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About a year ago on a late night flight from Houston to CMH I picked up a book about the human brain and dove so deep into it I literally read as I walked off the plane, down the terminal and as I stood in line waiting for my luggage. Thanks to Sterling Commerce and Paul Haggard, today I had the opportunity to listen to the author (Daniel Pink) who reinforced principles that I first learned in elementary school (yes, the best class I ever had – Alert- was in second grade until 7th, ok I wasn’t in elementary the whole time, but I digress) but really hadn’t heard anyone voice value in since. Dan (author of A Whole New Mind, Free Agent Nation, and most recently DRiVE) was the keynote at the TechColumbus Innovation Summit – an event centered around innovation in technology and the reason I played hookie from billable work for two hours yesterday afternoon.

Dan’s perspective is interesting because while most business people you encounter are focused on efficiency, management and processes, he says that while the left side of our brain is important (the logic based side) it isn’t sufficient. The right side of our brain – the side that is artistic, houses our big picture thinking, helps us define context and synthesize the world around us- is often overlooked and undervalued.

For some agencies the web is almost entirely logical, running through processes as efficiently as possible to create web presence that doesn’t really solve a business problem, push to create something big or create impact. It’s the reason our industry can sometimes be commoditized.

Great web (all aspects of it from strategy to design to development) comes from our right brain. Great web solutions are a symphony a web design, strategy, devices, process and resources. It solves problems and pushes to create digital experiences our clients didn’t know they needed AND are great business tools. Great web isn’t a digital assembly line putting website widgets together and it can’t be just an automated machine that just pumps out product.

At dynamIt we may use processes and logic to create great digital experiences (and that part is crucial), but its the right side of our brains that makes our work great – our focus on design (both aesthetic and user experience), the ability to conceptualize beyond the way we’ve done it before, our sense of humor/play, and our individual and collective drive to impact not just the project but the successes of our clients.

I was on 610 WTVN this morning talking to Bob Conners about a few things tech related.

1. Facebook Privacy: All the rage – and not just in the geek echo-chamber. Now that ‘laymen’ are on the network (approaching 500 million users) it’s a topic for the masses. Even congress is wisely spending tax dollars delving into the issue.

In the end, Facebook is a tool, and a free one at that. While they can make (and are) some changes to simplify the interface of their privacy settings, the bottom line is – don’t put important data out there and stop assuming ‘everyone’ only applies to you and your network. Here, this might help:

eve·ry·one

It’s our responsibility, as users, to share wisely and use the tools at our disposal. They have always been there to calibrate for comfortable sharing.

2. On the topic of Privacy, Bob and I talked about Google allegedly not turning over data/information they inadvertently gathered as part of their mapping activities. Whether the data was gathered or not and whether it is being stored in the appropriate locations (we had to deal with data storage regulations in a project for the BBC) is not the point. The ironic part of this is – German information and communication law looks like it prohibits Google from disclosing what information was gathered or turning it over. Don’t you love Catch 22s?

Now, Google should figure this out, obviously, but to me there are 2 take aways. 1) Law makers and media are quick to create headlines and get on soap boxes. It’s easy to get an ADD public riled up. However, as the information economy moves to the forefront, legal code needs to be reviewed, modernized and considered through a global lens. Before we get mad, let’s be sure regulations and laws can be leaned on. 2) Having that cake and eating it to – we jump online and expect answers at our fingertips. But, when that information is about us, our business, or our lives… well, things are different(?). Cmon.

3. Augmented Reality. Ooo Ahhh… futuristic huh? Not so much. Bob and I discussed the fact that augmented reality is more and more prevalent through powerful networked mobile devices and modern gaming systems. Augmented Reality has myriad applications. At it’s core it is the ability to apply data to a real environment – enriching experiences and adding ‘dimensions’ or ‘planes’. Also, video games and augmented reality – very real environments that allow for replication of real-world behavior – have proven to enhance abilities in (for instance) the medical and military sectors.

This doesn’t mean that you should walk around with big honking goggles on your head all day. It means that smart and appropriate application of information to products and places allows for a richer experience.

Columbus (Ohio) May 26^th, 2010- Charley’s Grilled Subs has a new website to serve its 400-plus restaurant locations worldwide and keep consumers mouths watering for its signature Philly Steaks, gourmet fries, and fresh lemonade.

Charley’s, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, chose local web design & engineering firm dynamIt Technologies for an extensive development and design overhaul. dynamIt worked to better craft the website to convey the brand image of Charley’s – quirky, fun humor combined with fresh, grilled goodness.

Putting Charley’s delicious menu offerings at the forefront of the site was a main goal, achieved by oversized images of cheese steaks, gourmet fries, and fresh squeezed lemonade showcased on the front page – a display sure to cause a taste bud frenzy. Charley’s strong franchise program, ranked #1 in its category in Entrepreneur Magazines 2009 list, is also highlighted in a new franchise section.

