TwitterVIEW - SeanMalarkey 061609In this TwitterVIEW, Ryan Yee of NerdBoyTV interviews Twitter guru, Sean Malarkey, author of "Twixplode." Sean went from zero to 70,000 followers on Twitter in a matter of months. Follow Sean on Twitter at http://twitter.com/SeanMalarkey.
TwitterVIEW - AnnCollins 052809In this TwitterVIEW, Ryan Yee of NerdBoyTV interviews businesswoman and online business coach, Ann Collins. Ann explains that running an online business still requires a business plan, marketing, and other traditional business components in order to succeed.
TwitterView - PinkBerryGirl 052709In this TwitterVIEW, Ryan Yee of NerdBoyTV interviews Nathalie Kawaguchi, writer and moderator of Berrytastic.com, on all things Blackberry. Follow Nathalie on Twitter as @PinkBerryGirl.
TwitterView - NBADeck 051309In this TwitterVIEW, Ryan Yee of NerdBoyTV interviews Willy Chataigner, a former competitive French basketball player and creator of NBADeck.com. His website combines live game feeds, video, and real-time Twitter chats for a totally interactive experience.
SPORTS BLOGGER / ATHLETE TwitterView with @NBADeck Willy Chataigner is a former competitive French basketball player and creator of NBADeck.com. His website combines live game feeds, video, and real-time Twitter chats for a totally interactive experience. Willy has been able to combine his extensive technical Internet background with his love and passion for basketball. http://www.NBADeck.com http://twitter.com/nbadeck NerdBoyTV: Welcome to NerdBoyTV's TwitterVIEW with @nbadeck, who's been REALLY busy the last couple of weeks during the playoffs. Are you there bud? NBADeck: Hi Ryan, yes I'm here. NerdBoyTV: Thanks for joining me. So, for those Tweeple NOT familiar with http://www.nbadeck.com, what is it and why did you start the website? NBADeck: NBADeck.com is the NBA tweet-by-tweet—a Twitter-NBA-video mashup. I started it because I was bored and I love the NBA. NerdBoyTV: Twitter seems like the ideal social medium for this too; so are you monitoring multiple games while tweeting them here? NBADeck: Well, I'm using some scripts that go fetch games/teams’ related tweets and broadcast live video games at the same time… NBADeck: …so you can follow the game live and live tweets while tweeting at the same time. That's the idea :) NerdBoyTV: Ah so you're a bit more techie than the average Twitterer, eh? ;-) Tell me a little bit about your background; it's interesting... NBADeck: Yes, a little bit more techie, I guess...I am a web designer. I have been plugged since I discovered the Internet in 1997 (in France). 1 “NBADeck.com is the NBA tweet-bytweet—a TwitterNBA-video mashup. I started it because I was bored and I love the NBA.” NBADeck: In 1998, I started to teach French people from 7 to 77 how to use the Internet. I've went all around France for 18 months. NBADeck: I probably did the Tour de France more than 50 times :) That was fun :) NerdBoyTV: Wow, you were definitely one of the early adopters ;-) NerdBoyTV: ...and your passion for basketball? Where did that come from? NBADeck: I played basketball competitively in France for 10 years. I lived basketball, ate basketball, and dream basketball. NBADeck: I was a streetball champion on the west coast of France. That was a long time ago though! NBADeck: I played in the national scene with my team "reveil bressuirais". You know basketball is a very close family. NerdBoyTV: And now you're able to take your early Internet experience and combine it with your competitive basketball experience here on Twitter. NerdBoyTV: That must feel REALLY good, huh? NBADeck: I thought it would be a good idea to combine Twitter and the NBA. I think this is still early for people to adopt the concept. NBADeck: I think Twitter is mostly used by geeks like you and I, but more and more people are using it. nbadeck is just an experiment NerdBoyTV: True, I find the tweets tend to be very techie at times, but I think that's why your use of Twitter kind of stuck out for me... NBADeck: I'd like to renew eventually for the next NBA season. NBADeck: I've tried to concentrate the best sources. I see that there were 4479 updates since I started. I'm using a bot to update @nbadeck. “I played basketball competitively in France for 10 years. I lived basketball, ate basketball, and dream basketball.” “I've tried to concentrate the best sources. I see that there were 4479 updates since I started. I'm using a bot to update @nbadeck.” 2 NerdBoyTV: By the way Tweeple, you can checkout the website at http://nbadeck.com/ NerdBoyTV: So DO Tweeple reply back to any of your posts? Maybe even a spirited Twitter discussion DURING a game, perhaps? NBADeck: Yes, I've gotten some replies from fans who support their teams—some trash talking. It's fun to connect with NBA fans :) NBADeck: Like “Lakers suck, they can't win without Shaq.” NerdBoyTV: LOL and yet they win by 40 the other night...watch out! hehehe NerdBoyTV: Oh I figured you'd find some live ones here on Twitter hehehe...and sport fans HAVE opinions (hehehe). NerdBoyTV: So where do you want to take nbadeck? What's in the future after the Playoffs end? NBADeck: As I said, @nbadeck is an experiment. If I have time I'd like to renew the experience for the 2009/2010 NBA season. NBADeck: At this point I would need some help. So if anyone is interested out there, let me know. You can find my contact on nbadeck.com. NerdBoyTV: What do you think about players like Shaq tweeting during games? Sharing live thoughts/comments? NBADeck: I don't think players should tweet during games...they have better to do. NerdBoyTV: Well, it DOES make one think they're not paying attention to the business at hand, huh? LOL NBADeck: Also, there are a few directories outside Twitter.com...but I think that Twitter should work on that—to develop the community aspect. NerdBoyTV: Oh I hear ya...I think you're really onto something, though. Bot feeds through Twitter with space for interaction could be... “Yes, I've gotten some replies from fans who support their teams—some trash talking. It's fun to connect with NBA fans!” “…I think that Twitter should work on that—to develop the community aspect.” 3 NerdBoyTV: ...applied to just about ANY field or topic. And you have the ability to setup on autopilot for companies, etc. I hope you continue with this. NBADeck: The Twittersphere is kind of huge—it's really hard to spread the word and find people that might be interested. NerdBoyTV: Well, probably much like ebay, THIS Twitter community will be defined by the people who actually use it and Twitter might... NerdBoyTV: ...respond with the additional tools and features to support the direction the Twittersphere takes it. NBADeck: I agree even though they (Twitter) don't seem to listen to their core users! NerdBoyTV: Now you KNEW I couldn't let you go without some "predictions," right? NBADeck: The series is not over and I'm looking forward to the conference finals—we might have a few surprises :) NBADeck: hehe :) I would really like to see the Cavaliers win over the Lakers this year. I like the team spirit of the Cavs NerdBoyTV: Western Conference? Whatcha thinking for Thursday? NBADeck: Lakers will win over the Rockets. NerdBoyTV: And will Denver hold on? NBADeck: They might—that would be the surprise! Nuggets vs. Cavaliers would be a good NBA final :) NBADeck: The Rockets don't have luck with Yao and without him they can't go anywhere. I'm really upset about how the refs get on (Ron) Artest, too. NBADeck: Lakers vs. Cavaliers would be an awesome NBA Final—I can't wait :) “The series is not over and I'm looking forward to the conference finals—we might have a few surprises :)” “I would really like to see the Cavaliers win over the Lakers this year. I like the team spirit of the Cavs.” 4 NerdBoyTV: And could you PLEASE shut Mark Cuban up? LOL, he's a character...in Oakland (my hometown), that wouldn't go over too well... NBADeck: (hahaha) He is a good guy—very passionate. NerdBoyTV: I guess so...lol...he's entertaining to say the least . NerdBoyTV: Hey, I know you've go to run in a few, so I just want to remind all the Tweeple that your website is http://nbadeck.com/ and... NerdBoyTV: ...to FOLLOW @nbadeck here on Twitter for the latest NBA Playoff information. NerdBoyTV: Thanks so much for taking the time to talk shop with me and I'll be looking for your tweets throughout the coming days, buddy. NBADeck: You're welcome. That was fun. Bye Ryan. Hey, don't forget to check http://www.nbadeck.com ;) NerdBoyTV: Much success to you in the future. 5 NBADeck: Thanks for the TwitterVIEW, Ryan, and keep up the good work :) Go Cavs! NerdBoyTV: It was fun...and EVERYONE checkout the tweet-for-tweets at http://nbadeck.com/ Awesome site. Thanks again... NBADeck: Thanks likewise buddy...and again if there is anybody out there that would like to contribute to nbadeck.com contact @nbadeck RYAN YEE is the host of www.NerdBoyTV.com, a weekly show on technology, gadgets, and Internet services that’s a video broadcast on YouTube and a podcast on iTunes. Ryan has grown up with the Internet; he actually remembers Netscape Navigator (before Firefox), Columbia Music House and Napster (before iTunes), programmed on IBM punch cards (before JavaScript and C#), owned a Timex Sinclair 1000 (before current Dell Precision M6400), and used 5.25 floppy disks. He has a very unique perspective of today’s technologies and shares his wisdom in a very userfriendly manner. He is the creator of TwitterVIEWs, a unique interviewing format in 140 characters or less. Follow him on http://twitter.com/nerdboytv. 6
TwitterView - MadPanic 051309In this TwitterVIEW, Ryan Yee of NerdBoyTV chats with Jason Ross aka @MadPanic on Twitter. With close to 6,000 followers, Jason shares his thoughts on how to maintain relationships on Twitter and discusses how his passion for gardening has transferred to the Twittersphere.
