Social Media Junkies Need Intervention

I laugh in amazement how some people over extend themselves in the digital world. Don't get me wrong, I have a Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Flickr, and my own personal Blog, but I use those in their own environment and try not to over extend them. Doing so gives life to each service. For example, Twitter is a great method for me to get my thoughts and ideas out there while meeting new people who either share the same interests or give their insights on mine. Facebook is use more for people I actually know and am currently administrator of 3 Facebook Pages, but I try not to over extend them UNLESS there is a common purpose behind it. The main reason why I'm voicing my opinion on this matter is that I've seen many people out there on YouTube, and other social sites trying to "Make It" or get noticed, and seen more downward spirals VS successes. Now I'm not saying don't peruse your dream but what I am saying is that you need to know your audience and you need to be EFFECTIVE to your followers. ENGAGE them, help them promote what they are about, and keep a solid network in motion. I have this Blog as my personal space on the inter webs to rant and rave on what I feel about at the moment and know that any of my awesome followers appreciate that I take the time to write and give insight on what I am working on. Speaking of what I am working on for 2012, there are many new projects in my lab, which will be posted about in a future post very soon. However, my Project365 has taught me a lot about being effective in social media and I intend on taking what I learned and move forward into more successes. So here is how I usually break it down;

Twitter: The whole point of twitter is to share information, so have at it! Yea, sometimes you get followed by spam bot pushing porn, or follow people that seemed level headed in their feed, and then all of a sudden late and night their posting borderline pornography looking for compliments. But hey, it is what it is. I am doing a new social media method on twitter by following a new user at least once a day.

Facebook: My opinion of Facebook is simple. It's for close friends and family members, anything more is a ploy to promote a product or view. Every wonder how much drama wouldn't exist if you didn't add everyone on Facebook? Well, I'll tell you, you don't get any!

Google+: This is such great idea on privacy and sharing features, the only issue is that the user base isn't that large, yet. But I can add anyone on my Google+ profile and feel OK about sharing my posts.

So keep your eyes peeled for an update on my projects for 2012. And as always...

Keep it Funky, Keep it Fresh, and I'll catch you on the Flipside!

~S~

Project 365: A Closer Look (Behind the Scenes)

Nature's Natural Reflection By: Saúl B.H.P.

I've been meaning to write a post about more details about how I am executing this flickr project. I get lots of people complimenting me on my photos and often get asked what kind of camera tools, editing features and filters I use to produce most of these images.  It's really amazing sometimes when I take a look back most of these photos, I too am pulled away at the colors that pop out, or angle certain photos are in. So, I wanted to make this post more about the tools I used for this project then the actual project as whole.

Camera:
For this project I am using my Apple iPhone 4, it's 5 Megapixel camera serves a great purpose for this project and even records in HD video.  By now it's no surprise that the iPhone 4 has taken the top spot as the most used device on flickr®.  It serves as a great device to use as a stepping stone into photography and one is also even able to create some really good masterpieces with the addition of Apps from the iTunes App Store.

Apps:
The best and most enjoyable part of creating the photos is using photo applications that can bring out the "flavor" of your photo, in fact some may even help make the image you shot better then before.  The following are the Apps I use to create the awesome images that you see in my photo spread today.  Some Apps I use more then others.  However, nothing beats a traditional camera shot with no editing or need for touch-up.  It doesn't hurt having these at your disposal either.




•Camera+ ($0.99) - This App has it all.  I love the filters and the option to make subtle touch ups in regards to cropping or just plain give your photo a full filter change.  An all around really good App.

•Photogene ($1.99) - This App is great for adding banners or making simple background enhancements to your photos.  I use it all the time when I wanna make funny signs or when I need run some attempts on what I want my image to look like before I finalize it for uploading.

•Luminance ($0.99) - This is the perfect photo app that lets you adjust the color exposure on your photos and gives you a very intimate and detail control over it.  Otherwise, you can't go wrong with it pre-selected filter options.

