I recently attended the WTIA Fast Pitch Forum & Technology Showcase. The conference featured two dozen of the hottest technology companies in Washington presenting their business in a competition for “Best In Show”. BuddyTV’s goal is to bring entertainment and content closer to fans. We do this by building communities around popular TV shows and movies. Fans are able to learn more about their favorite shows through interviews, news features, and by connecting with other fans.

Star Points are earned by users when they help build the BuddyTV community. Users with more Star Points gain recognition and privileges that other members don’t receive. Users earn Star Points for things like playing games and quizzes, creating quizzes of their own, adding favorites to their profile, inviting others to join, and reading articles on the site.

Users can buy virtual gifts for their friends using their Star Points, or use them to bid in real auctions. The virtual gifts cost 1,000 Star Points, and the auctions depend on the bid placed before.

BuddyTV is fast becoming one of the largest entertainment destinations on the Web today. Don’t miss out on all you can do, and the fun you can have, on BuddyTV.

Want to embed this video on your own site, blog, or forum? Use this code or download the video:

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YRw0B-A7uvM"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YRw0B-A7uvM" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://chris.pirillo.com/">Chris</a> | <a href="http://live.pirillo.com/">Live Tech Support</a> | <a href="http://media.pirillo.com/">Video Help</a> | <a href="http://feeds.pirillo.com/ChrisPirilloShow">Add to iTunes</a>

• Swype
• Seattle Social Media Scene (with WTIA)
• Picnik
• I Can Haz Cheezburger
• Gist
• What is Joost?

Chris Pirillo | YouTube | Twitter | Geeks | Coupons | Blogs | Shopping

BuddyTV

In any case, summer is half over I suppose. Time flies when you’re too busy to stop to breathe. Gnomedex is only six weeks away, and the team is working hard to get everything ready. I want to thank all of you who have offered your help and services to help make this year rock more than ever before!

Never fear, young grasshoppers. Even though I’m busy, I still make the time to see what you have to say! Your community contributions are the backbone that makes everything I do so much fun.

• Do you use a Google cheat sheet?
• What are your thoughts on Google Wave?
• “Instant-on” Linux faces stiff competition.
• Two weeks after buying the iPhone 3G S, are you still happy?
• Can anything interesting come from a lunch date between Bill Gates and Eric Schmidt?
• Google Apps is going to become an OpenID provider.
• Thousands of medical records have been compromised due to a Trojan.
• Despite the recession, Macs are selling like hotcakes.
• Over half a million laptops are missing or stolen each year.

• How Has Social Media Changed Your Life?
• Is There More to Life than Gnomedex?
• Is it Even Summer Yet?
• There are Just not Enough Hours in the Day
• Summer is Finally Upon Us
• One Small Act of Kindness…
• Geek Meets Paranormal Meets Musician
• Independence Day
• These are Some Good Times
• Happy Mother’s Day

Chris Pirillo | YouTube | Twitter | Geeks | Coupons | Blogs | Shopping

Summer is Half Over Already?!

People email me all the time, and I get back to as many of you as I can. I received an email a week ago from a local entrepreneur, telling me about the Throwboy pillows! I couldn’t place my finger on it, but I knew that I had heard of these. Once I went to check out the website, I realized that I have these same pillows on my wish list! I fired back a reply email, and ended up having some of these sent to me!

I got to interview the brains behind Throwboy recently. Throwboy is a speciality throw pillow company that caters to niche technology and geek culture. They’re all hand-sewn, and they’re just totally and completely cool!

Choose from the Icon collection, the Chat collection, or grab yourself the RSS Icon pillow. I have a feeling it’s going to be hard for you to choose just one. I’m going to have my Throwboys lined up on the couch downstairs… but I think I may just keep a few here in the office. You just never know when an opportunity will present itself, allowing me to hold the WTF pillow up in front of the camera… or the NOOB one… or maybe even the OMG one.

Want to embed this video on your own site, blog, or forum? Use this code or download the video:

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nrV0xGTZoX0"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nrV0xGTZoX0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://chris.pirillo.com/">Chris</a> | <a href="http://live.pirillo.com/">Live Tech Support</a> | <a href="http://media.pirillo.com/">Video Help</a> | <a href="http://feeds.pirillo.com/ChrisPirilloShow">Add to iTunes</a>

• Virus Protection
• My First Time on a Segway
• Don’t Copy That Floppy?
• Blue Angels (53)
• Would You Like to Try the Bumptop Beta for Windows?
• I Love My Job
• Do You Have a Data Backup Crash Plan?
• Wireless Camera
• My Kingdom for a Two-Button Joystick - Hour 2 - 09 June 2005
• I Could've Won $10,000

Chris Pirillo | YouTube | Twitter | Geeks | Coupons | Blogs | Shopping

Throwboy Unboxing

There is this thing sitting inside your computer that is the one thing every other thing is connected to! It’s called a motherboard. I have no idea why there’s no fatherboard… but yeah. The motherboard is crucial. If it’s not working - good luck using your computer at all. Ian from the PCPitStop community is sad because his Sony Vaio died. His motherboard is now dead, and wonders where he can find an affordable replacement.

