There are many ways to participate in Project 365. I chose Flickr, mainly because I’ve been using the site for years and it’s comfortable like an old pair of favorite shoes. They have a great community and lots of groups devoted to the Project 365 meme.

Most of my photos were taken with my iPhone, which I use more and more frequently. For some I used my Canon SD780 point-and-shoot. I didn’t generally get fancy or do a lot of planned shots. Most were what I would describe as “opportunistic,” and reflect what I did or where I was that day. It’s wonderful to scan the thumbnails and take a visual stroll through 2011.

One thing I learned — it was sometimes difficult to find something worthy of sharing. Some days I would be so busy, I’d nearly forget to shoot a photo until late in the evening. Which explains the many still images of “stuff” around my study.

When January 1st 2012 rolled around, I breathed a sigh of relief. Even though it took me a couple weeks to finish posting, tagging, titling and organizing the photos, I was free to not take a photo, if I so chose. Would I do it again? Sure! It was a lot of fun. But would I do it in consecutive years? Well, I’m not this year.

Related posts:

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2. Three Weeks in Paris I am leaving today for a three week vacation in...
3. Photo Friday: Sunset Friday night the sky lit up at sunset. Joan and...

Yes, today Klout changed their algorithm for calculating your Klout score

I think #Klout blew up again. Thoughts? #ToolsChat

October 26, 2011 10:14 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@BrandFlair

John D. Boyle

@sbhsbh My #Klout has been tanking quite a bit the past couple of months. I'm not doing anything different either. Must be algorithms?

October 25, 2011 10:48 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@staceysoleil

Stacey Soleil ☀

And even the well-known Klout gamers like Mark Davidson are up in arms (or is that just a game?).

@tec4_cleveland I went from an 80 Klout score on Saturday to... I think I'm sitting on a 60 score today. http://t.co/o7HAnp0w

October 26, 2011 10:12 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@markdavidson

Mark Davidson

But really, does anybody really care about your Klout score? We’ve already seen how easy it is to game the Klout system. Is your Klout score really helping you get more work, a better job, or a hotter date? And even if it has, if Klout adjusts the algorithm in a way that improves the scoring (even if the net result is most people see a dip in the number), won’t you still essentially stack up the same in a comparison?

The whole hoopla reminded me of a song by Chicago, that if written today, might go something like this:

Does Anybody Really Know What My Klout Is?

As I was walking down the street one day, a man came up to me
and asked me what the Klout was that was on my Mac, yeah, and I said-
Does anybody really know what my Klout is? Does anybody really care?
If so, I can’t imagine why we’ve all got time enough to cry.

And I was walking down the street one day. A pretty lady looked at me
and said her diamond Klout score had dropped cold dead and I said,
Does anybody really know what your Klout is? Does anybody really care?
If so, I can’t imagine why we’ve all got time enough to cry.

And I was walking down the street one day (people running everywhere).
Being pushed and shoved (don’t know where to go)
by people trying to beat the Klout (don’t know where I am)
oh, no I just don’t know (can’t see past the next step),
I don’t know (don’t have the Klout to influence the last Tweeter),
I don’t know, (have no K+ in my topic areas),
And I said, yes I said (just run around, run around and think why)-
Does anybody really know what their Klout is? Does anybody really care?
If so, I can’t imagine why we’ve all got Klout enough to die. Everybody’s running.

What’s your take on the Klout changes? Personally, my Klout score dropped from 59 to 49. And personally, I don’t care.

Related posts:

1. Follow Friday: #CoWorkers Follow Friday has been a long-standing meme on Twitter where...
2. The Origin of Follow Friday Follow Friday is a popular Twitter meme that has been...
3. Social Media and Knowledge Management Social media is often cast as being at odds with...

Thanks to Liz Williams, Brett Miller, V Mary Abraham, James Monroe, Stan Garfield, Juha Krapinoja, Allison Maguire, Ryan McClead, Ben Hack, Kelly Craft, David Wallace, Joe Raimondo for joining the dialogue.

Here’s the complete transcript:

Greetings #KMers! Before we kickoff the discussion on Social Computing and #KM, please introduce yourself. #KMers

October 4, 2011 8:59 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

Liz Williams here in London #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:01 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@liz_with_hat

Liz W

My name is Jeff Hester, and I'm a #KM business analyst at Fluor in SoCal. I'll be moderating this TweetChat today. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:01 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

Brett Miller here in St. Louis, MO #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:02 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@gbrettmiller

Brett Miller

Mary Abraham from AboveandBeyondKM.com in transit in NYC. Hope my connectivity holds up as I travel during the next few minutes. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:02 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@VMaryAbraham

VMaryAbraham

James Monroe From Chicago,Il #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:02 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@shinkakida

James Monroe

Hi, Jeff. Stan Garfield with Deloitte in Detroit. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:03 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@stangarfield

Stan Garfield

Welcome @liz_with_hat @gbrettmiller @VMaryAbraham @shinkakida #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:03 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

Juha Krapinoja, Helsinki, Finland. KM/ECM/SoMe Consultant German/Finnish/English spoken #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:03 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@JuKra59

