Social Pressure

I agree with Jon Fine that there is an overwhelming sense that Facebook 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 MySpace 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:


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.

Source: Fine, Jon (2007, September 17). O.K. (Sigh), I'll Join Facebook. BusinessWeek, 24

Mobile Wave or Fad?

So I took the plunge and jumped into the latest wave. Some question whether this is more like a fad.

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?

Time will tell...for now, it's not only a cool device that works, it is also a great conversation starter.

MIM

I 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 Twitter 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.

Source: Levy, Steven (2007, April 9). Twitter: Is Brevity The Next Big Thing? Newsweek, 26