Rolling Talks

CNN, Facebook and Obama

Followed the Obama Inauguration this late afternoon. At+/- 4.30 pm I remembered I joined a Facebook group a couple of days ago to watch the event life. Most conveniently when I logged in I was redirected from my home page to the Obama Inauguration on CCN. com Live with Facebook event page. I followed the link to the live coverage as probably most of the other 1, 254, 478 other confirmed guests did.

I was positively surprised by the integration of my Facebook friends status enabling me to follow and answer their own comments while watching the video. See how it looked like

A couple of quick comments- because its been an other long day and mostly because I want to keep the good vibes as long as possible

On the integration itself:

• I would have made the history of scrolling on the Facebook update window available from the beginning of the profile connection - the window was far too short meaning updates get refreshed too quickly and conversation follow-up difficult
• Add a search feature on the postings
• Add the wall postings on that same life screen (it might have been the 'Everyone watching' index though- not 100% sure about that one as I did not have the time to look at it). Now there're more than 131,000 wallposts that are lost - to me-  on the Facebook page. Consequently I did not historically contribute on the Inauguration Facebook group when appropriate - that is when Congratulations Mr President were heard from all over the globe -which I would have done if integrated on the life screen - ok no big loss but you get the idea
• And yep, probably would have tested a bit more on Firefox/Safari browsers to avoid little bugs like the status screen disappearing when clicking on a Friend profile

As for the event itself:

• I would have used the message to all confirmed guests feature to remind them to log in to the CNN live window - there were so many other life platforms a little reminder would have had a huge visit effect
• and of course I would have added a huge backscreen with the Facebook group wall postings and the appropriate Twitter #  just behind Obama during his speech. Hmm sorry, could not resist that one ;)  

Sharing the same feedback with CNN since they ask for it. Fair play.

All in all I had a great time. And I'm positive it's just the first of Obama's presidency. Congrats to CNN and Mr President.

Big Free Hug day

Has started today. Till tomorrow. To commemorate Sept, 11. Everywhere. I don't know if it originates from Facebook but I saw it there this morning. I love it (the original marketing idea, the concept, the craze) . Lets spread love :-) My favorite stays:

Little book of travel

Kris Hoet just launched a new blog the little book of travel. If you're a frequent traveller - or not so frequent- and have travel experiences who want to share in a funny way, drop him a mail. Or just go and rss it.
 

And if you wonder how I find so quickly a new blog (hot from today), it's because like thousands of Europeans bloggers I've become addicted to Facebook (now you know what I'm up to these days- am practising the 'Relax' concept- and not only with ultra sounds Luc). And I saw right on my profile page this late afternoon that my friend Kris has created a new group (invitations will be sent soon!). If you haven't done it yet, register NOW with Facebook. But you've been warned: VERY addictive..

Enjoy your new journey Kris!
This one's for you: "Travels instead of broadening the mind often merely lengthens the conversation" (Elizabeth Drew)

Microsoft 's Circle Of Media

Last Tuesday, I was invited to attend Microsoft's Circle Of Media. I'm probably not the best person to give relevant detailed feedback on the products they presented us  (Silverlight for pro developers and Popfly for non-pro)- except that I find it great that they're both working for Mac :-) Without this presentation I'd probably have skipped them both. Surface was also part of the show and each time I saw it it really makes me feel like being a 10 years-old in 2050. BTW, we should have one in the Living Tomorrow house!

What I'm trying not to skip though is the opportunity to meet Microsoft people. I guess if Microsoft has been voted ' Best Belgium employer 2007'  it surely has to do with hiring best employees. I was really impressed by Philippe's presentation 'the permanent revolution'. Make sure to read it but better next time make sure to come and hear him. It is so rich and mingles so meaningfully and yet totally unexpectedly insightful references I was glad I had the opportunity to hear him before on some of those.

Microsoft has decided to play the 'engaging' game and here in Belgium they apply very nice rules. They have this friendly, accessible, humble style of theirs be it with the 17 year old student ( Hi Michael) or with the web agency CEO (Mr Van Wassenhove ;). 

Alex do you think people can be coached that way ? :-) Seriously I don't doubt a minute - but yes I know some will find me naive again- that is genuine interest and willingness for interaction. I add Microsoft to my list of 'make it a better place' companies :-)

What i like about communities

It struck me before while doing group activities but it hit me so hard this last Friday while sliding down beautiful Lyon's city streets along with hundreds of roller skaters that i wanted to share some truths about 'community experience'.

So while experiencing my first ever roller parade, i thought about what social networkers and rollers skaters have in common - besides being both for some of them:

• They go with the flow - i'd rather have my trekking shoes on, but hey, it was no trekking time
• They don't let their fear takes control - "we've already been walking and biking all day long, let's go home"