The technology is finally catching up to the idea. A friend of mine recently forwarded me a link to a new application for the iPhone and iTouch that allows people to connect randomly while remotely wandering this planet. It doesn’t use a centralized server to connect the profiles, but instead uses data on each device to connect individuals that are near each other and may want to be connected for one reason or another. I think it’s brilliant! Although, I think having the online profile and ability to keep track of the experience will be a much more exciting offering (an old idea of mine - mobile dating and SMS flirting), it’s a great start at using technology as an icebreaker.

The application: iFob
Features (from their site):
iFob is ultra simple to use, and has no required fields.
With iFob you enter only what you want people to know about you, plain and simple. You can modify whatever you enter whenever you want without having to login to any site.

iFob has lots of cool features, including:

• Public Taglines that any iFob user can see.


• Add more detailed public information about yourself.


• Add additional private information that you can chose which iFob users may see.


• Chat with other iFob users who are in the same hotspot.


• Is not a web site: iFob is software that is installed on your iPhone, iPod or laptop.


• Mark other iFob users as "interesting" if you would like to pay attention to in the future.


• Visual and sound indicators when other iFob users come into the room.


• Block iFob users based on whether or not they are boring so you will never be bored by them again.


• Versions for iPod touch, iPhone, Windows PCs and Mac Intel laptops.


• Works with any wireless network which your iPod, iPhone or laptop can connect with.


• iPod and iPhone version are 100% free.


• No subscription fees.


• No advertising or any other kind of hassleware.


• Ultra simple to use.


• Ultra simple "profiles" with no required fields.


• No having to define categories for yourself.

   Posted by Darin Archer on February 08, 2008 | Comments (0)

The buzz reminds me that I have seldom used my blog to articulate to the world all the wonderful ideas I think I have flowing in my head. But, I’ll jot a note now to speak to some of my thoughts on blogs and the new art. My first thoughts are of concern. Being a fairly private person this is a leap for me to risk exposing a belief/opinion that may prove to make me vulnerable to some future opponent. I worry about those that are exposing much of their personal lives to all that are willing to take the time and read their online journaling. It seems we are all somehow inherently voyeurs though given the increasing popularity of “reality” television, which I imagine at this point has surpassed any normal sitcoms or drama shows programmed these days. Yet, the influencing power has amazed me and the ease has made me believe and understand that blogging, while in its infancy is a means for the masses to speak to the masses. We now can guide presidential debates, product development and life decisions. I can see its business and therapeutic potential. My mother is a professional counselor and I could see how she could simply journal thoughts about her clients providing feedback on cases she believes to be fairly common. This could provide an outlet for her to let go of some of the burden all therapist carry in their work while giving insight to others that may have similar experiences. Additionally, my father has decided to embark on another adventure to author one of the next great fly fishing and camping guides for the sierras. A few years ago he completed a similar adventure in western Montana publishing "Montana Fly Fishing & Camping Guide”. This time I told him he should have a blog to journal his treks and gain a following prior to the launch of the book thus building his customer base before the product exists. So, while I still have mixed feelings, obviously I publish earnestly wondering what all this may come to be.

   Posted by Darin Archer on March 25, 2004 | Comments (0)