•FX Photo Studio ($1.99) -  This is for the "Way Out There" ones.  This app has a crazy amount of filters, it makes Instagram jealous! ;-) You can also randomize the filters too, and get a complete mash-up of filter and color options on your photo.

Storage for my Project 365 Gallery: flickr
This was a definite no brainer as a choice for storing my photos.  I was a little caught off-guard by the yearly or bi-yearly subscription service when one has uploaded more then 180+ photos, but it's a great site for photo viewing and sharing.  So many amazing photos can be seen on this site and I wanted to contribute.  The best part about this site is that you can edit exif data if need be.  Or you can use it to share via other social networks.  All in all, this is a beautiful site for anyone who is serious about photography.


The only thing missing is lots and lots of dedication, and an open mind, and also a good eye for things.  It's amazing how something like this can be created out of just a thought.  Well, that's it's for my behind the scenes look at my Project 365.  I didn't give out all my tricks of the amateur trade, but it does give you a good start.

Here's to looking to complete my Project 365 by the year's end, December 31st, 2011.  Keep It Funky, Keep it Fresh, and I'll catch you on the Flip-side! ;-)

Google+ VS. Facebook - My Social Test RESULTS!

So it's been an official 72 hours instead of a week focusing only on Google+ profile instead of Facebook.  And I feel I've learned enough to share my own thoughts on the differences between them.  Other then this post on my blog I've also taken the time to send Google this exact feedback as well, so what you guys are reading, they are reading as well.  So let's get down to business and get through the details.

Sharing Posts/Videos -  Google+ gives you an awesome layout to post relevant content relating to a specific group of friends or family members.  The best part is that your friends won't ignore your shares because you spent the last 10 posts talking about your cats or your thoughts on your little nephews first baseball game.  However, that also means you put yourself out there as a social friend as well.  Why do I say that?  Well it's simple, if you hang out with a group of people you workout with a lot, and you only talk to them about working out, then in a Google+ world they might have added you to a "workout buddies" circle and only share relevant stuff in that circle.  So that means, you do miss out on learning new things about them, or limit your chances to finding out more about these new friends.  In another case the good side to this is that you can share drunkin' photos with your best friends and no one you've added from your work will ever see them...just as long as you don't add them in a circle that can see said photos that is.  Other then that the upload process for images and videos are awesome and way better then Facebook's upload process.  The only gripe I have with this feature is that the first image instantly becomes the photo album cover, which I don't like.  I would love to be able to select a specific photo for the album cover.  It doesn't hurt to also include that ability to block people from re-sharing your posts to their profile, or you can block comments from taking place on a specific post too.  These are good measure that Google has taken at their shot of the social network spectrum.

Notifications -  Initially when G+ launched, they had an issue with their notifications service.  After a user checked up on their notification, they would still get a notification saying the same exact post, friend addition, or photo you were tagged in hasn't been address.  This caused a lot of frustration but, since it was still a new service not many users were really affected by it.  Since then, the notification system is perfectly fine.  However, what I do not like is getting notified for every single post that my friends puts up.  It's like a constant nagging and very annoying.  Now, a user can definitely remove these notifications in the update, but by default it's all on.  So, unless you spend a good amount of time in the settings, you just might end up annoying some friends or they might end up annoying you.  :-P

Mobile Sharing -  This actually strikes a cord with me the most.  Most people are on the go and don't have the time to sit in front of a computer and share information like we used to back in the day.  If there is an important piece of information that needs to be sent to a group of people, doing so with pre setup bookmarklets for easy sharing on Facebook or Twitter are a must.  Think about it, whole countries have organized riots, and revolted dictatorships using social networks and messaging services.  So, where is my Google+ Share button?  Most of my social networking happens in front of a small cellular screen or iPad, while I'm on the go.  I know that not everyone is that way, but most the world is.  So I would definitely get better use out of using their mobile app or using a share button to my Google+ page.  There just needs to be one from the get go and I don't feel that was a good move on Google's part.  But in my opinion, it puts the nail in the coffin for me.  Facebook here I come!

