Explorations

Well, I've explored RSS feeds and how to find them by looking for little orange boxes with RSS,SML or ATOM inside them. I've explored wikis and of course, blogs. Now,while the team that put these exercises together think they are fun and user-friendly, I have to disagree.

I see the handy uses for feeds, blogs and wikis but have not yet built up a comfort level in using them. Even though I see the usefulness of these tools, I'm not sure that I'll be regularly using them. I understand that the use of wikis is exploding but I will not be among that number.

I am regretful that I am not more enthusiastic about these tools but the truth seems to be that I am Web 2.0 challenged.

RSS Feeds

I have just established my first RSS feed.lThe subject of which is any new books by Janet Evanovich. I had some difficulty in doing so, but with help from a co-worker I was able to do it. I am not sure how frequently I will be using these feeds, but I can see them being very useful for people who are comfortale with this format. As for me, I will probably still be using my 3x5 index cards.

The whole idea of Web 2.0 is about participation. It's interesting that the users are able to create pages that other people can respond to and leave comments on. I think it's a very different way for people to communicate. There's a real sense of immediacy attached to this program. So I think there is a real value and use for such a thing as blogs.

However, Web 2.0 has definitely placed a whole new spin on the world of librarianship.
Librarianship has drastically changed since I joined the staff and I'm not sure I like the changes.

I think that some of the new technology being called into play is more for the sake of the technology itself, rather than any other purpose. Take for example, Flickr which requires the posting of photographs. It's nice for sending photos to those living at a distance who own a computer. But I don't think it's as convenient nor as pleasurable as sitting down and enjoying the family album.

So, in my personal view this new technology is like many other things, it has both its pluses and minuses.

Babies

I took care of 3 of my grandchildren for a couple of days, one about 19 months old. I forgot what a close eye one has to keep on them. She is a sweetheart and I thoroughly enjoyed her. She and her two older sisters were very glad to see their mother when she arrived home.

And I was glad to see her too.

I am also glad to have finally 'built' my blog. Now on to the next portion of my Web 2.0 assignment, wickis, wee!!!!!

Building a Blog

Gosh. Building a blog is not an easy task for a person brought up in the pen and pencil age. I am not at all comfortable with this format but since it is part of a required assignment, I will try to gain some ease in blogging. Had the process of building a blog gone more smoothly, I would be a much happier camper. But, thank goodness, a co-worker was kind enough to help me get started so here I am, in "blog space."