WhatsTheBuzzAbout.com

Storing Private Information Online

Not long ago, people kept their important private information in file cabinets, in the safety of their homes or their businesses.  They kept hard copies – actual paper documents, or photographs – in places where they could actually hold them in their own two hands.  When they needed or wanted to share them with someone – a friend or a business acquaintance – they met those people in person.  Thus, they were able to maintain for this information a degree of privacy.  They knew who owned the information, and who had access to it.  The internet, however, is changing that.  Although some people still keep hard copies of their private information, others are beginning to store much of their private information online, in what is known as ‘cloud computing’ or ‘hosting’.  This comes with both conveniences and hazards.

The most obvious example of an online forum where private information is hosted, and shared, is Facebook.  One of the great innovations of Facebook is that it allows people who are separated by distance to keep in touch.  Family members can share their news with each other.  Friends who have fallen out of touch can connect with each other again. But when we talk about ‘posting’ our news or photos, whether it be on Facebook or some other platform, we are talking about electronic data; and not only is electronic data susceptible to deletion – either accidental or intentional – but in some cases it can be subject to questions of ownership.

Who owns the information we post on social networking sites? This question might have an answer, but sometimes the answer is complex, or dependent on legal or contractual circumstances.  Sometimes the answer changes in order to reflect the most current legislation, or the ‘fine print’ contained in any given site’s contract.  What this means is that the individual citizen needs to be aware of what kind of information he or she is sharing, whether or not this information needs to be ‘backed up’ (either in hard copy, or on a separate PC or external hard drive), and how trustworthy or reliable is the hosting site in question.

Consider the recent history of the internet in general, and social networking sites in particular.  In the scheme of things, the internet is still in its beginnings.  Culturally, we are still figuring it out.  It has forced other technologies to change, and advances in other technologies consistently force it to change.  While this development is good (in that it stimulates innovation), it also means that a degree of instability is involved.  And when you have instability, you have the possibility that certain ventures might be unsustainable.

Many ‘startup’ ventures fail, or simply are unable to keep pace with competition.  MySpace and Friendster, for example, were social networking sites that once predated, or rivaled, Facebook in terms of popularity, but which have since declined in membership.  Friendster has even been redesigned in recent years form a social networking site to a gaming site.  Facebook itself has faced questions about its users’ privacy.  Such instability begs the question: to what degree should we be relying on these systems for the adequate storing and retrieval of personal information.

One answer might be that the individual simply take care in his or her online interactions.  Do a little research before signing up, or joining, a networking site, whether it is for social or business purposes.  Be aware of what information you are storing, and where; be conservative, at least to begin, with what information you decide to share with others.  Be hesitant to dispose of hard copies, or electronic backup, of important information.  In time, you will begin to develop a sense for which sites are trustworthy.

What is your buzz about?

When More is Not Enough

Perhaps you have reached the point that you are so “connected” that keeping up with networks, connections, and groups is becoming increasingly more of a responsibility than a benefit. You may be experiencing that level of personal commitment where you question the benefits of social media entirely. Often, you will hear evangelists speak of the value of personal connections and that electronic communication is not a substitution for face-to-face meeting.

Do not get caught up in the concept that you have an equal responsibility to each of your networks, groups, or connections. You do not need to visit each segment of your on-line presence each day. However, if you do chose to make a commitment to an individual, group, or network, keep that commitment. Without a personal interaction, all you have on-line is your word—your reputation.

It is possible that even with all your connections or linkages to individuals that more is not enough. Adding more and more connections, groups or networks is not the answer to developing a stronger business or increased personal satisfaction and joy. More may not be
enough.  In general, individuals grow networks and connections quickly, and then slow down. In some cases, these individuals begin to receive requests from their connections which are not relevant to the reason that they connected with those individuals. You must remember that other individuals may agree to connect with you or reach out to connect with you for reasons different from your reasons.