Juha Krapinoja

Allison Maguire from Reading, UK #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:03 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@maguireap

Allison Maguire

Excellent! Some familiar and (to me) new faces. Let's dive in. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:04 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

Q1: How do you define social computing, and how does it differ from KM? #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:05 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

Ryan McClead in NYC. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:05 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@rmcclead

Ryan McClead

I think of social computing as an enabler for KM. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:07 am via Twitter for AndroidReplyRetweetFavorite

@maguireap

Allison Maguire

Social computing is a process by which people interact to make things happen... #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:07 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@gbrettmiller

Brett Miller

...KM is how organizations leverage and exploit the results of those interactions. #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:08 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@gbrettmiller

Brett Miller

Participating in kmers.org TweetChat. Answer to Q1: Social computing is very useful for KM, and it is has other uses #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:08 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@stangarfield

Stan Garfield

"Exploit" in a non-pejorative way, that is. #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:08 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@gbrettmiller

Brett Miller

@maguireap Social computing enables KM... can you elaborate? #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:08 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

First thought: SocComp is more relation- & network-centric and KM more asset-centric. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:09 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@JuKra59

Juha Krapinoja

@JuKra59 The unspoken flipside to Q1 is "How do you define KM?" For many it is asset-centric. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:10 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

RT @JuKra59: First thought: SocComp is more relation- & network-centric and KM more asset-centric. -> agree #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:10 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@gbrettmiller

Brett Miller

@gbrettmiller agreed, but KM can also be one of the things people make happen using social computing. Can be involved at either end. #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:10 am via DestroyTwitterReplyRetweetFavorite

@liz_with_hat

Liz W

Social computing: creation and exchange of user-generated content - very useful for KM within an organization #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:11 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@stangarfield

Stan Garfield

By some (older?) definitions, #KM is a database for capture and reuse of explicit knowledge. Most of us believe it's much more.. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:12 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

Social computing enables people to make connections, share knowledge and create new knowledge. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:12 am via Twitter for AndroidReplyRetweetFavorite

@maguireap

Allison Maguire

@liz_with_hat absolutely #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:12 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@gbrettmiller

Brett Miller

I hear several of you saying social computing is a means to #KM, and possible more. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:13 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

social computing could also be seen as a generic name for the interfaces and activities, which take place within the KM process. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:13 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@JuKra59

Juha Krapinoja

@jeffhester @Jukra59 2G KM is also network-centric, tho. It's not just assets, it's the ppl who generate them and how they interact #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:13 am via DestroyTwitterReplyRetweetFavorite

@liz_with_hat

Liz W

@jeffhester Bernhard Hack here, with GIZ / CGIAR #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:13 am via Twitter for iPadReplyRetweetFavorite

@benhack

benhack

Which leads to Q2: What social computing tools and approaches are working well for you? #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:13 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

A1: is it as simple as saying that social computing covers tools & ways of interacting while KM is abt how we handle specific info? #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:14 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@VMaryAbraham

VMaryAbraham

@liz_with_hat You could say that those people and their interactions are themselves "assets", at least from an org perspective #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:14 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@gbrettmiller

Brett Miller

@liz_with_hat Great point! The real value of #KM comes through the interaction of people. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:15 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

A1: Soc Comp is the modern communications infrastructure. It can be used for KM, but is not KM by itself. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:15 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@rmcclead

Ryan McClead

@gbrettmiller @JuKra59 #kmers Wouldn't anything with "Management" in its title be more asset-centric?

October 4, 2011 9:15 am via HootSuiteReplyRetweetFavorite

@moehlert

Mark Oehlert

@gbrettmiller true, but people usually aren't motivated by language that they perceive as objectifying them #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:16 am via DestroyTwitterReplyRetweetFavorite

@liz_with_hat

Liz W

@jeffhester Trying to define #KM is like voluntarily jumping down an endless rabbit hole! #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:16 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@VMaryAbraham

VMaryAbraham

RT @rmcclead: A1: Soc Comp is the modern communications infrastructure. It can be used for KM, but is not KM by itself. #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:16 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@gbrettmiller

Brett Miller

Q2: threaded discussions, blogs, wikis, team spaces, microblogs, videos, tagging #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:16 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@stangarfield

Stan Garfield

I dislike the "tools discussion" and like to keep the people in the focus. KM projects are like psychoterapy for organisations. ;-) #Kmers

October 4, 2011 9:16 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@JuKra59

Juha Krapinoja

true RT @VMaryAbraham: @jeffhester Trying to define #KM is like voluntarily jumping down an endless rabbit hole! #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:16 am via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite

@krcraft

Kelly Craft

True! RT @VMaryAbraham: @jeffhester Trying to define #KM is like voluntarily jumping down an endless rabbit hole! #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:17 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

RT @VMaryAbraham: @jeffhester Trying to define #KM is like voluntarily jumping down an endless rabbit hole! #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:17 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@rmcclead

Ryan McClead

A1: Social computing is about presence and conversations - what might activity streams say about #innovation potential? #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:18 am via Twitter for iPadReplyRetweetFavorite

