I've noticed that a lot of times, in Social Media sites like Digg, Mixx, and the like, that a lot of stories that get votes, not so much on their merit, but simply because the poster's friends blind voted them. I believe I've seen it happen to my postings, and I would wager I'm not alone in the category.

Bloggers like me write about our thoughts and feelings on a wide variety of topics, and while I can't speak for others, I also write about things to hear other people's thoughts on the matter at hand. I have my opinions, but at the same time, I like hearing other people's thoughts to possibly get a better understanding of things, or even receive something that makes me completely rethink my stance. I may hold one opinion or thought, but most of the time, I'm not so closed minded that I'd be unwilling to rethink my position. It's happened before, and I'm sure it will happen again.

I mean for me, it's not so much about the traffic to my site, as it is the conversation. While traffic is nice, I'd rather open up dialogue on my thoughts and musings, or compare and contrast ideas and opinions. I know I always like to see comments about my postings, be them from my site or other sites. And in terms of my site, I don't really care whether comments are posted on sites like Mixx, or on my site itself. Either way, I get what I want, other's thoughts and opinions.

In voting sites like Mixx, everyone wants to see their posts voted up, but for me anyway, I'd rather have the dialogue. Blind voting probably won't go away, but just take a minute to look at what you're voting. So what do you think about blind voting when it comes to social media?

Tags: socialmedia

Some of those that know me could possibly call me a fanboy of both Apple, Linux, or the XBOX (yes, I know the last one is almost a contradiction in terms since its made by Microsoft and I tend to favor Microsoft's competition over its Windows OS). I however take a different stand. I don't consider myself a fanboy of Apple, Linux, or XBOX. Yes, I love my Mac, my iPod, my iPhone, my Linux server, and my XBOX 360, but does preferring one platform over another really make you a fanboy?

So this leads me to my question: What exactly constitutes a fanboy?

I've heard some people say that if you prefer company A's product over company B's, then you are a Company A fanboy. I don't believe this is true. To be a fanboy in my opinion, you must love a product so much that you will jump on any opportunity to badmouth any competition, ignoring anything that the competition might actually be doing better than your product. Fanboys tend to be relatively close-minded on issues surrounding whatever it is that their product or company is involved in. We'll take the gaming consoles for the example. A Microsoft XBOX fanboy would be so into the XBOX that he would be blind and try to find a negative spin on anything that Sony or Nintendo might come out with for the PS3 or Wii, even if what Nintendo or Sony does is better than how Microsoft happens to do it for the 360.

I'll say it first, being ignorant goes nowhere, and fanboism is no exception. Take me for example, I much prefer OS X over Windows, hands down, no second guessing with pretty much no competition. Do I hate Windows? Do I hate Microsoft? No, I don't. I don't like some of the things Microsoft does, I don't like some of the ways Windows does what it does, but that doesn't mean I hate them. And even though I love OS X, I still dislike some of Apple's practices. And this is pretty much the core reason why I don't consider myself a fanboy. I recognize Windows strengths, despite my fondness towards both of it's competitors, OS X and Linux. And the same goes towards Sony's PS3 and Nintendo's Wii compared to my preferred console, the XBOX 360. In the end competition is what drives markets, and operating systems and gaming consoles are no exception. Without competition, there would be less motivation for companies to improve upon their product lines. Can you imagine still working on machines with Windows 98 if Linux or Mac weren't around and Microsoft was less motivated to come up with something new? I'm sure that's an extreme situation that probably wouldn't have happened, but competition drives innovation and innovation leads to improvements. So the next time you immediately want to bash a competing site, product, or company, look at it and see what it is all about. Don't just jump to conclusions and bash it blindly. It may be competing with your sacred product, but it may have its own strengths, and in a roundabout way, may very well lead to improvements for your side of the fence.

Tags: xbox, microsoft, fanboys, apple, linux, ps3

It's been one month since my Grandfather passed away, and since, I am always thinking about him. He was a great person and will always be missed.

For those of you who still have your grandparents, or any family for that matter, remember that we only have so much time on this Earth: make sure to let them know how much they mean to you.

Tags: grandpop, family, parents

When I was a little kid, whenever I was at my Grandmom and Grandpop's house, there was always one thing I wanted to see. It was my Grandparent's Cuckoo Clock. I was mesmerized by it, I had to see it almost every hour to hear the little bird cuckoo and hear the music box play and the little figurines dance around. Well sadly, my Grandfather passed away March 9, 2008 which hit my family somewhat hard. He was a great man and will be missed by all. His cuckoo clock, I almost consider a family heirloom, although it's probably not, lives on, now in my possession. Not to sound like I'm benefitting from the dead, because I certainly, with all my heart wish he was still alive, but it will be one more thing for me to look at and remember him by. Every time I hear the cuckoo and the music, I'll be able to think of him. And its not that I need to hear it to remember him, heck there is so much that reminds me of him, and of my Grandmom as well. It's just one more thing to help me realize that while he may have gone to a better place, his spirit, and my Grandmom's spirit for that matter too, are still here with me.

(Click for larger)

Tags: life, cuckooclock, time

Grandpop, you were always there for me and my entire family. You always gave of yourself selflessly never asking anything in return. As I sit here trying to hold back my tears, I remember that you're going to a better place. You always kept your sense of humor, making us all laugh even when things weren't going as well as we'd have liked. You brightened the room every place you visited always making us remember the brighter side of life.

You passed down your knowledge and wisdom to my Dad and to me, who will pass it on to future generations of Wagners. You may have left this world, but you have gone to a better place, and your memory will last in my heart and I'm sure the hearts of many others forever. I love you.

I have so many memories of you.

I remember your trips to Dorney Park and Wild Water Kingdom taking the whole Wagner family, making my Mom worry more about you than about her own kids.

I remember your trips to the beach visiting us, teaching us how to body surf, showing us that boogie boards are only for "whimps" on the rough waves of the Jersey shore.

I remember your antics at several pool parties showing us how to really go off diving boards.

I remember how proud you were of me when I attained the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts.

I remember how proud you were when after 5 grueling years, I finally graduated from College.

I remember your sense of humor you brought with you everywhere you went. All the jokes and antics that at some points made my Mom nuts, like acting like you're going to eat an entire cake.

I remember all the Phillies games you took us to watching the team that I idolized play, with all the thanks you needed coming from a hug and the smile on my face.

You gave of yourself selflessly and will be missed by me, and many many others. We love you and will never forget you.

http://www.legacy.com/philly/DeathNotices.asp?Page=Notice&PersonID=105439607

Tags: life, prayers