Speaking of your computer, I’m not sure what you were looking for but this is a digital format.  Before the computer age began to dominate our world, backing up was a common term associated with driving a vehicle, then Hip Hop Shop (Juvenile) came out with a song called, “Back That Thang Up”. Now, I’m not talking about driving or dancing.  Backing up now however has a whole new meaning for me, a hard drive backup is necessary when you rely on your computer.

My laptop crashed about three weeks ago and for a moment it seemed my world came crumbling down around me. Not having a system backup is a big risk. Don’t do like I did and wait until you have a system failure to check into the options for a system backup.

I know my next job is dependant on having samples and it’s crucial to backup my work but as a freelance developer, all the income from my projects (minimal)  has gone toward my living expenses which is not uncommon when you’re just starting out.

Be proactive and protect your ASSets, find out what the best hard drive options are before you lose your memory.

Here are a few of my preferences:

For complete system backups

Seagate Replica

This 5.6-inch device is an ideal data-disaster-prevention tool. Just plug it in and hit OK; it will continuously back up everything, including your operation system, programs, and settings.

COST: $130 (250 GB, single PC) to $180 (500 GB, multiple PCs)

For automatic backups

Clickfree Backup Drive

There’s no software to install or configure; just plug this 4.5-inch device into a PC, and it starts backing up photos, documents, and more. The ingenious Transformer cable ($60) adds the same capability to a hard drive you already own.

COST: $90 (120 GB) to $220 (550GB)

For locking down data

The 5-inch Maxtor Black Armor absolutely prohibits access without the proper password-not even professional data recovery services can crack it. Easy-to-use software lets users set an automated backup schedule and sync data on multiple computers.

COST: $170 FOR 320 GB

For getting to you data online

Western Digital My Book World Edition

Access your files from the Web-even if your PCs are turned off. Tech-savvy users can use their 6.8-inch device to back up files remotely, but it isn’t easy. The drive can also stream music to an Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3.

COST: $230 (1TB) or $450 (2TB)

It appears I was lucky this time and I didn’t lose all my hard work, but the next time I plan to protect my ASSets.

Majority of my advertisements have been free and they have lead to some great leads with referrals. Here are a few free sources:

 Word-of-mouth  Local events  Other local community clubs and organizations  Apartment buildings — in laundry rooms  Grocery stores  Libraries  Chambers of Commerce  Classified services on the World Wide Web — many are free  Classified services on commercial online services — many are free  Community group and association newsletters  Radio talk shows — by appearing as a guest or calling in  A lingerie store owner stenciled small messages onto the sidewalks of New York, with provocative sayings like, “From here it looks like you could use some new underwear.”  On your voice-mail message, but please keep it brief  Networking forums  Twitter (gives me the highest traffic)

I’ve been missing in action from my blog due to having so much going on. Adjusting to relocating to a new city, dealing with the slow economy while job searching, building my business and learning the ins and outs of the Computer Age.  I also hope my blogging  knowledge has evolved.

Blogging gives me an outlet to showcase my wisdom and knowledge,  and I’ve been able to gathert lots of information to share. It feels great to share relevant knowledge with others and blogging to me is similar to bartering, one person shares their knowledge in exchange for loyal readers and I love a good barter arrangment (similar to the arrangement between me and my hairdresser).

I was stimulated to start back blogging in part due to a conversation with one of my girlfriends, as she enthusiastically set up her Facebook  page last night (yes, there are still folks out there who have not embarked into the new online pastimes),  an idea occurred to me about the importance of knowing your way around the Internet among the various social and business networks (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn etc) and it’s important to understand how this new form of communicating will affect us in our personal and professional lives.

Is social media calling you? It has called me back and I feel I’m coming back at an opportunity time to share tools/tips/techniques of effectively using the Internet as there’s apparently still folks out there who have not embarked into the new online pastimes.

It’s a gooood feeling to be actively blogging again, and it’s empowering to read various knowledgeable/informative/or just rambling blogs; I guess it’s the curiosity of my nature to understand people better or just call it plain nosey.