TWITTER BUDDY TwitterView with @MadPanic Jason Ross has been on Twitter since early 2008. He makes signs for a beer distributor—his love for beer is a given. He also happens to have close to 6,000 Twitter followers and maintains connected with them through his many interests, including gardening, dogs, research, beer, and #hashtagmafia. http://twitter.com/madpanic NerdBoyTV: And we're ready to go, bro ;-) First of all, how are YOU doing today? All is well I hope. MadPanic: I’m doing good this glorious morning. Thanks for having me. NerdBoyTV: No problem. Now tell me how long have you been on Twitter? What made you try it? And, what do you like/dislike about it? I know lots questions. MadPanic: Well, I actually stumbled on it randomly around early 2008....I don’t even remember where I found it...thought the concept… MadPanic: …was really cool, so I decided to try it. Like about it? It’s all-around awesome to say the least. MadPanic: What a great communication tool it is. NerdBoyTV: I think we can say that our friendship was developed strictly on a tweet-for-tweet basis. I RT’d (retweeted) you, you thanked me, you RT’d me, etc. NerdBoyTV: Wouldn't you say the same rules and courtesies of face-to-face communication translate to Twitter, as well? MadPanic: Right, sure was...absolutely... a lot carries over from face-to-face communication to Twitter. Although with Twitter,… “It’s all-around awesome to say the least. What a great communication tool Twitter is.” 1 MadPanic: …there’s so much more. Like say using it as a search engine. You can get realtime feedback on any subject you want! NerdBoyTV: Exactly...now you are OBVIOUSLY a gardening enthusiast. Do you find a lot of Tweeple with that common interest here on Twitter? MadPanic: I sure do, they’re everywhere—it kind of surprised me how many people like to talk about it and share ideas. MadPanic: I just dig listening and reading people’s ideas on how to take an old way of doing something and making it better! NerdBoyTV: And most of the Twittersphere is very giving I've found, too. I've gotta say this. You kind of stuck out to me because you LOOK like... NerdBoyTV: …someone who might kick some serious a@#, but yet you’re tweeting links and ideas that I found so interesting about gardening! NerdBoyTV: I thought that was GREAT! And you are definitely one of the most generous tweeters I've encountered...just saying. MadPanic: Thanks Ryan, I appreciate that... NerdBoyTV: Now I've GOTTA ask this...what EXACTLY is the #hashtagmafia? MadPanic: The #hashtagmafia is pretty much making up your own word or phrase and hashing it… MadPanic: …to get a discussion going. I had to search for what it meant as well—I didn’t make it up. It’s pretty neat seeing ..... MadPanic: …all the craziness and obscurity people are tweeting about when you search #hashtagmafia. NerdBoyTV: Hmmmm, what is the purpose? Just to be crazy? Start a Twitter trend? MadPanic: Right, to start trends, meet new people, and the like. “It kind of surprised me how many people like to talk about gardening and share ideas. I just dig listening and reading people’s ideas on how to take an old way of doing something and making it better!” “The #hashtagmafia is pretty much making up your own word or phrase and hashing it to get a discussion going.” 2 NerdBoyTV: Cool idea; I'm going to have to #hashtagmafia my #TwitterVIEW ;-) MadPanic: That would be pretty cool.. you should try it. Would make for some interesting discussions. NerdBoyTV: Okay bro, I must ask what a "Propaganda Creator" does (found on his Twitter page under “Bio”)? How does Twitter work as a tool in this regard? hehehe MadPanic: Well, that’s just pretty much for my "day job"...heh …I make signs for a beer distributorship. I call it “propaganda.” MadPanic: I actually need to add “beer taster” in my bio, as well. NerdBoyTV: LOL now THAT's a cool job ;-) I thought you might actually be a radical (my FIRST politically-charged TwitterVIEW)...LOL MadPanic: Hahaha, nah, N ot like that. It was just kind of a joke to myself putting that in there. NerdBoyTV: My wife and I went to a local brewery for an early start to Mother's Day (last Friday)—I tried a nice, dark Stout beer and I thought I'd died and… NerdBoyTV: …gone to heaven—wish I could remember the name of it...beer has a way of making me quite forgetful. LOL MadPanic: Awesome....! I love stouts...especially oatmeal...a whole lotta goodness. NerdBoyTV: Now, you have almost 6,000 Tweeple following you—how did you attract such a substantial following without being Ashton Kutcher? MadPanic: Well, I surely didn’t do it alone....I have people everyday following just because someone referred them to me... MadPanic: …and also, just retweeting and following conversations and chiming in on them. MadPanic: Basically, just by staying active within your following and meeting great and wonderful people. “I have people everyday following just because someone referred them to me and also, just retweeting and following conversations and chiming in on them.” 3 MadPanic: It’s kind of hard sometimes without an app like Seesmic Desktop to do groups with. Just stay in touch with people thru common interest. NerdBoyTV: …and interaction is key...how do you stay connected to tweeple? MadPanic: Interaction truly is key—without an audience to listen, your voice doesn’t get heard. MadPanic: Like just now, I see you’ve moved from tweeting with Seesmic to Twitterberrry so you can go mobile (another reason)... MadPanic: …that shows the real raw power of Twitter. NerdBoyTV: Exactly. So as we approach the one-hour mark (grin), where are you going with Twitter in near future? MadPanic: I don’t know, Ryan. I’d like to reach out more and get involved with my followers—it’s quite a challenge keeping... MadPanic: …up with the broad range of subjects, though...it’s kind of like information overload on steroids! MadPanic: I just hope to maybe spark someone’s interest in such a way that they get creative and help make this earth a better place. NerdBoyTV: Definitely a GREAT goal here on Twitter. So, did you have fun? MadPanic: I did have fun—what a great experience 8~) MadPanic: Thanks for taking the time to hang out for a bit. NerdBoyTV: I appreciate your time on this TwitterVIEW—we will certainly continue tweeting on Twitter buddy. Take care, k? MadPanic: I’ll be in touch man, Have a GREAT one! “Interaction truly is key—without an audience to listen, your voice doesn’t get heard.” “I just hope to maybe spark someone’s interest in such a way that they get creative and help make this earth a better place.” 4 RYAN YEE is the host of www.NerdBoyTV.com, a weekly show on technology, gadgets, and Internet services that’s a video broadcast on YouTube and a podcast on iTunes. Ryan has grown up with the Internet; he actually remembers Netscape Navigator (before Firefox), Columbia Music House and Napster (before iTunes), programmed on IBM punch cards (before JavaScript and C#), owned a Timex Sinclair 1000 (before current Dell Precision M6400), and used 5.25 floppy disks. He has a very unique perspective of today’s technologies and shares his wisdom in a very userfriendly manner. He is the creator of TwitterVIEWs, a unique interviewing format in 140 characters or less. Follow him on http://twitter.com/nerdboytv. 5
TwitterView - MattLisk 051209In this TwitterVIEW, Ryan Yee of NerdBoyTV conducts a TwitterVIEW with fitness guru, Matt Lisk. As a 32-year-old, Matt conquered obesity and lost 80 lbs. in eight months using "The Burrito Diet." Four years later, Matt continues to stay in tip-top shape.
