I’ve been behind when it comes to upgrading my Wordpress blogging platform. In fact, they just released their version 2.5 of their system and I was still on version 2.1.3. So, I made the leap and decided to upgrade.

For those of you who have not upgraded, it’s always a good idea to do so every now and then as the upgrade process is a great way to back up your blog files and database in case something happens down the road. Plus, they add new and exciting features into the newer versions that can easily simplify what you are doing.

The upgrade process was simple and I LOVE the new features. They integrated the "sidebar widgets" plugin into the system and a new plugin update system informing you of any software updates to WP plugins (although this may have already been in previous updates)

Also, the UI is dramatically enhanced. The posting process is a lot simpler with integrated functionality to add photos, video, audio and more to a post. And I am in love with the tagging system.

Here’s a few screenshots:

I received a press release today from Yahoo announcing their support for Google’s OpenSocial platform, an expansive application platform designed to extend the reach of social network applications to multiple networks. Currently, OpenSocial is supported by a number of social networks and companies, including MySpace, Ning, Plaxo, Salesforce.com and more. This is the largest boost in support the platform has received since the addition of MySpace last fall.

In addition, Google, Yahoo and MySpace have agreed to work together and form the OpenSocial Foundation, a non-profit foundation focused on ensuring that OpenSocial remains an “an open, community-governed specification” and that all stakeholders have a share in the influence of the documentation. This effectively removes “sole” control of the open specification from Google and puts it in the hands of all three and creating an organization that has “transparent” oversight in the direction of the platform.

Facebook has been reluctant to join the cadre and support the platform, relying solely on their own application platform based on FBML to provide apps. The big question lingering in my mind is whether this will entice Facebook to embrace the specification and start serving OpenSocial apps in addition to their own platform apps? I think it’s a long shot, especially considering the OpenSocial platform is still in it’s infancy, but it would be nice to see them at least join the foundation. Maybe it’s just a pipe dream.

Okay, so it’s been a few days since my last post… don’t worry. I have a lot of great posts coming.

Erin and I just returned from a fabulous and memorable trip to Las Vegas for a photography convention. It was a lot of information crammed into the trip (especially on branding and promotion), but we managed to sneak in some time to see some great attractions.

I uploaded one of the videos I took from the Fountains of Bellagio to YouTube. Check it out below:

I follow a lot of different blogs. So much so that I don’t always have the time to keep up with them via Google Reader. But I ran across this post tonight and I thought it too good not to share. In this day and age, a lot of marketers focus on the SEO benefits of blogs and how search marketing is going to be a huge portion of incoming traffic.

I no doubt believe that there are various SEO benefits of blogs with company websites, but when it comes to marketing a blog itself outside of a company (ex: TechCrunch, Go2web2, Mashable, etc), there are other factors that come into play. John Chow talks about the concepts that make a blog memorable. It’s not about having a huge marketing budget that makes a website memorable (although it can be helpful in bringing in a lot of traffic). What really matters is a handful of factors including having the right design, the right concept, good content, and frequent updates.

It’s a great read, I just wanted to share it.

Two websites that I frequent made design changes on Friday. Google, changed their Google Docs editor design to streamline and simplify the look. The result… it looks a bit like Office 2003, but I like it.

The other website is LinkedIn. They changed their layout around to add side navigation left of the connection status updates. I think it looks more like what Facebook has… what do you think?

LinkedIn:

and Facebook:

We’ve been very hard at work putting the finishing touches on a new website for Patti Jefferson, a Realtor here in Indianapolis. The new website features a property search, community information, resources for buyers and sellers and a custom designed blog. You can visit her new website at http://www.tuckerteamindy.com.

Also, we want to congratulate Patti on exceeding sales of 3 million in 2007! Congratulations, Patti!

I haven’t posted a blog post in a little bit because I’ve been working on several new websites, including our own. We’ve just put the finishing touches on it and you can now view the new home of InspireMedia at http://www.ImInspired.net.

It’s a bold, yet simple design with a sprinkling of Ajax controls and highlights the services you’ve come to expect from InspireMedia and some you didn’t know we offered. So take a peek at the new InspireMedia!

Okay, I had to post this for all those who absolutely love shoes. It’s a new website called Shoetube. It just launched and focuses on those who love a good pair of shoes. Check out on the video below:

I received this link the other day. It’s a great inspirational presentation created by the publishers of Success Magazine. I think my favorite line was on commitment:

“Commitment is that turning point in your life when you seize the moment and alter your destiny”

Incredible! That’s all I can say after a fantastic performance by Eli Manning and the Giants to win the Super Bowl.

I have been hoping big that they would come out with a win this year, especially after his big brother Peyton won it last year for the Colts.

It’s not a perfect season for the Patriots, but it definitely showed their character when the coach left the field without congratulating the other team, as occurs in most professional sports. (Maybe I didn’t catch that, but I didn’t see it)

Congrats to the Giants and especially the Manning family. We’re looking forward to a thrilling 2008 season!

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