A Wired warning abut Spotify's new privacy policy

Do you use Spotify?

Have you read the new privacy policy? If not, you might want to check out this piece at Wired, to get the cliff notes:

A new privacy policy that is now in effect, and it turns out that the company wants to learn a lot more about you and there’s not much you can do about it. 

We encourage everyone to read the whole privacy policy before downloading the update or checking off the “Accept” box, but in case you have better things to do, here are some highlights from it.

Read those highlights here.

Fortunately, the piece lets you know what you can do about the updates. Unfortunately, it's not too much.

Also, when I asked if you read the privacy policy? Yeah, definitely a rhetorical question for most if not all people. It's okay...it's not like anyone has the time to read every single privacy policy update for EVERY piece of tech we use. In fact, several years ago The Atlantic reported on research done to calculate how long it would take to actually read the privacy policies we should.

Guess how long: 25 days out every year...without sleep. It would take 76 days if you limited your privacy policy reading time to 8 hours a day. Granted this includes the privacy policies on however many websites people use in about a year, which I honestly didn't even think about until reading the article.

So, Spotify has a new privacy policy. BBE News reports that some users have already left Spotify because of this:

Minecraft creator Markus Persson, aka Notch, tweeted to his 2.4m followers that he has cancelled his account.

Read more about Spotify's reasons and users' reactions here.

And there you have it. Out of curiosity:

Any other thoughts you have on the new privacy policy? Share 'em in the comments,

- JR

Why I would use the Google Wallet Card

Hey there,

So this post is somewhat of a cheat. A friend of mind posted about +Google Wallet card.

And so I went ahead and ordered my own.

After a quick identity verification, of course.

So I did some research, aka Google'ing, and came across this Forbes article about it, which I then posted to Facebook.

"The card, dubbed the Google Wallet Card, will be tied to a user's Google Wallet account, will have no monthly or annual fees and will be available free of charge." 

But obviously anything that's free comes at a price, in this case yet another set of data for Google to mine. The question is, do the pro's outweigh the con's? 

And yes, I already ordered mine. Not because I have an answer to the question, but I want to find out my own answer first hand :-)

To which a friend of mind still stated that he didn't know why anyone would use it, and just use your actual debit or credit card. Now I don't have it yet, so any answer to that is just speculation, and any reasons are personal. So I replied with this:

Honestly, the only answers I could give you...would be the same reason I use square's wallet at the coffee place right by my work, the three main reasons being: 

-I'd personally like to get to a point where I'm not carrying my credit card around at all, not that I'm prone to loosing my wallet, but in case it ever gets lost or stolen, there's a lot less work to deactivate a third-party card like this, than replacing your card as well as any payment accounts you have set up with it (for bills, utilities, etc.) 

-Less wear and tear on my actual card, which lets me use it longer, and prolongs having to get a new one, requiring going through the process of updating payment accounts
& last 

-fewer people are handling and have access to my actual credit and debit cards
So those are my personal reasons. Not major, life-changing ones, but enough to make me consider using something like this.

And those were just the ones I could think of, off the top of my head. Another benefit is an easier way of checking in on your purchase habits.

And being able to remotely disable the card or the app, which I already mentioned in my reply.

But I'm also really biased, and a bit of a Google fanboy/early adapter. Not as early as others, but for a casual user, I'd say I'm relatively on top of things.

So yeah, there's my reasons for being curious enough to check out using Google Wallet Card. What do you think?

- JR

A mobile Capital Pride

Hey there,

Lately I've been wondering how to live a mobile-optimized life. Yes, the bulk of this is examining just how many of my financial transactions I can make paper and plastic-less.

And so this particular post is geared towards Capital Pride. It was actually inspired after going to the website and seeing that they had an app, available at Apple's iTunes store & Google's Play store.

Obviously I had to download it and check it out. After all, a mobile app represents (if done well) represents significant buy-in from leadership as well as time and resources devoted to it's development, implementation, and management.

So, for any other app folks, check it out, let me know what you think in the comments.

My next couple of apps are actually venue specific, because they're the only LGBT establishments I know of, that use 'em. But obviously please correct me, if I'm wrong.

The first is one of my faves, TabbedOut, which you can use at Nellie's Sports Bar. It's funny, it's name
almost screams LGBT Pride. But that's just a coincidence.

What I love about this app is:

• it opens up a tab simply by providing a code, so no having to give your card
• it keeps track of your orders on your smartphone
• it allows you to close your tab via your phone, even AFTER you've left
• it even lets you split up one tab among any other friends who have the app set up on their own phone

So Nellie's. Yeah.

