Thing 23. I'm Done!

I made it to the top, finally! Encountered some very rough terrain and many obstacles along the way. The temptation to turn back was overwhelming at times, due to frustration and the lack of time to work on the "things". I only got to the "top" with the help and support from others and it was most appreciated!

I had many fun times also...laughed at myself often. I am glad that I persevered to the end...it was quite satisfying. I will definitely revisit a few of the "things" and try to learn more when the time constraints aren't present.

I was reading the paper and came across an article in the Sunday Source section of the Washington Post, November 4 about blogging, titled "Be More than a Blip in the Blogospere". I am proud to say that the terminology was not foreign to me as it would have been pre "23 things"!

I've come along way but I have mucho miles to go!

Thing 22. Downloadable Audiobooks.

Checked out the sites,unable to download but am impressed by the number of books that are "out there" to download.

Thing 21. Podcasts.

From Podcast.net, I added Health & Fitness to my bloglines. From Podcast Alley, Mugglecast. The Kankakee Public Library had a podcast of "An Evening with Elizabeth Berg" that I was interested in.

Thing 20. YouTube.

We test drove a Smart Car so I chose this YouTube!!

Thing 19. Web 2.0 Awards List

I chose FWDitOn.com from the fun stuff category to "play" with. The Qantas email was comical.

Thing 17. SandBox

I added my blog to the SandBox. I read some of the "favorites" while in the sand. And this is my sandbox!

Thing 16. Wikis.

"Wiki" means quick in Hawaiian. "Malihini" means stranger or newcomer...this describes me with this new technology. But wiki is a feature that I understand! It allows a group of people to collaboratively develop a website. Anyone can add or delete content. The drawback is to be wary of the accuracy and reliablity of the information.

I visited the Bull Run Library Wiki. On their wiki, they offer info on the Friends of the Library, programming, locations for finding resources, etc. Their wiki is maintained by only 1 patron.

Wikis could be utilized by libraries to connect and interact with the community.

Thing 15. Web 2.0. Lib 2.0

Shhh! Libraries have come a long way from the day of the "strict librarian" and card catalogs. The internet has put a wealth of information at our fingertips and the new technologies have made it even more manageable to gather the info quicker and from more sources. Is the role of the librarian as we know it becoming obsolete?? Customers visit the library now, less for the "librarian-assisted research aspect" and more for the use of our computers and WiFi. Our reference book collection is shrinking and e-book downloads are on the rise.

Lib 2.0, a term coined by Michael Casey on his blog described "the need for libraries to adopt a strategy for constant change while promoting a participatory role for library users". He suggests that "elements of Web 2.0 have applicable value within the library community, both in technology-driven services and in non-technology based services". No one can argue the necessity of libraries to keep up with this change to accomodate the customer's needs. Hopefully, the library will remain a staple in the community, providing the same wonderful service it does presently and the books remain on the shelf! (maybe with far fewer DVDs!!!)

Thing 18. Online Productivity.

I created a silly document on Google Docs.

Thing. 14. Technorati.

Clear as mud! 51 million blogs tracked as of 1/07...amazing. An obvious reason for needing tags. And people claim they have no time!

Thing 13. Del.icio.us.

I am a little unclear about how to navigate this one but I have a general understanding of its purpose of being a "bookmarking manager which allows you to bookmark a web page and add tags to categorize your bookmarks". A useful tool if you work at a number of different computers.
I did find some delicious recipes while exploring!!

Thing 12. Rollyo.

I liked this feature...I created an account. Now I can find healthy recipes, tips, and websites concerning specific foods that I have an interest in just by clicking on my Healthy Nut site in Rollyo.

Thing 11. Library Thing.

Enjoyed Library Thing. "Books that just never seemed to be returned to libraries" was a fun read. It's great to be able to read reviews and see what others have to say about the books I have read or want to read. It's a great resource for finding new authors by looking at the author's page. You can even buy the Library Thing T-shirt!!

Meez.

Aloha...from Kealakekua Bay

Thing 10. Online Image Generator.

I played with the Letter James and did the "test" with the golden egg. It is a neat feature that will allow you to personalize photos.

With the Image Generator, I created an ice cream flavor at the "Ben and Jerry generator" and created a road sign that I tried to put in my blog but it didn't work....need to work on that some more.

With FD Toys, I loved the idea of being able to view Benjamin Moore room colors before painting and redecorating!

Thing 9. Merlin.

So-o-o much news and info accessible through all these feeds! Overwhelming...I still prefer the old fashioned way - a newspaper in hand. I did subscribe to Merlin and will check my feeds and try to change my ways...now that I'm beginning to learn a few tricks.

It was neat to go to Topix.net and see Cooksville in the location...wasn't expecting that!

Thing 8. RSS

I subscribed to an RSS feed for Travelocity to get daily airline quotes so I can plan a vacation destination. I almost accomplished it by myself...had to get a little help, but I at least figured 90% of it by myself....2 weeks ago, I wouldn't have had a clue of how to even start. So, I am learning and it feels great!

Thing 7. Technology

I read an article in the Washington Post about Amazon.com launching its digital music store, Amazon MP3. Maybe that will be useful for me now....Me? with an Mp3 player...no way! It's my kids way of listening to music but not mine, I'm still at the CD-listening phase in the evolutionary chain. I grew up with records (or vinyls as my son refers to his) and 8 tracks. I moved on to cassettes and CD and now maybe I can move on to the present technology!!

...And here is a picture of MY Mp3 player...Ta Da...

Thing 6. Mashups.

I created this screen saver from color pickr. There were beautiful pictures to view at this site.

Thing 5. Flickr

I explored Flickr. I chose this picture because this is the shipwreck on the beach where we vacationed this summer...aaah, the memories!!

Thing 3. Creating my Blog.

I stumbled through...a little discouraging since this is probably the most elementary step! Asked for some assistance to assure that it was done correctly. I am determined to get through my other " things" with as little help as possible. I was "WOWED" when I saw my blog though...so that is an incentive to push on!! I'm still at base camp on my climb.

THE FOOT OF THE MOUNTAIN

Three weeks in and I'm starting my ascent...this is truly going to be comparable to scaling Mt. Everest. (Well, at least in my mind!!) I am so technically challenged...but I am hopeful that 23 things will change some of this for me. In fact, now that I've started, I'm excited and looking forward to it - #3 of the 7 1/2 habits! I know how important it is to keep up with the everchanging world of the web and I need to jump in. Maybe this will even encourage me to update my dinosaur computer at home!