Compelled By Reality

Receive CompelledByReality’s Email Newsletter

Filed under: Blogging, Technology

The community at CompelledByReality is growing in size and to continue that trend today I am happy to announce a way in which readers can become a little more involved in the blog by subscribing to a special free members newsletter.

This monthly(ish) newsletter will include:

• a short summary on the hottest articles of the month
• a little exclusive inside information on what I’m doing, as well as member only articles/interviews/tips that will not make it to the blog
• special reflections on basically anything practical
• advanced warning of CompelledByReality news, interviews and tips (I’ve got some special interviews and guest articles planned that you’ll want the inside scoop on).
• prizes and giveaways (hopefully down the road)

Submit your email address at the top of the right hand menu to be added to the newsletter. Your privacy will be valued and your email address will not be used for any other purpose than to send this newsletter. You may unsubscribe at any time.

On submitting your email here you will be sent an email asking you to confirm your subscription. Let me know if you have any problems.

Tags: community, email, free, giveaways, hottest articles, inside information, interviews, members, newsletter, prizes

What’s the deal with the Drudge Report?

Filed under: Technology, design

I’ve been hearing more and more people, big media types, always referring to “The Drudge Report” as a news source. Saying that “…today I read on the Drudge Report”, and that its a site that are daily reads for people. I just don’t get it. I know its a news report dump site, so media types would be drawn to it, but what does it offer that others of the same niche do not? I read news and all, and maybe its just me, but reading that site is torture.

I can’t get past the lack of usability and design and use of white space (or lack thereof). It pains me to even look for something interesting to read on the site. In my opinion, you could just as well write a document in notepad or textedit and slap it up on a web page and have people download it.

Do you read this website? Why or why not?

Tags: design, drudge report, media, news, torture, usability, web design, white space

Minor Changes…

Filed under: Blogging, Technology

You may have noticed something different if you are one of my faithful readers. No, I did not get a haircut, and no this is not a new shirt. I got a face lift! Well, this site did anyways. There are a few new things, but mostly its the same site with just a few shifts here and there.

Two things in particular that were changed is the Wordpress Theme (which is probably the most noticeable difference). The other one is not as noticeable, but I upgraded to the latest version (2.6) of Wordpress.

Just so you don’t get lost when you visit the site, here are a few pointers to help you get where you’re wanting to go:

1. The most recent articles is the one at the top of the page. I’m sure you knew that, but just thought I should clarify.
2. The “LATEST” column lists the 3 most recent articles.
3. The “NOTEWORTHY” column lists the 3 most recent articles that I have decided to feature by bringing to the front page (So take a gander if you haven’t seen them yet). 
4. The “Archives” link on the menu up top will allow you to browse through every single article on the site.
5. The “Subscribe” link on the menu will allow you to subscribe to this blog through either an RSS reader or get the articles delivered to you by email.
6. The “Downloads” link (a new addition to the site) lists just a few downloadable articles/teaching notes and mp3s that I have found useful and worthy of sharing. 
7. The “Support/Make a Donation” Button can be used by anyone, anywhere through PayPal to send money to support a missionary. If you feel so inclined feel free to press that button more than once.

Tags: Change, New Design, Upgrade, Wordpress

Favorite Google Apps

Filed under: Blogging, Technology

Everyone knows what google is. But did you know that google has more than just “Search?” Google has many searchable options as well as downloadable software applications. Here are a few of my favorites in order:

1. Search (by far)
2. Calendar (I use this to manage my daily schedule and then import it into iCal.
3. Maps (always useful, the best maps on the internet)
4. GMail (I use this, but forward it to my inbox)
5. YouTube
6. Google Earth (Combines google search with satellite imagery, maps, terrain, and 3D buildings.)
7. Google News (Compiles news from thousands of sources, even from personalized searches - I used to use this constantly, but then it started to eat up too much of my time.)

What are your favorites?

11 Confessions of a T-Mobile Sales Rep

Filed under: Technology

11 Confessions of a T-Mobile Sales Rep

For those of you (like myself) who have T-Mobile, this would have been some great information to have while I was going in to renew my contract and trying to get a bargain.

Here are some of the highlights:

• T-Mobile price matches (hush, hush)
• T-Mobile lets reps give away accessories
• Shop at the end of the month
• Never get a 2 year contract
• Upgrade over the phone not in the store
• Unlock your phone (for greater resell value)

(more…)