Online slideshows etc

I'm real happy with the online versions of software I normally use on my own computer. The fact that there is no cost to use them is a plus. But more significant is the usefulness of being able to save your files on a shared server, without the responsibility of ownership of that server, is amazing. I saved about 50 photos in jpeg format on the Picasa site, while on holidays, as a backup to my own netbook. Those photos are still there, several weeks later. Being able to edit files & photos, and then save & email them, all without personal software or local email accounts, is a real bonus. The question in my mind: what's in it for these websites, if the users are not paying any money for the service?

Blogging 2.1

Since I finished the 2.0 course, I've been adding blog posts here as the mood takes me. A natural use for the blog was our trip to Cairns. I was able to upload photos & write commentary while we were away, which was great. The other thing I found useful was an online photo storage site "Picasa", where I made a backup of some of the photos we took while we were away. Have a look (attached).
I do like blogging. I guess it is a way of getting thoughts out of my head, & down onto the computer - a bit like keeping a diary (although I've never kept one before). There is something therapeutic about it. Plus of course, it gives me a record of what has been happening in my life, so I can go back over it later if necessary. So far, I haven't found other blogs that I read regularly. Just the odd one that pops up in a Google search on a specific topic of interest. Yes, I have commented on someone else's blog, but only once or twice. I think I find blogs a bit too personal, whereas message boards on specific topics I participate in quite regularly.

Creative

I think the various style options are great! They enable a lot more creativity, and I was very happy to find a "bookshelf" background for my blog. Suits me fine.

So many Blog styles!

I read through the 25 blog styles. I can see that they all have a place. I think my own style is pretty much narrative. Sometimes I link to things, sometimes promote things. Here at the library I think we are using blogs to promote our current & new activities & resources. Particularly by including a photo or two with each post, I think it becomes something like an online journal!

Social Networks

Well, social networks over the internet seem to be a pretty good idea. I like the way I've been able to catch up with old schoolfriends (through the old schoolfriends site, and via Facebook), and it's great to see faces that have matured over the last 25 years. I also like the corporate social sites, which seem to get us closer to the organisation, how it operates & the latest news. I can see how these sites would be a good way of promoting activities & events. I have only one reservation, and that is the potential for misuse that could possibly occur in this open environment. So I guess the main thing is to keep all information appropriate & correct. But overall, I've really enjoyed setting up & adding to my blog, photograph records from my holiday and Facebook site. The 2.0 course has been a real winner!

The old washing machine

Been a few weeks since the tropical adventure. Now back to reality. The Washing machine broke down (24 years old), main drive motor dead, giving off smoke. Spent all morning Saturday cleaning relay contacts, which were badly burned. Reassembled, and wow! It worked! Started washing a load of clothes, everything seemed fine.... until bang, it stopped again, more smoke etc etc. I guess that was it's last hurrah. The book tells me that when the relay fails, it causes the motor windings to overheat, shorting them out. So although I fixed the relay, the damage was already done. Fixing stuff...... oh well, I went down to the Good Guys & bought a new one, so far, so good. Sometimes you just have to junk it.