May 2013
4 posts
Plan Your Next Dream Vacation with Help from the...
Do you ever get the urge to travel around the world? With Socl you can discover new and exotic destinations by creating collages about the places you would like to visit. Let your mind wander and dream big. For instance, one of our community members Barney Pear recently did a collage about Venice, Italy
As you can see, the images she chose for her collage are vibrant, colorful and have a great...
Discovering Different Perspectives on Socl By...
One of the best features on Socl is riffing. Sometimes when new users come on the site and see a riff, they think it is like a Retweet on Twitter. But it is totally different. Look at it as expanding from an idea. It could be something similar, related or totally different.
Here is one example from a riff between three users on Socl including myself.
Fizaah Faiyaz did a post on...
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Kati London of FUSE: Playful and Surprising →
Many people talk to their plants. But what if those plants were able to talk back? That’s the premise behind Botanicalls, a project to enable communications between plants and people. A sensor network provides the flora the ability to call and text people to request assistance, such as “I need water,” or “Not sure if it was you, but someone gave me a drink—I feel great!” It’s a fascinating,...
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Introducing Collection Moderators, "Us"...
We’re pleased to announce that you can become the moderator of your favorite collections and collect with your friends - Socl collections are sure to be even better than ever!
Collection Moderators
Now, every collection has at least one moderator who comes from the Socl community. Moderators have the ability to edit the title, description and tags of a collection. Moderators may also...
March 2013
4 posts
6 tags
Socl Shares the Love
Today we made it even easier to share the Socl love… Now you can easily share any Socl post to more of your favorite social networks, such as Pinterest and Tumblr. Simply click “share” at the base of a post you’d like to share… Below and left is a lovely post made by our own Cheri Walters. I used the new share feature to include this post in my Tumblr blog (top right)...
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New Kodu Version!
For those of you that don’t know, FUSE Labs is also the home of Kodu Game Lab. Kodu is a complete 3D game development environment designed to let kids create their own 3D games. Kodu is built around a custom visual programming language that makes it easy for everyone to learn how to program.
The new version of Kodu includes lots of new features, here’s the highlights:
Touch is now supported...
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Socl is ready for Spring with a new look, new...
It’s almost Spring here in the Pacific Northwest. To celebrate, FUSE Labs is rolling out a fresh Socl design featuring many new capabilities we think you’re going to love.
Here’s a summary of what’s inside the “Spring 2013 Collection”:
- Simplified site navigation, including:
create a post button
discover (full site search and discovery)
pinned menu for...
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Socl Spring 2013 Release FAQ
For the Socl faithful, we thought we’d create a brief Q and A regarding the Spring 2013 release.
What happened to Interests?
Socl Interests have been merged into Collections. Collections can now be curated by an group (formerly Interest) or an individual.
I can’t find a Collection for one of the Interests I followed - what happened?
It is possible that the Interest did not meet the...
February 2013
3 posts
5 tags
Bing, Socl Partner at TEDActive 2013
As some of the Socl faithful have noticed, Socl is at TEDActive 2013, thanks to our colleagues at Bing. TEDActive attendees are accessing a special version of Socl to create and share collages inspired by TEDActive 2013 Talks.
As posted on the Bing Search Blog earlier today:
…we partnered with Microsoft Research’s FUSE Labs, creators of a Bing-powered technology called So.cl, and built...
Profile Settings, Invite Friends & Useful Links On...
Recently, Brianna Camarda, one of our Community Managers, shared some of the new features on Socl. Today, I am going to go over some of the settings and links that are located right below your avatar or your profile image. To access, simply hover over your picture on the top right corner. You will then see a drop down menu.
Clicking on “me” will show all the posts you have created...
From Color To A 1000 Year Old Ritual
One of the best things that I enjoy about Socl is the discovery of new things. Today I posted a collage of people with painted red faces. It turned out that one of the images was about an Indian Ritual dating back 1000 years.(See image bottom left.)
Now, I would have never known about this ritual unless this a member of the Socl community from India, Vattavila, pointed it out.
And he created a...
January 2013
3 posts
User Compiled Socl Tips and Tricks
It has been really great to see how Socl users have taken ownership of their community. The site is designed to be intuitive, but just like any new experience it helps if there is someone around to give a little tour. As a community manager my favorite moments are helping new users achieve their first “a-ha” Socl moments, but nothing gives me greater pride than seeing a how-to post...
