What's Your Generational Scope?

I believe that in order for you to appreciate life you have to continuously keep learning/growing.

Learning about generational differences and how each generation sees things helps us understand one-another.



What generation are you?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_generations

Now these above links are simply examples of the generational groupings.

There are several other sites/references that categorize the years slightly different -

which one is right? Well which ever you see yourself in (describes you) then I would think you could categorize yourself within that generation title.

Questions that came to my mind are things like:

How does being from a different generation affect us/others?
Is being born in a different generation automatically make you think different?
Having parents of different generations; how does this affect your relationships?

Interesting Generation Articles:

Generation X: Stepping up to the Leadership Plate:
http://www.cio.com/article/28475/Generation_X_Stepping_Up_to_the_Leadership_Plate

Continued: Leadership and Generation X:
http://www.cio.com/article/103503/Leadership_and_Generation_X

Management Techniques for Bringing Out the Best in Generation Y:
http://www.cio.com/article/149053

What you need to know about mentoring the next Generation:
http://www.abanet.org/lpm/lpt/articles/mgt08044.html

The MySpace Generation:
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_50/b3963001.htm

What comes after Generation X?:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/05/AR2008070501599.html


What are your thoughts - do you have generation articles you wish to share?

Rule Your Online Presence With Awareness

Ok so let's talk/learn a little about online presence.
If you want to play the game you better make sure to know the rules.

This post is similar to one I've discussed before: Social Networking: Points to Ponder.

Some people are scared of technology and live off the "bad-news" stuff they hear.

Here's a little Technology Humour: Learn to Appreciate Technology :-)



Yes I do agree that the world isn't a perfect place.
Yes I do agree that sometimes things happen because didn't take the proper precautions (security settings; privacy settings; etc.).
Yes I do agree that sometimes other people do "non-smart" things (online) and that affects everyone else's presence (pictures being tagged of you; people saying stuff about you online; people requesting to being your friend; etc.).

Whatever the case maybe - you need to know your facts so that you don't get "surprised" with stuff because you didn't take the time to learn about them.

Again - learning the rules enables you to keep playing the game, otherwise you might get 'outted' sooner then expected and/or get 'hurt' in the long run.



If you don't want to take the time to learn then maybe you shouldn't be playing or when you do get "hurt" or "victimized" you can't say you didn't know - there's too much out there to NOT know.
Obviously you can't know everything but you need to know the basics.

Example - you know your house needs a door.
Otherwise anyone and/or anything can get in: people, insects, raccoons, bears!... etc.
Common sense, you need a door.

a) You are advised to lock your door - precautions.
b) You could lock your door to everything with FBI security.
c) You could kinda lock your door when you need to.
d) You could share your lock (keys) with people you know/love.
e) You never lock your door and post it on Twitter! -- duh?
f) You could not always lock your door and let people you trust know (when needed).
Whatever you choose to do, in the end, it was your choice, right?

So how does this relate to your online presence?
Let's take the above list and apply it electronically:

a) Well you could leave everything open - like why even have a password?
Or have a password of (nothing - blank); or use your name; your kid(s) name(s); your spouse's name; your street name; your phone number; etc... these are the first things a hacker (or someone you know) will try to use (most common passwords).

b) You should use this type of FBI security for your online banking; credit cards; etc.
This is when it takes you 15min to login to something because you've got 15 character passwords with 5 secret questions and then write all of your stuff in encrypted codes.
[If this sounds like you then you should be working for our government; national security; or even anti-piracy companies; etc. Get paid big for what you excel in!! ;-) ]

c) Kinda lock things when you need to - meaning: If I have a personal online account you have it locked up with appropriate measures (ex. Facebook; email - Hotmail; etc.) but for things like Picnic (photo editing site) or stuff like submitting your photos to 'Walmart' for printing -- things like that you could share. Common sense would tell you that you should be using the same 'types' of passwords for Picnic and Email or Walmart photos and Facebook since you wouldn't mind sharing your account (if you had to) to have someone else send pictures to Walmart vs sharing with someone your Facebook or Email account -- these are more personalized thus have more information in them.


