The other day I revealed to Christine Kane something that probably was evident to any experienced blogger who came to my site – I am a blogging “dork”. To me, “SEO” stands for “Screwup Everything Openly“. I see these marvels of Internet sophistication construct perfect sites that are optimized to drive maximum traffic – I saw one yesterday that exclaimed “How I Got 656 Visitors Today (I’ve Only Been Blogging For 5 Days)“. Wow. Nice that he’s sharing though.
I can only dream of such things, since I still limp along in my basic Blogger software, painstakingly cutting and pasting my code wherever I think it belongs. I have little or no awareness of all the optimization acronyms (or techniques for that matter) out there. I just keep writing and posting, and adding a widget here and there.
So when I got “memed” recently by Tina at Omphaloskepsis to talk about my “media consumption diet“, I was a bit reluctant to reveal such naivety on the web side. She got it from Nancy White, and I ultimately traced it back to the originator, Jeremiah Owyang, who is one of those “tool” bloggers I should probably read a lot more often.
Luckily, there are other parts to this diet than just what I do on the web, so this won’t seem as “dorky” when seen in total – or so I hope. 
Without further fanfare, here’s my diet (thanks Tina for the tag):
Web (or my “dorkville”)
- Browser – Explorer (is there something else?)
- E-mail – Yahoo and Gmail (probably need to consolidate)
- Bookmarks – I’m a Digger and a Stumbler
- Aggregator – Newsgator
- Wiki – nope
- Groups – I’m in one at Google (Joyful Jubilant Learning)
- Blog Platform – Blogger
- IM – not up to speed yet on that one
- Skype – nope again
Radio
WFUV, New York - best music mix I’ve ever listened to.
Music
My iPod, and my Pandora
TV
Don’t watch too much – American Idol (our guilty pleasure), Rome on HBO, the Dog Whisperer, some stuff on HGTV.
Books
Non-fiction, and lots of it – like to read as much as I can, and review them on this blog (see my most recent one).
Podcasts
Haven’t done this yet, from either direction (create or listen). Want to, soon.
Movies
Have been to a movie theater once in the last 5 years – I use Netflix and VOD now. With my traveling I don’t watch as many as I’d like.
Communication
I have a Blackberry. I cannot live without it. I’m addicted. (there, I said it)
Magazines
I subscribe to Entertainment Weekly, and that’s it. The rest I read online (or on planes)
Newspapers
The NY Times, every Saturday and Sunday
OK, who’s next to step up to the plate? Let’s tag Joe (condolences my friend on your recent loss), Ben, HART, Chris, and Leah - the “non-dorks” among us. Teach me something!
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{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
“Non-Dork”? Man! Don’t tell my high school gym teacher!
[Captcha Poem]
I
Was
Especially
Slow
For
Jym
Klass
Dork? Diet? .. are You trying to tell me something?
Okay.. I’ll give it a shot, if you tell me what I’m supposed to do.. I’m too much of a Dork to figure it out :p
Am I the only girl “non-dork” you know
It reminds me of the mid 80s at telco conferences when they used to say “good afternoon gentlemen & Leah”.
I will be more then happy to play as soon as I get back from playing a design geek at the conference I’m at this week. Have a great weekend!
Hey Starbucker,
Thanks.
I’m like HART, if I can figure it out, I’m in.
But like Leah, I will have to wait for things to settle down.
I hope next week isn’t too late.
Joe
Hi Terry, I’m in the same category as you as I review your list. However, on the growth side, yesterday I bought new cell phones that work like Magellan, an iPod and an instant texter. Truth is, I don’t know how long it will take for me to read the instructions so I get it all operational.
I use Blogger as a platform as you do. I had bought two books on using Word Press which has more opportunities for individualization, but something in the process cuts me off before it’s operational for me. So there you have it!!
Fun post!!
Hi Chris, HART, Leah, Joe and Robyn! Thanks all for stopping by.
Chris, yes, despite your HS adventures, you are a “non-dork” to me. I will keep it from your teacher, however
HART, just follow my lead my friend – tell us your “diet”!
Leah, you have a great weekend too and thanks for playing.
Joe, next week is absolutely fine – no rush.
Robyn, glad you enjoyed the post – I did indeed have fun with it.
All the best to you all!
Terry:
I, too, am a dork. OK, now I feel lots better! I’m here at Blogger, cutting and pasting exactly the same as you are. I haven’t figured out all the bells and whistles either, but people are still reading. As my business grows, my blog platform may change with it; I’m committed to playing BIG (are you coming to the Summit for Bigger Small Talk in Fargo in June???).
Keep on keeping on, Terry. You’re inspiring wherever you blog.
Dorks UNITE!
Good thing you put “dork” in quotes, that way it means you’re not serious about it…
never diminish yourself!
I too have a captcha sentence with what is preventing me from leaving this comment until I replicate it exactly.
How
Would
Someone
Jump
Into
Vanilla
the answer is: with both feet to make a splash!
Hi Jodee and Steve!
Jodee, glad to hear I’m not alone in “dorkdom”. When in June is the conference? Sounds interesting. Let’s keep playing big!
Steve, you and Chris are pretty good at those captcha poems! I agree that “self-diminishing” when it isn’t for fun is not the street I ever want to walk down.
All the best to you both!
FYI .. haven’t forgotten this, but ME TOO in finding the time (very busy at month ends) .. but, have started a post so, probably finish it on the weekend. Is there a time limit?
HART, whenever you are ready my friend – good things come to those who wait!
All the best.
Well, don’t know if it’s a ‘good thing’ .. but, it’s finally done anyway
Terry, your diet is perfect, including WFUV! Dorks rule!
Thanks C.B.! All the best to you.