FITNESS GURU TwitterView with @MattLisk Matt Lisk is the author of “The Burrito Diet.” As a 32-year-old, Matt turned his whole life around by losing 80 lbs. in eight months. Avoiding fad diets, he’s still in top shape four years later and now helps others to reach their own fitness goals. http://burritodiet.com/ NerdBoyTV: Thanks for joining me here for this TwitterVIEW. So tell me, how long have you been tweeting on Twitter? MattLisk: About 6 months or so—have just ramped up my Tweeting recently as I found it a great way to get information out quickly. NerdBoyTV: Twitter's GREAT for that...so how did you decide to tweet about fitness tips and issues? MattLisk: People are inundated with bad weight loss information and I wanted to serve as the voice of reason to help people avoid the traps. NerdBoyTV: Agreed...tell me some of the bad weight loss information that people hear nowadays? MattLisk: You can lose all the weight you want in 3 weeks; acai berries as a fat loss miracle; you can get a six-pack by using an ab machine. LOL NerdBoyTV: Hmmmm (NerdBoyTV puts down his ab machine LOL). Nah, I didn't really fall for THAT one ;-) MattLisk: Six-packs are great, but people need to focus on getting the fat off of their bellies—all cadavers have had six packs. LOL NerdBoyTV: For those of you who don't know, Matt is the author of “The Burrito Diet.” Go to http://burritodiet.com. 1 “Six-packs are great, but people need to focus on getting the fat off of their bellies—all cadavers have had six-packs. LOL.” NerdBoyTV: Now on your webpage, you talk about a 32-year-old man who lost 80 lbs. in eight months. Tell us about him...what's his story? MattLisk: He is me! I was 32 and obese, right after the birth of my first son. I was rushed to ER and found I had a host of health issues. MattLisk: I had adult onset asthma, high cholesterol, severe sleep apnea. The doctor said if I just lost weight it would all go away! MattLisk: He said that I needed to make a drastic change so I could be there for my wife and son and honor my commitments to them, so I did! NerdBoyTV: So where did you even begin with a diagnosis like that? I think I would be overwhelmed. How did you start your road to health? MattLisk: I knew enough to be dangerous. I read a lot, did a ton of research, because I needed a plan that fit into my hectic lifestyle. MattLisk: I live in New Jersey, but at the time I worked in Northern Virginia outside DC, which meant travel and living in a hotel 4-5 nights per week. NerdBoyTV: So how did you fit a fitness routine into THAT; not to mention food while traveling can be the WORSE! What were your initial steps? MattLisk: I needed a way to get healthy meals on-the-fly with limited resources while not starving myself. I knew proteins, fibers... MattLisk: … healthy fats and fruits/veggies would do the trick, but it's hard to get that portable. That's how the burrito (diet) was born! MattLisk: I focused on getting my diet straightened out first, then incorporated exercise to increase the effects of my diet. NerdBoyTV: Okay, I've been wanting to ask this ALL day...hehehe. WHAT is “The Burrito Diet?” MattLisk: I'm not on commission from Taco Bell, honest :-) I used burritos (or wraps) to control my portions, which is one of the... “I had adult onset asthma, high cholesterol, severe sleep apnea. The doctor said if I just lost weight it would all go away...” “I needed a way to get healthy meals on-thefly with limited resources while not starving myself. I knew proteins, fibers, healthy fats and fruits/veggies would do the trick, but it's hard to get that portable.” 2 MattLisk: … hardest things to accomplish on a diet. I used the tortilla as the limiting factor for my meals—whatever fit inside was what... MattLisk: …I ate. The burritos contained all of the things I mentioned before and I was never hungry! And they were easy to make even... MattLisk: … for a guy who can't cook like me. Even when I was on the road, a quick trip to the market gave me everything I needed. NerdBoyTV: Now THAT's a smart idea...how about a sample recipe? What would you put in one of those healthy burritos? MattLisk: One of my favorites is grilled chicken, black beans and bell pepper strips with a little guacamole—proteins, fibers, veggies... MattLisk: …and healthy fat from the guacamole. The tortillas, though, were not run-ofthe-mill flour tortillas...and that is the secret ;-) NerdBoyTV: What were the tortillas made of and where does one buy these? MattLisk: They are high-fiber, high-protein tortillas that are readily available, but I can't give away all my magic :-) MattLisk: Here's a picture of what I looked like when I started “I used the tortilla as the limiting factor for my meals—whatever fit inside was what I ate.” “The tortillas, though, were not run-of-the-mill flour tortillas...and that is the secret.” 3 NerdBoyTV: And a drumroll, please...AFTER The Burrito Diet? MattLisk: Much better don't you think? LOL “I'll be 36 next week, so I have kept this off for almost four years. And I NEVER plan on going back to 2005!” NerdBoyTV: I think tortilla wraps are gonna fly off the shelves after this TwitterVIEW, bro...LOL. Pictures speak volumes. MattLisk: Thanks! I'll be 36 next week, so I have kept this off for almost four years. And I NEVER plan on going back to 2005! NerdBoyTV: Tell me about your fitness routine? Eating right is where it all starts, but how to you increase muscle & cardiovascular? MattLisk: I had 30 minutes a day, so I had to be efficient. I did complexes (4-5 exercises with the same weight) and circuits (3-4 diff ex.)... MattLisk: …and interval training for cardio, which is a burst followed by a recovery. I started with a 30-second burst followed by 2-minute recovery... MattLisk: …then gradually increased the burst time while decreasing the recovery time. Proven to be more effective at fat burning. NerdBoyTV: Oh and which machines in the gym are a total waste of time (if any)? MattLisk: Weight machines are great for rehab, but should be avoided in general. Free weights force your body to recruit more muscles... “More muscle development means more fat burning power. Muscle burns fat when you're NOT working out!” 4 MattLisk: …to stabilize you. More muscle development means more fat burning power. Muscle burns fat when you're NOT working out! NerdBoyTV: And is someone still able to do this fitness program when they're traveling and staying in hotels 4-5 nights per week? MattLisk: If you have access to an adequate gym (which I did). For those who don't I have a bonus hotel room workout that is included... MattLisk: …with “The Burrito Diet” that uses your bodyweight to accomplish the same thing. In 15 minutes, my buddy George Louris will kick your butt! NerdBoyTV: Well that really covers ALL the bases, buddy. Sounds terrific...now I know you won't believe it, but we’re approaching 90 minutes... ;-) NerdBoyTV: Tweeple, visit Matt's site http://burritodiet.com/ for more details on his e-book, “The Burrito Diet.” Makes a LOT of sense and... NerdBoyTV: …the proof is in the pudding, as they say ;-) @mattlisk, thanks so much for taking the time for this TwitterVIEW and wishing you... NerdBoyTV: …continued success with “The Burrito Diet” and your own fitness goals, buddy. This has been a blast ;-) MattLisk: Wow, 90 minutes. I type slow. :-) Thanks Ryan for the TwitterVIEW. This has been lots of fun and continued success to you as well! “For those who don't (have access to an adequate gym), I have a bonus hotel room workout that is included with The Burrito Diet that uses your bodyweight to accomplish the same thing.” RYAN YEE is the host of www.NerdBoyTV.com, a weekly show on technology, gadgets, and Internet services that’s a video broadcast on YouTube and a podcast on iTunes. Ryan has grown up with the Internet; he actually remembers Netscape Navigator (before Firefox), Columbia Music House and Napster (before iTunes), programmed on IBM punch cards (before JavaScript and C#), owned a Timex Sinclair 1000 (before current Dell Precision M6400), and used 5.25 floppy disks. He has a very unique perspective of today’s technologies and shares his wisdom in a very user-friendly manner. He is the creator of TwitterVIEWs, a unique interviewing format in 140 characters or less. Follow him on http://twitter.com/nerdboytv. 5
TwitterView - RandyJensen 050509In this TwitterVIEW, Ryan Yee of NerdBoyTV talks with Dallas-based web developer, Randy Jensen, about Open Source software development and its impact on Internet innovation. Randy maintains a very active blog on the Ubuntu Linux operating system at http://www.randyjensenonline.com.
