Showing posts with label AP.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AP.. Show all posts
Fresh Awards
Hurrah! I'm up for an award. Domigoals, which I did at my last agency, has been nominated in the 'Freshest App' category. Here's the low down of how/why it got nominated.
I'll find out on 4th October if it's won.
Domigoals
For those that aren't aware, on Friday, Domino's launched my final project with Ed at Big. It's an app called Domigoals.
It's a very simple idea, every time someone, anyone, scores a goal this summer there are 1000 opportunities to win a discount of your next order. It's literally fastest finger first.
If someone scores once, it's £5 off. The same player score twice, £10. And if they grab a hat-trick you get a £20 voucher. It looks a bit like this:
If someone scores once, it's £5 off. The same player score twice, £10. And if they grab a hat-trick you get a £20 voucher. It looks a bit like this:
Opportunities
I don't usually post poetic meaningful rambles these days, so I thought I'd throw one your way. One about opportunities for grads.
Now I'd like to say I know everything. But even I know I don't. But I have enough hands in enough pies to be able to see things that from all sorts of angles.
1. Free publicity
There are plenty of ways to publicise yourself. For instance Bjorn and Sophie created 'Keep Aaron Cutting'. And Lewis and Alex got their website in the Metro, and you can too. I could reel off plenty more, but I'll let you do the leg work with links. But think of how to get publicity in Campaign, The Drum, Creative Review or the press. There are plenty of ways to go the extra mile for yourself. Find one. And then go nuts.
2. Networking
It's so easy. Yet so easily underestimated. Tweet people in your industry. Email others. Comment on blogs. Send round cool stuff. If you sound interesting, people will want to meet you. The worst thing you can do is overlook social networks, including LinkedIn.
You'll get loads of opportunities through networking. They might pass your folio on to people higher up, take you for drinks to meet other creative folk and getting book crits is easier too. The YCC have a 'Friends Of' section that also has plenty of names and emails on. Use it. That's what it's there for.
3. Reply to emails and quickly
Recently there was an opportunity I was in charge of. There was a call for submissions and then a change in plan. I emailed the 30 or so student teams that had already applied to tell them of the change in plans. And I needed a reply ASAP from them to confirm they were still interested. I got only 18 replies. And then 4 more after the deadline had passed, which meant they weren't considered. So 12 teams lost out on a fantastic opportunity purely on not reading / replying to an email.
4. Not being a knob
There are certain people that get a reputation for certain things. I'd like to think I can have an opinion and express this online without slagging off people. Others on the other hand, can't.
If you're a student / grad and are looking for work, the last thing you need to do is make enemies. The internet is actually a very small place. And word travels fast. Be careful what you say. If people ask others for opinions and they remember you for the wrong reasons, you're stuffed.
5. Not sitting on your arse waiting for 'something to come along'
If you've not got a placement / job yet, it's because you've not been looking hard enough. I run Ad Job Wall because there are lots of jobs out there that you guys should know about. But there are many more I don't put out there. Because I'm not going to them and pestering them. Go visit agencies, have book crits, do stuff that doesn't involve waiting for something to be handed to you on a plate.
6. Going where the work is
Now I'd like to say I know everything. But even I know I don't. But I have enough hands in enough pies to be able to see things that from all sorts of angles.
1. Free publicity
There are plenty of ways to publicise yourself. For instance Bjorn and Sophie created 'Keep Aaron Cutting'. And Lewis and Alex got their website in the Metro, and you can too. I could reel off plenty more, but I'll let you do the leg work with links. But think of how to get publicity in Campaign, The Drum, Creative Review or the press. There are plenty of ways to go the extra mile for yourself. Find one. And then go nuts.
It's so easy. Yet so easily underestimated. Tweet people in your industry. Email others. Comment on blogs. Send round cool stuff. If you sound interesting, people will want to meet you. The worst thing you can do is overlook social networks, including LinkedIn.
