The Best of May 2007
When I come across something on-line that really grabs my attention, I make a note of it with Google Notebook — I almost feel embarrassed to “promote” a Google product, but it really has helped me to keep track of and organise my web likes.
I began using it after one day scrolling through — for what seemed like an eternity — my Bookmarks; kind of defeated the whole purpose. My bookmarks list had become so big, that even after adding a few more folders, taking out the trash and reorganising, it was still too big and cumbersome to be of any real use. Enter Google Notes: I can “note” entire pages, a snippet of text or an image, and then add my own note, reminding me to blog about it, read it later, whatever.
So here are few things from my May Google Notes:
Noclick
First came across this site last year, but Stumbled across it again recently. An interesting concept: navigation without clicks. Try it and see if you can resist clicking — more difficult than you can imagine.
Dave Werner
I rarely find Flash web sites that I like to use, but this one I like a lot. It’s the portfolio of Dave Werner, the creative Director and founder of Minor Studios in California.
The Face Behind the Blog Collection
A great idea. Ever wondered who actually writes what you read?
Putting a face to the name of someone you haven’t met helps recognition and adds a more personal feel to your conversations.
As blogging is truly international, and the chances of meeting the people behind your favourite blogs are slim, today I’m announcing The Face Behind The Blog meme.
I haven’t contributed yet, but I’ve noted it, and I will.
Eight Bits of Colour Inspirations
Yes, I know it’s a post from February, but I’ve only just discovered it. Some great colour inspiration and resources.
And last but not least,
Creative Use of PNG Transparency in Web Design
Perhaps you already know your GIFs from your JPEGs, but you might be surprised to learn quite how much you can do with the humble PNG. This post by Jeff Croft — an excellent writer on all things web — demonstrates numerous uses for the format. A very well-researched and well-written piece.
So how do you keep tabs on your browsing - do you bookmark, use Google Notes or something similar, or do you still use the ever-trusty notepad and pencil, napkin, back of your hand…?
If you have some tips, then please share them. I’ll be doing this “redsil-roundup” (please, somebody think of a better name than that!) every month… so keep your eyes peeled and your mice at the ready.
13 Comments, Comment or Trackback
Tara
I am going to have to check out google notebooks. I am having the same problem as you with endless things I have bookmarked. You get so many you forget what they are.
Jun 2nd, 2007
Horrorwood
Great post John.
Watch out though - “noclick.com” takes you to some awful scam shopping site. I think you meant this site:
http://www.dontclick.it/
which was indeed very interesting.
Jun 2nd, 2007
johno
Tara
Yes, bookmarks and those post-it notes have something in common: their proliferation diminishes their utility.
Jack
Thanks for that - what was I thinking!
Jun 3rd, 2007
Beth Ellen
I like the Google Notebook. I will find it quite useful.
Jun 3rd, 2007
David Airey :: My Face Behind The Blog ::
Nice creativity, Johno!
So that’s what your smile was like at the age of 12? You look like you had a very happy childhood.
Thanks so much for the mention buddy. I’m another who has to check out Google Notebook, so I’m glad of the reminder.
Jun 3rd, 2007
johno
Thanks for your comments everyone.
If anyone has good/bad/indifferent experience with Google Notebook, then let know; or perhaps you’ve found some other uses for it? I wonder if there are any Google Notebook mashups out there? For example, a blog category that automatically pulls (like an RSS feed) selections from one’s Google Notes.
Perhaps this might be useful:
Google Mashup Editor. I’m off to take a loook…
Jun 3rd, 2007
inspirationbit
I should also check out Google notebook, looks like a very useful tool.
Thanks for the mention, John
Jun 6th, 2007
Tara
I have been using Google notebook now for a few days - since reading your post and its great, so thanks. I like the way you can clip links and then put a note by them, much easier to remember what they are than book marks.
Jun 8th, 2007
Lorissa
Same great links here - thanks!
Jun 16th, 2007
adelle
Thanks for the post! I never would have thought about using google notebook for that purpose, lately my bookmarks are becoming endless when I see things I want to blog about. Thanks for the tip! I was also using Instapaper and using the “read later” function for that reason but I will def. be trying out the notebook. Keep up the great posts!
Apr 15th, 2008
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