I have written about “crowd funding” and recently I have seen a bunch of new apps and websites that harness the power of “crowdsourcing.” What is it? Basically it is the concept of posting (online or off) a problem and sourcing it to the public (or a group/subset of people) – the “crowd”. This is not new (wikipedia has some very early crowdsourcing examples including the development of the Oxford English Dictionary – read more here) but the massive rise of social media has made it pretty much ubiquitous.
I saw this website on the news and in a few posts online and I HAD to write about it. Women (and some men??) discuss their love lives and share what their romantic interests have said or even texted them. The website HeTexted.com takes this familiar concept and turns it into a place for people to ask complete strangers to help decode text messages received.
The site works like this: You screen capture a text message you’re curious about and submit it to the site. When it’s published, the public has their opportunity to vote that the text means “he’s into you,” “he’s not into you,” or “verdict is still out.” Members can comment on the post to give their thoughts, or users can “Ask a bro” to get a male point of view on the subject.
I’ll admit, text messages can be cryptic and I even look at some that I get with a worried eye. I can see that this could be entertaining and probably addictive. What do you think? Is this a whole new level of crowdsourcing, or should people keep their personal lives personal?
Speaking of crowd sourcing, PureWow had a few cool recommendations to check out this week:
– Gogobot – Operating under the assumption that the best travel advice comes from people you know, this trip-planning site searches your various networks (Facebook, Foursquare, etc.) to see which of your friends have visited a specific destination and asks them for recommendations.
– Consmr– Ever wish you could “Yelp” your groceries and beauty items? Check out Consmr, a new website and iPhone app that lets you see which drugstore and supermarket items are most beloved (and hated) by the masses. Scan any product’s bar code to read reviews or post your own.
Have you tried any crowdsourcing sites or social networks for crowdsourcing? How did it go? TMI or just right?
Links I Like from Revolutionary Act and Experience Life magazine’s newsletter and “Monthly Motivation”:
> Start small! Choose to make one healthy change at a time and understand that change is a process.
> Invest in change. Buy healthier foods and start moving.
> Let go of perfectionism. When you do something that isn’t helping you meet your goal, cut yourself some slack and realize it’s what you do most of the time that matters.
> Get support. Find a friend or two or a local group of people trying to make a similar change and share your struggles and successes with them.
> Stay positive. Find ways to stay positive throughout the day. Subscribe to magazines and social media pages that can provide tips and doses of inspiration when you need them.
And it wouldn’t be Friday without Friday Deals and Events!
– Check out this fun online deal from Daily Candy Deals – The Textile Arts Center offers a rotating collection of textile-based goods by independent, local artists includes hand-printed stationery, embroidered throw pillows, and graphic necklaces. There is also a selection of how-to books, kits, and materials that will delight the die-hard DIYer in your life. Get 50% off (and get a jump on the holidays) $20 for $40 or or 40% off $60 for $100! They also have 50% off on cool personalized items from Cafe Press – $17 for $34.
– I am strangely drawn to this deal on Google Offers from DNA 11 for $99 for $250 toward DNA, fingerprint & kiss portraits. How does this work of art work? You’ll get a kit to swab your cheek or take your print or pucker, then send your sample off to the lab for its artistic rendering. But the customization doesn’t stop there. Choose from a variety of color combos, sizes, and styles, with options like split-screen DNA portrait. (Maybe my DNA is pretty?)
– Other Cool Stuff in Chicago and NYC:
– Hey Chicago Runners, Active Schwaggle has 51% off on the 5k or 10k Jingle Bell Run on 12/15 in Lincoln Park
– Hey NYC friends, Daily Candy Deals has 40% off on a Gelato making class for one or 50% off on a Gelato Making Class for 2 (or 35% of on a kids party) at Mia Chef Gelateria.
-In Chicago, don’t forget that this weekend is Open House Chicago. The Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Open House Chicago is a FREE public event that offers behind-the-scenes access to over 150 buildings across Chicago. No reservations are required and everyone is welcome. Explore the hidden gems and architectural treasures of Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods—all for free. “150 cool places | 48 hours | Go.” Check it out – you won’t be sorry!
– And a reminder that if you are in NYC…how about checking out Sweaty Saturday this Saturday, October 13th? It is the first day NYC is devoting entirely to fitness, health and wellness. I would if I was there!
That’s all for now! Hope you have a great weekend! Let me know what you find!