Choose your battles: If someone hacked your Twitter account would you 'really care'? vs. If someone hacked (accessed without permission) your Email or Facebook account? [Even if you have nothing to hide it's still personal invasion.]

d) This one kinda blends-in with c) above.
Sharing passwords with people you trust.
Examples: picture editing sites; partnered email accounts (you both are aware that you both can see everything); Walmart photo printing studio (share with your grandmother because she doesn't have a computer and comes over to do this with you); etc.

e) Then there's the all is open and advertized scenario.
If everyone has access to see everything about you online and you help them get this information by sending them reminders and invitations then when something happens you only have you to blame - because eventually it will happen. It's called Karma.

If you leave out of town and don't make arrangements to have your house supervised and then go and post on Twitter and Facebook that you're gone for a week - Hello!? Open invitation to your house.

You don't lock your accounts online; people have your home address (cause you just really needed to post it out to the world) and even have your security access code for the garage door your never lock (cause one night when you were drunk you decided it would be funny to post that out to everyone).
There's being Responsible... and then there's using Common Sense... and then there's just not giving a 'Hoot'!

f) And this one again falls under c) & d) - trusting those you know...

So if I'm posting pictures on my Facebook about a family event I will choose to limit who can access this album of pictures because just because you are in my friends' list doesn't mean you should see my personal family moments.

If I'm posting pictures about a cool concert I was at - then ya I might share it with more people then normally because hey maybe they were there; or maybe they wanted to be there; or whatever they can see the same pictures (or close to it) in the newspapers.

Know what to share and with whom.

Know your limitations too - obviously I would never post anything I wouldn't want anyone to accidently see.
I don't care what it is. If you took pictures of your (whatever - armpit) and are embarrased about it, I don't care what type of security you put on your account, why are you posting them in the first place?

I wouldn't even email them cause someone could (and probably will) just forward the picture to others afterwards anyways.

Judgement: use it = Common Sense. If you don't have it then get offline!! ;-)

Wow that was alot of information sharing / opinion / feedback on mybehalf.

And,  yes, I know that most of you already know this stuff and do this stuff but sometimes the mind (your subconcious) needs reminders / details.

So now to some interesting articles:

Google has a free service called Google Alerts that can be set up so that every time your name (or what you want it to search for you) is newly mentioned online, the link to it is emailed to you.

 http://www.google.com/alerts?f=0&hl=en&gl=us

So what's out there - Social Networking Site?:
http://www.itbusiness.ca/it/client/en/home/News.asp?id=47295

How does haveing a Facebook/MySpace/LinkIn/etc. account affect your work? Or even getting hired?:
http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/career/?p=922
Another article: http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/career/?p=338
Another work-related article: http://www.itbusinessedge.com/cm/blogs/all/lack-of-facebook-access-makes-you-want-to-quit-grow-up-punks/?cs=11630

Seven Social Network Security Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make:
http://www.itbusiness.ca/it/client/en/home/News.asp?id=53779

Five Formidable Facebook Frauds and how to protect yourself:
http://www.itbusiness.ca/it/client/en/home/News.asp?id=52239

How much do your friends really need to know at all times (immediately)?
http://blogs.zdnet.com/feeds/?p=147&tag=nl.e539

Social Networking web links:

Basically Speaking: Social Networking

Social Networking in Canada

The Internet Survival Guide for Parents: Social Networking

Lack of Facebook Access Makes You Want to Quit? Grow up, Punks

Are you using your work email or personal email when registering?

How secure is your social network site?

What to post or not to post…

Online social networks go to work

Bosses Warm Up to Social Networking on Company Time

Facing up to Facebook

And remember:

“Whatever your mission – whether it be pass-time or business focused – remember that your identity governs this tool’s existence. Your input generates your output. Social Networking is work.”

