond of interruptions. So, needless-to-say, I was not really surprised when I read the Steven Levy story about Jack Dorsey's new startup <a href="http://www.twitter.com" target="_blank">Twitter</a> which is a service that allows you to update all your friends and family what you are doing, even when you are mobile (MIM=Mobile Instant Messaging). Not sure I want people to know where I am or what I am doing 24x7, and I would have concerns for my daughters or anyone who may turn from friend to stalker. Like any new technology, there will be flashes in the pan, evolutions and innovations that will find their way into our behavior as second nature.<br /><br />Source: Levy, Steven (2007, April 9). Twitter: Is Brevity The Next Big Thing? Newsweek, 26Stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37174455.post-8060833855199471882007-05-25T12:18:00.000-07:002007-12-25T12:20:00.990-07:00Network (really) TVFunny how words have a way of evolving. We have all understood "network" television to mean the major networks delivered over satellite or cable to our homes. With the many innovations happening on the internet, Steven Levy with Emily Flynn Vencat have introduced us to a new idea in Network TV: <a href="http://www.joost.com" target="_blank">Joost</a> which turns your computer into the delivery device which threatens the future of the traditional TV set. <a href="http://www.joost.com" target="_blank">Joost</a> does for copyrighted content what <a href="http://www.youtube.com" target="_blank">YouTube</a> has done for individual/amateur content: provided a mechanism for people to tailor content to their needs. Considered "peer-to-peer" and "on-demand" this technology adds rich content to our social networks and provides another way for people to connect around shared interests.<br /><br />Source: Levy, Steven (2007, May 14). Trashing the Tube. Newsweek, 48Stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37174455.post-64864850195030993902007-04-29T07:34:00.000-07:002007-04-29T08:04:13.437-07:00Producer PrinciplesWe heard in the period of the mid-eighties and nineties that "content was king" in the e-learning space. And yet, what the learning industry seems to continue to focus on is the delivery modality and instructional design methodology.<br /><br />As we look at other creative industries, it is interesitng to note their focus. John J. Lee, Jr. says the number one principle for producers is:<br /><br /><blockquote>Discovering, developing, and producing quality <i>stories</i> is the central focus. <i>Story</i> is the single most essential, important, and powerful asset.</blockquote><br />I would say that rather than "content being king" it is <b><i>context</b></i>, that is to say "the set of circumstances or facts that surround a particular event or situation" that give it it's meaning. Without context or "story" you don't have much more than facts on pages--electronic pages maybe, but pages none-the-less.<br /><br />Reactions? Thoughts?<br /><br />Learn more about this resource at:<br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=ministryweave-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0240803965&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37174455.post-27604055066627598812007-04-24T14:38:00.000-07:002007-04-24T14:40:14.000-07:00Tasty Training or Cheesy Training?This is cheesy on many levels, but does make me wonder about the entertainment value. Check it out:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qMVyN8jt1Zs"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qMVyN8jt1Zs" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br />Would you consider this creative? Effective? Worth it?Stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37174455.post-47305904456161716102007-04-19T08:00:00.000-07:002007-04-18T23:13:40.293-07:00MySpace or OurSpace?Most are now agreeing that social networking has taken the Internet by storm. This "storm" is due in part to the maturity of technical infrastructures and the explosion of self-publishing and social networking applications, but mostly because that is where individuals in mass are gathering.<br /><br />The real challenge/question for organizations is should they offer similar tools in their corporate communities?<br /><br />Read the following <a href="http://talentmgt.com/talent.php?pt=a&aid=305" target=blank>Talent Management</a> article by associate editor Tegan Jones and join in with your thoughts.<br /><br /><b>QUESTIONS</b><br /><li>What are the corporate fears?</li><br /><li>Why the corporate hesitation?</li><br /><li>What are the benefits?</li><br /><li>How should it be/not be managed?</li>Stephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37174455.post-42039591881466695602007-04-18T07:54:00.000-07:002007-04-18T07:55:25.902-07:0020 Things You Learn from Video Games<strong>#1</strong><br /><br /><blockquote>There is no problem that cannot be overcome by force.</blockquote><br />SOURCE: UnknownStephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37174455.post-6539959170407067372007-04-17T07:57:00.001-07:002007-04-18T07:54:36.628-07:0020 Things You Learn from Video Games<strong>#2</strong><br /><br /><blockquote>If it moves, DESTROY IT!</blockquote><br />SOURCE: UnknownStephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37174455.post-63611397129009278542007-04-17T07:56:00.000-07:002007-04-17T07:57:21.848-07:0020 Things You Learn from Video Games<strong>#3</strong><br /><br /><blockquote>Piloting any vehicle is simple and requires no training.</blockquote><br />SOURCE: UnknownStephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37174455.post-57367439587641734222007-04-16T11:04:00.003-07:002007-04-17T07:56:41.294-07:0020 Things You Learn from Video Games<strong>#4</strong><br /><br /><blockquote>One lone "good guy" can defeat an infinite number of "bad guys."</blockquote><br />SOURCE: UnknownStephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37174455.post-15099159707633130612007-04-16T11:04:00.001-07:002007-04-16T11:04:36.391-07:0020 Things You Learn from Video Games<strong>#5</strong><br /><br /><blockquote>Make sure you eat all food lying on the ground.</blockquote><br />SOURCE: UnknownStephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37174455.post-51590731942279824212007-04-14T10:24:00.000-07:002007-04-16T11:03:57.771-07:0020 Things You Learn from Video Games<strong>#6</strong><br /><br /><blockquote>You can break things and get away with it.</blockquote><br />SOURCE: UnknownStephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37174455.post-28390870639378604602007-04-14T10:23:00.000-07:002007-04-14T10:24:42.595-07:0020 Things You Learn from Video Games<strong>#7</strong><br /><br /><blockquote>You can push other vehicles off the road and get away with it.</blockquote><br />SOURCE: UnknownStephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11952417380251074536noreply@blogger.com0