Included in the new release is full support for a mobile-friendly Charleys.com, allowing hungry customers to access the website on their mobile phones from anywhere. When hunger hits, the GPS enabled mobile version can locate the closest Charley’s location in just seconds.

The Charleys.com Mobile Site uses Built-In GPS of Smartphones, such as the iPhone, to find the Charley’s Grilled Subs location closest to hungry customers.

View Charley’s Site.

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About dynamIt: Based in the Arena District in Columbus, Ohio, dynamIt combines technical, creative, and business perspective to create strategic digital solutions with corporations, non-profits and international organizations. dynamIt’s core services include: digital brand strategy, information and application architecture, database design, graphic and user experience design, content management and application, database, intranet and website development. In addition, dynamIt crafts and executes integrated communication (PR and social web) initiatives and digital campaigns with experiential components.

For more information: Visit http://www.dynamit.us or call +1.614.538.0095

Yesterday, the Columbus American Marketing Association held their May Internet Business-to-Business SIG Meeting at the Sterling Commerce HQ in Dublin, OH. Carrie Reber (VP, Worldwide Marketing at Veeam Software) was the featured speaker and I was excited to hear her story.

Carrie's story focused on a product launch at Veeam. Her team was set to launch a free piece of virtualization software to the public mid-2008. After a few months of delay, the product launch was finally set for December 22, 2008. Being optimistic, the team decided to have some fun with the upcoming Christmas holiday and build a campaign positioning the product as a Christmas gift from Veeam to the world.

The team leveraged its presence on twitter and its relationships with various bloggers and traditional media outlets to build some excitement around the product launch. Needless to say, the campaign was successful in driving traffic to the website, encouraging users to download the software, growing Veeam’s pipeline and ultimately contributing to the incredible growth of the company.

Boiling the entire morning down to a single key takeaway, I’d say that luck is when preparation meets opportunity. The audience may have wanted to hear the key to generating “five thousand new leads using social media,” but the reason Carrie didn’t share a clearcut formula is simple – there isn’t one. It didn't happen for any one reason. Carrie and her team at Veeam were well-prepared, took advantage of an opportunity, and the rest, as they say, is history.

I know you’re eager to hear my thoughts on the latest web trends, but I’m going to hit you with some knowledge of another kind. As we approach the half-way point of 2010 (woah, already?!), it seems like a good time to share my top 5 albums of the year. If you don’t like music.. well, I’m not even sure what to say. As for the rest of you, I hope you like what you hear and decide to check out these artists – if you haven’t already.

(And please, leave a comment! I’d like to hear your thoughts on these albums – or share your own list.)

	Phantogram, Eyelid Movies [Barsuk Records] ‘Eyelid Movies’ is the debut full-length from self-proclaimed “street beat psych pop” duo out of Saratoga Springs, NY. According to Sarah Barthel, who provides keyboards and airy vocals, the group has amalgamated their influences: “Serge Gainsbourg, sampling, and Detroit hip-hop.” If this doesn’t intrigue you, check yourself for a pulse. Throughout most of this album, Phantogram piles on layers of electronic synths and beats, coupling these with Josh’s guitar – which is usually clean with plenty of reverb.  Aside from the depth of sound, there is quality song craftsmanship here, which helps to keep this album from fading into background music. Listen when you’re in need of a creative and/or energy boost. Favorite Tracks: “As Far As I Can See” “Mouthful of Diamonds” “Running From The Cops”
	The Black Keys, Brothers [Nonesuch Records] Possibly their most soulful album to date, ‘Brothers’ has lived in my car’s CD player for over two weeks, playing on repeat. This record lacks much of the (over)production found on ‘Attack & Release’ – although one track, “Tighten Up,” shares the same producer (Danger Mouse). The straightforward production has allowed us to hear their progression as a band more clearly; they feel more comfortable and loose than they have since the garage-fuzzed days of ‘Rubber Factory,’ but at the same time seem more focused and deliberate. For me, this just has the feeling of an album I will be spinning for quite a long time. Listen when you’re in to mood to go out on the weekend and tear it up. Favorite Tracks: “Sinister Kid” “Howlin’ For You”
	Beach House, Teen Dream [Sub Pop Records] And now we arrive at the third and final duo on this list, Beach House. ‘Teen Dream’ is an extremely appropriate title for this album, as it showcases what dream-pop can be when you apply a healthy dose of youthful authenticity to the band’s careful and genuine songwriting. The keyboards and guitars take turns driving melodies and weaving haunting-yet-beautiful, free-flowing textures over the course of the album’s ten tracks. Listen in dark alleys of Paris.. or when you wake up to a sunny morning. Favorite Tracks: “Zebra” “Walk In The Park” “Used To Be”
	Local Natives, Gorilla Manor [Frenchkiss Records] First of all, there is not a bad or even an average track on the entire album. That makes 12 very solid tracks on their debut album – not too shabby. There is an unwavering sense of enthusiasm and energy in this album that really glues the whole thing together. There are rich harmonies, at times adding color in the background and at others taking the lead. There are spirited, almost tribal drums, but they never overpower the flow of the song. Overall, it is their clever composition of these elements which create a cohesive and enjoyable 50 minutes. Listen when you’re driving around your old neighborhood at night. Favorite Tracks: “Cards and Quarters” “Warning Sign (Talking Heads cover)”
	Foals, Total Life Forever [Sub Pop Records] I’m new to Foals, ‘Total Life Forever’ being the first music of theirs I’ve heard. That said, I hear something familiar in this record. I don’t mean to say that this album is homogeneous, it certainly isn’t. You need only listen to the first track “Blue Blood” to discover the varying styles this band can create. From the its stark and echoing vocal beginnings, the track builds to a point where funky a bass line, doodling guitar riffs, and drums emerge to change the mood entirely. However, if you’re going to listen to just one track, make it “Spanish Sahara,” a track which puts on a clinic in how to weave and build on emotional tension. Listen when you’re up late & can’t sleep. I’m not saying it will put you to sleep, but rest assured you’ll be less miserable. Favorite Tracks: “Spanish Sahara” “Warning Sign (Talking Heads cover)”

