Disqus - Latest Comments for Annie Boccio

Re: Convenient and believable expanation of my activities.

Annie Boccio — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:29:48 -0000

Oh, this is handy! I'm going to use this story next time I get asked all those questions!

Re: Letter from a Mean Girl to Her Classmates

Annie Boccio — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 13:45:28 -0000

I'm still in contact with four girls I went to high school with (including one who I had lost touch with for over 20 years.) But despite the fact that each was my "best friend" at some point, my current relationship with each of them is distant. I have to accept some of the blame, but it's mostly a case of lives running at full speed in different directions. Even the Internet can't breach that it seems.

Good luck reconnecting. I've never regretted getting back in touch with someone I haven't seen in years, even if all we got out of it was one fun conversation.

Re: Humble Pie and Twitter’s Value to Enterprise

Annie Boccio — Mon, 05 May 2008 20:54:56 -0000

I often get frustrated when it seems like everyone is trying to get in the last word, top what was said before. I see this not just in social media but in real life as well- seems that people are afraid if they don't counter something they disagree with then others will think they're tacitly agreeing. At some point someone has to step back or it just goes on and on...

On you're other point- a couple months ago I posted a funny conversation I had with Sarah Vela over Twitter, Seesmic, & Utterz, pasting it all together in my blog :).
http://banannie.com/blog/2008/03/05/how_to_have/

Re: Don’t Blink

Annie Boccio — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 21:59:39 -0000

Thanks, chel. Excellent timing :).

Re: Video Comments : Now Enabled!

Annie Boccio — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:53:30 -0000

{seesmic_video:{"url_thumbnail":{"value":"http://t.seesmic.com/thumbnail/w6zWHyXkJW_th1.jpg"}"title":{"value":" "}"videoUri":{"value":"http://www.seesmic.com/video/mv0xWe1GeZ"}}}

Re: Pat & Tim NYC

Annie Boccio — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 19:36:31 -0000

testing

Re: Pat & Tim NYC

Annie Boccio — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 15:51:14 -0000

another test

Re: Live, from your menu, it’s The Chef!

Annie Boccio — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 10:22:24 -0000

Lisa I get geekier every day. Even my sex dreams are getting geekier ;).

Re: Not quite ad-free

Annie Boccio — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 22:49:27 -0000

It does sound simple. The ads I've been seeing here are pretty relevant (although now I'm seeing PSAs, I hope I didn't anger the goog gods by posting this!) Neat that you found me via twittermap!

Re: Do bloggers need a code of conduct?

Annie Boccio — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 20:40:04 -0000

Donna- I don't know if I see some kind of plot or evil intent on the part of "powerful bloggers", but I do agree that the free exchange of ideas absolutely must be protected. Those who are against net neutrality, for example, are a much larger risk than A-list bloggers I think.

Elisa- I do think that it's an important distinction. Sites like Blogher, that publish a great deal of content from a variety of viewpoints, need a code of conduct, but you're not asking that your contributers adhere to the same code on their personal blogs. I'm not sure even Tim O'Reilly sees the difference, though!

Re: New media marketing ain’t all that new to me

Annie Boccio — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 08:18:32 -0000

Oops, sorry, link fixed! Yes, I was a cellular pioneer, boys and girls. It was a wild world back then. 75 employees in the entire company that served the NYC metro area!

Re: The family that plays air guitar together…?

Annie Boccio — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 21:24:21 -0000

TJG & Lisa, I think it's that the Eagles are pretty timeless, smooth harmonies with biting guitars!

Karen, my husband loves to dig out the vinyl and expose our kids to it, they play it in our basement during ping-pong matches :).

Re: New media marketing ain’t all that new to me

Annie Boccio — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 21:27:18 -0000

Connie, you were a trailblazer! Thanks for stopping bye :).

Re: How Now Brown Cow?

Annie Boccio — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 16:56:17 -0000

My Brooklyn-born husband just took it and he's definitely North East.

Rob, thanks for the link, I'll check that out.

Re: An Open Letter RE: the school bus

Annie Boccio — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 10:08:51 -0000

Unfortunately this was just today's Obnoxious Driver, there's at least one a week. Once I actually hit the side of a car that was passing when the bus was stopped, red lights blinking. It hurt my hand but made me feel better.

