The Virtual Handshake

Latest issue

I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.

- Douglas Adams

If you don't get the above reference, then welcome to The Virtual Handshake News! If you do get it, then welcome back! Since last you heard from us, we (David and Scott) have finally met in person, after working together on our book for over a year-and-a-half, during which time we have exchanged hundreds of phone calls and close to 10,000 emails. It made a great final chapter for the book, which our publisher now tells us will be out in May 2005. We'll keep you posted.

In this issue: finding kidney donors online, how corporations can use social network software, new profiles of craigslist and IERG, and a free web seminar this Thursday.

Can the blogosphere find a kidney donor? ? Read the amazing story of how Debbie Diamond is trying to find a kidney donor for her brother online. It all started with craigslist. We chipped in to help spread it to the blogosphere, and now it's been picked up by other media, and we've even had a donor step forward in our blog entry comments. The ability of the web to connect people in extremely powerful ways never ceases to amaze.

craigslist profile added to Online Social Networks Guide ? With its simple, all-text user interface, craigslist demonstrates that a social website is really all about people and process, not tools and technology. Its focus is an extensive classifieds section, organized by location. It also offers event listings and discussion forums on some 50 different topics, including arts, the job market, politics, and more. While we're on the topic of craigslist, you can read David's notes from The Lunch Club's Q&A with Craig Newmark.

Thursday, December 2, 9am Pacific / 12pm Eastern
"Crossing the Social Networking Chasm"
Free Web Seminar with Scott Allen ? Scott will be talking about what's working for the people who are successfully generating business in online social networks, the importance of being an early adopter of social networking technology, and 10 action steps to start leveraging online social networks today. The event is sponsored by Microsoft Office Live Meeting and registration is required.

CFO Magazine on how corporations can use social network software ? The Winter 2004 special issue of CFO on Information Technology includes an article entitle "Six Degrees of Cooperation", which looks at corporate use of social networking tools to accelerate sales.

Internet Executives Resource Group (IERG) added to Online Social Networks Guide ? The IERG is a nonprofit organization of ?C-level? senior business executives, primarily focused on helping its members to seek new jobs. The group has about 300 members and some steep requirements for membership. If you qualify, though, it's a great resource.

International Journal of Web-Based Communities launches ? There is a new peer-reviewed scientific journal covering web communities. The topics are pretty diverse, including both technological and social aspects of online communities. Thankfully, it's all fully available online.

The Virtual Handshake course scheduled for January 5, 2005 ? Scott's 6-week hands-on blended-learning class about building quality business relationships online begins January 5. Sign up now to receive $50 off the regular registration price.

Happy Holidays!