The fact of the matter still remains, harnessing the power of the internet can produce a valuable return on your investment whether it’s for business, job searches or connecting to family and friends.  As you read the article below you’ll see what industries are already being affected and it’s only a matter of time before other employers catch on. ..

Social-media skills become crucial for job hunters

By ALYSE KNORR

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Associated Press

The landscape of today’s job market is shifting, and the shift favors individuals who are savvy in social media.

“If you’re in advertising, marketing or communications, the more information you can put out to people where they want to see it, the better,” said Bob Van Rossum, president of MarketPro, a marketing recruitment company. “If you’re in one of those fields, it’s now required for you to be pretty savvy in the social media area, even if it’s not your primary focus.”

Read full article…

I woke up this morning, went through the routine of fussing at my daughter for turning on all the lights in the house, managed to get out on time and meet my usual carpool duty and returned home and with my usual excitement proceeded to log into my computer to start my day.

I switched on my laptop and logged into Twitter at approximately 7:40 a.m., normally the first networking site I sign in (to see what the latest news is in relation to all the current events, out with the old and in with the new President, the celebration participation around the world and to get marketing tips), the login went through on the first time because usually I make at least 2 attempts to sign in, however the sign in went well on the first attempt and all is good. Now I’ve been on Twitter for at least six months, and to my surprise there’s a message on the heading of my profile that reads, “This account is currently suspended and is being investigated due to strange activity. If we have suspended your account mistakenly, please let us know. See Suspended Accounts for more information,” in red at that, what’s that about?

My first emotion was that I felt I’d been kicked out of an exclusive “invitation only” club of A listers  and I’m now an outside. In the past six months I’d acquired over 200 followers (great since, I prefer quality followers over quantity).

I read the list of reasons for suspension and since I didn’t feel I met the criteria, I forwarded a request to the powers that be, for a suspension since the feeling of being removed from this network was bothering me.

I’ve been networking on social networks for about 1.5 years now and I have a clear understanding of the value of making your presence known online and the value of building relationships and what these relationships can offer you professional and personally. I’m at the end of my day now and to my surprise and I feel a certain freedom.

The suspension appears to been for the best mainly because in the past six months I haven’t accomplished any of my marketing goals, (which include making solid business contacts, making friends which should lead to constructive business growth), I’m not saying it’s due to Twitter but that it may not be the best platform for me to reach my goals.

Is there a timeframe to consider that determines when your participation in a network has run its course? I would think six months should be a good point to consider cutting my losses if not sooner.

I realized a valuable lesson about networking and that is to evaluate the network within at least six months to determine if there’s been measurable growth in any of my goals and decide if the substance I value as my contribution to the network being valued or appreciated?

Once I asked myself those questions, unavoidably for me the, answer is no. I once asked a question; do all roads lead to Twitter? Albeit this is an answer based on your goals and results, for me the answer is no, it does not.

Where will the road lead for you?

Lukeither Willingham, CEO
Lukeither Multimedia and Design
www.lukeithermd.com

I know it’s over two weeks into the New Year but still not to late to say HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I’m starting my New Years off with less attitude and lots of gratitude. Firstly, I’m grateful to serve a living God and I’m happy for the miracles and blessing I’ve received in the form of loving family, awesome friends and a beautiful and healthy children.

There’s a lot going on this month. Today is the birthday of slain civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and I could not miss the opportunity to acknowledge him and his contribution to the country and express my gratefulness.

Some may ask what does that have to do with technology, but it’s the brave at heart who has the vision and will to go against the main stream that opens the minds and allows others to believe in their dreams.

I could never have been a web designer/web master if it weren’t for Mr. King and I’d like to say to his family, your sacrifices and unselfishness of sharing your father has been an inspiration for me and the opportunity for a successful future.

Happy Birthday to ya! Happy Birthday to ya! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I am focused on politics and the state of the economy like never before and in part due to my daughter’s interest in politics. In case anyone missed the Press Conference, here’s the summary.

Summary of Press Conference of President Elect Obama

Economic challenge requiring swift action.

The current President will remain in charge until 1/20/08..

