Apps I’m Planning to Use at SXSW

As I’ve been preparing for SXSW, I’ve been getting things ready, including my iPhone.  Along with making sure I’ve got an extra battery pack, chargers, etc., I’ve been organizing my phone based on the apps I’m planning to use:

	Twitter – Last year, every session had a hashtag, so I could almost follow a couple sessions at once just by knowing the hashtag of the sessions.  It also alerted me to activities, events, and allowed me to meet people who I followed.  This will be an essential app for this year.
	WordPress – As you can tell (by this blog), I’ll be blogging again live from SXSW.  This app is great for quick photo/video uploads, posts, and edits to my blog.  It’ll also be essential for keeping this blog going.
	Dragon Dictation – You speak it, and it dictates what you just said.  It’s fairly accurate, and it’s a very quick and easy way to jot down my thoughts.  Whether it’s a blog post that I simply want to dictate, or a tweet or status update, this app will do it.
	Camera – There’s plenty of stuff to take in at SXSW, and the camera on the iPhone 4 was the reason I upgraded.  The pictures are great quality, and I’ve got an HD video camera in my pocket.  I’m planning on taking and posting a whole lot more pics and video this year, so watch here.
	Foursquare – It’s hard to believe at SXSW last year, Foursquare only had a half million users.  It was the first time I really saw the power of Foursquare – when I could look and see where my new friends were, as well as what venues were kickin.  With over 5 million users, I’m certain it will be even bigger than last year.
	Gowalla – Almost exactly the same reason as I chose Foursquare with one addition – virtual items.  Last year Adobe partnered with Gowalla and was dropping copies of CS4 that could be traded for real copies.  I didn’t find one, but I did find an “ice ball” which was good for a sample of The Macallen at a party, as well as a VIP wristband for the Gowalla party.
	SCVNGR – Staying in the location based area, this is one I’ve been using since last SXSW, but I have a feeling this one will take off this year, as Seth Priebatsch, the “Chief Ninja” of SCVNGR is one of the keynote speakers this year.  I’d be surprised if they didn’t have some sort of SXSW event tie-in.
	Beluga – Unlike many, I don’t have an unlimited text package, so I was searching for a service that would let me connect with my friends at SXSW without running up a big texting bill.  This seems to be the solution for that.  It should help us keep track of each other in real time and give updates about which sessions suck and with ones rawk.
	Skype – Unfortunately, like last year, I’m missing my daughter’s birthday to be at SXSW.  So, I’ll be using Skype to check in with my kids and wife and see how they’re doing.  Let’s just pray the wifi at SXSW can hold up for decent video.
	i-nigma – Other than the QR codes on the badges, I didn’t see many of them last year.  However, this year, I suspect there will be hundreds of QR codes directing me to new apps, parties, etc.  While there are a ton of QR code readers out there, I find this one to be the simplest.

While there are many more apps I’m planning to use, I’m thinking these will be the ones I use several times a day.  Are there any apps you’re planning to use while at SXSW?  Any recommendations for me, let’s hear ’em…

More than a Crowd at SXSW this Year

Attendance at SXSW has grown by leaps and bounds the last several years.  In 2009, attendance at the Interactive portion of the conference was around 10,000.  Last year, for the first time, the interactive crowd overtook the music crowd with over 14,000 attendees.  If growth holds true, they are expecting nearly 20,000 people to attend SXSWi this year.  In a previous post, I highlighted a post from Robert Scoble, who wondered if SXSWi has gotten too big to be the meaningful experience it once was.

Here, I guess Bettywriter and I did a pretty good job covering the event last year, because we’re now aware of many more Central Illinoisans attending.  Of course, we know it’s not just our reporting skills, it’s the topics and companies that use SXSW as a platform to highlight their cutting edge products and services. Along with being able to rub elbows with cutting edge thinkers, it’s invigorating to be around so many people that share innovation, technology, and creativity as a passion.

Just here in Blono (that’s Bloomington-Normal for short for non-locals), we’re aware of at least 21 people going for the interactive portion alone.  I’m certain they’ll have a great time and come back with a renewed energy and enthusiasm for digital, creative, and new media.  The more that can bring this feeling back to Central Illinois, the better.

