Crenk » web2.0

Google Reader Changes Design But Not Sure For The Better

Steven Finch — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 11:35:12 +0000

Google Reader has for a long time been my RSS reader of choice. The design has been simple, easy to use, lots of customisation options, ability to group and more.

Last week Google released a new version of Google Reader and I thought I would take a little time and review it for everyone.

(old)

(new)

Key changes include collapsible navigation, updated look and feel, friends get promoted and more bundle feeds.

Friends get promoted

Shared items have grown up and gotten their own section in the navigation pane. You can collapse this entire section and use the title to see everything your friends have shared, or leave it open to track friends with shared items. (Don’t forget that you can add new friends in “Sharing settings“.)

More bundled feeds!

Previously Google has some default bundles that you could subscribe too, in a variety of areas. Previously this was very limited and there were only about 10 areas. Now they have added huge amounts of bundle feeds for pretty much every major niche. If you go to “Browse for stuff” then you can see bundles.

Collapsible Navigation

Each section of the navigation pane now has its own options menu and minimize/maximize controls. You can collapse each major section of navigation down to one line and focus on only the things you choose to use.

Updated look and feel

The look and feel has changed a lot in this new version of Google Reader. I personally would have liked it if there was an option to return to the old version or at least have a variety of versions. The new version is very neutral, with white and a very light blue being the main colours. However, I find post a lot harder to read in this new version. Recently Gmail received a variety of themes in which users could choose from, I really hope this isn’t too long in coming to Google Reader.
Overall

Overall the changes to Google Reader were needed, except in the case of changing the colour scheme. I think the colour scheme changes are definitely a step backwards, but this can be changed when hopefully they release a themes range to choose from.

Web 2.0 and Tech Conferences Left For 2008

Steven Finch — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:16:02 +0000

I thought I would let everyone know what is still left for the remainder of 2008 in terms of Tech and Web 2.0 conferences.

NOVEMBER 2008

Future of Mobile
TBD, London, UK
Mobile devices and the mobile Web is still in its infant state and this conference explores the emerging technologies of the mobile space.

Defrag Conference 2008
November 3-4, Denver, CO
The Defrag conference focused solely on the tools and technologies that are leveraging the “social” aspect of software to accelerate the “aha” moment. Defrag is not a version number. Rather it’s a gathering place for the growing community of implementers, users, builders and thinkers that are working on the next wave of software innovation.

The New New Internet Conference
TBD ~ Reston, VA
Showcasing 60+ speakers from across the country, extensive networking and 26+ technology demos offered at the conference. Here are some details from last years event.

DECEMBER 2008

Search Engine Strategies Chicag0
December 8-11 ~ Chicago, IL
The industry converges for a week of spirited discussion, high-level learning and attendees leave with actionable battle plans to go forward with for their companies.

Le Web 3
December 11-12 ~ Paris, France
This event has to be the highlight of the European calendar. Showcasing some of the best startup companies within Europe it a must for all technology enthusiasts who are looking to network with the elite in the industry.

Profy: A Technology News and Analysis Site, Which Is a Must Subscribe

Steven Finch — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:13:10 +0000

Profy is probably the first technology related blog I ever read. Since initially launched in September, 2006 Profy has built a loyal readership among startup owners, engineers, bloggers, investors, and general tech-savvy audience.

In the last few months Profy has been having problems keeping its authors, but since then Svetlana Gladkova has taken over the editorial status and the blog seems to be rising again. About three months ago Profy had a redesign and Im really liking the new look, except for the logo change!

Profy release about 3 or so articles per day and these articles are rich in analysis and also hot off the press when related to technology news. I would like to see them get some more authors on board and also incorporate the old green style back into the site. Additionally, they are not promoting the blogging platform they launched about six months ago. However, that all being said, Profy is one of the leading technology blogs on the internet, and it is a must subscribe!

Where Do You Head To Rate Beer?

Steven Finch — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:58:24 +0000

Since the development of social media one area that hasnt really evolved yet is the beer or alcohol social network. So at this moment where do you head to rate beer? Well as far I know there are 3 key places to head. Ratebeer, BeerAdvocate, and Beer Suggest. Currently, all these sites are growing but the clear leader has to be Ratebeer. The site has huge database with some great beers in their and a very active user base.