Re: Getting Boomers on board

Annie Boccio — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 13:38:08 -0000

Believe me I understand about the time factor. Not doubt I've spend a lot of time playing with Twitter, but for me it's been worth it because of the connections I've made and conversations (like this one) that I found via twitter. But the time factor does keep me from signing up for Second Life, for example. I know I'd lose hours in there!

Re: All the cool kids are link-baiting

Annie Boccio — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 16:11:44 -0000

Lisa, since you never include your blog address when you comment me, I'm going to include it here-

Lisa's Blog

There, you successfully link-baited me, it just means you got me to link back to you :)!

Re: All the cool kids are link-baiting

Annie Boccio — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 12:59:07 -0000

Still waiting, Mr. C...

Re: I can be lolcat plz?

Annie Boccio — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 16:10:53 -0000

I've been informed by my 14 year old son Nick that I've failed at my first lolcat attempt. "Disguise" should be spelled "disguize".

Re: Happy Mothers Day!

Annie Boccio — Mon, 14 May 2007 10:59:00 -0000

Neil, there haven't been all that many! Nice to hear from you!

Re: Twitter-fame is fleeting

Annie Boccio — Wed, 16 May 2007 10:11:59 -0000

Hi new commenters Radioactive Jam and Anjali. Thanks for coming by!

Neil, that's exactly how I got started, following "web celebs" during SXSW. What hooked me was when they started adding me back. Plus for me, the "one liner" format works well, I don't obsess over it like I do with my blog :).

Dossy, TJG, I thought Kelly did a great job, she didn't take it all too seriously like most reporters do.

Lisa, BGM, I may drag you in yet, you know, if your lives slow down enough :). LP has joined up!

Re: Ten Thousand! Boy, those Phillies fans are nuts.

Annie Boccio — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:48:22 -0000

Susan, that's definitely a benefit of being in the pricey seats, slightly less obnoxious neighbors.

Jay, I think we saw those guys, parading to the bar after the game!

BGM, the ticket is yours (I'll sell one of the kids' tickets :).)

Re: Twenty-2, Forty-4, Sixty-6?

Annie Boccio — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 15:58:29 -0000

Thanks everyone <img src="http://www.bloomingsoon.com/smile/smile/aniflower.gif"></img>

Re: Do you know what’s happening in Newark?

Annie Boccio — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 10:39:35 -0000

It's bizarre to me that cities like Newark are just let to rot. Doing things like building performing arts centers and arenas aren't going to make a difference to the kids who live there.

Justin, in today's paper it mentions that attendance at a summer program for kids near the shooting site was way down. Giving kids something to do is great- but if the kids are afraid to go, something more has to be done.

Re: OBX and why you wish you were me (for a week)

Annie Boccio — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 08:45:00 -0000

Paula, lucky you! What a gorgeous place to live.

BGM, is that a dare? Because it is on video, right up to the point the cop took the mic from my bother-in-law's hand!

Lisa, it's not the quantity, it's the quality.

Re: A quick post while the computer does its thing.

Annie Boccio — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 14:39:55 -0000

lol, thanks for the grammar hint. Making correction.

Re: Strength

Annie Boccio — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:46:45 -0000

Radioactive Jam- taking stock, exactly. It's good to review where we are and how we got there, right?

Andy- Thanks. And thanks for the memories of being in DC you posted on Twitter.

Ann- The power of 140 characters- even to show strong emotions!

Mom (Ellen)- love you!

Re: Talking Politics on Twitter?

Annie Boccio — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:40:37 -0000

@Jim great point, it often is about that last word.
@TJG me too! I purposely follow thoughtful, rational people who obviously have a different opinion from mine for just the same reason, they make me think.

Re: Social Networks: Where are YOU?

Annie Boccio — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 12:55:50 -0000

Merlene- I love that you're in smaller groups that came out of TotalFark. I think some don't realize how common that is- meeting people in a large social network then forming smaller ones as you develop relationships.

Len- I was always an introvert, too. I'm not sure why social networking helps me be more outgoing, but it certainly does. I used to wait for other people to start a conversation with me, now I'm much more likely to walk up to a stranger and say hi. Still a little nerve-wracking but not as scary as it was!

Joe- I just started using Flickr for social networking, mostly because until recently I didn't know many other people there. Now that I have a group of contacts and have started playing in groups it's even more fun, but I still primarily use it as a place for family and friends to see my photos. And like I twittered to Len yesterday- the naysayers haven't put in the time or effort to see what social networking is all about, so I just ignore them.

