Neha Tiwari Pvt. Ltd.

I know that I have been crazy secretive with my job for which I apologize. Now, I have no more secrets!

I have accepted a job as a Social Media Strategist with The Mix Agency, a firm that helps social media websites improve, grow, and launch (I would direct you to our website–but it’s under construction right now). If you know anything about me, you know that I live and breathe social networks. While I was at CNET, I would often blog about different sites on Webware; At Revision3, I would review them on Social Brew. With The Mix, I can now make a difference in the way sites actually operate, which is a wonderful next step for me.

I know what you are thinking. What about videos? Production? Not to worry! I plan on continuing working with the folks at DL.tv, and do some side projects as well. I also will be helping sites implement video on their sites, so watch out for that!

I am really excited about starting this new chapter of my life next week. Everyone who works at The Mix Agency is creative, intelligent, and friendly; totally my kind of people. It is different than anything I’ve ever done, but I look forward to the challenge. Wish me luck!

**Sidenote: For people wondering what being a Social Media Strategist has to do with boots, the short answer is nothing. But, check out my tweet-stream from yesterday and you might get it [everyone wanted pics of my new boots!]. The end.

It’s astounding to me how memes spread like wildfires on social networks. I discovered the latest craze, FaceYourManga.com on Pownce a few days ago.

Run by Pixelheads, a flash design company, the site has two entrance portals: one for the Italian site, and the other for the UK. Both links lead the user to a place where they can make an animated representation of themselves. Like other sites with a similar purpose, there are eye, nose, mouth, face shape,wardrobe and patterned background options. What makes this avatar-builder different is the variety of features. Although there are no specific molding tools like say Second Life, it’s enough to make an avatar that bears semblance to the real you. Manga-seekers will also enjoy the unique features like tattoos, piercings, jewelry and wild hair options [though none had my pink streaks!]. I do wish that there was a way that you could upload clothes or items of your own design to make each avatar more distinctive.

Last year, I did a whole feature on online avatar builders alongside my friend Jessica Dolcourt from CNET Download. com.

Back then, we took a look at many of the instant messenger and game based avatar builders, which is another way FaceYourManga is different. There is no real instructions on how or where to use your manga, it’s really just left up to you. I’ve seen most of them Twitter and Pownce, but they could also be used in a gaming or IM capacity as well. The site does have some bugs, like the fact that some portions are not fully translated to English [I did learn that "caricamento" means "loading" in Italian, however]. Also, I am unsure how many people will put down money to own their avatars so they can be printed.

FaceYourManga is a fun place to spend some time. It does take a moment to mix and match features to make the perfect you, but stick to it. I went through three renditions before I was really happy with my avatar and it helps to have a picture to refer to while making it. Enjoy, and give me some links to what you make!

Less than five years ago, I was dreading this time of year. Getting my sleep schedule on track, running to Target to make sure I had pencils, and the campus bookstore for overpriced books. Back to school has never been fun [well except for getting shiny new toys and justifying them with the "it's for my education" excuse], but some things made being a student easier. I was in college during the Wikipedia, Google scholar, Pink Monkey-is-my-best-friend revolution. I felt as if I had it made…man was I wrong! The kids these days are practically spoiled with sites like SparkNotes.com, BookRenter.com, and my personal favorite, Notely.net.

I was invited on this weeks DL.tv to talk about some websites that will help every student ace this semester. I researched the best resources on the web, and compiled them in the “Back to School: Homework Help” video.

It’s been a bit since I’ve been on camera, so I am a tad rusty. But, if you miss seeing me talk tech, this just might be your fix. Please check it out at
here, third video chiclet from the left. Oh, and watch the whole show–Robert Heron & gang rock!