DIY: What Can I Do? www.diywcid.com

2010-12-03T03:23:00.001-05:00

Alex Morrison Ping.fm Integration with FAM Film and Photo Round Seven http://ow.ly/1ahwn2

2010-09-24T16:52:00.001-04:00

New video I produced for American University about Chris O'Brien and how he connects beer and sustainability. http://ping.fm/MZnfl

2010-09-03T13:02:00.001-04:00

AlexM USDA farmers market. Happy Labor Day!

This message was sent using the Picture and Video Messaging service from Verizon Wireless!

To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.

Note: To play video messages sent to email, QuickTimeï¿½ 6.5 or higher is required.

2010-08-20T10:44:00.001-04:00

AlexM Fish tank aero garden alternative.

2010-08-19T16:58:00.001-04:00

Family of Four Grows Their Food in a Swimming Pool. I'm trying and failing on a small scale with my fish tank... http://ht.ly/2s6yr

2010-07-21T16:40:00.001-04:00

AlexM Rugs from 99% recycled materials in Maine

This message was sent using the Picture and Video Messaging service from Verizon Wireless!

To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.

Note: To play video messages sent to email, QuickTimeï¿½ 6.5 or higher is required.

2010-06-22T18:46:00.001-04:00

Ramu S - Plant Cups at the San Diego Zoo

2010-06-22T18:40:00.001-04:00

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2010-06-15T09:00:00.001-04:00

Anyone at the World Cup? Send photos and videos of how SA is promoting environmental stewardship from your cell phones! www.diywcid.com

2010-06-14T22:00:00.001-04:00

RT @schmumel: Recycled glove chipmunk http://ping.fm/T3R5V My cat would destroy this! replace stuffing with catnip...

2010-06-14T20:00:00.001-04:00

RT @TaigaCompany: Solar light bulb to shine on developing world http://bit.ly/cAzaNc Join the debate on how long a charged bulb shines.

2010-06-14T16:36:00.001-04:00

Hey Seattle-ites! Love your city, posted four photos of environmental happenings, then my cell phone died... Send more at www.diywcid.com!

2010-06-12T18:09:00.001-04:00

AlexM grounds for the garden at Borders. Free!

2010-06-03T22:00:00.001-04:00

Let's talk ideas for using DIY: What Can I Do? in the class! Get students engaged with multimedia projects in all subjects. www.diywcid.com

2010-06-03T21:00:00.001-04:00

RT @greendreamin Japan to Build Solar Power Plant on the Moon!? http://su.pr/7BaKaw Then companies can sponsor and have huge billboards? Ah!

2010-06-03T19:00:00.001-04:00

RT @PlanetGreen: Ed Begley Jr. talks about his home water heater at ASES show http://cot.ag/ddpqag Unfortunate acronym though.

2010-06-03T16:27:00.001-04:00

California to ban plastic bag use! http://ht.ly/1TLVh

2010-05-23T20:00:00.001-04:00

Share your photos and videos of local outdoor events at DIY: What Can I Do? www.diywcid.com

2010-05-23T18:00:00.001-04:00

RT @HealtheBay @greensamurai Ann Arbor to be the first US city to be lit with 100% LEDS http://bit.ly/bbLzLq sustainable greenbuilding

2010-05-23T15:00:00.001-04:00

RT @MoosicornRanch @greensamurai New solar shingle hits the market http://bit.ly/7wsGtd Available in custom colors?

2010-05-23T11:01:00.001-04:00

RT @Kolibrix Puffin Cam at the Shetland Islands! http://bit.ly/bVIXFA More live webcams at http://www.earthcam.com, share your favorite!

2010-05-21T12:10:00.001-04:00

Follow environmental videos and photos posted by users and find out how others are acting sustainably on Twitter and Facebook at DIYWCID!

2010-05-21T09:11:00.001-04:00

RT @LisaKretchman: Hey Rhode Islandites! Check out the Reduce Reuse Recycle Art Show, we would love to see the work! http://westsidearts.org

2010-05-20T23:06:00.001-04:00

What can we do to reduce our carbon footprint? Check out the videos and create your own to feature on DIY: What Can I Do? http://diywcid.com

2010-05-20T20:41:00.001-04:00

Great DIY BikeCam rig featured on @photojojo! http://ht.ly/1NV9s

2010-05-19T18:00:00.001-04:00

RT @ianmoise: Pillow Cases + Bubble Wrap = Pillows. Great reuse classroom idea. http://bit.ly/8X9vLe Just try to keep them from popping.

