Thing 7

I am very excited about Google Doc. My daughter is in school up in Duluth and she has a Macbook Pro. When she wants me to edit something for her (yes, I help her sometimes with her homework - can you say enabling mom?), we can do this on Google Doc and we won't have problems with the different computers. I have a PC. Previously, we have had trouble opening each others docs. I really could have used this when I was writing a corporate newsletter and asking for articles written by many people - some at home - some at work. I will definitely be utilizing this THING.

THing 6

Hey, even the Cat in the Hat only made it to Thing 2 - Ha. I found an article in the NYTimes re. the Evil Empire aka the NY Yankees. I shared it via Digg. I then typed in "getting started in Graphic Design" and wow, did I get a plethora of stuff to read. I can see where you could build a reputation by commenting on germane articles and sharing your thoughts about certain topics with others in your field. I will add this to my Facebook to increase the impact of my comments with friends and acquaintances who may be able to help be begin my career in design.

As to credibility, can you look at the comments of others to see if the post is legit? Also, look at who posted the article. If it's UPI.com, it's probably legit.

As far as Jon and Kate, WHO CARES!!!!!!!

Today I signed up for Plurk. Aren't Twitter and Plurk the same type of social networking? I hope I am doing this correctly! Anyone out there have a preference between Twitter and Plurk? Seems to me with Ashton Kutcher and Oprah tweeting, Twitter wins hands down. - Ha.

Holy cow - I now have a Twitter account. I'm a tweeter. And I have new friends tweeting me. This is so fun. I am not going to get any laundry done and the house is going to fall apart - but hey, I'm tweeting, blogging, linking...This has opened up a whole new avenue of communication for me. Look out world, here I come! I have learned so much in the last two weeks. Too Cool,

Yes, I now have a Facebook. Here's is a direct quote from my oldest daughter, also a Facebook user. "One word-WHY? oh and i'm denying your friend request cuz my mom should not be on facebook its weird hahahahah! love you." There is so much to see on these social networking sites. I'm trying not to get too sucked in, but I must admit it is addicting. I can see where, down the road, this type of "gathering space" will take the place of the networking meetings/cocktail hours that took place in the old days. I look forward to increasing my circle of friends on Facebook. I have signed up for Linkedin, but it doesn't support my e-mail service

at this time. I would be interested to know how others are using this service. Anyone?

On to Thing 3. I do use my AI Resources a lot. It's a great way to stay connected with what's going on here at AI. Loved the e-mail reminder about Cafe 350. I have messed around with all the tabs and I am sure that as I get more involved and further into my schooling, this site will become invaluable. Looking forward to registering on line too.

Okay, Thing 2 is really confusing me. I sure could use some help on this RSS thing. I have signed up for a number of magazines on graphic design. But I am not sure how to utilize this site to its full extent. Any suggestions would be helpful. I'm guessing teachers use this service to compile useful articles and newsletters into one spot so they can browse through their favorite "periodicals" on a daily basis and stay current. If anyone out there is using this site, I would love to talk to you!

There is a survey on my blog and I would be very interested to find out how others are doing with this "16 things" thing. So go ahead and take my survey today!

Ooh, I just added a site meter to my blog so now I can see how many people are looking at my blog. Obviously, no one has looked yet so I better make this blog more interesting. Ha.

Okay, I have added sitemeter to my blog. I am still unsure how this all works and comes together. I feel like I have opened so many internet accounts, something I am not comfortable with. I will keep an open mind and continue to add these things to my blog in the knowledge it will be a rewarding experience.

Thing 1 - Wow - Look at me in the 21st century. I actually have my own blog. I found this first step relatively easy, once I had read all the instructions. So far, I think I am doing pretty good for someone who has never, and I do mean never, had any experience with social networking or blogging, etc. I am really excited/nervous about learning so many new things - brain overload. I will now try some of the challenges within Thing 1.