]]>

Monday, October 6, 2008 

Microsoft Office 2000 Is Still My Word Processor of Choice

I installed Microsoft Office 2003 when it was first released, but uninstalled it shortly after. The same thing happened with Microsoft Office 2007. I had fun for awhile playing with the new 'Ribbon' interface that it offered, and even made a few pretty looking tables. I uninstalled it after a couple days of use and went back to Office 2000.

Why am I running this out of date piece of software? There are many reasons that I could get in to, with memory usage being one, but in the end for me it all comes down to what is actually required... What do I actually use? So I've compiled a list of some of the things I use a word processor for after I'm done (or in the middle of) typing in no particular order.

- Bold
- Italics
- Underline
- Re size Text
- Align text
- Print Preview
- Print
- Save
- Open the document at a later time
- Spell Check
- Word Count
- Indent (am I getting to complicated here?)
- Copy / Paste

Catch my drift? Does this sound like you?

Actually, I'm not sure why I am not using Office 97, because it has all of the same functionality!

To me, it seems Microsoft is repacking the same crap over and over, and adding more of what I call 'Shiny Things'. Now don't get me wrong, I freaking love shiny things!! But when it comes to software, I really don't seen the need... nor do a lot of people. This is why Vista failed in my mind.... the Microsoft Shiny department went freaking crazy and over bloated the entire OS.

Office 2000



Office 2007
So much Shinier! Whoop dee doo dah freaking day! How many new features are really in Office 2007? I don't honestly know, but I'll bet anything that I won't ever utilize half of them.

'


Posted by John at 11:20 AM | 0 comments |

 

Google Android: Online Emulator

I have an iPod touch, making the very rare times that I've actually got to touch an iPhone a very familiar experience. However with all the hype around Google's new Android OS for phones I have been curious to see how it looks and feels. If your like me and don't want to wait for someone to have it, or go out and buy it yourself. Here is a link to an online emulator which obviously has reduced functionality, but will give you an idea of what it can do, and how to navigate through it. (http://tmobile.modeaondemand.com/htc/g1/)


Posted by John at 10:35 AM | 0 comments |

Monday, September 8, 2008 

Email From Gary Vaynerchuk

I know my last post was about email, but I’m such a big fan of email… I feel like I could write 20 blog posts on the subject alone… can’t resist.
As with many people I struggle with keeping my inbox neat and tidy. Sometimes I will read email, and have the best intentions of replying, but don’t do so right away and sometimes forget. I’ve read the ever so popular 43folders site, and taken a look a few Zen Habits articles. After reading all of these and learning a few different management techniques, things certainly did improve for me.
After watching Gary Vaynerchuk’s video entitled “How to Cut Through the Noise” (http://garyvaynerchuk.com/2008/04/30/how-to-cut-through-the-noise/) I thought: Wow… 500-1000 emails a day eh? How the hell does this guy do it? So I wrote him an email:
————————————————-
Hey Gary,
I know you get a shit load of emails, so I will attempt to keep things brief.
In your most recent video ‘How to cut through the noise’ you mentioned that you reply to 500 / 1000 emails a day. I have a bit of a problem with inbox management… like a lot of people. I’ve read articles on inbox management from 43folders, zenhabits, and a few other sites from around the net and I would really love to hear your take since you seem to have an amazing system… How does Gary Vaynerchuk organize / tackle his inbox?
Thanks man!!
Keep up the good work

————————————————

Took a week, but the reply came:

————————————————
Thnx JY easy system I answer everything and then just delete it :) seriously I have a few folders but everything stays in the inbox and then I reply to it as soon as I can, quick answers get answered asap, important ones stay in there and I tackle them :)!
————————————————-

So that’s it… the guy replies to 500-1000 emails a day and that’s his system. Everything just stay’s in the inbox… none of this ‘Reply’ folder stuff, or 'Staring' all the emails he has to reply. These tips are both common in some of the articles that I’ve read. 

There is no tricks, there is no short cuts… the guy just sits down and does it. That’s the big realization I came to after reading this. People are spending way to much time on 43folders and Zen Habits and other productivity sites reading about how they can be more productive… for the 10 minutes it takes you to read an article on how to create the ‘Perfect To Do List’ you could have already accomplished two of the tasks on it more then likely.


Posted by John at 1:48 PM | 0 comments |

Saturday, September 6, 2008 

Reply to every email you receive, even if it’s a year old!

Back when I lived in Goderich, and prior to Gmail, I had an email account through a shitty ISP named Hurontel. I hadn’t checked the account in about a year and thought it would be funny to see how much Viagara offers I had. Found this email while digging, pay attention to the dates.

———————————————————
From: Becky (Last Name Removed)
Sent: Monday, June 08, 2007 11:39 AM
To: John Young
Subject: employment
HI John,
I was recently reviewing some resumes and came across yours that was sent to us back in April 2006.  We currently have  a Network Support Technician vacancy and was inquiring if you would like to learn more about it.
Regards,
Becky
Human Resources Manager
Removed Inc.
Phone: Removed Fax:Removed
———————————————————

I could not believe it, and it had been a year since she had sent it. I remembered this job when I had originally sent out 10 resumes (one of which landed me my current job). Rather then deleting/dismissing it, I replied with this:
——————————————————— From: John Young [mailto:jvyoung@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, June 02, 2008 11:18 AM
To: Becky
Subject: Re: employment

Hi Becky,
I haven’t checked this email account in about a year, and sure enough you sent that email about a year ago… I can’t help but laugh and feel a little embarrassed… but I always make a point to reply.
I’m happily employed working in London right now and have been for the past two years. I sincerely appreciate the follow up. Hopefully you found the perfect candidate.
Again please forgive the lateness of my reply. This will know doubt be the most awkward email you receive all day.
John
———————————————————

It didn’t take long for her to reply… 6 minutes actually, and here’s what I got back:

———————————————————
From: Becky
Date: Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Subject: RE: employment
To: John Young
Hi John,
Thanks for the reply and the  good email etiquette.  I appreciate the response and the update on your status, late and all!
Please note that if you ever choose to relocate to Kincardine, keep [Company Name] Inc. in mind and send us your resume.
Your reply has put a smile on my face.
Regards,
Becky[Last name removed]HR Manager
[Company Name Removed] Inc.
———————————————————

Her reply put a smile on my face to.
Always reply to every email you receive, even if it’s a year old like it was with my case. With MSN mesenger, twitter, and TXT messages the world is moving so fast. Don’t ever forget, or underestimate the importance of good email etiquette.
Email me sometime: jvyoung@gmail.com.
I promise I will reply!!


Posted by John at 1:45 PM | 0 comments |

-->

Last Posts

Archives

Syndicate this site (XML)
Powered by Blogger