Kopp's Konnection

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Social Bookmarking

I've been using del.icio.us for some time to store my bookmarks/favorites online so that I have access to them both at work and at home. Just recently I've switched to Blink List. Why did I make the switch?? Blink List has a nicer looking design, not so plain (Google original designish) and I like the way Blink List incorporates the ability to view other sites people have Blinked.

I've added what Blink List calls "Thought Cloud" to the right nav. Not sure if I like it. The idea is that your blog readers can see what types of keywords your using and see what sites relate to those key words. I'm still playing with the options they offer to add to blogs. We'll see how this plays out over time.

Sunday, April 23, 2006

Professional Networking: 1st Step


The first step I'm taking to develop my professional networking and career is to go to a local Bar Camp being held in Minneapolis. This event is called MinneBar. Sounds like this is going to be a very interesting event. I've read about these "un-conferences" and they sound like an excellent place to meet and talk with people in my profession in the community. The site says it's
an open-conference born from the desire for people interested in web-focused technology and design to share and learn in an open environment. It is an intense event with discussions, demos, and interaction from participants. All participants should plan on either hosting or actively participating in a discussion, giving a demo, or helping with one. The only cost to attendees is their active participation.

minnēbar is for anyone in Minnesota with an interest in technology who wants to take a day and discuss topics surrounding technology, the web, design, etc with other folks with similar interests.

Minnebar is going to held Saturday, May 6th, 2006 and it's free, all you have to do is participate which is what I intend to do. I was considering holding a session on accessibility in an ever changing World Wide Web, but I'm not confident enough to speak to a group of people I don't know about accessibility. I have no training on the topic just stuff I learned while working on a few State of Minnesota web/training sites when I worked for Knowledge Design & Delivery and Rivertown Communications.

If anybody reads this goes to Minnebar or have been to a Barcamp, please contact me, I'm very interested in hearing what your thoughts were.

Friday, April 21, 2006

Professional Development

Ok, so I've been told to start networking and getting involved with me technical community. Most of the time, I'm just lurking in the back, listening and taking what I've learned and applying that to my situation.

Now's the time to change that. Start slowly, and keep with it, so I'll have accomplished a lot.