Got Questions?

One of the best things about having a hobby that is both professionally and personally relevant is that no matter where I go, folks want advice on social media and technology. I mean, all kinds of folks: my granny, non-profit execs, even the guy I sold my car to.
    I get a great deal of questions from friends, clients and strangers on all sorts of topics — from Twitter to email etiquette to PowerPoint.
    It’s fun because I’ve always been an advice giver; I really dig sharing what’s in my head and heart. It’s best when the advice is helpful, and it’s great when folks actually ask to hear it.
    So, this month I thought I’d present a few Chic Geek Frequently Asked Questions. I hope you find these helpful!

How do websites get on Google?
The short answer is “math.” Or, as the Google creators say, “a series of simultaneous calculations requiring only a fraction of a second.” I like my answer better. Anyway, the math includes a special, secret mix of math-ish things and Google’s PageRank technology, which assigns numeric value to web pages, which translates into Google’s vote for pages it believes are most relevant to your search. That’s why content is key on a website, or at least a website you want folks to find.

How can I get rid of all the junk mail in my inbox?
Oh, lady. Seek out the “Unsubscribe” buttons and click, click, click! Just about every mass email you receive from a store, catalogue or online flower service will give you the option to unsubscribe. Once you click that button and request to be taken off the list, the company is required by the Federal Trade Commission to respect your wishes. Unsubscribing is empowering and extremely addictive; I highly recommend it.

When is all this “social media” stuff going to stop?
Twitter and Facebook may jump the shark, but social media is not going to drown. Two years ago, MySpace was all the rage, and when I said the word “Twitter,” people thought I was being dirty. Two years from today? Who knows! A few things are for certain: news will be online, public opinion will be formed instantly via social media sites of some sort, and toddlers will be texting.
 
How much is too much when it comes to putting personal information on the web?
I can’t stress this enough: there is no privacy on the web. Everything you put out there is really just that: OUT THERE, for your mom, kiddos, exes, grandparents, reporters and future employers to see. Even if you set your social media accounts to private or only let a limited group of folks see your “wall,” you are still creating an online likeness of yourself. It’s your digital footprint, and it’s all Google-able, i.e. trackable. Status updates and unfortunate photos can even be used against you in court. So, have fun on the Internet, but surf with caution.

Can you tell me how to connect my printer to my computer?
Absolutely not. I’m a geek-by-marriage, not an IT girl. Good question though, and I’ll bet if you Googled it you’d find a whole mess of folks who could tell you exactly how to do it!

What’s your favorite iPhone app?
Right now, my favorite apps are The New York Times, Google Analytics and Tweetie (for Twitter). But if you ask me again in a week, I’m sure they’ll change. Check the Chic Geek blog at hernashville.com to stay updated on my favorite apps and more.