3. Reply to emails and quickly
Recently there was an opportunity I was in charge of. There was a call for submissions and then a change in plan. I emailed the 30 or so student teams that had already applied to tell them of the change in plans. And I needed a reply ASAP from them to confirm they were still interested. I got only 18 replies. And then 4 more after the deadline had passed, which meant they weren't considered. So 12 teams lost out on a fantastic opportunity purely on not reading / replying to an email.
4. Not being a knob
There are certain people that get a reputation for certain things. I'd like to think I can have an opinion and express this online without slagging off people. Others on the other hand, can't.
5. Not sitting on your arse waiting for 'something to come along'
If you've not got a placement / job yet, it's because you've not been looking hard enough. I run Ad Job Wall because there are lots of jobs out there that you guys should know about. But there are many more I don't put out there. Because I'm not going to them and pestering them. Go visit agencies, have book crits, do stuff that doesn't involve waiting for something to be handed to you on a plate.
6. Going where the work is
I've done this twice. And I know half the fun is going to a random city and trying something new. I started in London, went to Edinburgh because of point 5. Had far too much fun for two years. Headed back to London. Spent six months there and now I'm in Leicester.
I love seeing places and experiencing new things. And with no reason to stay in one place, I can make the most of great opportunities elsewhere. So what if there's a job in Newcastle or Birmingham? If it's your perfect role, go. Permanent doesn't mean a life sentence. Learn and, in time, move on. Follow your head, not your heart.
7. Take a step back
Think, is this really want you want? You don't have to find your dream job first time. In fact, it's probably impossible. But there are plenty of jobs out there that do similar roles but in different areas. I found a mate a PR role because journalism is having a tough time. Granted it's not 'the same' but it's close enough. It won't do her prospects or CV any harm. Whereas being on the dole or working in McDonalds could.
And finally, our new agency in Leicester, BIG Communications, is looking for a junior digital designer and an account exec. Drop me an email if you're interested. I've even just presented two opportunities to you just for simply by reading my blog. I'll say no more.
And finally, our new agency in Leicester, BIG Communications, is looking for a junior digital designer and an account exec. Drop me an email if you're interested. I've even just presented two opportunities to you just for simply by reading my blog. I'll say no more.
School of Communication Arts
Yesterday, I popped by the SCA studio in Vauxhall to do a bit of mentoring. Now I've done uni visits before. And I'm assuming I'll do plenty more in the future, but the SCA is a little different. You could even say it's the equivalent of a university advertising course 2.0.
Run by the energetic Marc Lewis, I arrived at 9am sharp where I was greeted by 20/30 students ready for their WIP meeting. Three or four projects were well underway, with another two set at the end of the day. The workload is frenetic. But in a good way. Some live briefs, some spec. And a great mix of clients to get your teeth in to.
The 'studio' is an old church hall. Spacious, open plan and very 2.0. And I started off by a flick through some of their latest ideas. Conveniently, you can too. Right here.
I got talking to a few of them. Oli and Mar are definitely heading in the right direction. Lots of nice digital stuff that's nearly in the realms of awesome. And by the looks of their website, they've seen plenty of useful people.
Alex and Lewis look like they have the makings of a good team too. A bit of direction and they're off talking weird and wonderful things. If they could commit more of their ideas to paper and let someone else pull the cherry from the pile, they'd be great.
And here's a little plug for Victoria Trow as well. I'll never be able to look at a Channel 4 brief in quite the same light - I now know the inner workings of 'Made in Chelsea' and 'The Only Way Is Essex'... She wasn't half bad either and she's looking to team up with a graduate digital art director if anyone's interested.
It's odd how there were 30 or so, and yet I seemed to spend all day popping back and forth to these guys and girls. Though I'm guessing that's where the other mentors come in handy!
Remembering this is a 12 month intensive course and then looking back at what most people learn in three years at uni. This place can knock the socks off them. Not to say that Lincoln, Sunderland, Staffs or Bucks (to name a few) are bad places to learn. It's just that this course is flexible enough to meet the demands of what an advertising course should be.
Brief. Scamp. Review. Repeat. 5 days a week. From 9 to 5 (or later). This place feels like work, not uni. And in my eyes, there needa to be more places like this.
