Twitter Rocks: Desktop apps in guitar terms

People are always asking, "How can I really use this Twitter thing?" If you are only using the basic interface(see first example below), then you are missing out on the full experience. I could go on and on about all the cool instruments that are out there, but why not explain it in human terms. I'm a fan of rock, so here's a few desktop Twitter apps in guitar terms. Enjoy!

Classic Twitterfeed via Twitter.com: Once upon a time, this was the only feed available. There are updates made to the interface, but currently the Twitterfolk are more focused on keeping their product alive than adding features.(Plus, why do this when independents are working hard to create killer apps?)
Rocking: It's the original. You can say you've been Tweeting there since @The_Real_Shaq was playing for the Lakers. Still a good way to add people. You also get the benefit of the person's full profile.
Lame: Pretty slow to bounce around on this site. Currently not a quick interface for direct messaging, re-tweeting, etc.
Guitarspeak: It's like Stevie Ray's old Strat. It's old and basic, but if you know what you're doing, it can definitely get the job done.



One-liner update via Twhirl: This is great, as you get a regularly refreshed stream from your Twitter friends. There's a handy window to add updates, and you can click on someone's avatar to send a reply, direct message, add as fav, or re-tweet. This is the most similar experience to Twitter apps available for iPhone and Storm.
Rocking: Speed is generally good. Nice look, and not much desktop real estate required.
Lame: It does not allow for management of multiple Twitter accounts, or searches. Even w ith a giant monitor, you're held to about 12 of your most recent Tweets on-screen.
Guitarspeak: Les Paul. Great look and pretty easy to maneuver. It's good enough to not need anything else, unless you are looking to be a guitar god. Then you need more, read on.


Twitter overload via Tweetdeck: Tweetdeck allows you to watch your own regular Twitterstream - plus streams for searches and groups of your friends. Several people I have bumped into use an app like this to follow subjects and do not worry much with following people via the standard Twitter workflow.
Rocking: This is great for those of you that are ADD, or if you are using Twitter for professional means. For example, if you are a reporter - you could use Tweetdeck to follow trending topics or to see what people are saying about your beat. You can also use it just like Twhirl through the magic of maximizing and minimizing the window. (Extra rock props for the black bird logo!)
Lame: It has been known to crash, but just think of this as when your favorite band plays that one awful song and you get to take a restroom break. Use it as a break and go outside, see if the sun is shining. Then, get right back on there.
Guitarspeak: Rick Nielsen(from Cheap Trick) had the chops to play a five neck guitar. It didn't stress him out, he made it rock.

Photo gracias: Flickr user Miki and Steve, stevieray.com, Flickr user Brett Wilde , Hamer Guitars.


More Twitter Rocks: Twitter is Your Favorite Hometown Band That Made It Big

Seven Things You Don't Know About Me.

So, I've been tagged by Lauren Vargas, Linda Jacobson, and Lauren Turner to take part in the Seven Things You Don't Know About Me blogging fun. Geoff Livingston originally tagged Lauren Vargas and my bud Richie Escovedo. This idea is a great representation of why I love the social Interwebs. Here goes:

1. For several years, I played guitar in a heavy metal band, Cain. Don't try to look us up or buy our stuff on iTunes because your search will be fruitless. We weren't the big hair variety, either, we were more of the Pantera/Metallica ilk. I still listen to metal regularly and go to the occasional show. I also still play guitar, but more of the Zeppelin/blues speed now(I'm old!).
2. My wife and I give out informal Parent of the Year awards. My most recent Father of the Year honor came when we got home late from an event. I told my kids(3&5) to be quiet because I thought I heard monkeys upstairs. The 3 yr old ended up crying and not sleeping much that
night, afraid of the monkeys in our house.
3. I write all the time. I've written four full length novels(one I'm finalizing to try to sell). I wrote a play, The Mercy Street Boys, that was produced by a local theater in 2001. I've always had more story ideas than time. I hope to balance that ratio someday. I also write non-fiction. I'm currently working on a non-fiction book with a friend centered on the relationship between love and self-respect.
4. I'd list my favorite kinds of music as rock, jazz and opera. Wait, what was that last one? Yup. Opera. I attended a performance about 8 years ago just from curiosity and found out I really like it. My favorite is Puccini's Turandot. Nessun Dorma is one of the most beautiful things ever written, in my opinion. Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez is a close second, but that's not opera, and I'm getting off topic.
5. I played ice hockey, badly, for a few seasons recently. I am a rabid hockey fan and thought my love for the game would translate. The NHL players make it look easy. Skating is hard enough. Trying to play hockey and skate for me, near impossible.
6. I've run three marathons. My favorite, so far, being New York. Running through that great city was amazing. The countless people lining the streets in every neighborhood was amazing. And, of course, finishing in Central Park is nice.
7. Despite my love of all things literary, I read everything Stephen King and Chuck Palahniuk write. One of my fav recent blog posts references Palahniuk's Fight Club.

I hereby tag these friends: Leo Bottary, Dan Keeney, Chelsea Moser, Rob Barra, Jenn Schooley,
Patrick Evans, and Simon Salt.

The rules(courtesy of Vedo):

• Link your original tagger(s) and list these rules in your post.
• Share seven facts about yourself in the post.
• Tag seven people at the end of your post by leaving their names and the links to their blogs.
• Let them know they’ve been tagged
  (Hat tip to Beth Harte for the rules.)

Photo gracias: Flickr user no vacancy.

Books I've Read & Recommended.

When I get together with friends, family, and business contacts, it seems we always end up swapping titles of books we are reading. I thought it would be fun (and also a good crib sheet for me) to keep a list of my favorite books. These are in the order that I read them. There's no links to buy them here because this is just about sharing. You know where to find them, if you're interested. I'll also do my best to link to blogs and other info related to the books. If someone interesting, say Tiger Woods or William Shatner, recommended the book - I'll let you know that too. That's all for now. Enjoy.

Made to Stick (2007: Non-fiction)
by Chip and Dan Heath

My thoughts: This was a great reminder of concepts that you think you know already. Basically, keep to the simple and memorable.

I read it in Summer 2008.



now is gone (2007: Non-fiction)
by Geoff Livington with Brian Solis

My thoughts: This was the launching point for me with social media, especially its relationship with PR. Geoff's blog and influence in the PR community are well-known for good reason.

I read it in Spring 2008.


Freakonomics (2005: Non-fiction)
by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner

My thoughts: This is a fascinating look at the invisible lines that connect variables in life from the perspective of a "rogue economist." I am interested in economics, but not unusually so, and this made for a very interesting read.

I read it in Spring 2006.