While we certainly invite anyone attending SXSWi to join us in blogging and reporting from the event, we hope those locals attending will join us on this blog.  If you are attending SXSWi and would like to participate in sharing your SXSWi experience and knowledge here, please contact us.

2008 Pumpkin Porter

This was posted to my personal blog in September of 2008…

Finding the time to brew (and do other household projects) has been tougher and tougher, especially now that our 1 year old daughter is mobile (and loves to climb). Keeping an eye on our 1 and 3 year old has forced me to start brewing in the evening until late into the night (or morning). Well, Sunday night I got a chance to brew a pumpkin porter. I’ll post the recipe here shortly, but it was based on one I found in Extreme Brewing by Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head.. I was just happy to brew again after about a 8 week hiatus.

1 gallon of water
60 oz of pure Libby’s pumpkin
Boiled it for 20 minutes
Let sit for 2 hours (not by choice, the kids were acting up)
Added 1 gallon of water
Brought to 156 degrees and added crushed grains in grain bag:
1 lb Briess Chocolate Malt – 6-row Lovibond 350
1.5 lb Briess 2-row Pale Malt Lovibond 1.5
Added 2 tsp of gypsum
Maintained the heat between 153 – 157 degrees for about 45 minutes
Removed the grain bag and strained some of the pumpkin out (as best I could)
Added 4 gallons more water and brought to a boil and added
1 oz Kent Goldings (product of UK) pellet hops A.A. 4.8%
Boiled for 40 minutes, then added
3 lbs Muntons Plain Amber Dry Malt Extract (color 20 EBC)
3.3 lbs Muntons Light Liquid Malt Extract (color 8-12 EBC)
.5 lbs of Lactose
1 oz Ken Goldings (product of USA) pellet hops A.A. 4.5%
2 tsp of Irish Moss
Boiled for 10 more minutes and added
.5 oz Cascade pellet hops A.A. 6.3%
.5 lb corn sugar
1 tsp Allspice
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Nutmeg
Boiled for 10 more minutes and removed from heat.
It cooled down slowly over 24 hours.
Original Gravity = 1.074
Shook the carboy vigorously and added Coopers Dry Ale Yeast – 7.5 grams

It started fermenting today, so I’ll try and keep you updated on its progress. I’m still debating adding 15 oz. more of pumpkin and 1/4 teaspoon of each of the spices to the secondary. Your thoughts?

Challenge: build “MicroSXSW” to bring back fun at SXSW

I read a great article from Robert Scoble on his blog Scoblizer about the growth of SXSWi. He discusses the explosive growth of it, and what can be done to bring back some of the intimacy and true connections that make this a great growth and learning experience.

Do we turn SXSW into something that really becomes a parody of itself, or do we try to save it?

Me? I want to get more of those intimate experiences we used to have. I remember when the entire Web Standards Project fit at one picnic table. I remember having a fun conversation with a small group, all huddled around Craig Newmark in the rain at a BBQ place across the street. I remember being able to get into parties without being a VIP and last year the VIPs even had to wait in line at nearly every party. Heck, I remember when Scott Beale Tweeted in 2007 that he was sitting all alone in an empty pub and I joined him and had a leisurely beer at a picnic table with him and a few other friends. Those days are seemingly gone.

Can we bring them back?

Visit An industry challenge: build “MicroSXSW” to bring back fun times at SXSW at Scoblizer to give your input and suggestions.

SXSW Swag or SXSwag

After the first of the year, I suspect that the SXSW updates will be non-stop, but for now, it’s a few announcements here and there. One of the most recent announcements is that the traditional “Swag Bags” are no more (so Gowalla needs to find another type of virtual item to drop). The 20lbs of materials will now be going online. Even better, rather than trying to sift through all that stuff when you’re already overwhelmed with the event, you can start claiming swag in January.