You may be connecting with individuals solely to be able to reach a larger audience. That is not by itself an inappropriate reason. However, do not be surprised if the connections you make turn out to add you to mailing lists, hit you with sales pitches, ask you for referrals and
recommendations, or boast about the number of their connections. These individuals
are truly part of the more is not enough syndrome in the race to be the individual with the most connections or the most successful connections. Think of these individuals as the users in your network—they come with the approach of connecting for the sake of connecting to others, similar to you potentially.

You can decide to move quickly or slow in the social media space. People may make demands of you but that does not mean that you have to respond to those demands unless you made a personal commitment to do so. You do not have to add every group, app, or individual recommended to you. You do not have to provide referrals or recommendations unless you chose to do so. You do not need to respond within 24 hours or less to everything that
everyone sends to you. You do not need to read every email in its entirety.  Your more – whatever that is – may not be enough. You have to evaluate whether more will deliver your enough or whether quality instead of quantity needs to be part of the mix.

What is your buzz about?

Moving to Mobile

You may be a part of one of the growing segments who rely on mobile technology for rapid communication–voice or text or email. Web sites and apps are in a quick ramp-up mode to accommodate your need for immediate access. Many social applications that deliver services such as appointment setting, weather, reservations, books, delivery of items, traffic, news, etc., all are mobile worthy. Such access supports the individual who operates in the “I need it now,” “I need it on the road,” and I have to be part of the “multi-tasker” world, either by choice or by occupation.

It is a fast-paced option for information. However, it is not without logistical hazards. You may not have full access when traveling abroad, or in tunnels, subways, cruise ships, or buildings that block
access structurally or intentionally. It has social implications from restrictions on using mobile technology while driving, speaking in public places, or taking calls or messaging while at dinner, as examples. Many individuals consider it rude to use mobile devices in restaurants, movies, or
other entertainment venues, and the range of volume in ring tones, and voices contributes to that determination. In addition, there is always the simple issue of being able to see  the device
and information, to quickly take notes, or share documents when using a mobile device in a conversation and to be able to flip between referenced sources, all while coping with background noise.

There is a reduction in dependence on desktop computers because of the reliance on mobile devices. However, mobile technology is currently an enhancement to productivity when someone does not have access to desktop capabilities and needs that access. Applications such as Access, Excel, Adobe Creative Suite, or Final Cut do not lend themselves to mobile applications for large jobs or major creative work. Individuals using two or three screens or more in their work are not going to be able to be as productive on the road with a simple mobile device, no matter how sophisticated. Corporate systems with multiple programs have not made most of their systems available for mobile access due to security considerations.

The necessity in business of melding records from social media networks and online written communication and file-sharing providers into corporate record-keeping systems persists. Strides have been made in merging calendars, email, and contacts. However, the substance of  collaborating online, as well as adding and retaining records in corporate systems remains elusive.

Desktop computers will remain, even if the desktop used is a docked laptop, but it is a pleasure to be a part of this technology evolution and watch the issues resolve.

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Choosing the People You Connect With Online

Social networking is all about creating relationships. By connecting with people online, you are entering into relationships. This begins with the first contact and the first reply. Some of these relationships might be more fruitful or productive than others, but most have the potential to have some degree of productivity. Your success with online connections depends on how well these relationships are managed.

Managing your online connections means understanding the way they work. There are similarities between online connections and what we might refer to as ‘real world’ connections. Like the ‘real world’, the online world has its hazards; in the same way that you are careful about who you associate with at work, or in your neighborhood, you ought to be careful about who you associate with online.

You don’t need to share all the same interests with another person in order to establish a productive online connection. As long as the context in which you are associating limits or shapes your contact in an appropriate way, then you should allow yourself a generous amount of freedom to initiate, or respond to, potential online connections. For example, if you are a businessperson who is involved in a specific industry, you might want to make connections with another person involved in that industry, even though the two of you have little else in common. The proper social networking platform will allow this connection to take place.

This is one of the reasons social networking platforms are popular. They offer a structured meeting place for people who might not otherwise meet. In the ‘real world’, you are sometimes prevented by
distance, or by superficial differences, from connecting with people with whom you have something fundamental in common. As long as the platform in question safeguards each user’s privacy, and allows users to determine the degree to which connections can interact with them, the platform is trustworthy.