2010-05-19T14:00:00.001-04:00

Vote for your favorite video on reducing your carbon footprint on DIY: What Can I Do? Sponsored by @Planet_Connect http://www.diywcid.com

2010-05-19T12:33:00.001-04:00

RT @Dothegreenthing: Introducing IGorilla! A new iPhone app aimed at increasing awareness of endangered Gorillas: http://ht.ly/1Nalp

2010-05-18T18:00:00.001-04:00

RT @Greenopolis: 15 ways to drive greener. http://ht.ly/1Mfcv Guess this means no more clown shoes in the car...

2010-05-18T15:00:00.001-04:00

RT @vyouz: It's all about gadgets at Gadget Cycle USA http://bit.ly/1g3ZVk mp3, ipod, spares. Check it out Freecycle fans!

2010-05-18T12:01:00.003-04:00

Remember to email your favorite DIY environmental photos and videos on DIY: What Can I Do? Share the good news with a worldwide community!

2010-05-18T12:01:00.001-04:00

Remember to email your favorite DIY environmental photos and videos on DIY: What Can I Do? Share the good news with a worldwide community!

2010-05-18T09:00:00.001-04:00

Watch student finalists in the contest "How are you reducing your carbon footprint?" sponsored by Planet Connect on DIY: What Can I Do?

2010-05-18T02:46:00.001-04:00

Thrilled to be featuring Planet Connect video finalists on DIY: What Can I Do? http://www.diywcid.com! Watch and rate your favorites!

2010-05-15T16:11:00.001-04:00

AlexM Seattle garden.

2010-05-15T15:44:00.001-04:00

AlexM More from Pike Place Market

2010-05-15T13:29:00.001-04:00

AlexM My favorite market. Pike Place in Seattle

2010-05-14T14:31:00.001-04:00

AlexM Picolinos in Seattle. Coffee grounds for the garden.

2010-05-12T21:16:00.001-04:00

AlexM Making Your Media Matter conference panel on outreach.

2010-05-07T09:23:00.001-04:00

I was taking a break due to graduation but this is too good to pass up! http://ht.ly/1Iagk Donate your dog and cat hair to clean up the oil!

2010-05-04T12:00:00.001-04:00

Like the DIY: What Can I Do? Facebook Fan Page? http://ping.fm/qQJCe Spread the word and tell your friends!

2010-05-04T09:00:00.001-04:00

RT @TaigaCompany: Sam's Club Becomes the First U.S. Retailer To Install Micro Wind Turbines in its Parking Lot http://bit.ly/9ufLpi

2010-05-03T22:00:00.001-04:00

VIDEO: http://ht.ly/1FJdG Share your green household! What can we do around the house to be more sustainable? http://www.diywcid.com

2010-05-03T19:49:00.001-04:00

RT @TaigaCompany: Best Electric Bikes For Commuters http://bit.ly/cBG9Yt I really wanted an electric bike as a kid, and a Knight Rider car.

2010-05-02T17:00:00.001-04:00

RT @PlanetGreen: Hawaii Couple Hits the Road to Plant Native Trees (and Wishes!) in All 50 U.S. States http://dlvr.it/jzMl

2010-05-02T13:00:00.001-04:00

What did you do for Arbor Day? Share your photos and videos at http://www.diywcid.com

2010-05-02T11:00:00.001-04:00

RT @ianmoise: Reuse newspaper as mulch for your garden.... plants recycle organic fertilizer http://bit.ly/aZ9e9B

2010-05-02T09:00:00.001-04:00

RT @ReverseGarbage: make a bag out of a T shirt - why not it's Sunday http://ht.ly/1FRpf

2010-05-01T20:00:00.001-04:00

Don't forget to High Five for Hybrids! http://ht.ly/1FI5Z Watch the video and spread the word. It's the coolest.