WEB DEVELOPER TwitterView with @RandyJensen Randy Jensen is a web developer in Dallas, TX, with a passion for Open Source software development. Randy maintains a very active blog dedicated to Ubuntu and remains a very active member on Twitter. http://www.randyjensenonline.com NerdBoyTV: Randy, thanks for joining me tonight. For starters, can you tell us a little bit about your background as a web developer? RandyJensen: No problem. Glad we're able to do this. Started getting serious about web design ~5yrs ago. Currently a web developer in Dallas, TX. NerdBoyTV: What attracted you to web design? Layout? Conceptualizing ideas? Programming or technology? All of the above? RandyJensen: Honestly I just fell in love with it in general. I remember being introduced to Front Page in 2000/01 I think. That night... RandyJensen: …and just about every night after, I would sit and look at people's code to see how they did different things. It's like a drug ;) NerdBoyTV: Hehe...and you obviously like solving puzzles (grin). By the way Tweeple, Randy's website online is http://www.randyjensenonline.com/ NerdBoyTV: Honestly, I really liked the clean design of your website and how it simply directs the viewer to different aspects. RandyJensen: Thanks! I had an old design up there for a while and decided it was time for a refresh. It was all about minimalism this time. “I remember being introduced to Front Page in 2000…and I would sit and look at people's code to see how they did different things. It's like a drug.” 1 NerdBoyTV: I'm ALL about simplicity and the minimalist approach. Nicely designed. ;-) NerdBoyTV: For those who don't know what it is, what exactly IS "Open Source" software? RandyJensen: Open Source in its simplest definition just means allowing access to your source code for anyone in the world to see and/or edit. NerdBoyTV: And what are the benefits of doing this? Where have we seen terrific-working apps sprout up because of Open Source? RandyJensen: Open Source software encourages innovation because of its inherit ability to be modified and adapted for multiple projects without re-inventing the wheel. RandyJensen: I think a lot of people are using Open Source technology and don't even know it. A lot of TVs are running Linux. Just about every... RandyJensen: …"Web 2.0" website is built on open source software, from their servers to the technology that runs the website. NerdBoyTV: Now, I really don't know the answer to this, but is Open Source used to create all these different Twitter apps we see? RandyJensen: Not really. Most of the Twitter apps are built on Adobe AIR. While the apps are free, most are not licensed under an Open Source license. NerdBoyTV: Can you name a "familiar" software that was developed through Open Source? RandyJensen: Sure, here are a few :) WordPress, Ubuntu Linux, Firefox, OpenOffice, VLC, FileZilla, LimeWire. NerdBoyTV: That's a pretty impressive list. Since you have a blog dedicated to it, explain what Ubuntu is and why you’re interest in it? RandyJensen: Ubuntu is a variant of Debian Linux, which just means it's another version of Linux. The biggest difference is that it's focus... “Open Source in its simplest definition just means allowing access to your source code for anyone in the world to see and/or edit it.” “Open Source software encourages innovation because of its inherit ability to be modified and adapted for multiple projects without re-inventing the wheel.” 2 RandyJensen: ...is on making Linux as easy as Windows or OSX. It's also backed by the millionaire, Mark Shuttleworth, who is absolutely amazing. NerdBoyTV: From an end-user's perspective (like me), curious what the benefit is of a netbook with Ubuntu vs. say Microsoft XP? RandyJensen: Great question. Ubuntu will run much faster on a netbook, is more secure, comes with most of what you need. There's also a... RandyJensen: …really cool project they're working on called Netbook Remix, which is designed specifically for netbooks. http://www.canonical.com/projects/ubuntu/unr NerdBoyTV: And is it my imagination or does an Open Source operating system like Ubuntu lower the cost and yet work equally as well as Windows XP? RandyJensen: Exactly :) Microsoft has actually been forced to lower what they charge manufacturers to license Windows because of Linux's power. NerdBoyTV: And Microsoft’s Internet Explorer (IE) has had to up their game with the lessbuggy Firefox browser as a reasonable consumer option, huh? RandyJensen: It's been great to watch Firefox chip away at IE's market share. IE as a whole is completely FUBAR. All you need: getfirefox.com. NerdBoyTV: Now conventional closed source development is tightly controlled/planned from start to finish; Open Source development is not? RandyJensen: That's actually a bit of a misconception. Most teams behind big Open Source software projects are well organized and highly connected. RandyJensen: Essentially you still have just a few people in charge. The difference is everyone is encouraged to submit code to the project. RandyJensen: That code is reviewed by the main members and then "committed" if it's deemed to be worthy for the final project. NerdBoyTV: Can you explain how all these different perspectives come together into a final effective product like Firefox? 3 “Some examples of Open Source software include WordPress, Ubuntu Linux, Firefox, OpenOffice, VLC, FileZilla, LimeWire.” “Microsoft has actually been forced to lower what they charge manufacturers to license Windows because of Linux's power.” RandyJensen: Not sure what you mean "perspectives" re: Firefox. But the thing Firefox did right was develop a lightweight browser that was extensible. NerdBoyTV: I think many "lay" people (me included) tend to think of Open Source software as simply FREE, but really it's a lot more than that, huh? RandyJensen: Ya, it's much more than that. In fact, Apple has pretty much rebuilt itself off of Open Source software and they're as far from free as you get. NerdBoyTV: Ah now THAT's the truth (as NerdBoyTV puts his iPhone down). LOL RandyJensen: Haha :) Hey, I'm not knocking Apple. We need competition in tech. That's what keeps it moving forward. NerdBoyTV: From a programming aspect, what does Open Source mean to you? Liberating? Innovating? RandyJensen: Both of those are good words. It also feels good to be a part of something (a passionate community) which is what Open Source is all about. NerdBoyTV: Are we seeing a permanent movement toward more Open Source development in the future? RandyJensen: I think everything will shake out and Open Source will have its place. There will always be proprietary software and Open Source software. NerdBoyTV: Well, can't believe we've been tweeting for one hour already, but we have (grin). I think I could chat with you for another hour, to be honest. RandyJensen: Wow, already an hour!? It's been great! I'm sure I have enough useless info for another one of these ;) NerdBoyTV: LOL NerdBoyTV: Can you tell us about any web development projects of interest that you're currently working on? Plans for your blog? “Apple has pretty much rebuilt itself off of Open Source software…” “It also feels good to be a part of something (a passionate community) which is what Open Source is all about.” 4 RandyJensen: Not too much at the moment. I'll hopefully be developing a few Android applications in the future. Be on the lookout for them. NerdBoyTV: Oh kewl...definitely will. Everyone, to stay connected with Randy, be sure to bookmark http://www.randyjensenonline.com/ and... NerdBoyTV: …also click on his blog dedicated to Ubuntu. And you SHOULD be following @randyjensen here on Twitter by now, too! NerdBoyTV: Randy, buddy, thanks so much for taking the time for this TwitterVIEW and wishing you continued success. Take care. RandyJensen: Thanks Ryan! And thanks to everyone who followed! RYAN YEE is the host of www.NerdBoyTV.com, a weekly show on technology, gadgets, and Internet services that’s a video broadcast on YouTube and a podcast on iTunes. Ryan has grown up with the Internet; he actually remembers Netscape Navigator (before Firefox), Columbia Music House and Napster (before iTunes), programmed on IBM punch cards (before JavaScript and C#), owned a Timex Sinclair 1000 (before current Dell Precision M6400), and used 5.25 floppy disks. He has a very unique perspective of today’s technologies and shares his wisdom in a very user-friendly manner. He is the creator of TwitterVIEWs, a unique interviewing format in 140 characters or less. Follow him on http://twitter.com/nerdboytv. 5
TwitterView - SkeeterHarris 050409In this TwitterVIEW, Ryan Yee of NerdBoyTV talks with Skeeter Harris of Mac Village Productions about his upcoming workshop, "Social Networks Work!" Skeeter talks about businesses using social media in an effective way while others fail to harness the true power of social networking.