@benhack

benhack

@JuKra59 I understand yr reluctance 2 focus on tools, but the tools have contributed 2 the ability 2 B social online #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:19 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@VMaryAbraham

VMaryAbraham

The means to and end? PRT @benhack: Social computing is about presence and conversations... #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:19 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

SocComp mostly happens 'now', KM mainly has its reflections in the past and in the future and the interactions (SocComp) happen now. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:19 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@JuKra59

Juha Krapinoja

@JuKra59 is social computing all about the tools? Or is it about how we connect? #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:20 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

As follow up to my A1: KM in a large diverse organization without Social Computing is almost impossible. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:20 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@rmcclead

Ryan McClead

@jeffhester Social computing is abt the network we build and interact w/ via specific tools #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:21 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@VMaryAbraham

VMaryAbraham

A recurring theme seems to be that Social Computing enables effective #KM. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:22 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

RT @VMaryAbraham: @jeffhester Social computing is abt the network we build and interact w/ via specific tools #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:22 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@gbrettmiller

Brett Miller

@VMaryAbraham "tech-first" initiatives often underestimate the non-tech aspects. If they are 'OK', technology is quite uncritical. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:22 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@JuKra59

Juha Krapinoja

@rmcclead KM is not entirely impossible, but certainly more difficult w/o social computing #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:22 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@VMaryAbraham

VMaryAbraham

Some organizations utilize social computing tools to build ad hoc "communities." Which leads to Q3... #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:23 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

I may have overstated. :) RT @VMaryAbraham: @rmcclead KM is not entirely impossible, but certainly more difficult w/o social comp #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:23 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@rmcclead

Ryan McClead

Joined #KMers. Excited to be with you! I think new kind of digital workflows are desperately needed for better society.

October 4, 2011 9:23 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@jessesoininen

jessesoininen

Social computing is not about the tools, but how we use the tools. #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:23 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@gbrettmiller

Brett Miller

@JuKra59 Absolutely agree. I don't endorse a " tech-first" discussion but acknowledge that these tools are special #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:24 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@VMaryAbraham

VMaryAbraham

Q3: Where do informal social computing "communities" or team rooms fit in the context of communities of practice? #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:24 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

@rmcclead Well, when you have only 140 characs, it's easy to do. ;-) #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:25 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@VMaryAbraham

VMaryAbraham

If the "tribe" finds the motivation and their will to share, they'll find a way to do that. The informal communities are the best CoP #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:25 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@JuKra59

Juha Krapinoja

A3: the communities and teams are critical to social computing -- it's the network #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:26 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@VMaryAbraham

VMaryAbraham

Back to Q1 via Q3: Social computing is (at its heart) a "bottom-up" activity, while KM is more of a "top-down" activity. #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:26 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@gbrettmiller

Brett Miller

@VMaryAbraham I think #KM without a soc comp component may be more effective, but very limited in reach and persistence. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:27 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@rmcclead

Ryan McClead

RT @JuKra59: If the "tribe" finds the motivation and will to share, they'll find a way. The informal communities are the best CoP #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:27 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@gbrettmiller

Brett Miller

@gbrettmiller I'd argue that both social computing & KM can & should work in both directions. Depends on context. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:28 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@VMaryAbraham

VMaryAbraham

KM - per definition /shouldn't/ be top down. However, it unfortunately often is - and fails being so. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:28 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@JuKra59

Juha Krapinoja

A3: I differentiate between community sites, websites, & team spaces. Communities should be open, and team spaces are often closed #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:28 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@stangarfield

Stan Garfield

@gbrettmiller Unless, of course, you involve different layers/strata of execs, line workers, customers -- social beats hierarchy. #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:28 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@deedubya

David Wallace

@gbrettmiller Is #KM really a top down activity? Should it be? I guess I don't think of it that way. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:28 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@rmcclead

Ryan McClead

@jeffhester A3: It would be hard to sustain any #COP wihtout the feeling of connectedness the social tools can give you #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:29 am via Twitter for iPadReplyRetweetFavorite

@benhack

benhack

@VMaryAbraham I think they can both work at both levels, but not so sure they work in both directions #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:29 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@gbrettmiller

Brett Miller

Team spaces are useful to a project team or work unit to collaborate, but should not be used to isolate knowledge useful to others #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:29 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@stangarfield

Stan Garfield

@rmcclead I agree that social computing can reduce barriers to #KM and increase participation/ reach #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:30 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@VMaryAbraham

VMaryAbraham

KM and SocComputing are like Nitro and Glycerin. Each alone, so-la-la but together; oh-la-la! 1+1=3 (at least) #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:30 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@JuKra59

Juha Krapinoja

@rmcclead goes back to how you define KM. If you see it as a "management of assets", as I tend to, top-down seems appropriate #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:30 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@gbrettmiller

Brett Miller

Interesting perspectives on top down vs bottom up. Approach may depend on the nature of the knowledge and expertise shared. @jukra59 #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:31 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

@benhack @jeffhester KM top-down rep comes from yrs of failed mgmt efforts to harvest brain contents. Social/COP more open, invite #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:31 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@deedubya