Re: Social Networks: Where are YOU?

Annie Boccio — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 12:59:01 -0000

TJG and TheDiva- you both mention time and that's the BIG reason I hear from friends who seem interested in trying things like Twitter but haven't taken the leap. And it's why I haven't entered Second Life yet, even though I know I'd love it. It's about balance and most people I know online have worked that out well for themselves (so :P naysayers again :).)

Re: Social Networks: Where are YOU?

Annie Boccio — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 18:48:53 -0000

Jennifer- I'll let the Mets comment slide- this time!

Rob- sounds like a cool forum! I love the way a common interest as simple (or as complex) as gaming brings people together.

I have the same issues as others with Facebook- it still feels more like a chore than fun, although I do see some benefits.

Re: Pat’s birthday sandwich

Annie Boccio — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 15:21:53 -0000

I know, I'm lame. I didn't think to get a shot of the sandwich till it was gone. It wouldn't have been a good shot anyway, it was dark in there. Even a photo would've been iffy, my flash is busted. Trust me, it was all you would expect and more!

Re: Birthday Sandwich :: Director’s Cut

Annie Boccio — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 21:05:08 -0000

He's a Brooklyn boy :).

Re: Or maybe the answer will just drop out of the sky…

Annie Boccio — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 10:48:07 -0000

Wow! Thanks everyone for the insights and suggestions. And the kind words. As I said, confronted with many options I tend to freeze up (this is nothing new, been this way my entire life!) My next step is to choose a direction and move forward. By 5pm today!

I'm excited to have some new visitors as well (h/t to Chris Brogan's tweet last night!) Thanks for reading!

Re: TwitterPoster makes me feels speshul

Annie Boccio — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 16:39:25 -0000

hey DoubleC if ya want I can send some followers your way!

Re: oops… yay.

Annie Boccio — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 15:40:21 -0000

backup backup backup backup etc etc!

Re: my dinner is missing

Annie Boccio — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 10:28:38 -0000

It was a roast with roasted asparagus and french fries, I had even uploaded a pic of it all! And I'd only had about half a drink, I really don't know what happened :).

Re: Steps… 2007

Annie Boccio — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 14:46:14 -0000

Thank you Trula and MaxWeb for the kind words!

Re: Question for those who use Utterz & Seesmic?

Annie Boccio — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:43:53 -0000

the thing is- not many people use both Utterz & Seesmic!

Re: How to have a conversation across three social networks

Annie Boccio — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 20:37:00 -0000

Nice username, Sarah lol!

Re: Here’s my card…

Annie Boccio — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 07:52:50 -0000

Thanks for the feedback, it really helps. In the end I think they need to be for the business, because people outside of the fish bowl aren't all that interest in ME, just in what I can do for them- and I do that under the Pixel Currents umbrella.

Time to get designing!

Re: Resume? Can’t you just google me?

Annie Boccio — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:29:41 -0000

Frederick, I admit to being a bit facetious in this post. I know the part a resume plays in the hiring process and I honestly don't expect to get by without one. But I also think more and more employers are googling people before calling them in for an interview (which is why it's important to control what they might find!) In my case, I think it would give a better picture of who I am than a sheet of paper ever could. And honestly, I've tried for years to find a way to market my 18 years of being "just a mom." Most employers would toss my resume without a second glance based on that alone.

Hooeyspewer my husband is practically un-Googleable (love the word!) I think if you google him you find me! Lots of people are. But as an employer, he does google potential employees :)! Word of mouth, networking- those are the best ways to find a job, absolutely! But even then most human resources departments need a resume "for the files." So I guess the resume is here to stay at least for awhile.

Re: Resume? Can’t you just google me?

Annie Boccio — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:33:11 -0000

Dayngr, I think there may come a time it will be that easy. I manage to find design clients without traditional marketing, so who knows?

Re: Refund!

Annie Boccio — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:28:01 -0000

[viddler_video=da8b9196]

Re: Busy month update, plus Push My Follow dot com

Annie Boccio — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:55:12 -0000

@bgm I hear ya. Every time I sit down to write I hit a wall, I think it's Twitter syndrome. Too used to writing in 140 characters or less!

But the video & audio should be coming through the RSS, at least it is into Google Reader. Let me know if it's not!