Bush’s cabinet is keeping him fully informed.

After President Obama becomes active he will address all issues.

Immediate challenges for priority include:

Rescue plan for middle class.

Stimulus plan to jump start economic growth.

Spreading impact of the economy which requires a Global response.

Auto crisis/hardship (backbone of financial economy).

            Transition team to help.

Review governments laws to see what can be implemented within the law and evaluate any change necessary.

Set of policies to grow middle calls and grow the economy.

            Significant issues include: Clean energy, health, education.

He is not underestimating the task at hand; choices will be difficult; it won’t be quick or easy to dig ourselves out of the hole. America is strong and resilient if put aside politics.

Stimulus package will be the first thing he gets done if not done in the lame duck session.

            UPS just delivered a package for my daughter’s birthday so I just missed about 10 minutes of the speech.

Successor for the Senate seat (is Governor’s decision).

In Preparation for position as President what have you done?

Spoken with all former Presidents….all that is living, all had been gracious to provide help in the transaction process. Reread Lincoln’s writings.

A lot of focus on the type of Dog: Two criteria: Hypo-allergenic dog (due to Malia is allergic).

            Shelter dogs wont work due (they are mutts like me), won’t be in criteria.

Schools: Wife will make decisions after scouting out. In the future.

Intelligence briefing: no comment (skipped questions)

Tax for upper income citizen: net tax cut, provided for sub. Middle class tax cuts received by 90%, small business for economic growth. Obviously will continue to look at the data to see what is taking place. Provide tax relief and boost economy to grow from the bottom up.

I woke up this morning very excited with butterflies in my stomach.  There’s lots of buzz and hoopla (parties and celebration) about this historic election process…even Rapper T.I. cast a vote for the first time.    

My daughter is disappointed that she can’t vote in this election, but she’ll have lot’s to celebrate since tomorrow’s her birthday and she’ll wakeup to find out whether or not her candidate is our next president.

There have been lots of reports of mishaps at the polls but it doesn’t seem to be having much effect on citizens’ determination to make sure their voices will be heard and their votes are gonna bring a change. YES WE CAN!!

As a Nation the county has taken some huge steps back and we are all ready for the change.

There are a lot of important issues that the next President will need to resolve, including, but not limited to how soon to bring the troops home, decent jobs for everyone who wants to work, affordable education.

At a time where there’s only one (1) African American Governor and one (1) Senator, (Senator Obama), Barack Obama has proven that African American’s have the potential to rise above the skepticism to become president, a vision even the founding fathers couldn’t see. The Republicans have been focusing on the “lack of experience” that Senator Obama will bring to the White House when in reality people are looking to him to bring hope and change.

It dosen’t take a genius to figure out that Senator Obama brings his own special gifts, skills, ability to unite people. Obama a.k.a. bridge builder, who he is a mix of cultures, although he doesn’t carry many states in the south per Bernice Martin, which were the states her father (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr), gave his life for.

Change, Hope, YES WE CAN!!

Just received the update!!

President Obama

I stumbled upon the story or Mr. Dior and didn’t actually grasp the concept of how it applies to designers and or artists, until I went back to check out the details in the story. 

“Forty years ago, Mr. Dior worked as a graphic designer at Sandgren & Murtha, a New York City-based marketing company. In 1968, Major League Baseball commissioned the agency to design an original logo.”

Dior’s simple ”silhouetted batter” logo took on a life of it’s on and took a company struggling to remain in the public eye during a dire time in history, to become a billion $$ empire.  

Artists and designers are often undervalued for their skills and it’s important as artists to realize the value our skills and talents bring to the table. 

I found alot of weight and value in this message and how it relates to my own abilities. So when you’re contemplating charging pennies on the dollar to get the account, don’t undervalue your skills and talents, remember this story and how this simple “logo was between $10,000 and $25,000″  gave this organization the boost to become a billion dollar empire.

 ”Industry tracker “Licensing Letter” estimates revenue of MLB-licensed goods to be $3.3 billion in 2007.”  For the full story visit The Wall Street Journal.