SOCIAL MEDIA ADVOCATE TwitterView with @SkeeterHarris William “Skeeter” Harris founded Mac Village Productions (Upstate NY’s premiere full service provider for innovative Web 2.0 website design work) in 2008. His production team of graphic designers, developers, and innovators push the envelope of creativity to deliver more value with minimal investment. http://www.socialnetworkswork.com http://www.macvillagepro.com/ NerdBoyTV: TwitterVIEW starting: Please follow @SkeeterHarris & @NerdBoyTV and let's begin. Talking today with sponsor of "Social Networks Work!" NerdBoyTV: Are you there, buddy? Ready when you are... SkeeterHarris: Absolutely It is a great place to connect with people. NerdBoyTV: Thanks for joining me on this TwitterVIEW; what exactly is the "Social Networks Work!" Seminar? SkeeterHarris: Well, this seminar focuses on Social Networking and how to leverage these mediums to increase your brand and reach your customer. NerdBoyTV: What do you think is the biggest misconception about social media for the newbie who has yet to take the plunge? SkeeterHarris: I would say (the biggest misconception) is that these media outlets are just for hanging out, sharing goofy pictures and that there is no real biz value. NerdBoyTV: Was just trying to explain to co-worker this morning; total confusion. How would you explain the benefit of say Twitter to a business? SkeeterHarris: I hear you and have had that conversation a lot! The benefit is this — it allows you to reach and establish a relationship with… 1 “I would say (the biggest misconception) is that these media outlets are just for hanging out, sharing goofy pictures and that there is no real biz value.” SkeeterHarris: …someone that you may never have the ability to speak or interact with. For example: I had never met @AuctionDirect , yet thru… SkeeterHarris: …Twitter, I was able to tweet with Eric (AD) and discuss how Mac Village Productions might help them and was able to start a new biz opportunity! NerdBoyTV: You and I met in a similar fashion; you're obviously East coast and I'm West coast. Living proof . NerdBoyTV: Why do you think so much of the public is STILL resistant to available social media? I hear even Oprah has tired of Twitter. SkeeterHarris: I think there are two perceptions out there: 1. This Social Media stuff takes too much time with little benefit. 2. People try… SkeeterHarris: …Twitter for say 30 days and think it’s a waste of time. They never have the "aha" moment of its real power! NerdBoyTV: @oliver12 just said that people don't like change either. What does your seminar do for those new & unfamiliar? SkeeterHarris: What my seminar is going to do is cover the big Social Media sites and give people real solid take away best practices… SkeeterHarris: …on how to use these sites to both market themselves and their brand(s). Then attendees are going to get to hear how Rochester comp… SkeeterHarris: …like Kodak, Brian Nuedorff (News 8) and Techrigy are using these technologies to be leaders in their industries! NerdBoyTV: Can you share your observations on businesses that use the new social media WELL and those who just plain out use it WRONG? SkeeterHarris: The best example I see locally is Kodak — they are using Twitter and Facebook to get instant feedback from their customers… “People try Twitter for say 30 days and think it’s a waste of time. They never have the ‘aha’ moment of its real power!” “What my seminar is going to do is cover the big Social Media sites and give people real solid take away best practices on how to use these sites to both market themselves and their brand(s).” 2 SkeeterHarris: …allowing two-way communication and doing a great job on re-branding themselves as a digital company! In terms of bad examples... SkeeterHarris: …sorry but I only focus on the positives! :-) NerdBoyTV: Okay, I'll take the bait then...hehe. I really don't like how some don't take the time to build a relationship here. NerdBoyTV: Some forget the simple courtesies that work in person ALSO work in the social media world. I do get tired of sending… NerdBoyTV: …replies or direct messages that just get ignored. Reminds me of being a customer in a store and being ignored by the salespeople. NerdBoyTV: I think biggest problem is thinking social media somehow allows one to minimize human interaction; I have found the opposite. SkeeterHarris: I will give you one comment on that topic. SkeeterHarris: A bad example is the Tweeters that only promote products on every tweet — basically spam for Twitter! NerdBoyTV: Ok...stepping off soapbox ;-) How about giving the specifics on your terrific workshop? Date/Time/Place/Format/Cost/Line-up ;-) SkeeterHarris: LOL Sounds good! Here goes... Social Networks Work! on May 20th at the Brio, in Pittsford NY 8am–4pm. SkeeterHarris: Guest speakers are Kodak, Brian Neudorff (News 8), Techrigy — includes breakfast, great hot lunch and lots of social networking!! SkeeterHarris: You can also see me interviewed by @brianneudorff on 5/13 at noon about this event! You can learn more at http://socialnetworkswork.com/. NerdBoyTV: BTW, Tweeple, if you wanna checkout Skeeter's brochure, you can download HERE http://bit.ly/HTs2j. Has ALL the specifics “A bad example is the Tweeters that only promote products on every tweet— basically spam for Twitter!” “Guest speakers are Kodak, Brian Neudorff (News 8), Techrigy — includes breakfast, great hot lunch and lots of social networking!!” 3 NerdBoyTV: In closing, let me ask you this: If you had 60 seconds to pitch social media to maybe a home business, what would you say? NerdBoyTV: Really...what's in it for me? Benefits? Time required to develop? Easy first social media services to use? Hit me with it. NerdBoyTV: How much time should I expect to spend on developing this and which social media is best for the beginner? SkeeterHarris: I would say Social Media allows you to connect with your customers directly where they are spending 85% of their time when online. SkeeterHarris: For the beginner, start with Facebook — easy to setup, not so "real-time" like Twitter — allows you to target specific… SkeeterHarris: …audiences. A beginner could spend say an hour a day to promote their company and brand. NerdBoyTV: Sounds doable ;-) Hey everyone, if you’re in Rochester, NY area (and even if you're NOT), checkout http://socialnetworkswork.com/. NerdBoyTV: I think Skeeter has put together a dynamite group of experts and this may be the jumpstart some newbie might need to start. NerdBoyTV: Hey buddy, thanks again for tweeting back-and-forth like this. Let's do it all again AFTER the workshop too ;-) SkeeterHarris: That would be great — I could share a lessons learned and common questions from the attendees! SkeeterHarris: Ryan — thanks so much for the interview today on Tweeple on Twitter — what a great concept my friend! NerdBoyTV: De nada. Have a terrific day. Well you're East coast, your day is almost over. We Cali folk are JUST beginning — not lunch yet. SkeeterHarris: Thanks again Ryan — Hope your day goes well and I know we’ll tweet soon! LOL “For the beginner, start with Facebook — easy to setup, not so "real-time" like Twitter — allows you to target specific audiences.” 4 NerdBoyTV: Terrific. Consider it on the calendar. Take care and best of luck with "Social Media Works." Cya SkeeterHarris: Your welcome and thank you! Great new format you have come up with You can check it out here! http://TweepleOnTwitter.com. RYAN YEE is the host of www.NerdBoyTV.com, a weekly show on technology, gadgets, and Internet services that’s a video broadcast on YouTube and a podcast on iTunes. Ryan has grown up with the Internet; he actually remembers Netscape Navigator (before Firefox), Columbia Music House and Napster (before iTunes), programmed on IBM punch cards (before JavaScript and C#), owned a Timex Sinclair 1000 (before current Dell Precision M6400), and used 5.25 floppy disks. He has a very unique perspective of today’s technologies and shares his wisdom in a very user-friendly manner. He is the creator of TwitterVIEWs, a unique interviewing format in 140 characters or less. Follow him on http://twitter.com/nerdboytv. 5
TwitterView - PrintYourTweets 042909In this TwitterVIEW, Ryan Yee of NerdBoyTV interviews Thomas Ummels, creator of PrintYourTwitter.com, which allows Twitter users to save their own tweets or the tweets of followers into a print-friendly format.
TWITTER APPLICATION DEVELOPER TwitterView with @PrintYourTweets Thomas Ummels is the application developer of PrintYourTwitter (aka PrintYourTweets), a Twitter application that allows you to “collect your tweets or tweets of followers and gives them back to you in a print-friendly version.” http://www.PrintYourTwitter.com “PrintYourTwitter enables you to collect your tweets or tweets of followers…in a print friendly version.” 1 “Our app can also be useful…when Twitter is used during a conference, you can print out everybody’s comments afterwards.” “…also people add tweets to their vacation photos.” 2 “I also just remembered that we know of someone who only tweets with TwitPics, in other words, a photo diary.” RYAN YEE is the host of www.NerdBoyTV.com, a weekly show on technology, gadgets, and Internet services that’s a video broadcast on YouTube and a podcast on iTunes. Ryan has grown up with the Internet; he actually remembers Netscape Navigator (before Firefox), Columbia Music House and Napster (before iTunes), programmed on IBM punch cards (before JavaScript and C#), owned a Timex Sinclair 1000 (before current Dell Precision M6400), and used 5.25 floppy disks. He has a very unique perspective of today’s technologies and shares his wisdom in a very user-friendly manner. He is the creator of TwitterVIEWs, a unique interviewing format in 140 characters or less. Follow him on http://twitter.com/nerdboytv. 3
TwitterView - SafeHouseSoft 042309In this TwitterVIEW, Ryan Yee of NerdBoyTV tweets with Peter Avritch, President of PC Dynamics, Inc., creator of SafeHouse Explorer. Peter discusses the importance of protecting our digital files in the age of laptops, memory sticks, and readily-available digital information.
