From My Idea Factory: Multi-tasking Mama-Blogga

I created a clever tip today.  This isn't an everyday solution, but from time to time, I think it's kinda genius.

Sparky is the black blob on the path in this park we call "Heaven"....because that is what it is to him.

A blog post has been brewing in my head for two days, but I don't have the chunk of time I need to write it, and it isn't top of my priority list.  But because it involves Beyonce and her concert from Monday night, this is a time sensitive piece that needs to get written sooner rather than later.  As a woman who loves to multi-task, I solved it like this:  my son needed a ride to practice, my dog needed a walk,  I needed a walk, and shortly after that, I would be picking up the boy and making dinner.  No time to write.

So I took Sparky to the woods, and talked into my iPhone 4s most of the way.  I went into notes, used the speaker function (right by the space bar if you don't know...my son taught me).  I talked out most of the blog story, while walking the dog and myself.  Now I can email the note to myself, copy and paste into a Google Doc (my favorite because it is always saved and my mouse sometimes behaves oddly), edit a bit more, add my photos, then copy and paste into blogger.  I got a LOT of writing done while talking, my dog is panting, and I got just enough of a walk to pass for exercise today.  Three birds, one stone.

And by the way, this is not the post that was brewing in my head (stay tuned for my longer, deeper Beyonce story), but it seemed too clever not to share.


Facebook creates an iphone app too....

Images from iTunes for the Facebook Camera App


Are you ready for the Facebook camera app?  I already have 5 camera apps, and I don't even use Instagram. Personally Hipstamatic is my favorite.  Instead of shooting with one app and uploading to Facebook, they made the obvious step of putting the camera in the app.  Why?  I suspect so that when you think "Oh, I have to take a photo of that" you immediately think "Facebook", and you share it, without that extra upload step.  Pretty soon, you won't have to think at all, the process to upload will be automatic.  Oh, and do you think there will be another monster camera-social app like Instagram?  Not likely.  Ever.

So now, do I ditch Camera+, or Camera Awesome (actually...you should buy that one!) and your boring old camera phone?  Even my beloved Hipstamatic? Shoot with Facebook, share with Facebook, spend too much of my life on Facebook.....   Do I really want Facebook to have that much access to my photography?  You think you are sharing with your friends...but never forget you are also sharing with Big Brother Facebook.   

No doubt in the face of falling advertising revenue, this is yet another tool to keep us hooked.  Call me cynical.  The app is free, but the add-ons won't be.  They don't exist now, but they will.  In-app purchases are too tempting for any developer.

So what do you think?  Gotta have it?  Or is Facebook just getting a little too big in your life? Maybe they are being thoughtful, kind and helpful.  Maybe they are giving us crack, and withdrawal will be painful, if not impossible.  Maybe your happy snappy is their future advertising campaign.