Watford, I'd start looking over your shoulder... these guys are coming for you. And I'll be heading back to SCA soon.
Run by the energetic Marc Lewis, I arrived at 9am sharp where I was greeted by 20/30 students ready for their WIP meeting. Three or four projects were well underway, with another two set at the end of the day. The workload is frenetic. But in a good way. Some live briefs, some spec. And a great mix of clients to get your teeth in to.
The 'studio' is an old church hall. Spacious, open plan and very 2.0. And I started off by a flick through some of their latest ideas. Conveniently, you can too. Right here.
And here's a little plug for Victoria Trow as well. I'll never be able to look at a Channel 4 brief in quite the same light - I now know the inner workings of 'Made in Chelsea' and 'The Only Way Is Essex'... She wasn't half bad either and she's looking to team up with a graduate digital art director if anyone's interested.
It's odd how there were 30 or so, and yet I seemed to spend all day popping back and forth to these guys and girls. Though I'm guessing that's where the other mentors come in handy!
Brief. Scamp. Review. Repeat. 5 days a week. From 9 to 5 (or later). This place feels like work, not uni. And in my eyes, there needa to be more places like this.
Watford, I'd start looking over your shoulder... these guys are coming for you. And I'll be heading back to SCA soon.
Not so fooled by the Google April Fool
Today if you type into Google "helvetica" then this happens:
And if you type "comic sans" in the search bar, you get this:
But what happens if you type in "impact"? Well, you get this:
Actually, the last two I've done myself...
How? Because I've been able to tweak Google's font, or any other site for that matter, for ages. And all with a simple piece of jQuery code.
Just drag IMPACT THAT into your bookmark bar and you can turn any webpage into Impact. Or drag ZAPF THAT to make it Zapf Dingbats. All you have to do is go a text based page of your choice and then click on the bookmark. It's that simple.
Oh, and if you love Comic Sans too much, you can always use this one.
And if you're feeling funky, type in "zapf dingbats", and you'll get this.
Actually, the last two I've done myself...
How? Because I've been able to tweak Google's font, or any other site for that matter, for ages. And all with a simple piece of jQuery code.
Just drag IMPACT THAT into your bookmark bar and you can turn any webpage into Impact. Or drag ZAPF THAT to make it Zapf Dingbats. All you have to do is go a text based page of your choice and then click on the bookmark. It's that simple.
Oh, and if you love Comic Sans too much, you can always use this one.
Hired!
Thursday morning: We submitted both our portfolios to a recruiter.
Thursday afternoon: We had two interviews at great agencies for the next day.
Friday morning: Interview one.
Friday afternoon: Interview two.
Friday evening: ... Two job offers.
The winner, Rehab Studio.
And we're chuffed to bits. Right up our street, an amazing set of clients and one of the funniest interviews possible.
Hurrah!
From Edinburgh to Ed
When I moved from Leith, and Edinburgh, I left the comfort of a creative team and headed to London as a single creative. And I've found going solo isn't easy.
In every meeting I've been in they've said they want a team, no matter how many skills you can offer them. I'd had enough of four weeks doing bits and bobs with no end in sight, so I went looking for someone to team up with...
So here's me introducing my new creative sidekick, Ed.
We don't have a clever name. I got E.BAP, but I'm not sure it's that catchy to be honest. However, that doesn't matter. He breathes digital, almost more than me. He's a shit hot coder, a self-confessed geek and (half) Mexican.
And that's all for starters.
Graduating from Bucks he's been at plenty of places in London plying his trade. After which he too split from his partner and he's been freelancing in the digital domain since. With Cream and a Roses' award under his belt, he has more honours to his name than I do. And a pretty impressive book. I could almost say I'm batting above my average.
Check his site out. Or add him on Twitter. But don't ask him if he owns a donkey... he doesn't.
Oh, and how did we find each other? Twitter.
In every meeting I've been in they've said they want a team, no matter how many skills you can offer them. I'd had enough of four weeks doing bits and bobs with no end in sight, so I went looking for someone to team up with...
So here's me introducing my new creative sidekick, Ed.
And that's all for starters.