Re: New Seesmic video comment plugin

Annie Boccio — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:33:16 -0000

bananas {seesmic_video:{"url_thumbnail":{"value":"http://t.seesmic.com/thumbnail/eBEd0fCBGr_th1.jpg"}"title":{"value":"bananas "}"videoUri":{"value":"http://www.seesmic.com/video/fC1ljUCprg"}}}

Re: I’m going to Twisney World!

Annie Boccio — Sun, 11 May 2008 13:49:12 -0000

Well, last time I was there having one it was with you :)!

Re: Insurance Rant

Annie Boccio — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 08:11:35 -0000

Fortunately it appears that we aren't responsible for the difference. But based on my experiences, I'm not quite counting on that yet!

Re: Insurance Rant

Annie Boccio — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:55:56 -0000

Oh, we've hit that part. Repeatedly. Doesn't help that the insurance is out-of-state, and they argued that an emergency admission wasn't one. D'oh.

Re: Firefox 3 escapes captivity tomorrow!

Annie Boccio — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:57:27 -0000

I'll let you know how it goes. But really, the beta has been fantastic.

For now I gotta wait- seems that the Firefox servers are overwhelmed. Careful what you wish for!

Re: Met up with some friends tonight…

Annie Boccio — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:42:47 -0000

The blinky Absolut necklace, it's in my video which is the fifth one above. I'm a sucker for blinky things.

Re: Facebook: My Real Name

Annie Boccio — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 11:19:40 -0000

I'm not sure why I want to be found. Maybe it's a nostalgia thing. I certainly didn't really care about being found when I was in my 20s and 30s.

Re: Facebook: My Real Name

Annie Boccio — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:29:12 -0000

Facebook does have a box to include your "former" name but it doesn't show in your profile. I guess if someone does a search using it you'll show up tho. Even with parentheses or "nee" (which I only see in obits!) it feels weird.

No offense to my dad and other relatives of course ;).

Re: We Can’t Let This Bank Fail!

Annie Boccio — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:29:33 -0000

Awesome, Sean, thanks!

Re: Merry Christmas!

Annie Boccio — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 09:36:05 -0000

Animoto is insanely easy. All I did was upload the photos and choose a song. Shh....

Re: Paper and pencil

Annie Boccio — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:19:37 -0000

Mike I love Evernote, too. I'm using it more and more.

Re: Paper and pencil

Annie Boccio — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:20:13 -0000

Is it a remnant from childhood? I used to keep very organized journals when I was 13, 14 years old :).

Re: Paper and pencil

Annie Boccio — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:21:36 -0000

I like being able to easily carry my moleskine wherever I go, but I used to drool over the Levenger catalogs when they came!

Re: http://gary.tumblr.com/post/78887084

Annie Boccio — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:52:11 -0000

The whole "REAL" America thing resonates. Twitter's huge advantage is that it can be so easily used via SMS & mobile applications, unlike Facebook which is really a destination.

Funny though, I see things completely opposite from Lisa above. Facebook, with it's clunky UI and applications and fun wall etc is a time suck for me, while Twitter just sits there all day and lets me easily jump in and out. I don't read every tweet that goes by, so maybe it's just that we use it differently.

Either way, Twitter FTW. (@banannie)

Re: Personal Branding

Annie Boccio — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 11:15:52 -0000

Very timely for me, I love the idea of branding and controlling your own image, even in everyday life.

Re: Happy Birthday to Me

Annie Boccio — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 09:56:19 -0000

Happy birthday, Chris!

Re: The Great Jaiku Migration of April 10

Annie Boccio — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 21:10:23 -0000

Both Twitter and Jaiku have issues, neither is ready to handle the influx. No one wants to sit back and wait, though, afraid we'll miss out! It's fun in a way, bouncing around en masse.
Bet you're right about a third product waiting in the wings winning the prize.

Re: Why Do New Media Types Like Multiples

Annie Boccio — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 12:44:56 -0000

I've tried to set aside projects and do just one at a time, but then I spend time thinking about what I've set aside, jotting down notes and ideas, completely sidetracking myself from what I should be doing. So I think I work better if I allow myself to jump from project to project, in the long run I accomplish more.

