Simple Steps to the Social Web

The social web can be an overwhelming place: MySpace, Facebook, blogging, Twitter, Digg, Delicious, Yammer, Yelp, OMG WTF?  If you don’t “get” all this stuff, don’t worry you are not alone. I know countless people who don’t work in technology or marketing and are thus not exposed to what my wife refers to as “all that social stuff like Facebook” in their daily lives. I also often find that a lot of people over forty aren’t naturally comfortable in the new online social environments.

 

I’m writing a series of articles for these people - those who want a basic understanding of the social web and how they can use it for business and their personal lives. If you’re already a social maven, these articles may be useful as online resources you can forward to your less digitally astute connections.

 

While writing the “Simple Steps to the Social Web” series, various topics will arise that are important across the entire social web. I will cover these topics in short call-out tips entitled ^Social Lights.

 

I look forward to helping you better understand today’s online world; and I hope to help you start leveraging the social web to your benefit. I encourage you to be patient and not get overwhelmed. Remember that all great journeys begin with a single step.

Family Fun Camping at San Clemente, California

Ayrton and I had a great adventure camping out at San Clemente State Beach in Southern California. We flew out non stop from Austin to Long Beach on JetBlue. I just love the roomy leather seats and direct tv. Next we picked up a rental RV from 1st Choice RV in Irvine (ask for Doug).  Our last stop for preparation was Trader Joes for all our supplies. Man I miss this store. I sure hope they open one up in Austin someday soon.

Ayrton and I got to our camp site and settled in to our little home on the road. Our 24 RV was quite spacious - and the pop out made it even moreso. We went on a nice little hike down to the the beach. There were lots of neat caves in the cliffs and the Amtrack Surfliner train passed by frequently.  It's neat to watch the train along the beach. It brought back many memories of camping here as a child with my family each summer.

We had the pleasure of spending time with lots of family and friends during our visit. My sister Tammy, brother-in-law Rick and nephew Korye made the trip down from Tehachapi. They stayed the night with us at our camp site. My uncle Jesse and aunt Juanda came down the next morning and shared some great stories about my father while we snacked on fruits and cheeses.

Later that day, Ayrton's uncle Ricky came down with his boys. Their timing was perfect as the sun came out from the coastal eddie behind which it had been hiding all weekend. We all had a blast playing in the sun and surf for hours. We even had a chance to bury Ayrton in the sand.

We all thoroughly enjoyed the amazing sunset. That night after dinner, we capped of a great little vacation with smores around the camp fire. Life is good.

Ayrton's Summer Vacation in Bonaire

Ayrton's surprise birthday party culminated with the presentation of gifts. His surprise present was a pair of fins, a snorkel, mask and a trip to Bonaire in Netherlands Antilles with my sister's family, his uncle Stuart and his dad Philip. Ayrton's mom Safron, my sister and I all pitched in together to make it happen.

Ayrton had a fantastic time snorkeling and exploring the island with the gang. He saw lots of iguanas, flamingos and donkeys. Mostly he saw fish. Part of the ABC Islands, Bonaire is reknown as one of the world's best scuba diving destinations.

Ayrton and I are truly blessed to have such a wonderful family. Thanks Tammy, Rick and Korye for making this memorable vacation possible for my son.

Happy 13th Birthday Ayrton!