I actually blogged about it with a walk-through of the whole process back in January, if you want to check that post out.

The other app is a new discovery, AMI. It's a jukebox app. And I discovered it at Dupont Italian Kitchen, known as D.I.K. Bar by the locals.

It made me very happy a couple of nights ago. I realize it's probably a control thing, but it was just very nice being able to request songs from wherever I was sitting.

And last, but not least, is actually an app for people who don't want to drive, but also might want

something a little more cost effective than Uber, and more community oriented. For that, there's Sidecar.

I actually blogged about it when the service had just hit the streets of DC, in a post from April. A disclaimer, I'm actually a driver too. And if you want, you can use my Jumpstarter code, "JR14597js", for a $10 credit for signing up!!

The app provides a suggested donation at the end of the ride, which you can pay exactly, less, or more than, 80% of which goes to the driver. All drivers go through an in person training after submitting ID, registration, and insurance information, and the drivers and riders each rate each other after reaching the destination.

Anyway, that's it. Any apps you use, which you'd recommend others check out in particular, for this weekend? Please mention 'em in the comments!!

JR

You know you play Ingress when...

Hey there,

Just quickie, a list of ten, not necessarily the best or anything, so please feel free to add any of your own in the comments.

You know you play Ingress when:

• You feign being lost in front of portals, to not arouse suspicions while you hack, burst, deploy or upgrade.
• You do the scanner moonwalk, which is what happens when you want to deploy resonators as far away from the portal, so you walk until it is just beyond the edge of your scanner's field, and back-up to get it right on the end
• You have the volume just a little above inaudible, so as to see if other operatives reveal themselves from the masses around you, when they react knowingly and look around to try and find the source
• You carry around your laptop as a back-up portable charger until you can get a real one
• You now realize just how many post offices and libraries there are in your area
  
• You know the city speed limit allows you to hack about a portal each block, two if they're close to the road, spread out enough, and you're quick
• You actually slow down to stop when you see a yellow light, because it let's you do more damage to that portal right on the corner
• You actually want the red light to last longer, so you can finish deploying, upgrading, or linking
• You will drive in the left lane just to be able to hack that portal just on the other side of the street
• You recognize the screen's glow at night when another car pulls up near you

Disclaimer: for any of the car references, it is assumed that there are two operatives playing, one to drive, and one to use the scanner, as it is dangerous and illegal in some places to use a mobile device in your vehicle without a hands-free accessory or setting.

Anyway, that's all. Have any others you'd like to add?

Leave 'em in the comments :-)

JR

SideCar hits the streets of DC

Hey there,

So I've been approved to be a driver and ambassador for SideCar. "What's SideCar" you say?

Well, in case you don't know, SideCar is an app. It's a ride-sharing app. It's a ride-sharing app that allows the passengers to chip in with a donation to help out the driver with gas for and general maintenance of his or her vehicle.

Some see it as an evolution of slugging, with that next stage being the actual involvement of a monetary exchange. But I digress.

I've been approved to drive, and I'm going to a SideCarU session this evening. So I thought I'd just share some articles I've come across that I would say is recommend reading, if you'd like to know more about this app which started its life in San Francisco, and has made its way to DC.

This first quote is from Riding with Strangers: SideCar Is the Best Thing to Happen to Hitchhiking Since the Invention of Thumbs:

The first time I used SideCar, a new app-enabled car-sharing service that began in San Francisco and started operating in Seattle four months ago, I was excited by the fact that the driver was not only a complete stranger but he also owned the car. I was entering the stranger's private space. This is not what happens when I enter a bus; the driver doesn't own it, and so the bus is a neutral space. With SideCar, private space becomes connected with public space.

Read more here.

The next quote is from Dr. Gridlock at the Washington Post, SideCar, a new ride-sharing service, arrives in D.C.:

The premise is simple: Travelers can use the app to hitch rides with nearby drivers, while drivers who sign up can get paid for giving these rides. There’s no set fee, so passengers can pay the drivers any amount. (The app does come with a suggested donation, but riders can pay more or less if they want.)

Read more here.

And the final quote is from WAMU, Ride-Sharing Service, SideCar, Opens In D.C.:

"It's very simple," says Nick Allen, co-founder of the technology-based service. "You pinpoint your location, where you are and where you're going, and it sends out a request to drivers in your area. And they see where you are and where you're going, and they make a decision if they like to give you a ride. At the end, you make a voluntary donation and go on your way."

