This week I participated to a training course that gave an overview on how to use social media in marketing. The course was reasonably interesting and I must say that I now know a bit more about how to utilize tools like Facebook and LinkedIn in marketing.
One lecture on the course handled the future. The lecturer presented a vision where social media and networks will penetrate to every field of our life. Let?s say that you are walking in the city center and would like to find a restaurant. You take your mobile phone from your pocket and it can recommend to you restaurants based on the places you have visited before, what your friends have recommended and so. The phone could give you the menu an how to get to the restaurant, maybe even make a table reservation and if your friends happen to be in near the phone may suggest that you ask them to join for dinner. This sort of services would apply everywhere and to everything. Computing would be ubiquitous.
For me this kind of vision sounds a bit pointless is the problem that is being solved with computing being everywhere all the time really that big. What is wrong with not knowing where you are, why don?t you want to explore new cities. What this ubiquitous computing becomes a straight jacket that instead of making us explore and try new things keeps us always in our comfort zone. I think that the best part of living is not knowing what becomes happens next, trying new things and challenging yourself every day. If people become so accustomed to being surrounded by technology that advises them in every situation, we might soon be living in world that Isaac Asimov drew up in his book ?Caves Of Steel?.
One crucial point of network is that it brings benefit to the participants. How does the situation change if network becomes too large and it is difficult to assess if someone is getting things without contributing anything. I also wonder that is it possible that the actual first signs no longer are seen in social media, but instead the first signs of trends will be seen in the IRL social networks of early adopters of new trends. What I mean that if when some new trend appears in social media it is already everywhere and known by everybody it becomes quite impossible to try and benefit from this emerging trend.
What happens when people do not want to share or wish to limit the network among which they wish to share information? Will we see new barriers and borders being raised so that people will able to protect their networks? Last week I read that the World Economic Forum has started an social media service for its participants. The service is called WELCOM and the participants of the service are 5000 of the most influential people in the world. Of course these people can not (but should they?) talk openly about what they think about where the world is going, so it is quite understandable that a service like WELCOM has been created.
Social media undoubtedly brings with it also good things. It will be easier to tell about new ideas and opportunities to the right people straight away. The rippling effect of your message may reach a lot more people than a normal marketing message and it will also be more accurate. There is also a great possibility to react to customer responses more efficiently and to develop your goods and services according what customers think.
I predict that the next phase in the evolution of social media will have something to do with assessing if this matters to you personally. The professionals, I believe, speak of semantic web.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Making Innovations
As I wrote in my previous blog posting I am participating to the 1st EU-Russia Innovation Forum in Lappeenranta, Finland. I want to stress that I am total dilettante in the field if someone does not notice that from the things I have written to this blog.
Somehow these seminars are a bit idiotic, because there is a room full of people just yapping (or few are yapping) about things that have no potential in creating these innovations ie. the supposed goal of the seminar. Also it may be harmful to have these seminars because there is a danger that thinking about these things unifies and thus making the appearance of new innovations difficult. I believe it is crucial that there is diversification in thinking patterns and practices, that enables the creation new ideas and practices. Somehow I agree with the CEO of Technopolis Mr. Keith Silverang that governments are the problem not the solution in these innovation matters, but on the other hand governments have the ability to build circumstances that are needed for innovative society, I mean education and equal opportunities for all to develop their own abilities to full potential. In this respect there are grounds for organizing these sort of events: it is good that the government, business people and universities think together how to create the best circumstances for new innovations to appear and how process them so that they became viable options to better our society.
This brings us to the second thing is it possible to make innovations grow. I think that the answer is yes and no. Yes, it is possible to promote the appearance of so called small innovations i.e. the development of telecommunications and types of new services. Is it possible to promote the appearance of big, world changing innovations? For that you, naturally, need time, money (a lot) and talented people. They will not appear, because of some 5-year government program. For that you need enough resources in the basic structure that support innovation starting from social security, basic education and universities that supports all and has the possibility to give enough challenge to these special individuals to realize their interest. Of course there is also this point that maybe there should not be any support that these extra ordinary people will find their way, what ever the circumstances are.
Every child should have the feeling that the world is open to them. Some doors will of course close, but the ability to succeed should be open to all. To create this feeling every child should receive the best education possible. The content of the education should be as wide as possible. It should support their ability to understand the big picture and their basic education should include ability understand many different subject areas and the ability to think, to categorize, to argue, to induct, to exchange views, to weigh different possibilities and make a decision based on the facts. Also they should high values and moral. I think this is one of the most important things. In addition the concept of success should not be too narrow, because then we may lose innovations that are not in the fields of business and economy.
I think the focus should be on the big world changing innovations rather than innovations create quick profits and business.
This writing is all quite general and a bit high flying but this is how I feel. This is what long day at a seminar and one Guinness does to you.