2010-05-01T17:00:00.001-04:00

Participate in our photo/video challenge in honor of Arbor Day! Show us how you green up your home and apartment, http://www.diywcid.com

2010-05-01T12:33:00.001-04:00

VIDEO: American University student shares her Green Kitchen. http://ht.ly/1FJdG Share your green ideas on http://www.diywcid.com

2010-05-01T11:00:00.001-04:00

RT @Greenopolis: 5 fantastic ways to recycle an old toilet. http://ht.ly/1FHoc I need a new set of speakers for my bathroom...

2010-04-30T20:00:00.001-04:00

RT @vyouz: Great Freecycle-like site where you can Tweet to interested takers! http://bit.ly/6t13se

2010-04-30T17:00:00.001-04:00

RT @TaigaCompany: Lean and Green: Waste Reduction http://bit.ly/71BAO1 Easy tips for expelling less waste.

2010-04-30T14:00:00.001-04:00

RT @Greenopolis: LA considers building $800 million park over 101 frwy. http://ht.ly/1Fawl Look at all the happy kids.

2010-04-30T10:23:00.001-04:00

Got questions about how DIY: What Can I Do? The environmental media crowd sourcing site for everyday users? http://ht.ly/1EZ3J

2010-04-29T22:09:00.001-04:00

Watch my presentation of DIY: What Can I Do? at American University, http://ht.ly/1EZ3J introducing the site and with a detailed overview.

2010-04-29T15:36:00.001-04:00

AlexM au

2010-04-28T18:00:00.001-04:00

Any ideas for conserving around the house? Take a picture and share at DIY: What Can I Do? http://www.diywcid.com Become a Fan on Facebook!

2010-04-28T17:00:00.001-04:00

RT @greentweet: 10 Smart Uses for Old Plastic Bags http://ow.ly/1EdTo I must have about 7 pounds by now...

2010-04-28T14:27:00.001-04:00

RT @TaigaCompany: Personal Sustainability Planning to Beat the Coming Summer Heat http://bit.ly/bbOBt2

2010-04-27T18:30:00.001-04:00

DIY: What Can I Do? Share the good environmental news in your world. Post photos/videos at http://www.diywcid.com and tell your friends!

2010-04-27T15:28:00.001-04:00

RT @ianmoise: Kids too young for a motorbike? How about a Vespa rocking horse? http://bit.ly/b3Nike This makes Vespas cooler in my eyes.

2010-04-27T12:00:00.001-04:00

Contact me if you want to trade Facebook page or website links http://ping.fm/YI8XT Gotta keep spreading the word! (and pictures)

2010-04-27T09:02:00.001-04:00

RT @TreeHugger: 66 Things You Can Can Grow At Home: In Containers. http://su.pr/1vcVvH Beware of cat grass, makes my cat sick.

2010-04-27T06:00:00.001-04:00

Thanks for the Earth Day love @greendreamin and Follow Friday @myoocreate! Keep up the good work!

2010-04-26T23:32:00.001-04:00

Share your Earth Day photos and videos at DIY: What Can I Do? http://diywcid.com, become a fan on Facebook! http://ping.fm/boFey

2010-04-22T16:37:00.001-04:00

Share your Earth Day photos and videos at DIY: What Can I Do? http://diywcid.com, become a fan on Facebook! http://ping.fm/boFey

2010-04-21T22:07:00.001-04:00

AlexM Exactly what the guy told me when I took the picture.

2010-04-21T14:00:00.001-04:00

Represent your green space! Share photos and videos on http://www.diywcid.com and be featured on interactive Google Map. http://ow.ly/1Beue

2010-04-21T11:00:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone! Don't forget to share your good news on Earth Day through your pictures and videos at http://www.diywcid.com. Repost and share!

2010-04-21T09:00:00.001-04:00

RT @TreeHugger: Top Nature Photos of All Time voted by the International League of Conservation Photographers unveiled. http://bit.ly/cy2Hvl

2010-04-20T21:09:00.001-04:00

RT @TaigaCompany: Best Trading Websites http://bit.ly/dwGuyH Keep your items out of the landfill!