According to the site, “New for this year, SXswag is an easy and efficient online swag redemption and distribution portal for all SXSW registrants. And the fun won’t stop in January, we’ll be adding new items for download and delivery to SXSW registrants up through the event in March.”

The items will be available through SXSocial, the site for those who have registered, to connect.

SXSW Interactive 2011 is Growing

I had an incredible time at SXSW last year, and I’m once again registered, have my hotel booked, and have already been scoping out the events going on outside of the sessions. I was really surprised by how large the crowds were, and it sounds like it’s going to be even bigger this year. There were two of us who work together who reported the events last year, while this year, there are 12 people going from the location of my day job. I guess we just made an impact with the knowledge we brought back (or they just heard how good of a time it is).

In 2011, SXSWi is officially scheduled from March 11-15, but as the number of people grow, so has the event. This year, there will also be SXSWedu, from March 8-10, an event focused on technology for teachers and other educators. They’ve also just announced a “SXSW Technology Summit” from March 16-17. The summit will focus on global trends and issues effecting the industry outside of the U.S.

I’m really looking forward to reuniting with @BettyWriter and having another fast, furious, and fun time in Austin!

It’s Been a While…

It doesn’t seem like it’s been over year since I last blogged here. However, when I checked, it’s obviously been a while. With things like twitter, Facebook, and the like, I’ve been pretty busy with other things. I’m going to try and commit to recording my thoughts here more often about the random oddities of everyday life. If you can, please send me a note, or give me some feedback, to let me know that someone is reading, and that my time posting my observations and thoughts are worthwhile.

10 Things I Learned (or re-learned) at SXSWi 2010

Last year was my first SXSW and nothing short of a personal epiphany. This year’s Austin mashup of technology, creativity, and cultural tsunami has once again shifted the way I think about what it all means— to my work and to my life:

10. Crisis = Opportunity.
How do we take advantage of the disruptive innovation that’s toppling business models? Jeremy Gutsche is the founder of TrendHunter.com, the world’s largest network for trend spotting and innovation. He’s also the author of, “Exploiting CHAOS: 150 Ways to Spark Innovation During Times of Change.” There’s one question from Jeremy that I’m now asking myself every day; a question designed to help capitalize on chaos: Can I focus what I’m trying to do in seven words or less?

9. Technology is the new art. 

The notion of left brain/right brain is passé. My ability to adapt and thrive at the intersection of art and technology presents endless opportunities. My insistence on playing on one side, to the exclusion of the other, is an express ticket to irrelevance. What can I do to recast my skills and be ready for whatever comes next?

8. Be a student of “The Next Big Thing.”
Then, step back and see the big picture. There’s a “next big thing” breaking out every day. Great branding and communication isn’t about throwing stuff at every next big thing. It’s about being helpful, relevant, and genuine in the marketplace. I need to understand the difference between “thin value” and “thick value” and do the right things to be relevant every day, while strengthening value over the long haul.

7. Content is king.
So why has it taken us so long to figure out that content requires user-centered message architecture? According to Margot Bloomstein, the principal of brand and content strategy consultancy based in Boston, a comprehensive user experience shouldn’t be a carrot on a stick where we try to lure people to our content on our terms. It should be a big, delicious plate of cookies carefully crafted ingredient by ingredient.

6. Words won’t work.
Dan Roam has helped leaders at Microsoft, Wal-Mart, Boeing, eBay, and the United States Senate solve complex problems through visual thinking. He wrote the international bestseller, “The Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas With Pictures.” Why do we spend so much time talking to clarify our ideas? The person who draws the best picture wins. My goals: Fewer words. Better pictures. Stronger stories.

5. I didn’t know Twit.
Twitter is my primary news source. The shape, speed, and value of information on Twitter is unlike anything we’ve ever seen. At SXSW, Twitter co-founder and CEO Evan Williams changed the way I think about it. The No. 1 company principle @twitter? Be a force for good. Why? Democratization of information changes the world. Tools like Twitter reach the weakest signals and can have profound impacts (think Haiti, Chile). Easy exchange of information gives people control. Everyone wins.

