Connections make the world go round, and I know I can't learn and improve without the things I learn from my network and beyond. Especially the interesting fringes. With that, I'm pleased to announce the launch of the
Community & Networks Connection. This isn't a community, and probably not as loose and open as a network. It is in that juicy place in between communities and networks that helps to collect and organize the best content from blogs and other web sites from people who care about and are passionate to understand these phenomenon we call "communities" and "networks." The goal is to create a place where it's easy to find current and highly relevant content. And perhaps to stimulate a new connection between you and these brilliant people.
You can get a sense of the power of the site by visiting the site and clicking a keyword on the left. For example, if you look at the page on Social Media you find:
Twitter and other such terms all relate heavily to the concept of social media.
* The top of the page has the latest posts.
* Below that you find top posts based on various social signals. As the site runs, it will get better at finding great content.
As a long-time blogger, I'm excited about a few of the specific features offered to participating bloggers. This is particularly true for me because I tend to ignore things that could bring more people to my site and that is pretty silly of me.
* If you go to my blog's content page, Full Circle, the page shows on the left the keywords that I write about a fair amount and more than other bloggers. Keywords like Online Interaction, Technology Stewardship, Catalysts are all pretty good indicators. These same keywords are listed in the new widget in my sidebar provided by the site.
* There's also a page that shows the Best Content from Full Circle based on social signals. These will improve over time. (Though I am the first to roll my eyes at "best" -- but heck, it is a useful word at the moment. Do you have another suggestion as you use the site?)
The best part of this is this is not just about my content. In fact, I'm just a drop in the bucket. I'm not alone. There is quite a network that is participating in the launch - from people who are close friends and trusted colleagues, to interesting people I try and follow.
TONY, HERE ARE THE UPDATED PEOPLE/BLOGS
It's fun to look at some of the differences in keywords for some of my fellow participants:
All of this technology comes from Tony Karrer. I know that he has more features planned. Certainly, Tony and I would like to hear any suggestions you have for how to make this site better.
Take a peek. Subscribe to the whole shebang or follow one key word. Lets find out what we can discover and learn together.