2010-04-19T22:28:00.001-04:00

High Five For Hybrid, keep spreading the news! http://ow.ly/1zkrg You know punch bug? Give a high five every time you see a Hybrid!

2010-04-18T23:05:00.001-04:00

Fwd: Ramu - BioDegradable spoons @ National Zoo DC

2010-04-18T23:03:00.001-04:00

AlexM roof planting at the National Zoo

Ping.fm and AddNow Module

2010-04-17T19:12:00.002-04:00

As a result of not having the ability to post to the Facebook Fan Page, Twitter and Flickr at the same time, I have started to use Ping.fm and the mobile updates they provide to be able to email pictures from my phone using the Flickr@diywcid.com address and have them forwarded to the Ping email and sent to all social networks at once.

Also, the site features an AddNow module that will allow any user on any of my pages to share immediately with any of their social networks or email it to friends.

High Five for Hybrids

2010-04-16T19:15:00.003-04:00

DIY: What Can I Do is now featuring the short video "High Five for Hybrids". You know about punch bugs, now every time you see a hybrid give a high five!

Hootsuite Integration

2010-04-01T19:09:00.000-04:00

I am now using Hootsuite, a site that allows for me to post to my Facebook Fan page and Twitter feed simultaneously. Hootsuite also allows for a multiple column interface where I can search for keywords on subjects that are related to DIY environmental news.

As a result, I am stepping up the content of the Twitter feed to include links and stories that may be of interest to the users. I have a ratio of about 4 links to 1 promotional Tweet now.

New Redesign and Content Changes

2010-03-05T12:06:00.004-05:00

A month after the opening, we have 134 fans on Facebook, 21 Twitter followers and can expect new content on a regular basis.

After meeting with Kyle Brannon, I decided on changes to the aim, design and content of the site:

1. I removed the user registration, and am planning to focus the site into a "crowd sourcing" site instead of a social networking site. My registered users were not using the site a second time after creating the accounts and not using the user relationships feature. I also started a poll where the Facebook fans decided that user registration actually pushed them away from using the site. I plan on adding links to existing networking sites to supplement the change.

2. I separated the site into sections and created columns. I noticed that the gray of the Twitter feed meshed well with the green so I decided on light gray as a secondary color. I also felt with the new block design the big tree in the center did not fit, so I created a minimalist lower graphic ala what I've seen on Vimeo and Twitter.

3. I started posting related articles and content on my Twitter feed after noticing that every time I did Twitter mentions there was a spike in website views. I am also going to start a weekly video blog updating the content of the site and talking about recent changes, along with encouraging "word on the street" videos at environmental events.

The eventual goal is to have enough interaction where I can encourage a select group of users to post videos from around the world and make a documentary film based on a particular theme.

Follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/diywcid
Become a Fan on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/diywcid

Update and FAQ

2010-02-17T19:18:00.003-05:00

As of now, we have 27 Registered Users, 15 Twitter Followers, and 97 Facebook Fans.

To answer some questions:

1. It's OK to post a cell phone picture from a paper towel dispenser that says "this came from a tree". Every-day stuff is great. Home video of your friend composting works too. Send photos to flickr@diywcid.com.

2. The room on 12seconds.tv is only for 12 second clips, email them to 12seconds@diywcid.com. Send longer clips to youtube@diywcid.com.

3. When you send your photo or video, make sure to include your name and description in the subject line of the email to get credit for the post.

Follow us on Twitter
Become a Fan on Facebook

Official Release

2010-02-10T16:07:00.005-05:00

Announcing the Official Release of "DIY: What Can I Do?"

Here users post videos and photos to share the good news of
environmental activism on YouTube, 12seconds, Flickr, Twitter and
Facebook, and it's as simple as sending an email.

Follow Links:
Twitter
Facebook Fan Page
YouTube
12seconds
Flickr

New features include an improved Facebook Connect module and Buddy Lists.

User Relationships Module

2010-02-03T18:42:00.002-05:00

Added a new User Relationships module to replace Friendlist as a more simple way to access buddy lists and make friends with other users.

The list of registered users can now be accessed on the home page under the main navigation links, buddies can be added by looking at the user's profile and adding them as a buddy.