INTERNET SECURITY TwitterView with @SafeHouseSoft Peter Avritch is the President of PC Dynamics, Inc., maker of SafeHouse Explorer, software that locks and makes invisible documents, spreadsheets, photos, videos and other sensitive and private data stored on hard drives, memory sticks and thumb drives, network servers, CDs and DVDs, even iPod and MP3 players. http://www.safehousesoftware.com/ NerdBoyTV: Welcome to our TwitterVIEW with Peter Avritch, President of SafeHouse Software. Peter, are you there? SafeHouseSoft: I'm here and all ready to talk about SafeHouse. Thank you for inviting me into your world. NerdBoyTV: Thanks for joining me today, Peter. Could you please tell us what exactly SafeHouse Software does? SafeHouseSoft: SafeHouse Explorer is free privacy and encryption software for Windows PCs. It's used to keep private files secret. NerdBoyTV: Why do you think privacy and encryption software is so critical nowadays? SafeHouseSoft: The plain truth is everyone has secrets—and in today's world, they tend to be digital—photos, videos, resumes, legal docs. NerdBoyTV: Not to mention that the portability of laptops and flash drives are so commonplace today, it's so easy to lose control of info. SafeHouseSoft: Right. A recent study in the UK found that 9,000 memory sticks were sent to the dry cleaners near their big financial center. NerdBoyTV: Yikes, with absolutely no encryption or protection on them probably. Scary! “The plain truth is everyone has secrets—and in today's world, they tend to be digital— photos, videos, resumes, legal docs.” 1 SafeHouseSoft: People are really starting to see that memory sticks will be the source of a lot of trouble. So cheap, so much data... NerdBoyTV: Yes, memory sticks are TOO convenient. Especially if they're on a key ring (something people lose all the time)!!! SafeHouseSoft: With laptops, you always know where they are because you paid a lot of money for them. Memory sticks don't get the same respect. NerdBoyTV: Oh ain't THAT the truth? But on the news, there have been some fairly highprofile laptop losses SS#, credit cards, etc. NerdBoyTV: If ONLY they had SafeHouse Explorer, huh? ;-) NerdBoyTV: This is a screenshot of a "vault" setup for your critical information. Can you explain the whole vault concept? “People are really starting to see that memory sticks will be the source of a lot of trouble. So cheap, so much data...” “You create a private container. You pick the size, location and password. Then it looks like a new windows drive letter.” SafeHouseSoft: You create a private container. You pick the size, location and password. Then it looks like a new windows drive letter. NerdBoyTV: Does the vault hold an actual copy of my file? What happens to my original file? 2 SafeHouseSoft: The actual file is in the vault. Normally we don't touch your original, but we have an option to secure delete it. SafeHouseSoft: Secure delete is where we write all kinds of random data over your original file to make sure there is no way it can be recovered. SafeHouseSoft: This free software can save a lot of grief. It works just like Windows Explorer—so there's nothing new to learn. NerdBoyTV: SafeHouse Explorer is a FREE download that can anyone can get at http://bit.ly/iBa9w. Tell us about Personal Edition. SafeHouseSoft: While SafeHouse Explorer is perfect for memory sticks, we have Personal and Pro editions which are best on desktops. SafeHouseSoft: These other not-free products have many more features and a system tray control center for easy access to all features. SafeHouseSoft: We have a product comparison chart here http://is.gd/uaJ5, which lists all of our features. NerdBoyTV: Well, I can certainly attest to the ease-of-setup and use of the free SafeHouse Explorer. Also, LIKE vault SLAM shut sound! SafeHouseSoft: Ah, our sounds. People love them. They've become sort of our little trademark. NerdBoyTV: I don't think I mentioned this to you, Peter, but I work for a company that deals in Sensitive Information. All docs psswd locked. NerdBoyTV: The problem is remembering the constantly changing passwords months/years later to open them for reference. NerdBoyTV: Would have been nice to remove password protection and just throw them ALL in a SafeHouse vault with a password I could remember. LOL SafeHouseSoft: If you have passwords on individual docs, that would drive anyone crazy. We just use one password for everything. “Secure delete is where we write all kinds of random data over your original file to make sure there is no way it can be recovered.” “This free software can save a lot of grief. It works just like Windows Explorer— so there's nothing new to learn.” 3 SafeHouseSoft: And our Personal/Pro editions support using memory sticks as "virtual smartcards" so you never type a password again. NerdBoyTV: Oh I LIKE that! For small business owners out there, what kind of firepower does the Professional Version bring? SafeHouseSoft: The big feature in Pro is password administration. Admins can manage and reset passwords. That's critical in the workplace. SafeHouseSoft: Pro also includes extra-strength encryption methods for people with super sensitive files. NerdBoyTV: And honestly, all done at an extremely reasonable pricepoint. Nice! SafeHouseSoft: At work, managers are always worried that an employee will change a password, go to lunch and never return. NerdBoyTV: There was a recent high-profile case of an angry city employee changing password, then refusing to unlock. SafeHouseSoft: Our Pro edition allows a master password to unlock files encrypted by any employee. Never worry about being locked out. NerdBoyTV: Again, would have been nice to have SafeHouse software in place ;-) SafeHouseSoft: One other cool feature we have is the ability to reset passwords over the Internet. Important for remote workers. NerdBoyTV: Peter, in closing, if there was one cautionary warning you would give based on things u c over & over, what would that be? SafeHouseSoft: If you've got files that would land you in the hot seat if they went public, be smart—the tools to encrypt are free. NerdBoyTV: And with THAT, let's remind all Tweeple that they can download the FREE SafeHouse Explorer at http://bit.ly/iBa9w Wks GREAT! “The big feature in Pro is password administration. Administrators can manage and reset passwords. That's critical in the workplace.” 4 NerdBoyTV: Also, SafeHouse has some terrific tutorial videos to get you up-and-running FAST at http://bit.ly/15Y5yU. Give it a try today. NerdBoyTV: Peter, I'd like to thank u for tweeting with me today about SafeHouse Explorer. Lots of good info. Wishing u much success. SafeHouseSoft: Thank you for having me on. This is surely the start of a new interview medium—very fun. NerdBoyTV: Take care, buddy. ;-) “If you've got files that would land you in the hot seat if they went public, be smart—the tools to encrypt are free.” SafeHouse Explorer is free, available via download from http://SafeHouseExplorer.com. Video tours of the entire SafeHouse product line are available at http://www.safehousesoftware.com/VideoTour.aspx. For details about the dry cleaners in the UK, the MP3 player loaded with military secrets, and more things to not do with sensitive data, click here: http://www.safehousesoftware.com/FunFacts.aspx RYAN YEE is the host of www.NerdBoyTV.com, a weekly show on technology, gadgets, and Internet services that’s a video broadcast on YouTube and a podcast on iTunes. Ryan has grown up with the Internet; he actually remembers Netscape Navigator (before Firefox), Columbia Music House and Napster (before iTunes), programmed on IBM punch cards (before JavaScript and C#), owned a Timex Sinclair 1000 (before current Dell Precision M6400), and used 5.25 floppy disks. He has a very unique perspective of today’s technologies and shares his wisdom in a very user-friendly manner. He is the creator of TwitterVIEWs, a unique interviewing format in 140 characters or less. Follow him on http://twitter.com/nerdboytv. 5
SOCIAL MEDIA PODCASTER TwitterView with @KeepItClassyJen Jen Hinton is the host of Chicks Who Chat, a podcast on BlogTalkRadio, and the creator of The Class Closet (Chicks Who Connect). Jen’s latest project is a series of online classes for people who are new to social media and want to find help and guidance. It’s called Keep It Real with Jen. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/chickswhochat http://theclassycloset.ning.com/ http://keepitreal.memberlodge.org/ NerdBoyTV: NerdBoyTV is happy to introduce Jen Hinton, podcaster of Chicks Who Chat w/ Classy Jen & Sugar Jones. ;-) KeepItClassyJen: Hi everyone!!! Thanks for this great opportunity to tell you about my program! NerdBoyTV: How long have you been on Twitter, Jen. You seem very comfortable on it. KeepItClassyJen: I have been on Twitter since October of 08 and I love it! It is one of the most powerful ways to connect with people. NerdBoyTV: You are conducting VCasts for newbies to social media like Twitter on Monday nites; how did you get THAT idea? KeepItClassyJen: Well, simple really. No one was jumping for joy trying to help me out when I first started. So I thought I would help newbies out! NerdBoyTV: What have you found to be some of the most common reasons for newbies to hesitate getting on Twitter, Facebook, or MySpace? KeepItClassyJen: I think the biggest fear for newcomers of Social Media is not knowing the best way to utilize the programs. KeepItClassyJen: They sign up for these platforms and never use them. “I think the biggest fear for newcomers of Social Media is not knowing the best way to utilize the programs.” 1 NerdBoyTV: How do you go about making these various social media platforms "relevant" to say your mother? KeepItClassyJen: They are relevant for anyone seeking like-minded people. You have to understand what they do and GO FOR IT! Don't sit back! NerdBoyTV: True. So when someone like Oprah (babyboomer) says, "I just don't get Twitter," how do you explain? KeepItClassyJen: Well jokes on us lol because @oprah is now on Twitter, but the best explanation is giving your "status" & replying to others. NerdBoyTV: Tell us about the format of your online class, Keep It Real with Jen Hinton. What can someone expect each week? KeepItClassyJen: They can expect to learn about Twitter. BUT the difference is they will also learn about all the great platforms that can be used… KeepItClassyJen: …along with it. I used http://dimdim.com classroom setting that allows you to SEE me through webcast and communicate to others… KeepItClassyJen: …who are taking the class. It is VERY interactive and people network within the classes. NerdBoyTV: What other social media do you use? Do you integrate with good 'ol Twitter? And how long do you spend on the computer per day? ;-) KeepItClassyJen: LOL, I am always NEAR the PC. I use social networking sites such as Ning. I also use Qik, YouTube, Facebook, BTR...etc. KeepItClassyJen: But I also teach things such as HTML, SEO, Google PR, Media Kits...etc. KeepItClassyJen: Well the best part is they can SEE me through Webcast which makes it feel like just watching TV and not just an online class. NerdBoyTV: So back to an earlier question, just curious how long you spend on a computer online everyday? “They can expect to learn about Twitter. BUT the difference is they will also learn about all the great platforms that can be used…” “… the best part is they can SEE me through Webcast which makes it feel like just watching TV and not just an online class.” 