Virut won’t corrupt your motherboard - but it will usually lead to having to reformat your system. With that said, if your motherboard is hosed for any reason, you might want to run a few diagnostics if you can. It’s possible it could be a bad power supply, you know? Check everything you possibly can, to determine for sure that it’s a motherboard.

I feel your pain. I’ve heard some not-so-happy things about Sony support in the past. Unfortunately, if it is a motherboard problem - it’s going to cost you. My recommendation is to find a local Geek. Pay them in pizza and cola. They’ll take a look at the computer to assess the problem. Sometimes it’s something small that trips us up, and I certainly hope that’s what is going on with you!

• #
• Subscribe to Blog Search your way: http://bit.ly/sVvQd [Blogs... I remember those!] #
• Is Firefox better than before? http://bit.ly/9qs5q [What are your thoughts on the latest version?] #
• Are costly Apple computers more prone to failure than PCs? http://bit.ly/nI5Mw [I wouldn't think so...] #
• MacBooks for everybody in school: http://bit.ly/vWwmx [What would you choose as a student?] #
• I love Friday because… #
• The Seattle sun is ruining my rain tan. #
• Is Google better equipped for Search? http://bit.ly/HeTZf [This is a good question for @bing to answer.] #
• If I had a nickel for every time this message was retweeted, I’d probably have $1.05. #
• Happiness is when your dad’s computer problem “fixes itself.” #
• RT @JessicaRandazza: My favorite @chrispirillo quote: “I’m a classic geek, like a princess-cut diamond. Those will never go out of style.” #
• Enjoying an evening with the enchanting @jessicarandazza http://twitpic.com/94fbn (What does that make me?) #
• You… compute me. #
• Can the media SHUT UP ABOUT MICHAEL JACKSON and start covering North Korea’s July 4th plans to launch a long-range missile?! #
• Real-time search needs more time in the oven: http://bit.ly/J4rAW [It's better than nothing, I suppose?] #
• Recording videos for YouTube now: http://live.pirillo.com/ [Printing Web Pages, Vista Memory, & Windows Versions] #
• It’s Christmas in July, prepping for CNN.com live broadcast: http://live.pirillo.com/ [Talking about the iPhone 3GS] #
• iPhone 3G vs 3GS: http://bit.ly/jE6aK [Which is really better?] #
• Considering using FriendFeed real-time search embed for @Gnomedex: http://bit.ly/11VHYF [Nice, eh?] #
• Would someone in Seattle mind explaining this @takotruk thing? http://www.takotruk.com/ is making my eyes bleed. #
• Not Everyone Is Happy With Windows 7 Upgrade Prices: http://bit.ly/TlYXD [Especially Ultimate Users, @MSWindows!] #
• Finding it extremely ironic that @upscale doesn’t want an iPhone. :) #
• Clever JPEG Optimization Techniques: http://bit.ly/12hJsJ [Anybody still use Dr. Halo?] #
• Twitter followers ‘can be bought’: http://bit.ly/g1HI6 [But what does follower count really mean?] #
• Yelp clone gets paid: http://bit.ly/IYbhw [I don't think Seattle uses Yelp much, anyway.] #
• How is THIS broadband better? http://bit.ly/qshCM [I'm happy with Comcast's 50d/10u right now.] #
• The best part of waking up is _________ in your cup. #
• What’s in a sticker? http://bit.ly/5jdz2 [Hopefully, not lead.] #
• Is it really worth it to belittle Windows? http://bit.ly/TScqw [Let's ask @MSWindows, shall we?] #
• Are we giving machines too much control? http://bit.ly/2H0rXP [We come in peace.] #
• One person who tweets the following link will get a redeem code for Rowmote Pro for the iPhone: http://go.tagjag.com/rowmote/ #
• Sweet. @microsoft is following me. I’ll follow back. :) #
• Tweet your way to consumer justice: http://bit.ly/6jdIS [fight back!] #
• Drop soft drinks to drop pounds: http://bit.ly/1UZg9b [AND save money.] #
• Kindle for iPhone app: http://bit.ly/d6Iw5 [Thanks, @daynah!] #
• I love the sushi in Vancouver, BC. Happy Canada Day! #
• Since price drop on http://gnomedex.eventbrite.com/ - two currently-unemployed folks have signed up for FULL @gnomedex access. #
• 5 Tips For Summer Travel Wi-Fi Safety: http://bit.ly/7mWHo [Repeat after me: HTTPS is your friend!] #
• Uncomfy LOL! @jessicarandazza just IM’ed me: “Karl Malden died.” This was followed immediately with: “I have to restart.” #
• Apparently, I’ve done some wacky stuff on live video: http://bit.ly/HoV3h [I can't even remember half of these incidents.] #
• http://gdgt.com/ #
• How to Meet and Woo a Nerdy Girl: http://bit.ly/LpfNa [via @bethgo. @michellegamboa might appreciate #10 most.] #
• I need sleep more than it needs me. Does that make me co-dependent? #
