Brightkite recently released a feature that allows users to customize their updates that get sent to Twitter.

Here's a standard Brightkite update on Twitter:

I'm at 150 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60602, USA http://bkite.com/977U.

If you ask me, this is rather bland. It sounds like a computer talking.

I've decided to make my Brightkite-to-Twitter updates look more human. I've converted the above example to:

I'm at or near 150 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60602. Say hello if you're here!

First, I added "at or near" since I'm not always exactly at the place when I update. "Near" means I could be just arriving, just leaving, or somewhere around the area. I've also added a personal touch to the very end: "Say hello if you're here!"

I use Brightkite and Twitter to meet people, after all. I want people to know that I'm open to meeting anytime, so don't be afraid to walk up to me and say hello.

I also removed the link at the end which normally takes you to the Brightkite site, with a map displaying exactly where I am. I've decided this is not necessary for Twitter. If you follow me on Brightkite, you have full access to the map already, so there's no need to send that to Twitter as well. I just want my Twitter followers to get an idea where I am. Doesn't have to be so precise with the map link (which also takes up extra characters in the tweet, so removing it saves room for other text).

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When I developed Twordy, I did so with the intention of filling a need - being able to post as much content as you'd like, while still taking advantage of micro-blogging services like Twitter.

This is especially useful for those that don't want/need to maintain a traditional blog, and already have a growing group of followers on Twitter.

I'm really not expecting this idea to take off and be a huge hit, but what I do expect is similar services to hit the web which mimic Twordy's concept.

One such service, called TinyPaste, does just that. You can copy/paste, or type directly into a text box, and then submit your content. You then receive a permanent URL for pasting into micro-blogging services. Essentially you're writing your content elsewhere, and just linking to it from micro-blogging services that would otherwise have limited the amount of text you could type.

This is no different from writing a separate blog post, and then linking to it on Twitter. The difference is that services like Twordy and TinyPaste remove the complexity and overhead of traditional blogging systems. They simply reduce the number of steps it takes to write content and share it - taking advantage of your micro-blogging network, which is already established and probably growing.

I think we're going to see more services like Twordy and TinyPaste, as social networks become more prevalent and necessary to conduct relations of any kind.

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Ads have been immersed into web pages for as long as I can remember - specifically HTML pages. I don't mind ads mixed into web content, as long as they're not deceptive, intrusive, or downright annoying.

For years, my RSS reader has been ad-free, and I've enjoyed the clutter-less environment for absorbing content without distractions. But lately I'm starting to see more ads alongside feed content in RSS readers.

Since RSS is, more or less, a stripped down version of the HTML page, I'm accustomed to seeing only the content I wish to read. An RSS reader is not meant for visual layout, and is typically more confined space-wise. An HTML page, on the other hand, can utilize the entire browser viewable portion to designate certain sections for content, and sections for ads. If this is done effectively, the ads do not intrude on the content.

With RSS readers, though, you're not designing a layout, you're just presenting the raw content. Therefore, ads in RSS feeds are more intrusive than they would be on an HTML page.

Take, for example, this screenshot:

This is way too obnoxious. It's also hard to differentiate whether the ad image is, in fact, an ad, or part of the content (maybe they included an image in the content source).

What I find additionally unnerving is that this particular feed only gives me a brief portion of content, suggesting that I click through to read the fullarticle. Couple that with an obnoxious ad, and it's a poor user experience.

I suppose I'll take the same stance regarding ads in RSS feeds, as I do with ads in HTML pages. If done effectively and minimally, ads shouldn't intrude on the users ability to absorb the content.

Overall, I suppose it will just take some time to get used to ads in RSS feeds, because they're certainly not going anywhere.

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There's more to social networks than simply spraying your content around the web.

Ping.fm was created with the sole purpose of being able to simultaneously update multiple networks with the same message without having to visit each network individually.

Now you don't have to fumble around the web in order to post anymore, you can just post once, and be done with it.

Services like this are bad for the social web. Content is no longer created for a specific community or network, and is instead sprayed out ambiguously from a central source. This cheapens the value of the networks to which the content is directed, because the content is not unique to that network.