David Wallace

@gbrettmiller Can you say more abt this? I've seen social computing mandated/modeled at the top & grassroots #KM #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:31 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@VMaryAbraham

VMaryAbraham

@deedubya Agreed. Ideally, KM should be collaborative, not hierarchical. Gets better co-operation, if for no other reason. #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:32 am via DestroyTwitterReplyRetweetFavorite

@liz_with_hat

Liz W

IMHO "management of assets" is just one part of KM. Activity, cultural awareness and trust are needed top-down as well as bottom-up #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:32 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@JuKra59

Juha Krapinoja

@stangarfield how do you help get knowledge from a closed team room to an open community? #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:32 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

Personally, I see both: provide strategy from the top down; enable innovation and collaboration from the bottom up. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:33 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

@liz_with_hat Yes, collaboration is good. Hierarchy may help align/reinforce link btwn knowledge flow & strategy #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:33 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@VMaryAbraham

VMaryAbraham

@deedubya if you define #KM has "harvesting brain contents" you've already failed. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:34 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

@jeffhester @stangarfield Need to identify the boundary spanners and get them to share in their COPs #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:34 am via Twitter for iPadReplyRetweetFavorite

@benhack

benhack

#jeffhester I agree. I see the challenges in KM initiatives mainly in the management of cultural change, what is needed in between #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:34 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@JuKra59

Juha Krapinoja

@VMaryAbraham social computing can be mandated from the top-down, but only actually executed from the bottom up. #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:34 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@gbrettmiller

Brett Miller

Help users choose the right tools; encourage posting to open repositories & linking from team rooms; help move content into the open #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:34 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@stangarfield

Stan Garfield

Since we're discussing top-down/bottom-up approaches, this leads to Q4... #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:35 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

gotta go, will catch up tomorrow. Thanks @gbrettmiller @deedubya @JuKra59 for interesting discussion and @jeffjester for moderating #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:35 am via DestroyTwitterReplyRetweetFavorite

@liz_with_hat

Liz W

@benhack Agree #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:35 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@stangarfield

Stan Garfield

RT @stangarfield: Help users choose the right tools; encourage posting to open repositories & linking from team rooms; help move content ...

October 4, 2011 9:35 am via Twitter for iPadReplyRetweetFavorite

@benhack

benhack

Q4: Should social computing tools be "managed?" Why or why not? To what degree? #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:36 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

RT @VMaryAbraham: A3: the communities and teams are critical to social computing -- it's the network #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:36 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@mijori23

Michael J Ricard

@gbrettmiller I've seen powerful social computing executed @ the top of the hierarchy. Perhaps it's abt context-appropriate execution #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:37 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@VMaryAbraham

VMaryAbraham

I think if you only take a bottom up approach with no links to business drivers from top, you will fail to get real benefit. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:37 am via Twitter for AndroidReplyRetweetFavorite

@maguireap

Allison Maguire

A4: The more such "management" means restrictions, the more of the "tribe" flees to other channels of their choice. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:38 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@JuKra59

Juha Krapinoja

RT @stangarfield: Help users choose the right tools; encourage posting to open repositories & linking from team rooms; help move content ...

October 4, 2011 9:38 am via Twitter for MacReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

@jeffhester A4 Suggest policies/practices more than tools -- platforms are like smartphones, tablets everyone finds their faves. #Kmers

October 4, 2011 9:38 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@deedubya

David Wallace

RT @stangarfield: Help users choose the right tools; encourage posting to open repositories & linking from team rooms; help move content ...

October 4, 2011 9:38 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@deedubya

David Wallace

#KM #KMers KM Chicago October 11th meeting, with Jeff Merrell http://t.co/m8PM0Lli

October 4, 2011 9:39 am via HootSuiteReplyRetweetFavorite

@knowledgetank

knowledgetank

@VMaryAbraham I would say that the actual location in the hierarchy isn't important, people engage in SocComp because they want to #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:39 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@gbrettmiller

Brett Miller

A4: social tools should be guided, governance is necessary to avert chaos but its a delicate balance.#KMers

October 4, 2011 9:39 am via Twitter for AndroidReplyRetweetFavorite

@maguireap

Allison Maguire

A4: There are tradeoffs betwen open/uncontrolled and managed/controlled social computing. Some management is helpful to avoid chaos #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:39 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@stangarfield

Stan Garfield

A4: Back to defining. Define Managed. It depends. Too much control stifles collaboration and creativity. Not enough limits usefulness #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:39 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@rmcclead

Ryan McClead

@deedubya Great suggestion. Also allows flexibility, since the tools are constantly evolving and new tools emerging. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:39 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

The alternative channels are probably non-manageable so I (European... ;-) consider it better to offer a relatively free environment #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:40 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@JuKra59

Juha Krapinoja

This is a contentious topic: some people want no limits, & some want to tightly control. Get all views, use common sense, be flexible #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:40 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@stangarfield

Stan Garfield

A4: I think "guided" may be a more appropriate approach than "managed". #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:41 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@gbrettmiller

Brett Miller

RT @maguireap: A4: social tools should be guided, governance is necessary to avert chaos but its a delicate balance.#KMers #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:41 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@gbrettmiller

