Post#3 - Collecting Information

Describe the search methods and databases you employ to collect information for use in your work or writing.

Mostly I have used Google but have found some frustration with search results. With so much information out there, if it's not within the first 20 (and most times first 10) results I try another approach to phrases or keywords I use. The latest Bing (Microsoft's serach engine) commercials have touched on something many of us encounter, related information but not quite relevant. (#1 & #2 - the first one sums it up pretty well, the second one I've felt many a late night search)

Bing has resulted in some more useful results, but I couldn't really say it's any better than Google. Another contender with great possibilities is Kartoo.

Unfortunately, it's not as widely used as Google or Bing and therefore doesn't have the same reach. But, it has a wondeful format for displaying results. A map shows up with subtopics of things related to your search. If I move my mouse over a topic, it will highlight the pages shown that relate to it. It is also a great way to see how sights may have multiple topics.

How do you identify and test out relevant search categories or keywords?

Keywords are such a big thing when searching for that particular topic your trying to find. Quotes are definately a big help. You would be surprised the off-topic things you can get typing in Minnesota Twins versus "Minnesota Twins." A recent search about "wireless video" for a specific product yeild page after page of things I was not looking for. However adding things like projector and transmit lead me something closer to what I was looking for. Sometimes reading those pages not directly related to what I'm looking for will help me identify another term I can add to my search.

Coded search terms are one of my favorite things to use when searching for are specific kinds of files. Each search engine has them, but I'm only familiar with Googles. When I'm looking for a lesson that has a power point on something like "Three Branches of Government", I can type that topic together with filetype:ppt. All the results will only be power points about the three branches of government. You can use these codes to search for specific terms within a certain website, types of website (.com, .org, .net, etc.), and more Check out this power point Google and Beyond for more info.

I have also gone straight to youtube hoping there is a video out there illustrating some of the thigns I am looking for. When there is, often people leave comments of link to the site which gets me to where I want to go.

How do you determine the validity and credibility of the information you acquire?

Unfortunately there is anything and everything on the web, just check out http://www.buydehydratedwater.com/. Namesake, reputation, type of site, etc. are just some of the things I look into. A website should also include: Author’s name, mailing address, and e-mail address, Author’s credentials, and Name of sponsoring organization. Even if a site has all these features, a site could still be bogus. Overall, you just have to make a judgement call.

In what ways might you use RSS feeds or bookmarking software to access online sources of info. (e.g. news, blogs, online magazines, podcasts, etc.) on your experience?

Wow, if you ever want to be innundated and overwhelmed with information sign up for all your favorite RSS feeds. I honestly think the only time I would go back to an RSS feed is if I was looking for specific updates about a specific newspiece. A class project following the developement of the health care debate could pull post from a news source. If I wanted compare a liberal news source to a more conservative news source maybe I could do two. However, that is still a lot of sifting.

The information age is a great age of opportunity, and even though I am a little more skilled in this area, I'm hesitant to fully dive in. I've seen great benefits, but I've also spent a great deal of time learning about all of it and being patient when it fails me. Time is the key, and now that I have a daughter, spending time with her and my wife is what I like to give most of my time to.