Today at Firecat Coworking, we discussed implications of privacy and transparency. I did some research on recent privacy legislation and made this presentation.
Shelley Cook turned me onto the amazing, revealing Google Dashboard (hat tip to Matthew Egan) - seeing the crazy amount of data that Google ALONE keeps track of is eye opening, to say the least.
Sean Bowie shared this interesting Wall Street Journal article on what scientists can learn from you and your smart phone.
Randy Bear (@RBearSAT) covered:
- The Apple iPhone "Location Hack" - why it was so easy, and why we shouldn't worry that much about it.
- Geolocation fears in general. You checking in somewhere with Foursquare may make it slightly easier for would-be burglars to know you're away from home than driving around looking for no cars in the driveway, but we've all got bigger security holes to worry about.
- GeoFencing technology. Marketers are getting hip to geoloc's potential, and the technology exists to "fence off" a certain location (think 2D polygons on a map) so that offers are sent only within a certain area.
Randy advised us how to identify a trusted news source, and to vet a news source ourselves. I'll summarize: drill, drill, drill until you find a first person account. Great advice - a bit time-consuming. If you, like me, are too lazy to source all your news in this manner, know that the sources cited in Randy Bear's blog - Concerned In SA - are vetted carefully and thoroughly.
Good session!
Firecat First Friday - Co-Pooling June 3, 2011
June = school's out - even for those of us for whom school is a pretty distant memory! We're gathering at @Epodcaster's pool to relax, hang out, and have a GAMERFEST. Register early, space is limited!
Jennifer Navarrete and her sister Jackie Adame have joined forces as MediaFuse, and they're sponsoring a pool party just in time for the hot weather.
Bring your swimsuit, your dancing shoes for Kinect DanceCentral, your Guitar Heroism or Rock Band Mojo.
Oh and - we don't CARE about your size, fat rolls, love handles, freckles or fishbelly whiteness - we're geeks, remember? Jen's pool awaits. Put in your reservation, we'll provide the food and drink, though you're welcome to bring something to share.
