It's a big concept to consider ... time.
As I expand my understanding of new and different ways of communicating with others via the internet I begin to re-think my concepts of time - for time is of the essence, there's no time like the present, a stitch in time saves nine.
To date I've held firm that the internet saves me time. I can email quick and efficiently for work and pleasure and receive prompt replies via the same means. I can save time using my browser and quickly access all sorts of interesting, meaningful and helpful information. I can chat whilst I'm working which means I can continue working and talk at the same time without wasting precious minutes.
If I want to bookmark something it's there for my ready reference permanently. I can subscribe to RSS Feeds so that I know when there's something new on my favourite sites at a click. I can subscribe to email newsletters and updates which are delivered daily into one of my many mail boxes ... and all this happens without me having to leave my home/office.
The process of opting in to an email list was time-consuming. It also meant I had to create a new email address and password - I already have 5! It means I have another email inbox to check. It also means I have a load more emails to check. It's taking up more of my time!
The Lists are designed to bring together a group of people for discussion with a common interest. If 'discussion' is key and 'common interest' is key then what is the benefit over joining a forum where common interest discussions take place every minute? There's no 'baggage' writing a quick post on a Forum. If it's a moderated forum the post still has to be approved first (like a List) and if it's not, then the discussion can continue in real time without any lag. The discussion sits in cyberspace not in my inbox that requires me to log in and out, read all the unread emails that have piled up and clear my inbox regularly.
My experience of joining an email list has shown me that it is an activity that requires more of my time to participate. It requires more of my time to execute. It's time consuming not time saving. Even if my interest in a subject was profound I believe that the internet provides far more time efficient options for group discussion for me to participate in than a List.
I think, like all good things, the internet best serves the individual when the individual opts to be discerning rather than all-embracing.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
More to Email than just beating snail mail!
Oh yeah I'm getting alot to think about ;) ... the key word here for me is THINK! I'm realising how much I do online everyday that I take for granted, that I don't THINK about and, to that end, email is just something I deal with every day that's a more rapid form of communication than snail mail.
Now I appreciate the applications that have allowed me to create folders and organise my email ins and outs into a logical and easily accessible filing system. I appreciate that I can email to one or many at the same time at my whim and how instantly I know from whom my correspondence has been received and what it's about BEFORE I get to the contents.
I operate my business and personal emails from the one spot. How convenient! I have four separate email addresses being delivered to me daily. So that I can sort them easily I have rules set up that instruct each mail received to pop into its appropriate folder on receipt. At a glance I can see any new mail to any of the four addresses and keep everything separate.
Immediately after reading an email and taking action I deliver it to an appropriate sub-folder for safe keeping. I do the same with my Sent mails, that way I can quickly and efficiently find any correspondence at a later date. Within folders I may have even more sub-sub folders!
On receipt of an email, the Header tells me exactly who has sent it. I may know them I may not. I look at domains for a clue to origin if the email is from someone I don't know personally or an organisation I'm not familiar with and often I'll google the domain to discover more about the organisation before deciding whether to respond and/or what to respond.
Often the subject is unhelpful in providing clues to the body of the message so I tend to skim over the subject and get straight to the message. Again, if it's an unsolicited email I'll check out the sig and do a bit more googling before replying.
I have a spam mail folder which I've set up to immediately deposit anything that might appear dodgy. I always check it because many times a perfectly legitimate email has ended up relegated to the spam folder. Each day, sometimes several times a day, I send the spam items to delete and then delete the lot so that I can be sure I'm doing daily housecleaning of my inbox - I don't like clutter ;)
I'll tend to use cc when someone needs to be copied in or included in a discussion. If an email arrives to me with cc to someone else I always determine whether or not the cc recipients need to be included in my reply and if not I reply only to the sender. If I receive a chain mail all-inclusive thing from a friend I always remove all the prior forwards before forwarding. I do that for a couple of reasons - 1) I find it really irritating to receive a great long chain mail with a thousand and one addresses on it and 2) I believe by removing the 'priors' I'm ensuring that the person or people to whom I'm forwarding the email are not privvy to others' addresses and only need to see that it's me who is forwarding it to them.
bcc is tricky. I've only ever used it a couple of times because generally all my correspondence, even work-related, is transparent and doesn't require a 'hidden' third-party recipient to be included. I'm not sure where I stand on the whole bcc thing and since I don't really use it I had forgotten about it - which does leave me wondering: How many emails have I received and/or replied to all where there is a bcc?? It's a bit sneaky isn't it? More reason to be absolutely certain your email correspondences are pleasant.
