Kuumba Go Ahead Try Something New today
Kuumba (Creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
So what is creativity and how do we honor and celebrate it!
It’s a little after 12 midnight, we’re into 2010, I have been pondering this all day. More importantly I have been trying to find a tactful way to address how I feel on the issue…. too many of us have stopped exercising and nurturing our creativity!
2010 Let’s kiss Apathy goodbye
KISS (Keep It stupid Simple)
I’ve heard that said at countless community and even business meetings! It’s time to rethink that. Anything with “Stupid” attached to it need not be a part of any mantra!
It actually takes a lot of creativity and smarts to keep things simple and effective! Creativity requires thought… it demands deconstructing and restructuring patterns and theories! To do so we need to ask questions! They may be silently expressed to ourselves or discussed with others; but asking questions is a crucial part of creative process!
So why is the process of questioning now “taboo”. I’ve heard “sorry” so often when someone has a question… why do we apologize for seeking to expand our perception and knowledge!
I’m moving towards 2010 with a mission of nurturing creativity, so I’ll probably touch this topic some more, but I’d start with a simple exercise! Every day, be conscious of something you are doing! From brushing your teeth to your travel route ask yourself…
- … is there another way to do this?
- Can I make it better?
- Can I make it more fun?
- How can I change this,
- can I make it more pleasurable or solve a problem?
Creativity is not just about artistic expression, so you do not need to be an artist to exercise your creativity!
Go Ahead
TRY something new each day!
Kuumba
It’s 2010 Do You Know Where Your Purpose Is
It’s the eve of 2010 do you know where your purpose is?
Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
There is a design line whose tag line .is .”It’s time to get back to greatness” Louis Narcisse, who will be one of the designers in our February Lineup, Has over 10 years in the fashion Industry! I recently met Lucy his wife whose purpose and desire is to be a photographer in conflict zones! I have not been able to get this woman out my mind! How does one come to decide that that’s your purpose! Her passion is photography. Her parents are from areas of conflict, as a mother, she identifies with the challenges of conflict and their effect on children, her compassion has directed her.
What’s your purpose! Seeking and finding our individual purpose in life!
I think too much… that’s the danger of being creative… I think too much. Sometimes you really do not need any other “company” you mind keeps you occupied! I am also critical, and stubborn. I never quite fit in… I worked in a lot of place… for about a year and then moved on! I get bored easily.. I am good with my hands and creative. I am satisfied with who I am, I am not really competitive! I have a temper and a tongue that according to one individual can “cut like a two edge sword”
The point Is who I am my qualities suits my purpose… once I came around to embracing it!
I am not speaking on the purpose you ( or society pressure) decided you should pursue. I am speaking about calling life purpose, mission! We all have one! We now it… deep in the moment when we can be true to ourselves we can define it! Instead we focus on “something to fall back on.” I need the insurance ( and yes we do but taking that job that ties your stomach in knots every day will send you to the hospital faster than you can spell relief!
I think therefore I can solve problems other may not even see…I am happy working in solitary confinement; so long hours do not bother me! I am paid to critique products and services before money is wasted on them! My moving from job to job gave me unique skill-sets I never thought I’d need…Ever!, I’m an excellent researcher thanks to a job in field research and understand organizing information thanks to my days at the court of Appeal Library! I am a great teacher, 14 year old can school you in patience and prepare you to deal with adults! I have seen and touched more female bodies than I care to admit! I understand their needs and their anguish! My point is that even when we seem not to be on our path to purpose we are exactly where we need to be!
When speaking of purpose it is all about a force grater than self! There comes a time when we have to either surrender to it or we fall and fall hard and fail! It is the same for collective purpose as outlined above! We as a community are either going to have to surrender to it or fail!
It’s 2010
Do you know where your purpose is?
NIA!
UJAMAA Anyone
We’ve been busy with house cleaning so posting has been a bit tardy we apologize but Happy New Year
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.
I’ll be honest I’m not to sure about this one!
Cooperative Economics goes way beyond collaboration which suggestion working together for individual gain… Cooperative economics suggest putting aside self and working together and splitting the profits! I’m not sure if most of us can do that! It means understanding that everyone’s input has value! Just getting credit for the images that photographers have helped provide has been a challenge! A designer recently spoke of walking into a local Bedstuy boutique and being assured by the proprietor that they were the designer of an item that was distinctive to her company! WHY/
In a society where being a “mogul” and scoring the big “Catch” seems to be the end goal how can we share info that may jeopardize that chance! I did not post this yesterday; I could not admit that I have little faith in this principle. I am not saying it does not exist, lately, I have seen little of it in practice!
Admittedly I have not been around much; In 2009 I decided to focus on the 80/20; that is put 80% of my effort to the 20% of activity that showed results! I am keeping an eye on Society HAE They seem to be doing some sort of cooperative economics yet I have not asked Ngozi directly! If so I applaud them! May I also recommend their NYE Bash as a solution!
I also had to ask myself about my responsibility, while I have conducted this voluntary project I abstained from a formal economic platform, I am the mother of a seventeen year old high school senior. I needed to be home when he arrived, or more correctly to ensure he arrived at home as he should! As he gets ready to graduate I can now look towards a formal entrepreneurial venture!
I have been considering an cooperative economic format, we’ll see! UJAMAA anyone?
UJIMA Is The Only Solution
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems, and to solve them together
“How to …”
Identify the task, the problem and more importantly target the specific goals you want to achieve. Collect information – DO REASEARCH! Organize, Process, Create a strategy and Review! Finally To quote Nike “Just Do It” … it is not going to magically happen!
It is not reciting , or wishing or passing along the “Message” or attending meetings that Get Things Done… It is a creating a plan , And ACTING on It!
February 1st-28th 2010 We’re Taking On Barriers and Bridging the Digital Divide
28 Vested interest parties
28 New and Emerging technologies that will influence how we trade
28 Design and Lifestyle trends that are will impact us
28 Designers from Africa,the Caribbean, Europe and America
to
Showcase,
Sell
Inspire
&
Celebrate their African Heritage while taking on New Media and Technology!
Take Center Stage….
Virtually !!
That Is not Going To Be an Easy project! But it is needed! The Challenge is getting those of us who gripe and moan to take action! Part of the series on bridging the digital divide is making a connection between culture, creativity, community, collaboration, and how technology can help! These reflections on our cultural beliefs as manifested by Kwanzaa are part of that process!
MAKE THEM OUR OWN- It’s your Business!
For Christians who cannot identify with Kwanzaa note this Love your brother as your self!
You take care of your business in a timely manner, Respect your brothers TIME!
You make sure your bills are paid! You demand an honest dollar for an honest day’s work and refuse to work without compensation… Respect community businesses and pay our artist and crafters
UJIMA TAKES COMMITMENT
Identifying our brother’s and sisters problems:- Ok my focus is fashion designers as I am acutely aware of the problems in that area! But The simplest way to identify is ask… is their anything I can do to help… or offer, I am involved in Group A or B, how can we help!
Production- The truth is this is an urgent need for most designers I know Resources- Textile Printers and surface designers, Small scale manufacturing, Space- This is tricky since evey one assumes they can set up a “marketplace’ Funding/Financing- Simply Put designers would fair better if they are paid the value of their goods or products , Trade not Aid! ! Support local designers and creative businesses and STOP asking for cheaper prices! However that said Marketing- I (and other designers) am not your personal secret… Trust me most local designers will not make the same garment for two clients going to the same event! (unless it’s a wedding Party) So you can Share our information with Your colleagues at work and church and on teh job and on your social networks!
These are broad based references to challenges… I have no problem getting into details but this it’ll take too long!
