This afternoon I noticed that the hashtag #uksnow was trending on Twitter. I looked at a few tweets and came across a very cool Twitter Mashup - #uksnow Map.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term mashup, Wikipedia defines it as a “web or cloud based applications are a combination of separate parts brought together with the use of the open architecture of public Application Programming Interfaces (API)”. In other words, it takes existing pieces (data and APIs) and creating something new and unique.
The #uksnow Map was created by a freelance developer (Ben Marsh) from the UK. The developer asked Twitter users to tweet their location, how much snow is falling, and include the hashtag #uksnow. Then the application on the website displays the snow conditions being reported via these tweets.
I think this is a great mashup. It is a fun way to graphically display the this uncommon snow storm. In addition, it is a creative way to encourage community interaction on Twitter.
November 30, 2010
November 12, 2010
World Bank + Social Web
You expect consumer brands to embrace social media – it is where their customers are communicating with each other and gathering information for purchase decisions. But, what about other organizations, like international non-governmental organizations?
The World Bank has become an active participant in the social web. Through the Open Development program the organization is encouraging transparency and sharing their data with the community to promote innovation. The data for organization's projects is available online and via the World Bank DataFinder App for iPhone, iTouch, and iPad.
Recently the organization announced a contest – Apps for Development – to build an app for any mobile platform that displays their data in a useful way to the community. Here is how the competition is described by the World Bank:
The World Bank has also embraced blogging and has a number of active blogs on its website. In addition, the organization is actively engaging the community on a variety of social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. On Twitter the organization encourages discussion of Open Development with the #opendata hashtag.
Reaching out – virtually – to the global community and participating in conversations on the web is important for all organizations, including for profit companies, governments, and non-governmental organizations.
If a large international organization like the World Bank can become an active participant in the social web so can you.
The World Bank has become an active participant in the social web. Through the Open Development program the organization is encouraging transparency and sharing their data with the community to promote innovation. The data for organization's projects is available online and via the World Bank DataFinder App for iPhone, iTouch, and iPad.
Recently the organization announced a contest – Apps for Development – to build an app for any mobile platform that displays their data in a useful way to the community. Here is how the competition is described by the World Bank:
- “We're challenging the public to create innovative software applications that move us a step closer toward solving some of the world's most pressing problems.”
The World Bank has also embraced blogging and has a number of active blogs on its website. In addition, the organization is actively engaging the community on a variety of social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. On Twitter the organization encourages discussion of Open Development with the #opendata hashtag.
Reaching out – virtually – to the global community and participating in conversations on the web is important for all organizations, including for profit companies, governments, and non-governmental organizations.
If a large international organization like the World Bank can become an active participant in the social web so can you.
November 2, 2010
Foursquare in Space
I am not an enthusiastic participant in Foursquare. I created an account, used it for a little bit, and then wrote about my experience here. Perhaps I am too cautious to be the right demographic for that type of geotagging application. I just do not feel the need to broadcast my exact location. Nor do I feel comfortable doing so. Facebook Places is the only geotagging application that I have found less intimidating. Maybe that is because I am already hooked on Facebook!
But, I am not writing today to discuss my personal feelings or insecurities about geotagging. I am writing about Foursquare in space!
On October 22, 2010 a NASA astronaut became the first person to check in to Foursquare from outside the Earth's atmosphere. That is a cool use of social media! And a great way to excite and engage people in space exploration and science. The NASA Explorer Badge on Foursquare will soon be available for users to earn. This follows the first tweet from space in May 2009.
NASA is really embracing social media to share with community. In addition to Twitter and Foursquare, NASA has apps for iPhone and iPad and is participating in Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, Ustream, and other social media platforms. Great way to engage the community!
But, I am not writing today to discuss my personal feelings or insecurities about geotagging. I am writing about Foursquare in space!
On October 22, 2010 a NASA astronaut became the first person to check in to Foursquare from outside the Earth's atmosphere. That is a cool use of social media! And a great way to excite and engage people in space exploration and science. The NASA Explorer Badge on Foursquare will soon be available for users to earn. This follows the first tweet from space in May 2009.
NASA is really embracing social media to share with community. In addition to Twitter and Foursquare, NASA has apps for iPhone and iPad and is participating in Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, Ustream, and other social media platforms. Great way to engage the community!
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