I'm always thinking before I email because I'm aware that although it's an electronic form of communication it is a written communication therefore it's prudent to check, double-check and re-read before hitting send to be certain you haven't said anything that could potentially come back to haunt you!
Thank you email - as of today you are officially appreciated beyond just being considered a fast method of written communication. :)
Now I appreciate the applications that have allowed me to create folders and organise my email ins and outs into a logical and easily accessible filing system. I appreciate that I can email to one or many at the same time at my whim and how instantly I know from whom my correspondence has been received and what it's about BEFORE I get to the contents.
I operate my business and personal emails from the one spot. How convenient! I have four separate email addresses being delivered to me daily. So that I can sort them easily I have rules set up that instruct each mail received to pop into its appropriate folder on receipt. At a glance I can see any new mail to any of the four addresses and keep everything separate.
Immediately after reading an email and taking action I deliver it to an appropriate sub-folder for safe keeping. I do the same with my Sent mails, that way I can quickly and efficiently find any correspondence at a later date. Within folders I may have even more sub-sub folders!
On receipt of an email, the Header tells me exactly who has sent it. I may know them I may not. I look at domains for a clue to origin if the email is from someone I don't know personally or an organisation I'm not familiar with and often I'll google the domain to discover more about the organisation before deciding whether to respond and/or what to respond.
Often the subject is unhelpful in providing clues to the body of the message so I tend to skim over the subject and get straight to the message. Again, if it's an unsolicited email I'll check out the sig and do a bit more googling before replying.
I have a spam mail folder which I've set up to immediately deposit anything that might appear dodgy. I always check it because many times a perfectly legitimate email has ended up relegated to the spam folder. Each day, sometimes several times a day, I send the spam items to delete and then delete the lot so that I can be sure I'm doing daily housecleaning of my inbox - I don't like clutter ;)
I'll tend to use cc when someone needs to be copied in or included in a discussion. If an email arrives to me with cc to someone else I always determine whether or not the cc recipients need to be included in my reply and if not I reply only to the sender. If I receive a chain mail all-inclusive thing from a friend I always remove all the prior forwards before forwarding. I do that for a couple of reasons - 1) I find it really irritating to receive a great long chain mail with a thousand and one addresses on it and 2) I believe by removing the 'priors' I'm ensuring that the person or people to whom I'm forwarding the email are not privvy to others' addresses and only need to see that it's me who is forwarding it to them.
bcc is tricky. I've only ever used it a couple of times because generally all my correspondence, even work-related, is transparent and doesn't require a 'hidden' third-party recipient to be included. I'm not sure where I stand on the whole bcc thing and since I don't really use it I had forgotten about it - which does leave me wondering: How many emails have I received and/or replied to all where there is a bcc?? It's a bit sneaky isn't it? More reason to be absolutely certain your email correspondences are pleasant.
I'm always thinking before I email because I'm aware that although it's an electronic form of communication it is a written communication therefore it's prudent to check, double-check and re-read before hitting send to be certain you haven't said anything that could potentially come back to haunt you!
Thank you email - as of today you are officially appreciated beyond just being considered a fast method of written communication. :)
As I continue to explore a new world of engagement through the various tasks assigned in this Unit, it's become more and more apparent to me that communication lies at the base of every process and activity undertaken online.
I've always considered myself an effective communicator. English was my favourite subject throughout my school years. I have a very good grasp of the English language and can communicate ideas and thoughts adeptly to others whether through oral skills or in writing. My working life has been centred around communicating - as a writer, a Publicist, a Public Relations Consultant, it has been imperative that my communication skills are top notch.