Re: Left Behind

Annie Boccio — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 16:12:23 -0000

I agree with Justin, part of it is not wanting to miss the conversation/party. I didn't think of Twitter as a community when I joined, but it became one for me, and sure, I don't want to leave the party (or watch it leave me.) I do like to be there in the "beginning" and watch things develop, I've done that since the web was a toddler, but I don't join everything. MySpace never appealed to me, both because it was full of kids, and it's ugly. It could just be a generational thing. I joined FaceBook when it opened to the general public but until recently never saw a use for it. LinkedIn is more handy, I plan to get deeper into that. As for Second Life, I tried it awhile back. but I'm not a gamer and it seemed like too much effort for little return. Maybe that will change, but it looks unlikely, unless I find a compelling reason (business?) to join again.

Re: Chris Brogan One Year Later

Annie Boccio — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 21:19:45 -0000

I don't think I know you well enough to even guess, but I do know that I hope I've got a similar tale to tell about myself a year from now!

Re: In Praise of Jesters

Annie Boccio — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 14:03:05 -0000

I use the jester roll as a parenting tool. Nothing diffuses a cranky preschooler or a sulky teen quicker than a peak at the humor of the situation. There's always something funny about everything, no matter how angry everyone seems, so I try to find it, point it out- once the giggling starts, then subsides- the real conversation (or discipline if necessary) can take place. Works every time!

Re: Media Makers Need to Climb the Value Chain

Annie Boccio — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 15:45:05 -0000

Audience member here (for now anyway) chiming in. I've already pretty much dumped radio in favor of audio podcasts. I'm not quite ready to dump MSM tv and films, but I do spend more and more time watching podcasts and other youtube-ish stuff. But yeah, there's a lot of crap to wade through. Storytelling is most important, there has to be a point. So is visual prettiness, I used to edit video and I really appreciate it when a podcaster takes advantage of post-production.

You're right, it's not about just shooting video. It's about talent & effort, and the ones who have talent and put in effort will break through, I don't think they have to necessarily seek it out.

Re: Front Load Your Writing

Annie Boccio — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 09:59:53 -0000

I second the descriptive or enticing subject line suggestion, too. I usually scan my feeds and only read the ones that grab my attention from the start.

Re: Extend the Conversation

Annie Boccio — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 13:34:27 -0000

I think Doug makes a big point here. I'm going to take a not so huge leap and guess that most people ages 40-65 (yes, baby-boomers, the group with the huge buying power that ruled old media!) are not reading blogs, watching podcasts, posting on twitter. None of my local friends/neighbors are. I can barely get them to use email. I started a niche blog aimed at parents in this age group and got frustrated because there was no clear way to market it to them, if they're not online how can they find me? I'm really curious about Chris Penn's listenership on Financial Aid Podcast (which I love, by the way.) I'm guessing students are the majority of his listeners, rather than their parents.

Working toward getting this group interested and online is something I'd really like to work towards. I agree with Doug, good, well written, and valuable content is key.

Re: 5 Ways to Extend the Conversation

Annie Boccio — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 14:05:30 -0000

I'm right there with you on this. I'm admin for our school PTO site. It's been functioning as an online bulletin board, but I've been talking to a few people about making it more interactive in the upcoming school year. I'm going to port it into WordPress and encourage the committee members to set up accounts to start. It's a small town and a lot of community activity centers around the schools, so I think this is a good place to start.

Re: Reasons Why I LOVE JetBlue and not Continental

Annie Boccio — Tue, 01 May 2007 10:05:24 -0000

I don't fly often, but when I do I prefer JetBlue. On each fight the pilot has come into the cabin just to say hi or to explain delays, once because of a fax machine malfunction in Atlanta (we were flying to Orlando from Newark?) When I had to fly home from Orlando during a hurricane, and some airlines were canceling, our pilot explained how the 50mph winds on the ground are nothing compared to what the plane has to deal with in the air. It made us all feel safer.

Also, they have Terra Blue chips and cute little blue whale crackers.

Re: A New Time Budget

Annie Boccio — Sat, 19 May 2007 10:50:06 -0000

When I'm working on a project I need to allow myself huge blocks of time. It simply takes me too long to power down and MUCH too long to power back up again. But I could use timing like this for the little admin type things I have to do, or even for housework. Maybe a day or two a week of this would work for me. Similar to what others have said, I guess!

Re: Small Boxes 29- On Hollywood

Annie Boccio — Sun, 20 May 2007 14:58:05 -0000

blah blah blah ~~walk to computer, click to change pp slide~~ blah blah blah ~~walk to computer, click to change pp slide~~ blah blah blah etc etc.