Drupal Fixes

2010-01-29T12:18:00.002-05:00

Drupal is great and all, but there is a problem that has been causing me lack of sleep and now that it's fixed I need to remember it.

Removing default titles from the pages:
1. Install the "Automatic Nodetitles" module.
2. Go to Administer>Content Management>Content Types>Edit "Page"
3. Under Automatic Title Generation click on "Automatically generate the title and hide the title feed"
4. Enter in the Pattern for the title box.
5. Save, go through all your pages that you want the title to be removed, click on edit and save again for the change to take place.

More Updates

2010-01-27T22:43:00.002-05:00

The updates continue:

1. New, more stylized links to login, video, photo and idea websites.

2. Redesign of elements to remove redundancies.

Website Revision

2010-01-14T21:08:00.000-05:00

An updated version of the site can be viewed at www.diywcid.com.

Some of the major changes include:

1. A simpler (and smaller) main page design, with three buttons to share videos, photos or ideas.

2. Now to share a video or photo all you have to do is see the posted challenges and email the video to one of three addresses to post to the site.
12seconds: 12seconds@diywcid.com
YouTube: youtube@diywcid.com
Fickr: flickr@diywcid.com
Add these to your address book or mobile phone to send whatever good (or bad) you see happening around you! All of the posts will be featured on the DIY live feed.

3. A fully functioning "Share with Facebook" option where you can link your Facebook account and use a sharing module to tell your friends about the site.

4. The DIY live feed is now featured on the main page so you can see who has been posting.

5. The pages should display well on many browsers and resolutions. It was pretty jumbled before and it looks better now...

6. Contests will be held in the future with non-profit organizations to be featured on their site as a promotional video, so keep posted! I will send out a mass email to registered users as I get more details.

Flickr/Twitter/DIY:WCID Integration

2010-01-09T01:31:00.003-05:00

Users can now share photos to the DIY:WCID by emailing to the following address: school12good2blog@photos.flickr.com

This was accomplished by changing the "Extending Flickr" settings under "My Account", adding Twitter as a blog, then setting up an email address to upload "Directly to Blog".

Send photos from a mobile phone or from home of environmental issues as you see them happening!

User Content Contests

2010-01-09T00:32:00.002-05:00

At the Ann Ferren Teaching Conference today, it was suggested during one of the sessions by Allison Holcomb to create contests where the winning video is featured on a non-profit's website as the prize. So over the semester I plan to foster relationships with non-profits and do one or more of the following:

1. Host PSA contests where the winners will be judged by the non-profit and featured on their website to encourage users to create content.

2. Host content contests between two or more student groups on campuses (Greenpeace, PETA, etc.) to promote their own groups and challenge them to friendly competitions to see who can publish the more engaging content.

3. Continue the contests on 12seconds as is.

I am also planning a major overhaul to simplify the site with three buttons on the main page (Post a Video, Post a Photo, Suggest an Idea) with a live feed of updates below, due to suggestions by the Facebook Focus Group.

Results of Focus Group

2010-01-01T22:46:00.000-05:00

The Facebook focus group has been completed, and with the help of 32 users several outcomes were achieved:

1. The site has too many options and is too confusing to read, it has no hierarchy.

2. Users don't know what to do once they reach the site.

3. There should be a slogan, or an obvious about page that says what the page is about.

4. Users are not posting, there has to be an added incentive.

Thank you everyone for posting and for your valuable comments! Keep watching for updates.

Additional Sharing Options

2009-12-16T14:41:00.004-05:00

Now you can share DIY: What Can I Do? even more! There are several options:

1. On the right sidebar, there is a link to sign in using your Facebook account instead of the Drupal sign in.
2. There is a "Share with Facebook" link on the right sidebar that will allow you to check off which friends to share the site with. Remember, on the lower right section there is a link on the toolbar where you can share the site with a number of different social networking sites also.
3. A "Share by Email" link is now in the right sidebar.

Gigya Integration

2009-12-15T17:57:00.003-05:00

I have included a module by Gigya that adds a toolbar to the bottom of the site where you can update your status on DIY:WCID with your Twitter, Facebook, or MySpace account.