And not only can you read, but you can listen to more here, as well.

Anyway, that's that. You can be sure I'll be sharing more about my own experience with it. Definitely looking forward to meeting my fellow drivers.

And, yeah, there's the rational concern for safety and security, which I'm sure they'll address. In the meantime, let me know what you think, especially if you've used this app before in other cities, or even in DC.

Do so in the comments, especially if you're another driver,

JR

Getting to know my YouTube One Channel

Hey there,

Today I took advantage of YouTube's new One Channel layout and format. And it's pretty slick.

If you go to the page, it starts off with this:

You are more than the sum of your uploads. On your new channel, branding works across devices, you can reach out to non-subscribed viewers, and you can show off more of your content so fans will go deeper.

When you opt in to begin the process, YouTube walks you through the new features with the quintessential tour. It starts off with an explanation about how the new features has been optimized to make it easier for subscribers to engage with your content.

One way they do that is by adding sections.

Sections can be organized by uploads or likes, or even playlists or tags. They start you off with some examples from your own content.

Next, they give you a handy-dandy checklist, for setting up your new channel: setting your channel icon, adding channel art, describing your channel, adding web links, adding a section, and last but not least (and one I need to do) adding a channel trailer.

A channel trailer is a clip that will be shown exclusively to viewers who have NOT subscribed to your channel yet. Not only that, it will always autoplay.

Next up in terms of the walk-through is choosing your channel art. They mention that this will not only show on the usual suspects in terms of desktops and laptops, but mobile devices and TVs as well.

And I LOVE that they mention from the get go that "recommended channel art size is 2120 x 1192", instead of waiting until after you try loading it, or just not mentioning it at all.

 Finally, they give you a preview of how your channel art will appear across different devices.

Anyway, that's that. Just thought I'd give a quick walk-through for anyone else who might be curious, but not ready to make the transition yet.

One more thing I'll leave you with, is recommending that you check out YouTube's Channel Optimization section. Definitely a must-read.

Have you made the leap? What do you think? Would also love to see what you've done with your channel. Please leave a link to your own channel in the comments!!

JR

The first Ingress DMV Ceasefire Happy Hour

Hey there,

So this past Saturday was our first local cease fire happy hour for Ingress players in the D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia area. If you're not familiar with the "game", I recommend you check out my post on ten things to know about the Niantic Project.

One of the main organizers, of the event and of the local Enlightened faction, Andrew Krug, posted a great recap of the night, on Google+. To which I simply say read it, and I concur.

So here are some of my highlights.

To kick it off, it was my first time using Google+'s Party Mode!! Read more at the link, but it allows anyone who's at an Event on Google+ to upload photos and videos to a joint album, in real-time.

So, when I got to the event, we had color-coded name tags, depending on which faction we belonged to, the Resistance or the Enlightened.

One of the guys from my faction, the Enlightened, had made special pins for Level 8 operatives.

By the time I got to the bar, I was actually just 8 points away from reaching level 8, and I waited until 8pm to remote recharge a resonator to level up.

Anyway, was great meeting old and new friends, meaning people who's screen names I've been seeing for weeks and months on the app, as well as new folk from lands a little more distant.

More than anything, I did not feel the animosity I was afraid I would feel when I met players from the other faction. As Andrew mentioned in his own post linked above, we just shared stories of run-ins or narrow misses, but then just got to know each other, where we lived, what we did.

And at times some of us discussed what was going on with the story, and where it all might be leading as well as how it would affect..."gameplay".

As an arts manager, it was great being able to hear how much people appreciated this simple yet effective gaming prompt to be more aware of public art, as well as other geo-specific landmarks, buildings, and historical places.

Anyway, good times. I even stayed longer than I was supposed to, as I was seeing a show right after, at the Artisphere. Fortunately it was not even 10 minutes away.

Already looking forward to the next one. Just loved that, while we could have focused on the thing that divided us, why we chose the side we did, we simply connected with each other, in real life.

When was the last time you heard about a group of 40 or so people do that because of a game they all played on their mobile device,

JR

Using Tabbedout at Nellie's from now on

Hey there,

So I wanted to blog about an app I had previously mentioned in a post, Eating and drinking and apps, oh my!! I discussed three apps that were related to dining out and drinking. Two of them were LevelUp  and Belly. The third was Tabbedout, and is the focus of this post.

