Escape from Pianosa

First off, let me say, I really like StumbleUpon, and I have no problem promoting the site to my friends. So last night, after stumbling for a few days, I decided to see if any of my friends were using the service too… I entered my Gmail information and then hit “invite.” I thought I was searching for people that were already there; not actuall inviting EVERYONE in my Gmail address book.

Then I started getting return emails. Mailing lists telling me my message had been posted. Out of office replies from former employers, co-workers, recruiters, clients, prospects, random people I don’t want to talk to, people whose email I have but who don’t know me, ex girlfriends, and other random people.

This phenomenon needs a name… like “Address Book Rape.” I feel so violated. And how can you remedy it? Write everyone an apology email? “Hey, uh, sorry for sending that invite out, I’m a clueless tool.”

On the plus side, I’ve reconnected with a few people who had lost my address and some people have been very grateful for showing them StumbleUpon. But that DOES NOT make it OK.

Stop Address Book Rape!

Share This

Do you like crunchy leaves? Will you go out of your way to step on them? Well you’re in good company. Finally, a social networking site where I can meet people just like me! In fact Facebook has at least 20 groups related to stepping on crunchy leaves:

• I Will Go Slightly Out of My Way To Step On That Crunchy-looking Leaf
• I Go Slightly Out of My Way To Step on a Leaf That is Particularly Crunchy
• If I step on a leaf that looks crunchy and it isn’t crunchy, I get sad
• I Will Go SIGNIFICANTLY Out Of My Way to Step On That Crunchy Looking Leaf

And for the contrarians:

• I avoid the crunchy leaves in an attempt to be more stealthy and ninja-like
• i will go slightly out of my way to step on that crunchy looking squirrel
• I WILL GO OUT OF THE WAY TO STEP ON ICE THAT LOOKS PARTICULARLY CRUNCHY
• Fuck crunchy leaves, it’s all about the pine cones.

And when times get tough, there’s always…

• Soggy Leaves Mock My Existence!

Share This

One of the best things about being between careers is that you have some time to experiment and try out new ventures that you otherwise might not have time for.

One of these ventures is a Web TV show we’re creating for Generation whY; the show will discuss social and career-related issues that affect young professionals today.

We don’t have a website yet, but the show’s main sponser is Zoodango.com (”where you connect with young hip urban professionals”), a social networking site created by James Sun of Apprentice fame.

I’m super excited because I’ve spent the past few months working on show ideas and writing scripts with Aaron Altscher, and this weekend we’re flying to Seattle to film the show. More details to come…

Share This