UJIMA IS CHALLENGING
To solve them together
Production- Resources Space- even Marketing can benefit from Collective action! Getting designers to work together though is difficult! Co-working spaces and even Co- production facilities are an option! There isdefinitely a need for funding, designers themselves need to look into our cultural solutions “Sou Sou and Hand” type programs! Groups and organizations need to look into this
UJIMA TAKES INGENUITY
UJIMA; I understand it is second nature to me! I have been taught this since childhood! It a discussion my sister and I recently had we realized we are product of this doctrine! I am in the midst of planning a project that illustrates the subtle difference between Umoja and Ujima! We are pulling together 28 Designers of African descent around from around the world! The designers have a common goal and are working in Unity to create a platform for their businesses that’s Umoja; that’s unity!
When I say we; It’s have a team of local businesses and individuals who each have individual goals but this creates a platform whereby we all can contribute to building and maintaining our community together and make our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems, and to solve them together! That’s Ujima, Collective work and responsibility!
Streets of New York, AzizaPR, Colthom Photograpy, Makeup artist and Stylist Natacha Jospitre, have worked with our projects in the past and are committed to community; we now have tech sponsors and even some new individuals! The full list would be made public on January 2nd! Our aim is to get 28 designers, that’s a little tougher … not impossible, just tougher and it will take the virtues of all the rest principles to pull off! The reward however keeps us focused! Collective Work and Responsibility Takes dedication!
So why do I and others undertake this, I spoke in recent weeks to designers from France, Nigeria, Trinidad, and the right here in America, East cost , west coast and in the South; We have more in common than separates us! Production, sourcing of fabrics, skills sets; we also have solutions that can help each other! Countries such as Trinidad and Nigeria may have the wherewithal to provide solutions in textiles, and manufacture, The New York Market has access, England has an excellent model for creative enterprise! There is a great fashion and technology movement in more developed countries and new models of business and models of funding are emerging in Europe! We need a show room; one of the local organizations is taking on that challenge! The key is working “together” Collective Work and Responsibility is one of the few choices to a solution!
We do these projects often; we’ve run tests over the last couple of years! It works… when each individual takes responsibility for their part, delivers their best and on time, it is a work of art! We have had instances when some have not pulled their weight! The greatest loss have been theirs as the others have simply stepped up and in so doing increased their skill sets! Too often we’ve had designers say I’ll wait in the last few months we got calls about a diversity pro gram that we were involved with that has been abandoned… We need to understand that time and opportunity does not always wait for us to get our schedules together! Collective Work and Responsibility is about individual dedication and action!
UJIMA
Dont Just Read this Do Something about It
In many cases the “Digital Divide” is not necessarily just about the lack of access to technology, but a lack of understanding of it’s potential and a fear of the “unknown!” Education, workshops and outreach are all part of “BRIDGING THE DIVIDE …
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Kujichagulia the quest to Define Self-Determination
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination):
I am often asked what you are… usually it is in reference to my professional definition, Sometimes it is in reference to my dialect! I had Individuals tell me I don’t look “Trini”, I’ve had some say that my designs were not black… Others are quick to define if you let them!
Kwanzaa is new to me and somehow this year I find myself reflecting on its principles and what it means! Earlier today I posted my stream of thought on Umoja! Today is Kujichagulia (Self-Determination):
To define your business, name your business, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves!
Few adults can do this… our culture has taught us to have absolute control over our children, And sometime it’s difficult to know when or how to help them become the best adults they can be!
Define your business; how are we supposed to define something of this magnitude if we do not feel entitled to define our style of clothing! The challenge as a parent is deciding what decisions to hand over to them when and more importantly how to raise them to define for themselves! Many young college students enter college without ever having to define a budget for food, clothing and shelter! Too often we leave college with moms and pops taking up the slack and we are adults unable to determine our own spending habits! Economically it is not easy to let teenage make mistakes with the food budget! More importantly letting go of control and allowing them the make choices based on their thinking process is difficult! My 17 old son can now budget and shop… surprisingly he has leaned to use coupons and weekly special something I honestly did not set out to teach him and truthfully there rea days I still try to lay down every decision! This lack of entitlement or discomfort with it reflects in our use of technology! We either go too far, saying and doing as we please regardless of consequences, or not far enough; not speaking up commenting and having our voices heard!
Self determination is a skill formed over time!
My workshops guide creative individuals through defining their business! For the record I believe in calling, purpose, mission and affinity! Instinctively, we know what we want to do … as kids we show an affinity but we’re often taught how to behave and act! Unfortunately most education systems , rather than teach us how to optimize our talents, to achieve the most lucrative outcomes; teaches us to choose and prepare for the most lucrative professions! Over 80% of the artist in our groups have degrees and are social workers… no wonder our support services are so inefficient! Choosing to follow ones dream to live ones calling requires a GIGANTIC proportion of courage! More importantly it needs support! I once stood in a local business workshop as a designers asked, almost in tears for solutions to deal with a husband who made her life difficult whenever she pursued her business goals! The male lead had could not connect with her experience! I have seen that story over and over again! We need to speak about this to bring the issue of ownership of businesses as a community responsibility and encourage it’s support especially at the family level!
Self determination requires vast amounts of courage
As I thought on what self determination meant as far as “creating for self” and “naming our business”; My mind went back to the projects during the latter half of this year FashionCamp, and the workshops with Black Media Professionals! What we do not know is preventing us from making effective decisions! In the last few years changes have been so rapid that unless we make it our business to stay current we run the risk of really missing the boat on these two! A few years ago there was no twitter, no such job as content creator! Someone asked me why were there are so many nurses, nurses aides and baby sitters in our community. Most of these hate their jobs yet it’s the only professional choice they were exposed to!
Self determination requires constant research and refining!
A few days ago I receive an email announcing the TED2010 speaker line-up among the intros and how people defined themselves, One presenter has just fascinated me:- Michael Schemer skeptic! Michael Schermer.com skeptic.com here is a man who dared defined his own profession! Apparently he’s not alone… There are other “skeptics”! One of my mentees recently asked me, how would she define her job description! When you create your own You can define your own job description! What pain can you solve, what pleasure can you give! I have been thinking about that this year when asked I’ll say I’m a Badasse! It will be the ultimate test self determination! Yes I’m influence by distance childhood references to Pam Grier, to a young girl growing up in the 70’s she was referred to with a certain, hushed reference , she was a BAD girl that did “right”. Simply put she was a trail blazer! B.A.D.A.S.S.E really is an acronym on a project of giving voice around the issues that surround Black, women and/or business as it relates to creativity! It took a while to claim but I have been an advocate since my late teens! I’ve tried to walk away but it is my calling! I am not quite a fashion designer, I am much more than a project manager, sure I’m an early adaptor, but I’m not really a geek! So what am I, I am a Badasse… at the least it will start a conversation!
Self Determination gives you poetic license!
I recently saw a discussion where someone was in a quandary, apparently his facebook account was deleted what and if like most people he has moved his contact to, and subsequently built the rest of his list on facebook! I fully understand his dilemma! Organizing my contacts is core to my definition of self determination! It is the sole reason I’m moving my contact list to www.Gist.com. Their statement that my list was mine struck a nerve! My list my contacts are mine and I should be free to move it whenever possible! At the same time my contacts have a right to determine what info I have access to of theirs and what they receive from me! I encourage people to unsubscribe and will be sending them an invite to update their profile via Gist!
Self Determination demands that we take responsibility for the control our information!
Which leaves me perusing “speak for ourselves”? Communication is especially important, and media in all its present manifestations and forms are important!
