I'm so not into Ning... (Thing 26)

I really wan't too excited to return to the Ning for this second round of "Things." There are so many useful web 2.0 tools and I believe one of the most wonderful characteristics of the library professions is the networking. For some, Ning might be the one, but this is not different enough from all the other networking tools that I am playing with or using regularly to revolutionize my life (or make it any easier).

I equate it to my adoption of blogging (blog following, I mean). There were several blogs that I followed in the beginning, but until I became a user of RSS feed readers, I could only follow a few without going crazy and getting burned out. I don't need to belong to all the Library or Web 2.0 communities out there, but I do need to feel connected to those that I do invest in.

So, I can definitely see some use for social networking tools in both my personal and professional life, but for now, I am sooo not into Ning!

Widgimania.... (Thing 25)

So, there were several things that I got excited about when exploring "Thing 25." I added a Clustermap to my blog and while I just have a very (very, very) small dot on the map in a single location at the moment, I am inspired to see it grow!

Shortly, after trying a few more, I lost some of my excitement about them. I really liked the idea of ClickComments, and having a tool that helps make connections or suggestions for related content within my blog, but the excitement quickly disappeared once I added the widget. I found the widget to be bulky and while I appreciate the intent of the "Plant a Tree" link with this widget, it does not fit with my purpose or objectives with this blog. So, it had to go...

As for some of the other widgets, gadgets, and other tools explored in "Thing 25," I am a huge fan of Flickr, and love the ability to filter out the pictures that do not grant permission for use through Creative Commons using Flickr CC. I am always looking for images to use for myself and students in the classroom for multimedia presentations.

I really wanted to try the "Readabilty Test," but the link was not working. I love the idea of this tool.

The sheer number of tools available for my blog is astounding and overwhelming. So - I plan on returning to "Thing 25" and trying out more.

Hit Refresh!!! (Thing 24)

So, I played with my blog, and then played some more. What is the result? I really liked the colors of my blog! So, while the playing was fun. I don't feel compelled to hit save for these "inferior" blogs!

I also really tried to explore a few more Avatar generators. I'm not really attracted to the ones that are "too cartoonish," so I just stick to having lots of fun changing outfits, setting, and accessories as a Yahoo Avatar! I do want to take a look at Meez, but I couldn't get the site working tonight - Bummer....

On the other hand, I am curious about trying out some of the free templates that other web creaters have made available outside of the basic templates within Blogger. I haven't found the right one yet, but with thousands out there, there might be something worthwhile!

On the other hand - There are so many new gadgets that are useful and just plain fun! I started with a few basic, practical gadgets that actually let me consolidate and simplify the user experience of my blog. Blogrolls are one of my favorites. So simple, but so important to building and contributing to the Web 2.0 community. In the past I used a lot individual RSS feeds to my blog to create a blogroll, but it is so much better now with just one gadget!

I don't have any "followers" yet, but I like the idea of this gadget. I am exploring Web 2.0 in this blog for my own benefit, but it like all Web 2.0 tools, it only gets stronger as the community grows. So, I am going to be interested in seeing if I get any "followers." Anyone want to join my blog community???