Brett Miller

@maguireap so some governance helps build trust, reliability and credibility? #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:41 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

Effective KM with social computing requires a commitment to openness from top tier executives. w/out that, soc comp can not work #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:41 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@rmcclead

Ryan McClead

Amen! RT @gbrettmiller A4: I think "guided" may be a more appropriate approach than "managed". #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:42 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@deedubya

David Wallace

Good choice of words. RT @gbrettmiller: A4: I think "guided" may be a more appropriate approach than "managed". #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:42 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

Agree RT @gbrettmiller: A4: I think "guided" may be a more appropriate approach than "managed". #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:42 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@rmcclead

Ryan McClead

My Enterprise Networking Policy: 1. Respect the company values 2. use common sense. The rest can be regulated offline #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:42 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@JuKra59

Juha Krapinoja

A4 Perspectives are changing, @marciamarcia wrote a very insightful piece on the "social enterprise" http://t.co/P8EOVuYE #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:42 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@JoeRaimondo

Joe Raimondo

@rmcclead Agree #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:43 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@stangarfield

Stan Garfield

@stangarfield Depends on sensitivity of content/strategy. Worked on Open Inno programs where lower-value stuff cd be crowdsourced #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:43 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@deedubya

David Wallace

Yes governance can build trust in the tool integrity but equally could breakdown trust if mishandled.#KMers

October 4, 2011 9:43 am via Twitter for AndroidReplyRetweetFavorite

@maguireap

Allison Maguire

enlightened RT @JuKra59: My Enterprise Networking Policy 1Respect the company values 2 use common sense. The rest can be reg offline #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:44 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@rmcclead

Ryan McClead

Provide guidance, rather than management. Keep a light touch, but provide direction to avoid chaos. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:45 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

@jeffhester precisely! #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:45 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@JuKra59

Juha Krapinoja

Q5: So when does social computing and collaboration become KM? Is there a boundary between the two at all? #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:46 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

RT @jeffhester: Provide guidance, rather than management. Keep a light touch, but provide direction to avoid chaos. #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:46 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@gbrettmiller

Brett Miller

@jeffhester Provide guidance to the SocComp process, then manage the output of that process for business value (a restatement of A1) #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:48 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@gbrettmiller

Brett Miller

If you were to draw a picture of the relationship of social computing and KM, what would it look like? #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:48 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

A5: Social computing supports KM, but it also supports marketing, recruiting, PR, customer relations, etc. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:49 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@stangarfield

Stan Garfield

Q5 Really is a matter of strategy. Is strategy about promoting social expression or about strategic capture amplification & reuse? #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:49 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@JoeRaimondo

Joe Raimondo

Social Computing & Collaboration and KM go together like ham and eggs. Well consumable separately but taste best together. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:49 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@JuKra59

Juha Krapinoja

KM can make good use of social computing, but it can also make use of many other people, process, and technology components. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:50 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@stangarfield

Stan Garfield

Participating in our first Advanced KM Working Group here in Santa Clara #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:50 am via Mobile WebReplyRetweetFavorite

@tracyconn

Tracy Conn

A Venn diagram would show two circles which intersect, but also have non-intersecting areas. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:51 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@stangarfield

Stan Garfield

@stangarfield You read my mind. Fits with @jukra59's ham and eggs analogy, too. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:52 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

A5: I don't think SocComp/Collab ever "become" KM, they are two separate but complementary things (ham and eggs - @JuKra59) #kmers

October 4, 2011 9:53 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@gbrettmiller

Brett Miller

RT @stangarfield: A5: Social computing supports KM, but it also supports marketing, recruiting, PR, customer relations, etc. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:53 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@thelaurenklein

thelaurenklein

@tracyconn Hi, Tracy. You can let the other #APQC advanced working group members know the weekly KMers.org TweetChat is going on now #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:54 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@stangarfield

Stan Garfield

Addendum to the ham&eggs analogy: The plate underneath is the technology. Size and color don't matter as long as H&E taste ok. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:56 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@JuKra59

Juha Krapinoja

Q6: In an ideal world, how would you provide guidance on social computing and would it relate to how you manage knowledge? #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:57 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

Enjoy the beautiful California sunshine! RT @tracyconn Participating in our first Advanced KM Working Group here in Santa Clara #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:57 am via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite

@candicedeforest

Candice

+1 RT @JuKra59: Addendum to the ham&eggs analogy: The plate underneath is the tech. Size & color dont matter as long as H&E taste ok. #KMers

October 4, 2011 9:58 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

A6: I see the connection e.g. in adding value by "liking", tagging and commenting, which should be endorsed as a SOP for everyone. #KMers.

