Sharing photos for business or pleasure

People have been sharing photos on sites like Flickr and Google's Picasa for some time now. It makes it easier to share pics of the grandchildren with the folks and embarrass your friends after the New Year's Eve party.

Last week I learned how powerful photo sharing could be as a tool for business networking. Using Utterz, I was able to snap a photo of an interviewee with my camera phone, e-mail it in to my social media site and by the time our discussion was over, I could show them their smiling face on my website. It opened some eyes to the concept of instant publishing.

Later, I was able to create a slideshow with Flickr and post it to my homepage, letting everyone in my market know who was making news at the recent business conference.

Now, Adobe has put a version of its Photoshop application online as part of a new photo sharing site. Now as powerful as the full version (or even Photoshop Elements), it will still allow you to do plenty with your snapshots. While other sharing sites and standalone apps on the web offer online photo editing, Adobe is the professional's choice, which should attract a significant offering to the site.

Can tales lead to sales?

Another great post on why storytelling leads to more bottom line profit.

Podcasting getting easier

More manufacturers are now making their microphones with USB connections for use with laptops. This is perfect for podcasters in the field.

Here's an ad from the current issue of Videography for the AT-2020. This is probably my favorite mic for voice recording, now available with USB.

New Media = New Publications

Custom publishing has been around for a long time. Traditionally offered by trade media or other professional publishers who catered to well-heeled customers who wanted to have their own publications. With enough money, there is no need to share space with competitors.

New Media is making it easier for companies of all sizes to publish their own publications. Using low-cost design tools, Flash and the Web, just about anyone can create a custom publication and put it out into the market.

But smart marketers are careful not to advance material that looks or sounds less than professional. The reputation risk involved is significant.

Professional writers and magazine editors are available and can help companies plan and lay out quality custom publications on a freelance basis.