Type what you want to track.
One of my favorite tools to track mentions of a company, product or person is Google Alerts. This is a simple tool that can give you an edge in understanding what people are saying about you or your organization.
How it works
Choose a search term and use advanced search options to tailor your results. Google will scan the internet for you at the time interval you decide and then email what it finds to you.
You can also decide what type of content you want to hear about. I like the comprehensive option, but it can also selectively search: news sites, blogs, the general web, video and groups.
Once you’ve created your alert you’ll be able to login using a Google Account to edit your alerts. You can also receive the results as an RSS feed to insert into your favorite feed reader by clicking the search term while managing your alerts. Just look for the RSS icon either in the address bar of your browser or on the left hand side of the page.
What have you used Google Alerts to track? Leave a comment and let us know.
A great point and shoot camera
I bought a Kodak Zi6 recently. It’s a no-frills HD video camera that only costs $150. The camera takes 720p video, has a 2.4 inch view screen and a SD memory card slot to store your videos on. It uses 2 AA batteries for power and stores the videos as QuickTime movie files.
The camera’s biggest draw is that it’s point and shoot. It’s one of a new category of video cameras pioneered by Flip.
The camera also has a few drawbacks, like most of the point and shoot category, that are important to know going in. First, there is no optical zoom. The camera does offer a 2x digital zoom but it degrades the quality, so it’s best to avoid. Second, there is no image stabilization. This means that if you don’t use a tripod then your video is going to look a little shaky. The popularity of this category of video camera has resulted in Apple adding software stabilization to the latest version of it’s iMovie software.
Here’s a link to a sample of the video in HD.
Posterous Logo
Posterous is a service that should appeal to people who want to post things online but don’t want to deal with the technical details. It works by simply emailing what you want to post to post@posterous.com. You don’t even need to create an account to get started, just email them. The contents of your email whether text, pictures, or a video are automatically uploaded to a page that is created for you. After your first email, you have the option to visit the site and customizing address and settings for your content. If your looking for an incredibly simple way to post content or blog on the web try Posterous.
My Posterous page: jamesvandyke.posterous.com
The Posterous Website
Linux Penguin
I want to love Linux but it doesn’t share my feelings. To be honest, I think it’s hurt that I’m only looking for a fling; a trophy of geekdom to casually flaunt at parties. “Yeah, I”ve got a Linux box at home.” We both know that when I’m done experimenting I’ll head back to the Mac.
I think that’s the problem with Linux, even all dressed up in Ubuntu’s latest, it wants a serious commitment. Linux is a idealist and I’m looking for practicality. The little penguin even lectures me when I try to have a little fun with Flash.
“You know that’s not open source. We can do it if you want but I’m not going to enjoy it.”
“Lighten up a little. I’m just looking for some fun,” I reply.
We’re ships passing in the night, exchanging glances, thinking what could be but ultimately knowing nothing will come of it. I can tell this spunky OS has features and the ideals it pushes are mesmerizing. Sadly, those ideals aren’t as easy to live with as they are to listen to. Sure, I want information to be free but the cool stuff, it’s not free, and Linux can’t compete.
So every once in a while I’ll keep looking back over my shoulder at the little preachy penguin, wishing that it could live up to it’s own dreams; but sadly, I’ll walk away with Mac because I can live with Mac.
What to do when you need to know which font was used for a graphic? Well, if you’re short a typographist or font-spotter graphic designer you might try What the Font. It’s a free web service from myfonts.com who I’m guessing hopes you discover that the font you need is sold right on theirwebsite. So, if you ready for the certain to come pitch to buy something then give it a spin. At the least they have a few examples you can test it out on.
Visit What the Font.
David Pogue, technology columnist for the New York Times, has released a entertaining way to narrow down your choices before a tech purchase. This new tool called the “Pogue-O-Matic” basically just narrows your choices as you select the options you want. The treat comes as Mr. Pogue’s video commentary helps you choose which option is right for you. It’s not perfect and it only covers cameras, TVs and cell phones but it will help you understand the basics of which technologies are right for you.
Try the Pogue-O-Matic.
I found an interesting site today, downforeveryoneorjustme.com. If you’ve ever wondered if a website is really down or just singling you out this site tries to give you an answer.
James VanDyke is the author of this blog. During the work week you can find me in the E-Marketing team at SMU in Dallas where I create presentations and do assorted web stuff. I recently completed my MBA with a concentration in Marketing. At night, I hang out with my wife, read magazines and walk our dog Tigerman.