Graduating from Bucks he's been at plenty of places in London plying his trade. After which he too split from his partner and he's been freelancing in the digital domain since. With Cream and a Roses' award under his belt, he has more honours to his name than I do. And a pretty impressive book. I could almost say I'm batting above my average.
Check his site out. Or add him on Twitter. But don't ask him if he owns a donkey... he doesn't.
Oh, and how did we find each other? Twitter.
There's an A.P. for that
I have a new portfolio site: theresanapforthat.co.uk
The Facebook one was temporary. And now they're moving to iFrames, I thought I'd run a mile and build my own from scratch. Having battled CSS and jQuery before, it was fairly pain free.
The Facebook one was temporary. And now they're moving to iFrames, I thought I'd run a mile and build my own from scratch. Having battled CSS and jQuery before, it was fairly pain free.
The idea?
Well, if you need an app for that...there's only one A.P. you need. Yes it's a pun. But it has a point. And aren't they too good to turn down?
So while I keep working on my portfolio, have meetings and wait around for something to appear, feel free to have a look around theresanapforthat.co.uk and see if there's something that takes you fancy.
Oh and personally I think it works best on an iPhone. Maybe that was just a coincidence...
Ad Job Wall
Has had a little makeover. A new logo and hopefully in the near future, a new website.
I'm looking to give it a massive makeover. And turn it into something a lot bigger than it currently is. But there's a downside. It needs a lot of ground work doing by people that have a business head and I also need a web developer for a custom build. Both require money or funding, which I'm currently in short supply of.
Since it launched in November, Ad Job Wall has grow to having over 500+ eyeballs on Twitter and Facebook. Not bad, when you think how many ad students there are in the country.
It targets only the intern, placement and junior job market, which I guess puts it in a niche market. And I'm not looking to be like the traditional recruitment agencies that take a large cut when they place people in employment. I have an idea to make it different but also offer the agencies the best possible choice of applicants. But I can't do it all myself.
So, what am I looking for?
More agencies, a clever person or another industry organisation (along with the lovely folk from the YCC) to jump onboard to help boost and build on the profile that Ad Job Wall is gaining. Is that much to ask?
Interested? Drop me email.
I'm looking to give it a massive makeover. And turn it into something a lot bigger than it currently is. But there's a downside. It needs a lot of ground work doing by people that have a business head and I also need a web developer for a custom build. Both require money or funding, which I'm currently in short supply of.
Since it launched in November, Ad Job Wall has grow to having over 500+ eyeballs on Twitter and Facebook. Not bad, when you think how many ad students there are in the country.
It targets only the intern, placement and junior job market, which I guess puts it in a niche market. And I'm not looking to be like the traditional recruitment agencies that take a large cut when they place people in employment. I have an idea to make it different but also offer the agencies the best possible choice of applicants. But I can't do it all myself.
So, what am I looking for?
More agencies, a clever person or another industry organisation (along with the lovely folk from the YCC) to jump onboard to help boost and build on the profile that Ad Job Wall is gaining. Is that much to ask?
Interested? Drop me email.
Real work vs Spec work
I came to London with a book of ads that have run. And a few things that have never made it past the top drawer.
But now, after two weeks having meetings, my book has completely changed. Why? Because everyone wants to see how creative you are. Not how you fare with client restrictions or budgets.
I wouldn’t have three years experience if I couldn’t make an ad. So instead, I’m now creating spec work with big ideas that go beyond anything a brief could ever let me create.
At my stage, I always thought showing off work I’ve done was the best idea, which it would be if I’d created the meerkat or the latest Nike ad. But I haven’t.
So after seeking advice in the form of three very well respected and highly creative people, I’ve come to terms that my book of ads isn’t want creatives want. And that spec work was, and still is, the way forward.
The down side is though, now I know how to make an ad, a nice strap and clever visual just won’t do. These need to be bigger ideas. Ones that have a clear goal in mind. It’s like I’m the planner and creative on the job. But I don’t mind that, it just means it takes twice as long to find that little gem hidden away. And then make it.
