Archive for the ‘Suggestions Please’ Category
“The Japan-related Web” Revisited
On February 28, 2008 in #The Japan-related Web Debate, Suggestions Please
“It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people’s minds.” — Samuel Adams
I’ve always loved a good quote. Maybe it is time we set brush fires in some minds! 
If you have been a DailyJ reader for a litttle while now you probably know that last month I guest-blogged a series of posts about “the Japan-related web” on RisingSunOfNihon.com. If you missed that discussion you could read/skim through the series or just stay tuned for the discussions to come.
The series wasn’t perfect but hopefully it laid the foundation for a larger discussion about our community, the community of Japan-related sites, forums and blogs.
My hope is that the idea of a community (and by necessity communication) will be “stolen” and talked about by others on their websites. (”stolen” because I don’t need any credit. It is our idea not mine anyway.)
To review the series, I want to go back through your comments and the best parts of the posts and bring them forward again for real discussion.
So the goal is for us to have a more in depth discussion about them, but first I want to hear from you guys about how we should do this. What can we do to make the conversation livelier than it was the last time?
(It seems like it started off lively and then technical problems killed it)
Also, what kind of topics do you want to discuss (that were not covered) or re-discuss?
One thing I definitely want to do with this review is have Japan-site makeovers. So, if you have a Japan related website and want the community to give you feedback and assistance with improving your site, we have an opportunity for you to do that with Japan site make over. I’ll be giving more details about this later, but if you want in early on the list you can contact me at eaglelandgrace [atto] gmail [dotto] com. 
Have a great day
DailyJ
Japanopedia better explained (hopefully)
On February 20, 2008 in #The Japan-related Web Debate, Japanopedia, Suggestions Please
 |
Some background in case you are new:Japanopedia is a project on wikia.com (from the creators of wikipedia). Here are some previous posts about it, more explanation to come. |
I think I have confused some people with the Japanopedia project. Thankfully Shane has pointed that out:
I applaud you for starting this project and maybe I missed something - what is the goal? Who is it geared toward? Is it meant to be a ‘click-through’ resource pointing to more detailed information or the source of the information itself?
I am having a hard time figuring out how little ‘ol me can support the project?
First, Shane is complete right about me not explaining the project very well. Thanks Shane! I forget that you cannot read my mind to find out.
Here is what I’d like Japanopedia to be, in a nutshell:
A tool for people to use to collaborate on projects to enhance Japan-related information online.
Ok. That is a pretty short, general explanation and I am bound to be pounced on in the comments for it. If you like short explanations you can skip down to the bullet points below and get a good overview of what Japanopedia is/isn’t. For those who like detail, to redeem myself, I am going to answer each of Shane’s questions now:
#1 What is the goal?
The goal is to give the Japan-related web community a central place where they can collaborate on whatever projects they’d like.
For example: Let’s say you want to start a page to compile a list of all the best beginner Japanese lessons from Youtube. You could start the page and then tell other interested people about it. With several hands doing the compiling it should make for a bigger list.
#2 Who is it geared toward?
The site is a little more geared towards webmasters and bloggers (especially at this point) than to general readers. It is not really meant to be [only] an encyclopedia, so maybe the name should be changed. At some point it would be nice if it had articles on everything under the sun but that’s not the only goal.
#3 Is it meant to be a ‘click-through’ resource pointing to more detailed information or the source of the information itself?
I’m glad you asked this question, and I was planning on mentioning it. Mainly it will be click-thru. That’s because Japanopedia is supposed to be a support to all of the projects and sites out there and not a copy or competition.
That said, it has the potential to offer some of the most complete guides available on a topic. Wikipedia only includes encyclopedia-worthy information. So although we would not copy the wikipedia article (just link to it) , we could add information that wikipedia does not (extra related links and video, for example) .
#4 I am having a hard time figuring out how little ‘ol me can support the project?
There are two things that I recommend we all do: stay curious, and let your imagination run wild.
Stay curious because more and more will be going on with Japanopedia as it progresses. New projects are going to come up and you might find some that interest you.
But don’t just wait hoping for interesting projects to come up, suggest them. Let your imagination run wild! I know Shane likes kotowaza and mentioned maybe having a page to compile them on Japanopedia. I can start a project for that (and I am working on a page to make it easier for people to start projects on their own). If you want to start something and you want my help just ask!
