Disqus - Latest Comments for CraigK

Re: what if saving was stupid

CraigK — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:02:22 -0000

Agree with NDP that picture is very creepy. I understand your thinking and yes the end of the world scenario could happen in the US like USSR, but tough comparison. Would you recommend just keeping money in the banks, instead of investments? Even with a collapse you are guaranteed your money.

I like how you mention to put money towards alternative income. I think more people are trying to set up side jobs to help pay for small expenses and ease things a bit.

Re: louisgray.com: Social Media Marketing - Who, What, When, Where, Why and How?

CraigK — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:13:21 -0000

I agree that it is more about facilitating conversation than the technology itself. The technology is pointless unless it is used in the appropriate manner. Having conversations and utilizing excellent customer service practices help not just spread the word, but trust. In today's world, trust is huge. If someone wants to confide in you or your product, there as to be a level of trust established. These basic questions are what every marketer both traditional and online need to do. Online it's very tedious to do so, but can be done. Find where your users and thought leaders are and have basic conversations. From there learn about who they are, and what they need and offer insightful opinions. this is how the trust can be developed and lead to success for your company.

Re: louisgray.com: Twitter Followers Spiking As Service Increases Momentum

louismg — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 03:19:09 -0000

I used to treat Facebook and LinkedIn very carefully, and after I
realized a lot of people who read the blog just want to get connected,
I opened up the doors and accept everything. Twitter is the same way.
FriendFeed I am much more careful with, putting people in lists, as
adding a person can be intensive.

Re: louisgray.com: Twitter Followers Spiking As Service Increases Momentum

CraigK — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:29:21 -0000

As it becomes more mainstream I think there will be more of a spike. Also people seem to be more comfortable with following people unlike Facebook, where you really only feel comfortable friending people you know. It's a different culture. I've seen it was faster for me to go from 100 to 200, than to get to my first 100. Still working on getting to 300 but may take a little faster.

Re: Watch Full Season of The Office on Splashcast

CraigK — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:58:55 -0000

Forget The Office. The new shoe you should be checking out is Childrens' Hospital, a webisode series on the WB.

http://www.thewb.com/video/507a47889e/childrens...

Short and funny and you'll recognize some of the faces. Watched the first ep with my friend and thought it was hilarious, need to set time to watch the others.

Re: Startups: 10 Great Ways to Get Your Startup Out There

CraigK — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:03:18 -0000

The GetSatisfaction is new to me. sounds like a great way to get some feedback on a new site. Of course there is also setting up a Facebook page and Stumbleupon, two more ways to get noticed and try to drive traffic. Another would be to have mutual link exchanges with others. It's a long slow process that I am going through now. no real easy way if you are trying to be cost effective.

Re: what motivates you more: frugality or decluttering?

CraigK — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:44:22 -0000

I think the two terms are separate. If you aren't buying cause you have too much stuff, that is different than not buying to save. You still would have the want but not the need. The other you have the want but can't afford it. Different scenarios. Like you have mentioned, there are ways to declutter, sell on ebay, donate to charity or friends, or just throw out. So if you really want something, get it. Don't let cluttering be an issue. If it's to save, then save.

Re: louisgray.com: 10 Pointers for Generating Traffic to Your Blog

CraigK — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:07:40 -0000

Great tips. As someone who is new to social media and blogging, and thinking of starting my own blog just for fun, these are great tips to hear and use. Any advice on how to set up basic SEO practices?

Re: getting published

CraigK — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:25:20 -0000

I have to believe that getting a book published (print) is a huge accomplishment and status builder. You can always say you are a published author, get financial benefits, and let's be honest, I'm sure it can boost the ego in the short run. I understand what you are saying that publishing companies may or may not promote the book, but that's not stopping you. With online tools like blogs, twitter, etc, you can easily go about promoting your book to you audience and fan base, and from there trying to build word of mouth. If you get published, I'd be glad to buy your book.

Re: How Much Do You Want To Save Money This Holiday Season?

CraigK — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:06:00 -0000

An electronics site that you will save money on is frys.com. I'm trying to buy more giftcards because I know you get more for their value sometimes and I can leave people deciding what to get on their own. I think it's less expensive than spending time searching and paying for things they may not need or want.

Craig
www.budgetpulse.com

Re: 10 Mistakes In Promoting New Blogs | Social Media Explorer

JasonFalls — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:40:07 -0000

Thanks Craig. You're right that the slow build is much better than the big pop, certainly with regard to building influence. Thanks for coming back so often.

Re: 10 Mistakes In Promoting New Blogs | Social Media Explorer

CraigK — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:30:38 -0000

Something I have learned about social media in the past 5 months I've been involved is that it deals with a lot of karma. It is a slow long process to build influence and try to gain respect online. If you go about it the right way, and share others comments, blogs, posts and are eager to learn, it can only benefit you in the long run. Good tips, I'm thinking of starting my own personal movie blog with a buddy who is new to social media and have already sent this out to him.