However that being said, no really site has been able to establish the equivalent to what Snooth has done in the wine industry. Snooth has a brilliant looking site that in as equally rich in features as it is in user contributions. I think there is a real big potential to have the leading site in this market, I just wish I had the time to produce such a site.

Web 2.0 Design Generators That Will Blow Your Mind

Steven Finch — Sun, 25 May 2008 09:01:01 +0000

The guys over at CSS addict have a great article about web 2.0 design products that I though everyone would enjoy. As of late there are web 2.0 companies poping up everywhere and there are even more web 2.0 style designed sites, flash buttons etc. Below is a list of some of the most useful web 2.0 design generators in the marketplace today, and the best thing is they are all free!

Web 2.0 Stripes Generator

Stripe Designer

Online Ribbon Generator

Web 2.0 Budges

Fresh Badge Generator

Job Boards Are Taking Over The Tech Blog World!

Steven Finch — Tue, 13 May 2008 09:50:25 +0000

Duncan Riley has a new blog called the Inquisitr and they have just launched a new job board. With this new job board launching it made me sit back and think, why are all these Technology News companies launching crappy job board that are pretty much all from the same 2 or 3 companies? Do they really add anything to the user experience? and more importantly are they being used from a user stand point, while bringing in revenues for a publisher?

Currently, sites like RWW, Gigaom, Techcrunch, Venturebeat, Centernetworks and more.

The companies in which seem to be used all the time are Simply Hired and Personforce. Except for Centernetworks which seems to be built upon a Drupal platform, so they have made the Jobs extension in house.

I just dont get all of these job boards and how companies think they can find the right person by posting on them. Why not just save the money and either place a job advert on Linkedin or even headhunt via Linkedin?

What do you think about the whole Job Board situation!

Technology and Web 2.0 Conferences for 2008: Complete List Worth Going To

Steven Finch — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:14:52 +0000

If you are looking for a complete list of all Technology and Web 2.0 Conferences for 2008, make sure you head over to our list and check them out. If any conference is missing that is worth its wait in gold, please let us know.

BBC Have Launched Their New Web2.0 Home Page

Steven Finch — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:28:01 +0000

The BBC has launched their web 2.0 version of there home page and personally I think it is a great improvement on what they had before.Â The new BBC home page allows each user to create there own personalised home page, thus making it quite similar in a way to Netvibes and what they are trying to achieve. This is a great step forward for the BBC who have always been seen as a little behind the times, and especially considering how bad I think their iPlayer is! However, this being said, make sure you head over to the new BBC website and let me know what you think!

Joost and Meebo Partner, But I Have No Idea Why!

Steven Finch — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:02:00 +0000

It has been reported around the web yesterday evening that Meebo has partnered with Joost to provide Chat solutions.

Joost has chosen Meebo as the provider of chat solution on its IPTV service, but I really dont see the point and how this is going to enhance the user experience on Joost. When users log onto IPTV services they do so for the one reason of watch TV shows Free, not to chat to their friends. If they did use the service to chat to their friends how are they going to see what is on the TV, because although it is transparent to some degree, it is still going to be annoying. Thus if you wanted to run both at the same time why not just minimise the Joost service and run Meebo or another chat client in another window. Overlays just dont work!

New Incentive

Steven Finch — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 16:18:45 +0000

I have made the decision to start a new promotion tool here on Crenk! Instead of selling advertising in 125 x 125 banner slots I have decided to give the banner slots away to Web 2.0 companies.

Every month I will be offering 5 (125 x 125 banners) slots to web 2.0 companies either startups or established companies looking to gain more exposure. At the end of each month I will be selecting from random the 5 slots for the next month. There is really no guidelines at present, you just need to email me: info (at) crenk.com , with your banner ad and a little more information about your company. If you are selected you will not only get your ad on the site for the month but you will also get a writeup about your company and what you do.

So make sure you email all the info to: info (at) crenk.com, or head over to our contact page and ask for some more information.

There are so many startup and web 2.0 companies out there and I know how hard it can be sometimes to stand out from the crowd, so i hope this helps!