In the end really, it's up to the users and their friends.  If most of their friends aren't using Google+ because their friends are not on it or don't care to use it, then you won't have much pull on it.  It's still in it's Beta, so let's hope they add more features soon!

Google+ VS. Facebook - My Social Test

It's no surprise that it has come down to a test of sorts when it comes to using either one of these social networks.  I've listen to some saying that there are completely two different social machines in the form of promoting a business model (Facebook) and the other more grounded with privacy in mind (Google+).  So I'm closing down my Facebook page for AT LEAST one week to focus more on Google+ and how it can fit into my social networking hobbies.  Other then my auto feeds from twitterfeed, and flickr.  I will not be posting on Facebook for the next 7 days to focus more on using Google+.  I hope to gain a better understanding and also a good feel of use for this social site at then end of this test.  I'll collect my thoughts on a new blog post and share my feelings afterwards.  My goal is to not really pitting one social network against the other, but to gain a deeper understanding of the differences for myself.

I've Upgraded to SaúlBHP Version 3.1 (Now With Push!) - Twittering, Social Networking, And My Official Blog

Hey peeps! It's your friendly neighborhood web-slinger. Here are some updates that I've made towards my online persona.


The Official Blog Of Saúl Acevedo®

I've just finished putting some finishing touches on my blog and gave it a fresh reboot in look and features. Added a new search bar (powered by Google) which gives you the ability to search through my blog and get quick access to specific posts, access to my twitter feed via approval badge, and now the ability to leave me voice messages to my Google Voice Account! I have been taking sometime to perfect my posts and writing style down and will begin to post more on my blog. I am coming fresh off the heels of retouching my online social circle and will be eliminating all co-workers and political figures from my social accounts. If you wish to stay as a professional business connection, you are more then welcomed to use my LinkedIn account and stay connected with me. I feel keeping social sites like facebook and MySpace for friends and family a more fresh and real experience, having to not rethink the way you message about day to day things will be a breather for me. Also, it will let me dive deeper into my online potential.


The Relationship Story®

I have been figuring out what would be a good time slot to post any new episodes to this ongoing tale of how one person in love, deals with the emotions that have overcome their judgment of how to deal, and embraces new decisions that effect ones heart. I have trialed the time slot of Sunday or Monday mornings, and have decided to select Monday as the Official day to post any new episodes of this story. I feel I do my best writing at the end of my weekend. It is a stress re leaver and also my most creative time by comparison. I will be launching new episodes every Monday morning and promote through the day. Comments are always welcomed and appreciated. I thank all that have read any or all episodes to this story and promise to keep it as real and truthful in a emotional level as possible.

In closing, I hope everyone that visits my page enjoys the new look and welcomes all the new wackiness and awesomeness that I bring to the table. I would like to say that I have inspired some to become better individuals, whether with family or friends and also the most important factor, CELEBRATE LIFE! God Bless and catch you guys on the FL1P513D!


Posted by: Blog Owner

LMFAO! Maleena's Is Gonna Turn 23!

YouTube Video: HERE

Oh yes, it's that time of the year! Time to enjoy the good friends and drinks along with the crazy nights that are coupled with it. My friend Maleena is going to turn 23 this coming week. And to celebrate yours truly is merging HIS HISTORIC TRIUMPH! This is going to be one of those nights where anything can and will happen. I can't even imagine what the outcome will be. This will be held at the same location as my 30th Birthday Party! What? What was that? Why haven't I talked about my Big party on my blog yet? I know, I know, it's weird that I haven't really mentioned anything. I'll tell you what, the skinny on my BIG party is gonna be on here sooner then you think, you know the whole "Save the best thing for last" type of deal. Untill, then feel free to check out Maleena's link to her facebook party invite. Oh yeah by the way, your welcome Maleena!

