Switching to OpenOffice

Who — besides Microsoft and the other corporate behemoths — does not like open source software or at least the concept of it? I’ve always been intrigued (and inspired) by the power of what Dan Tapscott and Anthony Williams in Wikinomics called “mass collaboration.” So I decided to do away w/ Microsoft Office and try OpenOffice. (BTW, if you haven’t read the book, you should check it out. It’s a great read).

For those of you who don’t know, OpenOffice is the leading open source office software suite, which includes the standard word processor, spreadsheets, databases, powerpoint-like stuff, etc.

If anyone is using it or has tried it, feel free to comment.

Democratic National Convention – I’m so there!

It’s finally here, the DNC baby!

Yours truly will be rubbing shoulders w/ the Washington elite and other political junkies come Saturday in the Mile High 🙂

So excited. If I grab any good pics I’ll be sure to post them.

Viral Marketing – Response to Matt

Thanks for your kind words Matt! I decided to just post my response to you b/c I think it’s good to know.

I should let you know that I’m not an expert in viral marketing, or marketing for that matter. However, I have heard things from people in the business who know a lot more than me. Common themes have emerged, though, from all the conversations I’ve had in terms of V.M., such as:

-It’s hard to gauge what will become “viral” and what won’t, so unless you have some crazy gift that allows you know what will become “cool” or take hold among the audience, then it’s really impossible to plan.

-However, things that are interactive have seemed to work better, like the example I gave of Paltalk.  JibJab also produced one related to the election:

-Another option is looking for videos on YouTube that have become popular (those that relate to your product or company) and sponsor the creator, like what Dr. Pepper and Stride gum did:

This is sort of a quick response, but I hope it helps a little. If you do create something, send it over to me and I’ll post it here.

Update: “Dimitri the Lover” is actually real

According to the Toronto Sun, “Dimitri the Lover” is actually a real person. So much for being a viral marketing campaign.

Social-networking (a shameless promotion)

After reading a post from one of my favorite blogs, Web Strategy by Jeremiah, I decided to create a couple of social-networking sites.

I started DCLeagues and CyclistsUSA so feel free to become a member or forward the URL to anyone you might know that either lives in Washington, D.C., or likes to bike.

They’re both under construction, but I’m going to start blogging about the trials and tribulations of starting such networks. It should be an interested journey and a great learning experience! If you have or are thinking of creating a social-network, feel free to comment or impart some advice/wisdom.