This does not mean you should approach all social networking sites equally, or that you should trust everyone who contacts you via a platform. Anyone would be wise to develop conservative or reticent habits in their online interactions. Correspond slowly, and carefully, with your online connections, making sure that their intentions are what they appear to be. Once you have established a rapport with a connection, and vice versa, you might find that you have discovered a valuable resource.

Also, remember that most social networking platforms allow users to add or delete connections; if you want to change the status of one of your connections, you can do so quite easily. A person with a reliable online presence will not pretend to be someone he or she is not. If you feel as though one of your connections is presenting him or her self in a manner that is inconsistent, or untrustworthy, you should not hesitate to cease contact with that person. Always interact in a professional manner when dealing with colleagues.

What is your buzz about?

Does the Constant Change in Technology Paralyze You?

How many times have you purchased a device or piece of technology – a computer, a cellular phone, a digital camera – only to discover that a new or updated version of that product will soon be released by the manufacturer? You only need to remember what personal computers looked like ten years ago to recognize the pace at which the tide of technology moves forward. Laptops and other kinds of hardware keep getting smaller and more convenient, while processers keep getting faster, and software keeps getting more efficient. The idea of ‘planned obsolescence’ is commonly accepted; in order to stay viable in a profit-driven market, companies design their own products to be modified or replaced. 

The effect on the consumer can be frustrating, even paralyzing. How do you know whether that laptop or smartphone you want to buy won’t be out-of-date within the next year? For consumers who are only minimally involved with technology, such a question might not be pressing. But as technology devices become more and more present in the work life of the ordinary citizen, the question becomes more relevant. 

It is important to decide what kind of device is necessary for you, what device is best suited to your needs. Try not to make the decision about what product to purchase based on fashions or trends. Remember that technology devices best serve us when we recognize them as objects of practicality; as items meant to help us more efficiently achieve our business-related objectives. What it looks like, and how popular it is, are not necessarily good indicators of a product’s usefulness to you. It is true that a device that happens to be fashionable might serve you best, but it is also true that, depending on your needs, a device that is less popular might be more useful to you. Don’t rush to buy a device simply because your colleagues own it. You might end up buying something that is almost obsolete. 

Do a little research before ordering your new technology device. Don’t be afraid to purchase a product simply because you have a hunch that one day it will be out-of-date. This is inevitable. But you will save yourself time and money in the end if you do some research in the beginning. Find out whether a new device in your area of interest has just been released, or whether one has been on the market for a while. Compare this device with similar devices marketed by competitors. Make a list of priorities, so that you know what you are looking for in your device, and make your decision based on that. The market for technology devices will always be changing, but don’t let that stop you from participating in it. If you think practically, you will make wise consumer decisions. 

What is your buzz about?

How Exciting is Social Media Technology

We are constantly bombarded with software and hardware products designed to enhance our experience with social media and other web access materials. Certain existing products, initially released as beta, haven been improved and released to the public at large. Many times this beta approach results in a stronger product, but it involves a slower process. Other products are simply released en masse, and can be undermined by quick fixes. Regardless of the timeframe within which a product is released, most products have updates, and are followed by additional releases.  A product is only discontinued if it isn’t viable.

How many social network sites have you joined only to have them go out of business, merge with others, or change their composition and direction? How many cell phones that had limited functionality but were still useful to make a call, did you replace? How many computers have you replaced with newer models?

Social media software, networks, and technology are designed to be modified or replaced.  “Planned obsolescence” is a commonly accepted phenomenon. The one social network that now has the most users was, three years ago, second in popularity to another major network. It continues to have issues with user privacy; and is now somewhat driven by financial interests and its rush to innovation, rather than by the interests of its users. We have a business social network that is now at the forefront, but it has many limitations, and continues to ‘put the squeeze’ on its users in terms of accommodation. Sometimes, its enhancements are designed to support its financial interests rather than those of its membership.

