I’m sorry the blog has been down (due to hackers). We’re cleaning up the mess now and should have everything back in order soon!

Popularity: 64% [?]

If you haven’t quite gotten started using social media or you’re early on in your efforts, there’s a tremendous amount of good information to be found for free on the Web. And thanks to Chris Brogan, it’s now even easier to find. Take a look at his list of free ebooks.

Popularity: 61% [?]

My presentations all have a section on persuasion so I was delighted to see this post from Guy Kawasaki on Open Forum. The book Guy reviews in the post — Yes! 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive — looks great, and I’m running out to get it now.

Popularity: 53% [?]

Finally, a Web conferencing system designed for independent consultants and small companies. CoolConferenceLive is a free visual conferencing service (yipee!) on par with WebEx. But, it’s the little extras that I really like.

First there’s no software to download. It’s 100% Web-based. And you don’t have to schedule the conference in advance, sign up a specific number of users or a set a time limit.

Each participant can set up a personal profile, so everyone on the conference knows a little about who they’re talking to. You can send public or private messages to other attendees during the conference. The moderator can quickly poll the group and show the results. Anyone on the conference can upload and share files. And best of all, every participant can take notes and email their notes to anyone right from the site.

It’s ideal for Web-based business meetings.

If you use the free version, there are a few ads displayed at the top, but they’re fairly subtle.

I do have one request however. The voice conferencing requires attendees call into a toll number. I would much prefer voice come through the computer (VOIP). It’s free and efficient.

Popularity: 54% [?]

I’m looking for a San Francisco-based A/V professional or company who can video record my presentation at an event in September. Reliable, good quality work. Has anyone worked with someone they really like?

Popularity: 45% [?]