Internet Geek Girl

Happy New Year friends. May 2008 be filled with good karma and many blessings. And may we all be new and improved every year.

I realize it’s a bit late into the year here for New Year greetings (or is it)? I was chilling in Florida for a bit, and I’m just getting back into the groove. But I couldn’t be more excited for 2008. Stayed tuned for many exciting announcements in the coming weeks.

But let’s start here, with Karma – Twitter Karma to be exact.

Let me explain because this is truly great social media story.

Dossy is my Twitter friend, he’s also a rad developer who lives here in New Jersey (go Jersey!). Back in December I was musing on Twitter about how I wish I had a tool that easily allowed me to figure out who is a reciprocal twitter friend and add followers to my list. As many of you know, I really love Twitter and more and more, I find it to be the most satisfying of all social networks. [Facebook is getting spammy - let's fix that people]. And surprise, surprise, Dossy made it happen. He built the thing!! I’m honored to have helped select the name btw. How very cool. Here’s the full announcement on Dossy’s blog.

I am amazed by the inspiration I find on Twitter, and the swirl of ideas that live in the petri dish of our online social networks. One person’s 140 character phrase is another’s software feature. Give to receive my friends, and please go give Twitter Karma a WHACK!

Peace Out!

And what a year it has been. I am grateful for all my awesome friends and colleagues. Hope you enjoy these shots from the many industry conferences and networking events I attended this year. Thank you all for your support. Have an awesome holiday and successful 2008.

I look forward to seeing you next year!

I am sitting here at BlogWorld Expo with Chris Brogan, Liz Strauss and Chris Heuer. We’re goin’ over our “friending” policies. These guys are so cool and all great examples of my theory: Friend and Let Friend! Let me ‘splain…

First off – I believe in friends. I like friends, I am a social person. Always have been (my third grade teacher said: “Stephanie is a Social Butterfly!) Online social networking is a natural fit for me. Much has been written about what is appropriate behavior on Facebook and other social networks with regards to friending. The bottom line is – this is one area of social media that YOU CONTROL.

Everyone has a right to define their own level of comfort with regard to friend lists. Do not assume that everyone operates under the same rules. And don’t assume that the rules apply equally to every social network (my Facebook “policies” are quite different than my Flickr rules).

For me, my Facebook list is a marketing list. I seek to keep it very business / cool person focused. I review work history, and mutual connections. I must say, lately, perhaps a few others have gotten in. I will do a purge if necessary, and especially will purge anyone I think is acting inappropriately (meaning not cool). You need to create your own criteria for what works for you.

Someone recently contacted me and said that someone that was my friend, asked to friend her (she accepted) and then he friended her sister. OK – for me, that’s weird. But for others it may not be. I will tell you that I respond to any inquiries regarding inappropriate behavior. I take it seriously, and I will take action! In general – here’s what matters most to me:

#1 You must include your picture and your work history. It is very unlikely I will friend you without this, unless you are my sister. Also – If you made it through without either of these, I will be purging soon.

#2 I care about who we have in common. The more the merrier.

#3 If I reach out to you, it’s because I am seeking business synergy or general good karma. If I am reaching out to you for “friendship” – It is because we have someone in common and I think there is a BUSINESS reason for us to be on each other’s networks. Or I want you on my network so I can invite you to events and cool things that you will want to be invited to. If you don’t use Facebook that way – no problem. My intentions are always focused on value.

But what’s right for me is not necessarily right for you. Live and let live.. friend and let friend! You are in control!

Hi friends. I just wanted to share this great video by my social-media pal Gary Vaynerchuk. That’s VAY – NER – CHUK. It is only 2 minutes long so check it out. Having worked on a project with Gary, I can tell you that he has a great attitude and positive approach to business. I appreciate that and value kernels of wisdom that help me to stay focused on gratitude (throughout my very busy day). Gary is so dynamic and eloquent with his advice. Thanks for sharing Gary!

Thanks to Sarah Meyers for coming to Birthday 2.0! Still looking out for the video (although maybe I shouldn’t be).

I was scrolling through Sarah’s You Tube site and saw this video. Randi and Jen reveal the three easy steps to get that special man in Silicon Valley! I’m all ears….Hmmm! This is from a few months ago (2,482,017 views). I am so behind the times (been working too hard), but I had to give these ladies props! This is hilarious! Lingerie doesn’t work in San Jose?? To quote the newscasters on SNL — Really?!? Guess I really need a MAC….