Archive for July 6th, 2010

Twitterview with Clark Harris

Posted by on Tuesday, 6 July, 2010

@JoelECarlson – Hello everyone, and welcome to the 2nd Twitterview today. Our guest is @SilentClark who is a part of a #socialmediaexperiment.

Q – #1    To begin @SilentClark – Tell us, what is your #socialmediaexperiment all about?

A:    It started as a simple challenge for a good cause. Could I go a month without using my voice and manage to get by.

It’s turned into a bit more now that I have extended it. It’s more about raising awareness and documenting how I am changing.

Q – #2    For those not familiar with you and what you’re doing, what are you raising awareness for, and why?

A:    I’m raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as a way to honor my mother who passed last year.

Q – #3    So what kinds of challenges have you had with your #socialmediaexperiment, and what have you learned?

A:    Learning to rely on a piece of technology to do something that is imperative to everyday life is difficult.

At times, the technology fails and I am left without a voice. Also the Delay Factor makes keeping up impossible.

Q – #4    So what kind of media recognition have you received? What kind of results have you been able to see from your work?

A:    The biggest thing was the article @mashable – that was exciting. Also local news sites and some TV appearances.

I’ve been more pleased with the amount of awareness than the amount of money I’ve raised. But still lots of time!

Q – #5    Your commitment is for 100 days of silence. When did you start? How many days left? How is that with family?

A:    I started May 1st, so today is Day 67 so – 33 more to go!

My wife @100andSouth was into SM, so she was supportive. But it’s taking its toll. I miss speaking to her.

The rest of my family did not embrace SM so readily, so I do not speak to them as much now.

Q – #6    Wow! What a commitment. Do you even take a break to say “hi” to your wife? Is it difficult when the phone rings?

A:    I wish, but no. I have not said, “I love you” in over 2 months in our first year of marriage and that is hard.

The #socialmediaexperiment was all about gaining insight on what it feels like to lose something.

Having my normal life challenged has been hard, but because of that it has revealed more.

Q – #7    I can imagine!  So when you’re done, will you write an article or a book? What 5 people do you want to talk to 1st?

A:    I’ve always wanted to write a book and would love to publish something that the proceeds would goto charity.

This challenge has certainly given me enough experiences and I’m only 2/3 through it

5 people (My wife, my father, my biz partner, the 1st person who calls, and 1st stranger I pass who says hello)

Q – #8    You’re definitely on a very SPECIAL journey! So to end today – What thought or mantra would you like to share w/people?

A:    Will power is like a muscle; with the the right discipline it will grow stronger, but if neglected it will diminish.

@JoelECarlson – Good one! Thanks SO MUCH for sharing your #socialmediaexperiment today with everyone. You’re doing something amazing!

@SilentClark – It’s my pleasure to share my experiences. My only regret is not sharing more – perhaps the true story is yet to come.


Twitterview with Beth Blair

Posted by on Tuesday, 6 July, 2010

@JoelECarlson – Good Tues morning to everyone! This morning we will be having a Twitterview with “Travel Titan” @BethBlair. Time to fly!

@BethBlair – Hi Joel! Thanks for having me.

Q – #1    To begin @BethBlair – Where did you grow up, and what are some of the steps in your life that got you where you are today?

A:    I grew up with my four siblings in Baton Rouge, high school in Dallas and early 20’s in Steamboat Springs and Denver, Colorado.

I wanted to be a flight attendant so I followed my dream & worked for a NJ charter airline, based out of Newark & JFK.

I later worked for Frontier Airlines in Denver but ended up at @SouthwestAir.

I started writing/getting published. After having my 1st child I took off my wings and pursued my current career.

Q – #2   I see. So what aspects of travel do you focus on with there being so much that can and has been written already?

A:    I really enjoy aviation-related writing since that’s my background, particularity anything safety related.

Since I’m a mom family travel comes naturally but I love a good adventure.

I was just on the @PrincessCruises Twitter #FollowMeAtSea trip – a perfect example of a fun travel experience.

Part of the fun of travel writing is that everyone has a unique experience & perspective; the story is never the same.

Q – #3    Interesting. So how many books have you written? Any exotic or unique places that you been able to travel to?

A:    I have contributed to 12 books/anthologies and write regularly for Aviation Security Internationally Magazine.

I also run @TheVacationGals http://thevacationgals.com/ with @JenniferMiner and @KaraSW.

One of my favorite experiences was spending the night in Quebec’s Ice Hotel. http://www.icehotel-canada.com/ Magical!

Another highlight was going with my girlfriends to Puerto Rico and kayaking Bioluminescent Bay. I loved that!

Of course, I’m still on a high from landing on Yanert Glacier in Alaska a couple of weeks ago. What a thrill!

Q – #4    Cool! :D So who are 5-10 people that you follow on Twitter that offer you humor, inspiration or education?

A:    Some fave travel tweeters: @global_gourmet @Marilyn_Res @RickGriffin @earthXplorer @elliottdotorg @nerdseyeviewand

They each offer their own travel perspective, wisdom and humor. Twitter has a terrific travel community.

Q – #5    How have you found Twitter/FB, etc to help you with your work and expand your network of connections?

A:    I utilize Twitter/FB many ways, from finding sources for articles to discussing destination tips/insider secrets.

Social media has made the world so much smaller. It’s a true community where everyone is able to share their gifts.

Q – #6    Very true! Now the FAVS question – Favorite: restaurant, store, airline, hotel and summer activity?

A:    Fun q’s! My favorite restaurant is Bar Abilene in Uptown (think margaritas & guacamole – maybe the Texan in me?).

I know most locals don’t go to MOA, but it’s my local mall so I don’t hesitate to go there. I love Ann Taylor.

Now that I’m in MSP, Delta is my main carrier. I’ve had good flight experiences. I still speak very highly of SWA.

This winter I stayed at The Sky Lodge, a super swanky hotel in Park City, Utah, it had a pool table in the suite!

Favorite summer activity: visiting cheesy roadside attractions. Most recently we went to the Largest Ball of Twine.

Q – #7    Thanks for sharing! To end with @BethBlair today – What thought or mantra would you like to share today?

A:    “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.” Amelia Earhart

@JoelECarlson – It was very nice to Tweet with you today @BethBlair. Thanks for sharing some of your life today on Twitterview! Have a good morning.

@BethBlair – I’ve really enjoyed your interviews – another brilliant social media idea!

@BethBlair – Thanks for having me! Wishing you a great day.


DROID X – Story from a Smartphone Newbie

Posted by on Tuesday, 6 July, 2010