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“Off the Radar” - Social Computing Symposium 2013...
Last week we held our ninth annual Social Computing Symposium on the topic: “Off the Radar.” Inspired by Clive Thompson’s closing talk from 2012, we focused on populations and topics we forget to discuss, often hiding in plain sight. Our goal with the event is to bring together a small group of diverse people to help inspire and shed light on novel ideas and trends in the area of...
Take Your Discovery to the Next Level - How to Use...
Socl Interests allow you to deepen your connection with the people and ideas that matter most to you. In this post you will learn how to use Socl Interests in five easy steps. Let’s get started!
1. Socl Interests defined
Socl Interests are public groups organized around post content. When you create a post, all you have to do is tag it with an interest name (an existing interest, or a new...
December 2012
4 posts
2 tags
Holiday Traditions on Socl
Have you ever received a postcard scrawled with a joyful “wish you were here”? Consider this blog post just such an invitation. After the unveiling of the latest and greatest version of Socl earlier this month, we definitely wish you were here (if you aren’t already).
Before there was social networking or status updates there were postcards. Back in the not-so-distant past, to...
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Introducing Socl Collections
We’re excited to provide you with a new way to express yourself on Socl – Collections.
Collections are personally curated sets of posts. To create a collection, simply:
click on ‘collect’ at the base of any post
give the collection a name (or add the post to one of your existing collections)
view your collections from your Me page
You can create as many collections as you like, and of...
New User Interface for Socl
We recently rolled out a ‘fresh’ Socl. Many changes were made to the design of Socl, in large part due to feedback received from you - the Socl community. Over the coming days we’ll be highlighting a few of the more notable changes, starting today with some options available on the “Me” page.
On your Me page, you’ll find quick and easy ways to connect with other Socl’izers and...
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Good morning - It’s a big day for us!
As you may know, Socl began as an experiment in social search for students and learning. Over the past several months, we’ve watched Socl evolve into a place where people connect over shared interests expressed through beautiful post collages.
We appreciate your continued feedback which is helping us to gain more insight every day and improve how we can all communicate, learn and share our...
November 2012
10 posts
2 tags
Reconnecting with Old Traditions on Socl
Socl is a website with users from all across the globe. The site does have an in-line translation feature, but what makes a joke funny often times doesn’t lend itself to jumping languages easily. Either you get it or you don’t.
That’s exactly what happened in a post by Marc on Socl. Even he was at a loss for words (in English) as to why the image he was sharing from a Dutch...
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Como Agregar Un Enlace En Una Entrada En Socl
En este tutorial, les muestro como agregar un enlace en una entrada en Socl con varias fotos del enlace. En la parte donde digo “hago click” en 1:16 minutos del video, estoy refieriendo al ingreso en el teclado.
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Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes on Socl
American Thanksgiving is right around the corner. It’s the time of year when people dust off those “famous family recipes” for mimosa salad, potatoes au gratin, creamed onions and mashed potatoes. And, I’m sure some of us still serve canned cranberries at the holiday table, no matter how fancy and labor intensive all the other dishes end up. The image is so iconic, much...
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Consejos Para Mejorar Su Perfil En Socl
Aqui les presento unos consejos para mejorar su perfil en Socl. Es importante para que otros usuarios puedan conocerlos mas y como Socl es una red social, ayuda para conseguir mas seguidores y en la interacción.
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Hot Dialog, Cool Colors- Help Create the Longest...
An exciting Riffing conversation is happening right now on Socl, which you are cordially invited to join! I will fill you in on what’s happened so far, and hope to find you on Socl adding your voice to the ongoing exchange.
The conversation began last night with Rafique-Mohammed’s first Riff on Socl. Welcome to Socl Rafique!!
Which inspired me to post about the color pink…
...
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"Cerealism" on Socl
Breakfast, the first meal of the day. You may not be all the way awake yet, you might eat it on the run, or sitting at the kitchen table waiting for the coffee to kick in. It is the meal that’s widely viewed as the foundation of the day, but now it seems that it can be the most magical and whimsical of all the meals as well. Check out this clever Socl post by user Cédric Hoareau
...