Too often we are afraid of censorship and cower behind silence! This year for example the issue of “black” designers were hot topics, Yet most who wrote on it were whites or writers with no reference to the authentic experiences of designers of African descent! We did not speak for ourselves… sure we have huge conversations huddled together at events, around menus at lounges , or in each others store… yes contrary to popular believe we actually like, admire and support each other and know each other! But to find designers with active collections addressing the topics! Where are the “REAL” Black designers! Maybe they have simply given up or are so busy focusing on surviving that they cannot deal with how or who speaks for them! If there is no other area that defines our freedom is the ability to speak for ourselves! As a young girl in Trinidad I discovered African fashions in one the patterns books and fell in love I had an aunt the girlfriend of my “Rasta” Uncle who wore her “fro” and wore was proudly natural! “I’m Black and I’m proud! Was an image I saw from an early age! We affect others when we give voice!As such as an adult and more importantly as a designer I never had issues of identity! The importance of young girls seeing themselves in the media cannot be overlooked! There are many who claim that the web is devoid of racism… really! I will give you a list of fashion sites they do not reflect the America I know! I was once told that Brooklyn Fashion Gallery was too ethnic and as such designers and the problem will have issues with it! My answer, “If the color of the model will affect your choice, you are not my customer!”
I can say this because I determine my platform! I am not dependent on anyone… if we do not have media, press; televisions programs where we can self determine we will be lost! I am reading on social media and fashion and most of the speakers are marketers, few true ”fashion” people are saying anything! The story that is being written does not reflect the experience of designers I encounter! History will record something that does not reflect the times! Today I wonder and question the accuracy at historical reports! The man who owns the media apparently writes history! Self determination is a cultural and historical responsibility!
Kujichagulia
Umoja is a Verb
The following was written on Dec 26th 2009 , however I got side tracked online!It Is part of a series address culture, creativity collaboration and commerce and the adaptation, adopting and integration of new media and web 2.0! Observations are solely my own personal views and assessment and I welcome any opportunities to convince me otherwise!
I have seen that word so much today that I want to ask them what does “UNITY” mean, to you and how do you manifest it in your daily life!
UNITY IS A VERB … a doing word much like faith it is something that needs to be acted on!
If we live the principles we extol rather than just reciting them we will neither be lost or struggling! Please do not confuse sacrifice with struggle! Few realize that for the last six years I have run a totally unfunded project that helps local artist , designers and creators, The results have been great… many have been able to leave their jobs and support their families! It is up to them to acknowledge who they are, their privacy is assured! I have sacrificed for the last six years on this community project, I can honestly say I have never struggled! While I may reference their stories their names are kept private!
First of all what does UMOJA mean to you; how do we go beyond saying it to achieving it!
UNITY is a decision to work together to solve a need or problem that is common! More importantly it is taking steps to put that decision into ACTION! At the core, what works against us, is the notion that we can get ahead of the pack if we work alone, somehow gain some advantage and profit more than our fellow man!
Essentially Unity involves working as one, putting the common goal before your own!
- It can be at a common time, even temporarily,
- It can manifest itself at a common place
- It can be a singular strategy
- It is an action on the part of many to create ONE!
It cannot be stressed enough! Unity is about ONE common goal or purpose; taking responsibility. Frankly it is a matter of what we see as important! The minute we realize that survival (and working in unity as part of that survival), is the issue we will step forward!
The tech industry is a prime example of unity among competitors, working to advance the common cause, yet each able to define what set them apart and stand out!
I promised this series to Barbara Garnes of SoHe Designs last year. Living the principle of our culture, as a guide to succeeding in business! I will focus on how, it can be achieved rather than what is not happening. If I tell of stories of it is to show how they affect solutions. If anything reminds me of our lack of unity and our struggle to understand it… It is the demise of 4W Circle, an institution that housed many artist and was one of the few platforms for the creative in our community! There were managerial and financial problems as many arts groups face! However Unity the principle of Umoja is supposed to provide strength! So instead of rehashing what went wrong, I’ll like to tell of a model that works!
I’d like to introduce you to NYC Resistor here in Brooklyn on Bridge St… It is a hacker space… I love it but due to my community work, I have not been able to attend the workshops etc Simply put a group of friends needed a space to work on problems their creativity and hobbies, mainly of a tech nature but more hardware oriented, They needed tools that were expensive; laser cutters, soldering irons! So they got together created a “LEGAL” corporation and rented a space in downtown Brooklyn! They pay a monthly stipend towards expenses give workshops and have a great craft night! They also host workshops and split the cost with the workshop leaders! TOTALLY SELF SUPPORTED! Out of that space has come one of the best tech innovations Makerbot
Take that concept to our community, and to the fashion and creative sector! Getting folks together under a unified umbrella is difficult! In October 2003 a group of local designers met to discuss the needs of the industry… again a few years later and essential their have been several such meeting! Invariably you’ll get a call when a designer, figures they need help on a project! THEY WILL ACT ONLY WHEN IT SERVES THEIR INTEREST… The problem is that their individual interest never all seem to happen at the same time! There is a need for a physical collective; with space for production, sample design and exploration with the access to the latest technology, tools and resources, not to mention a magazine and media outlets that serves the Design community! We are not speaking of what other think designers need but what designers know they need!
I guess to have unity we need to have or more importantly identify a common agenda… I just assume that growth and positioning , even simple affordability in providing common needs should be enough!
Last week the city closed applications for the designer incubator space! The very definitions and requirements would have kept most designers of color out! It is not till designers come to a common understanding of their needs and work together in UNITY will we see change!
Working In UNITY seems simple so what’s preventing it from happening!
It’s Cultural…
I can’t fully agree… culturally we are familiar with “SouSou’s” Or “Hand’. This is working in unity, It has built and furnished homes ! Why can’t we put that same concept to work…a group of designers and artist come to together each putting a fixed amount, and doing their part (on time and to the best of their ability) They instead of the 3000- 5000 per month for space and marketing, a group of six would pay $500-$635. a group of ten $300-$500, They can then afford to better market as well as hire someone full time, even to get fabrications and better equipment!! They’ll each have more hours to work on their creativity! If they can get past whose name in on the banner!
UNITY IS ABOUT THE BIGGER PICTURE!
I’ve been having discussions with designers on this, as well as on taking in apprentices the hold up;- Many Claim frustration, people come just to “get” and then they leave! Firstly Those people are going to realize they left too soon… and let’s get real that’s growth! My mother always had an apprentice and the day she had extra work or did not want to do a job she had a selection of places to send the work! I am a designer who sends people to designers all the time! I am not afraid of “Losing a Customer”, there is just so much I can handle!
UNITY IS ABOUT THE COMMON GOOD!
Another scenario a designer wants to save her space and asks to help, the discussion turning it into a community “so-working” design space where the cost is shared; the hold up I must control all the clients that walk through that door… this is my space! Or on the flip side artists who refuse to understand that sharing the benefits mean sharing the responsibility!
UNITY can so change the landscape for businesses! Instead of thinking I gave a few dollars so I do not have to do anything but show up! Think of how much time, money and effort you saved by working in UNITY! Don’t just show up, ask what else, you can do to help
UNITY is about sharing the cost and workload and effort!
Or several artists wanting to vend at a street fair the space was donated by a local business the hold up! One vendor wants to charge the others full cost “EACH” for the cost of the donated space, … I need to make money, It’s my tent!
In most cases unity is used as a tool only to cover cost not to share in the gains! Unity has to have balance to work! I have heard artist say they are going to shows to get “another businesses client list”. When next you sign up to an event make sure you send invites to YOUR list and add to the overall success!
UNITY needs balance and needs to be fair!
We speak of unity yet I cannot find a project based on the principle and please I am dying for someone to correct me! I send out invites for project s artist and designers are having ..all voluntary (I am NOT PAID, but will notify you if and when I am, as per FTC rules)! What I get with each is a stream of individuals telling me what they are doing! Do they support the others, even by sharing it with their list… no! A simple solution would be a common space to post so— BTW Do NOT SEND ME YOU EMAILS TO POSTS or BLAST! I no longer post I have set up spaces where creatives can post their news… I have been moving away from emails artist will have to opt-in to receive news!