There have always been protocols in place: How to write a business letter; how to effectively communicate a message via a Media Release; how to compose a feature article for publication; how to write a news article for publication; how to conduct a business meeting; how to structure a presentation or pitch.
I have learnt these methods of communication and am a skilled practitioner. But I am now developing my understanding of how these protocols do and don't translate to the online environment.
Communication online has a different set of protocols for different types of online communication. There are right and wrong ways of contributing to Forum Posts; right and wrong ways of being involved in email lists and newsgroups; right and wrong ways to Twitter; right and wrong ways to effectively communicate via email.
It is not enough to apply standards used outside online communication to communicate online. There's a whole new set of rules to be learnt in order to become an effective online communicator.
So,if the methods and forms of communication are different between offline and online communication what, if anything, is the same?
Etiquette.
Underpinning all positive and productive communications whether offline or online is a type of social etiquette. It makes sense! There are a set of implicit social rules of conduct when communicating with someone else that need to be followed in order for effective communication to be achieved. More than that, these 'rules' allow people to have meaningful and productive exchanges via basic skills such as listening, responding, reacting and empathising.
Netiquette. An understood set of guidelines to appropriately communicate in an online environment, a 'network etiquette' that informs all effective, positive and 'human' communications conducted via the internet.
Well what an eye opener! I had given no thought at all to netiquette in the decade since I first logged onto the world wide web. I took my traditional communication skills and my social niceties with me and off I went to 'communicate' as I had always done, and with supreme confidence.
Sticking within the confines of what I already understood as good communicating meant I merely lurked in any space where I didn't fully understand 'the rules of engagement'. I was an observer but not a participant beyond emailing and some basic chat with friends.
How limiting! What a way to under use the full experience of the internet!
I'm on my way to further crunching of this theory but at this stage I have decided that the key to online communication requires an understanding of netiquette first and foremost.
I've always considered myself an effective communicator. English was my favourite subject throughout my school years. I have a very good grasp of the English language and can communicate ideas and thoughts adeptly to others whether through oral skills or in writing. My working life has been centred around communicating - as a writer, a Publicist, a Public Relations Consultant, it has been imperative that my communication skills are top notch.
There have always been protocols in place: How to write a business letter; how to effectively communicate a message via a Media Release; how to compose a feature article for publication; how to write a news article for publication; how to conduct a business meeting; how to structure a presentation or pitch.
I have learnt these methods of communication and am a skilled practitioner. But I am now developing my understanding of how these protocols do and don't translate to the online environment.
Communication online has a different set of protocols for different types of online communication. There are right and wrong ways of contributing to Forum Posts; right and wrong ways of being involved in email lists and newsgroups; right and wrong ways to Twitter; right and wrong ways to effectively communicate via email.
It is not enough to apply standards used outside online communication to communicate online. There's a whole new set of rules to be learnt in order to become an effective online communicator.
So,if the methods and forms of communication are different between offline and online communication what, if anything, is the same?
Etiquette.
Underpinning all positive and productive communications whether offline or online is a type of social etiquette. It makes sense! There are a set of implicit social rules of conduct when communicating with someone else that need to be followed in order for effective communication to be achieved. More than that, these 'rules' allow people to have meaningful and productive exchanges via basic skills such as listening, responding, reacting and empathising.
Netiquette. An understood set of guidelines to appropriately communicate in an online environment, a 'network etiquette' that informs all effective, positive and 'human' communications conducted via the internet.
Well what an eye opener! I had given no thought at all to netiquette in the decade since I first logged onto the world wide web. I took my traditional communication skills and my social niceties with me and off I went to 'communicate' as I had always done, and with supreme confidence.
Sticking within the confines of what I already understood as good communicating meant I merely lurked in any space where I didn't fully understand 'the rules of engagement'. I was an observer but not a participant beyond emailing and some basic chat with friends.
How limiting! What a way to under use the full experience of the internet!
