"thing" no. 23: Summary

Wow. Where to begin, as this semester ends.

First off, when I started this course in September, I never would have believed I could do a blog. And I kid you not. It was just too far off there in the technical stratosphere (or, somewhere in cyberspace that was way too advanced for me). All of it seemed like a hassle to have to fool with. In other words this blog -- and Web 2.0 overall -- just loomed large as a scary pain in the ---.

Well, now I have, and let me tell you, it's a good, good feeling. Not to say that I'm a techie, because I'm not. Never will be. That's not one of my biggest strengths as a Reference Assistant. But I can manage it. So, this blog thing (pun definitely intended), is quite the achievement for me, personally and professionally.

With respect to the professional... I now have a greater appreciation for technology, overall. So when patrons are asking for help with specific social networking-related documents, say, a blog, or a wiki or finding something on YouTube (and this can be adults or youngsters), etc., I have my own frame of reference to bring to the reference interview. That, to me, is important. There are two older gentlemen (patrons and brothers) who have established their own blog. While I am not among the staff members who has spent a lot of time with them, I am so excited to see that these two people -- who really started from the beginning with computers -- have come this far. I am proud of them.

To some specifics...

-- I have come to understand a little about how much the Internet has affected the music industry. Just go to YouTube. Now I ride the exercise bike with Don Henley and the Eagles, or Mick and the Stones, or Tom Petty, cranked up on the little computer speakers. I love all those old rock tunes. Am so grateful to be able to hear them this way.

-- I would recommend an examination -- and possible revision -- of at least a couple of the 23 things. For example, the Netlibrary "thing" needs to be revisited, given the difficulty some of us have had with trying to download audiobooks through it. Also, the "thing" about Rollyo was a bit off. I emailed that site with a question and never heard back. So, overall, I think the 23 things need to be updated.

-- You have to be careful with widgets. They can land in unexpected places. Like your face. Thank goodness we have a web services librarian at work with a sense of humor.

-- I'm not a big fan of advertising, so I chose not to put any on my blog. Sort of the same principle that Ms. magazine followed for a number of years long ago.

-- As you might have guessed, I love taking photos. This blog was a great venue for sharing -- OK, I'll be honest, here -- actually, showing off a little of my passion for photography.

-- Wish somebody would tell me what the real advantages of Zoho Writer are. Maybe it just went right over my head.

-- I had no idea there was so much incredible information available in the blogs of other people, in podcasts, and in wikis. Talk about just a little overwhelming!

This blog thing (again, pun definitely intended) has been an incredible journey. Thanks to my classmates and to Charlet for all they have taught me. It would have been my loss not to have taken this course at this time.