This is the first newsletter from Mike Thomas at Urban Workbench, a blog about sustainable urban design the environment, and sustainability in general.
It’s been three months to the day since I went live on UrbanWorkbench, and it’s been a steep curve from zero to ninety with barely a breath. I’m hoping this newsletter will become a regular feature (monthly?) to keep readers updated on the latest sustainability, environment, urban design and business news, particularly related to my little corner of the world. Drop in and check it out!
Thanks to all my readers of Discerning Discipleship dcypl.com that have kept in touch with me on both sites. If you no longer wish to receive this update, there is a link at the bottom of the email that should sort this out. Please feel free to share this with friends and anyone who is interested in sustainable urban design and the environment.
On the site
Recent Posts
Some of my favourite recent posts that you may have missed.
Our Sustainable Relocation - The series can be accessed here, I’m still working on part three, but it is coming!
WorldChanging the Book - Get it here.
Canadian Blogging Numbers - A discussion about corporate blogging practice.
Green Roofs for Water Runoff? - One of the sustainability topics that most interests my wife and I.
Oil Sands and The Environment - This is my most read content at the moment, with hits coming from all over the world, I guess it shows how topical this really is.
Upcoming Posts
I’m interested in doing some more technical blog posts describing the design process that I go through. I get a lot of hits on the few that I’ve done, and am finding that there isn’t much in the way of easily accessible technical information on many of the Civil Engineering things I design.
I’ll probably be looking at the role of the new media and web 2.0 software in technical industries such as Civil Engineering.
Not going to give too much else away at this stage!
Environment and Sustainability
Worldchanging
I have recently been accepted into the WorldChanging.com group of bloggers:
WorldChanging.com works from a simple premise: that the tools, models and ideas for building a better future lie all around us. That plenty of people are working on tools for change, but the fields in which they work remain unconnected. That the motive, means and opportunity for profound positive change are already present. That another world is not just possible, it’s here. We only need to put the pieces together.
I’ll be aiming for about two posts a month on this site, I’ll link through to them from here too.
Sustainable Subdivisions on Squidoo
Do you know about Squidoo? I’ve got a page (still in development) on the site, called Sustainable Subdivisions.
Here is some info from the FAQ…
What is a Lens?
A lens is one person’s view on a topic that matters to her. It’s an easy-to-build, single web page that can point to blogs, favorite links, RSS feeds, Flickr photos, Google maps, eBay auctions, CafePress designs, Amazon books or music, and more. Then, when someone is looking for recommended information, fast, your lens gets him started and sends him off in the right direction. It’s a place for searchers to start, not finish. -
Build one lens, build a hundred. It’s fast, fun, and free. (And you could earn a royalty–for you or for charity). Our tens of thousands of lensmasters are getting traffic, credibility, and discoverability–their lenses are showing up in top Google results more often than not.
Why should I build a Lens?
There are a few reasons to build your own lens:
• Share the knowledge: When you know a lot about something, it feels good to share. Help other people discover what you found out the hard way.
• Increase your profile: A popular lens gives credibility to the Lensmaster. A popular lens reinforces your role as an “everyday expert.” And a popular lens makes you the go-to authority for those looking for help.
• Increase your traffic: Your lens points (if you want it to) to your blog and to your website. Lenses have huge credibility with search engines, so your lens can help your other sites rise to the top of Google searches.
• Earn a royalty for you, your organization, or your favorite charity. Think of the royalty as a bonus–and don’t quit your dayjob yet! A single lens might not earn a lot, but if you imagine hundreds of lenses working to your favor, or fundraising for a charity, it can really start to add up.
If you are interested in setting up a lens and adding your knowledge on any topic to these pages, click here.
Civil Engineering
Water and Wastewater Blog
I’m posting occasionally over at the waterandwastewater.com blog, the weekly newsletter of which is received by over 10,000 industry professionals around the world. My first post can be found here and is about the Biolytix Onsite Sewer System developed in Australia.
12D – Versions 8 and 9 Around the Corner
I was able to talk with one of the sales reps for the design software we use in Australia for civil and subdivision engineering, 12D. It appears that they are close to releasing version 8 of the software, with version 9 close behind in development. One of the things I’ve appreciated most about using this software has been the level of user and customer support, as well as the regular updates and improvemetns to the overall package. Well done guys, looking forward to seeing the finished product!
Business and Marketing
Seth Godin
I’ve been keeping up to date with the posts from a number of high profile business and marketing bloggers and podcasters, probably my favourite at the moment is Seth Godin, mainly because there is just so much of his work to read, even at the local library. For those who have no idea who I’m talking about, here’s Seth’s bio, (how about some NY Times best sellers!). Here’s a simple example of his blogging insight :
Halloween costumes are 70% off today.
Last week, some of them were worth a crazed drive through traffic and a possible parking ticket. The costumes didn’t change, of course–the moment did. In the right moment, something goes from ordinary to precious. From everyday to essential.
Source: Seth Godin – That Magic Moment
As an interesting aside, the above mentioned Squidoo was developed by Seth, and is a fantastic example of creative marketing and entrepreneurship.
Merlin Mann and David Allen Podcasting
My workday listening schedule has included a podcast from Merlin Mann, whom I’ve been reading at 43 Folders for almost a year, but only recently have I subscribed to his podcast. Recently Merlin has been interviewing the author of Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
The podcast has been interesting, these guys are a great fit when it comes to interviewing, Merlin knows the GTD system that David Allen developed so well it’s almost like banter between friends. However, they touch on some really interesting aspects of how to improve productivity. You don’t need to have read the book to get something out of the podcasts, but it would help.
Topics have included, (there are probably more to come), (each links to podcast posts and mp3 links, click here for podcast feed):
Let me know if you have trouble accessing these.
Questions, Comments?
Well that’s aout it for the inaugural edition, please let me know if there are any features you’d like to include, I’ve considered a podcast, and may start one in the new year, in my new town, in my new job. But that’s all information for my next newsletter!
Thanks for reading,
Mike Thomas – Urbanworkbench.com
If you enjoyed this post, why not try these ones:
- How do you To Do
- Site Modifications
- Our Sustainable Relocation
- Business Meal Etiquette
- Phone Funnies
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Your direct contact page Your direct contact page just blocked my email address as invalid. I’d like to discuss sustainable eco-city prototypes with you, as a sphere of GlobalCP, so please write.
Kind regards
Mel Erskine-Richmond