Month: December 2008

RGV Tweetup Jan 3 at South Padre Island

There will be a tweetup at Paragraphs on South Padre Island on January 3. We think we’ll meet at 6 pm, 3 pm but is subject to change. If you live in the Rio Grande Valley and want to join a bunch of Twitter friends, be sure to make it. It’s always a great way to meet people and learn something from each other. If you want details, give me a call at 956-205-0706

Linking Multiple Basecamp Accounts Together With One Login

I discovered a while back that you can tie together your Basecamp, Highrise, and Backpack accounts with one login if you use your OpenID account. When you log in with your OpenID, there will be a bar across the top of your accounts with links that let you switch from one to the other easily. What I did not know was that you can also link your different Basecamp accounts together with your OpenID. I discovered this today when I set up my PodCamp San Antonio login on Basecamp to use my OpenID.

This is great because it means that you can have a free account for your own personal project and have additional projects through other people’s accounts. So long as you use OpenID logins in your guest accounts, you can have a network of interlinked accounts under a single user name and password. How awesome is that?

Project Updating Should Be Easy For Users

A house framer should only worry about building a house frame. He doesn’t need to know all the details about the foundation, the roof, the plumbing, the electrical, or insulation. A framer only needs to worry about his part of the project. When he reports to the contractor, the job is either not started, underway, or complete. He doesn’t need to talk to the roofers, plumbers, or electricians. Whereas the framer only deals with his part of the construction, the contractor has to deal with the entire job. The contractor has to make it as easy as possible for the framer to keep him updated so that he can devote time to talking with the other subcontractors about their progress. The framer’s investment in the project is much smaller than the contractor’s.

A few weeks ago, I was talking to Phil Henry of Smartsheet.com regarding my recent post about Basecamp. We talked a bit about project management and my experience with a recent project. Phil shared with me a bit about the research that Smartsheet has done in the field of project management. One thing they found is that the Project Manager is indeed more invested in a project than the participants. Therefore, the Project Manager may invest more time in learning how to use a project management system than would a person reporting to him. A person doing the work can do their job very well without ever learning how to use a project management system. For this reason, people are often reluctant to use project management software. Where project management software often fails is that it is so complicated and expensive in terms of time and money to maintain and learn. Often, it relegates the Project Manager to a record keeper because he or she is the only person who has access to and knows how to use the software. A good project management system should make it easy for people to report and collaborate. An even better project management system makes the process equally easy for the the project manager and the person reporting.

Getting reports from people who are busy working can be difficult. Whereas they are focused and working hard on one or two parts of the project for which they are responsible, the project manager is responsible for the entire project. Therefore, the PM has a greater investment in both moving the project forward and in getting updates on what is going on. This can be done with phone calls, emails, letters, faxes, or meetings. Depending on the number of people involved, the volume of information can be daunting. For this reason, it is counterproductive to make the project manager the only person responsible for updating the project tracking software. The system has to be easily accessible and easy to use for the people updating in order to offload some of that burden from the PM.

Smartsheet does just that. Their service looks like the familiar spreadsheet. On the surface, you see rows and columns with information peppered about. Underneath that veneer, is a powerful system that tracks all the minutia of a project. They purposely make the interface as simple as possible for the PM and the person reporting. In fact, the PM can send a project update request that includes one single line of the spreadsheet by email. The person reporting does not have to see anything other than that one line that they can update with their equivalent of not started, underway, or complete. There is no special software. There is no need to learn how to use a new program. Most importantly, the PM does not have to update this information. He can spend more time in the field rather than being tethered to the computer that runs the project management software. Recently, Smartsheet took things a step further in liberating the PM from the office by with a mobile interface.

Although Smartsheet excels in other aspects of project management, one of the best features is the simplicity with which others can send updates from their email without having to log in to the site. Add to that the ability to leave the office and view updates from your smartphone, and you’re in Project Manager heaven.

Redesigning Workflow for the G1

T-Mobile G1 Launch

I am laying the groundwork for the purchase of a G1 phone. I know, and have complained, that it looks too much like a prototype. I also don’t like the whole moving part business. It’s just begging to get broken. However, given that it is the only smart 3G phone in the T-Mobile lineup, I have to pick it. It won’t be all that bad. It has some features that make it a bit of an upgrade from my current handset. Some of these features involve how I maintain my online presence.

Email

I have moved off my hosted Microsoft Exchange account and rerouted email to my Gmail account. Although the G1 is said to handle “push” email, I figure it will natively interact with my Gmail account. This is good enough. I have managed to keep my Gmail account under 20 percent of the storage for a long time. I don’t think this will change. In fact, I’ll probably be able to delete more junk now.

Calendar

One of the problems I’ve had with my Outlook calendar is that I need Outlook to view it. It’s also not exactly easy to share with people who are not Outlook users. I have noticed, however, that Google Calendar can exchange appointments with Outlook. My Google Calendar has been neglected for ages because I could not justify having Outlook and Google Calendar open on the same desktop. The only other option for Google Calendar was on my mobile phone; the mobile version is too simple. The G1 will change things because the calendar will run natively on the phone and update my online calendar.

