I was approached by Packt Publishing (UK) several months ago with an offer to author a technical manual on WordPress and Flash. I am pleased to announce that we are now in contract — and really excited to be making this contribution to the WordPress community. My co-author is Sarah Soward, a designer, Bay Area Video Coalition instructor and fine artist.

A heads up to all in the Bay Area this Friday. Indy Arts and Media,along with the Society for Professional Journalists is hosting the 2nd annual Innovations in Journalism Symposium at University of San Francisco. The all day event is a chance for journalists, techies and media professionals to get together, commiserate on the changing industry and hear from the industry innovators that are changing the way we think about media, collaboration and communication.

Confirmed participants include Susan Mernit of the Public Media Collaborative, Gilbert Bailón of the American Society of Newspaper Editors, New America Media’s Sandy Close, Kachingle.com founder Cynthia Typaldos, David Cohn of Spot.Us, KCBS News Radio program director Ed Cavagnaro, Eve Batey of SFAppeal.com.

If you’re on organization interested in ways to use social media to interact with your community then you want to check out the workshop we’re co-presenting at 2:30 “How can social media help your organization build community and awareness?” We’ll be talking about finding new ways to connect with the people you need to be talking to, whether you’re a reported looking for sources, a community organization beginning a fund raising campaign or a business hoping to interact with clients, there’ll be lots of useful information and tips.

And of course, if you can’t make the training, we’re available for one on one and group trainings, just let us know.

For the full schedule go here.

 

I created this Photoshop collage on 2.18.2009 as part of a class "PhotoShop for Artists" taught by Liz Hickock @ the Bay Area Video Coalition.  It was a lot of fun –  I learned all sorts of great ways to work with masks and brushes and how to do photo touch ups. 

While there are lots of stock photo sites out there, many of them offering cool images, some of them actually offering cool free images, I’ve found that most of the images found on these sites are just that-stock and non attention grabbing.  More elevator music than Miles Davis concert. So I’ve been finding myself clicking through the Flickr Creative Commons photo galleries with more and more frequency.  The galleries are a great place to find some really creative free images.  And since they’re all liscenced under a Creative Commons agreement, they’re free for the public to use (note-while free to use, different photographers use varying types of liscences with particular attibution and editing rules.  Be sure to check with the photographers before using).

Of course, the quality varies from the not so great to the out of this world, and since lots of pro photogs use the site, it’s really easy to seperate the wheat from the chaff.

Don’t get me wrong, we use sites like stock.xchng and I Stock Photo all the time.  They’re great places to find basic images to illustrate your project’s theme and have huge databases of images to choose from.  But sometimes you need that one over the top image, that really unique eye grabbing photo, and for that flikr’s creative commons photos are a great place to check.

I found an interesting review in the NYTimes book section on Samuel Huntington, a political theorist and noted “power thinker” who passed away on Dec. 24.

Far from someone to tackle small subjects, just looking at Huntington’s book titles including “Political Order in Changing Societies” and “The Clash of Civilizations,” gives you an idea of the kinds of intellectual issues he was taking on.

The review discusses these two books as well as Huntington’s relationship to philosophers Karl Marx and Giambattista Vico.

The thing that caught my attention was a line describing the flexibility of Huntington’s thinking-

“As events changed, so did his interpretations. This was to be expected. The adaptation of theory to reality is the essence of the power thinker’s métier.”

Adaptation and flexibility-two key success points in philosophy as well in business. As any business owner knows you’ve got to be creative and innovative at all times. And always keep an open mind to the possibilties.

 

For all you sync happy Wordpress/Twitter junkies, Tweetsuite has the integration cure for what ails ya’.

Tweetsuite, the new Worpress plugin by Dan Zarella lets you fully integrate Twitter into your Wordpress blog in pretty seamlessly.

