CauseWorld/Location based Apps - follow up

So, about two weeks ago I wrote a post about the do-good application ‘CauseWorld’.  I had all of the best intentions to download the application and get to work on earning my personal karmas to save the world - one check-in at a time.  

Unfortunately, I found that I never remembered to check in when I was out somewhere.  And over the holiday weekend I went to a number of places!  It crossed my mind later when I arrived home; I promised myself that I would check in somewhere the next day.    

For me at least, the act of checking myself in somewhere is not on my mind when I am out and about.  I’m focused on what I’m doing and trying to accomplish and the extra step of checking in escapes my mind.  I wonder how many other people are intrigued by Foursquare, Facebook Places, CauseWorld, etc. but fail to follow through as often as they would like.  Is the process of checking in something that will eventually become second nature to every smart phone carrying being?  How often do YOU check-in?

Location Based App for GOOD

I’ve always been someone who wants to help others.  I recently discovered the new application called ‘CauseWorld’.  Like the many other location-based apps this one requests that you check-in at places you work/shop/play.  The difference with CauseWorld is that they have partnered with business and charities.  For example Livestrong, American Red Cross, and Prevent Child Abuse America have all signed up. 


When you check in at particular locations you receive ‘karma’ points.  When you reach a certain number you can donate your karma to a cause of your choice.    So for example when you reach 14 karmas you can turn them in and ‘Feeding America’ will provide one meal to those struggling with hunger in the United States. 


Now, you may be asking yourself who foots the bill to provide these donations?  The best part about this process is you make a difference in the world and don’t have to spend a dime.  Just by checking in to a particular location you earn karma points.   There is no purchase required.  CauseWorld has a number of sponsors who are generously providing the monetary donations necessary.

As far as location apps go I understand the value they have in marketing and increasing business but I have yet to take part.  I personally don’t have the desire to share my exact location.   I see the potential benefit it has for brands and companies through influencing friends to shop or eat at places they see a good friend going to however until now I hadn’t jumped on board.  For me, this app is different and I’m sure I’m not the only one feeling that way.  The ability to make a small difference as you go about your daily routine is highly appealing.  I am downloading the program for my DROID phone and plan to start checking in to make a difference.   I’ll post an update after a couple of weeks into the process.   

Source: causeworld.com

Apple’s “BIG” Announcement

Yesterday Apple.com altered its homepage informing consumers that the following day would not be just another day.  It led one to believe that November 16, 2010 would be a day to remember - forever.  Coincidentally (?) this announcement went up the same day that Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg delivered his radical news about the upcoming changes with Facebook’s messaging service.

It seems to me that more and more of these top internet guru’s are competing back and forth with ‘huge’ game changing announcements.  Twitter recently called the press for an unveiling of ‘#newtwitter’, Facebook called for the unveiling of a new messaging system, and Apple unveiled the Beatles are now available in their database.  The New Twitter announcement in my opinion was legit.  It was a big deal for tweeps, with a huge overhaul on the interface making it much more content friendly.  Facebook’s news is cool and I think it’s an important upgrade characteristic of the direction social technology is headed however was it really necessary to make the whole thing an ordeal?  

Speculations on Apple’s big announcement managed to leak as the day went on giving people an idea of what to expect.  I logged on to apple.com this morning anticipating something BIG, and while I love the Beatles, I was hoping that wasn’t the life-altering news.  I was hoping it was something crazy like a new way of listening and playing my music that would blow my mind.  I wanted something really big.  Instead it was the news of the Beatles albums now available on iTunes.  Great.  

So Apple, you let me down this time.  I love hearing about your new products and technology.  I’ve been an iTunes user since it launched.  I own a macbook pro and an ipod touch which replaced my ipod mini.   I’m kind of a nerd and I enjoy learning where technology is headed.  But don’t put it out there that you’re announcing something that will be remembered and change your life if it’s really not a game-changer.  

Source: apple.com

Rockmelt Review

I’ve never really blogged before, but I thought I’d give it a try.  I’m currently using the new web browser “Rockmelt” which is designed around the idea of having all of your social outlets at your fingertips while viewing content on the web.  They are rolling the usage out in limited amounts right now and you have to either request an invitation or be invited by someone who is already on the inside.  Lucky for me, fellow digital ninja Jason Markow of Think Core Media, hooked me up with an invite.  I’ve been using the browser for a couple days now and so far I really like the interface.  There are definitely some bugs that are being worked out as I can see from the active @rockmelt twitter posts responding to users questions and concerns.  Bugs aside, I think the potential for this browser is high.

 With only a couple days of use behind me I can’t claim to be an expert on this browser.  I’m sure I’ve only explored a few of the awesome features.  What I enjoy the most is the “Share” button.  This button takes away the hassle of having to copy a link, enter it into a shortener, and posting it to your social media outlet of choice.  The one-stop ‘Share’ button does it all for you.  With one click your link is shortened, you pick the outlet you want to share to, and hit post!  

Another nice function is the ability to add websites you visit often to your feed ‘edge’.  This is located on the right hand side of the window and showcases your Twitter feeds, Facebook feeds, and any other feeds you might normally view through Google reader, etc.  You may have noticed the pink and tan stripes at the top of my browser.  This because Rockmelt has the ability to add Google Chrome themes to customize your look.  Who doesn’t want to personalize something?

If you want to update your current status, there is a button in the left-hand corner where you can update any of your social network status.’  This particular function is currently not working for me and keeps showing “Error 404”.  The potential is there and the convenience is quite nice.  

Overall, I think this new browser is a move in the right direction.  People want to be able to share and receive content with their friends.  Businesses want to get their word out to the public.  We are in a “share, share, share” world right now with people taking in more and more information from people they trust to tell them what is going on, what is cool, what to do.  Rockmelt is a platform for people to do all of this with incredible ease.  If I had more invites I would share it with everyone!!

Request your invitation:

www.rockmelt.com