11 Ways to Save Trees

People use way too much paper. Most of it comes in the form of junk in the mailbox. Although it’s great to have important information on paper, some things are probably just taking up unnecessary space. Right? Computers are all around us, yet we still use a lot of paper.

I use paper for notes when I could easily just use my computer, since these notes are just going to be tossed anyway. Microsoft OneNote would be a great way to store notes.

Here is a list of 11 ways to save trees:

1. Opt-out from unwanted catalogs, magazines and other junk mail, e.g. credit card offers.
2. Opt-out of paper bills and start paying bills online.
3. If you must print, use both sides of paper. And, print the printer friendly version.
4. Borrow books from the library or friends that will only be read once. Not only will this help trees, but it will save you money. Or try using e-book readers.
5. Reuse notepaper until it is used completely on both sides.
6. Recycle your newspapers.
7. Get involved.
8. Use GreenPrint.
9. Use Webster’s USB New World Dictionary. [Product page] Or, there’s also Merriam-Webster USB Dictionary/Thesaurus.
10. Subscribe to Website Magazine for free and a tree will be planted on your behalf.
11. Or we could just grow Hemp?

Today is Blog Action Day. Are you doing your part to save a tree?

StumbleUpon’s StumbleVideo

I recently started checking out StumbleUpon because of Easton Ellsworth. I really like it. It even helps me come up with ideas for what to write about. I actually stumbled upon StumbleVideo today. What a way to waste more time, right? I am now hooked.

Forget stumbling upon sites, I’d rather stumble upon videos! The first video I watched was actually really cool. Someone was using dice and a cup to stack the dice on top of each other. There are some really talented people out there.

One nice feature of StumbleVideo is when your cursor is idle, everything around the video will darken so you are seeing just the video. Move your cursor and it lights up. Also, I’m not sure if this is a bug or if they even realize it, but it says I’ve stumbled upon 57 videos. I’ve watched only one video. I think it is counting the sites I’ve seen as well. Does anyone know? I’m very new to StumbleUpon!

Anyone waste lots of hours with StumbleUpon or StumbleVideo? I am limiting myself to just a few stumbles a day.

Free Revolution Theme Contest

Ian Fernando at IanFernando.com is hosting a contest. There are two prizes available for anyone to win. Even though I am very happy with the Revolution Theme by Brian Gardner, his Revolution News Theme is really nice. Maybe a little nicer.

Ian Fernando used the Revolution News Theme to give his site a new look. He (and Brian) did an excellent job. I really like the breadcrumbs at the top. I think the home page looks a little too busy for me though. I think if the What’s Popular section was a little more separated from what is underneath (a bordered box or something), it might look a little better. I like how the Categories, Archives and Contest appear right on the same page above the content, without reloading the page. Great job Ian! Overall, I love the new look.

If you would like to enter in this contest and win one of these great WordPress themes, read about the contest on IanFernando.com.

Blogging Tips From Easton Ellsworth

I recently won a prize at David Airey’s prize giveaway. Although winning an actual physical item can be fun, this prize is more valuable because my blog will benefit from it. When my blog benefits, I benefit. And, hopefully all of you will benefit as well.

I received some very useful tips from Easton Ellsworth, and so far I have tried a few of them out. One suggestion was moving content in the sidebar up by removing the large e-mail subscription box. I placed the e-mail subscription form between the menu and RSS feed link above. Thank you for the suggestion, Easton. I actually like how it looks after seeing the change for a day! Maybe I will start to see more e-mail subscribers because it is higher on the page?

Another suggestion was regarding the large search box at the top right corner. I could utilize that space for advertisements, but I’m not sure where to put the search box. Maybe at the top of the sidebar? Below the image ad? I have previously considered replacing it with ad space, but I want to allow visitors to find the search box. Anyone have suggestions?

Because I don’t make a lot from Google Adsense, I would like to eventually replace it. Not necessarily the Google Ads below the menu in the header. I am trying out WidgetBucks, which replaced a 300×250 Google Image Ad. If it doesn’t work out, I can always try something else. Down the road, I eventually want to deal with advertisers directly, rather than going through a middleman who will take a percentage.

After talking with Easton on the phone, I am satisfied with how it went. I will be trying several of his tips which you, the readers, may start noticing in the coming weeks. Please let me know what you like, don’t like or any suggestions you may have. I know that I can’t keep everyone happy, but I do value your opinions!

100 Blog Search Results About Google Acquiring Jaiku

This was just about the only thing discussed around the Internet today and on Twitter, since early this morning. I’m actually tired of hearing about it, but thought I would check out a few blogs that have written about this acquisition. I did a Google Blog Search for “Google acquires Jaiku” and it listed 100 results! There is probably more than that depending on what keywords are searched for. So, it’s obvious that this is a hot topic, at least for today.

Jaiku is a social networking and micro-blogging service. It is similar to Twitter, but appears to have more features. I would love to be able to compare the two, but without having seen inside Jaiku, it’s just not possible. I’ve already registered to receive an invite, but I don’t know how long that will take. Anyone have one they are willing to share?

Read more official news about it at the Jaikido Blog and Google Blog. I’m curious what Google will do with it. Everyone may have their own thoughts regarding Google’s decision to acquire Jaiku instead of Twitter. Here are a few blogs talking about the acquisition:

1. Ross Mayfield
2. SMS Text News
3. Stefan Hayden
4. Musings on Life, Spirit & Technology

For now, until we hear more from Google, we will have to wait to find out what Google’s plans are for Jaiku.