Blogs

Things I love:

• Activity feeds
• Soccer
• Cat photos

Things I hate:

• Being CCed on emails
• Getting emails
• Sending emails
• Clowns

What is an activity feed? It depends on the applications and tools you are using. Primarily, I encounter them in Google Docs, Chatter, and Box. The whole goal is the bring people and discussions to the content, and allow comments and information to happen in context.

Example 1: Chatter

Chris Riley and I frequently use this to exchange short messages and information relating to customers and product management. This allows us to track all of our comments, and other people in the organization can see what we are discussin

Example 2: Google Docs

One of the main reasons I like Docs is the ability to leave comments on documents and content. When I converted from using Microsoft Word, I was used to using the “track changes” functionality to make revisions with team members and to view their comments. Now, that process is simplified, and comments and discussions can take place in real time around content.

Example 3: Box

Box just added the ability to tag people in comments using the @ feature, which will be immediately familiar to anyone who has ever used FaceBook or Twitter. I’m using this feature to say things like “Hey @Dom are we set for the polo match this weekend?”. You can also assign and complete tasks in the activity feed, which allows you to collaborate and be super productive.
What can you do?
You can try all of these systems for free (like free beer) today! My advice is to pick your immediate project team and start working with content and information in one of these tools, and see how it goes. And let me know- how do you feel about activity feeds? Are they totally awesome? Weak sauce? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.