But now, after two weeks having meetings, my book has completely changed. Why? Because everyone wants to see how creative you are. Not how you fare with client restrictions or budgets.
I wouldn’t have three years experience if I couldn’t make an ad. So instead, I’m now creating spec work with big ideas that go beyond anything a brief could ever let me create.
At my stage, I always thought showing off work I’ve done was the best idea, which it would be if I’d created the meerkat or the latest Nike ad. But I haven’t.
So after seeking advice in the form of three very well respected and highly creative people, I’ve come to terms that my book of ads isn’t want creatives want. And that spec work was, and still is, the way forward.
The down side is though, now I know how to make an ad, a nice strap and clever visual just won’t do. These need to be bigger ideas. Ones that have a clear goal in mind. It’s like I’m the planner and creative on the job. But I don’t mind that, it just means it takes twice as long to find that little gem hidden away. And then make it.
Job hunting/moving (multi-tasking)
Apologies for the lack of blogging over the last week. It appears trying to find work, have interviews, work on my book, update Ad Job Wall, move south AND find things to share isn't as easy as I thought.
I'm now officially a Londoner again. I'm still looking for that full-time role. I'm currently freelancing on a couple of jobs, which are pretty cool. And, I've come to realise a few things over the last week that have been invaluable to me, which I'll pass on in due course.
But for now...
Read the post above. I've found something interesting.
I'm now officially a Londoner again. I'm still looking for that full-time role. I'm currently freelancing on a couple of jobs, which are pretty cool. And, I've come to realise a few things over the last week that have been invaluable to me, which I'll pass on in due course.
But for now...
Read the post above. I've found something interesting.
#keepingitpeel
Oh yes, I've made it.
Via @jimwolffman, the digi guru.
P.S. this has nothing to do with my namesake John Peel. Honest.
What's the easiest way to make an online portfolio?
Over the last few weeks, many people have asked me this question. And to be honest there are a few ways. But as a designer/copywriter/art director/creative team you're meant to be "creative" when it comes to how your online portfolio looks and/or works.
Obviously nowadays an online presence is vital. And anyone and everyone (that you need to show off to) has the internet. Meaning you can always show people your work without needing to be there.
In this post I'll attempt to take you through a few things that you should do. And ways to save you money by doing it too.
1. Custom URL.
Probably one of the best ways to market your team is by having your own unique web address. A something.tumblr.com or something.carbonmade.com just shows you haven't cared about the way you come across.
Custom URLs cost pennies. I'm talking £2.50 a year for .co.uk or a few more quid for a .com. Think about it. And have a look around too. For instance there's a DanAndAdam.com, not to be confused with AdamAndDan.com.
Two very different sites but both creative teams. This could be the difference between a rival team getting a page view by a Creative Director, our a rival getting one instead.
Obviously ours is wearecrap.co.uk, which helps with stand out. But we also have a reason for the name. Don't over egg yourself either. shithotcreativeteam.co.uk probably won't do you any favours in the short term.
2. Hosting.
This is my biggest annoyance. Everyone asks, where can I get decent hosting? The answer is. You don't need it.
I host this blog on blogspot and yet, without looking very hard (or in the source code), you'd never know.
There are so many blogging sites out there that will host a custom URL for you. And then if you know a bit of code. You can remove all knowledge of them hosting it.
Blogger and Tumblr are my favourites for this. Wordpress everyone will scream is better. And yes, if you know code, it is. But, if you want to use a custom URL on Wordpress, you need to buy hosting!
Behance offers a place where many designers have a site, but you can't add any creativity to your page. While Carbonmade, offers a great portfolio hosting site. But, it's just that you're limited to how you can show off your work.
There are more ways to showcase your portfolio here, but they all require a monthly fee or less creative ways to showcase your work.
3. Flash or not?
Now the reason I've mentioned the above sites is that they are all built using HTML. Not Flash. Don't get me wrong, Flash can be great. But it can also ruin a users experience. I've seen too many young team's sites that use Wix. I hate it. It ruins the whole purpose of Flash. It's trying to be obvious. And ends running slowly and making work look naff.