2 NerdBoyTV: And would someone with limited time spent gain similar benefits from all these social networking services? KeepItClassyJen: I spend probably 8-10 on computer but not just with social media. Yes, those with limited time can learn things to help with SM! NerdBoyTV: Nice. Half the battle is definitely getting those use to TV onto new media offerings like YouTube, Hulu, Facebook, Kindle. KeepItClassyJen: Exactly! NerdBoyTV: Class sounds terrific for those comfortable taking online; how could u reach those like my wife just now learning texting? KeepItClassyJen: For example, I teach people that when they sit down to write a post. Write a few and have them ready to pre-post! NerdBoyTV: Ok, I've gotta throw the "gender" card in the mixx. Do you feel women use social media differently than men? How so? KeepItClassyJen: No...(twirling a piece of hair) what do you mean?? KeepItClassyJen: Seriously, no I don't. We are all here doing the same thing just in different ways...women or men. Same thing...same platforms. NerdBoyTV: LOL, I ask only because I see my teenage daughter use MySpace very differently than my teenage son. She puts feelings on her status. KeepItClassyJen: I don't think Myspace is considered a practical source of social media for people 25 and above. My opinion. NerdBoyTV: LOL...oh definitely not for 25 and above But I'll take ur answer as no real difference. KeepItClassyJen: Right, no difference. “I spend probably 8-10 on computer but not just with social media. Yes, those with limited time can learn things to help with social media!” “… I teach people that when they sit down to write a post. Write a few and have them ready to pre-post!” 3 NerdBoyTV: New session of Keep It Real with Jen starts 5/4 8:30 CST. For more info, visit http://bit.ly/tt6UG. KeepItClassyJen: Thank you so much for letting me tweet your ear off! Yes new session begins May 4th! http://keepitreal.memberlodge.org 4 Sign up NerdBoyTV: Thanks for your time, Jen, and best of luck to you getting the world ready for social media and beyond. Take care. RYAN YEE is the host of www.NerdBoyTV.com, a weekly show on technology, gadgets, and Internet services that’s a video broadcast on YouTube and a podcast on iTunes. Ryan has grown up with the Internet; he actually remembers Netscape Navigator (before Firefox), Columbia Music House and Napster (before iTunes), programmed on IBM punch cards (before JavaScript and C#), owned a Timex Sinclair 1000 (before current Dell Precision M6400), and used 5.25 floppy disks. He has a very unique perspective of today’s technologies and shares his wisdom in a very user-friendly manner. He is the creator of TwitterVIEWs, a unique interviewing format in 140 characters or less. Follow him on http://twitter.com/nerdboytv. 4
TwitterView - GabeMichael 042109In this TwitterVIEW, Ryan Yee of NerdBoyTV tweets an interview with filmmaker, Gabe Michael, one of the creators of "The Big Time." @GabeMichael talks about how he leverages Twitter, YouTube, and the Internet to produce a comedy that has its audience "talking back" literally through comments and tweets. http://www.thebigtimeshow.com/
FILMMAKER TwitterView with @GabeMichael Gabe Michael is one of the creators of "The Big Time," a new comedy that follows the story of Gabe and Dave, two distant cousins who moved to Hollywood in an attempt to make it big. The duo has the look, the confidence, and the dreams needed to be successful in Hollywood. But they lack one crucial thing: talent! The boys are guided by the suspicious Dr. J, their new manager and landlord, whose profession and true intentions are unclear. http://www.thebigtimeshow.com NerdBoyTV: We're doing this TwitterVIEW live for Friends to Follow...with that let's begin. NerdBoyTV: Today's NerdBoyTV TwitterVIEW is with @GabeMichael, one of the creators of The Big Tim Show. http://www.thebigtimeshow.com/ NerdBoyTV: Hey Gabe, welcome. Tell us what The Big Time Show is? Where did your idea come from? GabeMichael: The show is in the vein of Entourage and The Office, except that the stars (my friend Dave and I) have no talent! haha GabeMichael: We got the idea sitting around in my friend’s spa one day. We just thought...what talent do we have to offer the world? GabeMichael: We couldn't think of any. Thus the show was born... NerdBoyTV: I just watched the Pilot Episode the other day; funny. How many people are involved in producing an episode? GabeMichael: For the pilot we had the actors plus the camera man and that was it. So about 5. Every episode since that number has grown. NerdBoyTV: Ahhhh, the BEST inspiration comes from being in the spa, huh? LOL You obviously have a GREAT sense of humor...(more coming) 1 “The show is in the vein of Entourage and The Office, except that the stars (my friend Dave and I) have no talent! Haha.” 2 NerdBoyTV: Are you showcasing your humor, your film-making ability, your ability to gather fans on social networking, or maybe all above? GabeMichael: E) All the above. I come from a filmmaking background while Dave has a degree in marketing. So with no budget for this show, GabeMichael: ...we rely on social networking as our only advertising and distribution. NerdBoyTV: Well you seem VERY adept at BOTH. Do you have a YouTube channel? Do you have RSS? Syndicate on iTunes? GabeMichael: http://youtube.com/thebigti ...we have over 1000 subscribers and our hits grow exponentially as more and more find the show. NerdBoyTV: Do you syndicate through iTunes store? Now THAT's a huge pool of potential viewers... GabeMichael: We are in the process of RSS and iTunes. The show started to take off faster then we thought. Filming has been taking up our time. GabeMichael: We have had chances for distribution, but struggling for money. We will get there slowly or quickly depending on ITVF. NerdBoyTV: ...ITVF This is The Independent Television Festival, BTW, everyone; awww the beauty of TwitterVIEWs; access to Google ;-) GabeMichael: Yes the independent television festival. I am actually burning our submission as we speak.or type. GabeMichael: http://tinyurl.com/dyxf75 Here is the ITVF trailer for our show. NerdBoyTV: Do you have a very vocal, interactive following through YouTube/Twitter comments? Get story ideas from them? GabeMichael: Our comments on YouTube are hilarious and various. We have actually used a few for jokes in the episodes we just wrapped. “We have over 1000 subscribers and our hits grow exponentially as more and more find the show.” “Our comments on YouTube are hilarious and various. We have actually used a few for jokes in the episodes we just wrapped.” 3 GabeMichael: We also get tons of emails and messages about content and stories from "real life struggling artist." NerdBoyTV: WOW, what a PERFECT use of the medium. I think that's what I admired about your work ;-) GabeMichael: We are trying to make the show as interactive as possible. We will have Vlogs, Blogs, and more content soon. NerdBoyTV: The Big Time Show is the epitome of interactive TV, huh? Where do you want this all to go for you? Syndication? Move to TV? GabeMichael: Syndication would be awesome. TV the dream. We are coming in on the ground level of Internet TV so who knows. It’s a new world. NerdBoyTV: If someone here on Twitter has storyline ideas for The Big Time Show, what is the best way to get them to you? Comments? Tweets? GabeMichael: I would say visit our website, MySpace, or tweet me. We try to stay on top of it, but are very busy. We appreciate every comment NerdBoyTV: BTW Tweeple, here's the link to ALL the episodes of The Big Time Show. http://www.thebigtimeshow.com/episode.html Check em out. NerdBoyTV: If u could give one piece of advice to aspiring Twitter filmmakers who want to follow suit, what would that be? Lessons learned? GabeMichael: Finding an audience is hardest piece, but if you make good content they will come. If someone comments you, comment them back. NerdBoyTV: Yup, content is KING always. Lots of noise in the Twittersphere to compete with, no doubt. GabeMichael: ...people like getting and giving feedback. Become friends with your audience. They like that! NerdBoyTV: It's been great learning more about The Big Time Show here on Twitter. NerdBoyTV appreciates your time, buddy. “We are trying to make the show as interactive as possible. We will have Vlogs, Blogs, and more content soon.” “Finding an audience is hardest piece, but if you make good content they will come. If someone comments you, comment them back.” 4 NerdBoyTV: Let's follow-up after your return from the film festivals, k? Best of luck to you. ;-) GabeMichael: Thank you! I love your blog btw. NerdBoyTV: Thanks buddy, have a terrific rest of the day. Everyone, check out http://www.thebigtimeshow.com/episode.html. Funny stuff! ;-) GabeMichael: @nerdboytv thanks so much. You too! Gabe out! “...people like getting and giving feedback. Become friends with your audience. They like that!” 5 RYAN YEE is the host of www.NerdBoyTV.com, a weekly show on technology, gadgets, and Internet services that’s a video broadcast on YouTube and a podcast on iTunes. Ryan has grown up with the Internet; he actually remembers Netscape Navigator (before Firefox), Columbia Music House and Napster (before iTunes), programmed on IBM punch cards (before JavaScript and C#), owned a Timex Sinclair 1000 (before current Dell Precision M6400), and used 5.25 floppy disks. He has a very unique perspective of today’s technologies and shares his wisdom in a very user-friendly manner. He is the creator of TwitterVIEWs, a unique interviewing format in 140 characters or less. Follow him on http://twitter.com/nerdboytv. 6
TwitterView - HughBriss 041709In this TwitterVIEW, Ryan Yee of NerdBoyTV interviews graphic designer and entrepeneur Hugh Briss on the importance of backgrounds for branding and establishing a unique presence on Twitter.
