Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Online Communication Apps



Since we are all socially distancing ourselves, let’s talk about chatting online. Warning! I am no expert on the subject. I’ve used a few apps to chat with friends and family. Oh, and work, actual real work meetings too. But since I hate video chat and am happy with Facebook Messenger, I haven’t explored these apps in depth. Instead, I’ll list some programs here with comments on the ones I’ve actually used. Feel free to add any info you have in the comments to help our fellow writers.
Thanks!
Ginny

Simple Chat

  •  Facebook Messenger—You must have an account with Facebook and it’s easier if you are friends with those you want to chat with. Setting up group chats is easy. There is an option to call other users with Messenger (voice) or do a video chat.
  • Google Hangouts—still alive and kicking at this point. Another easy messenger if you have a Gmail account to talk to others with a Gmail account. This app offers chat, video chat, and voice chat.
  • Discord—Signing up for this chat, voice, and video service is easy and quick. Channels can be created by users about any topic within your chat. This service is better for large groups. Many gamers use the service to talk during gameplay.
  • WhatsApp—Another text, voice, and video chat platform for both Android and Mac.
  • InstagramThis photo app has a small chat/messaging option. Users can send notes to anyone on Instagram. Be aware of predators on this app though.
  • Twitter—This app also allows messaging back and forth but is not the main purpose of the program.

Video Chat

  • Google Duo—This app is just video, no text. It’s like a Jetson video call, using Google. Simple as answering a phone.
  • FaceTime—This is an Io service only (Mac). If you have an i-device you can facetime friends and family also on i-products.
  • Skype—This app allows users to video chat regardless of the platform. Set up is easy and quick.
  • SnapChat—This app is more appropriate for Teens and Tweens. Messaging is easy (and rampant) and the media is supposed to disappear after it is watched/read. The video is only one way.
  • MarcoPolo—Another video chat program similar to SnapChat. I’m not familiar with this one, but people seem to like it and think it’s safe.

Meetings

  • Zoom—Zoom is a service that offers large groups room to meet and chat online. Video, voice, and chat are all options. Meetings are scheduled through channels. Organizations can get an account and hold scheduled meetings, invite guests, and get work done remotely. Many companies are turning to Zoom for meetings. The app can be used on a variety of devices, both Android and Mac. There is a phone app as well as web-access, and the app will even download onto a PC.
  • GoToMeeting—This app offers a wide variety of meetings and video conferencing. Great for distance learning, webinars, and personal meetings. Video, text, and audio are all options. Check out the pricing plans on this one.
  • Webex—This service offers video conferencing and meeting space. Similar to Zoom, large groups can meet, chat, and solve the world’s problems. Great for businesses to talk to employees remotely, and it also lets companies talk with customers for support.

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Covid 19 Survival: Getting Books



Hi! I hope you are well during this pandemic. I’d make a crack about working from home in my yoga pants, but that’s the norm here already. I wanted help during this crisis and the only thing I have is books. (I didn’t even hoard the tp!) And no, this won’t be a plead for anyone to buy my books, but some resources for everyone to get books and other things to do during this prolonged stay-cation.

Where are the books?
Library cards
I know many libraries are closed. My library is trying as hard as they can to still give services to patrons. If you don’t have a card or your card isn’t working, call. They might not get back to you right away, but I bet someone will answer your call. My local library is even offering to give out new cards through the mail. If you are a New York State resident, you can apply for a New York City library card and have access to all their e-content!

Libby and Overdrive
Once you have your card, Libby and Overdrive offer e-books and e-audiobooks through your library. Both are apps to load onto your phone or tablet. Libby (as you can see) is part of Overdrive but much cuter. The catalog is not huge, but hopefully, something will spark your interest.

Magazines
Check your library for downloadable issues of magazines. My local library is subscribed to RB Digital. It’s another app where you can download the latest magazines to read on your device.

Audible
Audible is offering some titles for free through their Stories program. Most titles are for children, but there’s a great classics section.

Book Bub, The Fussy Librarian, and Book Gorilla
These services offer great discounts and free books through author promotion. You can sign up to receive emails (or just visit their site) about deep discounts and free books. These are not pirate sites! Authors work with them to offer deals to readers. You can also follow authors (me included) and get notifications about their sale books or when they have a new book come out.

Manga
My daughter found an article suggesting some Manga publishers will offer free books. Here’s a link to the article. Apparently, you must go to the publisher's site to find the material. Not as helpful, but something.


There are many more free services out there, available digitally. This list is just to get you started. I hope you will be well. We are all in this together. The best part, spring is almost here and outside isn’t closed. 
Love, Ginny