As I also mentioned in the other post, I had actually almost forgotten about this app, but fortunately Nellie's Sports Bar (or as I like to clarify, a sports-themed gay bar) in DC has a reminder in one of its doors.

And in keeping with my New Year's resolution to take advantage of mobile apps like this, I made sure to do so when I went last Sunday. And, oh my gosh, was it super simple!!

I showed the app to a couple of friends I was with and they were amazed, so I thought I'd break down just how easy it is to use.

First, when you open it, the default tab gives you a list of nearby locations which use it:

Select the establishment you are patronizing, and you will see a button to Open Tab. Also note that next to it is an option to Join Existing Tab.

Personally, I think the ability to join an existing tab is genius, particularly if you're at a restaurant!! You don't have to worry about having to break down the check with your server. Your entire party (well, at least those that have the app) can do it form the comfort of their own mobile screens, which they've probably been using a handful of times over the course of the meal or drinks, anyway.

But I digress. Once you've opened the tab, you get a five letter code for you bill for the night, which the app asks you to show to your server.

That's it. If you go back to the same guy, more likely than not he'll remember you. And you can check your tab at any time back on your phone.

And the BEST part? Because you never gave your card to the bar, you can not just view, but pay for your tab on your mobile device, avoiding the often unnecessary trip of going back to your original bartender, just to close your tab. This also means there's no chance of you ever forgetting your credit card there.

It's even got a handy dandy tip calculator, to appropriately express your gratitude monetarily.

And when all is said and done, there's the obligatory Thank You screen.

As well as an option to email yourself a receipt.

Which shows up almost instantaneously in your inbox, attached in PDF form.

You might be wondering about fees, particularly if you didn't notice any. Well there aren't. Outside of a very minuscule initial transaction they do to verify payment, an amount less than a dollar which they refund, it doesn't cost you, as the customer, any more financially to use this free app.

Personally sounds like a win-win, and a reason I might just start going to Nellie's a little more than I do.

At least until other bars and clubs start picking up the service, too,

JR

Eating and drinking and apps, oh my!!

Hey there,

This is a post about three apps I've come across, have downloaded, and will try to start using more, apps related to eating and drinking. And it all started with a crepe.

I was at a crepes place on U Street, DC Scoop Shop, to be specific, after a late night of dancing at U Street Music Hall and an even later meal at Busboys & Poets. Yet my hunger wasn't satiated for when I saw the scoop shop, I knew exactly want I wanted. A crepe...with banana...and Nutella.

So I go inside and order it, and as I'm waiting I see signage at the register for LevelUp. Honestly, I had almost forgotten about this, but their branding's memorable enough that it didn't take long to jog my memory that I had already signed up and downloaded the app.

What does the app do, you are probably asking? It allows you to pay with your phone (you can find out  more about how it works on their website). Yes, you're still using a card which you've sync'ed to your account, but it's pretty cool, right? Kind of kidding. There is something appealing to not needing to pull out my credit or debit card yet again, when I've probably already got my phone in hand. The neat thing is, not only does it allow you to pay with your phone, but they even give you a few bucks to spend when trying out a new place.

Whoa...there's a Funnel Cake place near me...

Anyway, so I need to remember to start checking this out more. I already have a habit of checking in on Foursquare, Yelp, Google Latitude, and sometimes Facebook, usually I do this only when I'm by myself, or with an apology to and the permission of the company i'm with.

So why not pull out an app that's actually functional?

Now the next one isn't necessarily functional. Belly is something like a cross between Foursquare and a frequent shopper's card. It basically outsources the infrastructure of a rewards program for places...yeah, I think that would be a good description. That being said, I think it provides a distinct challenge to Foursquare simply on the rewards aspect.

It's not social, which is a bonus for people that don't want to share where they are with their friends or anyone else that is on a particular social media platform. It's tangible. There's a card that comes with it (which, you can still redeem rewards without, just use the app, but there's familiarity with what the card means and does, in terms of being similar to other customer cards. It's just communal, shared by all the establishments that opt-in to the program.

And you get points!! So all the bonus of the rush we humans are programmed to get whenever our actions result in an increased quantity of something, but (again) without the worry of making one's self stalkable for individuals that have those concerns, which I completely respect and understand.

Also, because the Belly check-in station is so prominent, there are less chances of employees wondering what the heck you're talking about when you mention the reward, than with some of the blank stares I've gotten when trying to claim Foursquare deals for checking-in.

Last, but not least, is Tabbedout. While good for dining, I first noticed signage for this at Nellie's...after I'd already started a tab...

