Thing 25: Letterpop.com - Online Newsletter Tool

LetterPop.com is an online newsletter creation service. It is similar to other online applications such as Google Docs or Zoho Writer for word processing, in that it allows you to create documents on the fly from any computer that has access to the Internet. Also like them it's free. It draws comparison to MS Publisher but it does not have quite all the customization features that Publisher does. But it offers you the convienience of a basic template creator for newsletters and flyers.

It is free to use with a basic subscription or there are other subscriptions for those who want more features and more space. It also allows you to email your creations to a list you create. You can upload pictures directly into LetterPop or link to your photos stored on your Flickr account. You are limited to 25 photo uploads with a basic subscription. If you want ideas you can see what other members of Letterpop are doing with their newsletters. I can see immediate applications with teachers communicating with parents, businesses advertising products, people writing their annual Christmas letter to all their relatives, and of course libaries communicating programs, resources and services to patrons--instantly via email. Talk about saving stamps and probably getting some great communication back.

Here is the little mockup announcement I created for library programming:
Game Night at Independence
http://letterpop.com/newsletters/?id=62773-4c64f3
Letterpop certainly has it applications.

Thing 24: Zamzar File Conversions

I took one of my word processing documents (size 7.1 MB) and converted the file to .pdf using the file conversion tool, Zamzar. It was very easy to follow. No complicated instructions needed.

I tested it by sending it to my Yahoo, Google, and MS Outlook mail accounts to see which one would get it the fastest. It took several minutes for them to show up. And the the stats look like this:
1. Yahoo Mail - I sent it to this one first.
2. Google Mail - I sent it to this one second.
3. MS Outlook - I sent it to this one third.
From this little test it looks like that no email provider has an advantage over the other with Zamzar.

It looks especially useful for converting PR fliers for programs into .pdf for distribution.

I've already used it with one library patron. He was desperate to print out a portfolio he had created but the library didn't have the same software he had. He was so impressed he offered to buy me lunch! Needless to say, Zamzar rocks!

Learning 2.1 & Ning Network - The Learning Continues

Visit Explore ... Discover ... Play!

Well, I have decided to take the plunge and participate in Learning 2.1--the continuation of the Learning 2.0 program that PLCMC started last May (2006). Announced during the May 2007 Technology Summit : Virtual Worlds, Gaming & Beyond, the exploration continues of new Web 2.0 tools but now the project is ongoing and it is the users that are doing the entries themselves.

I begin my Learning 2.1 journey by creating a profile on Explore ...Discover .. Play Ning Network and added my blog to the Learning 2.1 Wiki. Ning is a Web 2.0 tool that allows users to make their own social networks.

LibrarianCollage

I created a separate header page element and put a photo collage of 5 of my favorite avatars. If you would like to add a separate header for your blog this site will tell you how: Dummies Guide to Google Blogger (Beta): How to add Picture to Beta Blog Header.

Enjoy!

Game Night LAN Party a Smash Hit

We had a great turnout for our Thursday night Gaming Zone LAN Party for adult gamers ages 18+. For the inaugural appearance at our branch it was a wonderful success. The large banner and the Nintendo Wii brought patrons in the door and then they gravitated towards the XBox, PC Laptops and board games. Within about an hour all of the laptops were full and many were taking turns playing on all the games available. I even learned how to play Blokus, a board game that reminds me of the East Asian game of Go. The objective it capturing territory with your game pieces but you can only allow them to touch by their corners. Thanks to all staff who came out to make this event a success. The next stop on the LAN party tour will be at Steele Creek Library on August 9th, 2007. The next time the LAN party will come back to our branch is on November 8th, 2007.