UNITY is sharing Knowledge…
Then there is the other problem hustlers who see groups as a money making venture!
Yes, Unity still requires work and someone has to do that work, a well organized group that serves artist and visionary endeavors is a lot of work and deserves to be supported, via direct subscriptions donations and sponsorship! We cannot let those who organize unified projects go unsupported, or we loose them! However I am speaking about those promoters, who have no idea of what they speak, refuse to do the research and get educated, and yet sell expertise and promises of large numbers; they work solely in pursuit of personal gain! Unity is about balance! I have worked so many projects where others knew of past indiscretion, and said nothing, seeing members taken advantage of!Eventually these bad apples erode thecommon trust.
Unity requires truth and protection and support!
Too often we have and pass along only the story of struggle! Many of us are afraid to sacrifice to make choices and let go of the unnecessary weight that holds us down and back! We need to change the language we use! I was reminded of this video I discovered via a facebook link on the impact of a single story, when this week when I reconnected with a designers who had started the workshops I gave at 4W Circle Of Arts and Entertainment about a year before it closed! Her words were- can’t, fear, don’t, won’t! Those of us who are making change who have found solutions need to share! Tell the stories of victory and encourage others! Their are artist and visionaries who are flourishing, finding and living their truth , passion and mission.
Unity is Positive!
I was recently asked why they won’t speak up and give credit or testimonials that’s part of the issue I am who I am because of those who came before me! I have mentors, teachers, even those I did not meet laid the foundation for who and what I am today! The artist I work with each taught me something new and I acknowledge that.
Unity must be respectful!
For me unity means taking a day out of my schedule to help another in need! It means sharing what I have learned and giving references to other designers and projects when someone seeking that help comes my way! It Is the steadfast determination that the next generation would have a stronger platform from which to leap and build their dream! It is getting 28 Designers together to defy the myths on African design Heritage! It Is coordinating across sectors, nationalities, geography styles It is 20 hrs a day 6 sometimes 7 days a week. It is looking at artist and designers who know their actions are self centered and gently steering us together! It is being firm and protective and telling those who know they’re doing wrong, “if you keep doing that BS and taking advantage of the innocent, I’ll call you out”!
Unity is precious gift that needs to be nurtured protected and more importantly executed!
UMOJA
culture + creativity+ community+ collaboration= COMMERCE
Today is our Holiday at Sunshine To Celebrate, Mingle Sip and Shop
If you have not registered the complimentary list are already printed! So the only way to attend is via tickets are $10:00 online and $15;00 at the door.
Thanks to our sponsor
Fusion Catering
Just so you know we ‘ll be doing the sipping and thanks to Fusion Catering sampling Between 6pm and 7:00 pm Shopping area opens and 7pm and you have till 10 to meet shop and support!
I generally have only one rule; do not ask my artist to drop their prices, unless you are willing to give your employer a 50% off your salary this holiday season! It’s not bargaining it’s disrepectful! They are fair and willing to work with you to ensure you have something they create!
Our Featured Designer
other designers, crafters and artist include
Pharonic
Artist Chanda Hopkins
So come out and support
A little Background ;- we are a community project designed to explore technology and how it can be adapted, adopted and integrated by small creative businesses we are an example of what we can achieve when we as a community works together!
We are entirely self funded, giving hands on workshops on the use, design and usability of newtechnology is what we do! We seldom advertise, the fact is fact word of mouth keep us busy! Lately we have noticed an increase in the number of adult heads of households in our community that are unemployed! We give workshops but without laptops and access to computers it is hard for many to truly grasp! There are also so many options for careers we are unaware of!
We even work with creative in France, and now Senegal Nigeria! Access and bridging that divide is our goal next year! so Add you name to our invite list for 2010 events
So we are raing funds even if you are not attending this evenings program Please make a donation
Bonnie Sandy
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Sourcing Shows Catch Up With Social media Marketing
I ‘ve notice the efforts by Print Source to modernize their marketing they’ve added a blog and even a Gallery powered by a F lickr account!
I have a full day ahead of me preparing and sending out correspondence for a large project in February! But I just had to take time out to share!
There is a lot said about fashion, technology and Social Media, but when I see one of my favorite trade shows adapting social media into their marketing I just had to reach out! finally a way to share… well a move in that direction! this info is needed by the local designers!
As a Fashion Editor I have all but stopped attending local designers events! When I write I am honest and it had reached the point that some local designers were simply placing the same items year after year on the runway!
I actually can tell which local fabric outlet they had picked up their fabrics! More importantly they were just sewing! Their collections were not cohesive had not focal point , theme or dare I hope “story”! More importantly they have given up control over their art to some promoter who decides what model , music and even choreography should represent their vision! Yes I said If you have a problem… Talk To Me!
There is no excuse especially for New York based designers, trade shows are free to attend! All a designer has to do is simply register show up, present ID and connect! Unfortunately this is not something that seems to be promoted to students.. . so many graduate without ever having attended a TRADE SHOW!
To add to this many trade outlets operate in secrecy…only within (taditional) trade circles! You really to be part of the “inner” circle to know and Intellectual property concerns meant covering events were tough! Try getting a press kit or image from one of the exhibitors! Printsource is better at least I found their exhibitors tend to be more press savvy!
So I am ecstatic to see the move by Printsource to incorporate social media aspects into their marketing! Now I can at least show what a sourcing show entails… and just maybe entice some of those designers to consider adding this to their schedule!
If you ever wondered how all the stores seem to agree on the season’s colors etc… it not magic. Trend-spotting and trending is not just guess work, there is a science behind this! In larger design companies there may be a team responsible just for sourcing!
I am more attracted to Surface than actual textile designs( but with new advances in Technology I’m becoming a convert! There are two major surface or print design show in New York I attend! Printsource has more of an American approach! The other, Direction by Indigo (thanks to my Design Options newsletter) has not started this approach see there gallery here.
Previously they were both held in the same building which made it easier to attend both (artist clustering was a plus, not competition) now they are in two different locations Blocks apart! Lets see how that works out in the NYC Bitter winter temperature!
Click this link to see media in actual post!
So How does it measure up!
Social Media Marketing is about sharing!
… or rather getting others to share for you, it is the power of the hive! Posted on their site I cannot share, because their is nothing there to allow me to ( also a problem with flickr)!
SHARING IS NOT A FOUR LETTER WORD…
DeMarketplace is an online incubator… www.Demarketplace.com and all sub directories are meant to be used as a working base and teaching tool ( both for what works and what does not) for those in a local network and workshops I conduct… yet the sharing function is still important! I simply email the page needed to show what I may be discussing via a phone conversation! I’ve found that others are showing their friends and from my site stats we have a lot of visitors for a local site That is not marketed! Those tools work!
As it is, this post auto-post to my Facebook profile, and Frienfeed, It has qr codes (that Black and white box) Download the reader, so that it can be accessed and bookmarked via mobile! On my blog at the bottom of this post it can be emailed, printed and shared on several networks! I use wordpress as a platform and Disqus for commenting! So trackbacks are a breeze! There is an RSS feed that orange button next to the address bar so individual you can subscribe via google reader or by email
It is accessible via audio and also a podcast… I work with artist who use their hands they do not have time to sit and read but can listen!
Credit…
This is something I’m also trying to improve tagging and describing my post and adding links… I’ve taken to watermarking the domain (adding the website) associated with the images on the pictures! I have over 9000 images of designers and artist I am starting to loose track!
Attribution:- Technically under a full copyright I cannot email or share the images online hence I opt to use their Flickr slide show! Choosing a Creative Commons License (which Flick makes easy) allows for full creative copyright but allows others to share under terms you choose! You can see how PrintSource uses this on their site , which will lead you directly to their stream!