Think of Tweetsuite as a supersized version of Zarella’s Tweetbacks plugin. Not only will the plugin display all tweets that reference a particular post, but it feeds posts directly to your Twitter account and automatically adds buttons for Tweeting, Re-Tweeting, and adding to your favorite tweets.  There are also side bar widgets that display your latest, favorite, and most popular Twitter feeds. Twitter Overload? Pretty close.

So far I’ve installed the plugin on all my sites and it’s working fine. While it would be easy to OD on this feature heavy plugin I’m using it primarly for the Twitter auto post and Tweet this features.

I like that the Tweet This button is right at the beginning of each post. I’m a fan of getting it out there in the beginning, but if you’re more on the suble side, you can change the location of the button in the settings menu. When I first installed the plugin there seemed to be a glitch in the system that redirected readers back to the post page instead of their Twitter accounts, but in the last couple of days this appears to have been fixed.

I also like that the integrated auto posts means I don’t have to use an outside RSS feed service anymore. I’ve been using Twitterfeed and while I like it-it’s quick and easy to set up-this just means I have one less account to maintain and remember passwords for. For my non WP sites though, I’m still with TF.

One thing I’m not so juiced about is the look of the sidebar widget. While I like the all in one package deal, the interface is a bit too plain. It’s good if you want the understated, mainly text based widget, but for the moment at least I’m sticking with my slightly modified Twitter Flash and Twit Stamp widgets.

Overall, I’m happy with the plug-in.  Zarella has done a great job and since it’s only about a month old, I’m sure some cool upgrades are in the works. Hopefully a more attractive sidebar feed is right up there.

You can download the Plug-in from Zaralla’s site here:

http://danzarrella.com/beyond-tweetbacks-introducing-tweetsuite.html

 

 

 

 

Alright class pay close attention.  This is exactly WHAT YOU DON’T DO with a Twitter account, or with any readily archived, publicly accessed social platform.  To be honest, hopefully you don’t do anything like this at all.

So the Twitter echo chamber started buzzing a couple days ago about a very public meltdown by a very disgruntled reporter, namely David George Cosh, tech reporter for Canada’s National Post.   

Apparently Cosh was upset that a potential source for a story he was working on didn’t jump as high and as quickly as he would have liked.  Cosh was apparently upset because the potential source, marketing consultant April Dunford, had not returned a phone call in time for him to make his story deadline.

When Dunford, who had no other involvment in the story says she didn’t know Cosh before the event, returned the call a couple of days later all digital hell broke loose.  Apparently the exchange was pretty heated, and resulted in this Twitter post from Dunford:

“Reporter to me “When the media calls you, you jump, OK!?” Why, when you called me and I’m not selling? Newspapers will get what they deserve”

Oh, baby.  Hell hath no fury like a reporter backtalked.  

After seeing the tweet, Cosh launched into what will surely go down in twistory as a text book example of why, at the very least, you should always stop, breath and think about what you’re sending into the vastness of the public space.  

 

sirdavid: @aprildunford what the fuck. I called you for comment two days ago. What did you expect when you called me back? Don’t post that shit online

sirdavid: @aprildunford furthermore, I called you several times in the afternoon. Don’t be condescending to me when I actually wanted to talk to you

sirdavid: @aprildunford how about you stop blasting personal conversations on twitter and call me back. what the hell is wrong with you.

aprildunford: @sirdavid All I did was return your call. I didn’t expect you to do anything. Wow. Like, seriously, calm down.

sirdavid: @aprildunford & then repost everything? & then hang up on me & don’t call back? I’ve recorded everything. U don’t look as nice as u put on

aprildunford: @sirdavid Dude – I never said who you were. Twitter meet David. David is having a bad day. David, meet Twitter.

sirdavid: @aprildunford hey april – fuck you. seriously. fuck you.

sirdavid: @aprildunford if u can’t handle any heat from what u post and immediate hang up, fuck u. u know my number. u call if you want to settle.

aprildunford: @sirdavid Re-read what you have just Twittered. Then re-read what I Twittered. Deep breaths David. Calm.