I'm on my way to further crunching of this theory but at this stage I have decided that the key to online communication requires an understanding of netiquette first and foremost.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Lists
I've joined my first List. Yep I have. I don't know what goes on there, I don't know what purpose it serves. I don't know anything about Lists at all - but I figure I'm about to learn another new thing about the internet so bring it on!
Understanding the technology of online communication
My hand is up! I have discovered that I am one of those people who use the internet as a regular communication tool without any thought to how my communiques are being processed and delivered.
Tackling some of these tasks has been frustrating and highlighted the limitations of the logical side of my brain! I'm asking myself constantly why someone with good comprehension skills (that's me) has such great difficulty comprehending the 'language' of some of the tasks. I'm not really progressing with my grasp in the first instance but do understand the outcome when I eventually get there. I still believe it's a terminology issue for me and I find myself googling definitions and explanations constantly.
Now I have managed the traceroute task and it was an easy exercise once some handy tips had been posted on the DB - again thanks to all my fellow students :) - and I used Centralops.net for the exercise.
The outcome is that I have discovered that it took 19 hops from one IP to the Curtin IP ergo I understand now that there is a far greater process going on behind the scenes when one specific IP attempts to connect to another IP!
Is it a useful application for me? No. Will I traceroute again? No. Did I learn something. Absolutely yes! :)
Now I just need to learn, or should I say, comprehend, the instructions that will enable me to take a screenshot!
Tackling some of these tasks has been frustrating and highlighted the limitations of the logical side of my brain! I'm asking myself constantly why someone with good comprehension skills (that's me) has such great difficulty comprehending the 'language' of some of the tasks. I'm not really progressing with my grasp in the first instance but do understand the outcome when I eventually get there. I still believe it's a terminology issue for me and I find myself googling definitions and explanations constantly.
Now I have managed the traceroute task and it was an easy exercise once some handy tips had been posted on the DB - again thanks to all my fellow students :) - and I used Centralops.net for the exercise.
The outcome is that I have discovered that it took 19 hops from one IP to the Curtin IP ergo I understand now that there is a far greater process going on behind the scenes when one specific IP attempts to connect to another IP!
Is it a useful application for me? No. Will I traceroute again? No. Did I learn something. Absolutely yes! :)
Now I just need to learn, or should I say, comprehend, the instructions that will enable me to take a screenshot!
Tracing route to curtin.edu.au [134.7.179.56]...
| hop | rtt | rtt | rtt |
| ip address | domain name |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 70.84.211.97 | 61.d3.5446.static.theplanet.com |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 70.87.254.1 | 1.fe.5746.static.theplanet.com |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 70.85.127.105 | po51.dsr01.dllstx3.theplanet.com |
| 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 70.87.253.1 | et3-1.ibr03.dllstx3.theplanet.com |
| 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 157.238.225.5 | xe-2-4.r01.dllstx09.us.bb.gin.ntt.net |
| 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 129.250.3.73 | ae-3.r20.dllstx09.us.bb.gin.ntt.net |
| 7 | 41 | 47 | 42 |
| 129.250.2.168 | as-2.r20.lsanca03.us.bb.gin.ntt.net |
| 8 | 47 | 100 | 43 |
| 129.250.5.254 | po-1.r00.lsanca03.us.bb.gin.ntt.net |
| 9 | 37 | 138 | 37 |
| 204.1.253.166 | |
| 10 | 186 | 184 | 186 |
| 202.158.194.157 | so-4-0-0.bb1.b.syd.aarnet.net.au |
| 11 | 196 | 197 | 198 |
| 202.158.194.33 | so-2-0-0.bb1.a.mel.aarnet.net.au |
| 12 | 205 | 207 | 205 |
| 202.158.194.17 | so-2-0-0.bb1.a.adl.aarnet.net.au |
| 13 | 233 | 233 | 233 |
| 202.158.194.5 | so-0-1-0.bb1.a.per.aarnet.net.au |
| 14 | 234 | 234 | 234 |
| 202.158.198.178 | gigabitethernet0.er1.curtin.cpe.aarnet.net.au |
| 15 | 233 | 233 | 235 |
| 202.158.198.186 | gw1.er1.curtin.cpe.aarnet.net.au |
| 16 | * | * | * |
| | |
| 17 | * | * | * |
| | |
| 18 | * | * | * |
| | |
| 19 | 236 | 235 | 235 |
| 134.7.179.56 | systems.curtin.edu.au |
Trace complete
-- end --Friday, March 6, 2009
While the actual Telnet task outcome was underwhelming in itself, I've been considering the type of thinking that must have originally been behind the concept. Given that the technology precedes what we now know as the Internet those early initiators were clearly Super Thinkers!
