Now, where was I? Oh, yes… cheesecake. Good stuff, right? Anyway, after thoroughly enjoying that cheesecake and chatting with a few others during the break, it was time for afternoon sessions. During each time slot, there were four breakout sessions to choose from. Sometimes, it was a tough choice. At other times, I didn’t have to think twice. You will probably not be surprised to learn that the title of this next session called to me like a siren to a sailor.
A punny title? Pop culture references? How could I say no?
This session was presented by Lauren Spencer from Fetching Communications. We learned about various widgets (stand-alone applications that you can embed on your blog to create a more dynamic and interactive experience for your readers – check out Something Wagging This Way Comes for list of the links we got from Lauren that day). It seems like there are widgets for everything – including Facebook (so readers can like your page… hint, hint), Twitter, and YouTube. You can even create polls and surveys for your site.
Just make sure not to engage in widget overload – too many widgets and your page begins to look like Times Square. Your reader won’t even know where to start.
Anyway, there was one widget in particular that piqued my interest: embedding a slideshow from Flickr. Lauren showed us how to do this using Flickr’s own app, as well as third-party applications from Flickr’s App Garden. I made the one below using pictobrowser:
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| The Chronicles of Cardigan meets Something Wagging |
Cool, right? I have a feeling I’ll be using this tool a lot in the future – I was wondering how to create slideshows on the blog, but was a bit too lazy to figure it out myself. So thank goodness for punny sessions. The session even came with an unexpected bonus: I finally got to meet Elizabeth, Jon Farleigh and Dewi from The Chronicles of Cardigan!
Now that my brain was playing songs from The Wizard of Oz on a permanent loop, it was time to head to yet another session – the last one of the day, in fact. For this final session, I chose to attend “StumbleUpon: How to Create, Share and Discover Great Content.” I’d heard about StumbleUpon but wasn’t really familiar with how it works.
Apparently part of the concept is based on “unexpected relevance,” which I thought was interesting. According to our presenter (from StumbleUpon, of course), it’s the second biggest social media referrer online in North America. So you know… kind of a big deal, I suppose. This was yet another technical session – there are a variety of free tools and widgets (as well as paid ones) available. If you’re interested, you can check them out here. Any of you use it? What do you think?
That closes the book on the sessions from Day 1. However, the day wasn’t over yet… up next, I’ll tell you all about my evening. It included popcorn, candy, a movie, puppies, and new friends. After that, I’ll give you a recap of Day 2, and finally some closing thoughts. The end is in sight!
I tinkered a bit with StumbleUpon the other day in response to Something Wagging's post. I am certain it could be a worthwhile blog additive, but haven't found the hours in the day to figure out how to make it work! Someday soon!
Wish I could be a full time blogger…this stuff is so much fun 🙂
Oh I love this! Your slideshow is great, I've a feeling I might just be making one myself today 😀 Thanks for the tips!
Kirsten – I know what you mean. If only I had more time to devote to it! I do intend to check out StumbleUpon in more detail at some point, but I haven't had a chance yet.
cate – Thanks! I really like pictobrowser and I'm glad Lauren highlighted it in her talk.
It has been so long since i have looked at your blog! I had to go back and look at some of the posts i missed. 🙂 Wonderful as always. 😀
If ever, oh ever, a widge there was, the widgets of Oz are ones because….Oh hai! There I am on your blog, oh my!
Nice recap, especially compared to mine. 🙂 The Flickr slideshow is pretty slick, too. Flickr is one place where I lose patience quickly.
Too funny that we ended in the exact same place in our recaps today. 🙂
your BlogPaws updates have been amazing! I feel incredibly guilty that I am soooooo behind the 8 ball with posting more about BlogPaws.
I attended part of the Stumbleupon session. I cut out of it early, I was in brain overload and sooo needed an hour to myself. I am signed up for Stumbleupon (I signed up ages ago) I have never loved it but I probably should have stayed for the entire session to learn how to use it properly 🙂
I know nothing about Stumbleupon. *sigh* Another reason I will remain in blog obscurity forever! 😛 If it makes you feel better, I finally figured out +1 and added you on that.
I have to figure out that Flickr widget! I am a total Flickr fiend and that is just beyond coolness! I bow to you!
Very cool widget 🙂 Mom wants to learn how to make them. Crazy woman! I learn something new with each of your sessions. It's almost like I got to go myself! Thanks so much for sharing 😀
Waggin at ya,
Roo
Garden Girl – thanks! 🙂
Elizabeth – We must be on a wavelength these days!
Caren – Thank you so much! I totally understand the brain overload – so much info to take in!
houndstooth – I'm not even sure I know what the +1 is… um, guess I should look that up! If you click on the pictobrowser link above the slideshow I created, it should walk you through. If not, let me know and I can help.
Roo – Glad that the info is coming in handy. 🙂
This post was better than cheesecake! (Okay, I don't eat dairy but STILL!) Thanks very much for sharing the info on the Flickr widget and slideshows. I've been torn between jumping on Flickr or creating a Tumblr site and your post reminded me to get on it and make a choice!
-Chandra at Daley's Dog Years
I do like the pictobrowser! You can share a lot of pictures without clogging up the post with a bunch of pictures. Slick app!
I don't use Stumbleupon on the blog or web site, but I do "stumble" and find all kinds of incredible doggie things (sites, blogs, photos) that Google certainly never shows me!
chandra – You're welcome! I had a Flickr account but had never tried to do a slideshow until after this session. I really like the result.
Karen – I agree! I also have trouble arranging the photos when I add them to a post, so this will be great when I want to share more than just a few.
Talking Dogs – I'm definitely tempted to try it out!