4. Corporate America is cautious.
Andrew McAfee is a research scientist at the Center for Digital Business, MIT Sloan School of Management. He researches and works extensively with corporations around the “2.0” model of communities, collaboration, and transparency. According the McAfee, the biggest corporate mindset challenges to embracing 2.0: We are risk-averse, busy, budget-constrained, uninterested in social revolution, hostile to auto-obsolescence, ROI-seeking, and overly convinced of our own uniqueness.

3. There’s no such thing.
There’s no such thing as social media or social marketing. It’s media. It’s marketing. It requires interesting, clear, helpful, user-focused content like it always has. There’s no such thing as Web content, mobile content, tablet content, Wii content. Everything is converging and users just want it to work and work right everywhere.

2. Technology = inclusion.
I tweeted. I posted. I photo’d. I video’d. I checked in. Got followed. Got retweeted. Direct messaged. Played contact and conduit. This is where I belong … with one foot inside the office and one on the path to the future of media.

1. After living in the future for five days at SXSW, I need to ask more questions:

•  What are the right levers for change?
• How do we create the right measurements of success?
• What can I do to help solve problems, not solve symptoms?
• How do I help strengthen our resolve as communication consultants that “less bad” is not the same as good?
•  What can I do to help move the friction of process to real momentum and flawless execution?

Every profession bears the responsibility to understand the circumstances that enable its existence.

Top 10 Things I learned from my SXSW Experience

1. Share your passion.  “Keep Austin Weird” is the motto of the SXSW home city, and it’s really about celebrating the passion people there display.  Whether it was art, films, music, or interactive, everyone wore their passion on their sleeve, and it’s a freeing, collective sense of, “these people get me.”  Whether you’ve quit your day job to pursue your passion (and you’re “crushing it” thanks to Gary Vaynerchuk), or simply geek out with others who share yours, it can be invigorating and life changing.
2. Tech Geniuses are people too.  It was truly amazing how accessible people were at SXSW, from bumping into new media reporter Robert Scoble, riding the social media bus with Social Media Club Founder Chris Heuer, riding the elevator with Jamie Lynn Sigler (although not a tech genius, it was still very cool!), meeting author and social media evangelist Gary Vaynerchuk, to meeting and chatting with Twitter CEO Evan Williams.
3. Location, location, location.  After Facebook and Twitter, everyone’s been wondering, “what’s next?”  It was evident at SXSW that Location Based Social Networking is emerging as the next big thing.  Like any social network, the power of it is in the number of people using it, and while it was estimated that only about 30-40% of the tech geeks at SXSW were using it, it showed some incredible potential.
4. Content, content, content.  People turn to the Internet and social media to get information that’s entertaining and immediately relevant to them.  If you’re a company, your product must be relevant (at least at one point in peoples’ lives), and fortunately, you’re an expert in that area.  Brands are already prepared with answers to questions when people call them, but they need to post it where people can find it when they go looking for it.
5. It’s how you use it (your content).  It’s not enough just to push your content.  As National Geographic pointed out, it’s using your content to provide a contextual experience.  Think about the user experience and how your content can enrich their experience.
6. Openness is the new Transparency.  Twitter CEO, Evan Williams, used the analogy of a door, “It can be transparent and you can see through it, but when it’s open, it’s about getting in, shaping it, and defining it.”  While most companies still struggle to be transparent, most consumers have moved past transparency and expect to be able to define and shape those they choose to work or do business with.
7. Sponsorships that make Sense.  Chevy sponsored by the “Volt Lounge” – a place to relax, get work done, and power up – as well as providing power-strips at many of the outlets around the convention center.  Not only did this provide a MUCH needed service to the many attendees who carried multiple devices, but it also had a very direct tie-in to the launch of the Chevy Volt, their new electric car.
8. You can’t do it all.  There were approximately 15-20 interactive sessions going on during any given hour at SXSW.  Despite wanting to learn it all, you can only do so much (although Twitter allows you to attend 2-3 sessions at a time).  Likewise, there are so many new technologies to try out, there’s no way to keep up.  Try as many as you (sanely) can and count on the other tech thinkers to help you filter the winners.
9. Mobile location still has a long way to come.  There are many, many different ways for a mobile device to access location – GPS, Cell-ID, Triangulation, etc. – and there are even more ways to try to use that information.  When building apps or programs that use location data, there are many different advantages and disadvantages to the way you choose to use it.
10.  You can’t fake authenticity… and social media is all about authentic engagement with your customers and prospects.  You can’t scale it and you can’t farm it out to someone else to do on your behalf (or worse, give it to the intern who doesn’t yet understand your culture).  As Gary Vaynerchuk put it, “people’s bullshit detectors are better than ever.”  You have to treat social media interactions the same way you would as if the person was sitting in front of you – they want to feel like you’re listening and genuinely care about them.