The changes in hardware are also fascinating. Individuals have predicted the demise of desktops and laptops – both of which are thriving in their form and as netbooks, PDAs, etc.  Of course, mainframes, and servers live on. Others have predicted the demise of basic tablets—now morphed into products for reading and flat screen tablet computers.  Wearable computers abound, from cell phones, to music-specific electronics, to eyeglasses, watches, etc. It is truly amazing to see new hardware and software released on a daily basis.

It is not possible to experience each and every product. You have to rely on reviews and your own experience to make the decision to take advantage of new products and enhancements. Just like everything else in life, not all products are for you. What works best for you is what you should use. You do not need to move from your choices based on what someone else says works best for him and her. However, change is a good thing and you should step out and try new products as well if they make sense to you. Just like anything else, no product is perfect. Lower your expectations from perfection to enhancement and you will be thrilled to try the latest products. Enjoy the rush of social media technology.

What is your buzz about?

Expect the Erosion of Privacy

Why does it come as such a surprise to some individuals that social media networks continue to step outside of undefined privacy boundaries, only to be pulled back somewhat?  While the public may claim a victory, the network has in fact made more ground by releasing and sharing data.  It is an illusion to assume that a retraction of a release of data actually means that the entire policy was retracted.  Such a full retraction only happens infrequently.

Some networks are respectful of their members, while others are not.  One major network has just permitted individuals to automatically “join” other individuals to groups.  If you are one of the people who was “joined without consent,” you have to sign onto the network, find the group, and unjoin.  How is that a customer-centric act?  In other networks, suggestions are made to you about with whom to connect.  You, in turn, show up on someone else’s profile as a suggested contact –something that you never asked to happen.  You are a part of an algorithm.

Algorithms are a major culprit.  They blast you with suggested connections, suggested web sites, suggested groups, suggested purchases, etc.  All of these suggestions are based on your private information; again, not something about which you have a choice. 

Certain networks enable you to quickly delete people, groups, etc.  However, others require you to expend a serious amount of effort, and involve one–by-one procedures.  Anyone with whom you connect may have access to a myriad amount of private information – birthday, schooling, email address, work history, friends, etc.  When an enterprise asks you qualifying questions, such as state of birth, first dog, favorite color, etc., they have collected information that is private and yet sometimes used to target you.

Even the spammers can reach you through social networks’ in-network and out-network connections. Some of these networks make it almost impossible to stop that from happening.  Networks that provide online conversations sometime do not have an option to show that you are not online, or are stealth.

Be aware that individuals might know where you are located, when you are online, what your preferences are, and your opinions.  Online privacy is an illusion, and the sooner that individuals recognize this fact, the sooner they will understand how to manage their data and how to be prepared for the consequences.

What is your buzz about?

Social Media is Limiting

Social Media is usually viewed as having the potential to expand an individual’s reach. However, individuals need to learn how to leverage that potential – whether their reasons are business or personal – and then decide if they want to do so.

Using social media becomes a highly selective and subjective process. You are “electronically” defined in many respects by your selection of social networks, groups, and searches. You further are catalogued as a certain type of participant if you choose to blog or not blog; post or not post; participate or remain stealth; share or not share information; join or not join book or movie or video sites; permit or do not permit promotional material to flow to you; and allow or not allow pop-ups, etc. 

Your ability to learn about any particular social media site is limited to that which is available online and to personal recommendations from others. You may select a site, or an app based on personal preferences. That simple choice of selection begins to define your preferences, permits advertisements to flow to you, and enables others to make quick decisions regarding you.  Selecting the newest media may identify you as one who prefers to stay current with social media trends, while not adopting a major social media site may identify you as not concerned with current technology advances. Snap decisions are made based on your participation in groups, forums, instant messaging social media, or video-sharing.

Just as your choice of words verbally has an effect on the perception of you, so do the words that you choose to use online or in email. Whatever you do and whatever you write becomes a trail and a clue as to who you are, what you like or dislike, and what your attitudes are toward technology and electronic communication.

Social Media is limiting by your selection. If you choose to use one search engine, you are, by default, limiting the results to that one engine. If you select one place to manage your music, you are limiting the options to manage your music to that one site. If you choose to join only one or two of the major social media network sites, you have limited yourself. If you join groups, and post a message on one topic and not another, you are limiting knowledge about you that readers might have otherwise gleaned from your postings. You limit yourself every day in your social media pursuits.