We use Flash, because we currently don't have the skills to produce the same in HTML5. The downside to our site is, you can't look it on an iPad and an iPhone. And, with more and more people getting these devices, it upsets me greatly when I try and look up someone online and get greeted with a blank page. That's why my personal portfolio site is in HTML, and built with Tumblr.
Yay... and nay.
If I've persuaded you to stick with HTML, go to point four.
4. How do I make blogging format a portfolio?
Simple. There's a range of "portfolio themes" out there. Just Google them for Tumblr or Blogger and see which one you like the look of.
My Tumblr uses Cargo Theme, but here's a lot more great themes for Tumblr. Blogger is slightly limited on great easy to implement themes. If you're good with code though, here's a few to get you going. My honest opinion is that Tumblr offers the easiest and best way to create a different looking portfolio. Without any technical knowledge.
5. Yes but how do I make a standard theme different?
Tumblr also makes it really easy to link loads of things too. As it's my hub of all things me, I've got links to all the other sites I'm on. Simple really.
Tumblr also makes it really easy to publish any new content you create. By linking up your Facebook and Twitter to your folio, you can let all your followers know you've added more work. Always a good thing in my opinion.
And finally, you add your title. description and change your something.tumblr.com to your custom domain. I bought andymarkpeel.co.uk and andymarkpeel.com from 1and1 for a mere £10(ish) for two years. These won't become active instantly. They'll take about 24 hours to be usable. Then to activate your own url, just go to point six.
6. Transfering your .tumblr.com to your own url.
If you're struggling, there's some helpful info here, but I'm hoping these screenshots will do nicely. I order my domains off 1and1, so firstly you need to edit your DNS settings.
Simply change your IP address/ A-record to 72.32.231.8 this will point your custom url at Tumblr.
And hey presto. A freebie portfolio blog with your own custom name. And it won't cost a penny (other than renewing your domain name).
Hope that made sense. Give me a shout if you want any help.
Obviously nowadays an online presence is vital. And anyone and everyone (that you need to show off to) has the internet. Meaning you can always show people your work without needing to be there.
In this post I'll attempt to take you through a few things that you should do. And ways to save you money by doing it too.
1. Custom URL.
Custom URLs cost pennies. I'm talking £2.50 a year for .co.uk or a few more quid for a .com. Think about it. And have a look around too. For instance there's a DanAndAdam.com, not to be confused with AdamAndDan.com.
Two very different sites but both creative teams. This could be the difference between a rival team getting a page view by a Creative Director, our a rival getting one instead.
Obviously ours is wearecrap.co.uk, which helps with stand out. But we also have a reason for the name. Don't over egg yourself either. shithotcreativeteam.co.uk probably won't do you any favours in the short term.
2. Hosting.
I host this blog on blogspot and yet, without looking very hard (or in the source code), you'd never know.
There are so many blogging sites out there that will host a custom URL for you. And then if you know a bit of code. You can remove all knowledge of them hosting it.
Blogger and Tumblr are my favourites for this. Wordpress everyone will scream is better. And yes, if you know code, it is. But, if you want to use a custom URL on Wordpress, you need to buy hosting!
Behance offers a place where many designers have a site, but you can't add any creativity to your page. While Carbonmade, offers a great portfolio hosting site. But, it's just that you're limited to how you can show off your work.
There are more ways to showcase your portfolio here, but they all require a monthly fee or less creative ways to showcase your work.
3. Flash or not?
Now the reason I've mentioned the above sites is that they are all built using HTML. Not Flash. Don't get me wrong, Flash can be great. But it can also ruin a users experience. I've seen too many young team's sites that use Wix. I hate it. It ruins the whole purpose of Flash. It's trying to be obvious. And ends running slowly and making work look naff.
We use Flash, because we currently don't have the skills to produce the same in HTML5. The downside to our site is, you can't look it on an iPad and an iPhone. And, with more and more people getting these devices, it upsets me greatly when I try and look up someone online and get greeted with a blank page. That's why my personal portfolio site is in HTML, and built with Tumblr.
Yay... and nay.
If I've persuaded you to stick with HTML, go to point four.
