Online Social Networking for Techno-Phobes and Blondes Part Five
Saturday, February 23rd, 2008Definition: Online Social Networking is about making and keeping friends for both business and pleasure via the Internet, rather than having them come into your home and polishing off the last of your favourite malt whisky.
TECHY BLONDES ARE COOL
I really must apologise - I have been breaking one of the cardinal rules of blogging. The truth is my sweets, that I do chatter on a bit, but blogging should be a succinct art, not a monologue. I love the discipline of Twitter but rather like spell-checks, once released from it’s constraints, it does not necessarilly improve one’s overall performance in a particular area, whether it be spelling, or being succinct.
Unlike when writing an article for a magasine, where several ideas may be discussed around a theme, blogs are better suited to only one or two ideas, expressed in as few words as possible, and with links embedded in the text so the reader can access the resources and more information for themselves, if they so choose.
For me, the difference between writing an article and writing a blog, is as great as the difference between giving a speech at the Women’s Institute, and sharing some good tips with one’s friends whilst waiting for your nails to dry at the salon.
GEEK CHIC
The truth is, not everyone is a `visual’ person, and I am not talking about those gentlemen who insist on wearing socks with their sandals. We all have ways of taking in information and some of you darlings out there may well be `auditory’, and prefer to listen to instructions rather than look at a map.
If you want to create your own audio podcasts you will not only need to choose suitable recording equipment (I shall be talking to my favourite podcasters in later issues who can share their wisdom on the geekery involved) but on an emotional level, it is vital to bond with the appropriate software.
I am currently in the early stages of a relationship with GarageBand on my gorgeous IMac, but am going to be getting some tips from the lovely Jason Jarrett on how to get to know it better. Meanwhile, I have made the acquaintance of a retired lady called Moira who walks with a stick in one hand and a recording device in the other. Moira is working on a audio art project and has fallen instantly in love with Cubase.
“I knew it was for me straight away” she told me last night over a glass of port. “The layout, the feel of it - it is wonderful when you connect with a piece of software that way”. Yes, Moira, I agree. Apparently there are many hip hop dudes who have had the same experience with Cubase.
But why would anyone want to make audio podcasts in the first place? That is a fair question, but since I have talked FAR too much already I shall leave that for now and see what others have to say on the matter……

`LET’S BITCH’ – BLOGGING IS FUN
Photo credit: @scottthephoto (he’s a genius!)
I am discovering that using audio on a blog or website can be quite fun, and I would love you all to share your clever thoughts on the different and exciting ways it can be used.
My favourite so far, is a recording of someone over the phone while they are making a cup of tea which is then presented as a podcast on the About Us page of their website. (Thanks Andy!)
PLEASE POST YOUR COMMENTS BELOW……