What we commonly take for granted in the myriad ways in which the internet connects us to information anywhere in the world would possibly not be ours were it not for those bright sparks who had the foresight and the dedication to take a concept, a 'what if?', and make it work. Kudos!
Asking around tech-savvy colleagues and friends who have already completed tertiary education, the general consensus is that Telnet is 'old school' in terms of remotely accessing resource information. However, it is still used to facilitate some online gaming activities where remote access is required so perhaps it's not totally redundant just yet?
FTP, on the other hand, is still useful and as mentioned in my previous post, was the preferred method used in my PR/Publicist roles to distribute hi-res images, games screenshots and other big files to media. The fact that the file (especially big files) sits in 'cyberspace' instead of taking up space on my computer or the recipient's computer is an obvious plus.
Blinkenlights was a delight. Again I have to commend those incredibly creative and talented individuals of the world who continue to find new uses for existing applications. A few people I shared blinkenlights with, while acknowledging the obvious talent of its creators, also remarked that such creative output can only be the result of people having too much time on their hands.
Exactly! There is no innovation, development, discovery or creativity without dedication, effort, sheer dogged belief - and time.
What we commonly take for granted in the myriad ways in which the internet connects us to information anywhere in the world would possibly not be ours were it not for those bright sparks who had the foresight and the dedication to take a concept, a 'what if?', and make it work. Kudos!
Asking around tech-savvy colleagues and friends who have already completed tertiary education, the general consensus is that Telnet is 'old school' in terms of remotely accessing resource information. However, it is still used to facilitate some online gaming activities where remote access is required so perhaps it's not totally redundant just yet?
FTP, on the other hand, is still useful and as mentioned in my previous post, was the preferred method used in my PR/Publicist roles to distribute hi-res images, games screenshots and other big files to media. The fact that the file (especially big files) sits in 'cyberspace' instead of taking up space on my computer or the recipient's computer is an obvious plus.
Blinkenlights was a delight. Again I have to commend those incredibly creative and talented individuals of the world who continue to find new uses for existing applications. A few people I shared blinkenlights with, while acknowledging the obvious talent of its creators, also remarked that such creative output can only be the result of people having too much time on their hands.
Exactly! There is no innovation, development, discovery or creativity without dedication, effort, sheer dogged belief - and time.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
I am not technologically challenged!
I am terminology challenged. There's a big difference and undertaking the arduous journey that ultimately led me to the correct FTP and Telnet Task outcomes illustrates that difference.
I have learnt that you cannot download the FTP Server and expect it to do the job. No, you need the FTP Client. You knew that didn't you?
Sadly, I did not. Many, many hours blaming the computer and the operator, soliciting advice from the BB Discussion Boards, wandering around Google and, ultimately, using the 'phone a friend' lifeline, I got there - and it was a breeze!
Yep, I get it. FTP is a great tool. I also understand now why we used it for media instead of an Electronic Press Kit in my previous incarnation as a Publicist/PR. Up went the hi-res images and across to the journalist went the log in details. Hey Presto!
I also understand now why my system didn't have the features then to enable me access (blame the computer) and why I couldn't find them to install (blame the operator).
Sadly, true story and, yes, CAPITALIZATION [sic] matters but, in this instance, it was not the root cause of my dilemma.
TELNET was no easier - you can probably see where I'm going here. I don't want to re-live it so I'll keep it brief.
Again, search, email and skype pleas to friends and many many hours later, the BB Discussion Boards (thanks Hannah!) got me closer to my goal. With one final hurdle (thanks Kate!) I was done. Yes, I even managed the email part. I watched the fabulous blinkenlights and sat back in my chair.