October 4, 2011 9:59 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@JuKra59

Juha Krapinoja

A6: Make people aware of available tools, explain when to use each, integrate with KM/intranet, make easy to use, listen, improve #KMers

October 4, 2011 10:01 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@stangarfield

Stan Garfield

Q6 The set of core skills at an individual level for being effective at "social" that is still emerging. Social media literacy. #kmers

October 4, 2011 10:02 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@JoeRaimondo

Joe Raimondo

A6: Social computing is going to affect speed of know sharing, know creation, innovation, networks and in turn how we manage results. #Kmers

October 4, 2011 10:03 am via Twitter for AndroidReplyRetweetFavorite

@maguireap

Allison Maguire

That went by quickly! The hour is upon us. Thanks to everyone for joining the discussion today. #KMers

October 4, 2011 10:03 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

An interesting cross-section of KM and SocComp is BI and Mgmt consulting based on Social Network Analysis. A future chat topic? #KMers

October 4, 2011 10:04 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@JuKra59

Juha Krapinoja

@jeffhester Thank you #KMers

October 4, 2011 10:04 am via RockMeltReplyRetweetFavorite

@rmcclead

Ryan McClead

Please feel free to continue the dialog. I will capture the transcript and post on KMers.org#KMers

October 4, 2011 10:05 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

Thanks @jeffhester #Kmers

October 4, 2011 10:05 am via Twitter for AndroidReplyRetweetFavorite

@maguireap

Allison Maguire

@jeffhester Thanks for a great discussion. I learned things about my own opinions on KM and SocComp that I never realized before. #kmers

October 4, 2011 10:05 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@gbrettmiller

Brett Miller

@JuKra59 Sounds like a great topic. Are you volunteering? #KMers

October 4, 2011 10:05 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

@gbrettmiller Thanks. It helped crystalize my thinking as well. #KMers

October 4, 2011 10:06 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@jeffhester

Jeff Hester

@jeffhester What is it they say, "you don't know what you think about something until you actually say it"? That was me today. #kmers

October 4, 2011 10:06 am via TweetChatReplyRetweetFavorite

@gbrettmiller

Brett Miller

Thanks, all. The past hour was a blast! :-) #KMers

October 4, 2011 10:08 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@JuKra59

Juha Krapinoja

If you’ve got a KM-related subject you would like to discuss, get involved! Volunteer to moderate a TweetChat at KMers.org.

Related posts:

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Social networking tools have taken off in the past five years.

Social computing is a broad term that encompasses a range to tools, including blogs, wikis, profiles (with social/professional connections), microblogging and discussion forums.

Are you an advocate for social computing? A knowledge management practitioner? Join me on Tuesday, October 4th for a Twitter Chat I’ll be moderating at KMers.org. To participate in this Twitter-powered discussion you can use your favorite Twitter app with the hashtag #KMers or even easier — just sign in with your Twitter account at the live chat page on KMers.org. The chat will begin at 9am Pacific and run for an hour.

During this chat we will discuss the differences and similarities between the social computing movement and knowledge management, how to reconcile and integrate the two, and the implications for KM over the next five years.

Agenda

• How do you define social computing, and how does it differ from KM?
• What social computing tools and approaches are working well for you?
• Where do informal social computing “communities” or team rooms fit in the context of communities of practice?
• Should social computing tools be “managed?”
• When does social computing and collaboration become KM? Is a boundary necessary or even beneficial?

Interested? Join us, and you can follow me @jeffhester and keep the discussion going.

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Every month a terrific group of bright minds meets in Los Angeles to share, challenge, drink and discuss how we can live an enlightened life. The gathering is known as Mindshare, and if you live anywhere within driving distance of downtown LA, I highly recommend it.

This past Thursday, Mindshare hosted a preview screening of Tiffany Shlain’s new film: Connected.

Connected takes on what it means to be connected in the 21st century. How does technology factor in? Why do we connected? Is our growing interdependence the next step in human evolution?  Shlain went in with this vision, but as so often is the case, life gets in the way. In her case, it was the cancerous brain tumor in her father, and her own high-risk pregnancy that caused her to tweak her vision for the film in a personal way.

The end result wasn’t revolutionary or mind-bending. The key premise is that we are evolving as a species, specifically by becoming more interdependent. To continue to grow, we must connect with each other — rely on others — and build stronger connections not only between the two hemispheres of our own brain, but between each other. The ideas are not ground-breaking. But Shlain tells the story in a way that is both personal and memorable.

Connected is currently playing in Los Angeles at the Arclight in Hollywood. If you get a chance, check it out.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Friday night the sky lit up at sunset. Joan and I headed to North Beach in San Clemente, where I captured this shot from the lawn in front of the Ole Hanson Beach Club, using my iPhone 4.

Day 273 of Project 365.

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Infographic source: CurrentConfig, who also has a PDF version suitable for printing, folding and hanging on a toilet roll (should you know of someone who needs illumination on the proper technique).

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Follow Friday

As much as possible, I’ll let them speak for themselves through their own tweets, and only comment where I warranted. Oh, and if you’re so inclined, you can follow me on Twitter, too.

∆ Facebook Places Is More Popular Than Foursquare in the UK http://t.co/VLpiz9l via @Sprout_Insights

August 26, 2011 12:03 pm via twitterfeedReplyRetweetFavorite

@staceysoleil

Stacey Soleil ☀

Stacey is a social media maven. She’s founder of #CoWorking and very active in the SoCal social media scene.