As you can guess,the news is all over the net, Cosh has locked down his Twitter page and deleted the exchange.  But, of course, we have archives.  Check out the screengrab of the convo courtesy of Media Style.

And I think Dunford says it best. Keep a level head at all times "Re-read what you have just Twittered…Deep breaths…Calm.

 

 

 

 

 

By now this video by Gary Vaynerchuk, WineLibrary founder has become the stuff of internet cult legend, and for good reason. In a down economy companies big and small are asking themselves how to stay afloat, how to make a profit and the best ways to position themselves for the upcoming years. It’s a strange time for the force, folks. Yes, the economy’s in the tank. Yes it’s becoming harder to make it as a start up, small business/business/idealistic entrepreneur. But on the flip side, now’s the time to get everything together-what’s that crazy business idea you’ve been mulling over? Do it. That new direction you’ve thinking of taking? Now’s the time.

Of course not every idea’s going to turn into a the next Facebook or Twitter but hey, since we’re rebuilding the economy can you think of a better time to go for it like you’ve never gone for it before. It’s time to dream big people.

Gary Vaynerchuk at FOWA Miami 09 from DamianVoltes.com on Vimeo.

Check out The Chuck and another just recorded at this year’s Future of Web Apps conference in Florida. Get motivated, then get busy. And let us know how we can help make those dreams come true.

Here’s our weekly list of the hottest, most interesting and most useful news from around the ‘net in the last week.  Everything from South By Southwest Tech news to Daily show ranting.  Check ‘em out.  You just might learn something. 

 

Growing up online-

• The Digital Natives are here.  The first generation of childredn born into a wired world face a rapidly changing world of technology and information.  But to them it’s just the same ol’ same old.  John Palfrey’s new book (Growing up Digital) explores the way these plugged in youth see things differently from the rest of us. (On the Media)

 

SXSW “Social Experiment”-so, so, addictive-

• The techies from SXSW have joined forces with the techies from Pepsico and the uber techies from Slash 7 to create a hghly addictive social mashup that combines Twitter’s micro blogging with and interactive Google maps, podcasts and blogs covering everything South By and beyond.  Checking out this site is definite a way to let a few hourse slip past you (Festival Preview)

 The Kindle 2: a thin read-

• While the Kindle can’t quite hold a candle to a flesh and blood (cover and paper?) book.  It sure makes it a lot easier to read Moby Dick on a crowded subway train with one hand (San Francisco Chronicle)

The 1st 100 days in your nonrofit job-

• While starting a new gig is always challeging, starting a new nonprofit marketing position in today’s economy can be downright daunting.  This free resource walks you through everything from how to meet everyone in the office to how to put your personal stamp on your new position. (Nonprofit Marketing Guide)

Exploring the darker side of tweets and Twitter-

• Everyone’s all atwitter over Twitter. But so what? NPR’s Brian Unger goes beyond the hype. (NPR)

Five terms not to use to describe yourself online-

• Only people with narrow visions call themselves Visionaries.  Is your idea really  ”innovative” if everyone’s doing it?  Do you really want to call yourself a Guru?  Sure about that? (Schrock Media)

Growing up online-

• The Digital Natives are here.  The first generation of childredn born into a wired world face a rapidly changing world of technology and information.  But to them it’s just the same ol’ same old.  John Palfrey’s new book (Growing up Digital) explores the way these plugged in youth see things differently from the rest of us. (On the Media)

Cramer v. Stewart: What It Means for the MSM | Mother Jones-

• Because sometimes the media makes us really angry to. And you just want to do this.  (The Daily Show) 

 

The web’s ever changing and the action never stops.  Here’s a few of our favorite recent links from around the world courtesy of our media network.  This week’s links run the gamut from finding VS funding for your social enterprise to the importance of “reputation grooming” to resources for writing website copy, marketing your business online and paying attention to your customers.  Plus a special lesson from Trent Reznor.  Check everything out, but be careful-you just might learn something! 

