Googleless Life?
If any of you have been keeping up with the whole craziness of Google and their changes in their privacy policy, you might see a reason to look for something else.
Really, Google's policy changes do make sense, as their whole purpose is to use your data for marketing research to provide you with better ads for you to buy stuff. But a lot of people are freaked out because here you have Google merging all the data from all their services to build a profile which will probably be more accurate than any government agency. Scary shit if you ask me.
But while I don't see myself dropping off of Google any time soon, I began to notice just how intertwined I am with this company. I will admit that I am a huge fan of Google. Hell, I might as well say it, I am a fanboy. The services and abilities that Google offer are just amazing. But what if I want to change? What if something happened to my account or we found out that Google employees eat puppies and kittens for lunch? Then what?
GoDaddy, SOPA, And My Stance
There is something to be said with what is going on in this world today, or even in this country. A lot of our freedoms have been taken away or are threatened currently and it is disgusting. What do you expect though, with our government bought and sold, the news media, bought and sold. Really the only thing that is real is the internet, where people can create and develop, but that is under threat right now because of legislation. SOPA and PROTECT-IP are two laws that are trying to get passed that would end our "free internet" without reasonable reasons why. It is the typical play of copyright infringement and to 'protect the citizens'.
I was surprised when I found that GoDaddy supported and even helped drafting the bill. A lot of other people were pissed too, thus today being boycott GoDaddy day because of their support. This includes transferring your domains, hosting, and all business from them. As being their customer, of course I joined in transferring. Sure it was a hassle, but worth it to me.
Transfering Domain/Hosting Off Of Godaddy
Since they initially drafted and supported SOPA (thought withdrew, but no word on PIP). So there might be down time.
New AIM Released: Version 1.0.0.3?
As being an AOL instant messenger user since it was released so many years ago I have always been interested in the new versions that come out. Sure most of my friends have moved on into other things like Facebook chat, but I still kept using AIM for the mere nostalgic value and curiosity of the newer versions of the programs.
I actually recently dropped my AIM client because my internet kept dropping out (the one time I buy a bloody Netgear router). I realized that Google Voice was a fine "client" for when I am at my computer, and just made my screen names mobile. Well, the ones that I didn't delete (did you know you can actually delete AIM screen names now?)
When I heard about the new version of AIM, I had to install it. IT was apparently a whole new redesign, and from what I read, a minimalist design. Upon installing it asked "Do you want to install AIM 1.0.0.3? The Fuck? Last I checked it was at 7.5.x
Yes, it's true, this are trying their second attempt at refreshing the client (first attempt was AIM Triton 1.0). But this time around, something is missing, something that has been with AIM since AOL the beginning, and a part of AOL since 4.0 was in beta. The Running man.
LinkedIn: Use Or Lose?
As I have been continuing this journey of cutting out the excess e-fat that I have accumulated over the years, one of the most standard fights is social networking. Facebook made a lot of sense to cut first because it was nothing more than useless spam that added no value in my life. Google+ was to be the next social network I cut, even though I am so new to it (and it is still in its infancy), merely because it is nothing more than another Facebook. Yet, I began following the Occupy movement on it. Twitter, I figured, would be the social network I would never lose because of how easy it is to stream news, and isn't like my Google Reader where I have over 1,000 unread items (that I feel compelled to read!)
Then comes LinkedIn, the "professional" social network. I always defined LinkedIn as a different social network, much like how twitter is a different one compared to Facebook. It was more... professional? The idea makes sense, as it gives people someplace to post their 'résumé' and make connections. But how efficient is LinkedIn in building your résumé, finding new opportunities, and advancing your career?
Chris Poole On Indentity
Internet Privacy
One Month Of Being Facebook Free
I will admit, sadly, that this is probably the longest I have gone without facebook after it became the social network to be on. But being off of facebook for so long while the whole world uses it, how am I doing? fine? nope, GREAT actually...
I have a lot more time on my hands to do a lot more of what I wanted instead of wasting time on facebook looking at status updates that I couldn't care less about. I also have been able to follow up on my Google reader and streamline my twitter with information on things I care about. I did dropped facebook right before they started all the changes, so I will admit I am curious about the changes. Just a little curious... (not enough to make me want to open a new account)
For a while I was actually considering dropping my Google+ Account too... that is until I began following the Occupy movement. Google+ has been such a good tool of information along with Twitter.