4. How do I make blogging format a portfolio?
My Tumblr uses Cargo Theme, but here's a lot more great themes for Tumblr. Blogger is slightly limited on great easy to implement themes. If you're good with code though, here's a few to get you going. My honest opinion is that Tumblr offers the easiest and best way to create a different looking portfolio. Without any technical knowledge.
5. Yes but how do I make a standard theme different?
Easy. In Tumblr there's a customise (to us brits) tab which then takes you to a range of pages that you can change just the way you want.
In my theme, you can change the only a few things in appearance. But, I've always been one for simplicity and clean lines.
If you're struggling, there's some helpful info here, but I'm hoping these screenshots will do nicely. I order my domains off 1and1, so firstly you need to edit your DNS settings.
Then head back to Tumblr and point your 'blog' at your custom url.
What Google Finds
Ok, so I had an idea, and it went like this:
Have you ever looked for a bit of inspiration using Google Images and discovered more than you bargained for?
If the answer is yes, then What Google Finds is the place to visit. Here you'll find a homage to all the random images that you weren't looking for, but still found.
I've got a few rules that I'm trying to live by. These are:
Oh and I'm seeing how far WGF?! can get. After all, every image is meant to be pretty random.
Plug over. Enjoy.
Have you ever looked for a bit of inspiration using Google Images and discovered more than you bargained for?
If the answer is yes, then What Google Finds is the place to visit. Here you'll find a homage to all the random images that you weren't looking for, but still found.
I've got a few rules that I'm trying to live by. These are:
- Images must be unrelated to search.
- They should be funny, weird or at least vaguely interesting and found within the first five pages of search.
- The themes vary week on week.
- All other rules will be made up as I go along.
Oh and I'm seeing how far WGF?! can get. After all, every image is meant to be pretty random.
Plug over. Enjoy.
PechaKucha Edinburgh - The Aftermath
It was a good laugh, met a few cool people and saw a lot of great ideas.
Anabo I thought was brilliant. This is how to make housing cool when everything else is moving with the times. And, home styles aren't.
You can create (for £80k or £120k a fully customisable home. It's effectively a box where you can put the walls where you want, add the fixtures and fittings you like and even decide right down to even the tree you fancy most. It's genius. I want one.
The next thing that caught my eye was TalesOfThings.com. A simple way to tag your belongings and give everything a story.
I particularly liked the iPhone App they're developing using Google Maps. It shows what used to be there, from any period (ish) within time.
I particularly liked the iPhone App they're developing using Google Maps. It shows what used to be there, from any period (ish) within time.
Another nice thing was all-sorts.org - the linguistic experiment. A place where you can collect nouns.
All Sorts is a collection of collective nouns that may or may not have found their way into the Oxford English Dictionary. Basically better words than a ‘bunch’ or ‘flock’ to describe things.
Some of my faves are:
a seemingly empty room of ninjas
a _____ of mime artists
a block of writers
a handful of muppets
You get the picture, there's loads. Have a flick incase I've missed any. And, you can also submit your suggestion via Twitter using the hashtag #collectivenouns
And finally, here's just a few snaps from PechaKucha last Friday.
Yup, yup, yup, that's all.10k Run
Next Sunday, 2nd May, a bunch of Leithers (including myself) have decided to run the Edinburgh 10k. In aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer we'll be running in pink shirts/sexy pink vests. I haven't chosen which one I will wear yet.
If you'd like to donate, I've attached the widget on the right or you can click here if you have a few spare pennies you're willing to give up for this good cause.
Ad watch continues later. Cheers.
Bye bye blogspot
You may have noticed/been informed my blog has dropped the .blogspot part of my url, I am now officially theapofcrap.com and/or theapofcrap.co.uk, whichever you prefer, they both work.
Please update any RSS feeds or bookmarks you have. I know, I know. I'm sorry.
Ta!
Auto Complete My Blog
A big thanks to everyone for getting my blog over 10,000 views since I've installed my statcounter in early February 2009.
What makes it even more ridiculous is that Google now has an autocomplete for my blog!
That's made my day.
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