Wednesday, April 29, 2009

THOMAS UMMELS - Creator of PrintYourTwitter.com

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.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

PETER AVRITCH - Creator of SafeHouse Explorer

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

JEN HINTON - Podcaster of Chicks Who Chat

TwitterView - KeepItClassyJen 042309In this TwitterVIEW, Ryan Yee of NerdBoyTV discusses social media for newbies with podcaster, Jen Hinton of the "Chicks Who Chat" podcast.

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

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

GABE MICHAEL - Filmmaker & Actor

TwitterView - GabeMichael 042109

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/

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

Friday, April 17, 2009

HUGH BRISS - Graphic Designer of Twitter Backgrounds

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

KEVIN SHERMAN - Creator of BubbleTweet

TwitterVIEW - bubbleguru 041709In this TwitterVIEW, Ryan Yee of NerdBoyTV interviews the creator of the Twitter app, BubbleTweet, Kevin Sherman.