WEB DESIGNER TwitterView with @HughBriss Hugh Briss is a Web developer, Internet entrepreneur, blogger and Twitter evangelist. One of his most recent Internet ventures is TwitterImage.com where he and a crew of talented designers create custom Twitter backgrounds for their clients. NerdBoyTV First of all, I personally am a fan of your background work. How did you come to decide to do Twitter backgrounds for other people? HughBriss I had done MySpace backgrounds before so it seemed like a no brainer when I saw that Twitter allowed us to add backgrounds. HughBriss I realized that lots of people don't have the skills to do their own backgrounds so I decided to see if they'd be willing to pay. NerdBoyTV Why do you think backgrounds on Twitter are so critical? BTW, I noticed you updated urs too ;-) HughBriss I don't think they're critical for everyone but for any person or company interested in branding and marketing I think they are. NerdBoyTV You obviously bring graphic design skills into your work; what do you find as the most common problem with some Twitter backgrounds? HughBriss Not understanding the limitation and how to best utilize a small space and make the background effective at most resolutions. HughBriss Pretty tough to design effectively for 1024 wide monitors though. ;) HughBriss Backgrounds are the best way to make a great first impression as well as adding more marketing real estate. “Backgrounds are the best way to make a great first impression as well as adding more marketing real estate.” 1 NerdBoyTV What have you seen in terms of the most creative or unusual use of a Twitter background? And why? HughBriss One use I haven't seen that would be awesome is to use that area to update or make special offers. HughBriss For example, a movie production company could use it to hype their newest movie release. NerdBoyTV Do you predict that Twitter would EVER allow clickable links on backgrounds? HughBriss I hope Twitter will allow them although I doubt they will. Too easy to abuse I think. HughBriss I would definitely like to see them center the background though, like we can on YouTube channel backgrounds. HughBriss Solves the big issue of not being able to put anything important on the right side of the tweet area. NerdBoyTV Though I must admit I kinda like how the unusual Twitter layout (slim left, wide right) forced folks to be a little more creative in layouts. NerdBoyTV And the right side IS so unpredictable because of the different screen sizes and resolutions we're dealing with in TwitterLand ;-) HughBriss True, but if the background was centered we'd still have to keep our margins narrow but we could use the right as well. NerdBoyTV So if someone wanted (make that needed) to work with you, how do you work with them to create a focused relevant Twitter background? HughBriss I ask them to provide any input as far as what styles they like, color preferences, copy, etc. and then I look at their website. HughBriss In most cases, unless their website design is bad, from a branding standpoint, I think it's best to follow the website design. “For example, a movie production company could use it to hype their newest movie release.” “I would definitely like to see them center the background though, like we can on YouTube channel backgrounds.” 2 NerdBoyTV Do you have any opinion on using an actual photo OR something like an avatar/icon when branding your Twitter page? HughBriss Depends on what the background is for. If it's a company it's probably best to use a logo. Individuals should brand themselves. NerdBoyTV As a designer, what would you say was your absolute FAVORITE background that you created for someone and why? What did you like bout it? HughBriss One of my favorites is @bizarrefoods because I love that show and it's a fun background. HughBriss @tkpleslie is another and I was happy with @erikjheels because of the subtle promotion for his website in the stadium billboard. HughBriss Other favorites are @jasonmitchener @johnchow @delight.com NerdBoyTV Sounds like you STILL appreciate clever graphic elements EVEN if they're on a Twitter background? HughBriss Cleverness is always a plus, especially if it makes people look longer or talk about it. HughBriss One thing I like to do when I have a high quality photo of the person to work with is to silhouette it instead of in a box. HughBriss When I say silhouette I mean cut it out of the original background. NerdBoyTV And btw, I JUST looked at @erikjheels Twitter page...WOW, that really IS kewl. Just a simple use of a photo landscape, too. Easy, nice! HughBriss Thanks, yeah, I think it was a subtle way to do it and he gets a lot of compliments on it. I knew he loved baseball. NerdBoyTV And looking longer or talking about it is definitely the goal here on Twitter...good point. “Cleverness is always a plus, especially if it makes people look longer or talk about it.” “One thing I like to do when I have a high quality photo of the person to work with is to silhouette it instead of in a box.” 3 HughBriss Even if people don't want a custom background they can easily find great photos to use as long as the focal point is on a side. HughBriss One point I'd like to make about photos. Don't use them if they aren't royalty free or you don't have the photogs permission. HughBriss And I always add a credit line for the photographer when I use Creative Commons photos. NerdBoyTV Good warning. Having worked with some great graphic designers, copyright infringement can get dicey. HughBriss Right, people seem to think if it's on the Net it's free to use for whatever they want but that's not the case. NerdBoyTV Many people (wink, like @ryanyee) rely on some of these freebie services to create backgrounds; any that you've found that YOU like? HughBriss The free services are okay for some but if you're really serious about your brand you need fully custom and unique. NerdBoyTV So in closing, if you could give one bit of advice to newbie Tweeple about backgrounds, what would that be? What should they avoid? HughBriss They should avoid using the stock Twitter backgrounds and avatars even if all they do is just use a photo background. HughBriss Generic backgrounds give the impression that they aren't very serious about being on Twitter. NerdBoyTV I agree...those stock backgrounds have become like Helvetica and Arial LOL. NerdBoyTV I just want to say thanks again for doing this TwitterView with me and I look forward to seeing MORE of your work throughout Twitterdom ;-) HughBriss Thanks for asking me to do a Twitterview with you, I enjoyed it and hopefully it will help a few people. “Even if people don't want a custom background they can easily find great photos to use as long as the focal point is on a side.” “Generic backgrounds give the impression that they aren't very serious about being on Twitter.” 4 RYAN YEE is the host of www.NerdBoyTV.com, a weekly show on technology, gadgets, and Internet services that’s a video broadcast on YouTube and a podcast on iTunes. Ryan has grown up with the Internet; he actually remembers Netscape Navigator (before Firefox), Columbia Music House and Napster (before iTunes), programmed on IBM punch cards (before JavaScript and C#), owned a Timex Sinclair 1000 (before current Dell Precision M6400), and used 5.25 floppy disks. He has a very unique perspective of today’s technologies and shares his wisdom in a very user-friendly manner. He is the creator of TwitterVIEWs, a unique interviewing format in 140 characters or less. Follow him on http://twitter.com/nerdboytv. 5
Ryan Yee is the host of NerdBoyTV.com, a weekly syndicated podcast on iTunes and YouTube since 2007 focusing on consumer technology, techie gadgets, and cool Internet finds for the everyday person. NerdBoyTV has over 33,000 Twitter followers and provides product demos, expert interviews, and links to the latest technology news. It's like having your very own online "nerd" friend.
In this TwitterVIEW, Ryan Yee of NerdBoyTV tweets an interview with filmmaker, Gabe Michael, one of the creators of "The Big Time." @GabeMichael talks about how he leverages Twitter, YouTube, and the Internet to produce a comedy that has its audience "talking back" literally through comments and tweets. http://www.thebigtimeshow.com/