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Como Hacer Un Riff En Socl
Riff en Socl es expander una idea con una similar o en cualquier forma creativa que le venga a su mente. En este video les muestro como hacer un Riff. La entrada la pueden ver aqui: Fotografia Blanco y Negra
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Socl: Where Wine Geeks Geek
I have a confession to make. I’m a total wine geek. I love meeting wine makers and listening to them talk passionately about their craft. I love how the nuance of region and climate can intimately affect the taste of the wine in your glass. I also enjoy reaching out to the Socl community to gain wine knowledge, because many people on Socl live close to some of the world’s most exciting...
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Socl Goes to the Polls
Over the past few weeks, Socl has been abuzz with chatter about electing the next president of the United States. Well, today is the big day and voters are sharing their experiences and feelings throughout the process! The interest group “US Elections” is in full swing. I created a post sharing my personal feelings on the whole situation:
It’s not my first time at the rodeo,...
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Free Your Mind and Free Associate on Socl
Free association exercises are a great way to get creative energy flowing on new or existing ideas. Giving your mind permission to map connections without having to logically account for why can be a powerful tool in any creative discipline. No matter what medium you create in, sometimes ideas just need a little wiggle room to come to life in a space where logic and judgment are forced to sit down...
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How the Socl Community has United Against...
This has been a monumental week for our Socl friends living on the US East Coast. They have braved Hurricane Sandy, aka Frakenstorm, with tremendous courage. Many are still without power, but the Socl community has created a collection of well wishes, images and news coverage by using the interest page feature in anticipation for their return.
To access the Hurricane Sandy interest page simply...
October 2012
14 posts
2 tags
Como Hacer Una Entrada En Socl
En este video, les muestro como hacer una entrada con varias palabras en la busqueda incluyendo fotos, video y un articulo.
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How Socl is Spreading the Love and Breaking Down...
Several years ago while living in France I asked my Parisian friends to name the first thing that came to mind when thinking about the United States. The words most of them used were ‘big military power’. I find that to be sad- there are so many wonderful, amazing people living in this country. Though, I would probably think the same if I was in their shoes. I know because I’ve...
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Art from Aubergines on Socl
Autumn is upon us here in North America. With colder winds and changing foliage comes the onset of decorative gourd season. Mountains of pumpkins appear in produce sections everywhere, each orange gourd destined to be gutted, carved, lit from within and set out proudly on the stoop for all the neighborhood to see. All hail the mighty Jack-O-Lantern, undisputed symbol of October!
While there are...
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Creative Riffing On Your Own Posts
This morning, while on Socl, I did a search for white minimalist interior design.
Then, I had the thought: “I wonder how it would look in black and white.” Instead of editing the post or creating a new one, I riffed on my own post to keep the continuity.
I thought it looked pretty cool, while I dreamed of having a place like this. I also tag “wish list” to some of...
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How to Deepen Your Personal Friendships Through...
I had always known that my friend Pollyanna Manning grew up in a small town surrounded by the beauty of Oregon’s cherry trees. It’s one of the first things she will tell you about herself when you meet her.
I go to grad school with Polly, so most of our conversations have centered around the topics we are currently studying- way outside the framework of Pacific Northwest cherries. It...
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From Silly to Sublime to Serious and Back Again
When you think about throwing water balloons at someone’s head, do you envision high art or an informal summertime barbecue with friends? I’m willing to wager most of our minds went the latter route, as mine surely did. That is, until I was looking through my Socl newsfeed and saw this amazing post from Stefan Welshwood:
This post encapsulates one of the things I love most about...
Sharing World Events First Hand With Kohei...
Recently, one of our active users from Japan, Kohei Hishiyama, and who goes by the nickname Hissy, shared before and after pictures of Japan one year later.
Conversation ensued incorporating several riffs about the symbolism of the Phoenix rising from the ashes, touched by Hissy’s words that the Japanese people will be stronger after this tragic event which took the lives of many. Socl...
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Glowing with Excitement- A Cultural Exchange with...
I love learning about how other people celebrate. It provides the sense that we are all united by our humanity - despite our perceived differences.
Harimohan Sahu recently posted about Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Diwali, I’ve learned, is one of the most important festivals of the year for Hindus. Celebrated with family and friends, Diwali involves the lighting of lamps,...
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Cuisine: defining cultures, uniting people
Is the quickest way to someone’s heart through their stomach? I do believe that one of the easiest ways to recognize similarities between people is through cuisine. Take for example this simple post from Socl user Loyal Khan, who shares his families tradition of eating paratta for breakfast every morning in Pakistan. I had never heard of such a dish, but I soon learned from Elraper that...
