Social Media Gurus & Value
For what it’s worth, this post gets funny later on.
I’m not, and have never been a fan of social media experts, gurus, ninjas, or whatever other pompous titles they use. From where I’m sitting, social media as it is used by most companies and individuals isn’t overwhelmingly complicated. The volume of free video, blog posts & infographic tutorials is staggering, and none of it is a substitute for just using the platforms on your own. If you’ve never actively used this stuff, you don’t understand it.
The two people who really taught me about social media were there at the beginning, well before it was “social media.” Their (and other early thinkers/doers) posts, actions and successes are the foundation on which all of these current “experts” have set up shop, reiterating the same messages in an endless loop. It’s worth noting that both of the people who taught me about social media have vast knowledge about the Internet and technology in general.
There are some good social media consultants out there, but they are very few and far between.
For my part, social media is not, and never has been a passion of mine. My love is for the Internet on which these platforms are built.
Anyway… All of this was spurred on by a hilarious video from the Onion with a mock social media guru speaking at in a TED-esque setting.
“Social media eliminates the need to provide value to your clients.” This is depressingly spot-on for those of us who are trying to make things that do provide value, and have to watch in horror as money is flushed down the toilet that is the Facebook Fan Page.
(Via BoingBoing)
Things I’ve Learned About the World
There aren’t a lot of absolutes in life, but here’s some wisdom you can take to the bank (I may add to this list).
- Never get involved in a land war in Asia
- Measure twice, cut once
- Don’t sue The Oatmeal
- Wipe front to back (thanks Mal!)
- Don’t shit where you eat (thank mom!)
- Don’t get in the middle of a holy war
What have I missed?
Vintage AOL Coasters
Here’s a fun fact for you.
Did you know that in 1998, all coaster CD production went towards manufacturing AOL coasters CDs for weeks?
“When we launched AOL 4.0 in 1998, AOL used ALL of the world-wide CD production for several weeks. Think of that. Not a single music CD or Microsoft CD was produced during those weeks.” -Reggie Fairchild, Product Manager for AOL 4.0 (Quora)
“Get Optimized,” indeed.
I’ve been helping my parents clean out their basement, and found my some of the install CDs that I used as coasters in college. I hope I can find more of them as we keep cleaning. They make me smile.
(Via BoingBoing)
Duck Hunt – Ya Dun F*cked Up
At New York Comic Con I met pixel artist Adam “Squarepainter” Shub. He creates incredible 8 and 16 bit paintings inspired by classic video games.
I immediately knew I was going to commission something from him, but I had no idea what I wanted. I was paralyzed by options. After a couple very geeky conversations we settled on something inspired by Duck Hunt. What Adam made exceeded my expectations.
It’s equal parts geeky, funny, and crass, and this pleases me.
It’s hanging in my hall near my front door. Every time I see it, I smile.
Check out all of Adam’s paintings
Dress Same: Apple’s New iClothes
You are looking at Apple’s next product line: iClothes. Freshly leaked images from Apple’s product launch Keynote presentation show that Steve Jobs’ signature turtleneck, as well as his blue jeans are coming to an Apple Store near you.
The world’s most famous turtleneck was initially created by Japanese designer Issey Miyake, while Jobs’ blue jeans were produced by Levi. In addition to a television, Jobs spent the last few years of his live trying to reinvent his clothing. He even went so far as to wear the only prototypes in public, and Apple is finally preparing to take the product to market.
The jeans and turtleneck will be branded “iPants”and “iTurtle.”
Features
We’ve come to expect Apple to redefine any product category it enters. Clothing is no different. iClothes have a number of incredible features that will change the way we think about fashion and technology.
Unibody Design
iClothes are completely devoid of seems. They are produced from a single piece of fabric.
Retina Thread Count
The fabric has a thread count approaching 1000. The material is weaved so tightly that you almost can’t even tell that there are threads at all.
MagSafe Closures
Apple has decided to do away with buttons and zippers. Instead iPants will fasten via a magnetic closure.
Full Body Antenna
Amid the multitude of threads, iClothes will contain an unseen antenna mesh effectively turning the human body into a giant wifi, 3G and 4G transmitter/ receiver that is only compatible with other Apple products such as the iPhone and iPad.
Color & Size Options
The iTurtle will be available in black at launch with rumors already swirling about a white version to follow. The iPants will be available in blue.
What All This Means
iClothes indicate that Apple is willing to revolutionize anything. It also will catch traditional designers off guard. Their lack of R&D will likely trigger a Silicon Valley talent grab by the fashion industry’s old guard in an attempt to beef up their technical prowess as well as their patent portfolios’.
Many bothans died to bring us this information.
Art by Jose Valenzuela
Smart Cover, No iPad
I caved and ordered an iPad 3. The iPad doesn’t ship for another week or two, but Apple decided to send me my Smart Cover immediately.
Yes, I’m slightly disappointed.
Yes, I’m aware that this is a first world problem.
Death of Superman – Killing Death in Comics
Geeks and non-geeks should enjoy this video retelling of the horrible Death & Return of Superman story-lines from the early 1990′s. Starring Elijah Wood and Mandy Moore and many other, this video perfectly captures how hilariously horrible that story was, and the damage it did to mainstream comic storytelling in general.
For more on death in comics: Dead Comic Book Characters Always Get Better
For more on Superman being a terribly boring character: Superman is Problematic
