Here are some of the Web 2.0 ish programs and websites I’ve been using to help organize my online life… It’s been requested in the Skribit widget so I’m going to write about them. We’ll start with the Web 2.0 sites/companies that still use after a while because they add value to my life.
Twitter
Many people don’t ‘get’ Twitter, but I use it for networking. I’ve met some really cool people and learned of some really cool events over Twitter. It also amuses me and keeps me up to date on current events I’d never hear about otherwise. And yes, I spend TONS of time on Twitter. I follow 114 people and 141 people follow me. That’s a lot of data incoming. Oh, and if you use Twitter, you should UseQwitter – it tells you when people stop following you. And TweetDeck – awesome Twitter client. And follow me.
RescueTime
I blogged about RescueTime recently and even though it doesn’t enhance either my life or my productivity I still use it to see what I’m spending time on. Useful, even if not THAT useful.
Mint.com
Mint is awesome – it keeps track of my finances in one place. Bank accounts, credit card bills, etc – it’s all there. Transaction data is pulled in in from all places and lets me manage my purchases and see how much over budget I’m going (as is normally the case). I think Mint is probably the most useful tool overall from a utility standpoint, as it’s helped me curb my spending just by keeping track of it. Give it a shot.
Skribit
Skribit is pretty cool and they have the blog content suggestion thing down. If you have a blog (and people who read it), check it out and give it a try. Until then, just recommend it to friends who fall into that category.
GrooveShark
I use GrooveShark as my primary and only web radio client. I tried Pandora, never liked it (not enough control), and haven’t gotten around trying last.fm, but GrooveShark lets you make your playlist up as you go along and also has a pretty cool autoplay option.
And then there are sites that I don’t go back to after signing up. I can only think of one because they’re that forgettable.
Gyminee.com
I’m not saying it’s not a cool idea, I just don’t work out enough or care enough to take the time to input EXACTLY what I had for lunch and how much I worked out. Just didn’t stay atop the priority list long enough.
And last, but not least, stuff I want to try.
Cloud Crap
Whether it’s data backup or some server instances, I want to learn more about the cloud and how to use it. JungleDisk looks way cool.
I’ve lost time and motivation to complete this post, but feel I should post something, so here ya go. Suggest something else for me to write about, if you want.
Colin
You're a dork
Good information, too bad I haven't tried most of these. The idea of Mint.com was appealing but the simple fact that a site has access to my financial criteria made me feel a little weird. I do fine keeping up with all my finances on my own with quicken and excel for debt calculations.
I will literally kill you
I WAS going to write a flattering post about Monday Night Brewery, but now I'm just going to come tonight and drop one in the wort. You're the one who takes pictures and blogs from your iPhone.
I agree that Mint seems kinda creepy at first – but they can just pull financial data, not actually do anything to the accounts. And honestly, the bank already has that data and provides it to their partners anyways, so why not take advantage of some sweet tools?
Give them a shot though – there are others I'm sure I missed out on.
I've been using mint for about 5 months now and it has been an incredible tool for keeping track of my spending and getting some saving done.
Bauder – mint is secured by Verisign and Mcafee and certified by TRUSTe. I feel safer with mint than I do with the bank itself!
Thanks for sharing some great tools and apps Colin!!!!