• I’m officially converting to catharticism. #
• Is this the world’s first music video recorded (100%) on an iPhone 3GS? http://bit.ly/Ebvek [I like the song, too!] #
• It’s official. I’m following @starbucks (and must admit, VIA is tasty - have you tried it yet?) #
• I need sleep more than it needs me. #
• Is There More to Life than Gnomedex? http://bit.ly/B94pK #
• Sacred 2: Fallen Angel Xbox Game Review http://bit.ly/R51FF #
• Chocolate Covered Grasshoppers http://bit.ly/d2Leb #
• Tips for Programming and PHP http://bit.ly/3ZYHP #
• Save $100 on Windows 7 Professional Upgrade http://bit.ly/10MdSE #
• Gnomedex 2009 for $99?! http://bit.ly/HgKKo #
• Gnomedex Questions and Answers http://bit.ly/e4yNl #
• Spam Increases Along with Security Issues http://bit.ly/VCY7H #
• Hot Thead: http://bit.ly/KLNFa [What's the worst thing that happened to your computer?] #
• I know it’s not Friday, but I’m recommending you follow @sgordon70 now. He’s http://theantipimp.com/ #
• Why Twitter is the #1 customer service tool: @CJnetwork finally reached out to me to fix their oversight when emails went unanswered. #
• Thinking about another Pirillo #tweetup on the evening of July 15th. Issaquah Rogue Brewery again, ya think? #
• Google does SMS: http://bit.ly/11td36 [Is this really a big deal?] #
• Pound for pound, the Mac Mini is a good buy: http://bit.ly/tPHyC [does the PC need to diet?] #
• Firefox 3.5 is out: http://getfirefox.com/ [Get it!] #
• Moonwalking Bird: http://bit.ly/ZJaAM #
• Switching to Linux: (1) http://bit.ly/iCvSh (2) http://bit.ly/12SdoT (3) http://bit.ly/eLPla [It's as easy as that!] #
• Commission Junction (CJ) shut down my long-standing account without warning. Thanks, you idiots. #
• I finally saw a Palm Pre the other day. http://bit.ly/Zt2xY [It's like an iPhone for people who prefer orange jumpsuits.] #
• Here’s what I sound like when I laugh… backwards: http://bit.ly/rrRAf [That's kinda demonic.] #
• What Little Things are You Missing out On? http://bit.ly/13igGp #
• I #BlameDrewsCancer for the @livestrong announcement: http://bit.ly/4sOlV [I blame @drew for everything else.] #
• Sugar up any PC: http://bit.ly/pIdnY [You catch more bugs with...] #
• How to Protect Your iPhone / iPod http://bit.ly/EVfEH #
• iPhone 3G S Video Upload Test http://bit.ly/3dnfN #
• Has anybody ever googled something with @bing? #
• Friend needs your vote. @shutterblog via http://bit.ly/M6u48 [Now, THAT is an adorable toddler...] #
• Where, exactly, is the wazoo located? #
• The Dell DJ, revisited: http://bit.ly/PkYRO [So, we meet again...] #
• The Pirate Bay goes Video: http://bit.ly/JwfHE much nicer than going plaid] #
• Is Google too big for its britches? http://bit.ly/16TMiT [I didn't know Google even HAD britches.] #
• Everything should be like Twitter: http://bit.ly/16b3ux [except for the fail whale part] #
• Mobile phone Manufacturers Settle Upon a Standard: http://bit.ly/jEi5B [one charger to rule 'em all?] #
• Is pr0n the killer iPhone app? http://bit.ly/l0cRt [I don't think I wanna know the answer.] #
• Will the iPhone change this Windows Mobile user’s life? http://bit.ly/3OYmeX [watch her story unfold...] #
• Use your iPhone to control an AppleTV: http://bit.ly/3H9rU [Now all I need is an AppleTV...] #
• What can $1.50 buy these days? #
• Today is going to be one helluva week. #
• SpamAssassin revisited: http://bit.ly/14DKlu [What do you use for spam protection?] #
• Unboxing the iPhone 3GS http://bit.ly/DPgAe #
• Will Code for Green http://bit.ly/v0Rd6 #
• What is Google Wave? http://bit.ly/asWmn #
• iPhone 3GS Review http://bit.ly/K10e4 #
• Geek Pillows for your Home Furniture http://bit.ly/8PQG2 #
• Google Android being rebirthed for T-Mobile: http://bit.ly/xHv7p [What are your thoughts on Android, anyway?] #
• My friend @benparr from @mashable on Google Wave: http://bit.ly/4AowRV [Video] #
• Somewhat mezmerized by this playlist: http://bit.ly/gCbbe [Especially "Over the Rainbow" by @tracitoguchi] #
• When you ask me if I wanna go camping, I’ll always offer an alternative: “There’s an app for that.” #
• I love to experience nature from the great indoors. #
• Flash on the iPhone: http://bit.ly/hLc4G [Just WHO is stopping it?] #
• Putting together a @Gnomedex volunteer task force. Roles need to be filled ASAP. DM me if you’re local and can help - and how. :) #
• Just how smart are your desktop windows? http://bit.ly/bfKzu [Smarter than a 5th grader?] #
• Thanks to @BAoki and @bing for making yesterday’s Green Tweetup a success (hat tip to @dakini_3 for her tweethusiasm)! #
• Social Media Updates for 2009-06-28 http://bit.ly/1y7id #