What does your web page do for you?
The point is that the reader has the option to get what I post, how and if they choose to receive it! More importantly he or she can share it with someone they think can enjoy it!
Why share… simple seeing is believing! I have spoken of this and written about this, it is not till designers attend sourcing shows, that they understand the significance of this !
Yes both of these shows cater to “press”, the fact is however the definition of PRESS is changing.
I help creative individuals find ways of monetizing their art, I am always called upon for resources! More importantly as a designer I am a direct link to other designers and artist. Individuals in a sector communicate; we always have we still find our leads via phone conversations, and as we become more engaged in social media so too does the importance of that medium and the reach! I can reach Brooklyn Designers, those in The Fashion and technology Sector!
We are moving our efforts to reach Designers of African descent worldwide, but a simple click of a button I can have a one hr conversation with a designer in Africa or the Caribbean and point them to the resource they need! I am more likely to take the recommendation of another designer, whose work I know, over someone who claims to be an expert ! Personal recommendations is how the creative community has always worked, with the growth of the indie design scene that is promotion your press or PR cannot cannot have the same effect as info shared by a trusted colleague! Social and New Media Marketing tools simply make sharing easier!
So what would I recommend… Commit to sharing
Add descriptions and tags and a link to your site on the flick images and site, so I not only understand what I’m seeing, but Flickr has one of the largest user bases! It’s your outpost! Your current blog set up does not allow me to share easily I’d recommend moving to a self hosted wordpress platform (this for a Joomla advocate!) I started with blogger and unfortunately it has not grown much since it’s early days!
I do not see why any business site would not have an RSS feed on it’s default landing page today; I subscribe to updates via Google reader! Many site privacy You can have the more sensitive info in another directory! Personally I seldom revisit a site that has a static front page (especially Flash Based sites) So much money is spent in there development I know they won’t be changed for a while!
Yours truly
Bonnie Sandy
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The Question Is “What Can My Website Do For Me”
I find that question is not always addressed even among those who build websites professionally!
I communicate to creatives on adapting adopting and integration new media and emerging technology into their art and business! Communication is a two way process I speak and I get feed back! So my web pages are built for communications! Talk To me…
visit blog for The Anatomy Of A Web 2.0 Page!
I am not yet ready to communicate with thousands, I enjoy one on one interaction… however we do a lot of exploration and so we have an open ploicy for posting! You never know who may need an answer!
www.demarketplace.com is our gateway site and so It frames many of our active, dormant and concept installs! We teach, we experiment we explore! We find anawers ( most of the times) In Teaching what does not works is just as important as what does… so we keep both! We do not currently support advertising as a format we will eventually but for now, not necessarily a business model that is needed or encouraged! frankly advertising changes the tone and authenticity of the what the artist presents!
We’ve simplify the description so that ist is easily remembered. The layout applies to “As I See IT” My personnal blog in the project! At the very top of the page is the RSS button next to the page’s address click on that will allow you to Syndicate this blogs content. That means you’ll get the latest news via the Rss reader of your choice! there is a lot more you can do with an Rss feed! S
If you need your website to market for you or keep your customers updated You NEED an RSS .
Add this to your site.. This is an audio player of my blogs post… it is a standard male voice but since it is about who you service, I understand that many of the artist use their hands. and while their eyes may be occupied they are quite comfortable listening! It is auto generated from RSS feed of the listen button at the beginning of the post!
The Tweet This button… I’m actually trying to get the artist online most of them are not on twitter! but this allows visitors to share it with twitter follows again if marketing is your goal this is a visual reminder and call to action!
Get It via Mobile QR Codes… many in our communities use public computers and most have web enabled mobile phones… This simplifies the book marking process! Most phones are being shipped with QR Code readers or you can download them.
The listen button I use Odeo the only drawback I hate the generic male voice! At least give me a choice of male or female!
Email or Print post:- These two are used a lot on my site the email will email the entire post to yourself or a friend… remember this is a teaching tool and generally the readers are low tech so a print out is something they relate to!
I’ve started adding my current email signature to my post I like a two way conversation! Since the viewers are usually people i know this works! they point to my social network pages. let me warn you though I am usually too busy to be online regularly.
Yet I post frequently
Auto post to Facebook Oh so it seems I import my post automatically via notes on Facebook using my the RSS feed! The RSS fees also powers my newsletter which can be subscribed to via the sign up box to the right!
I can allow a diffusion of my numbers, my user is my primary concern! If advertising were a primary goal then I’d have to ensure that I did not diffuse the stats, an advertiser would be looking at! I’d also be much more careful with those stats, Post more regularly and focus what I post!
Now the comment form is more a style option right now! My users would read the post and call or send an email or comment in Facebook! I’m trying to get feedback but in the community I serve comment is culturally a direct endeavor.
Which leaves trackback. The Trackback Url in wordpress allows someone to comment to your post by making a post on their own Blog! Unfortunately it can be a gateway for spammers!
At the top of the page are the Category headings clicking on each would pull up all the post under that topic! The very bottom of the page are the links to static pages! On the site about DeMarketplace is the highest queried search term!
The look I speak to with artist and creative , mainly women, mainly black… culturally color, and a bit of flash is expected, many opt for flash and video but I can simply add these to any post using html!
Strangely the web site often serves as a virtual office! So forms, even a sketch center was needed!
I don’t sell a product directly on this blog, as more artist prepare to opt for online sales we explore and will next year be showcasing shome of the solutions we found!
So what can your website do for you…
Learn the Art of Hurology Free
A New skill goes along way and for a young person can change their life!
The Art of Horology Project is designed to teach children and young adults the art, science and history of horology (the study of timekeeping) Currently, there are fewer than 5,000 trained timepiece technicians in the U.S., and the number continues to dwindle. However, following the mechanical timepiece boom that started in the 1990s, the need for skilled craftsman capable to design build, repair and maintain these unique watches remains prevalent in today’s market.In collaboration with the Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA, Steven Richardson Nkiru’s, master hurologist has developed a 10-week introductory level workshop. It’s free, and Richardson’s goal is to take the program into the public school system. Presently, there is a class in session. Register at the Y for the next class, which will begin in January 2010. For more details on workshop, or to support or donate contact www.nkiruamerica.org.
See Nkiruwatches – Luxury Watches, Gold Watches, Platinum Watches& Stainless Steel Watches, Horology http://nkiruwatches.com/
Saying Thanks Today, and Tomorrow
I will confess that I do not quite get the concept of “Thanksgiving Holiday”; But the tradition of giving thanks is universal! The expression of thanks should be a daily one for gratitude and blessings bestowed! Thanksgiving allows for a more public manifestation of thanks! Acknowledgement that we cannot do it by ourselves! My personal task today is to send a thank you to all who have directly or indirectly touched my life and in so doing shaped my path! I thank god for the gift of life and my talent, the unique family and culture into which, and with which I was gifted! My son, and personal friends; to say I am blessed is an understatement!
As I write this I have to admit I am of the type of wealth that many aspire to; fewer understand, even less achieve! Wealth of spirit cannot be bought, bargained for or strategize to achieve! Unlike financial wealth we’re all born with equal portions or spirit, and build or eradicate via our choices!
Thankful, in this case is an understatement, I am blessed and for that I am grateful!
If using technology to give thanks seems a little impersonal and offends your sense of “proper” etiquette, understand that technology has provided and opened the channels to many of the people and for many of the things for which I am most ‘Thankful’! This year I have had opportunities I would not have dreamed of, some only just emerging!
