Google Profiles - Fad or Fab?

I've said it before - you have to be Google-tastic. Google recently added Google Profiles to every Google Search ... allowing you to achieve that Google-tastic-ness that you know you want.

Google Profiles are not new, but in the last few days, they have soared in popularity. Why? Google your name, now scroll all the way down ... Google has added anyone with a Google Profile to your search results with an thumbnail to boot.

There is not a whole lot that you can do with your Google Profile, but it is still a good idea to set one up. Go to: http://www.google.com/profiles and click on "Create My Profile" to get started.

If you don't already have an account on Google, you will be forced to create one here ... once that is done, you can begin setting up your profile. Keep your information "surface level" - no home addresses, phones or social security numbers please ;) Think about it this way if you are unsure, if you would put it on your business card, go ahead and put it in your Google Profile.

Here is what mine looks like, pretty simple, not a ton of info:











So ... fad or fab? I'm still undecided.

Great Google Tool - Picasa - for your pics

I love all things Google (mostly) ... today, I am crushing on Picasa. Here's why:

1. It's free
2. It's smart*
3. It's organized

* The less you have to do - the better - this program finds and organizes your photos for you automatically. Let's take a closer look.


















To find the Picasa program on Google, go to www.google.com.
Click on the word, "more" (top left~ish)
If Photos does not show up on the list displayed - click on, "even more".
Click on Photos to get started ...

Important distinction - there is a software version called Picasa 3 (that can integrate with web albums) or you can just use the Picasa Web Albums and store your photos online.

I like the software version, because I do not always want to upload every pic online.

Once your pics are found, you can play around a bit. Select a photo to see all of the editing options available. Basic Fixes includes, cropping, red eye, auto-contrast, auto-color, straighten, re-touch and two fun features - add text and an "I'm feeling lucky" option.


















There are various tuning and effect choices as well. Once you are happy with your photo, you can upload it to a web album, email it, print, export to another program, buy a print, blog the photo, make a collage or movie and of course geo-tag!

What in the world is geo-tagging? More like "where in the world"??? Geo-tagging allows you to associate a photo with a location ... so we are at the Coldwell Banker International Business Conference in San Antonio, I could snap a shot at the conference and geo-tag it to the convention center in San Antonio.

More on IBC as it happens ... first open event in a few hours.

Have fun in the snow :)