Tired of “Transparency” Yet?

Ran into Evan Williams while out at SXSW.

During his keynote conversation, Evan Williams, CEO of Twitter (@ev), discussed recent conversations the company was having about its identity.  Like any young company, they are strugging to define their culture and principles.  One thing that resonated with me was his discussion about “transparency.”

We’ve all heard or used the word, probably fairly recently, and we can all agree it’s becoming a bit cliché.  During his discussion, Williams talked about Twitter’s philosophy of not being focused on transparency, but rather openness.  He used the analogy of a door, “It can be transparent and you can see through it, but when it’s open, it’s about getting in, shaping it, and defining it.”

So many, especially brands, struggle to provide “transparency,” and are unwilling to lose control of their brand or message.  As the world evolves, audiences will expect openness (more than just transparency), and they’llhave to let go of a little control to succeed (See “New Rules of Marketing & PR” post about David Meerman Scott’s presentation).

Twitter encourages users and developers to take their APIs and create new things built upon their service.  While they may not be thrilled with all of the uses (Williams noted that they’ve recently sent several cease and desist letters, mostly to Twitter spam services), they know that its been the company’s openness that has allowed it to succeed.  Similarly, it was Facebook’s openess to application developers which also helped it to leave MySpace in the dust and even pass Google as the most visited site on the web.

While most brands are still working on “being transparent,” those who will succeed in this new world will be those who focus on being open.

SXSWi is Finished, but We’re Not

SXSW is one of the busiest, most intense new media experiences I’ve had. Each day was long with between 4-10 sessions and workshops each day and networking activities until the wee hours of the morning. Over the next few days, we’ll summarize most of those activities, and give some of our own thoughts and analysis on the goings-on at SXSW. Stay tuned!

Brand 2.0

Presenter: Kevin Yam – Directer, mobile and interactive platforms, National Geographic

Few other publications have the longevity of National Geographic, but like any magazine, it has had to adjust to adapt to technological changes and the way that users choose to experience media.  A few years ago, the company looked at all of its media offerings – magazines, tv, games, online, image collection, music, books, films, and maps – and discussed how it could offer that compelling content together across all of that existing media.  As they develop new content, they consider how it could be used (licensing) and how to best tell the story in many different ways.

Developing this led to a heavy focus on user experiences, which forced them to examine the context in which their content was consumed.  With the emergence of mobile, consumers now have immediate access to information and resources, and National Geographic wants to be there with their rich, outstanding content.  This recent led to the development of a Bird Finder app which helps users identify birds (using location information), and incorporates sounds and video.  Additionally the app allows them to “check in” the bird, creating crowdsourced maps of where types of birds have been seen.

They also recently completed a project to tell the story of going to Antarctica – Bus 2 Antarctica.  They used new and social media to help tell the story of, “1 man, 10 weeks, and 10,000 miles,” traveling from National Geographic’s offices to Antarctica.  He kept followers up-to-the-hour on his travels via Twitter (@bus2antarctica), a blog, facebook, an interactive map, and media partnerships with FOX, ABC, and CBS.  The traveler used only an iPhone, still camera, video camera, GPS, and a tracking device to report his stories through all of these media.  It helped to prove they could tell a tremendously compelling story, in real time, for an extremely low cost.  Every brand needs to consider how they can take advantage of new and social media to tell their story or provide brand content.