Nimwit Nutkin

Thing 23 Now comes the end of our fellowship

2008-07-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

Finally! It's been an adventure. My favorites? Technorati, Google Reader, Flickr, Good Reads and You Tube. I just hope that I remember how to do some of these things, where to find them and such. I certainly hope that my ability to learn never wanes, nor my ability to apply what I have learned. I would do this again but I would suggest more time to spend on each exercise. As far as content, less is more; too many things inside each thing, like a Russian matryoshka. This quest is finished; I will remain Nimwit and diminish into the west.

Thing 22 - NetLibrary

2008-07-17T09:47:00.001-07:00

I sort of came up empty on this one. I searched for several books and they didn't have any of them. When I tried to download a random title, it went to "create an account" screen. I didn't want to do that because I doubt I would ever use it. So... The only time I listen to audiobooks is when I go on a road trip which is not that often. This would be beneficial if you are learning a new language or hobbies like crafts or quilting where listening to an audiobook would be a way to get some "reading" in.

Thing 21 Welcome to the jungle, Podlings

2008-07-15T09:53:00.000-07:00

Podcasting is overwhelming, and seems like a lot a people are jumping on the pod. I was able to find two feeds for books at podcast. It really is like a jungle; there is so many to choose from. Podcasts on popular topics, library info and newest reads could be beneficial to librarys and their patrons.

Thing 20 - YouTube

2008-07-10T08:36:00.000-07:00

This one was the most fun of all. I can see how this element could benefit libraries in many ways. Videos of new locations, visual tours, and library programs to name a few.

I chose Achmed because he's my favorite of Jeff Dunham's characters.

Thing 2 - 7 1/2 Habits of Lifelong Learning

2008-07-08T11:18:00.000-07:00

I forgot to post for Thing 2, commenting on the 7 1/2 Habits of Lifelong Learning so I am having to exercise #2 , "accept responsibility for your own learning" and #3 "view problems as a challenge." Now I get to exercise #1, "Begin with the end in mind." And I do have the end in mind. Hopefully I will continue with what I have learned and exercise it in some way from now on.

Thing 19

2008-07-08T09:46:00.000-07:00

So many to choose from. I would have to say my favs are One Sentence, Flickr and YouTube, Pandora and Delicious. The sites mentioned at SEOmoz's Web 2.0 Awards that we have visited during this journey I have already commented on. I really didn't find one I disliked; some were just a little too "easy" to alter. As for their useful features, Delicious is probably the only one that would help in a library setting.

Thing 18: What's up Google Docs?

2008-07-02T13:16:00.000-07:00

Now this is a great idea. To be able to create documents, spreadsheets or presentation without having to toggle back and forth between the net and Word would make things easy, especially if you are getting most of your info off the net.

Thing 17 Witing a Waskely Wiki

2008-07-01T13:07:00.000-07:00

Wikiing is fun once you get the hang of it. It was a little challenging at first but with some help I caught on and I was off to the wace. It was fun to add my favs to the list and see what others like and are watching as well. I saw some of my favorite movies, restaurants and books listed by fewwow wikiists.

Thing 16, the wicked wiki of the www

2008-06-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

Wow! This is like Fort Knox unlocking the gates and flinging open the vaults. There's gold in them thar wikis. I'll get you my pretty and your web site, too! I'm wondering what our cousins "IT" think about wikis. I can certainly see the benefits of such a tool. It would make editing a page easy for the podlings within the pod, but unfortunately one doesn't have to be a podling to go in and change anything they want. I'm sure there has got to be a way (or is there) to prevent anyone from going to a site and completely trashing it. Does the creator of the site stand on a wall and shout "Nothing is going to happen to my site today, Not on MY wiki." I did find a great blog at the ACLA Youth Services site concerning children and literacy. Here is part of the blog from ACLA Youth Services site: If you want your children to read, read to them daily from an early age, give them great books, plenty of encouragement and the occasional kick up the backside. Switch off the screens half an hour before bedtime and send them to bed with a book. Most importantly, set an example and read yourself. There are volumes of difference between literacy levels and literature. Here is the link to their site.

