Today a client asked me, "Why should I Blog? Why wouldn't I just use email or talk on the phone?" This was a great question, and momentarily had me stumped! "I wish I could just use my phone to Blog?" I asked, "Why wouldn't you want to expose your marketing and advertising efforts for free using a Blog? She responded, "Because I don't have time, I'm not a writer, and Blogging requires both!"
I have to say, these are valid concerns for someone who is considering starting a Blog. Then she commented, "If I could just speak into a microphone or something like that, I might consider it. If I could use my phone to Blog, that would be even better." I started looking for a solution on how to to create a "Voice Activated Blog!" Taking into consideration the cost/expense of creating such a thing, I did some research and here's what I found.
It's a company with a widget that allows you to use your phone to Blog. The widget is then placed on your Blog for others to hear, and they can comment or reply via their phone. I thought this was pretty cool, and wanted to share it on my Blog tonight. It's called Utterz. It's simple to sign up and begin using your cell phone or land line to Blog! IT's FREE!
"Click for more" on this Widget! Just look what all you can do!
I have uploaded a photo, a video, a text message, a voice reply from my phone, and a written comment! Too Cool!!!
Where does Blogging go from here? Where will technology take us and our Blogs in the days ahead? There are already tech-tools in place that will allow Video Blogging and now Voice Recorded Blogging? There is even a social networking community now called "Second Life" which is a virtual webspace with Life-Like Avatars! it's crazy, they're even selling lots and land in the cyber worlds. That's a whole different topic and post. (coming soon...) Check out Utterz, it's utterly a new way to Blog from your cell phone!
Brad, very interesting post. Different than what I thought it would be about. With internet access on our phones, many of us are capable of blogging from our phones (albeit slower on these small screens than if we were at the computer). If never written an entire blog from my phone, but have spent time reading and commenting on other posts.
Anyways, this Utterz service seems pretty neat. I've bookmarked your post to check it out further when I have some time.
Brad, I couldn't get your buzz to play. I'd like to hear it first. I need to read it more. Are you saying we can be away from our computers, get a activerain comment and then buzz in ?
I can't even log on with my blackberry, so this may be too advanced for me.
Brian - thought that title might get some, GOTCHA!! LOL! Can you imagine doing an entire post on your cell phone with just your two thumbs? :-( With Utterz.com, you can do any size post over the phone with your voice. Checkout the sample one I did in this post! It allows you to do ALL STYLES of postings. I uploaded a Video, a photo, a text message, and voice using my cell phone. It's really a nifty way to Blog while sitting in traffic, waiting at the airport, stuck at an in-laws house (just kidding about that one) haha. Be sure and check it out!
Good Morning Missy - Utterz doesn't really work like that, it allows you to use your phone to create a post like in the one above, (the widget), then you and others comment in your post either by text or voice mail. So, it allows you to reply by phone or text in return. You'll need to click on the portion of the widget above that says "Click For More" and go to the sample. There, you will see how it all works. Just click play on either the post (which is a song) or the video, or the reply.
This in NOT TOO ADVANCED for you. I think you'll really get a kick out of this one, imagine being able to create a post using your voice over the cell phone. Uh Oh! No more spell check! No more 1 hour posts. No more plagiarism, No more.... I think it has some great benefits, and this is just the beginning of ...
Bill - thank you for that "GRAND" comment! This one rates pretty high up there in regards to techno-babble headliners! So I hand you my scepter, take it andrun with it my friend! Check it out, then let me know what you think. Thanks Bill!
Brad, I don't know if I should say "neat gadget," or shout "enough already!" I honestly can't keep up with it all. If you really, absolutely, positively think I should get it, let me know. =)
Not a bad little widget to have. I'm wonder though if voice blogging gets you the same results as text blogging? I'm not so sure this would be my cup of tea, but it might float the boat of many out there.
I didn't get it to work either, but I will be back to try again. Looks very interesting! I would love to be able to "blog" when I think about. My best blog ideas always occur when I am driving and can't write them down.
