Thing 25: Blogger's Toolkit

I took a look at at lot of the widgets and marvelled at the possibilities and wondered who in the world had time to think them up (and why they would bother.) I didn't see any that I thought really added value to my blog.

I did add a Cluster Map for curiosity sake. I already had a link to the NING and a link to my LibraryThing.

I ran Typealyzer and learned that I write ISTP.

ISTP - The Mechanics

The independent and problem-solving type. They are especially attuned to the demands of the moment are masters of responding to challenges that arise spontaneously. They generally prefer to think things out for themselves and often avoid inter-personal conflicts. The Mechanics enjoy working together with other independent and highly skilled people and often like seek fun and action both in their work and personal life. They enjoy adventure and risk such as in driving race cars or working as policemen and firefighters.

I was OK with the definition until I got to the last couple of sentences. "enjoy adventure and risk"? No way, Jose. I like things safe and predictable. No adventures for this girl, thanks!

I have spent about an hour exploring, etc. Luckily, this is Sunday afternoon and I don't have anything more pressing to do than read my current book. However, Charlaine Harris's A Fool and His Honey is starting to call my name.

The New Things

I have been spending some time looking over the list of new things. I am really conflicted. I enjoyed the first 23 Things very much and learned things that have been useful. I'm not getting the same feeling with this next group.

I have been stuck on the second new thing. I had previously added some of the blog enhancements that are discussed. However, I don't see how very many of them add value to my blog. A lot of them look like clutter to me. I might do something with the cluster map but, since my blog gets very little traffic, I certainly don't think it is necessary.

I am feeling very busy and stressed just keeping up the day to day things I'm doing now. I don't want to get any more involved in the Ning. I see no need to Twitter. I already follow about 100 blogs, am active in the Nutrisystem discussion boards, and don't have any more time to devote to being online.

I read Doug Johnson's post yesterday about participation in my professional organization and felt a little bit of guilt. I am one of the 90% who just pays my dues and calls it good. I have never been even a little bit active in MEMO. I seldom even attend that annual meetings and gatherings. Next year might be the exception because the big convention is happening in Rochester. It would be hard to justify not taking part when it is only 11 miles from my home.

I don't think that I am going to complete (or even start) most of the things. This time I'm going to be a dabbler.

The Journey of Reading

http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2009/02/10/the-journey-of-reading/

This entry really describes my relationship with reading only in much more fluent and lyrical language than I could ever use. Check it out.

I have heard Lois McMaster Bujold talk about, and read her thoughts about, the author/reader relationship too and thought her ideas were also very insightful. I just wish I could remember where I read it!

I agree with both.

Successful readers must have active participation in what they are reading. The author puts the words on the paper and they mean something to them. The reader reads the words and they mean something to them. The somethings aren't always the same or even similar. It is part of the wonder of reading for me.

New Technology

Find more videos like this on 23 Things on a Stick

Thanks go to Nancy McGuire for pointing my way to this. I have worked with this kind of teacher and student. Haven't you?

Season's Greetings!

Season's Greetings! Here is my favorite Christmas song.

Social Networking

This one is about social networking.
This one is about social media in general.

I love these Common Craft videos. They are simple and clear and let my students know the basics.