For reasons as yet unrevealed (and certainly not because I subscribe to the fine Interweave Knits), about six months ago, WIRED showed up in my mail. And I don't mean my inbox. We have an old-fashioned mail slot cut into the wall by the front door of our old house. For the past six months or so, WIRED has been among the daily deluge of catalogs. When the August issue arrived, I got excited. "How To: ... " followed by a long list that included "Rule the Blogosphere" and "Email like a Pro" got me turning pages.
Well, I'm still looking for tips on how to rule the blogosphere. Great cover teaser, no article by that name. But -- and especially if -- you're a cube captain with action figures decorating your work space, there's lots here for you (e.g., never place Wonder Woman and Superman in, you know, suggestive positions).
There's a great 100-word (if that) squib on what to do if you're the only person dialing into a conference call: "Announce yourself when it begins and remind people that you cannot see air quotes or scribbles on the whiteboard. Have an intern email you digital snaps. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification. And mute your phone when you're not speaking, so no one hears SportsCenter in the background." OR, perhaps, ask your co-workers to use web conferencing?
"Email like a Pro" is terrific if you're, how shall I say this, engaged in shady activities? The six pointers are aimed at keeping you out of court, or jail, I can't tell. The actual title of this one, "Lawyer-Proof Your Email," requires no further clarification.
There is a good little list on how to use a wiki. Other than that, the tips on how to refill the watercooler and how to bully your coworkers into donating more leave me, well, wondering why WIRED has sought me out.