Forkly App Matches Your Tastes To Nearby Restaurants & Bars http://t.co/pfkdIJ7 RT @mashable

August 26, 2011 9:35 am via Mashable FollowReplyRetweetFavorite

@sbeasla

Sukhraj Suki Beasla

Suki is a SoCal foodie with social media prowess.

With all the hoopla over #SteveJobs stepping down from #Apple We thought this HS yearbook photo would create some smiles http://ow.ly/6cXwY

August 25, 2011 3:00 pm via HootSuiteReplyRetweetFavorite

@Snakkle

Snakkle

Snakkle is not just a weird name, it’s the official Twitter channel for Snakkle.com – a site that specializes in cataloging photos of celebrities before they were famous. Silly fun.

Brian Temba: Chris Botti and Brian Temba http://t.co/JqQqI3W

August 24, 2011 3:52 am via Tweet ButtonReplyRetweetFavorite

@Smandi8

Mandisa Makalima

Mandisa is a publicist in South Africa.

Limiting Social Media in Britain? - NYTimes.com http://t.co/pdTsIXS

August 26, 2011 6:47 am via bitlyReplyRetweetFavorite

@sbhsbh

Steve Hughes

Steve Hughes is based in New Jersey and tweets about social media, sports, and SEO (among other things). I don’t know if he visits tanning salons.

Want a FUN way 2 form new connections? http://t.co/InaLwdc #youcandosocial

August 26, 2011 12:02 pm via SocialOomphReplyRetweetFavorite

@kimgarst

Kim Garst ツ

Kim Garst runs SocialMediaBranding.com in Tampa, Florida.

I just bought 200 shares in (e)REPOGHOST on Empire Avenue http://t.co/dXqP0ML

August 26, 2011 7:14 am via Tweet ButtonReplyRetweetFavorite

@SuryaRay

Surya Ray

Surya lives in New Delhi and is active on Empire Avenue.

Buffer Finds Tweet Scheduling Can Increase Clicks by 200% http://t.co/dXA9U8h

August 26, 2011 10:36 am via FacebookReplyRetweetFavorite

@DniseSonnenberg

Denise Sonnenberg

Denise is a social media consultant and also active in the SoCal social media scene. And I’ve hiked with she and her husband!

Olympic Coach Drobnick Talks About The State of Curling – Part 2 in our Series | Sin Sity Spiel http://j.mp/qHBUkN

August 26, 2011 11:51 am via BufferReplyRetweetFavorite

@cindyronzoni

Cindy Ronzoni

Until I met Cindy (she’s active in the local social media and WordPress community here in So Cal), I had no idea that people in Orange County were into any form of curling that didn’t involve irons.

A shipment of Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract & Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean Paste has arrived at Villa Cucina!

August 25, 2011 2:51 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@VillaCucina

Christina Morgan

Villa Cucina is the official Twitter account of one of my favorite little stores in downtown San Clemente. It’s maintained by Christina Morgan.

Two guys, a table and free advice... need we say more? #FreeAdvice @EmmettLoverde #WebSeries - http://t.co/vToaCzX

August 26, 2011 12:30 pm via VisibliReplyRetweetFavorite

@MingleMediaTV

MingleMedia TV

MingleMediaTV hosts both live and produced web TV programming.

Education Tech: Skype’s Vision for a More Connected Classroom http://t.co/n7cdRW5

August 26, 2011 12:24 pm via HootSuiteReplyRetweetFavorite

@Gabriella51

Gabriella

Gabriella needs to change her Twitter font color!

Old fashioned = any company that doesn't have free WIFI for customers & vendors.

August 25, 2011 10:25 am via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@juliefogg

Julie Fogg

Julie tweets about VoIP, call centers, Avaya and the “Immersive Internet.”

Do you balance work and life (family/spouse/kids) well? Willing to share any advice? #li

August 25, 2011 12:06 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@alisonstripling

Alison Stripling

Alison consults with businesses needing help with social media.

New Poll: Items for College http://t.co/y4KNuNc Vote on The Explorer blog or on Facebook! #HigherEd #CollegeLife

August 25, 2011 10:51 am via Tweet ButtonReplyRetweetFavorite

@campusexplorer

Campus Explorer

CampusExplorer tweets news, advice and tips for preparing for college.

Getting ready to go live @ 8p ET/5pPT #LifeAfterKids join me for open chat nite: http://t.co/hXIVFzZ

August 25, 2011 4:46 pm via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite

@DvinMsM

Marla Schulman

#LifeAfterKids LIVE at 8pm/ ET Come chat with me http://t.co/mAKpQYr

August 25, 2011 4:55 pm via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite

@LifeAfterKidsTV

Marla Schulman

Marla Schulman hosts a couple of webcam shows, proving Seth Godin right — we can all be creators!

As you can see, there’s a heavy focus on social media (not surprisingly). If you’re looking to connect with people that can help you sort out what works and what doesn’t, give them a follow.

Want to be followed by me? Leave me a comment with your Twitter handle or retweet this post!

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Since then, I’ve been to WordCamp LA, WordCamp OC (twice) and WordCamp SD. This spring, I spoke at the second annual WordCamp OC, sharing my ideas on using WordPress for building effective intranets.

