The Epouch of the VOID

\ˈe-pək, ˈe-ˌpäk, US also & British usually ˈē-ˌpäk\

Etymology: Medieval Latin epocha, from Greek epochē; cessation, fixed point, from epechein to pause, hold back, from epi- + echein to hold — more at scheme. Date: 1614

1a: an event or a time marked by an event that begins a new period or development 1b: a memorable event or date

2a: an extended period of time usually characterized by a distinctive development or by a memorable series of events 2b: a division of geologic time less than a period and greater than an age

3a: an instant of time or a date selected as a point of reference 3b: a moment of commemorative advancement in blogvertability

We are etched in time this night. Long have we awaited this moment. We have prepared and accepted peer review of our selves and our offerings. We are ready to be known. The four top article submission sites have accepted our feverish attempt at meaningful placement within the published world of the Web. Slashdot, Digg, DropJack, and GoArticles have all taken in our thoughts, to be digested by the community and disgorged upon the even wider world beyond the void...
...the whETHER.
w2wScribe reporting.

All content © 2008 Keith E Larson

Webcentric Without Electricity?

The vast majority of my life is spent on-line. What happens when the power goes out?! First, a moment of panic, what was windows doing just then? Am I backed up everywhere? What did I lose? The absolute black screen of death. OMG, how long will I be without my Web connections? Is there life outside still?

Yes, I have neighbors, all of whom descend upon the commons for mutual support. Whatever they might have been doing, they are now a part of the community survival ritual. We come together as not before to celebrate our new found interest in each other. We break out candles in the dark; we get the grills going for a power-free cookout. The fire of enthusiasm is everywhere. Life takes on new meaning. All thanks to the snobs that snub us; the ones who kicked in their AC all at once in the city proper. LOL - what's for YOUR dinner?

We are considered second rate citizens, the people who come up from the bottom while supporting the rest. The ones who's money is earned through multiple lifetimes' of hard work. Those who have not quite made it to the "snub you" level, those who still remember their roots. In truth, we provide the foundation upon which the rest of society builds. Remember me, for your children will, whether or not to their advantage depends entirely upon their attitude toward "new money" making its way into their midst. Good luck to the "good 'ole boys" network in this town; I'm on the way up to my own "top view" and it will be as much a look back as sideways. I can still see from whence I have come...

All content © 2008 Keith E Larson

Social Network Development

Social Marketing has been around for a very long time; the Web 2.0 phenomenon is not exactly breaking news either but, what does this mean to you - the blogger? The social give-and-take between you and your readers is there, right? You give information and insights, they take a related link to a "similar interests" or landing page. Aside from being both informative and insightful, you are also providing a form of entertainment; you creatively express your thoughts and ideas concerning the subject. Your site contains advertising of some sort and you employ a few marketing elements as well. This is your foundation. Be certain it is constructed on solid ground and is significantly well built itself.

"The art of social marketing is to be perceived not as a marketer;
rather you should become known as a Maven."
Keith Larson (4/20/2008)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

maven (also mavin or mayvin) is a trusted expert in a particular field, who seeks to pass knowledge on to others.

The word comes from the Yiddish meyvn and Hebrew mevin (מבֿין), with the same meaning, which in turn derives from the Hebrew binah, meaning understanding. It was first recorded in English around 1952, and popularized in the 1960s by a series of commercials.

In network theory and sociology, a maven is someone who has a disproportionate influence on other members of the network. The role of mavens in propagating knowledge and preferences has been established in various domains, from politics to social trends.
(End of Wikipedia reference extract.)

Starting out as a writer who wishes to be known, then beginning to monetize your site is the most effective method of ensuring that your content remains the primary focus of your blog. Readers return to your site because what you have written previously was of interest or was useful to them. As long as you are genuine in your "endorsements" the advertising you present should be seen in a favorable light. People expect you to investigate your advertisers, to learn about the company and its products and/or services. Advertising on your site should reflect your concern for the reader. It needs to be relevant to your posts AND it needs to be something you would recommend to a close friend or family member. "What would Mom think of this?" A question which allows time to pause and reflect. Are you more giving, or taking more?

All Content © 2008 Keith E Larson

Distraction Therapy can be a wonderful thing...

What VOID Pheonix Means

You are very hyper. You never slow down, even when it's killing you. You're the type of person who can be a workaholic during the day... and still have the energy to party all night. Your energy is definitely a magnet for those around you. People are addicted to your vibe.

You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life. You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you. At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row. You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace. People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality.

You are influential and persuasive. You tend to have a lot of power over people. Generally, you use your powers for good. You excel at solving other people's problems. Occasionally, you do get a little selfish and persuade people to do things that are only in your interest.

You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

You are incredibly sexy and sensual. You have a naughty vibe that no one can ignore. You have an unquenchable desire. And you are unrestrained in your passions. You have a tendency to be unfaithful. Whether you fight it or give in to it is up to you.

What does YOUR name mean?

Webfly's World Reborn

The inspiration struck me before I even got out of bed this morning; many of my best ideas are born in the first few minutes of wakefulness. There is a brief period of transition from dreamland to reality; a time of natural brainstorming uninhibited by the constraints of real life. There is a notebook and pen beside my computer in case a thought's so hot I can't wait for the OS/Security wake-up process to finish. Hey, that might become the on-line version of my desktop idea file, "Random Brainstorms". What do YOU think? "Random Brainstorms or "Thought's so Hot..." for an on-going post of really incredible stuff? Comment here or post your answer in the V-O-I-D Forums.

"All growth is a leap in the dark, a spontaneous
unpremeditated act without the benefit of experience."
Henry Miller; US author (1891 - 1980)

Games and Socialization

Last night I played a bit of RuneScape to relax and maybe connect with friends old and new. Found one old friend from a previous life but, as it was late only the power players were about. We don't chat much more than to establish who is going after what, and that generally only when one or the other is intruding on a plan/cycle. To supplement the in-game chat I have registered with a few of the more interesting forums where time-zones and work/sleep schedules are immaterial. With the RS2 Toolbar installed in Flock it is a simple matter for me to declare break-time when I notice that the NEED for one.

Not being break-time; however, I steeled myself against the temptation to play. Opting rather to connect these two aspects of my social network together. This site has become my central blog and is readily postable from either Flock or Scribefire where ever I happen to be on the web. RuneScape is my primary relaxation tool; the game is simple and relatively straightforward. In other words, playable during mind-scramble and at other times when I just want to chill.

The State of the Union

This is NOT a political blog by any means, though perhaps some astute Poli-Sci major will risk tagging me at some point. I am not a WASP; my spiritual beliefs having long ago transcended mere religion. I can not claim to be a political independent for I am most assuredly affected and dependent upon the ruling party of the time. Or am I? How long ago did our publicly elected officials lose control of this country? Big Brother is WAY beyond our bloated system of government.

Speaking of bloated...

The "new" Vista OS is even more over-burdened by itself than ever. At its core the system has not changed; it has been modified at the surface to present a pretty face. It has also become more intrusive and insistent. Turn off UAC and install Firefox, Flock, or SeaMonkey. Then, add NoScript and Spybot to your security arsenal. To speed up page loading install AdBlockerPlus and FlashBlock. I also use Comodo BOClean anti-malware and KeyScrambler for additional layering. Check keyword "security" in my tag cloud, or (The tag cloud is dynamic and may not contain the keyword I mention!) go to w2wMarketing and enter the keyword search term there.

OK, so social commentary includes politics of sorts; tell me what doesn't? Politics of Love. Office Politics. Social Convention. Peer Pressure. You name it.