Some extra tips on Japanopedia
- don’t think of it as a launched site (a finished project). More as a work in progress
- don’t consider it an information destination in itself, just a guide
- consider it a behind the scenes project that fuels collaboration
- consider it a project to highlight and help other Japan-related projects
Let’s hear from you (a.k.a I’m talking too much)
The comment section below is just screaming for you to write your thoughts!
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions about the project please ask them and I will post them along with an answer in subsequent “Q and A” posts (if you don’t want me to post them write “don’t post”).
Do you have a project you would like me to help you start?
Fire up the imagination factory, come up with an idea, and then let me know about it in the comments. I will post it and everyone can contribute feedback to get the project started.
That’s all the typing I can take for now.
As always let me know what you think
And have a great day!
DailyJ
23 - 25 of “The Japan-related Web” series. An apology. And please give your feedback
On January 30, 2008 in #The Japan-related Web Debate, Suggestions Please
| If you are just joining us, this month Bill from Rising Sun Of Nihon has invited me to use his blog as a platform where we can all come together and discuss the Japan-related web! Here are snippets from the most recent posts. |
Hi. All. posts 23, 24, and 25 are up on RisingSun.
23 talks about what every webmaster wants and five ways to get it
24 talks about an easy way to draw attention to your site.
25 talks about why you have to take the initiative by giving first, and then you get.
I know from feedback from many of you that the series has been hard to follow. Although some things were beyond my control, I definitely will admit that I could have done a better job with this series and I apologise that it was not at the level that we were all hoping for.
But I think it is undeniable that this topic is one that we are all very interested in. I feel that way because of all the feedback and interest that this series has had despite my poor execution of it. Hopefully, we will not end the discussion here but continue with it on different blogs and with different voices guiding the way (of course I am always willing to blog about it more too). So I suppose the question is:
Where do we go from here?
I have some thoughts on this question too, but I want to open the floor to your ideas. What do you think?
Where all the action is
On January 26, 2008 in Announcements, Suggestions Please
There are many posts, updates, and interviews in the works but I am going to skip them for today. That is partly because I need a little break, but also that is because all of the action is in the comment section of this post.
In case you are new, we are discussing:
- JapanSoc - a digg.com for Japan-related news
- Japanopedia - a wikipedia-like project
- The Japan-related web (what it is, what it could be, and why it matters) series.
These are all connected to the idea of a Japan-blogger community. Is it an idea that’s time has come?
Time for a chat
On January 24, 2008 in #The Japan-related Web Debate, Suggestions Please
How is everyone?
There is a lot going on (with the Japan-related web series, interviews, and projects).
JapanSoc is steaming along and it looks like J-bloggers are having fun with it. There is a lot going on.
I just want to take a minute to sit back and ask you guys what you think about all of the activity and see how you are doing.
Let me know what you like/dislike about the Japan-related web series (don’t worry you won’t hurt my feelings ) .
Hopefully the ideas and discussion will continue even after the last post.
So, anyway, chat with me. What’s on your mind?
Japanopedia explained - post #1: background on the project
On January 20, 2008 in Announcements, Community building, Future of the J-web, Japanopedia, Suggestions Please
I have been wanting for some time to talk about this project here with you on DailyJ.
This is a project that is very dear to my heart. I consider it a gift to the Japan-related web.
It is a wikipedia-like site that is not owned by any one person or site, but owned by everyone.
When the idea of a wikipedia-like site was first suggested to me I went out and started a wiki on wikia.com called The Nipponster Japan Project and I wrote this post about it: Stone soup and the Nipponster Japan Project.
I think that post is still a great analogy for the project, but since I cannot and do not want to take credit for this project I asked the wikia staff to change the name to Japanopedia.
For ease of use, you can access it at Japanopedia.org, which redirects to the wikia.com URL jproject.wikia.com.
So,
Now it is your wiki. You can use this site for any Japan-related project. You want to work together with others to compile a list of XYZ? Go right ahead.
I will be involved in Japanopedia (and if you want my help with any project I am happy to help). But I don’t control Japanopedia, the community does.
I’ll post more explaining this project, how it works, how it is community owned, what types of projects would work well on it, etc.
As always I would love to hear your feedback, so let me know what you think!
Projects
On January 17, 2008 in Announcements, Suggestions Please
Just a quick post for now to whet your appetite. That’s right, it’s time for some teasers
- The next post in the Japan-related web series will kick start our discussion of what the Japan-related web could be. I’m looking forward to it (and even more to hearing your comments) and I hope you are too!