This year’s schedule didn’t permit me to fly up to San Francisco, but I’m not missing a session. Thankfully, the good folks at WordPress came up with an option for those of us who couldn’t get tickets or make the trip to San Francisco — a live streaming ticket option. For $30 you get the entire three day program (which began this morning). You can switch between the two tracks at any time, and the quality has been amazing.

You can sign up and view the live stream of WordCamp SF at http://2011.sf.wordcamp.org/. Be sure to follow @WordCampSF on Twitter and use the #wcsf hashtag to capture the highlights.

See you at WordCamp!

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I recently purged about 1,000 photos from my iPhone, but Photo Stats didn’t mind. It still created the following, beautiful infographic that analyzed the 266 photos still on my iPhone.

Photo Stats will show you where, when and how you took your photos, with location, time of day, your “most productive” days and various photo properties like portrait vs. landscape, ISO setting and photo app used.

The $0.99 price is reasonable, although they say it’s a promotion only good for the first week. After that, it goes up to a whopping $1.99 (still a deal, in my book). Go get Photo Stats, and share a link to your Photo Stats in the comments below.

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Some time ago, the good folks at Memolane made it super easy for self-hosted WordPress users to embed their Memolane or stories right on their blog, like my own “lane” below. Give it a try! Click and drag the “lane” left to right, or down to view days with many entries. Click on an item to expand the view.

Want to try it? Sign up for Memolane (be sure to add me as a friend), connect as many services as you want, download this WordPress plugin and follow these simple instructions. You can embed either your own “lane” or story on any post or page using a short code. Simple!

Do you use Memolane? Like it? Hate it? What do you think?

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I’ve led a hike on Wednesday night for almost two years now. During the summer when the days are longer, we usually head for the local hills between San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano on a modified 4.6 mile loop we’ve dubbed Roller Coaster Ridge for its up-and-down inclines. It’s a great mid-week stress-buster, and with over 1,000 feet of total vertical gain, a pretty decent workout, too.

But one of my favorite parts of leading this hike is sharing it with others and the social aspect of the hike. There are The Regulars: the people who will usually be there hiking with me 4 out of 5 times. The Newbies, who are curious about the trail, the area or just getting into hiking. And The Out-of-Towners, usually devout hikers here on vacation, and looking for a chance to stretch their legs on our coastal trails.

The size of the group really doesn’t matter. Sometimes there are just two of us, as it was the first time I hiked with my fiancée, Joan. Other times the group swells to 15 or more. But usually there are five to seven of us on any given Wednesday night. We gather at the trailhead shortly before 6pm, break a sweat on the climb, soak in the views of the coastline to the southwest and the mountains to the northeast. And we talk.

Last year when Joan and I hiked the John Muir Trail, she observed that the people we met were — simply put — wonderful. It didn’t matter what they looked like, their social status or age — they were friendly, warm and polite. There was a kinship among backpackers and hikers that is special. In sharing the outdoor experience, the sweat and the patient plodding up long, unforgiving hills, we become brothers and sisters.

The author, Joan, Barbara, Ammie and Doug on tonight's hike.

And for me, those Wednesday night hikes is a communion of kindred souls. A chance to take in the fresh, sea air. To watch the sun melt into the ocean. To catch up with friends, old and new. And to recharge my body, mind and soul.

After our hike, we sit around the table at Wahoo’s and share a well-earned taco and a cold beer, swapping stories about our weeks and plans for the weekend ahead. Yes, life is good.

If you’d like to join me on any Wednesday night hike, just let me know.

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While the new place has much more space than either of our current homes, we’ll still have to consolidate our furniture make it work (one bed, not two; one couch, not two; etc.).

The new place has a great open living area and a wonderful, French doors that open onto a private courtyard in front. And you can even catch a peek at the ocean from the patio.

Of course the flip side to all this good news? I have to pack, and move by the end of this month. I better get started.

A rather poorly stitched panoramic view of the front courtyard.

No related posts.

Today is a travel day.

Unfortunately (or perhaps, fortunately?) there’s no wifi on these flights, and I’ve got to get ready to go. This post will be short and sweet.

Paris has been amazing. The people have been warm and wonderful, with the occasional big city indifference. Joan and I loved being here for three weeks. I could see living here some day — not forever — but definitely for a while.

I enjoyed the break from the routine, and will resume more serious posts as soon as I get settled back into the groove. Hope you enjoyed following my Project 365 photos during our holiday.

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If you look closely, you’ll find our lock on this bridge near Notre Dame.

This is a wonderfully odd real-world meme. The story I heard from a guy in our cooking glass (who has lived here in Paris for the past nine years) was that the guy who started this was despondant over unrequited love. He “locked his love” to the bridge, the jumped off and drowned in the Seine.

Not sure if that’s true, but since then, lovers have taken the idea to an extreme. And area sales of padlocks and Sharpie pens has never been better.

Oh, if you look closely, you’ll see a padlock for Joan and I, too. And that alone was reason enough for me to chose this as my Day 189 photo for Project 365.

For more on our trip to Paris, check out Joan’s travel blog and our Memolane timeline.

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