Here is an excerpt for her party details:

"Hey guys! It's that time of year again, yours truly is turning 23! So here's the deal..

$35 will get you a PINK bracelet that gives you UNLIMITED drinks from 9pm-12pm, AND it gets you in my exclusive V.I.P area where bottle service will be available*

Also, say "Maleena" at the door for free cover all night!

The party is going to be associated with my boy Saul's 30th bday as well. Double the trouble!

It's gonna be a good time, so I hope to see you all there!"

Here are the links to both parties!

Maleena's Party - www.tinyurl.com/maleenabday

Saúl's Throw Down - www.tinyurl.com/saulbday

I'm Giving Up Social-Networking for Lent! I'll Return To The InterWebs In 40 Days!

Yes it's True, after much debate I've decided to honor my faith and remove one the most time consuming things that I love to do, and give it up for lent. Social-Networking, via outlets like twitter, facebook, MySpace and even LinkedIn are on the top of my list to be removed for the next 40 days and nights, during this time I hope that it encourages me to embark on some other hobbies that I've been putting off, and help pour my mental focus into something that will better myself in the end. I encourage anyone else that may be interested in the same thing to follow these guidelines that I feel might be the proper outlook to make this actually count.

Rules:

1. Disable all notification features on your social networking site to prevent you from looking into your profile(s). I've done this to all of mine.
2. Delete/uninstall any and all social networking apps for your phone/smart device.
3. Blogs: I've been torn on this one, blogs are good ways to vent or share important thoughts or pieces of information, and from the feedback I received, I know of some who will continue to blog and some who won't. I will side with the ability to continue to blog as It might help me understand any withdrawals I may have and I still will be able to share my important events that will happen in the meantime. What I will do is turn off my twitterfeed from my blog to my twitter as it will be an automated form of cheating.
4. Socializing via Cell Phone (i.e. email, Calling or SMS texting) will be acceptable for communication, just make sure that you don't break over into the social sites, not even to view any photos or videos or profiles! This is a MUST!

I have to extend a huge thank you to: Catholic Tech Tip (http://catholictechtips.stblogs.com/) for supplying the images for use on my social sites.

Please take a moment to view their blog and rip the images from them. Until next time,

GOD BLESS AND BE SAFE!

P.S. Please pray for me as I feel I might not last...

Getting Murdered Over a facebook Status? What is the World Coming Too?

Man murdered wife for changing Facebook status to 'single'

Story By: Will Pavia of - www.timesonline.co.uk

A man murdered his estranged wife after he became “enraged” that she had changed her marital status to single on the social networking site Facebook.

Edward Richardson, 41, was found guilty of stabbing to death Sarah Richardson, 26, a hairdresser, in her parents’ house in Staffordshire on May 12 last year.

Fiona Cortese of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Richarsdon became enraged when Sarah changed her marital status on Facebook to single and decided to go and see her as she was not responding to his messages.”

Stafford Crown Court heard that Richardson, a carpenter from Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent, had sought out Mrs Richardson in her parents house and entered by breaking the front door window.

“Once inside he found Sarah in her bedroom and subjected her to a frenzied and brutal attack with a knife and then attempted to take his own life,” said Ms Cortese.

She said: “We hope that today’s guilty verdict will go some way to easing the pain of Sarah’s friends and family after losing her in such a violent and abrupt way.”

Beryl and Alan Boote, the parents of Mrs Richardson, issued a statement after the verdict. “There simply aren’t the words to describe how Sarah’s death, and the awful way in which she died, has affected us,” they said. “We miss her so much. Sarah was the loveliest daughter anyone could wish for. She was honest, loyal and sweet, and everyone loved her.”

