Thing #22- Staying Current

I finished, I finished!!!! Seriously there was a point where this seemed like somewhat of a daunting task but once I got into the rhythm of it, it was easy. I could do like 23 more things....or not.
I'm going to be honest and say flat out that I won't be keeping up with my 23 things blog, if I were to actually spend my free time blogging it probably end up being about crafts, celebrity gossip and pictures of my pets. You know, like 50,000 other blogs out there.
I think even without the blogging it will be easy for me to keep up, a lot of the things on here I was already familiar with and I probably spend at least 10 hours a day on a computer. So keeping up with new technologies, etc. shouldn't be too difficult for me.
I'm going to go do my happy dance now (because you know, I'M FINISHED!!), so long 23 things!

Thing #21: Student 2.0

In theory I thought the assignment calculator sounded pretty cool but of course negative nancy here can find fault in everything.
Basically this is just a calculator for writing papers, you can't get too specialized with it. Also, I found it interesting that it suggested I put my paper into it's final form on the day that it's due, after I gave the calculator over a month to schedule everything. I can cut it close all by myself thank you.
On the other hand the Research calculator had me finished with my paper a week ahead of time. So if I was going to suggest one of these to someone it would be the latter.

Thing #20: Book 2.0

First off I have to ask, Who reads books on their phones? I mean even on a blackberry it seems like it would be super irritating and headache inducing.

So honestly, the #1 thing I have observed about books and reading in the library is that I seem to check out more dvd's then books to patrons each day. I mean, why read it when you can watch the condensed version of it? Although I will admit to favoring the movie version of "The Outsiders" over the book. Stay gold ponyboy...stay gold.

Yeah, anyways...
I have noticed the popularity of e-books gaining as more and more people upgrade their computers and purchase MP3 players. I for one do not like listening to audio books, besides it's better for everyone if my attention is focused solely on my driving rather than the latest James Patterson novel. I like the idea of a kindle but having never actually used or seen one in person, I guess I can't really make a comment on it's usefulness.

As for the rest of the things on this never ending list, I'm sure quite a few of them are wonderful and useful tools...if you have the time. Which right now I don't, there's a ton of DVD's that need checking out.....

Thing #19: Other Social Networks

Well I was actually surprised to see that I was a member of two of the groups listed here: Craftster and Lastfm.
I love craftster, it's a great way for people to share their latest crafty ventures and receive feedback and advice. It can be anything from sewing, jewelry, soap-making to home decorating. I've found lots of ideas and inspiration for new projects here. Plus it's just fun to see some of the crazy things people can think up and produce.
Lastfm, not such a big fan of. A friend coerced me into joining and I probably logged in a total of 3 times after that. It seems pretty much like myspace only you're stalking people based on their musical preferences. Too weird and a little lame for me.
I do however favor these more specialized social networking sites over the standard myspace/facebook which to me just end up feeling like an online high school yearbook (complete with bad pictures). These others are a great way to share ideas and opinions about specific subjects you're interested in and meet new people who have the same freaky hobbies as you.

Thing #18 - facebook & myspace

Ahh.....social networking, the downfall of modern society. I will spare you my rant of why I loathe these things.

I do however have a myspace page, for my jewelry shop on Etsy. ( Yeah, more shameless self-promotion) I don't know if it's been helpful with sales or not but I've connected with a quite a few people on there so the exposure can't hurt.
As for personal use, no thanks. I'm a pretty private person and I'm really not into random weirdos knowing more about me than most of my co-workers do. Plus really, I think at 30 I'm kind of beyond the whole online clique thing.
I have yet to explore facebook, myspace made me feel dirty enough.

Anyhow, the only audience I really think the library is going to reach with social networking are teens and maybe college students. So the information available on them really needs to be geared towards that age set. See, Pasco County and Jacksonville definitely get it.

Thing #17 - Podcasts

You know, I'm only 30 but doing "23 Things" has managed to make me feel like an 80 year old technophobe so far.
So yeah podcasts....I have absolutely no desire to spend my free time listening to some stranger drone on about a random subject. There's a reason I haven't gone back to school yet.
I know some people actually enjoy listening to podcasts (but why?? Where do they find all this time and can I borrow some?) , I sure don't ever see myself actively pursuing any in my free time. I don't even like talk radio all that much and this is pretty much what podcasts are akin to. Me likey pretty pictures to go with the voices.

Thing # 16 - YouTube!

Oh, what did the world do before youtube? I think the only thing I don't like about youtube is the comments section. I think some people make it their sole purpose in life to annoy and insult people via the Internet.
Other than that I think it's pretty great and I can totally see the library getting in on this. It would be great to see really popular programs at the library filmed and then downloaded to youtube...Just a thought.

Now I leave you with this awesome video of sheep strapped with LED lights...where else could you find this stuff? I love their name too, "BaaaaStuds" you have to say it out loud to yourself to get the full comedic effect.