Users should know better than to mass spam all their followers with the same message.

I've said this before - if you can't find the time or proper balance to update each network with a unique message that encapsulates what that network is about, you're probably involved with too many networks. It would be wise to review which networks are actually doing something for you.

You won't need a service like Ping.fm if you only join networks that differentiate your content offerings. For example, here are some networks I'm in, and what type of content I offer each:

• Twitter: activity stream. What am I doing? Also can be used for micro-content on thoughts, ideas, or anything on my mind.
• Brightkite: placestream. Where am I? Notes and photos about the specific place.
• Utterz: voicestream. When text isn't enough.
• Flickr: photostream. Photos.

As you can see, each network manages uniquely different types of content. No two services are identical in purpose. Therefore, I'll only duplicate content when the content relates to both networks. For example, if I'm at a place (Brightkite), and take an awesome photo (Flickr) - I'll post it both to Flickr and Brightkite.

This is not to say Ping.fm is completely useless. With caution, it can be effective in promoting your social network presence without annoying your followers.

Related

• Facebook "Blog It" app cheapens content
• API connections and cross-network auto posting
• FriendFeed adds to content overload

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Twitter "broadcasting" is when someone follows you, then immediately unfollows you after you've returned followed them.

Since Twitter only sends an email notification when someone is following you, you have no way to know when someone unfollows you, unless you check manually.

"Broadcasting" is a method of getting a lot of people to follow you, while still keeping the number of people you follow to a manageable amount - close friends and people you know. This is evident for Twitter users who have an extremely off-balanced Following to Followers ratio.

For example, if someone has 500 followers, and is only following 82, they are probably "broadcasting."

Broadcasting is bad because it defeats the purpose of a social network. Instead of truthfully making a connection with someone, "broadcasters" only care about inflating their own content to as many eyes as possible.

Of course, there are legitimate reasons why someone could have such an off-balanced follower to following ratio. They could be an A-list blogger, or perhaps they simply can't keep up with all the followers.

On the other hand, they could also be a "bot," which is a Twitter account that has system-generated updates.

Thankfully, Twitter shows us the total number of Followers and Following for each Twitter user. This information helps us to make the decision of whether or not to follow that user.

Here are three example Twitter users (they shouldn't exist, but they may), and their Followers to Following ratio. Included is an explanation of what type of user they are, and whether it's wise to follow them.

If you think you followed a broadcaster, you can easily check to see if they are still following you by using doesfollow.com.

Ideally, it would be great if Twitter could send an "unfollow email," which would alert users when someone unfollows you. This probably won't ever happen because it fosters a negative community vibe.

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Brightkite acts like Twitter for places. Post photos, notes, and check-in anywhere in the world.

This is useful for organizing events, meeting new people, or just having an idea of where your friends are at.

It's also useful for collecting photos and notes about a specific location. Think of it as a social network version of Travelocity.

Any physical location (an address or business) has a permanent page on Brightkite, where Brightkite users can post photos and notes at or about the place.

For example, if I'm currently checked-in at Wrigley Field, any notes or photos I submit will reside underneath the Wrigley Field address page on Brightkite. I can also submit photos and notes while not at that place - let's say I'm just talking about the place, such as:

"Wow, that game last night was great!"

I'd reference Wrigley Field's location on Brightkite when leaving this note, so users can apply further context to my note. Any future Wrigley Field visitors will see my note amongst all the other photos and notes collected for that location.

It's called a placestream.

It doesn't even have to be a landmark location like a baseball stadium. Any physical address (or even just a city and state) can retain notes and photos about it.

Here's the placestream for the CTA's Jackson Blue Line stop in Chicago. How about a placestream just for a city and state, effectively zooming out from street level? Check out Mount Prospect, IL.

Imagine a future where you're visiting a place, and you already have dozens of notes and photos about that place. And these aren't media-filtered notes and images. It's pure user-generated content - raw and real.

If I were a small business, I'd make sure my Brightkite location page had good reviews coming in. I'd also "build up" that location page with good photos and thoughts.

