Why Mahalo
One of the most frequent questions I get is: “why do you use / like Mahalo?” Well, I figured it was time to address this in some more depth.
First, those that discover (for the first time - and maybe beyond) that I use the product over Google are quite surprised. It’s almost like a “how could you abandon Google?” type response. Well, the truth is, I’m not. But we’ll get to that in a little bit.
Really, it comes down to believing in what Mahalo is all about as a product more than anything. Sure I use Wikipedia. Could I rely on it for day-to-day information? No. Sure I read a ton of RSS feeds, but can I rely on those to provide with answers about a bunch of stuff (really, anything) throughout the day? No. Does Google mesh both of those things (current + news) — yeah, kinda.
But not in a way that completely satisfies me.
Let me fill you in on what I deem to be the 2 secrets of Mahalo.
- It’s not trying to be all information to all people (Google)
- Their guide notes (shown in the screenshot below)
This little blurb of text provides me with Wikipedia type information, but in a fast and easily referenced way. This is especially true when you get to the homepage. This is human-monitored and managed information, folks.
So this should cover why it’s better than Wikipedia, even though Mahalo makes no promise to be a Wikipedia replacement. It it did, I’d surely be less interested. But I see these two things I’ve mentioned already as key time savers throughout my day.
Now, if you look at the screenshot above carefully, you’ll notice a section called “Help Build.” I’m not going to get in to the intricacies of the Mahalo Greenhouse. But certainly, one of the best ways I got hooked as a user was when they rolled out Mahalo Social. Yes, I contribute regularly.
I actually started, and contributed, several links to help build the product management page, as I’ve mentioned on this blog before. And you know what’s funny? I actually want to submit content. When I see a spelling error on a guide note, for example, I want to draft a quick message on the message board for that page to let the guide that created it know. Why? Because I’ve actually received timely responses that are well-spoken and seen results.
You don’t get this from Google. Mahalo knows it’s capital intensive to run a people-driven content business like this, but it’s imperative. Regular old, unimportant users like me actually get to see there is stuff going on behind the scenes and they really do care about the quality of the content they are creating.
One of the other great things is their browser plug-ins that make it drop-dead simple for shmoes like me to easily supply them with content.
Now, this is only the direct and immediate type stuff that you get when interacting with the product. And I can’t lie - I know there are certainly critics out there. Any product will have them. But anything that really saves me time and helps me to find the content I’m looking for quickly is a big winner in my book.
Oh, and how have I not abandoned Google? Well, for any page / search term Mahalo doesn’t recognize or have yet, they will show you Google results. Perfect.
Twitter Summaries
I am a regular user of Twitter, as I’m sure anyone visiting this blog can tell. I’ve toyed with using Twitter Tools for my blog to get a summary of my tweets posted everyday, but I really didn’t like the idea of having a plug-in do this and futz around with creating an actual blog post on here.
So, I’ve found a solution. Actually, 2. If you really want to see a summary of my online activity you can check out:
The Tumblr is only Twitter and and RSS summary feed of Write That Down. The FriendFeed really includes a bunch of other things within the summary. I also have a FireEagle account that I can’t wait to include in the sidebar - they just need to get some of their widgets (and mobile application!) all finished off and released before that happens.
New Challenges and Opportunities
Well, the cat is out of the bag (so to speak). I’m headed back to Toronto.
My lovely and amazing wife and I decided to make the move (again) after realizing just how hard it is to be away from that critical support system of close friends and family. Truth be told, as we prep to go back to the bitter cold and snow, we couldn’t be happier.
That being said, moving always presents some stresses and logistical challenges, and we’ll be working through that over the course of the next few weeks. The start date at the new job is February 11.
I will be moving on from MusicIP, where I have learned so much over the last two years and had the chance to work with some incredibly smart and talented people. I leave knowing that there is a great team in place to take the company to success over the course of 2008 and beyond.
So, where am I headed? Well, I’m moving to PlanetEye, a start-up that is still in beta mode, but one that I’m really looking forward to diving in and working on. It’s an excellent opportunity to work with a great team on an exciting new product and market.
I’m going to try and post regularly as much as I can over the next few weeks, but cross country moves always present interesting time challenges, so please bear with me. There is plenty to do, and I’m sure my new environment will spurn many blog posts.
So, with that, we’ll soon be trading in sunny days and warm weather for Winter clothing and slushy snow. This is certainly going to be a ton of fun, and I can’t wait to get settled back in the big smoke.
Too Tired to Blog? Nah…
So, I’m almost too tired to blog, but not really. Having been at CES for only two days, and with the show just getting kicked off tomorrow, it’s been a little bit crazy around these parts.
We’ve had a successful re-brand launch, something that I’m very, very proud of Rachel for putting together and executing so well on. Trust me, it’s not as easy thing to do. Also, putting together her first CES and having it be just freakin’ amazing is putting it lightly. She is keeping us all on our toes, and I can barely get the time to Twitter or record a video here and there.
I’m really looking forward to attending the It Won’t Stay in Vegas Blogger Party Tuesday night. Hopefully I’ll get to meet some very cool people there. Also, Rachel and I will be trying to get over to the Podtech Bloghaus this year at the Bellagio — we’ll see if our legs will carry us there after standing in the booth for 8 hours each day.
If you are in town and want to meet-up, drop me a line.
Seesmic Videos
Big thanks to Loic Le Meur for sending some Seemic invites my way. I’ll be posting some videos all through CES, and beyond…lucky you. Maybe even some on product management…who knows.
Here’s the first one — the rest will appear in my Twitter feed over to the right.