:)

Re: Make Your Blog Friendly

Annie Boccio — Fri, 25 May 2007 10:02:07 -0000

I totally agree about making commenting easier, and let me add that people who use Blogger should set comments to allow anyone, not just Blogger users to comment. I have a Blogger account set up just so I can comment on those blogs but they only link back to my profile, not my site.
Archives- I had a link to archives for years. No one ever used it! The only views to my archives have come via searches. I'll probably put an archive link back up one of these days, though, now that my new blog isn't so new anymore.

Re: Free Your Inner Superhero

Annie Boccio — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 21:20:20 -0000

I made up some cards a short time ago. One is for my (brand new) mini-business, and the other is for me/my blog. I made them myself with the Avery cards Lance mentioned, and they look pretty good, certainly good enough for my purposes! I've been out of the workforce a long time, and making the cards was a way for me to kind of announce that I'm here, "back in business."
Check them out here :): http://banannie.tumblr.com/post/3081736

Re: The Importance of Saying No

Annie Boccio — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 10:38:52 -0000

Great points about hobbies and busy work. I'm working on that now, simplifying and cutting back. I've prioritized personal projects I'd like to do so I'm doing one at a time, and if I don't get to the lower-priority ones, so be it. And guess what? I'm making much better progress with the ones at the top of the list.

I wrote on the topic of saying no here:
http://banannie.com/blog/2007/05/10/productivit...

Re: 3rd Grade Sci Fi

Annie Boccio — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:15:21 -0000

My son is this age- and the behind the scenes stuff was like watching him. I think we might need to do a summer project!

Re: Deeper Twitter- Tuning Twitter for Value

Annie Boccio — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 17:26:51 -0000

Mostly I just answer the question. What am I doing? The beauty of Twitter is that if no one cares, they can dump me. And some have. But almost all the people I follow follow me back, and a bunch I don't follow as well (admittedly mostly spammers.) I might @ someone a few times a day, I try to always respond when someone @'s me. I've had some fun/funny conversations, and I love when I appeal to the twitter-hive for info and get great responses. I've even gained four clients (so far) for my little design biz via Twitter!

Obviously different people use Twitter in different ways. It's a tool just like anything else. I'm sure even Biz, Ev, and Jack never foresaw the community aspects that would develop, but they're a nice side effect!

Re: Meeting People at Events

Annie Boccio — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 11:57:01 -0000

Ask good questions. Nothing makes me feel better than when someone I don't know, or barely know, asks for my opinion or ideas about something I feel knowledgeable about. I had some awesome conversations at PodCamp Philly with people I consider "celebs" just because I asked them simple questions.

Of course, it helps if you really want to know the answers. Asking a question then staring at the floor or over their shoulder while someone is answering isn't quite as effective.

Re: Make a Project to Jumpstart Your Dreams

Annie Boccio — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 17:47:28 -0000

Very timely for me as well, especially the "include others" part. It's never been easy for me to reach out, but I know when I do I move further, faster.

(and gee thanks for another GTD tool, I can't resist them! LifeShaker looks different enough to be worth a try)

Re: Education In a Digital World

Annie Boccio — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 09:04:54 -0000

First response as mom of a college kid- lots of complaining, where's the solution? But thinking a bit more... I'm a big fan of new technologies, social networking, all that stuff. But are these things hurting the education process more than they're helping?

Large class size and disconnected professors have been around forever. What's new is the social pressure to use socnets, cellphones, IM, constantly. When I was in school I could spend an afternoon quietly studying or just relaxing. Today's kids are ALWAYS connected with no down time. My son complains that Facebook has become too demanding, and he rarely uses it anymore. But I can see him logged into AIM whenever he's awake, and when he's not at the computer his away message says "cell me". When do kids get a chance to just sit. and. think?

Re: My Family Life

Annie Boccio — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 17:36:42 -0000

I think the questions come from a lot of us seeing in our own lives how easy it is to get wrapped up in this stuff, and how quickly the time disappears. And you acknowledge that before you were able to do at least some of it for a living it sucked away family time.

I'm glad you have such balance. I know my husband and I have always made choices based on how they would affect our relationship and our parenting, and some of those choices are hard. So don't feel like people are accusing when they ask the questions about family. Maybe they're hoping you'll answer as you did, and provide an example of a family that is making it work!

