In the process of reconfiguring a computer for the purpose of producing a live streaming webcast, some of the actions I am taking include removing old redundantly archived files and unnecessary software, modifying the data structure logic for improved workflow and adding hardware that includes external hard drives as well as audio and video equipment. In the midst of this, I was reminded that my system of file backup has not been fully operational for several months, the key element of which is the cornerstone of the operation, Backblaze, which I allowed to expire when switching between multiple computers and transition between data backup methodologies. Nevertheless, my data backup and recovery methodology still requires maintenance and revision according to the evolution of team workflow and relations.

I was a bit bewildered when I querried a tech-savvy buddy in between rounds of this weekend's Ultimate Fighting Champion (UFC) about what he and the others in the room thought about Google TV. Each one had an iPhone or other Smart Phone. One even boasted an iPad that was being passed around in conjunction with the chip bowl. The latest scores of various games were streamed in live. Yet neither had heard of Google TV. But perhaps that's because they were more sports junkies and than tech junkies.

 

Last night I had an interesting conversation with a friend whom I had not previously spoken to regarding his career. He's got a day job since moving from the East Coast to Southern California and it has nothing to do with his background as an opera singer and web developer. As a vocalist, he's phenominolly gifted. As a website designer and developer, he's garnered some interesting experience.

Got links? Here are some good reads. Perhaps the best of the lot is the 10 free social media tools every public relations (PR) pro should master. And if you're a small businesses and looking for some insight on how to increase the eyeballs landing upon your good name when conducting local business searches, then there's a great link for optimizing your business listing. For those looking for domains for an existing business or a startup, there are five tips to get you started. Got content? There's an excellent strategy for those charged with developing a web content strategy. In my experience, especially for those working as contractors, you'll want to maintain an open stream of communication between client and client assets. Social media strategy, tactics and success is yet another link worthy of a read.

It was inevitable. I called it out the day I left. I understood full well, as managing editor (or "Managing Partner" =), who was taking reigns and how little they understood the dynamics of the industry and the core lifestyle of its community. It may have taken two years longer than I and many others had anticipated but it's official. Advastar Communications gave up Off-Road.com, selling it to (perhaps) a more formidably savvy web publisher, which appears geared to make gains on its investment straight way after squeezing the trigger. Off-Road.com, the once off-road industry mega site that was rumored to shut down its doors and even its web servers, sold to VerticalScope.

I have long touted the principle of self-sufficiency and regularly integrate it into my work ethic as well as the work itself. From an editorial standpoint, this translated into articles that identified the lifestyle of self-reliance. This played well, as most of my life after newspapers has existed in the outdoors or automotive world, specifically the off-road and powersports industries. Therein, my passion was for the real life application and core lifestyle aspect of the industry and not the overplayed editorial advertising puff pieces orchestrated through the overzealous marketing department. I loved the down home how-to articles on the techniques and methods that would make one effectively self-sufficient when embarking upon adventure.

Looking to log into one of my personal business YouTube accounts, I was presented with a problem I had yet to fully address. Before I get into the semantics of what transpired to give me such tribulations, I would prefer to get straight to the business of outright warning you. When you are creating an account with any Google service, particularly with YouTube, you best be darn certain you are logged into the Google accounts, specifically the Google Gmail account, you want associated with the YouTube account, and be absolutely certain you are logged out of every fathomable Google service you don't want associated with the account. I would even go so far as to completely remove you browsers cookies, flushing them clean with a free tool such as Crap Cleaner, which has since been given the more politically correct term as CCleaner.