- If you have not yet subscribe to the series so you don’t miss a post
- Nipponster is set to release a new toolbar feature to contribute to the JapanSoc.com social bookmarking project. The new feature will let you submit news to JapanSoc right from your browser. Hopefully I will be posting details about the project tomorrow and you will be able to take it for a spin.
- DailyJ has several excellent interviews lined up. Due to the connection problems I had earlier this week the schedule has been push back a bit. Sorry about that. But look forward to them soon.
- And last but definitely not least: There is a project to create a wikipedia-like site about all of the Japan-related information online. The site would also serve as a base for organising projects. Hosted by Wikia (from the creators of wikipedia) everyone could contribute to and use the site, but no J-site would own it.
Busy, busy.
Let me know what you think!
Japan-bloggers United Mailing List?
On January 01, 2008 in Community building, Future of the J-web, On the J-web, Suggestions Please
世論
Ken YN over at WhatJapanThinks has been holding a little Japan Blog of the Year Contest and he brought up some really interesting ideas in the comments section of the post.
Ken YN: I’m not very good at this community thing, but I feel that there should be some sort of J-bloggers United mailing list/SNS where we can get to know everyone a bit better, but without getting too incestuous; the blogging about blogging world is really bad for that!I see Japan Probe has a new AdRoll icon; the Japan BlogAds doesn’t sell anything as a unit; could “we” work out a deal with Piqniq, TokyoApartments, etc so they could advertise direct rather than through the AdSense, TLA middlemen? I don’t, but someone like Robert at jp.blognation may have answers.
Having a Japan-bloggers United emailing list or a J-blogger social networking site (SNS) sounds like a great idea to me. What do you guys think? How should we do it?
Not dead. And thank you Chris for appeasing the powers that be :)
On December 14, 2007 in Announcements, Community building, Suggestions Please
Not dead, I forgot to set my posts to schedule (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it). I think I worried poor Chris:
- Chris B Said,No posts for 3 days?You leave me no choice,
***The following was announced on Thursday December 13th at apprx 9:39 (Tokyo Standard)***
The “Society of Japan Bloggers” ( formerly known as “GOD”) regrets to announce the temporary suspension of “Nipponster, Daily J, and any other registered or unregistered associates”.
O.K. Stop crying!!
It is just a warning this time but next time my substantial influence may not stop……… “them”.
Post dammit!!
For the love of sweet Jesus post….POST!!!!
Love you man! As far as it is in my power, I won’t leave you without your Vitamin J again.
Now about that name,… “Society of Japan Bloggers,” I like it!
What do you think about these for rules:
#1 The first rule of SJB is, you don’t talk about SJB
#2 The Second rule of SJB is, you don’t talk about SJB
#3 If you see a way that you can help your fellow Japan blogger, do it!
Numbers 4 to however many… Suggestions anyone?
It could be a good, leaderless, way to get everyone to help one another.
Great ideas from Daily J readers
On December 13, 2007 in Community building, Future of the J-web, JapanBlogMatsuri, Suggestions Please
Daily J readers are some smart cookies!
(Makes you wonder why they are reading this blog )
Here are some of their great comments and suggestions:
#1 (link to original comment) Chris from Waikiki2Yanai:
There is a “japan blogroll” thing I was on before but it was littered with old abandoned blogs.
A newer version of that which ranked on post freq or something like that would be maybe good? There is a extreme lack of cohesion obviously, since I have to hunt for others in Japan.
A hi Quality icon based link would blend better than text links.
Thats what I want. Can you get on that and have it ready by tomorrow?
Great!!
While I don’t know about having it by tomorrow (and I would already be late anyway), I definitely would like to make something like this! What do you think guys? Can we build it?! I say, “Let the brainstorming begin!”
#2 (link to the comment) Shane from Atypicallife
Rather than just do interviews why not due features on Japan. You could do informative pieces on arts&crafts, tech stuff, etc with a Japanese twist. You could use guest bloggers for these posts or challenge everyone to do a piece on a subject and highlight the good ones in a post here….I would be happy to consider co-ordinating this if you want to contact me.
Yes and yes. This is a great idea and is similar to the old Japan Blog Matsuri. I bet RockinInHakata would be interested too.
#3 (link to the comment) Harvey from JapanNewbie
I want to see an organized Japan Blogger get together! In Kansai.
You can have one in Tokyo too if you like, but all the cool people are in Kansai.
How about it Osaka bloggers?
These are just a few of the great ideas readers have had. Hopefully I will get the chance to post some more of them soon. And I always appreciate them so keep them coming.
Let’s make the J-web a brilliant place by helping one another!
