Yesterday I (mostly) completed a new social media project and began another on this website. The first is Pinterest, which seems all the rage lately. It is actually surpassing Twitter and Linked-In. The best definition I could find is from Wikipedia: “Pinterest is a pinboard-style social photo sharing website that allows users to create and manage theme-based image collections such as events, interests, hobbies and more. Users can browse other pinboards for inspiration, ‘re-pin’ images to their own collections and/or ‘like’ photos”. Confusing! The only true way to understand it is to just use it.
I created a site for Ryan and worked on if intermittently over the past week. Currently it has thirteen “boards”. One board, for example, shows his interest. Others display his therapy equipment, medical equipment, favorite teams, and so on. I was skeptical at first about it’s value, but the more I delved into it, the more confident I became that is has a role in keeping Ryan relevant. Not only can people visit his page, but they can pin photos I include in posts. It’s easy too. For demonstration, I posted a non-flattering photo of myself (left) that could be pinned to your board by simply clicking the “Pin It” button.
So for those who already have an account, you can follow Ryan on Pinterest by simply clicking here (I’ve also included a button to follow Ryan on the lower-right of the website’s pages). If you don’t have an account and are interested in seeing if it’s something you might want to use you can quickly learn about it and sign-up.
The second project — still in progress — is a complete overhaul of the website’s photo page. Because the page is getting so large, I’m moving related pictures into albums. I’ve already created four: The Attackers and Trials, The Woofers, Patio and Landscape Project, and Kitchenette Project. As I create more albums I’ll move the uncategorized photos into them (they are still available just below the albums) and add in new ones.
I’m always looking for ways to keep Ryan’s struggle salient and draw more people in. The challenge (and opportunity) is evolving with the technology and latest craze that seems like it will catch on.
Ryan’s journey continues to stay relavent because of your communications. Good job!
Pinterest — go for it, Kenneth! And you haaandsome thaaang you — an unflattering photo of you isn’t possible! 🙂 But keep trying; we’ll let you know if our computer clock stops!
Later, I’m going to tell you about a new restorative artificial tear I heard about yesterday.
Ken, I learn something new from you practically every day! I’ve heard of “Pinterest” but thought to myself,”now what?!” You have a facility for picking up and understanding technology, so all this is probably fairly simple for you to grasp. Pinterest sounds like it could be addicting for me. ? Since you’ve got an area set up for Ryan I’m going in! Thank you for sharing all the new things you learn. Will comment more later when I see what Pinterest is all about — thanks for putting the links in for us. Of coures I just sat here for the last fifteen minutes trying to come up with a good nickname for you … all the usuals came to mind “Dr. D” “Einstein” um.. or … never mind, I have too many lol
All this new technology and tech sites gives me a headache. I still don’t have a cell phone! Have no need for one. Most of the people I see walking around today are all looking down at the phone’s. No one looks up anymore.My prayers continue for Ryan and family
We need to come up with a really great nickname for you on Pinterest, Ken. Maybe you could run a contest like you did for the Chick Magnet’s personalized plate 🙂
I’m not sure I’d like the suggestions! :/
Ken ,I have to admit I never heard of it ,but will give it a try. As I’ve said before I am not great with computer ,but have learned a few things from your posts ..Anything to keep the interest of Ryan out front,I’m all for it.You guys have a calm day and hope it’s as beautiful in Ashburn as it is in Somers Love Gail
Just went to Ryan’s pinterest, how neat is this! You got it Ken. If I could suggest a group….the companies that have donated, like Michael and Sons, the landscapers, etc.
I love pinterest, I think it might be a good way to spread the story of Ryan, his progress, his medical contributions to research, and the companies that help your family, to a whole other group that might not otherwise have connected with him. Good idea!
I’m working on recognizing companies that helped. I don’t want to miss any!
I stopped using PINTEREST because of the fine print…they say they can use any photo you post, even if you got it from somewhere else, for their own purposes. You might want to be careful. It’s one thing to use pictures found in searches that are in theory public domain, but I do worry about personal pictures….Just a thought…..it is fun though.
This is good advice in general to be careful of what one posts to the internet. I didn’t see any mechanism for adding my personal pictures (other than those of mine found in public search engines) but will look into it again (because this might have benefit to my mission).
Lord-‘a-mercy! Think I’ll stick with Facebook. I can’t risk all those sexy photos of me eing let loose into cyberspace! LOL