Your decisions to participate will limit you while at the same time provide you with expanded visibility–an irony inherent to the concept of social media.

What is your buzz about?

How to Manage Rebellious Connections and Group Members

Many individuals have different expectations of their electronic connections than they have of their offline connections. Some individuals expect their offline connections to have a modicum of social awareness and self-control, while they do not expect the same of their online connections. For others, the reverse is true; they may have higher expectations from their online connections than they have of their offline connections.  Do you have different expectations of conduct based on whether you communicate with a person offline or online?

Regardless of the expectations, there are always online connections and group members who push the boundaries of courtesy and good taste. Connections and members could disregard the impact that their emails or postings might have on others. They could ignore the requirements of the site that excludes postings that use profanity, or they could post material which might be viewed as libelous. Individuals may ignore messages that request them to take certain actions. They may not play by the rules, and deliberately flaunt authority, or act rudely.

You will observe that many individuals will attempt to calm the rebellious individuals through reason, requests, and tolerance. Most times, this is ineffective. Rebellious connections generally are people who do not have respect for rules and boundaries. They will push the limits. They will be the ones who do not follow the guidelines. They will push until you prohibit them from taking the action they want to take, or until you cut the connection.

The question you have to answer is whether you have any significant reason for continuing to permit their behavior, or maintain the connection.  It becomes a clear case of anticipating what might happen if you do sever the relationship or restrict their behavior, assuming you are in a position to do that.  You have to decide whether doing so is worth it. You will be surprised at how little damage is done by taking action.

These individuals are the equivalent of bullies on the playground. If you are concerned, you can be assured that you are not alone. If you take action to end the situation, you can be assured that you are not alone. Do not permit the online connection or member to take more of your time than is warranted or to cause you concern. Deal with the problem, and deal with it quickly. You will be pleasantly surprised that a weight will be lifted from you, and your online experience will be more gratifying and conflict-free.

What is your buzz about?

Who Really Is An Expert In Social Media?

There are many pundits, consultants, and users in the social media space who claim to be social media experts. Let’s assume for the moment that we agree on the definition of “social media” for purposes of this discussion, and that the definition is limited to media that uses web-based technologies and where individuals create applications and content. Using that assumption, it appears that no single individual can be an expert in all these areas.  

However, it is reasonable to believe that in spite of the constant change in social media space, individuals can become experts in specific areas by gaining specific knowledge and skills, and then demonstrating specific acumen in using components of social media. For example, individuals can be strong social media historians, or application developers, or content providers, or individual application users, or generalists, etc. They can be prolific inventors, bloggers, networkers, speakers, teachers, etc. What they cannot and should not do is purport to be social media experts who can personally address any issue in the social media space with expert knowledge and delivery.  At best, an individual can be an expert in a particular area of social media, and know who is an expert in another area.

We must begin to think of social media with the same respect and awareness that we give the medical profession. We do not expect our “general practitioner medical doctor” to be the person who does eye, dental, knee, or heart surgery. Similarly, we should not expect our social media experts to know all the intricacies in every aspect of social media. Instead of a term that is glibly referred to in general, “social media” should be more appropriately recognized as the science of social media.

Like health care, social media is woven into the fabric of our lives. Its applications may drive our decisions and how we spend our time. Users who abuse social media can find themselves responsible for causing car accidents, broken homes, and other negative situations. On the other hand, using social media judiciously improves the quality of our lives.  We need to take care of social media just as we take care of our bodies and our minds.

When we have a question related to social media, we need to find the right person who has expertise in that social media area. If you are seeking help, look for consultants who have expertise in the specific area in question.  For example, wanting a “web presence,” is much different than wanting to implement cloud computing in your organization. Setting up a blog is much different than learning how to use one of the major business social media networking sites for a job search. Your role as a user is to find the individual who can help you, and who has the network to call upon when your needs expand–your social media general practitioner.

What is your buzz about?