Are You Right-Brained Centred? What Are Your Motivators?

What motivates you and why?
...and would incentives motivate you?



Here is the author / speaker Dan Pink, talking with Oprah Winfrey via her SoulSeries radio talk show:

Part 1:


Part 2:


To view more videos from Dan Pink visit: http://www.danpink.com/video

Here is Dan Pink with his TED idea on the surprising science of motivation:

How Is the Web Changing The World?

A colleague of mine recommended that I view the BBC Documentary entitled The Virtual Revolution. It took me sometime before I was able to set some time aside to sit back and take time to view this - and wow was I amazed! This master piece of research provides various ins & outs viewpoints of the World Wide Web - some of which I didn't even know about, and I'm an Information Technologist (IT) Professional.

It's amazing and wonderful how so many professions need to be combined together to really bring forward the realities and truths about whatever subject is chosen. Here the BBC did just that - it brought together: researchers; creators; politicians; activists; and so many more - all together to collaborate their thoughts and opinions on what exactly is the World Wide Web (www) and how it's changing the world.

Enjoy the learning!

Here's a quick peek at some of the available videos from the documentary - to learn more view the links below.

These video-series are from Episode 1 of the Documentary:

Programme 1: The great levelling?

The wonder and walls of Wikipedia; the blogger media revolution; who really has power on the web? Is it the online crowd or the 'gatekeepers'? 


Episode 1 - Part 1:


Episode 1 - Part 2:


Episode 1 - Part 3:


Episode 1 - Part 4:


Episode 1 - Part 5:


Episode 1 - Part 6:


Episode 2 of the documentary can be viewed here:
Programme 2: Enemy of the state?
As the web transcends the barriers of the physical world the orthodox view is that the nation state will inevitably wither as a porous web of hyperlinks conquers the globe. 

Videos:
Episode 2 - Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFeJaEhUGs8
Episode 2 - Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4cvwif1AGQ
Episode 2 - Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqesGryXoo4
Episode 2 - Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APTtOVTm_Jc
Episode 2 - Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yj4OtguOH9E
Episode 2 - Part 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sH4HHiMNko

Episode 3 of the documentary can be viewed here:

Programme 3: The cost of free

Free service, limitless information, endless opportunity for the user... the web seems to defy all the laws of economics. But are we all aware of how much we are trading our privacy for a free web?  

Videos:

Episode 3 - Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5ShMZ0Xy2Q

Episode 3 - Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qr90i9q7iXI

Episode 3 - Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECLBQfLwD0s

Episode 3 - Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jg5E9Y5rH5I

Episode 3 - Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMo2B4ILzik

Episode 3 - Part 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHrhLgO86zo

Episode 4 of the documentary can be viewed here:

Programme 4: Homo interneticus?

Are we empowered, connected and enlightened with the worlds knowledge our finger tips? Is the web really changing us- the way we think, behave, and relate to each other.

Videos:

Episode 4 - Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5v4q9_cVCY

Episode 4 - Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkxdn7LsQH0

Episode 4 - Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-9JVI8pCfQ

Episode 4 - Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u03HeXOK_Y

Episode 4 - Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P15WqDKlvwo

Episode 4 - Part 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RZ218o7AjI

Below is an explanation as to how you can navigate the BBC Documentary in 3D online and get a whole-lot more knowledge out of your experience:



To experience this 3D view - visit this section of the site: http://www.bbc.co.uk/virtualrevolution/3dexplorer_start.shtml

The Lemming Dilemma

Reading this wonderful short fable of The Lemming Dilemma, has allowed me to better understand why people need to set themselves a life-vision and purpose.

Prior to reading this, my mind knew based on several other readings that "ya, ya, ya... I know I need to set myself some goals...", these are already in my head, "I know what they are... kind-of. That's all that really counts, right?!"

