Rebirth of CoComment

Noticed yesterday that Scoble was talking about CoComment, which is apparently relaunching its service this week (2 August, according to their blog).

I used to use CoComment all the time many moons ago but I think I stopped because it started crashing my browser. What is CoComment, you ask? Basically it’s a service that lets you track all the comments you make around the ‘sphere. Simple. (Their Tools page lists the things they help you do, if you want more detail.)

I’ll check back again mid-week and take a look at the new version when it’s finally released. If it’s more stable than the old version I’ll definitely be using it!

While we’re on the subject of new versions (and perpetual beta), take a look at Phil Bradley’s list of (his answers to) the questions he’s most often asked about Web 2.0:

I don’t have time to learn all these things! [this one’s my favourite 😉 ]
I love Phil’s answer: “Yes, actually you do have time. You have the time for several reasons – a lot of these things don’t take long to learn – they’re designed for people who don’t know what they’re doing. They’re designed so that you can look at it, poke around for a bit and then get on with it. Once you start to use one, you’ll be saving time. Put that to good use. Secondly, you have time if you stop doing something else. Nothing stays the same, or at least it shouldn’t. …” [I think part of the problem is that lots of people expect that any new computer application they’re going to use is going to be so complicated and so difficult to use that they’re going to need to attend a training session and/or use a manual to get to grips with it. This isn’t the case with 99% of the Web 2.0ish tools these days. And may I add that if you start playing with these tools you may train yourself to learn how to use tech… ]

I don’t know which ones to use!
“Neither does anyone else – it’s all exploring. …”

I’m not allowed to do this stuff
“This is the one that I really hate hearing, for a whole bunch of reasons. It says a lot about an organization that they don’t want their staff to explore, to grow and to do things better. Be subversive and *just do it*. …Another point is that much Web 2.0 stuff doesn’t require you to have technical backgrounds or knowledge. You CAN do it, I promise. You might have to start by doing it in your own time, but you can do it. Organizations, and some people as well, need to stop worrying about how something is done, and be more concerned about it being done. …”

How can I use this resource if it’s only in Beta?
“Everything is in beta mode. In fact, your entire life is in Alfa mode, so get used to it. Not being finished doesn’t make it wrong, it makes it alive. Being finished means something has ended, is dead and developed to its fullest, which probably means it’s not worth using because it’s time has passed. Beta is forever, so just get on and do it. …” [I couldn’t agree more!]

Go take a look at the whole list. I’ve been thinking of Phil and his family for other reasons too…