Thing 15

2008-06-26T12:54:00.000-07:00

There's no doubt about it, technology is consuming every bit and crumb of thought. Seems with every idea hatched the hatcher heads to the computer. Learn how to use this new technology or you may get left behind. Some though are content to do things the old ways, (they are good enough for them, thank you very much.) I was informed of this during a gig at the circ desk, when I was asked to place a hold on an item for someone. I asked if they had an e-mail address and I was informed that "NO I don't and I never will have!" I myself have at times been of the opinion that the old way of doing something is better; change doesn't necessarily mean better, but then there may be no choice. It is adapt and get used to it. Progress and change will happen, that's a given, but even if we put a library on the moon with access to every resource imaginable there will still be those who are content to use their local library for "what is the first thing that pops into your head when someone says 'library'? I would never have thought that one could come to the library and get forms for a divorce. Many resources have been added since then. Evolution is coming but we should not evolve past the charm of reading a new book or an old classic suggested to us by another lover of books. Library 2.0 is a port to a storm of resources that will change the way people view libraries. Let's hope it is all good.

Thing 14

2008-06-24T09:47:00.000-07:00

Digitized books are great, especially if the book is out of print or hard to put your hands on. That is the only time I would read a digitized book. It is hard to curl up with a monitor. I still prefer holding the book, lying on the sofa, with my cat sleeping on my feet.

Thing 13

2008-06-20T12:50:00.000-07:00

Delicious is quite tasty. It makes searches quicker and easier to find. The url that I visited had been clicked on 134 times and was about the oldest computer generated music. I clicked on the link and listened to "In the mood"and a couple of others. So I chose to tag this one, in case any one ever asks me about the oldest computer generated music. I also chose one from youtube, the superhero "stainboy". My favorite is stainboy vs staregirl. So, if you type in 'in the mood' or 'stainboy' it should take you to this link.

Thing 12

2008-06-18T12:10:00.000-07:00

I would have to say that I enjoyed Things 9 and 11 best so far. As some of you know, I enjoy creating posters, greeting cards and in the case of Thing 9, a magazine cover. Thing 11, "digg", led me to a site of 7 unusual wonders. "click on the link in my blog". I love to go exploring; you never knows what you will come across, or in my case stumble over.

I left a comment on one of 'Curl up 'n diary's' posts concerning wiki wiki wiki. Monty Python would love this post and the comment "I hope" as well.

As for my choice of prize I'll take what's behind door #1, the mp3 player.

Thing 11

2008-06-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to a site I found while visiting "digg". The 7 underwater wonders, 7 underground wonders includes labyrinths, crypts, catacombs, etc. This kind o' stuff fascinates me.

Thing 10

2008-06-13T06:50:00.000-07:00

Here is my link to Good Reads. I will definitly go back to this site and check out others like it.

2008-06-13T06:41:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to Damanhur, the temples of human kind. Inside a mountain in Turin Italy these temples were built and remained a secret for years.

Thing 9

2008-06-06T07:27:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed image generator. I created a magazine cover about two of my favorite things. I love daisies. To quote Meg Ryan from the movie "You've got mail", 'Daisies are the friendliest flower.' There are so many varieties of dragonflies and many fun facts. For example, dragonflies have a top speed of 100/kph. The oldest fossilized record of a dragonfly is from the Carboniferous Period, over 300 million years ago. Each dragonfly eye contains up to 30,000 lenses. Cool, huh?

Thing 8

2008-06-06T06:10:00.000-07:00

I love Delivr. It was fun to create my own postcard. This one was easy compared to some of the other challenges. I enjoyed looking through the photos and the selection was great.