However once I finished reading this book, by David Hutchens, my mind started racing 100 miles/hour trying to established what IS my purpose and vision for MY life - what zest consumes me? And what is really in my 'head'... and is this where I'm heading?


Personal mastery is "the ability to consistently create the results you want in life with an economy of means.", David Hutchens continues with "Practitioners of personal mastery are constantly clarifying their sense of their own unique contribution to the world, continually growing, and, intentionally or not, creating results that elevate the world and people around them."

Personal mastery is a life-long journey; here are just-some of the key self-questions the author provides:
- Who are you?
- Why do you exist?
- What is your purpose in the world?
- What is it you wish to create?
- Why do some people expend much effort but produce so few desirable results in their lives?


I'm not a very good jumper - cause like 'Emmy', I ask too many questions?
I'm also not a good non-jumper / protester - since like 'Emmy' I see this as focusing on the negative side of things.

And so like 'Emmy', the lemming, I ponder and ask: What is it that I'm looking for and why can't I just "be" like most?

Why doesn't my mind just pursue the compliant role of "I'll do my job because the boss said so"?

...This is because -- my spirit, my character, my 'me' -- lives the enrolled role of "I'm here because I believe in what I am doing and I care enough about it to make it happen."

SUCCESS

SEE your goal,

UNDERSTAND the obstacles

CLEAR your mind of doubt,

CREATE a positive mental picture,

EMBRACE the challenge,

STAY on track,

SHOW the world you can do it!

There are no shortcuts to any place worth going. - Beverly Sills
The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.

30-Day Facebook Free Challenge

Inspired by Steve Pavlina's 30-Day Facebook Fast blog -
I decided to "what the heck, let's give this a try".

Challenging Inner-Stories


First off, like everything else in your mind - we make ourselves think it's going to be hard. I'm here to confirm, that for me - it wasn't.

Now I can't confirm that it wasn't hard due to the fact that I knew it wasn't permanent - if it had been, then these past 30 days might have been altogether different.

I was convinced that it was going to be 'boring' not playing Bejeweled and Family Feud...
But turns out I survived.
I was also convinced that I was going to really, really miss everyone and feel like I was being left-out of most conversations.
...Again turns out I survived.

All-in-all the time away proved to myself that my "mind-chatter" was louder then necessary. "OMG No Facebook for a whole month!? What are you going to do?"
Well turns out, my challenge might have been a little overwhelming to other Facebook users. I kept being asked (or if people didn't see me or contact me outside of Facebook, then they would ask my spouse) how I was managing? "Isn't it hard?"; "Don't you miss it?"; "Are you secretly checking?"; "Are you still getting updates from your family?"; etc.

So to answer most of these questions:
- No it wasn't really hard. I actually liked the "break".

- No, obviously I didn't miss it. I have to admit there were times where I wanted to share with others and since most of my family & friends are on Facebook, I felt out-dated sending them emails (Gosh like who uses Hotmail anymore?? lol - isn't that where junk is collected?).


- No I didn't secretly check it, I deactivated my account and so for me to secretly check it, I would have had to reactivate it and quite honestly I wasn't sure if it would broadcast my "cheating time" through the Facebook News Feed so I didn't bother... and besides I really didn't want to.

- And last but not least, did I still get updates? Answer is yes and no. No I didn't get the constant updates about what everyone was doing but I did get the "important" ones. Like when my brother and his wife posted a video of my nephew laughing out loud for the first time - this was important enough for one of my family members to show it off to me.

Low Priority Noise

Too much "noise" is disruptive. So stepping away from the "noise" for 30-days actually felt good.
I was actually able to re-focus and re-energize myself.

Once I returned to Facebook, I did some cleaning, by filtering my news feed:
How do I control what I see in my News Feed?
...Cause if you ain't got nothing nice to say... I don't want to hear it (or read it).


