8 June 10

Socially speaking

The question of a blog hasn’t come up in a very long time. It seems a bit chest-thumpy and self-serving. And, unfortunately, rarely do organizations have resources to do it well. But there are some success stories out there.

Nuts About Southwest is what a corporate blog should be. But if you can dedicate a team of folks and your personality can support it, then it’s a sure fit. I love how SWA brings fun into their social media presence. On Twitter you’ll regularly be invited to visit a Luv-ly Employee at a gate in a town for a special treat. Their culture supports it and having this outward-facing vehicle is perfect for them.

And what if it’s not a blog, but a one-stop-sharing site? Maybe one where you’ll get a response via Twitter when you ask a question? This is where Ford’s social site The Ford Story comes in. Simple. To the point. And all about the consumer. Even going to far as to say so next to their logo. Excellent! No blog here — but it’s current and relevant. And open. You can see many ways to interact with them. Ford’s social media director Scott Monty (yup, hired JUST to do this) successfully brought buzz to the 2011 Ford Fiesta two years before it went on sale. Fascinating buzz and reaching a very wide demographic. Wanna know how he does it? Well, first of all: he lives it on his very own site.

7 June 10

United + Continental = :(

I am not thrilled about the UAL and Continental merger. For one I have a deep love for Continental because of extensive reading and a true sense of what they’re about. So I was struck with mixed emotions at the corporate merger. But we shall see what happens next.

However their new logo leaves me NO mixed emotions: it’s garbage. The literal combining of the two logos and opting to keep the decidedly-older looking Continental over United’s recent update is just pure laziness and uncalled for in this age.

I have a feeling this was branding by committee to make everyone feel that it’s a merger. But it seems like two mobile homes tacked together with duct tape, plywood and leftover drywall nails. Instead they should’ve created an all-new logo, which would’ve reinvigorated the two companies instead.

Time will tell and I sure hope I’m wrong.

4 June 10

iPad rentals on airlines

First it was the WiFi in the air. And now it’s iPad rentals. I can also envision a future where these iPads or at least a similar technology can be used to replace the seat-back entertainment systems. It would be WAY more versatile than the current, proprietary systems on the likes of Virgin Airlines. More and more people are looking to tablets and this new form factor. We have one at work and we’re nearly struggling for reasons to find uses, but I am determined to find a way to use it. Onward and upward!

13 May 10

So this landed on my desk this morning…

I assume one of my co-workers placed this full-page article in today’s Chicago Tribune on my desk. (I appreciate that, TT!) To see Adobe taking out a full-page ad in most markets (I assume) is… Hilarious. And to end with the last paragraph? Telling. They love Apple but at the same time they don’t like what Apple’s doing. It will be an interesting two years coming up. And I agree with Adobe: DON’T TAKE MY CHOICE AWAY!

20 April 10

HTML5 presentation

I have been really excited to see so much development in the HTML5 arena. One of the things that excites me is the simplicity of it on the code end. Now, that’s likely on the surface. I am sure the code isn’t that easy, but the idea that we can make more beautiful websites, more functional websites without the need to extra programming a la Flash is the way it should go. I imagine it will open the door for the future. Check out this presentation originally created by Marcin Wichary and modified by Ernest Delgado.

Source: Helloewy
19 April 10

Keep your life in order

The 5S Method Keeps Clean, Lean Order at Your Workspace – Efficiency – Lifehacker.

It was a funny day when I found this article. I was listening to This American Life‘s story on NUMMI and then I logged onto Google Reader to see this on Lifehacker. It’s important to keep your workspace in order and, for some of us, it’s a work in progress. At any point my desk is a disaster but, at a certain point, it is overwhelming. Should’ve looked up this article first.

Need inspiration for logo design?

In my Twitter feed this morning from Morguefile was this list of 35 Best Inspirational Websites For Logo Design. Check it out!

11 April 10

On the path

For those of you not in the know, I am beginning the process of dedicating my life to the Buddhist path. There’s a difference it seems in being a Buddhist and living as a Buddhist. Although I am not officially Buddhistical, I do live my life accordingly.

At my temple and at many others, the process is known as Precept-Taking. It is a process that begins with reflection, humility and prostrations. Lots of them. So in addition to living it, there are weekly meetings — one week, one precept. They are:

  1. Do not harm, but cherish all life.
  2. Do not take what is not given, but respect the things of others.
  3. Do not engage in sexual promiscuity, but practice purity of mind and self-restraint.
  4. Do not lie, but only speak the truth.
  5. Do not partake in the production and trading of firearms and chemical poisons.
  6. Do not waste, but conserve energy and natural resources.
  7. Do not harbor enmity against the wrongs of others, but promote peace and justice through non-violent means.
  8. Do not cling to things that belong to you, but practice generosity and the joy of sharing.
Image: The Macho Response

The Panic Status Board


I want this at work. And on the upstairs for all the world to see. A coworker shared this with me a while ago. The Panic Status Board is made by the makers of Transmit, my choice in FTP clients for the Mac. This is a great way to share the status of all the ongoing projects. For our environment it’s a great way to set expectations for turnaround times.

2 April 10

A pretty helpful Periodic Table


I enjoy the nerdiness of science and can actually understand the periodic table. But this one is unique in that keaggy.com’s Periodic Table truly possess the elements for a good life. Check it out.

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