 Similar to Level Up, you simply enter your credit card info and then you don't have to worry about opening or closing a tab at a bar (crucial) or even splitting a check at a restaurant (wish I'd known about this much sooner!!):

"Join a tab or share your own to make splitting the check simple – no server required."

I actually can't wait to try that.

Seems fairly simple.

And all these apps will let you know what participating establishments are in your immediate vicinity.

Now, I write all this knowing that I am not breaking news, these apps have been around for a while, and I am not the first person to ever use them.

So I think I've started figuring out one of my New Year's resolutions. Taking advantage of exploring apps like this to make my life, not just simpler, but a little more secure.

If it gets to the point where I don't even have to carry my credit card with me except for when I really need it, then less of a chance I have to lose it.

Anyway, have you used any of these apps/services as the customer? The business owner? What do you think, or is the verdict still out for now, as use still approaches critical mass?

Not hear of any of these until now? Well, do you think you'll try 'em out? One over the others?

Curious mind wants to know,

- JR

One way NOT to use a QR code

Hey there,

This one's a quickie.

Just had to share as I've had an ongoing conversation and debate about the usefulness, relevance, and effectiveness of QR codes with a friend (*cough* Ricky *cough*).

If you're not familiar with QR codes, there's a good chance you've still seen them. They're a kind of visual morse code in square form. "QR" stands for "quick response" and you can see an image of it at the Wikipedia page.

The QR code for this blog is:

So that's what one looks like. And if you're familiar with them already, you'll already understand how pointless it was for me to include that as anything but an example. Because the value of QR codes are in their functionality.

But I digress; I'll get to that. How this all started is I was on Facebook this evening, and came across a post from an arts organization's page, asking for donations, and while there were a couple of links, this image was what the text was attached to:

Here's the thing. QR codes are meant to be scanned by mobile devices....

I know, so why would someone post it onto social media??

To be fair, while the first link in the accompanying text went to aNOther link with the QR image, the second one did go to the donation page.

But with tech, less is more, and the less work more people have to do to get to information, the more likely the will follow through on your call to action.

And it's not like this requires deep analysis. Just thinking about it, it's like, do they a) expect me to pull out my phone if I'm looking at this on my laptop, just to go to a link on my phone or b) hope someone is near me with their own phone AND a QR scanner, so they can scan the link on my mobile screen and go to the link on theirs?

*sigh*

Don't get me wrong, I believe QR codes do have their place, and have been used well, like when New York's Central Park utilized them for an Arbor Day event. You can read about it at Drew's Marketing Minute piece from about a year and a half ago.

FYI: If you want to generate your own QR codes, you can do so for free at this site: Kaywa QR Code. Just remember to click on the dimmer, "Generate Free" button.

But I digress. That's my rant. If you're going to use it, I believe it has it's greatest power in print materials, site-specific places, live events, etc. But NOT shared via a platform (social or otherwise) where people are already viewing content online. And you can use QR codes not just to send people to links (which are IDEALLY mobile-optimized), but to call, text or SMS as well.

But don't, don't, DON'T share a QR code via social media, i.e. a platform which people will already be online, in order to send them to an online destination. Just include the link. Obviously this is all my personal opinion.

If you disagree, please share why. If you've used QR codes effectively via any medium, please share how you did it, and how it was successful for you. Any other thoughts or questions, leave those too!

JR

SXSW panels I recommend checking out

Hey there,

So I wanted to share some panels that have come up in my FB feed and twitter stream, proposals for next year's SXSW Interactive. If you're not familiar, here's a blurb from their page:

The 20th annual SXSW Interactive Festival will take place March 8-12, 2013 in Austin, Texas. An incubator of cutting-edge technologies and digital creativity, the event features five days of compelling presentations from the brightest minds in emerging technology, scores of exciting networking events hosted by industry leaders and an unbeatable line-up of special programs showcasing the best new websites, video games and startup ideas the community has to offer

Let me just point out that the following highlighted panels are not the result of any comprehensive vetting process. They are mostly people, and in one case an organization, that I've been fortunate enough to connect with in person.

That being said, I'm not receiving any compensation from any of of the people or organizations I mention below.

I also don't believe in coincidence, and I'm grateful to know those I've crossed paths with. Because people, in general, are up to amazing things.  With that, here are some panels I recommend checking out.

