Thing 17

I checked out some of the food threads on Gather. I like the idea of it being a world wide resource for new and different recipes that I have never tried. (My husband might be in for a few surprises in the near future) I have even bookmarked it!

I had no desire to sign up for a free trial with Ning. Anything that is not always free is not for me.

The only social network that I currently use is Facebook. I find it so much easier to stay in contact with friends and family rather than using email which is so cumbersome with all of the junk that you have to clear out of your way.

While I can't see myself ever using Ning (since I am beyond the career stage of my life and no longer have the need to establish a professional network), it would be useful for someone who is actively in the job market and has no idea of what is available to them.

Thing 18: More on Social Networks

Explored the 5 safe kid sites. Togetherville seemed okay since parents set up whom their kids would interact with- friends or family members. There are no outside links. However, What's What let kids interact with people they didn't know, but it was limited to the kids' grade level or one above or below that grade level. An adult wishing to get in could submit a picture of a child which could pass for that grade level. Red flag there. Gianthello had no search for friends function to eliminate that problem. I'd rather kids use a computer for school work and use other free time involved in sports. I'm an idealist.
LinkedIn seems like a good idea for a job search so I probably would recommend this to a patron.
Web junction had a host of information for the library profession. The site was very easy to navigate. It offers classes/groups /discussions ranging from management to technology to library services. Largo Public Library could probably find some very useful ideas. I came across a course offered online through Illinois State Library on "Dealing With Angry Patrons".

Thing 17 Social Networking

Facebook is the only social network site that I belong to. And I really am only on that so that I can keep up with my kids. Living so far away for them, sometimes the only way I hear about what they are doing on a somewhat daily basis is through their Facebook. I really don't take time to explore these sites. When I'm at home I have other things I'd rather be doing. Although I can see where they might be good for people who want to find people with the same interests.

Thing 17: Social Networks

Explored Ning and Library 2.0 Group. These are beyond my interests. I've heard about twitter and was invited to join Linkedon by a friend. I guess I don't want my name out there for friends of friends. Social networking is fine for finding job opportunites, finding old friends or new partners. I have no need for this.

Thing 16

This I might actually use. And I know that my husband will. I did have some trouble with a couple of the sites when I went to play the music. But that was because of Baracuda security still causing problems. I signed up for last.fm. Mostly I listen to soft rock.

Thing 15 Podcasts

I have never looked at a Podcast before. I guess there are some good things about them. Like you can look at the New York Times, watch some of your tv shows (if they are on there). But for me personally, I don't have the patience to search for things. I checked out three of the sites. Podcast, Podcastalley, and Podbean. Of the three Podbean was the easiest for me. I know there are a lot of people out there that spend hours searching sites like this, so maybe making podcasts of some of the library programs or even "how tos" for library usage might be a way for us to get our info. out there.

Thing 16

I tried Grooveshark and it was ok. It didn't really save what I really wanted it to, but I could look up artist that I hadn't kept up with but still like.
I liked Pandora better because it came up with other artist that resamble the one that I really liked, and it also had the lyrics. I thought that was great Bill and I have been arguing for years about the lyrics to Santana's Evil Ways.
Here we go again I just joined something else that I will never use because I have to down load an apt so for me it's not user friendly. So once again my info is out there. I signed up for Maestro I wish there was away to undo it.