The Web According to Google #86: Calendar and Documents

1. I have used Google Calendar in the past for certain situations. It could definitely be used in the workplace. As a team leader, it is necessary to coordinate my calendar with the other team leaders on a weekly basis in order to make daily scheduling go smoothly. I've never used Google Calendar for home use but I'm sure it would be beneficial in certain circumstances. It's certainly useful to share calendars within in the workplace. I'm not sure about friends and family.

2.We use Google Docs at the library for each department's daily schedule. This document is kept up on several computers throughout the library so staff is aware of the service desk they are assigned to. By using this, we are a little more "green" because we are not using as much paper for the daily schedules. It's easy to edit the document when changes are necessary. We are using the excel application in the document we've created. It's very similar to microsoft excel but there are definitely some differences. I use the Microsoft Excet for most other projects I have.

The Web According to Google #85: Resistance is Futile

1. I have never resisted Google. I use many of their products including but not limited to Google docs, maps, images, blogger (of course), and YouTube. I use each of these programs for different reasons. I use the docs and calendar for daily work schedules and events. Anytime I have to research I use maps and images. I don't use YouTube as much as some but it's still handy.

2. Google Labs is very interesting. I am interested in the city tours experiment. However, when I put in Seattle it kept coming back with an error. The Google fast flip experiment was also very interesting as it pulled many different sources for one subject very quickly.

3. I checked out Google Books but honestly it was not so user friendly in my opinion. The books in the cooking section were somewhat interesting. I think part of my problem is that I really prefer to have an actual book in my hand. Google Books might be a good tool to use in the material selection department. I'm not sure how useful it would be in other areas of the library.

Publishing Evolution #84: Writer Communities & Author Websites

1. I have never contacted any of my favorite authors but I have visited their websites to get info on the next book in a series or what they are working on. Because I enjoy reading regional fiction, I'm always interested in where an author lives. It's not important for me to know the details of their personal lives like family, etc. Okay, I checked out Susan Wigg's website and I'm really really jealous. She lives in my most favorite place in the world, the San Juan Islands in Washington state. There's some photos of her house and it's gorgeous along with unbelievable views. I'm depressed now - I want to go there really bad. She does have a blog so I'm sure you can email her if you want to.

2. I think the idea of a book being published based on popular vote is a very interesting idea. I don't think a book coming into existence in this way would necessarily give me less faith in the material. I think it would really depend on the content of the book.

Publishing Evolution #83: Paper to Pixels (or e-ink)

1. I have never read an ebook. Having said this, I prefer the old time book in the hand type of reading. Because I do not purchase books - I check them out at my local library, I am not interested in purchasing a Kindle, Nook or IPad. I'm too cheap - my local library does not pay me enough!

2. As I stated I do not purchase books. I don't mind getting in line for the new books. I would not be willing to pay the same price for a digital book as a paper copy.

3.I checked out iFiction and it looks like most of the entries are either science fiction or fantasy. I'm more of a fiction, romance or mystery person so I didn't see anything I was interested in. The idea of previewing a book for free sounds like a good idea. However, I go back to my original statement - since I check out all the books I read at the library, I can preview them for free that way.

Bottom line - WE NEED TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO COME TO THE LIBRARY AND GET BOOKS TO READ AND STOP BUYING THEM AT THE BOOKSTORES! SORRY BARNES & NOBLE.....

Publishing Evolution #82: Print on Demand

1. I checked out all of the self-publishing companies listed. They are seem very similar - some's cost are higher than others. Createspace by Amazon.com seems to be the more navigatible site. That probably is because Amazon has been in the business for a longer period of time. I can certainly see how using one of these sites would be beneficial for some artists because it would mean less overhead on their part. I didn't see any books that I've read. That could be because most of the books I read are well-known fiction writers that are published through the major publishing houses. I certainly would not be opposed to reading an author if the content looked interesting.

2. I think self-publishing is a great idea. I would think that having this outlet could give the author or artist an opportunity to have their work put in print when maybe the larger publishing houses or record companies have turned them down.

The Future of Media #81: Get Out Your Crystal Ball

1. I think the idea of streaming movies and tv shows through hand held devices and computers will have a very large impact on how we watch shows in the future. Our younger generations (12 and up) are already keyed into watching videos on the ipods and connecting to the internet while their in the car to watch whatever they want. Myself, I prefer the old tried and true television connected to the satellite dish to catch up on my shows. We have had Direct TV for one year now and I must admit I do watch fewer shows on the major networks. I rarely watch the live, I prefer to dvr them and watch them at my convenience. I'm not sure if I understand how this would work - if we would still have access to many of the shows we get on cable now if we weren't connected by satellite. As far as any new technology, I do real well to keep up with the current trends. I don't own an ipod, iphone or anything else "i."

2. I am definitely not an early adopter of new gadgets. I think my generation is less interested in these areas than the younger generations. My favorite gadget is my cell phone - if only I could keep a charge....I also love the dvr so I can record all my favorite shows like "The Young and the Restless," "Lost," "Brothers and Sisters," "Survivor," and many more. My only problem is finding time to watch all of these things in addition to dreaming about winning the HGTV Free Home and figuring out how to increase my "curb appeal."

The Future of Media #80: Movies

1. I signed up for a free account on HULU. I viewed a small part of a movie about skiers preparing for the Olympics in Vancouver. Since you're able to view the movie full screen it was enjoyable. Having said that, I still prefer to watch movies on bigger screens without having to sit through advertisements, etc.

2. I used iTunes Movie Trailers and watched an upcoming movie trailer. I've noticed some trailers tend to give out all of the good parts of a movie so when you actually see the movie, you're a little disappointed. It's nice to know these sites exist so you can actually check the movie out before spending mega bucks to see it.

3. I would consider using HULU at home. The only problem is I still have dial-up so if I were to be successful in getting the movie loaded, it would take forever to watch it. Until we get a faster internet service, I will probably not be using any of the free based sites. It's nice to know they are available.