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Discovery and Community Building with Amit Dhamal
I love how Socl is a place to discover new and interesting things. By taking a look at Amit’s stream, you will find a cornucopia of posts ranging from unique species of birds that I have never heard of in my entire life to links of tech tutorials. He also shares tips in using Socl and sometimes just fun images and gifs that bring a smile and a laugh your way.
His posts are perfect...
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From Keats to Queen- 5 Steps to Riffing Your Heart...
One of the most compelling features on Socl is the ability to Riff. It’s a visual way to respond to someone’s post and it can be quite the adventure.
Ren Giser and I recently had an interesting riffing conversation that started with the topic of dreaming.
Ren then riffed on my ‘dream’ post with the poetry of John Keats. So I responded back with the first thing that...
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Lili Cheng on building tomorrow →
Following our post yesterday regarding Microsoft’s participation at the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing I thought it would be interesting to profile a few of the Microsoft women attending the event.
First up is Lili Cheng who was the subject of a great profile in the Seattle Times last year. From that we learned that Lili started her career as an architect, has been likened to...
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Socl Keeps the Discoveries Coming
It’s a big wide world out there, folks. Around every corner there’s something new to discover, some fresh gem of knowledge waiting to be unearthed. Every time I log into Socl I see posts from all over the globe. Inevitably I end up learning something new, or witnessing other users having their own moments of discovery. I love how Socl’s collaborative environment makes learning an...
September 2012
9 posts
From Architecture to Venus ~ How Socl Connects
Hello everyone, I joined Socl as a community manager about a month ago and recently I had a lively conversation with Khaili Allen. He posts frequently about architecture and on this day it was about an unusual chapel with an octoganal shaped skylight.
So curious me chimed in wondering what the meaning of that was. Khaili answered very eloquently that traditionally the octagonal star was a...
So.cl's International Community Awaits You
So.cl has gained quite the international following lately! We are especially excited about the many nationalities on So.cl who would love to share their culture and language. For example, Megumi Iwashita is from Japan and recently did a post about Mojibakeru toy figures.
Mojibakeru toys start as Japanese kanji characters and can be transformed into the animals that each character represents. In...
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Spring into Autumn, Fall into Spring
Here in the Northern hemisphere we are experiencing our first full week of fall, while our neighbors on the other side of the equator welcome spring. Socl has been full of seasonally inspired posts from around the globe. Here is a collage post by user Kohei Hishiyama from Japan that highlights the beauty of his autumn equinox holiday:
Whether you’re breaking out the decorative gourds for...
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Researchers: You are Invited to Play with the...
We are pleased to announce that FUSE Labs is now providing restricted access to our So.cl Dataset for researchers to explore questions around social search, interest networking, informal learning, and online community development. So.cl is an experimental website from FUSE Labs that lets people share their interests using search. The So.cl dataset provides an anonymized snap shot of public...
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Four Simple Steps to Creating a Collage Post on...
One of the first questions from new So.cl users is: How do you create a collage? If you’re new to So.cl here are simple instructions that will get you started.
To create a collage on So.cl, first type a search term in the box that says “Type a topic to create a post”.
Then click the Images link in the very left hand column.
This will bring up several images that you can...
Eradicate Hate
The internet is kind of like outer space: it’s an endless cold and uncaring expanse, potentially full of hostile life forms. If you’ve ever read the comment section in any public online forum anywhere, you have at least a sense of why this analogy works. However, experiencing the corner of the internet that is Socl is different. Users are supportive and genuine, offering advice, tips,...
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10 Search Terms for Creating Vibrant Collage Posts...
We all have the ability to create a beautiful experience on So.cl. It’s through these experiences that we open our world to fresh ideas.
One thing I do is challenge myself to think of search terms that inspire vibrant ideas. The right search term can lead to visually inspiring images that make the collage feature an absolute joy to use. Below are 10 of my favorite search terms right now....
Turn This into That: a Remixing Experiment
Two sides of social production: crowdsourcing and remixing
Networked technologies have facilitated two forms of social production: remixing and crowdsourcing. Remixing has been typically associated with creative, expressive, and unconstrained work such as the creation of video mashups or funny image macros that we often see on social media websites. Crowdsourcing, on the other hand, has been...