Re: Five Years From Now

Annie Boccio — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 11:33:09 -0000

The biggest complaint I hear from my friends, my parents, and my kids- three generations- is that it's too time and energy consuming to keep up with all the different social networking technologies. Everything has to be simplified for the typical consumer to be bothered.

I think the social networks that succeed over the next five years will be the ones that are good at working with each other to make things easier. One login for everything. One ID that lets people contact each other.

But some of those same people who complain that it's too complicated are also concerned about maintaining privacy, and what they see as emerging monopolies like Google. Mostly people my age and older, though, so I don't think that privacy issues will be a huge roadblock overall.

Re: Moving On

Annie Boccio — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 08:20:28 -0000

Hey Chris,
Adding my voice to the multitudes here- best of luck to you, and to your family as well. You're an inspiring guy, just by being yourself, and that puts you way ahead of most of us!

Re: The New Gig

Annie Boccio — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 17:57:00 -0000

Congrats, Chris, it sounds exciting and a great fit for you.

Re: Share YOUR Social Networking Success Stories

Annie Boccio — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 13:48:19 -0000

Reconnected with my childhood best friend who I hadn't seen in over 2 decades.

Six (so far) clients for my blog design business via Twitter.

And those are just a couple highlights!

Re: New Site Design Launched

Annie Boccio — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:53:10 -0000

Love the new logo and banner, the colors are great and the logo is perfect for you. Very nice!

Re: We Still Need Better Filters

Annie Boccio — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:58:48 -0000

I agree with Marina. I no longer worry about missing the good stuff. So maybe I don't catch a blog post right when it's published- if it has value for me chances are the information will bubble up to me if I keep my eyes open. Great information can come from so many directions it's impossible to stay on top of them all. Using filters and tracking keywords can help, but it's still going to be info overload.

Re: Twitter as an Advisory Board

Annie Boccio — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 10:52:39 -0000

I asked a simple question last night and got 6 answers within 5 minutes. I do it all the time, even if I just get one response it usually opens a dialog.

Re: Seven Blog Improvements You Can Make Today

Annie Boccio — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:08:40 -0000

I really need to work on #7. I've started to use MarsEdit which lets me write and store drafts offline (Mac only) and it's giving me a good head start- a bunch of titles waiting for content! Maybe if I set aside a day a week just to write.

Two other ideas:
Watch your length. There are good topics for long blog posts, and good topics for concise ones. Know the difference.
Also, mix it up a bit. Use audio, use video, use images. It's getting ridiculously easy to add multi-media to your blog.

Re: Social Media Starter Moves for Freelancers

Annie Boccio — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:24:03 -0000

Excellent advice! Although I have to disagree with you - this is good stuff for the money-on-the-side freelancer, too, not just the put-food-on-table freelancer.

I'm refocusing my business site/blog right now and there are some great ideas here, thanks!

I've said it before and I'll say it again- without the contacts I've made through social networking I wouldn't be in business.

Re: What Does Facebook Actually DO for Me

Annie Boccio — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:47:02 -0000

The only thing I used Facebook for anymore is Events.
But for most of the people I know in my offline world- Facebook remains the most likely entry point if/when they want to try online social networking. I'll always keep a presence there so I can connect with them- until a better, just as popular tool for the masses comes along.

Re: Develop a Strong Personal Brand Online Part 1

Annie Boccio — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 11:15:38 -0000

I'm juggling three "brands" and so far it's working. My online ID is banannie, but I tie it in with my real name, rather than use it as an alias or secret identity. Using banannie as my ID helps differentiate me from the other Annies out there, and it immediately lets people know I don't take myself too seriously :) .

But I also maintain Pixel Currents as my business brand. It's a more formal, serious brand, which helps when working with clients outside of the fishbowl. There's full acknowledgment and intermingling between these brands, though, because they represent different pieces of my third brand, Annie Boccio.

Re: Has Twitter changed how we blog?

Annie Boccio — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:22:39 -0000

Yep. For me it's not so much that I'm tweeting about things I should blog about, but rather that I'm not feeling so pulled to write for my blog as I was before, since that itch is being scratched by Twitter.

It's definitely lazy of me!

Re: Social media: are we the pioneers or a niche?

Annie Boccio — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:54:42 -0000

It looks to me like the next generation, my own kids included, are much more comfortable using video & audio to express themselves. So maybe that barrier really won't be there for them.