As we near the end of 200, i am reminded that each day new day is the start of the rest of my life, an opportunity for new beginning and yes another reason to Give thanks! so let’s not leave the tradition of giving thanks at yesterday’s table, but rather turn to those who affect our lives and acknowledge their part with “THANKS’
So to those of you who have in some way touched my life thank you!
Thank to you for Giving
Thanks for the support!
Speaking at Web2expo NY
I’m presenting a BOF at web2expo! So I’ll surely add highlights and notes on this pages for future reference!
presentation notes and highlight will be aded here!
Doing More with Less by Design;
Culture + Creativity + Collaboration + Community = Commerce
A presentation moderated by Bonnie Sandy
at the Westin New York at Times Square (270 West 43rd Street) in the New Amsterdam Room:
8:00pm Tuesday, 11/17/2009
Details
Can the rate of adoption be affected by design? How does our perception of values affect the survival of tech products?
Designing product, sales and marketing to maximize results with less resources can help organizations cut costs and develop an extremely loyal customer base! Separate the facts from the hype and build what works!
Explore what is needed to serve and bridge a gaping (and potentially lucrative) digital divide.
DeMarketPlace is a virtual network & incubator, centered in Brooklyn, designed within the constraints of doing more with less! The goal was to create a methodology and model which, while identifying and testing tools that could be used, could easily be adapted in any country with whatever existing resources were available! Thus giving local businesses access to a Global Market, in the shortest time possible!
Show your support!
*
Post comment at http://www.web2expo.c…
See what Free
See Web 2Open schedule
Getting Blacks Online is Not a Challenge, That of Ownership a Much Broader Issue Is!
I have three areas of interest in technology Fashion, Women and Blacks! Fashioncamp is a great outlet, Girls in Tech , Silicon Stilettos and Webgrrls are great for women!
Blacks in Technology… we’re still finding our way! There is sites such as Black web 2.0,; groups such as Blacks in Tech, Beta and the Black Media Professionals, which I organize!
Onlone I want information to be the latest even trend forward and innovative1 I’m not finding that! Where are the black web innovators. They exist a know a couple of them, I just can’t “find” them! And neither can our young men and women who can be inspired by these role models!
For now I get my Tech fix at NextNY and NYTech and Mobile Mondays
Lately I’ve been in discussion of with several separate groups on the issue of Blacks in Technology or bridging the digital divide! The assumption is that we are not represented online!
Facebook seems to be able to find my 71 relatives and get even the least tech interested online! Few of them own a web presence! Even fewer are seriously exploring an online business as a business venture!
When it comes to technology my concern is that we are followers not leaders! As a rule innovation is not our concern, and as such while the web is affecting the social structure of many countries! That same effect is not being experience in the Black community! Our kids are playing games, not creating them: We are, renters not owners!
NY has one of the most generous and prolific tech communities there
is no reason for that disparity! Much of this is available free or at a low cost, simply by getting up and reaching out! T here is also serious dollars , sponsorship and funding available with the help to get you there!
Yes there are a few of us online! Many however are covert! Many Blacks who are online choose a safer “whiter” face for fear of typecasting… and a perceived economic backlash!
But the web is neutral… it’s global, that’s why from symbols to graphics and imagery “whites” images make up about 90% of what is commonly seen on the web! The game of access it a tough one.
I am a woman, I am Black, both minorities in NY’s tech community! I will never hear, how will your being a woman affect ROI on your site! At last years PodcampNYC… I was asked How would your models being black affect your ROI on your site.
How did you get into technology?
As I encounter people, in DeMarketplace project it is the question I am asked most , my answer is the same as many females in technology!
I have a father who was a computer programmer, or my brother codes!
The next question inevitably… I mean as an African American, where did you get all this info in technology! Firstly I am not an African American: I am a Trini of African descent! That’s a big cultural difference in the way I perceive and engage, which is my argument culture affects how we engage online!
secondly
Did you not hear me… my father was a computer programmer my brother codes!
Yes Blacks have been in technology way back… at least in my native trinidad! I am still trying to find the historical data here! So why am I now focused on bridging that divide… It’s becoming an huge gaping hole! Our kids are entering colleges at a disadvantage! If our children are to compete they need to upgrade their mastery of the tools!
I am In Technology So that my son will be able to say
My mother was in technology that’s why I am!
Please support attend and discuss at
Culture + Creativity + Collaboration + Community = Commerce.
November 17th Join Me At WEB 2.0 Birds of a Feather (see Below)
Take advantage of living and working in one of the best trade centers!
Check out the various schedules, register and attend
BUT TECHNOLOGY IS NOT MY THING!
If You’re in business today Technology is your business! You need to keep up to date with technology! It is only in old Kung Flu flicks that the man with the stick wins! Not Sure- Take advantage of free or heavily discounted expo passes to explore the opportunities! We speak of change that impacts our community. “CHANGE” can be achieved with a series of small actions- today is the last day for many free offers so please check the sites. if you are unsure of how these events impact you it is an opportunity to “shop” the potential!
Web 2.0
http://www.web2expo.com/we bexny2009/public/content/w hats-free
InteropNY
Discounts end today http://www.interop.com/newyork/downloads/iny09_confntbk-web.pdf
http://www.interop.com/newyork/registration/
NY Entrepreneur Week
This is a busy week in New York’s Tech and Business Calendar!
Take advantage of living and working in one of the best trade centers, Check out the various schedules, register and attend
November 17th
8:00pm Tuesday, 11/17/2009
Doing More with Less by Design; Culture + Creativity + Collaboration + Community = Commerce
Bonnie Sandy
at the Westin New York at Times Square (270 West 43rd Street) in the New Amsterdam, room:
Wednesday 18th-
I’ve asked the members of Black Media Professionals to Join Beta’s event-
Culture + Creativity + Collaboration + Community = Commerce.
How Local businesses perceive and use 2dcodes, Google Wave and Augmented Reality will affects their design and usability. Bridging the digital divide and getting technology into the hands of non traditional audiences, often means paying attention to the cornerstones of
Can the rate of adoption be affected by design? How does our perception of values affect the survival of tech products?
Designing product, sales and marketing to maximize results with less resources can help organizations cut cost and develop an extremely loyal customer base ! Separate the facts from the hype and build what works!
Explore what is needed to serve and bridge a gaping (and potentially lucrative) digital divide.
DeMarketPlace is a virtual network & incubator, centered in Brooklyn, designed within the constraints of doing more with less! The goal was to create a methodology and model which, while identifying and testing tools that could be used, could easily be adapted in any country with whatever existing resources were available! Thus giving local businesses access to a Global Market, in the shortest time possible!
Show your support
-
Post comment at http://www.web2expo.com/webexny2009/public/schedule/detail/11352
- RSVP – Let me know you’re coming! let’s talk about Adding some color to the web!
-
Register to attend_ Remember- There’s still time to register for the free events! Deadline for Free registration is Tomorrow 15th
- If You’re not sure this use this option and at least visit the expo hall!
See what Free at http://www.web2expo.com/webexny2009/public/content/whats-free
If You’re not sure this use this option and at least visit the expo hall!
If you are registered for any Web 2.0 Expo package you automatically have access to Web2Open and other free events. If you do not have a badge and would like to attend Web2Open for free, register for an Expo Only pass using code webny09opn now through November 15, 2009. This pass will give you access to Web2Open, Hybrid Sessions, Keynotes, the Expo Hall, and BoFs.
See Web 2Open schedule http://www.podcampfoundation.com/web20openguide.pdf
Waving Alone is No fun
I have Google Wave invites to share! you can try your luck with the invite list but so far it’s easier to get them from someone who has invites! I’ve been fortunate to get an early invite to Google Wave, and simply put I”m addicted! If you want to be nominated (It takes a couple days to get the invite by email) Please fill out the form below! Or use this link
While I enjoy the tech oriented waves I am interested in Business and Fashion and the Life and style of individuals around the world. As I see It Waving Alone is no Fun!