Craig
www.budgetpulse.com

Re: louisgray.com: Survey Says: Twitter is About Relationships

CraigK — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:12:25 -0000

I agree with hardaway. Yes it is about building relationships and having fun. At the same time people are there to try to gain more exposure for their brand, whether intentionally or not. It's all about networking and in the end to build up your brand. But I think that is fine. I personally don't use Twitter to keep up with friends. none of my friends know what it is. That's what Facebook is for. At the same time, I don't use Facebook to network, I use it for personal fun. Twitter is a combination of both, but it's more about building relationships, but for fun, and networking. I never use Facebook chat, think it's creepy to be honest. I have no problem starting a conversation with someone on Twitter, I think there is a different level of comfort.

Craig
www.budgetpulse.com

Re: louisgray.com: Push Yourself to a Healthy Lifestyle With Web Communities, Tools

CraigK — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:13:28 -0000

http://www.gyminee.com/public/indexb is a good website if you are looking for a social place to keep a steady journal of your progress and to get tips and advice from others.

Craig
www.budgetpulse.com

Re: What is The “Startup” Threshold?

CraigK — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:10:44 -0000

i agree, when I hear start-up, I'm thinking new and the small guy, regardless of what industry. Either way I think of it in more of a time frame manner. That maybe a start-up period is 2 years long, after that they need a new name.

Craig
www.budgetpulse.com

Re: Help with the SocialDreamium logo?

ryangraves — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:59:59 -0000

Great thought...thx.

Re: Help with the SocialDreamium logo?

CraigK — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:49:56 -0000

You're best bet then might be to try a local college and see if there are any graphic designer students looking to work on a project. Could almost be like an internship they could add to their portfolio. They would be glad to do it for free for experience and recommendation.

Re: Help with the SocialDreamium logo?

ryangraves — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:46:57 -0000

Thanks Craig - I'm also looking into using crowdSPRING for this...just
trying to focus on bootstrap bootstrap bootstrap. Even if it sometimes comes
off as cheap.

Re: Help with the SocialDreamium logo?

CraigK — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:24:02 -0000

Check out http://www.geniusrocket.com/. Of course it will cost some money but may be cheaper than hiring a designer straight up and will get you multiple options.

Re: why you’ll be richer without kids

CraigK — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:22:29 -0000

I am no where close to the point of my life of getting married or having kids, but good advice to look out for in the future. From a post grad's point of view, I have to disagree with you allowing your kids to come back home after 18. My parents raised my to be very independent, and I think compared to my friends I have always been more independent and able to be on my own and take care of myself. After college I took a job and moved back home for a year. It allowed me to save enough money to not have to worry about living pay check to pay check and put strain on myself or potentially having to ask parents to borrow money. From there I have moved to a new city and wouldn't have been able to without living at home for a year. The added costs of me being home were extremely minimal, and other than food costs I can't really think of anywhere else that could have made much impact. I think a lot of parents would like to help their children out in the beginning to save money, because in today's times things are more expensive. I'm curious to hear parents views on this or other people who were in my situation.

Craig
www.budgetpulse.com

Re: black friday death

CraigK — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:46:22 -0000

It's horrible to see that black friday for us has turned into the american version of the running of the bulls. You would think preventing death is more important than a discounted TV.

Craig
www.budgetpulse.com

Re: How To Win Buy In For Social Media | Social Media Explorer

JasonFalls — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:12:21 -0000

Fair points. Good to consider a combination of approaches. Thanks as always Craig.

Re: louisgray.com: Babysitting 2.0: Matthew and Sarah to Be Livestreaming Tonight

drewolanoff — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:38:28 -0000

Drew Olanoff - Babysitter 2.0.

Re: How To Win Buy In For Social Media | Social Media Explorer

CraigK — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:54:36 -0000

I think it's a good approach to combine the two. Introduce the tool first, then head straight into the communication and proactive approach that engaging in the community can do. The tools and names and jargon are so left field to most business folks that just addressing the tools isn't enough. There should be the balance. I agree with David. Twitter is so confusing. I have so many problems trying to define it to my friends, and haven't really found a good approach yet, they lose interest early. I need to work on them for the fun approach. For businesses it's a little more clear and can be easier to define when you directly show. I have never used oovoo.com but have read that the tool impresses people the most. So maybe start with that more often.

Craig
www.budgetpulse.com

Re: louisgray.com: Babysitting 2.0: Matthew and Sarah to Be Livestreaming Tonight

CraigK — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:40:08 -0000

Could be a great new show. The next step from the hidden baby cam. Wouldn't be surprised if more parents actually try doing something like this to keep eyes on their kids when they are out. People already do it with dog webcams. http://www.happyhoundsdaycare.com/webcams.asp. Why not with real people.

Craig
www.budgetpulse.com