cyber renovations

all boxed up and no where to go

As with any reno project, some prep work is needed. In this case, streamlining the “look” of my blog by moving the blogroll links to a new page — a community of blogs — and shedding some badges.

I have created and published this new page, but for some reason, it isn’t showing up next to the clickable links to other pages (the empty project page and the why this page). The link to my about page has disappeared as well.

When I was working on a community of blogs, I realized that in many cases, a referring link or reference to a social media page and twitter feed might be appropriate.

A lot of our time in and access to the cyberverse happens through pads and smart phones. These provide access to a constantly shifting stream of information and to multi-level/multi-layered of communications and social interactions. Whether its 142 character tweet, or a picture uploaded to facebook, the process of informing, entertaining, sharing is virtually (excuse the pun) immediate. Increasingly, I think, many folks first stop in the cyberverse is social media.

So, when a community of blogs page becomes visible and accessible, please consider the following:

If you ARE mentioned and want to have folks referred to your social media page, and/ or tweeter account, please let me know.

As well, if you AREN’T mentioned, and would like to be there, let me know.

Conversely, if you ARE mentioned, and DON’T want to be, let me know too!

Write-ups can be edited to better reflect the nature of your blog. You guessed it: just let me know!

Cheers, and thanks!

phylorsblog@ymail.com

postsecret; cybersecret

the first ever picture postacard (claimed), made for Camp Conlie, 1870. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

postsecret is “an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a homemade postcard [Put your complete secret and image on one side of the postcard].” Created by Frank Warren, the project has launched traveling displays, a blog and community, live chat, books, and lecture tours. To date, he has received over 500,000 “secrets.” Each Sunday, he posts some of the most interesting secrets and postcards he has received, often suggesting themes/topics, such as PostSecret Confessions on Life, Death and God later to be turned into books.

images from the postsecret website

I should probably send this to Frank, but what the heck: I’m a cyberhoarder. There, I’ve said it!

Like the hoarders in “reality” tv shows, I possess inboxes stuffed with no longer relevant email; depending on the email account – 60 to 70 pages worth – many unread. Then there are the folders, often created for reasons either not apparent, or well past their sell by date. Not sure I’ve ever deleted a piece of sent mail! That doesn’t count all the various email accounts, checked infrequently, created for specific purposes that no longer hold meaning. Of course, being a cyberhoarder, my computer is littered with the detritus of hundreds of folders, subfolders, and files: blog posts written but never posted; reams of research; long ago finished or abandoned projects; pdfs on everything from tax law to chronic pain. No wonder my laptop chugga-chuggas, sighs, and struggles when I turn it on.

Like all hoarders, I fall into the trap of “I might need it someday.” Though, in the harsh light of high-resolution computer screen, I wonder why old electronic conversations, or files on the in-law family reunion 1999 need to be saved. By keeping just the urls (not email posting notices or feeds), I can visit blogs whenever; if I ever feel strong, brave, and organized enough to rejoin facebook or google+, I can friend and sign up for pages/groups more judiciously.

So, I’ve become tough – brutal by my standards, and I’m deleting til my trash, deleted, and recycle bins are overflowing. Like emptying closets or clearing out attics, or shedding pounds, I’m already feeling lighter, less burdened, less weighted down by c**p. If I can stop cyberhoarding, then maybe I can delete from my inner inbox those outdated emotions, faulty (or fuzzy) logic, inertia, and negative self-talk that weigh me down.

PS: I did send in my deepest, darkest, and never divulged to anyone secret on an appropriately and creatively designed postcard last year.

image from the postsecret website.

{earlier post in which postsecret is discussed}