My Thoughts:

This has to be the most messed up a social networking site can do to people. It sounds like I'm against it right? I'm not, but it goes to show you that in any relationship, if there is no communication and honesty, then things of this or any nature could happen. Also, occurrences like this and others invoking suicide from another social networking crime, will only create more evidence that the people as a collective will be under big brothers watchful eye for a very long time and places like facebook, which help give users a place to enjoy life and express their view and thoughts will also be taken for granted.

A Historical Election, a BLOGTV Host Offended By Yours Truly & Facebook Friendship - What A Night To Remember!

Goodness, where do I begin here? Well, as previous post list, I just got back from my little escape from work in Chicago and Life back home in the NW Suburbs and I was excited to see what would happen come November 4th. So much stuff happened that it was just crazy all across the board.



Well, It happened, History was made and I was a part of it. All I can say regarding this is that I personally believe that is it time for a change, which we have only made the first step, I voted for Obama/Biden for a our new President/VP. And I am damn proud of it. Now the real test lies with us as Americans, John McCain was right, the failure last night was his and his alone, all of us as a nation divided due to the election needs to come together and regardless of political views and creed and make change happen in our Amazing country. Republican and Democrat alike. This has been the most Amazing and inspiring Political ride in the history of the World, and in the end, Chicago was the center of the world for a moment and in that same moment the world will change forever. On a side note, I hope this makes people who want to make a city of origin for a movie character or Comic book backdrop the city of Chicago instead of over played New York. I would really like that. We'll see.



So, meanwhile all of this was happening last night, at the same time Brea Grant (Daphne Millbrook the Speedster from the TV Show HEROES) was going to be interviewed on BRADMANTV (Link: http://bradman.tv/blog/) Bradley Workman is a rising internet web-leberty well known from his live tv blog. I think I would have watched it but was way more interested in seeing the election unfold. Too bad I didn't because I might have been his next guest. I guess I got under his skin a bit. LOL! OMG it still makes me laugh. So here is the breakdown:

I use twitter incase you didn't know by now and on it I follow Greg Grunberg (aka Matt Parkman) and Brea Grant (aka Daphne Millbrook) from the TV Show HEROES, I also use it to follow other people as well. Anyways, one night during the midnight hours I notice that Brea announce on her twitter feed that Greg is now going to twitter his thoughts and such and follow in Brea's footsteps. So I was quick to add him and welcomed him as well. It was pretty cool now, I'm follow two people from HEROES! So anyways following Greg's twitter feed I noticed he was trying to add a special person on his follow list for some odd reason, so after about 10 mins of him getting the twitter set-up right, he added someone called BRADMANTV, and then posted a tweet that he will be doing a phone interview right now with Brad from BRADMANTV and to follow the link to see the interview. So I clicked the link and just watched the interview, on Brad's BLOGTV you can register and chat log your questions to Brad, so he can feed them through the interview. Well, my personal thoughts on it where that I felt he could have done a more efficient job with the interview, he seemed overly excited that he had Greg on the phone and was so in awe. After the interview I went to sleep and called it a day.

Meanwhile on the interwebs during Election Day's final counts:

Brea was posting on her facebook that she will be attending a phone interview on BRADMANTV just as Greg Grunberg as done. Then, the comments started to flow in her facebook page, I was one of the comments as well, as the comments before me stated how much they felt Brad was a "unique" guy. Here is the screen shot of her page:


(Click for full image)

So as you can tell my comment was pretty upfront and forward, what I didn't know is that it got under his skin so much that he personal messaged me on my facebook page after the interview was done and wanted to give me a gift. It was about 3am or so when I checked my facebook and I have to admit I didn't know to react except to laugh. Here is the thread of messages back and forth between me and him on facebook:


(Click for full image)

During this thread I changed my profile page to his custom made image and tagged it. LOL! Too funny! I am taking it as the highest form of flattery!

Here is the image he custom made and sent me:



I know it's crazy as hell. And I might be a guest on his show. That would be the best! Either way it was pretty funny and cool. BHPTV, ORDTV, SKABTV anyone?