October 28, 2008

• what’s this BFN thing?

  the response to last week’s “shout-out spotlight” has been overwhelming. messages have been pouring in every day, and i’ve got to admit, it’s been a bit daunting to sort through them all. with that said, it’s been a joy to read fresh content, recommended by you! we’ll be having our first broadcast next week, so keep your eyes peeled for more information (coming soon).

  i’ve received a few questions about ["shout-out spotlight's" co-sponsor] brain fried network, and i’m happy to oblige you with the information! i actually had a chance to sit down with BFN founder edlives yesterday; he gladly answered your most frequently asked questions. enjoy!

  

  jen: so edlives, why did you start the BFN? 
  edlives: well, it has grown and changed over time. initially, i wanted to provide newsfeeds for the masses … since then, it’s evolved over the past year to become sooo much more. the store, the toolbar, chatrooms … it’s become more of an online gathering place and discussion area than just news (although the newsfeeds are cool too, as they provide topics to discuss. plus, people can embed the videos onto their sites).
  
  jen: why a toolbar?
  edlives: i wanted to be able to provide something that stayed in front of the end user so i could communicate with them — and of course, so that users could communicate with each other. plus, it’s 100% FREE, and who doesn’t like free stuff?

  jen: besides the chatrooms, what other features can be found on the toolbar?
  edlives: wow, where should i begin? there’s the RSS feeds (of BFN columnists — we have over 10 now; check them out!), internetTV, radio, xangaTV shows, chatrooms, newsfeeds … what else can i put out there? oh, there’s the message box, too. it’s a great way to provide internet specials from the stores i’ve partnered with.

  jen: some users are concerned about download safety. what would you say to them? also, are their search terms tracked?
  edlives: absolutely safe.  hey, if the MLB and nascar use the same technology … shouldn’t i? as far as the search terms go, NO, they are not tracked at all. it’s powered by google — i don’t see anything. and this is worth mentioning as well: you will not receive any spam, so no worries there. 

  jen: how do people know when other users are in the chatroom?
  edlives: well, several xangans will say “hey, I’m on chatroom X of the BFN toolbar!” in their pulses … be sure to put a link to the toolbar download as well (in case someone new wants to check it out with you!) you can find the download here: http://brainfriednetwork.ourtoolbar.com.

  jen: what type of programming can we find on the xangaTV channels?
  edlives: fellow xangans!! i wouldn’t have it any other way.  currently, we have 3 channels operational. i also have a page on brainfriednetwork.com that displays a show schedule (check back often to see if anything is going on!).

  jen: tell us about the online store.
  edlives: sure. our online store has THE LARGEST selection of OFFICIAL XANGA PRODUCT anywhere online. you can find a variety of items, from t-shirts to teddy bears. pick up a thing or two for yourself … or get a gift for a friend. ALSO, if you have an idea for a product, send it my way. we’ll see what we can do to make it OFFICIAL.

  jen: anything else?
  edlives: bottom line: we’re here to help and promote each other, while having some fun in the process. if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask me (edlives) or any of the BFN columnists. we’ve all been on xanga for some time and can at least point you in the right direction.

  ---

  and now for my two cents (for whatever it’s worth):

  i’ve been using the toolbar for almost a month now, and i’ve got to say: it’s really enhanced my xanga experience. i’ve been able to talk to people behind the blogs i love to read. our discussions go from the mundane to the super-serious, proving to be awesome thought-starters … i bet you didn’t know that more than a few have made their way into the blogs you read every day?!

  i understand the apprehensions — i had them too — but this has proved to be a safe and worthwhile venture. seriously, download it. you’ll thank me later. in the meantime, I’D like to thank edlives for doing so much for our ever-growing community! you rock! 

  
  
  do YOU have the toolbar? what do you like/not like about it?
  *as always, tell a friend and recommend!

  • 9:56 am
  • 27 Comments