To-Do Lists

Google’s To-Do list is not great yet. More than that, it’s not available on the mobile site. Fortunately, you can have your calendar list To-Do items through other services like Remember the Milk and Vitalist. I don’t think the G1 can access the to-do list outside the website.

Contact Management

I strongly considered getting a Blackberry phone due to my large contact list, which keeps growing. This is the main reason why I can’t go back to a simple handset, they can’t handle more than a few hundred contacts. The G1’s contact integration with Google will help simplify my experience; I have yet to find the limit on how many contacts Gmail can hold. In addition, no more manual syncing. The instant syncing reminds me of my experience with the T-Mobile Sidekick, in which photos, contacts, email, and other handset data was automatically synced. I believe the G1 will be the same, except for the photos.

Content Creation

I do not think that the G1 will have a significant difference in my ability to create content except for two instances. In the realm of mobile pictures, the quality of the images will improve a bit. The G1 has a higher resolution camera than my current phone and auto-focus. With respect to video, I will miss out on that until somebody comes out with a video app for the G1. My only option would be to use a separate camera and then swap memory cards. I have not determined how my blogging will be affected. Depending on how good the web-browsing experience is on the G1, I may be able to write posts on the go a bit easier, or not.

Cloud Footprint

Having a mobile handset running Windows Mobile or the Blackberry OS, you benefit from having a variety of applications to run. You can download a Twitter app, something for IM, something for Jott, something for Remember the Milk, for Plurk, and a variety of other things that live “in the cloud”. This extensibility is great. However, it gives you a huge footprint. You have to create and log into so many websites to take advantage of the convenience that these services offer. I expect the G1 to reduce that footprint for me since most of the most useful applications are built-in and have a web interface with the same login. For those services that don’t have a G1 app, I expect that I will be able to use the handset’s browser instead of waiting to get home. For most people a smartphone as a minimized version of their computer. For me, I live on my smartphone and view a computer as a souped up way to interact with the world.

A smartphone should make it easier for you to do whatever the heck it is you do. Most importantly, it should free you from the desk. It is even better when it makes maintaining the backend of your personal information system (PIS?) a breeze.

Construction of the Border Fence and Levee

Construction of a border fence and levee is well underway in Madero, a small community south of Mission, Texas. The project to protect the area against catastrophic flooding and the flow of iillegal crossings is a joint effort between the Department of Homeland Security and Hidalgo County.

While many local people agree that there is a need to stop illegal immigrants and smugglers, many disagree that construction of a fence is the right way to do it, preferring other means like more patrols or virtual fences.

Hidalgo County’s main focus is in preventing a flooding disaster as occurred after Hurricane Katrina when the levees burst near New Orleans. A review of local levees showed the need to rebuild them.

My famous chicken soup




Mmmm, caldo

Originally uploaded by shainelee

The weather is cold, at least by South Texas standards. Once again, Mrs. Mata asked me to make some of my famous chicken soup. Things haven’t changed since I started making it. Today’s soup has cabbage, a bell pepper, carrots, corn on the cob, celery, potatoes, yellow squash, onion, and garlic. Of course, let’s not forget the chicken. I used a whole chicken.

While setting the chopped vegetables to boil, I pan-fry the chicken in some olive oil, seasoned with rosemary and basil. I’ll add some salt for flavor. I do this because I love the flavor of browned chicken. To help it cook faster, I’ll cover the pan to keep in the steam. Once the chicken is nicely brown, I’ll put it in the pot with the vegetables to boil. Once everything is soft, it’s time to eat.

At home, we eat chicken caldo with corn tortillas and lime. You may also add cilantro for flavor.

When Circumstances Are Right, Do It




Make Yourself at Home

Originally uploaded by shainelee

Sometimes circumstances align themselves in such a way that you have to do something. For example, you could be the only person certified in CPR at an accident scene; or you could have just arrived at an empty easy chair in front of a big screen TV while your Dad is shopping. Things sometimes come together and all you need to do is sit down and enjoy the show. This happened to me today. Consequently, I quit my job.

I stayed home today to get updates on my father’s condition. He has had some heart problems that led him to go for an outpatient procedure. Things did not go so well, but seem to be turning around. He lives in Wisconsin and I in Texas. Taking my family up to see him is not something I can repeat in immediate succession. I took the day off so that I could make phone calls and inquiries. I did not know that my wife, Alma, also took the day off because she had to watch our baby daughter rather than work. We don’t use daycare.

Four things happened. First, I had the time to devote to finding out more about the condition of and deciding whether I should go see my father. I only have one shot at it. If I go once and he’s OK, I will not be able to repeat if his condition reverses. I have to be certain that I need to be there. Second, I got to spend time with my wife and baby daughter while the other two children were in school. That’s just nice. Seriously, it’s nice to spend time with your wife and the baby. Third, Alma and I got a lot done today. There are a lot of personal things that must be done during the week that just get put aside while we work. We were able to address them during business hours and finally get them squared away. And finally, I keep getting calls for computer services; and they keep increasing. It feels wrong to turn away business because I have a job.