Education

• Minerva Project & 2tor CEOs: Future of Higher Ed - "Higher education is transforming before our eyes. Universities and colleges are under increasing pressure to stay relevant during the current digital revolution. But with a plethora of options, ranging from...(read more)"
• College Vs. UnCollege: Are Degrees Worth It? - "In the Information Age, where knowledge has become ubiquitously accessible and informal education courses and certificates have blossomed, do formal college degrees still offer enough...(read more)"
• My connection - I sing with a guy who works at 2tor, a company which has a representative on each panel proposed. You can check them out at their website previously linked, or also on Facebook.

Health, health care, and patient advocacy

• Crowds for Care - "Who Controls what new drugs, treatments, and tech will emerge to improve care? Until now, the answer was only giant corporations and government committees because they control the funding. In July 2012, Patients and Doctors began funding the healthcare innovations that they care about through Crowdfunding, creating a huge wave of support that the corporations and government love because...(read more)"
• My connection - Regina Holliday, she is one of the speakers on the panel. I met this wonderful woman at the first Social Justice Camp DC. In a related note, if you'd like to see the FB note I posted after the first night of this event, you can check it out here. You can found out more about her at her blog, as well as follow her on Twitter, and connect with her on Facebook. I encourage you to do any, if not all, of the above.

Nonprofits & social media

• We <3 Social Data! But What Do We Do With It? - "Lots of nonprofits are buying social data, giving them an unprecedented amount of information about individual supporters. But once you have it, what do you do with it?" (Read more)
• My connection - one of the panelists is with Small Act, who's tag line really sums up what they do, "Make a big impact in social media". I've gone to a couple of free trainings at the Foundation Center in DC, led by a small act employee, the wonderful Annie Lynsen who's position is Director of Awesomeness. And awesome is what anything they're involved with is guaranteed to be. You can follow them on Twitter and like them on Facebook.

Theatre

• Smooth Scrum: Lessons from the Theatre - "The last few decades of the American theater have seen a rapid growth in the number of ‘devising ensembles’—playwrights, actors, directors, and designers working together in collaborative groups to develop plays. It's agile development for the American stage. Instead of beginning with a script...(read more)
• Here's a video embedded on the proposal page:

• My connection - This is actually a second degree one, but the DC Theatre community is small like that, which I love. When I put it out on Twitter that I would be blogging about this, a fellow DC artist, friend, and social media rockstar, Chelsey (aka @chelseydc) tweeted back
  

  @awayoflife0 Talk to @gwydions! #dcarts#sxsw
  — Chelsey Christensen (@chelseydc) August 18, 2012 

   And I did. Well, Gwydion actually got to me first, and let me know about his proposal, which I promptly found and voted for. You can follow him on Twitter.

So there's that. I hope this helps you sift through the multitude of proposals if you've been in it, and if not, I hope this is a good start. And if there's any that you're involved with or support, certainly share them in the comments. But don't just copy & paste the link. At least say a little bit about how you're involved or connected.

And for any other friends who have proposals, let me know. Also, I want to go!! If anyone is looking to have someone help out and work with their social media presence before and during, hit me up :-)

- JR

Techsoup on Facebook Timeline, and visual power

Hey,

So there's a really GREAT blog by Susan Chavez on Techsoup which was posted in the past week, "Coming March 30: Facebook Timeline".

On March 30, big changes are coming to all Facebook brand pages – the new Timeline format. 

Timeline has already begun appearing on personal pages so it will not be entirely unfamiliar to many Facebook users. However, even users who are familiar with this format will find a number of new features only available for brand pages.

Check out the rest of the blog here.

I think it's very telling that the first highlighted change has to do with the cover photo.  I say this because increasingly pictures are telling a thousand words more and more in social media. I actually just got out of a seminar this morning on Digital Communications 2.0 for Nonprofits, but a wonderful woman named Jamie, with  Momenta. A number of times, the moral of the story came back to being thoughtful and intentional with the images used, from brands to logos.

Even last week, on a webinar about 10 mistakes nonprofits make, hosted by Guidestar, and led by someone with Diosa Communications, one that was mentioned was as simple as making sure an organization had a square version of their logo/brand to be used in Social Media profiles.

But I digress. That's just the first of a number of changes highlighted in Techsoup's blog, which is a must-read for anyone dealing with their company's Facebook page.

Looks like we're going down the rabbit hole, so don't hesitate to take the red social media pill, if you haven't yet. Because the organizations that do so willingly and resourcefully will certainly have an advantage over those that don't.

Keep an eye out on my twitter for little nuggets from this morning's seminar I mentioned. In the meantime, read, read, READ the blog :-)

- JR