You can also share the site with many social networking platforms, email it, and view the DIYWICD live feed on Twitter and get access to the Facebook fan page.

New Points System

2009-12-15T16:59:00.001-05:00

I have added the Drupal Module "Userpoints" and can now award points for comments, page views, profile views, YouTube videos and 12second videos. Points have been awarded retroactively for those who have already registered.

Tear Sheet - Web Design

2009-12-11T14:26:00.003-05:00

Interesting concept on a site, where clicking opens up a new segment of the "tree".
www.yuco.com

New Module considerations

2009-12-11T14:22:00.002-05:00

Considering two Drupal modules to make the site more engaging:

Bookmaker: Allows users to place bets on outcomes of events.
Tribune: User chat module on the main page for registered users.

Embedded Web Pages with the iframe tag

2009-12-11T12:24:00.002-05:00

The YouTube and 12seconds pages are now embedded within the DIY:WCID page so when you click you do not have to leave the page.

YouTube Page
12seconds Page

12seconds Room Live and first focus group test

2009-12-09T21:02:00.003-05:00

The YouTube and 12second rooms are now both active with a challenge posted on each site.

I created a Twitter account name "diywcid" and embedded a Twitter feed on my site, all videos with the #diywcid tags feed into the DIY:WCID site after I enabled sharing from the two video sites. Now we can see exactly when new video content arrives on both channels.

The focus group created as an event that lasts until December 31st now has its first instructions. My first request of the group included two different tasks:

1. Go to www.diywcid.com, explore the site and create a member profile. This will allow all of us to be linked together and lead to more member privileges in the future.

2. Follow the links for the YouTube Challenge or the 12seconds Challenge (or both) and follow the instructions on each page to respond to a challenge. Remember to tag your videos with #diywcid so that each video posted will be included in the live feed on the main page.

Every page on diywcid.com has a comment space, so if there are any ideas on where improvements can be made or any questions, they can be posted under the appropriate page.

It's Alive!

2009-12-09T02:21:00.003-05:00

The DIY: What Can I Do YouTube Channel is live!
Presently there is an introduction video that explains how to post video responses to challenges, two posted challenges and one sample response. I am now encouraging every video to be tagged with #diywcid so the tags can eventually link to a Twitter feed and a live feed on the DIY: WCID site.

Tear Sheet - Web Design

2009-11-20T15:54:00.004-05:00

A few examples of website styles, built in Flash. Here are the links:
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Ideally what I am looking for is a mixture of the three for the main page. A tree graphic that rotates and the different "leaves" are hyperlinks to the different sections of the website.

Focus Group

2009-11-19T22:16:00.003-05:00

I have created a focus group on Facebook in the form of an event that lasts for a month. I invited students and colleagues, and asked specifically how the website can be made more attractive for continuous use. This is what I posted:

My thesis is called "DIY: What Can I Do?". Basically instead of creating one film about the environment, I want to teach and encourage hundreds of other filmmakers to post videos, photography, poetry, all with an environmental theme.

But I need a group of motivated, fun and brilliant students to help. (that's you guys)

I would like to invite all of you to participate in a focus group where all of you post ideas, comments and suggestions on how to make this website something you would be interested in contributing to on a consistent basis. I will be sending the invitation shortly.

To tell you more about the website, again it is called "DIY: What Can I Do?"

It is a main website linked to a number of other websites (facebook, youtube, 12 seconds, etc.) that host video content. On "DIY: WCID" I will post how-to videos on how to create and edit environmental films and count on the users to make their own videos about the environment.

These can be your own films, or I can create video challenges like "what else can we use a plastic bottle for" where you would create a video response.

Again, what I am looking for is how to make this site exciting, and something that you would visit on a continuous basis to create fun videos that will help the environment.

Addendum to Purpose Statement

2009-11-13T14:52:00.003-05:00

The website "DIY: What Can I Do" does not involve a single thesis film, but serves as a vehicle for numerous short films to be created as content for the website.

I encourage any environmental filmmaker to respond to challenges, create how-to videos, and share any content with environmental significance.

I also invite any poet, musician, blogger or photographer to participate.

The most important part is to show everyone how easy it is to create a simple video, share it and make a difference.