More geeky than girly.
Around the Web
The Google ReaderAdvantage Program
Apr 1st
OOOh, anyone who knows me (or who is a google contact of mine) will know that I’m a prolific Google Reader user. Look what I found today!
The Google ReaderAdvantage™ program is simple. You get one point for each item you read. The more you read, the more you get. Then you can trade in your points for cool stuff. And because we believe in a little friendly competition, there are four levels of ReaderAdvantage™ status:
- Novice: 999 points
- Gold: 25,000 points
- Platinum: 133,700 points
- Totally Sweet: 314,159 points
We considered inventing a secret ReaderAdvantage™ handshake, but instead we created embroidered badges to ensure that members can easily identify their compatriots.
If you use Google Reader, there’s no reason not to join. Visit the ReaderAdvantage™ site to read all the details and enroll today. As always, please send us your thoughts and feedback in our forum or on Twitter.
Don’t forget to read the fine print:
- Subject to terms and conditions.
- Because it wouldn’t be a rewards program without them, blackout dates and restrictions apply.
- To earn points for offline reading, send in a photo of yourself reading the newspaper, comics, or tabloids, along with an itemized list of items read and we’ll credit the points to your account in 8-12 months. Items read on toilet will not be counted.
- Points expire on the 3rd fortnight after they are earned, unless the day lands on a Tuesday in which case points are converted to pseudo-points until the following full moon.
- Pseudo-points are worth 1/17th the value of regular points, and can only be redeemed by faxing Customer Support after 10:00am MST and before 10:24am PST, Monday-Tuesday.
- Clicking “Mark all as read” will not earn you any points. Nice try smarty-pants.*
- Google Reader reserves the right to revoke points for any reason including but not limited to: bad commenting etiquette, inclement weather, clogged internet tubes, and Sasquatch sightings.
- Google does not officially endorse the belief in the existence of Sasquatch (aka Big Foot, Yeti, Abominable Snowman), but we like to keep an open mind and hope you do too.
- Do not taunt or disrespect the ReaderAdvantage™ Program. We have feelings too.
- Any and all conflicts regarding the ReaderAdvantage™ Program will be settled with a live-streamed dance off.
- If you develop a rash as a result of using the ReaderAdvantage™ Program, stop using the ReaderAdvantage™ Program and seek immediate medical attention.
- This is seriously, absolutely, definitely not a joke.**
- We may decide this is a joke at any time.
*On the other hand, the Konami code will get you 30 points.
**Unless it is.
Chatroulette + Improv Piano Player = Love!!
Mar 15th
For those who don’t know, Chatroulette is a website that pairs random strangers for web cam-based conversations. Kinda creepy, IMHO, but the following video is HILARIOUS! Beware the swears.
The World’s Most Important 6 Second Drum Loop
Jan 23rd
Youtube video from mobius32 explains, “This fascinating, brilliant 20-minute video narrates the history of the ‘Amen Break,’ a six-second drum sample from the b-side of a chart-topping single from 1969. This sample was used extensively in early hip hop and sample-based music, and became the basis for drum-and-bass and jungle music — a six-second clip that spawned several entire subcultures. Nate Harrison’s 2004 video is a meditation on the ownership of culture, the nature of art and creativity, and the history of a remarkable music clip.”
Via Laughing Squid. For Matt.
5 Tips for Effective Delegation
Jan 20th
From Ian’s Messy Desk:
Define the task and identify the outcome, not the process. The process that works for you may not work for others. Maybe you’ve been doing a job one way, because that’s how you were taught 20 years ago. When delegating, describe the successful outcome and let the person to find their best way to completion. Who knows, you might learn something from them.
Read the rest of the 5 Tips for Effective Delegation.