Ps. If you are looking for Irish pub in Lappeenranta go to Old Cock. (hahaa) Happy hour 12.00-18.00 Guinness/Kilkenny/ Kozel/Fosters etc. 3.20€
Somehow these seminars are a bit idiotic, because there is a room full of people just yapping (or few are yapping) about things that have no potential in creating these innovations ie. the supposed goal of the seminar. Also it may be harmful to have these seminars because there is a danger that thinking about these things unifies and thus making the appearance of new innovations difficult. I believe it is crucial that there is diversification in thinking patterns and practices, that enables the creation new ideas and practices. Somehow I agree with the CEO of Technopolis Mr. Keith Silverang that governments are the problem not the solution in these innovation matters, but on the other hand governments have the ability to build circumstances that are needed for innovative society, I mean education and equal opportunities for all to develop their own abilities to full potential. In this respect there are grounds for organizing these sort of events: it is good that the government, business people and universities think together how to create the best circumstances for new innovations to appear and how process them so that they became viable options to better our society.
This brings us to the second thing is it possible to make innovations grow. I think that the answer is yes and no. Yes, it is possible to promote the appearance of so called small innovations i.e. the development of telecommunications and types of new services. Is it possible to promote the appearance of big, world changing innovations? For that you, naturally, need time, money (a lot) and talented people. They will not appear, because of some 5-year government program. For that you need enough resources in the basic structure that support innovation starting from social security, basic education and universities that supports all and has the possibility to give enough challenge to these special individuals to realize their interest. Of course there is also this point that maybe there should not be any support that these extra ordinary people will find their way, what ever the circumstances are.
Every child should have the feeling that the world is open to them. Some doors will of course close, but the ability to succeed should be open to all. To create this feeling every child should receive the best education possible. The content of the education should be as wide as possible. It should support their ability to understand the big picture and their basic education should include ability understand many different subject areas and the ability to think, to categorize, to argue, to induct, to exchange views, to weigh different possibilities and make a decision based on the facts. Also they should high values and moral. I think this is one of the most important things. In addition the concept of success should not be too narrow, because then we may lose innovations that are not in the fields of business and economy.
I think the focus should be on the big world changing innovations rather than innovations create quick profits and business.
This writing is all quite general and a bit high flying but this is how I feel. This is what long day at a seminar and one Guinness does to you.
Ps. If you are looking for Irish pub in Lappeenranta go to Old Cock. (hahaa) Happy hour 12.00-18.00 Guinness/Kilkenny/ Kozel/Fosters etc. 3.20€
Seminar Blues
I am participating to a seminar in Lappeeranta, 1st Eu-Russia Innovation Forum. The purpose of the forum's purpose is to discuss the innovation cooperation of the two parties from different perspectives.
Previously I haven't participated to such an seminar and it has been quite an enlightening experience and here some remarks I've made during the seminar:
1. The same things seem to be repeated in many speeches.
It just shows how important it is to support the status quo or create rapport or show that you know the basic things of the subject area. Also disagreeing is something that does not exists in these events or maybe in the corridor discussion and discussions during the evening dinner.
2. You should know why you are there
Why go if you do not have a clear target. It is a bit embarrassing to talk to people when you do not have a clear target to present to them.
3. Going as an outsider
Social aspect
It is quite painful to just walk around and look as other people group and meet the old acquaintances and chat around. People seem to know exactly are you in or out. I've seen couple of other young people that walk around and obviously they do not have a clue why they are there.
Outside of the subject area
The topic of the seminar is something that is totally unknown to me. I have no previous knowledge of how innovation is supported and promoted by universities, businesses and governments. First of all the jargon related, especially the different program and policy names, is quite a jungle to navigate. Also not knowing anything makes the lectures and speeches quite irrelevant.
As a closing comment I'd like to say that this seminar has left me with two kinds of feelings. Firstly it has been a great opportunity to meet new people and familiarize with subject area that has previously been unknown to me. Secondly I think that for me this seminar was a bit unnecessary and I had nothing to give or ability to take use of the opportunities at the seminar.
Previously I haven't participated to such an seminar and it has been quite an enlightening experience and here some remarks I've made during the seminar:
1. The same things seem to be repeated in many speeches.
It just shows how important it is to support the status quo or create rapport or show that you know the basic things of the subject area. Also disagreeing is something that does not exists in these events or maybe in the corridor discussion and discussions during the evening dinner.
2. You should know why you are there
Why go if you do not have a clear target. It is a bit embarrassing to talk to people when you do not have a clear target to present to them.
3. Going as an outsider
Social aspect
It is quite painful to just walk around and look as other people group and meet the old acquaintances and chat around. People seem to know exactly are you in or out. I've seen couple of other young people that walk around and obviously they do not have a clue why they are there.
Outside of the subject area
The topic of the seminar is something that is totally unknown to me. I have no previous knowledge of how innovation is supported and promoted by universities, businesses and governments. First of all the jargon related, especially the different program and policy names, is quite a jungle to navigate. Also not knowing anything makes the lectures and speeches quite irrelevant.
As a closing comment I'd like to say that this seminar has left me with two kinds of feelings. Firstly it has been a great opportunity to meet new people and familiarize with subject area that has previously been unknown to me. Secondly I think that for me this seminar was a bit unnecessary and I had nothing to give or ability to take use of the opportunities at the seminar.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Is True Blood softcore porn?