The Wave Preview is meant to test and debug Google wave; I’m looking for professionals in fashion Buyers, Sales reps boutique owners(preferably female), brave enough to explore it’s potential in fashion and trade B2c and B2B scenarios!
There is a growing number of women mainly from the tech area and not that many blacks, and no one seems to be from the Fashion Sector from what I can tell! So I am selectively choosing who gets my invites!
You will need to be familiar with Google’s basic functionality and not be intimidated by unusual lay outs. Access to the internet for real time chat and functionality is a plus!
I will need to add you to my Gmail Contact lists; and you will interact with others who get an invite via my lot; please do not submit form if you do not want to be added to my contact list!
I have been working on simple guides for the first set of invitees! so We’ll guide you along! We’re an adventurous lot but mainly love people who are creative and willing to work together!
Rethinking How We Show and Sell
It’s about your audience baby!
I stated the day relaxing and catching up with my my Facebook contacts. The video below caught my attention. Next was my email and found a link that lead my over active imagination astray!
I couldn’t have said it better my self
“When are you going to learn? It’s now about you. It never was”
Which in turn led to The The Audience Conference and a quote on their site attributed to Marlon Brando…
“If you want something from an audience, you give blood to their fantasies. It’s the ultimate hustle.” -
This simple quote took overand sent my creative juices flowing but more on that later… back to The Audience Conference?
simply put: this conference is not about “us”, but rather “them” and by “them”, I’m referring to our consumers, customer, viewers, listeners and readers or put differently, the reason why we’re even in business in the first place.
As I see it It… success in business is about understanding what makes others respond. what do they need, and what do they want!
My mom once said to me that women’s shopping, had little to do with the need for clothing but rather the need to fill something that is missing. She summarized that we really only “NEED” two sets of clothing one to wear while the other is being cleaned, anything else was simply filling some private desire or perception of need!
So one of the questions we ask in each aspect of our program… what need are you fulfilling, what triggers will you rely on to motivate them to respond.
Who is your customer?
Why will they buy?
What will make them come?
What will make them stop?
What triggers their reactions?
Few are able to answer…
I’ve been paying close attention lately to what myself and others respond to! Take a look at the video that explores triggers that create change!
The stairs did not change… the consumer experience was enhanced.
The fun Theory Piano Stairs
So how does this apply to the projects we’re testing to life and your business?
As I see It; technology can help create the environment for a better user experience at an unbelievable more affordable cost! Some argue that much of what makes the the user experience cannot easily be recreated online.. or can it?
We’ve been looking at the Fashion Trade Presentation… namely the Fashion Week runway format and the trade show format! They are tedious and expensive, I simply refuse to do them! However to sell fashion we need to have trade platforms!
Or do we?
What does the Audience in this case the Buyer need or want?
Do they really get the best experience in a one day walk through of over 5000 booths or a half an hr under heavy light 20 feet away from the model! I started going to these as a consumer and realized that by the end of the first aisle all products started blurring into each other! My 10yr old alter ego usually kicks in
“are we there yet!’
On the other hand much of how we currently do things are little more influenced by common (often untested) perceptions and the comfort of habit! When we sit and add up the numbers we see huge gaping holes in the logic and theories but still we go right back and repeat the action.
So what is your audience’s fantasy!
Embedded Waves Need To Be Made Public
As I like many, try to figure out Google Wave and more importantly how to effectively use it, one thing is clear, this Preview will be ineffective till a more wider distribution is achieved!
Yes the list of contacts grows daily but these are contacts from the tech world, and just pinging them to say ‘hey I’m testing wave does not seem ‘right”
To effectively test it means getting all the members of one meeting group and account! I tried the embed but you still need a Google wave account to access wave and that needs to be a public wave or they have to be added to the wave!
So here is a new wave testing several gadgets and robots
How You Use Wave Is The Real Test
As I see It how we use Wave is the least of the challenges! The issue in our case is is getting past the digital divide and getting the technology that enables it’s use into these businesses! Email is quick, a glance via mobile and text. This is an engaging technology. It needs to be a available through a personal device!
Wave will help extend the conversation beyond events with a Wave I could actually walk you through an event or a collection !
Once we figured out what and how it works the next question was “how.” We’ve found in the past that adaptation is higher when we provide a guideline. But Imagine the impact of extending events and programs using media and direct conversation over Waves! Follow op after a Tradeshow will take on new meaning not a big deal for a large corporation, but for a small local business… a huge difference!
We’ve been testing how technology will change the way we presently do things, or more importantly how the way we currently do thinks can be improved using technology!
The Tech world is previewing Google wave, the one thing we’ve learned as an early adapter, it’s not the tool but how you use it that makes a difference! We need individuals to actually test it as part of their regular operational strategy!
To open a wave to the public is ineffective if there were no access to the Wave… So the first step; distribute the invites so that we can actually test use scenarios! Desigenrs, Buyers, consumers, fashion bloggers! We’ve extended the work in our community in 2 fashion, a theater project, Media and a general technology group. Each lead will get an invite with the intent that hey can distribute their invites to key members oof their project! the others went to females in social and traditional media!
I figured that we had 2-3 weeks to get a firm grasp of this, before everyone has their accounts and we can truly test! In the mean time it’s about setting up sample waves…
In the last post , we listed some ideas, now to actually execute and expand on them! So what do these look like? How will they find be found. I’m not a fan of the public Waves.
At the end what is the reader expected to “DO”? What result to you want to trigger and how will a wave be structured?
Currently many of the designers do a custom design service that is in high demand and profitable! It’s also time consuming and costly! Wave could cut the initial contact by half saving time and money! What would that wave look like what functionality!
What about media interviews and press junkets how much more, intimate direct exclusive! A couple years back a manufacture in India was designing some collars for the US market , with Skype we were able to review the actual product, he made changes before going to market , how much more effective would an approval Wave be when compared to an email! If he forgot one sample it’s a trip to the stock room not, the airport and an easy insertion! into a blip!
The tools already exist, taped or streamed video, chat, streamed pictures, we’ve been placing them on various pages, or wikis using color changes in text and revision history, now theoretically it can be simultaneously done by several people! that is amazing!
So this week our goal is to actually create these types of Waves and test how they function.
Navigating Google Wave
Let’s see what this baby can do
I am not a tech geek nor a blogger in the traditional sense.. As I see it train of thought approach is meant to help ‘ordinary ” members of our project unserstand what is often left unsaid!
I chose to plunge into Wave and just try it out!
I first started with drag and drop documents; they showed in the thread. However none but the images opened in the wave… I’m used to access via tools such as drop.io, voicethread and dim dim.
How do I get them in here and where is that auction tool Mike( drop.io) spoke about, and where was “Ribbit” the conference tool, I had added via the extensions gallery, it just did not seem to work… solution maximize the wave.
that little square buttom we’re all so familiar with … Opens out the wave, I guaranteed every regular” user will ask that question.
Extending the functionality…
Apparently there are bots and robots to extend the functionality of Waves… that feature has to be simplified before the release to a wider audience.
Robots (To use robots, add them as a contact, then add the robot-contact to a wave)- that did not always work. Robots add functionality Chatbots Conversion Games Groups Integration Language Polling Search / Aggregation Utilities Wave Management figuring out if they are functioning is a bit confusing.
I NEED To Figure out how to use the Drop.io Robot. I aced the Posterous robot, which post a wave to Posterous , but I have no idea if the others are working, in process or done. So I spent a great deal of time just steering at the screen.
Gadgets directions- To use gadgets, once editing a blip, just click on the green puzzle piece, and enter the url into the bottom text box.