Lost of Individuality

The Internet is a wonderful tool, and since the birth of Social Networking sites like Facebook came into play it's (the internet) open things up to a whole different level. I personally love it and hate it at the same time.

This Love/Hate relationship with Facebook keeps me guessing.

I love the interaction and the "live" updates.
Great functional use of technology!!

What I hate is the loss of live-interaction.


Yes sometimes the online thing can be fun - however
People need people.

If you are feeling down - you need physical people around you to re-energize your spirits.
If you are feeling happy - you want to celebrate with people and share your happiness-energies!

Social Networking provides us with the ability to share - electronically.
We still need that connective-ness felt in the presence of others - you don't get that online.

Value of Time

During my 30-day challenge I, all of a sudden, got a bunch of free time!?

Previously when logging-in to Facebook just to check on things what started off as 5 mins would/could end-up more like 20mins or even 2 hours. You get so caught-up in this world that you're actually missing-out on the real-world around you.

With all my newly found free-time, I finally found the time I had been looking for to start blogging.
I actually did something with that pile of paper that was in the box at the end of my bed.
I started planning some of my spring cleaning.
I was able to draft out some business plan ideas.

I actually got more time to myself to start doing things I wanted to do - tried out the new Zumba Fitness wii;
I went out to Chapter's and spent time there looking for new reads, actually read a book in Chapter's [The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Pocketbook Guide to Fulfilling Your Dreams (One Hour of Wisdom)
] and bought Excuses Begone!: How to Change Lifelong, Self-Defeating Thinking Habits
and had time to read this one too (at home)!

I also started, slowly but surely, meditating and am looking into expanding this new for me self-energizing learning so that I can do this more often and with more confidence.

Status Updates

Since this 30-Day challenge, I did re-discover Twitter.

I had a Twitter account prior, however never really paid any attention to it - cause I figured I got the updates I needed from Facebook and so why Twitter?

Well with Twitter, I'm able to focus more broadly subscribing to random people of interest. Unlike Facebook where I wish to keep things on a more personal-level, I'm able to select hundreds of various people and topics on Twitter where it doesn't seem as overwhelming.

Since my return to Facebook, I've decided to filter my Facebook account and 'drop' non-personal 'Facebook Friends' that I am now following on Twitter. These 'friends' are people whom I don't necessarily really interact with.

With Twitter, I'm still connected and get their status / communication updates which is pretty much all I'm interested in anyways. Removing them from my Facebook account eases me somewhat since (for me) my Facebook interactions are more on a personal-level: pictures of family and friends; interactions with family and friends; etc. Versus on Twitter everything is about your posted status, keeping it under 140 characters -
So messages are short and sweet - right to the point.

Summary

All-in-all I actually enjoyed my time away and was a little hesitant on whether or not I wanted to come back so soon. I had originally sign-up to Facebook for connection purposes and to keep in contact with my family and friends.

What happened is that I allowed things to get out of control - my control - by wanting everything.
Wanting to know what's going on with everyone.
Trying to keep-up with the Jones but online.
Keeping in touch with people who normally wouldn't have even bothered...

Example of this - I got a request from a classmate:
Why would someone I went to school with in grade 2, in an entirely different province, want to be my friend? Just because I was tagged in that classroom school picture?
You don't know me and quite frankly I don't know you - now why would you need to "connect" with me?
Of course if we had been friends, actual friends - we would have kept contact somehow and/or I would have remembered your name...

So now I'm returning back to basics.
Going to be keeping things simple.

If you're simply wanting "inspirational" status updates, then come find me on Twitter and remove me from Facebook. If you haven't interacted with me and/or if you saw me in the mall and wouldn't bother coming over to say "Hi", then let's do each another a favor and just disconnect.

How about yourself? Have you ever thought of giving Facebook a 30-day leave?
How do you think you'd survive?
And if you have done a similar challenge - share your experience: How did you make out?