On top of all this, I have other goals that involve social media and “community organizing” (thanks Barack). I could not devote enough time to these efforts between work, family, or sleep. Other things I was not doing were podcasts, videos, blog posts, and other content creation. The very things that bring me satisfaction were going unfulfilled.

My now former job was fine. There was enough technical challenge to keep me mentally occupied. I think the main drawback is the problem of fitting a square peg in a round hole. It fits if the hole is big enough; but there is a lot of empty space left over.

Things have aligned themselves in such a way that seeking my own fortune is not full of fear and trepidation. Much like my son, pictured above, it seems like the conditions are right for me to sit down and take my place in front of the big screen TV. I just need to watch my story unfold. For the very first time, I am confident I have done the right thing in leaving steady income. I believe I can accomplish both my need to create content and generate income by striking out on my own.

Personal Branding by David Armano

I often get asked questions about social media and what value it has for individuals, businesses, and politics. I try to dissuade people from thinking that social media is some kind of advertising medium. Then I’ll explain the concept of personal branding. I think David Armano has a great presentation that explains the concept of personal branding. I really like his explanation about how people can be microcelebrities with their own spheres of influence. It’s a brilliant presentation; enjoy.

Watch Personal Branding, David Armano, Critical Mass in News Online, Webisodes, and Game Videos  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Moonpie and Dr Pepper



Moonpie and Dr Pepper

Originally uploaded by shainelee.

Last night I was pondering the last time I ate a Moonpie. I don’t know how I wound up on that train of thought. I asked my Twitter friends when the last time they ate a Moonpie was, with various responses. @SACynic mentioned eating one with Dr Pepper, which I don’t recall ever doing. @Pandaran said he had some about 4 years ago with @bamboogirl.

So, I found some Moonpies today. They taste good with Dr Pepper. Mrs Mata won’t try them. She says I’m bad.

Social Media Club RGV gets a little publicity from Alan Weinkrantz

This weekend, I had the opportunity to meet up with Alan Weinkrantz here in McAllen, Tx. You may remember him from a presentation at Barcamp San Marcos. He wanted to ask me a few questions about what I’m doing to get a chapter of Social Media Club Rio Grande Valley off the ground. We discussed some of his work and what he does. I’m really glad Alan came around. Partly, because it’s always great to spend some one-on-one time with somebody who does marketing for a living. Mostly, I appreciate his support for what we are trying to do in creating a web community in the RGV. I would appreciate your help too if you would like to join some friends and me in putting together a local chapter of Social Media Club.

Here is the video Alan took as part of his Conversations series.

Social Media Club RGV Leadership Team Search

Social Media Club
Social Media Club

I’m looking for leaders. You would not believe how things have come together towards forming a Social Media Club in the Rio Grande Valley from one day to the next. Originally, the SMC seed was planted in my brain a few weeks ago by Jennifer Navarrete. Then, I saw a tweet by Connie Reece last night announcing a conference call for SMC. I thought I’d join the conversation for kicks, only to find out that it was not led by Connie, but by Kristie Wells, co-founder of Social Media Club. I spoke with her exclusively for a few minutes. Everything since then has started falling into place, from conference calls to messages expressing interest from other folks in the region.

Here we are 24 hours later and there is a Facebook group and SMC RGV wiki page. I am really excited about the support that has come from Social Media Club and local chapters. I don’t want to give you the impression that it’s an automated process. One crucial part is missing. Social Media Club RGV will not get off the ground without a team. You don’t have to be an expert; you just have to be interested in social media.

Here are some of the leadership/volunteer positions we need:

  • Programming Director
  • Partnership Director
  • Promotions Director
  • Production Director
  • Membership Director

You can find more details by visiting the SMC RGV Wiki. It is quite possible for one person to fill dual roles. Even with all the outside support, we can be sure that this will be a labor of love. I won’t lie to you. It will require some work. I hope you are interested in being a part of something groundbreaking for the Rio Grande Valley. Join me in launching Social Media Club RGV.

Let us start a Social Media Club chapter

I think the Rio Grande Valley should have a local Social Media Club. I believe this because I can see many of the necessary components we need to organize a vibrant community of local social media users and those willing to teach it. SMC’s tagline is “if you get it, share it”; meaning that if you understand social media, you should share that knowledge.

I was on a conference call earlier tonight to discuss the possibility of opening up a local chapter of SMC. One thing I like about joining an established community is the support available from other people who have done it. I will be speaking to a couple of friends this week who have founded SMC chapters to discuss ideas and seek their advice. I’ll share with you what I learn and, with your help, will get the ball rolling on a Social Media Club Rio Grande Valley.

I frequently hear from local friends that our region is 10 years behind the curve. I propose we bring things up to speed. One important thing I learned from my friends at the San Antonio Podcasting and New Media Group was that things don’t happen by themselves. Somebody has to stand up and say, “I’ll do it”. This kind of initiative has served them very well. Social media has been very kind to me as well.

I am looking to form a core group of up to five people who are willing to put in a little bit of time and energy to organize and run a local chapter of Social Media Club. This is too much for one person, so at least one other person can help me co-found the local chapter. Of course, more help is always welcome. If you have something about social media to contribute to the community, I invite you to join me in this effort. Let us start a Social Media Club chapter together.