Finally, here are five albums to look forward to in the second half of 2010.

• Here We Go Magic, Pigeons
• Panda Bear, Tomboy
• Ratatat, LP4
• The Roots, How I Got Over
• Wolf Parade, Expo 86

I consider myself relatively well versed in most things digital. There is, however, one area of my digital life where I remain in the dark ages – my cell phone.

As our designer, @phil_franks likes to say, I’m still a member of the “Flip-Phone Club”. The main reason for my resistance until now has been the ‘leash’ stigma associated. “You’ll never pay attention to me if you get a smart phone”, says the girlfriend.  I’m not proud of this fact. Truthfully, it can be a source of embarrassment. Recently, my own mother sent me an email containing the auto-signature “Sent from my Verizon Mobile Phone”.  My heart sank. How could I have let this happen?

So why do I still have a flip phone? Why am I still using T-9Word texting, and taking fuzzy 1.3mp pictures?  The answer is patience – I refuse to enter the smart phone world with anything but the best, and yet there is always something better and shinier ‘coming soon’. So what gives? Primarily, a 2-year Verizon contract. Add to that the shaky 3G service some of my iPhone friends experience with AT&T, and I just never made the leap.  So now, 2 months free of my Verizon cage, I can go with any carrier, any phone. I have the mobile world in the palm of my hand – pun completely intended. So to make this decision, it only makes sense that I’ve done my homework.

The user experience is as important to me as anything else. Enter the Mobile Operating System. There are 6 major players in the Mobile OS market:

• WebOS (palm) – recently purchased by HP, and for good reason.
• Blackberry – long running and trusted for those leaning more business, less media
• Windows Mobile – exactly what it sounds like, enhanced with some multimedia offerings
• iPhone 3.0 – the most well known OS of the bunch
• Android – a relative newcomer, and from the minds at Google
• Symbian – not well known or widely used in the US, but these guys are the largest in the world

Rather than cheer for one or tout another, I’ll discuss the two that I find the most accessible and intriguing; iPhone and Android.

Clearly Apple knows exactly what they’re doing here. The Unix kernel on which the iPhone OS is built, is very well conceived. This results in great stability. It also means sophistication and very high standards for developers of iPhone apps. This less-open philosophy results in superior products, but might also hinder the OS’s success long-term.
Android is a young product, but enjoying a huge run at Apple’s mobile share. Thanks to some great hardware and software partners (Intel, HTC, ARM, eBay), they are well positioned. Android is also open-source. They have promised to give developers access to every aspect of the phone’s operation. This philosophy may very well pay dividends in the long run. Plus, it’s Google – c’mon. Most of my life is dependent on Google and their products – for better or worse – and if I can turn on my phone, enter one password and have my life seamlessly integrated, wouldn’t I?

Ultimately, I’ll be going with Sprint and the new HTC Evo. Sprint, because their 3G service isn’t bogged down with traffic like AT&T’s. Sprint, because they’re ahead of the other two in their 4G network expansion. Sprint, because I can pay $60/month instead of $100 for the same service. And HTC because their phones are incredibly well designed, and the hardware in the new EVO is equal to most netbooks on the market right now.

Yes, there will probably be a new iPhone released only a few weeks later. But I look at it this way – I’m getting a faster network, the fastest phone in the world (at least for a month or so) and providing the team here at dynamIt an Android phone to play with, and NOT root & brick (cough, @whitman @KPfefferle @mavrck).

Bottom line: no matter your preference, there is a serious battle going on, and we, the end user, are enjoying the benefits.
Maybe I’ll be singing a different tune in 2 months. If I am, I’ll be sure to let you all know.