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Utterz is great for posting voice notes while on the go. Trouble is, it works more like a traditional blog, than a status update tool. To follow a user on Utterz, you have two choices: RSS, or dial into the universal Utterz phone number and cycle through the automated menu options.

Neither of these options come to you. You have to go out and check for updates yourself. In other words, I'd have to open my RSS reader on my mobile device and check for updates to that feed. Or, I could call the Utterz phone number and cycle through until I find only the updates I want to hear. Both of these options are time-consuming and not worth the effort.

I'd prefer an "alert" mechanism, such as SMS or email. When someone posts a voice-only Utter, I should get an SMS or email with a link or callback number to immediately hear the Utter.

This is exactly how Pinger works. You leave a message, and your message is "broadcasted" to all followers.

It's also how services like Twitter and Brightkite work. You are able to follow users on an individual alert basis, using SMS or email.

The only way to follow an individual user on Utterz is with RSS. This is bad because RSS is server delayed, meaning the updates won't come across in real-time. Also, as far as I know, there are currently no nifty RSS applications for mobile devices that treat RSS updates as "alerts" to you.

In a sense, to follow others on Utterz, it's all or none. You have to follow your entire circle, or no one.

I'd like a service that combines Utterz ability to post voice, notes, photos, etc - with something like Pinger, which provides immediate SMS or email alerts, a callback number for voice notes, and the ability to fine-tune alerts on an individual user basis.

Of course, in an ideal world, all the services I use could be merged into one, super-blogging service.

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It's rare that I'll gripe about a product, and a few days later see a new version released, correcting many of my complaints.

The Flip Mino is the latest addition to the Flip Video line of camcorders.

As for the name, I'm not quite sure yet how to pronounce "Mino." I'm thinking min-O, but it just sounds wrong altogether.

If you recall my initial complaints:

• AA batteries only source of power
• Conversion time lengthy for longer videos
• USB "arm" not practical

Two of these have been resolved (somewhat):

• AA batteries only source of power: The Flip Mino has a rechargeable battery.
• USB "arm" not practical: The USB "arm" now extends from the top, as opposed to the side, making more room for other peripherals.

Clearly, they've taken some important aspects into consideration, making the Flip Mino much more usable.

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I really like the Flip camcorder. I wrote up a quick introduction to it on Pain in the Tech.

The best part about the flip is that it promotes spontaneity. Just flip it on, and hit record. No confusing menus or set up required. Recording videos has become more natural now, without requiring heavy technical knowledge.

However, there are some things about the Flip that I would like to see improved:

• AA batteries only source of power
• Conversion time lengthy for longer videos
• USB "arm" not practical

AA batteries only source of power

The Flip does not come with any sort of A/C adapter or rechargeable battery. This means you better invest in those old, clunky AA batteries that you thought you'd never need again.

I've decided the Flip is best used for short, quick videos. If you intend to use the Flip as your primary podcast camcorder, for example... then those 30-45 minute podcast episodes will eat the batteries really quick.

The Flip is best designed to use on the road, while not near a power source. If you're near power, and you intend to record more than 30 minutes of video, you might as well use a digital camera's video recording capabilities, with the connected power source.

The Flip can hold up to 60 minutes of video, but as I mentioned above, it's best to fill that capacity with many short, quick videos, as opposed to one long 60-minute video.

A rechargeable battery, and/or A/C adapter would be nice in a future Flip release.

Conversion time lengthy for longer videos

As mentioned above, it's best to use the Flip for short, quick videos. Recording longer videos (anything longer than 20 minutes) will eat the batteries quickly, and cause an extended conversion time. (When you plug the Flip into a computer, it converts the videos for sharing on the web or elsewhere.)

I tried converting a 40 minute video for sharing on the web, and it still wasn't complete after an hour. I ended up canceling the process.

USB "arm" not practical

The Flip's USB "arm" is cute, but not practical. Try plugging it into a USB port on your laptop, and you'll quickly discover that all other connections need to be unplugged first. This is inconvenient and could be improved by including a USB extension cable.

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My thoughts on being a web developer and dealing with user requests/problems.

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