My Baby's Momma: Last.fm

If you don't already have a Last.fm account, get one... Now! If you've already been converted, add me. I've been a member for just over 6 months now and it has gotten to the point where it knows me better than I even know myself (I realize this isn't exactly saying much in my case, but you get the point). I've tried countless services that offer a similar experience, but none combine elements of music discovery, social media, and streaming radio so perfectly as Last.fm.

And just when I thought our relationship couldn't get any stronger, we fell in love all over again when this arrived in my inbox:
























This is a perfect example of e-mail done right. It's personalized, contextual, content rich, and most importantly, provides real value. As far as I can recall, this is the first time I've been e-mailed by Last.fm other than from notifications I've requested and the initial sign-up process. Although unsolicited, this e-mail was opened, read, clicked on and most definitely welcome. Not only am I comfortable with them e-mailing me again, I look forward to it. Personally, my use hasn't really waned since I joined in March but this would have been a perfect way to get me back had I strayed away.

Jason + Last.fm = True Love Forever!

Link Shot for 03.28.07

In yesterday's Link Cocktail, I mentioned a really cool app called StumbleUpon. I'm now on day two of experimentation and I am completely in love with it. I have found so many wonderfully random things with it and still haven't fully utilized the community functionality yet. Just when I thought I couldn't get any more excited about StumbleUpon, I discovered StumbleVideo. What a fantastic addition! Although you must view videos embedded within their site, the interface is very easy to use and extremely slick. Not only that but is compatible with YouTube, Google Video, and MySpace AND operates with the same community based model as StumbleUpon. This by no means is going to revolutionize the Internet but it is a lot of fun!

Today's link is a video I found with StumbleVideo:

Is This Healthy?

I share a three bedroom house at Yonge & Eglinton with two other roommates and at this exact moment we are all in our own rooms on our own computers listening to our own music. Although I haven't actually spoken to them in person in over an hour, we've MSN'd, e-mailed, text messaged, posted on each-other's facebooks and come to the conclusion that Wyclef, Portishead, and Beethoven don't really make for a cool mashup.

Now tell me, is this healthy? Because it is a regular occurrence in our household. In fact, I often have to remind myself that my roommate's name isn't actually fungrrl1979. Here's a typical Saturday morning at my home:

*Wake up to text message*
Lesley: Are you up?
Jason: I am now
Lesley: Hungry?
Jason: yep
Lesley: McDonald's?
Jason: ok
Lesley: Meet downstairs in 5 mins
Jason: cool

Sure, there is something to be said about making plans without having to leave your bed but have things gone too far? Like most people my age, I have a number of friends that I haven't actually met in person yet but we do share similar tastes in music and of course we're going to finally get together for coffee soon...

I've yet to figure out what ramifications the "Internet age" will have on our society but I do know that it is becoming easier and easier to avoid human contact. I guess this post is just a reminder to myself not to hide behind the mouse and keyboard and get out there in the "real world" once in a while. Tomorrow, I urge you to hug a friend, make lunch plans with one of your LinkedIn contacts, write a letter to your best friend from high-school or finally take that boy/girl from Lavalife out for dinner. Let's all have a human experience tomorrow.

CaseCamp Toronto 4.0

Many thanks to Eli Singer and co. for another great Case Camp! Over 150 of the industry's most creative professionals came to meet, learn, and share, making this the most attended Case Camp to date. There was a definite theme of social/grassroots media which only amplifies the importance of understanding the movement.

Case studies from MommyBlogs Toronto, Newmindspace, Eli Singer on behalf of WWF-Canada, and Zipcar proved that marketers have to be more honest, sincere, and creative than ever to succeed in this day and age.

I was particularly struck by parenting blogger, Catherine Conner, who discussed the importance of integrity and trust with her readers. All would be lost the moment her community sensed they were being sold something. This raises a good point that I'm sure has been on bloggers' minds for quite some time - how can you generate enough revenue to sustain your project/hobby/passion without alienating your readers? It's a very delicate balance that the web 2.0 world has yet to figure out.

Another interesting moment to come out of tonight's camp was the announcement of a Case Camp job board. Created as a way to help fund Case Camp as it continues to grow and to ensure that it remains free for all to participate. If you or your company is looking to hire, please get in touch with Eli. Not only will you be helping the community, you will be reaching the industry's brightest.

If you still haven't experienced Case Camp, I strongly urge you to check out the next event. Sign up for the mailing list to be notified as soon as the next camp is announced.