Of course, the flip side is that self-editing is a good, important thing but it's a skill that may become lost.

Re: The Elimination of Podsafe Music in the Podcast

Annie Boccio — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 09:24:20 -0000

As a listener, I think you've made the right decision. When I listen to informational podcasts I'll fast forward to the information, and rarely listen to what I consider "fluff," which includes music, mostly because of the time factor. Although I think I discovered Jonathan Coulton through your show quite awhile back!

Re: Has Twitter changed how we blog?

Annie Boccio — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:22:39 -0000

Re: Social media: are we the pioneers or a niche?

Annie Boccio — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:54:42 -0000

Re: Twitter Trifecta

Annie Boccio — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 20:17:44 -0000

First- why am I not in that "awesomesauce" group?

OK, overlooking that- I think Seesmic desktop has great potential, and I think it could end up being my app of choice. But since I have 2 screens and can dedicate one to Tweetdeck, and since Tweetdeck has added the ability to send messages to Facebook as well as Twitter, I'm sticking with it in the short term. I'll probably start using Seesmic D the way I've been using Twirl, to access other accounts I manage.

As for Nambu- I tried, it, meh.

Re: The False Choice of New Media OR Old Media

Annie Boccio — Mon, 07 May 2007 15:32:19 -0000

The people who are lining up on either "side" are in the minority, I think. Some in the old media sector are probably afraid of the unknown and what it might mean to their careers, some in new media are anxious to gain a place of power and influence and see old corporate media as a blockade to that.

But over time I think you're right, it will all mesh in new and interesting ways, with both sides benefiting.

Re: Twitter vs. Pownce and the Value Proposition of Social Media

Annie Boccio — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:18:06 -0000

To be honest I'm ready to stop looking for the most useful social network and just settle down into using one. Twitter leads the pack for me because I can just toss my random thoughts out, not necessarily looking for feedback, and when there are conversations they're relaxed. No need to really think too hard before I type. Pownce, and Jaiku, with their threaded discussions, feel more uptight, more purposeful. They have their place for specific uses, but for my needs (micro-blogging, meeting cool people, fun...) Twitter suits me best.

Re: Our Secret Trip to Iraq With President Bush

Annie Boccio — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 12:00:35 -0000

Me three, my husband came in and said "hey, Bush is in Iraq" and I said "Jim Long must be, too!" Like I said on twitter, that's a pretty wild life you lead, dude.

Re: Amanda Congon, Katie Couric and The Diminishing Value of Celebrity in Media

Annie Boccio — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 17:16:06 -0000

Celeb involvement has rarely swayed my decision to watch something. Celebrity in and of itself doesn't tell me something is worth my time. I'd rather watch a fun new show with stars I've never heard of than the latest from Kelsey Grammar or whoever. But I've always been that way, and I guess with the tremendous increase in available content combined with the decrease in time available to watch it, more people are putting substance ahead of glitter. Hopefully that will mean talent and creativity will be able to shine more, but one look at the checkout magazine racks with stories about Britney- and Katie Couric- and I don't know how fast the change will occur!

Re: Social Media and Video As Conversation Agent – Speaking at DMAW Confab

Annie Boccio — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:21:59 -0000

You wrote, "I think the key for companies is not to create a social media position or title, but rather to identify someone who understands these tools."
I totally agree. But I think that's a hard person to find- someone who understands how to use social media AND the business that wants to use it AND has the skills to pull it together in a way that is appealing to outsiders/clients/consumers. Bringing in an outsider who has social networking skills and training them about the business might be a better solution if that person can't be found among the currently employed!

Re: Taking Free Speech for Granted in the Middle East

Annie Boccio — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 10:22:15 -0000

As a communications/TV production student I was often involved in discussions about free press, free speech, and how it's important to never lose sight of how important these freedoms are.

That was over 20 years ago.

Those lessons were never forgotten. I believe the free distribution of information to the public remains one of the most important pillars holding our society (and nation) up.

That and a free, excellent, public education available to all. But that's for another day :).

Re: Trying to Stay Relevant as the Media Sands Shift – TV Newser Summit

Annie Boccio — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 10:44:20 -0000

If you were "just a news cameraman" you wouldn't have tens of thousands of genuine followers on Twitter. You were ahead of the pack on this, Jim, and you belong up at the top of this discussion. The fallout may be messy but the best & smartest will come through unscathed I think.