Melonie Gallegos

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5 Firefox add-ons I can’t live without

In tools on July 1, 2009 at 4:54 pm

1. IE Tab – you’ll never go back

If you’re like me there’s nothing more annoying than having to switch over to IE to use certain websites whose builders forgot to test their forms for compatibility with 47.7% of Internet users! The IE Tab sits in your Firefox status bar (bottom of your browser), one click and you’re viewing the site in an IE window within Firefox. And, if you happen to be one of those developers who does actually test their website, this is a useful testing tool allowing you to quickly switch between browser views. As they say “Once you go Firefox…”

Go get it>>

2. WASP – the sneaky little analytics detector

If you live in a world of analyzing and helping others assess their website, or you just feel like spying on your competitors and friends, WASP is your bug. It detects and displays the analytics program a website is using in your Firefox status bar. Amazing how many sites are using Omniture and Google Analytics. It also contains implementation analysis tools.

Go get it>>

3. FireShot – screen capture

An excellent built-in-browser screen shot and editing tool. Your functions are within easy reach via a status bar tool box. It’s full of functionality for a “free” tool and not disruptive to your work flow. For screen shots and video outside of your browser I’d recommend Jing.

The FireShot captures can be:

  • uploaded to FREE public screenshot hosting
  • saved to disk (PNG, GIF, JPEG, BMP)
  • printed
  • copied to clipboard
  • e-mailed
  • sent to configurable external editor for further processing

Go get it>>

4. TwitterFox – easy tweeting from a little Twitter

While other apps like TweetDeck are richer in functionality what TwitterFox has going for it is it doesn’t interrupt your work flow. Another tool that sits discreetly in your status bar. One click and you have your tweet stream and posting functions overlaying your browser. No big windows or boxes, no taking you to another URL. And no Flash. Awesome for quick check-ins while your browsing the Web. Easy on your bandwidth.

Go get it>>

5. Google Bookmarks Button Reloaded – you won’t touch browser bookmarks ever again

Google Bookmarks are accessible from any computer so you won’t lose your treasured library if your laptop takes a dive or you’re using someone else’s machine. Another work flow friend, just click the star shaped button in your browser bar (in the header) to add or view your Google Bookmarks then carry on with your trip.

Go get it>>

If you have add-ons you can’t live without share them with us in a comment. If you’re still using IE click here to join the cool kids.

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The monetization of Twitter begins…

In Social Media, Uncategorized on June 8, 2009 at 9:07 am

Not by Twitter, by app developers. That should come as no surprise with Twitter’s open API, it has been 3rd party developers who have latched on to the platform to provide innovation to the community in lightening fashion. Yesterday 83 Degrees, a software firm, launched Super Chirp “a system to enable the simplest form of paid content. It makes use of Twitter’s social connections and distribution channels”. In a nutshell it allows people to charge followers for premium content.

I personally have yet to meet a tweep whose content I’d be willing to pay for (not to say that I do not value and love the content of those I follow – I do). There is so much good content out there it’s hard to keep up and filter the noise. And, in this space so much of what you get and what you give has value that is not $$. While I’m not sold on paid content (yet anyways) I do see opportunity to provide Twitter  users with transactional capabilities. Just the other day a business owner asked my advice on taking customer orders through Twitter and Facebook. He had a brilliant idea. Wouldn’t it be great twit your lunch order to your local cafe or the ‘usual’ to your corner coffee shop? Super Chirp is a good start and I hope to see more extensions of this type to bridge the need and desire for transaction twitters that will heighten relationships.

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5 Fast Tips to Optimize Your Personal Twitter

In Social Media on April 24, 2009 at 9:25 am

Here are five quick and easy ways to promote your Twitter.

1. Include your twitter handle in your email signature (Twitter: @name).

2. And on your business card and online profiles.

3. Add yourself to the local Twitter directory. There are many, I like Local Tweeps because they don’t ask for account access.

4. Join the conversation on rising topics (e.g. #followfriday). Others interested in the same topic will search, find and follow you. Twendz is a cool tool.

5. Optimize your Twitter profile to capture vanity searches. Include your full name in the “name” field and company name the “bio” field – if you want to be found and are comfortable associating your personal brand with your company brand.

Happy Tweeting.

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