Week 3, Thing 7: Flickr Mashups and Open Source

One of the many great features of Flickr is the fact that it was designed as open source software. A software program that is considered open source means that its code is accessible to developers so that they may use it to design and create other online programs and software.

Flickr is a wonderful example of open source software and so many people have used its code to create third party sites and tools. I found a neat one called PicMarkr which allows you to upload your photos directly from Flickr (or another photo hosting site) and apply a watermark to your photographs. PicMarkr markets itself as a tool that allows you to feel safe about putting your photos online because the watermark serves as a way to protect your ownership of your images.

I used it to add a watermark to one of the photographs I took this summer at a cottage near Haliburton. It was a beautiful day!

Week 3, Thing 6: Flickr, Photos, and Fun!

As is mentioned in my profile, I recently returned from New Zealand after spending about 8 months there. While I was in the Land of Eternal Spring, I created a Flickr account so that I could share my photos with friends and family back home. I found that Flickr was extremely user-friendly and the easiest way to keep loved ones up to date with my activities. It was nice for them to get a feel for where I was living.

I also joined the Flickr group for the region of New Zealand in which I lived, Taranaki. I found this photo of the region's namesake, pride, and protector, Mount Taranaki, in the Taranaki group. I have many photos like this one but I thought Bruce McKinlay's version is quite stunning with the green grass, aqua-blue sky, and snow capped mountain top.

Another good thing about Flickr groups is that photos are added to them on a daily basis which means I can log in to see recent images of my old home!

Week 2, Thing 5: Web Two Point What?

The Whitby Public Library will be launching its new Web 2.0 website shortly. As part of the Web 2.0 initiative, staff members have volunteered to participate in the '25 Things' campaign. 25 Things is a series of activities that, upon completion, will increase awareness of and familiarize library staff with the facets of Web 2.0. , which includes the ideas of information sharing and user-centred design. The activities and exercises include things like creatinga blog (!) and a Twitter account, familiarizing yourself with RSS, newsfeeders, and photo sharing websites like Flickr and del.icio.us, and embracing terms like tagging and mash-ups.

I know I've been away from my blog for a while...but it's good to be blogging again!