• How Has Social Media Changed Your Life?
• What is Google Wave?
• Social Media Updates for 2009-06-28
• Seattle Social Media Scene (with WTIA)
• Social Media Updates for 2009-06-21
• Is it Even Summer Yet?
• How to Play Chess on Twitter
• TweetDeck
• Social Media Updates for 2009-06-14
• Social Media Digest for June 6th

Chris Pirillo | YouTube | Twitter | Geeks | Coupons | Blogs | Shopping

Social Media Updates for 2009-07-05

Our community was pretty quiet today, likely due to so many people out celebrating! However, I did find several excellent things that I wanted to pass along to all of you.

• How do you enlarge fonts on a web page?
• Michael Arrington says that hardware will be his next venture.
• Have you ever tried to simplify your computer life?
• What do you think of the possibility of buying Twitter followers?
• Achieve natural language procession using Python.
• Are you a music Geek?
• Who will win this summer’s Battle of the Smartphones?
• How soon do you predict we will make a serious move towards using solar power?
• What myths can you dispel about computer security?
• Steve McNair wasn’t just a quarterback - he was also a humanitarian.
• What are your thoughts on OpenOffice?
• Are there tricks to increasing your connection speed?

• How Has Social Media Changed Your Life?
• Is There More to Life than Gnomedex?
• Summer is Finally Upon Us
• These are Some Good Times
• Happy Mother’s Day
• What Brightens up Your Day?
• Weed Through the Spam to Get to the Good Stuff
• Summer is Half Over Already?!
• What Little Things are You Missing out On?
• There are Just not Enough Hours in the Day

Chris Pirillo | YouTube | Twitter | Geeks | Coupons | Blogs | Shopping

Independence Day

Yes, I was trying to send you a FAX. I don’t know if you have a machine that can pick it up. If you don’t, I’m interested to see what happens when you pick this up! Anyway, there are times when you need to Fax something, and don’t have a machine of your own. Luckily, there are free services that let you send them without installing anything - or without having to buy a machine.

Using MyFax, you can send up to two facsimiles per day - absolutely free! Enter the To and From information, and attach your FAX (.pdf, .doc, etc). Enter an additional message, such as an Attention name, or similar instructions. That’s it - your FAX is ready to send.

It doesn’t get easier than this, and you certainly won’t find a cheaper service than this. I absolutely love coming across things like this. If you know of other excellent (and free!) services to help us with our daily lives, please pass them along!

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Enter <a href="http://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/default.asp?isc=cp2">code CP2</a> at checkout, and save an additional 10% on any order. <p>Plus, as a friend of Chris Pirillo, enter code <a href="http://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/default.asp?isc=chris7">CHRIS7</a>, that's C-H-R-I-S and the number 7, when you check out, and save an additional 10% on any order. 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