There's no time for reflection on these useful tools just yet. I'm still doing the victory dance around the desk. I've pulled the blinds - I wouldn't want anyone to think I was up myself.
I am terminology challenged. There's a big difference and undertaking the arduous journey that ultimately led me to the correct FTP and Telnet Task outcomes illustrates that difference.
I have learnt that you cannot download the FTP Server and expect it to do the job. No, you need the FTP Client. You knew that didn't you?
Sadly, I did not. Many, many hours blaming the computer and the operator, soliciting advice from the BB Discussion Boards, wandering around Google and, ultimately, using the 'phone a friend' lifeline, I got there - and it was a breeze!
Yep, I get it. FTP is a great tool. I also understand now why we used it for media instead of an Electronic Press Kit in my previous incarnation as a Publicist/PR. Up went the hi-res images and across to the journalist went the log in details. Hey Presto!
I also understand now why my system didn't have the features then to enable me access (blame the computer) and why I couldn't find them to install (blame the operator).
Sadly, true story and, yes, CAPITALIZATION [sic] matters but, in this instance, it was not the root cause of my dilemma.
TELNET was no easier - you can probably see where I'm going here. I don't want to re-live it so I'll keep it brief.
Again, search, email and skype pleas to friends and many many hours later, the BB Discussion Boards (thanks Hannah!) got me closer to my goal. With one final hurdle (thanks Kate!) I was done. Yes, I even managed the email part. I watched the fabulous blinkenlights and sat back in my chair.
There's no time for reflection on these useful tools just yet. I'm still doing the victory dance around the desk. I've pulled the blinds - I wouldn't want anyone to think I was up myself.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Top 5 Tips for Bloggers
1. Don't give too many personal details. Identity theft is already too easy. Don't make it easier.
2.Read other blogs. Looking at other blogs puts you in the reader's seat and lets you see firsthand the fonts and colours that do and don't work on screen, the musings that are and are not so interesting. Check spelling so that your blog is a pleasure to read not a struggle for the reader.
3.Be Yourself. A blog is your weblog. Everyone has their own personal style. Format, style and content should reflect you and your interests.
4.Update regularly and check in on it. Keep the blog as current and informative as your life allows. Updating regularly makes your blog a 'go to' place for friends, family, colleagues and anyone else who finds your blog interesting. Check in on it frequently and read comments. It's not a static thing.
5. Add links. If you're referencing something, have seen something you think others would be interested in - post the link. We love links!
2.Read other blogs. Looking at other blogs puts you in the reader's seat and lets you see firsthand the fonts and colours that do and don't work on screen, the musings that are and are not so interesting. Check spelling so that your blog is a pleasure to read not a struggle for the reader.
3.Be Yourself. A blog is your weblog. Everyone has their own personal style. Format, style and content should reflect you and your interests.
4.Update regularly and check in on it. Keep the blog as current and informative as your life allows. Updating regularly makes your blog a 'go to' place for friends, family, colleagues and anyone else who finds your blog interesting. Check in on it frequently and read comments. It's not a static thing.
5. Add links. If you're referencing something, have seen something you think others would be interested in - post the link. We love links!
The Great Leap Forward
I'm only a few days in to the nuts and bolts of tertiary education and am still trying to navigate my way through the introductory stages whilst simultaneously attempting to translate task directives into action!
Although I publish a wonderful website that's taken a few years of research and hard yards to make a reality, I don't actually contribute content. I'm smart. I have journalists to do that for me!
So here I am, required to blog for Net 11 and, via this exercise, however daunting, already gaining an understanding of the process of blogging as it relates to my own site. Excellent.
Bring on the learning!
Although I publish a wonderful website that's taken a few years of research and hard yards to make a reality, I don't actually contribute content. I'm smart. I have journalists to do that for me!
So here I am, required to blog for Net 11 and, via this exercise, however daunting, already gaining an understanding of the process of blogging as it relates to my own site. Excellent.
Bring on the learning!
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