YouBundle

I recently read an article on Mashable about a new multimedia-sharing site called YouBundle.  YouBundle allows users to upload multimedia and share it with other members.  Those other members can then rate on the information they viewed, sending the multimedia up or down the popularity charts.  YouBundle is compatible with many social networking sites like facebook and is said that eventually it will revolutionize the multimedia-sharing industry.

The article states, “It truly is amazing just how many ways we can slice and dice all of the information that we have at our disposal today online. YouBundle has added yet another method of collecting and sharing this information the way that we want to show it for the subject matters that we find interesting.”

I couldn’t agree more

Government 2.0 Goes Public

I recently read an article on Mashable about the government’s information being distributed by Web 2.0 applications.  This article gave me a new perspective on what exactly Web 2.0 can do.  I knew Web 2.0 was creating a collective community and that there are numerous of applications that Web 2.0 could affect.  What I didn’t realize was how much the public could learn with the use of governmental information.

The article discusses the best way to distribute the information to the public and analyzes how effective each option would be.  Overall I found the article very informative.

Online University Seeks Free Teachers

I recently read an article on The Wired Campus about a new educational Web site that is asking for  volunteer teachers.  Although I think the idea of teachers not getting paid is slightly irrational, I think the concept of a collective working together to teach/learn is quite innovative.

I think that this site is the perfect example of Web 2.0, user generated content, and the wisdom of crowds.  Eventually almost all information becomes free to the public, it is just a matter of time until everything I am learning in school today will be common knowledge.  So maybe this Web site is a little too ahead of its time, but I think eventually this will be the new standard in education.

Major companies delve into facebook

Facebook is no longer a place for simple social networking.  It is now a place of massive advertisements and subliminal messaging.

The application formerly know as FunWall has been influenced by three big media companies: CBS, NBC, and Warner Bros.  The new application, called Slide, will allow facebook users to post video clips from popular programs on their friends walls.

What is to come next?  Will people start getting paid to post advertisements on our walls?  We will just have to wait and see.

See more on this topic

Lushpad

I found this information on Mashable about a new online marketplace that reminded me a little bit of my post on bird post and closet couture.  Lushpad is a site that sells designer furniture and artwork.

Although most of the information on Lushpad is very expensive, the site is a perfect example of user generated content (both figuratively and literally).  Artists and designers put their ideas and products out there for people to buy and buyers can leave reviews of the products they purchase.

zeros2heros

I was reading an article on Mashable about a new social networking site called Zeros2Heros.  The creators of the site say that it is “a thriving social network that connects thousands of creators, producers and fans of comics in a collaborative and creative environment.”

This Web site is not meant to replace or compete with facebook or myspace in the least bit.  It is a place for writers and artists to go to publish their concepts to get reviewed by other members.  Although it was originally created for comic bookies, it attracts all types of artistic people because it is one of very few sites where people can publish their work and have it reviewed by their peers.

Wikia Search In-class assignment

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Kristen Grace

Kylie Mooney

Alex Vikartofsky

WIKIA SEARCH

What is unique about your search engine?

You can add sites to the search results, rate the sites, basically you can add things and put your input to the site and pick where you want your information to come from. You can even change the background of the page. The sites that are on top have the highest rating. Every time you scroll all the way down, more information appears at the bottom of the page. It is a never-ending page.

What is the claim to fame?

The user’s ability to interact with the Web site and create/edit information.

Is the search engine crawler based, human powered, or a hybrid?

Hybrid because it uses both to gather infomation.

Does it search one or more databases?

Multiple databases.

Are there any advanced search features?

It’s has some advanced features like “site” but the majority of the symbols used as shortcuts on google do not work on wikia.

Does it use a stop word list?

Nope.

Is there an ability to search different areas?

Not that we found.

Is there a save search facility?

You can rate it and the highest rating comes up first.

How are the results displayed and how much control does the user have on it?

Like google, but when you get to the bottom of the page, the page extends until all the sites are on one page. It does not give the number of results anywhere.

Does the search engine have a translation capability? How easy is it to use/find?

Does have a translator but only for viewing purposes.

Is it easy to navigate?

It is very easy to navigate.

Comment on the design and the context of usability:

It is very simple, easy to use, participation by the users, has the simple google layout which makes it easy for people to comprehend.

Compare it to other search engines:

Basically the same. It has slightly less to offer but works the same way. It does have some unique features that other search engines do not have, but overall it is less advanced as google or yahoo.

Facebook and College Admissions?

I recently read an article from The Wired Campus about admissions officers looking at applicant’s facebooks before allowing them admission into the college.  I find this quite interesting because the user generated content that we, as members, provide can potentially intefere with admissions into universities. 

Although I understand why looking at facebook accounts can be beneficial to employers and colleges, I find it, in a way, a disruption of privacy.  It appears that social networking can hurt us more than help us in some circumstances.

ATM of Books

I recently read this article on The Wired Campus about the University of Michigan and a new book system being implemented.  Basically all books are being digitized and placed into a huge database in which students can print whole books for about $10. 

This convergence is a huge improvement in the way books are viewed in the collegiate world.  By making books avaiable online for a small amount of money, companies like On Demand Books are allowing people to learn more and be more efficient with their money.

Birdpost and Closet Couture

I recently read about two new social networking sites on TechCrunch: Birdpost and Closet Couture.  Both of these sites take new approaches to virtual social networking and have innovative concepts behind their designs.

Birdpost is a site designed for bird watchers.  I know this sounds silly, but it actually could be a very helpful tool for those people interested in birdwatching or people taking an environmental science class.  Birdpost not only gives information about birds, most commonly bird location, but shows viewers where birds have been spotted.  By using Google Maps in conjunction with the information Birdpost users provide, viewers can click on areas where the birds have been spotted.  When the area is clicked on, a picture of the bird appears on the page.  The founders of Birdpost say that they will eventually have similar sites for various other animals, creating a complete animal search engine.

Closet Couture is also an innovative way of social networking.  Closet Couture allows site members to upload the clothing in their closet their account and create outfits using modeling tool.  Members can plan outfits for a day or for a vacation in a few clicks of the mouse.  As well as being a social networking site, Closet Couture is also a marketplace for both goods and services.  Users can pay stylists to design outfits from current clothing or pick out clothing from retailers that sell items on Closet Couture.

Overall I think these two sites are really paving the way for what is to come with the Web.  Although I personally am not interested in using either Web site at this point in my life, I find the concepts of them very innovative and can’t wait to see what comes next!