This was simpler not all worked but enough to truly give an appreciation of the scope of wave. Html and Iframes allow for widgets and pages to be added. From that point each wave became a stage on which I could present ANYTHING. Wave will be to designers and multimedia communicators what twitter was to those that write!
MIKE from Drop.io at BarcampNYC 4
Once I became comfortable It was now time to focus on use! What can I actually use wave for!
I see Wave as a dashboard via which I can conduct virtual meetings sessions etc! Since a Wave can be copied I can create templates for sessions and conduct private, public, one on one or group sessions! Customer service reps currently using chat or voice now have another portal to learn!
The Term “Preview” was loosely defined. I will gladly communicate bugs to the the architects of Wave. I’m the interior decorator so to speak. Deciding on what I want a wave to do say and feel like, my job is now to bring it to reality. That However will take anoter couple days so I suggest you subscribe to the feed for updates!
So what can I use Waves for;
Consult, Curate special interest or subject and edit story boards, Design and Take custom orders; Distribute information; Customer support and custom fittings; Edit web page layouts; Explore/teach/train: Fundraise, Hold debates; Games; Market; Offers, incentives and coupons; Organize text; Performances: Pull together projects and magazine layouts; Sell; Sketch a design; Teach; Trade shows, trunk and runway shows, auctions and shopping parties; Web tour and I’m just getting started!
The challenge is creating waves that do what you need with the current offering of extensions!
Private or public, I ‘m not yet sure… there is talk of Wave Etiquette.. but I don’t have the time to monitor and maintain Waves.
So what’s out there.
From the Lifehacker article (http://lifehacker.com/5376138/google-wave-101) I learned how to access public waves with:public. And came across a wave for Female geeks… 8 women strong at the time. The lead (what do we call the person who starts a wave). The wave’s owner wanted input for an upcoming, article on www.Blogher.com I saved this wave to follow and maybe join to a little late! (How do I join a wave in progress)
Ah I found it… the down arrow next to the time on Blips, the keys to edit, reply privately. That said I’m still trying to figure out the “playback” feature!
What’s missing…
We have been exploring virtual conferencing since 2006. We initially found success using Skype add-ons, such as Jybe and later Jyve, guideng designer in Russia and India, Work sessions with cretive aspirants in Paris and Australia. Now both are defunct and sorely missed for Co-browsing and streamed real time collaboration!
We’ve tried some of the current offerings but they’re not fluid, Drop.io is our favorite but from the name to the user interface many have to be coaxed into trying it! We also found that many business servers blocked the strange url!
We’ve essentially been mashing up and testing solution,,, Wave came right in time. I know I’ll hav eto do some study sessions with local business owners… but it will cut the time in half!
So yes Google Wave has a ways to go! Currently we use Gtalk and Google voice are part of our “distance co-working strategy”. Why did Google not integrate their apps, Gtalk and Docs and Google Voice features?”.
Using these tools, shaves an average of 3-4hrs navigating the New York commute for a 2 hr meeting. As a mother I’m home when my teenage son arrives from school (much to his chagrin)
What would wave mean.
Wave in the general population.
Wave is in preview.. most of the early adapters are tech oriented, and are given the opportunity to “preview” a product meant for the general populace! I still can’t find many of the local businesses in Brooklyn to who use Gmail… it confuses them they have little awareness of the Googles products.. till they are walked through it!
The one thing I like about wave is that everyone is viewing it in the same environment. Unlike reading an email composed in Gmail in Yahoo
INSTANT?… The computer is the hub of my communications, not so for many, in my community mobile text is the best means of getting feedback.
It reads on Android and Iphone browsers, and Firefox , now to find the mobile devices that work with Wave!
Even so, for a buyer from Oregan to be able to preview thousands of lines from the NY Gift show right from the office save them, then, come back and set up an interview!
Nb this is a project In progress…
To Do List
Decide who to invites
Design a contact building strategy!
Prepare instructions for ‘digital aliens” (everyone NOT from Barcamp or NYTECH list!)
How to notify and invite
Still to figure out how do I find a wave’s url… and ember in post!
Playing In the Wave
Yes, I’m talking about Google Wave!
I honestly can’t remember applying, Though it may have been around Barcamp4. Maybe it was one of my contacts…
There were about 6 individuals on my contact list all from the NY Tech scene… all men. They’re cool, great and patient but there was no way I was going to go ride any “wave” with these guys without first learning to “swim”.
This is a preview but the like many tech previews initial use is so skewed towards the tech set the results are tainted! Regular folks “Do Not Use” the web the same way the tech crowd does
This is not your techie speaking. I’m a woman, I’m an Caribbean of African heritage, I’m a digital alien in the tech scene … and proud of it! Does this matter yes, culturally each potential user interacts differently to Technology. I have 4 core focus groups this year Women, Blacks, Entrepreneurs, Designers and how they integrate technology! Thanks to FashionCamp Fashion And technology is on it’s way!
Blacks, Women and Entrepreneurs In technology is another ballgame! there are thought leaders like Girls in Tech group, as well as Black in Tech, But getting women out to take advantage of the info is difficult!
I tried the search, by interest, fashion, shopping… yes that is my sole intent for my Waves! Honestly it’s business related. But as I suspected I’ll have to strategically use my invites to get others on a “stylzwave” or learn to use search better to find others in that area. So no 1 on my to do list- how to best distribute 8 invites! Google search was no better and twitter (sorry guys) the focus on the Geeky stuff… I wanted to ride the wave, not do a dissertation on it! Loosen up guys jump in and “experience’ IT.
So I left Wave alone for a couple days, but you could not escape the “noise”
- What is Google Wave
- Why Should I care
- How do I use it
- What can I do with it
Friday evening with a heavy task list in front of me I took a “quick” look at wave again, and did not leave till 7hrs later.
What changed… this time I decide to go straight to the wave support and actually READ the queries and suggestions! Second on the to do list write an easy to read practical instructions so that my crew can get the hang of this!
http://www.google.com/support/wave/
I also found the wave extensions list
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AdY6WUNA7GnbZGZ0aGhqeDNfMGNmNndwcWhn&pli=1
I started a test wave and just plunged in 7hrs later i was ready to see what others were doing. Yes I’m playing tn the Wave! Take a look at the video but also read this article from Master New Media.
As I see It September Was a Success!
September has been a worldwind, Brooklyn Labor Day, Fashion Night Out, New York Fashion Week! All while trying to target an October 1st launch for the Next phase of DeMarketplace and getting serveral local businesses on line… Oh yes and on top of that becoming active in Blacks in Technology and Black Media Professionals
September is my Birth month so yes I took a few days off simply to sit quietly and reflect and breathe, to say I had a blast is an understatement! We had the blog offline for a couple days but it seems fine now, so please excuse the changes as we get everything going for our launch next month!
I have to tell you just a bit about FashionCampNY 2009! I am an advocate of the barcamp methodology but the FashionCamp planning committee was awesome… This would never have been possible without them! We’re still debriefing and I will be posting more about them and the cool presenters and presentation as we go forward!
You can check out highlight @ www.fashioncamp.org
I”m not sure how the other rooms went but Danielle and I had a blast in the studio. Talking business and technology as many who had never actually sewn hacked tshirt and expressed their creativity!
Zac from Makerbot Industries made everyone’s weekend… there’s video to come, but seeing the Makerbot in action and and actually taking home a bracelet that was printed on site!
Then there was the wearable technology section, The Hacking Couture team, Dot NYC Macala And the ladies from FashMarketing.ME, Atim from Calabar Imports Speaking on global retail, The Virtual Options of Fashion Research Insitute… I still have to thank everyone individually but I’ll say it publicly thanks for a remarkable weekend!
I promise more in depth post over the next few weeks well as info on where Technology and fashion is headed! We’ll do this again and LA is planning their own! Join http://meetups.fashioncamp.org for updates!
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