Thing 7

2008-06-03T09:15:00.000-07:00

When I was working on the "flikr project" I looked for a photo of a Nebelung, a long-haired Russian Blue. Nebelung, a german word means 'creature of the mist'. My cat, DaVinci, also a Nebelung looks just like this only he has a sweeter face.

Thing 6

2008-05-13T07:49:00.000-07:00

We're not the only ones doing the "23 Things". Read Chris Brogan's post on how libraries should correspond with their patrons.

Chris Brogan wrote:
“In social media, the tools aren’t the same thing as reaching a goal. If you’re a marketer looking to use these tools, then make the first goal to learn how the community moves, listen to its ebbs and flows, and then make the next goal to try starting conversations.”
and
“If you’re seeking to hit a target, is the goal to use a dart or an arrow or a bullet, or is it to improve your accuracy, or is it simply to hit the bullseye? The answer is C, even though A and B are part of the equation.”
Now apply that to libraries. Say a library wants to start a blog. Is the goal to have five posts a week, to have a cool blog, to learn how to blog, or even to share what’s happening at the library? Those are all ok goals… but they’re LITTLE goals. How about these goals:
connect with your community in a real way
connect with a new, online user base
start real conversations with patrons
become an active community resource (sorta like your physical library)
once you’ve connected… figure out how best to meet these patron’s special needs.
Remember Helene Blowers’ Learning 2.0 / 23 Things? Maybe your 24th thing should be this: figure out what your real target is, and how these emerging tools and trends work into that equation.

Thing 5

2008-05-13T07:46:00.000-07:00

Reactions to story from David Lee King
The 24th Thinghttp://www.davidleeking.com/2008/05/13/the-24th-thing/
I’ve been enjoying reading Chris Brogan’s blog recently, and his post titled The Target is Not the Weapon made me think. Here are some quotes: “In social media, the tools aren’t the same thing as reaching a goal. If you’re a marketer looking to use these tools, then make the first goal to learn how the community moves, listen to its ebbs and flows, and then make the next goal to try starting conversations.” and “If you’re seeking to hit a target, is the goal to use a dart or an arrow or a bullet, or is it to improve your accuracy, or is it simply to hit the bullseye? The answer is C, even though A and B are part of the equation.” Now apply that to libraries.
1 hour ago
Tagged:
Blogging, Library 2.0, Web 2.0, change, community management, digital experience,
23 things, 24th thing, chris brogan, learning 2.0

Thing 4

2008-05-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

I went to Technorati and chose this blog from someone called "Book Nut". I haven't heard of "The Sisters Grimm" series but it leans toward looking in to.

Nimwit

The Sisters Grimm: Once Upon a Crimehttp://melissasbookreviews.blogspot.com/2008/05/sisters-grimm-once-upon-crime.html
I didn't particularly want to continue reading this series out loud to C, especially since the second and third books weren't all that thrilling. But, she desperately wants to read on (spurred by tantalizing hints from M, who's read the series), and me, being the loving mother that I am, checked the fourth book out from the library. And amazingly enough, enjoyed it. There was less exposition in the book, but (aside from the fact that you might wonder how Puck ended up desperately wounded) you could probably pick up the series here and not miss a thing. In fact, I'd probably recommend it.

Thing 3

2008-05-09T09:59:00.000-07:00

I just added feeds from some of my bloggers in crime and found out their thoughts on the the "things" that they've completed. I'm looking forward to going on to the next things as they get more and more interesting.

Nimwit

Googled Reader

2008-05-07T09:58:00.000-07:00

Google Reader is great! I enjoyed looking for feeds that interest me and it will be fun to watch for updates, see what's going on with them. I'm sure I'll add more as I think of things.

Nimwit Nutkin

Thing 1 I'd turn back if I were you

2008-05-06T14:09:00.000-07:00

Wow. What an adventure. I finally got my page to look like I wanted it. (somewhat) Thanks to John T. for getting Nimwit to dance. Right now I'm pretty blogged out, so look for more later.

Nimwit Nutkin