• Social entrepreneurs: there is still venture capital out there:
  • http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/mar2009/sb20090330_622387.htm
• Slide and tutorials from the recent Web 2.0 conference in San Francisco
  • http://blog.slideshare.net/2009/04/05/catch-up-with-web-20-expo-from-your-desk/
• Susan Mernit talks about reputation grooming and it’s value:
  • http://www.susanmernit.com/blog/2009/03/what-is-reputation-grooming-an.html
• Serving Your Fans: The Trent Reznor Case Study:
  • http://www.indiemusictech.com/music_marketing_for_indie/2009/03/serving-your-fans-the-trent-reznor-case-study.html
• Resources for the wayward online marketer:
  • http://newmarketinglabs.com
• Marketers Moving to Social Media:
  • http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?R=1006989
• How to write website copy: 
  • http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Write-Effective-Website-Content&id=1929235

WordPress threaded comments:  how to implement

Another resource for threaded comments.

JavaScript browser detection for cross browser optimization

Import WordPress XML file larger than 2MB (from the WP codex)

Import WordPress XML (on a bluehost server)

An eclectic list of design resources this week!

• Looking for design inspiration? Learn how to Destroy Web 2.0!
  
• Adding a “tabber” to the sidebar of a WordPress theme. 
• 10 WordPress plugins for Flickr
  
• Fonts for Web 2.0 logos
  
• Adding thumbnails to a WordPress post using custom fields
  

Here is a great Photoshop tutorial covering water and ripple effects.

Lots you can learn — some excellent keyboard shortcuts and masking techniques.

I used this as inspiration and guidance for a theme customization project in which water was the main design metaphor.

http://fredricschwartz.com/

Click the image to to see the tutorial for yourself!

Why start with a premium theme when there are so many free themes available?

WordPress uses PHP, CSS and XHTML to separate content from design.  This allows users to switch themes and make site wide style changes with the CSS stylesheet. 

Your theme is the basis of your unique WordPress setup and design.  Because what your site is built on matters, consideration of a quality and professional design is highly recommended.   Any theme you are considering  deserves a serious and in-depth look.  It is difficult to find free themes that offer the value of a quality premium theme. 

And prices are reasonable — $20 to $100+ gets you:

• Valid CSS and XHTML
• Cross-browser optimized:  IE6, IE7, IE8, Firefox, Safari and Chrome
• optimized for multiple screen resolutions:  1024 and 1280 px screen widths
• expandability and customization
• innovative designs and functions
• unique menu navigation
• professional support and documentation
• upgrades

Here are some of the premium themes that we use and suggest here at YourCustomBlog.com.

Slurpie Theme from blogohblog.com

“Slurpie is a Grunge-styled, artistic premium theme that comes packed with features that will give a brand new face to your blog. The theme comes with both Grunge and Non-Grunge styling options, a customizable featured post section, RSS subscription options, 125×125 banner ads and a content-rich layout.”

Portfolio Example: http://www.sfweddinggiveaway.com/

ephoto theme from elegantthemes.com

Elegant themes offers the most cost effective licensing option.  $20 a year gets you access to 24 unique themes. 

“ePhoto was created for those looking to turn their blog into a photo gallery. While the theme was created with photographers in mind, it can certainly be used to display any type of digital imagery. While the main content of the theme is image based, there is also the ability to create separate blog pages where normal blog posts can be integrated with your photos.”

Portfolio Example:  http://www.im-brue.com/dev/

This is the test site for a new project — a customization of the ephoto theme from Elegant Themes.

wp remix

yourcustomblog.com is built using the wp remix theme.

http://wpremix.com/demo/

revolution code blue from studiopress.com

We have done many customizations of revolution themes — now from studiopress.

http://www.studiopress.com/

Portfolio Example:  http://www.fredricschwartz.com/

Work in progress — customization of revolution code blue theme.