As the biggest fan of social networks like Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, and basically whichever Web site is ‘in’ this week, one sad repercussion of my generation’s intense online activity is the loss of our class reunion. In the past, a class reunion was a “hold-your-breath-til-you-get-there-and-see-who-got-fat” kind of thing. Not so much anymore. Linked as ‘friends’ on all social networks to everyone we can find from high school, college, work, etc. allows us to see (in instant time) who , got fat, got a job, got married, and/or got pregnant. It’s like a class reunion on speed!
So, what need is there for a class reunion? My friends from high school and college are spread around not only the nation, but the world! But, I can pop by and say hello any day I want to. AND, I can updated friend statuses telling me exactly what they did today, yesterday, or any other day of the week. My generation is definitely the epitome of self-promotion. We are completely cool with publishing our photos, thoughts, and even relationship statuses online.
So, in the end, we’re losing out on our class reunion. But, MySpace and Facebook made it a lot easier for me to badger our Class President. (sorry Brie!)
Maybe we’ll be able to work it out in the end - and see who is lying online 
My Verizon Customer Service Nightmare
A little while back, during the Pittsburgh Technology Council’s seminar titled, Social Media: Animate Your Marketing, the presenter gave me a great idea for a rant. Mike Woycheck, of Pittsburgh Bloggers and AlphaLab, gave a great presentation about company blogging…When to Comment, When to Listen, and When to Blog. And, of course, there are many great examples of companies who were forced to listen to consumers who had to blog about bad experiences online, i.e. Dell Hell, which basically caused Dell’s entire customer service approach to change, and so on and so forth.
So, bingo! I had been suffering from writer’s block, but instantly had the motivation to write about my recent 3 to 4 month customer service nightmare in the hands of Verizon FiOS Internet.
To make a long story short, I have been attempting to cancel my Verizon FiOS Internet service for approximately 4 months now. It turns out that Verizon’s lovely automated phone customer service program is not so lovely. In the past, it took me 3 weeks to get through for some technical support when my Internet stopped working. When it was time to cancel my service, I was prepared for the worst (or so I thought). Full Story »
So, I just learned upon visiting some of my favorite Pittsburgh blogs that Pittsburgh Blogfest 13 (although it’s only the 3rd year…so I’m still working on figuring that one out) will be held this Friday evening. The details below come from Cynthia Closkey, blogger of MyBrilliantMistakes.com.
I’m excited to go and network with fellow Pittsburgh bloggers and would love to see others (non-bloggers welcome too) who have the interest. Thanks to the organizers for a great idea to get together some smart Pittsburgh minds!
Here’s the info:
“BlogFest is an informal and friendly quarterly gathering of local bloggers, vloggers, podcasters, and anyone who enjoys life on the Internet. It’s more happy hour than meeting: No talks will be given, no credentials required. There may be nametags, but that’s only because I’m terrible at remembering names.
WHAT: Pittsburgh Blogfest 13
WHEN: Friday, February 22, 2008, 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM and beyond
WHERE: Finnegan’s Wake (near PNC Park, 20 General Robinson St., North Shore, 412-325-2601), in the Pub Room
WHO: All local bloggers, vloggers, podcasters (and their friends!) and Pittsburgh Bloggers
Food and beverages will be available for purchase from Finnegan’s Wake, as always. Arrive when you like, leave when you must.
UPDATE/CLARIFICATION: Please note that our events in the Pub Room are smoke-free. The main bar area at Finnegan’s Wake, just on the other side of the door, allows smoking of course.
Please note that we’re gathering on a Friday evening this time around. We’ve received requests to vary the nights of these events, so that people who can’t go out on a work night can join in the fun, so we’re eager to see any new faces. And we’re equally eager to see old faces. Wear whatever face you have handy, and you will be welcome.
As always, if you plan to attend, please send an e-mail to “blogfest@ closkey.com”
One of Pittsburgh’s most fascinating Web sites, JURIST, is powered by a volunteer team of students at the University of Pittsburgh Law School. JURIST displays breaking legal news across the Web 24/7 to an audience of lawyers, judges, policymakers, government employees, law professors, law and college students and has even been recently recognized as a (second time) Official Honoree in the 2007 Webby Awards. Full Story »
Rant and Rave!
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