True Blood started in my country a couple of weeks ago. Now I've seen three episodes of the first season and at first I was quite impressed. The show is well written and the setting in Louisiana creates a great atmosphere for the show.
The first two episodes were great, but in third one started to feel like that the show is sucking up the viewer a bit too much. I think there is too much sexual and violent content shown in True Blood. What I mean is that maybe it would be more interesting that sexual tension and threat of violence would be present all the time instead of ultra violence and explicit sexuality being shown all the time. But I must admit that showing Sookie touching herself (I hate euphemisms, I meant to masturbating) is quite brave and something that you don't see everyday on TV.
But still the the show is extremely good. I just hope that the show wouldn't be so obvious and graphic. It makes this excellent show look pretentious. It seems that the writers are trying to write a show that would have wide appeal among young men and women. I think that less is more would be better in this case. On the other hand showing all the violence, sex and drug use gives a touch of reality to the show.
Anyhow I like the show. The southern wibe in the show is just something that makes True Blood stand out from the crowd and there are also some interesting social issues that are being discussed in the show, all be it it is a bit fake, but still fun ideas.
Is True Blood soft core porn? Well I must say that it is, but it is still entertaining to watch.
The first two episodes were great, but in third one started to feel like that the show is sucking up the viewer a bit too much. I think there is too much sexual and violent content shown in True Blood. What I mean is that maybe it would be more interesting that sexual tension and threat of violence would be present all the time instead of ultra violence and explicit sexuality being shown all the time. But I must admit that showing Sookie touching herself (I hate euphemisms, I meant to masturbating) is quite brave and something that you don't see everyday on TV.
But still the the show is extremely good. I just hope that the show wouldn't be so obvious and graphic. It makes this excellent show look pretentious. It seems that the writers are trying to write a show that would have wide appeal among young men and women. I think that less is more would be better in this case. On the other hand showing all the violence, sex and drug use gives a touch of reality to the show.
Anyhow I like the show. The southern wibe in the show is just something that makes True Blood stand out from the crowd and there are also some interesting social issues that are being discussed in the show, all be it it is a bit fake, but still fun ideas.
Is True Blood soft core porn? Well I must say that it is, but it is still entertaining to watch.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
No more silent mornings
Now it's official, spring is here. How did I notice you might ask. Well let me tell you.
This morning when I was standing on the bus stop I noticed two things. Firstly my balls were not freezing. That means that the temperature is not -20 Celsius any more, more like -5 or under which is quite bearable. Secondly you can hear birds singing in the trees and they are now longer just singing little beeps, like they do in the winter, but instead you can hear actual exchange of song.
Spring is finally here. GREAT.
PS.
Actually the first thing you notice every morning is the fact that it is light when you wake up. The light part of the day is almost 11 hours long and getting longer. Wonder when we get over twelve.
This morning when I was standing on the bus stop I noticed two things. Firstly my balls were not freezing. That means that the temperature is not -20 Celsius any more, more like -5 or under which is quite bearable. Secondly you can hear birds singing in the trees and they are now longer just singing little beeps, like they do in the winter, but instead you can hear actual exchange of song.
Spring is finally here. GREAT.
PS.
Actually the first thing you notice every morning is the fact that it is light when you wake up. The light part of the day is almost 11 hours long and getting longer. Wonder when we get over twelve.
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Ricky Gervais Show aka mumbling about things that aren't actually even funny -show
The other night I watched The Ricky Gervais Show, which is the animated version of his weekly(?) radio show that he does with couple of his friends. In the show they discuss topics that are somehow actual, but usually they just talk about something that Karl Pilkington thought about during the week.
Pilkingtons opinions and theories are supposed to be funny, but I never seem to see anything original or amusing in his views on various issues. The show mostly consists of mumbling and Gervais' fake laughter which in my mind does not make a funny TV show.
At least the episode I watched did not make good television. Maybe the show works in the radio but the animated TV version totally sucks. Somehow there is no dynamic in the sketches they do and the animation is rubbish. In short the show lacks punch lines. Yes, yes I understand that it is possible to make comedy with out punch lines, but the stories in the show just are not funny, they don't make laugh.
Maybe these guys just did not understand why their show originally started in the radio. I'll give you a hint. It is the opposite of funny.
Pilkingtons opinions and theories are supposed to be funny, but I never seem to see anything original or amusing in his views on various issues. The show mostly consists of mumbling and Gervais' fake laughter which in my mind does not make a funny TV show.
At least the episode I watched did not make good television. Maybe the show works in the radio but the animated TV version totally sucks. Somehow there is no dynamic in the sketches they do and the animation is rubbish. In short the show lacks punch lines. Yes, yes I understand that it is possible to make comedy with out punch lines, but the stories in the show just are not funny, they don't make laugh.
Maybe these guys just did not understand why their show originally started in the radio. I'll give you a hint. It is the opposite of funny.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Cross-Country Skiing
It is perfect weather for cross-country skiing. Go now. That is what I did today. I skiied 8,5 km.
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