ColinAke.com…until I write a book.

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

Hey Fellas -

I’ve implemented a new widget on the right-hand side of the blog recently - it’s called Skribit and it’s a content suggestion system that YOU get to control.  Want to see more reviews of web 2.0 applications?  Vote for it. Want to see me write about open source in the military? Vote for it.  Want to see me write about monkeys in the amazon rainforest that use Twitter?  Suggest it.  Skribit is a great tool for you to use to let me know what you want.

Skribit is the brainchild of Georgia Tech student and popular blogger Paul Stamatiou.  Paul introduced the Skribit idea at Atlanta Startup Weekend last year and the application was built.  He works with a couple other programmers and gets frequent advice from people over at Georgia Tech’s ATDC.

Give me some suggestions - they don’t have to be groundbreaking but they may make me blog more.

Take care, and good luck getting gas if you’re in Atlanta.

Colin

If you’re a regular visitor, I’m sure you’ve noticed the layout change (uses more screen real estate) and a couple changes.  This includes a tag cloud (it’ll grow as I actually tag my posts), and a new application called Skribit.

Skribit (co-founded by Paul Stamatiou, Georgia Tech student and fellow blogger) is designed for bloggers to get feedback from their readers on topics to write on.  I want to provide you with topics that you want to read about.  If you prefer my commentary on web 2.0 apps, or want to hear more about school, want me to shut up, or want me to blog more on business concepts, Skribit is designed to give you the opportunity to have some input!  Take the chance - let me know if you have an idead or two for me to write about and I think you will not be disappointed.  Try it out and let me know what you think.

Take care, I’m late to bed (the only night this week I get decent sleep).

Colin