Brad,
I tried to blog with my smartphone's Internet browser while waiting for a ferry this weekend. I was able to read, but the login would hold for me to be able to post?
Hey Brad -- I think it is pretty cool. I had done some research a few weeks ago on another concept with blogging for voice activation and I came up with a few ideas too. Great minds think alike. I will have catch up with all your other gadgets before I take on one more. I just can't keep up. This WWW is amazing! Thanks for cool gadget!
Maggie - the nice thing here is that you don't have to keep up with all this Techno-stuff! That's why you got me and others here to do it for you. This is just to let you know this stuff is out there and it's coming more and more everyday. Imagine the possibilities:
1. Interviewing a client using your cell phone to create the Blog Interview. 2. Using your cell phone to create a commercial or advertising campaign Blog 3. Blogging Hot Topics that are fresh on your mind using your phone 4. Remember, with Utters: there's No Typing, No Internet, No Spellcheck, No Plagiarism, and No Time involved 5. The capabilities of Blogging no matter where you are or what you're doing
There are many other ways I see this being useful, just don't want to create a post right here in the comments like I've already started doing here!! Only for you Maggie!! :-)
Maggie, you know there are many who won't even put up a picture up on AR, I know that having your voice on a post instead of just text will make your readers "And Listeners" feel like they know you more. Many are already using Video. Just look at Broker B and Tracy's video Blogs. Night and Day, but still, they are putting this out there. This would be an alternative to those who are uncomfortable with video, but can talk to clients all day on the phone. Just knowing it's available is a good thing, whether you choose to use it or not is entirely up to you. I have no stock in the company, just wanted to find something for my client to fulfill her need!
It takes 30 seconds to sign up and then just dial in and Talk! I might add one to my sidebar once I get an idea how I want to use it! :-)
Dana - I understand, it's just a sign of the times! I remember before cell phones and answering machines, people would nearly break the front door down just to get in the house in time to answer the phone. Not any more, we screen calls, stand in the kitchen while people leave messages, etc. Your comment confirms Boy, have the times sure changed!! It's not going to be for everyone, just those who feel it has either a WOW factor they want. or it's suits there needs. Thanks for sharing your opinion and comment. At times, I too want no computer or cell phone around, but that's not what this post is about! :-) Thanks..
Rob - EXCELLENT POINT!! Not sure about the SEO, Google, Audio compared to Video, but it's something to certainly consider. I guess it depends how it's used and what your intentions are. I just found this, so I have not looked into that aspect of it yet. My client just said she wanted to phone in her Blog instead of having to be online, think, write and type. There are definitely two sides here to consider. Haven't weighed out the positive vs the negative yet. There are others using this already, so I guess only time will really tell. I can tell you this, there are a few boats already floating out here! LOL!! :-)
BTW- I meet with my customer tomorrow, so I'll be sharing this post, the comments, and the Utters Blog sample above. I'll have to let you know how it goes! Thanks for the comment too!!
Hi Brad, It seems if you can dream it (technology wise), it is available! So I am not surprised. Very interesting and I can see advantages. Will be interesting to watch and see how it progresses.
Eric - after looking at it a little further, and testing it a bit more, I'm thinking it's even cooler than I originally thought. I'd add it to your showcase Eric somewhere. If you ever misplace it or this post, I have a Widget Website, where I keep a collection of everything I have found so far. It's kinda cool too! I get a lot of Hits on that webpage! More than any other I own! ...go figure!!
Some people relate better to text, some audio/sound, and some video, and some not at all! Why not try to connect with them all! Something for us all to ponder!?!?
Ginger - THIS IS PERFECT for what you need in your car! When you say it wouldn't work, what do you mean? Just click on the widget play button for the video. If you want to see the entire blog with Audio, Video, Photo, Text, and Voice Message Comments, just click on the part of the widget that says " CLICK FOR MORE". Let me know what you think, I'd be happy to help you if you need. Call my cell or office. If you read a couple of my response comments here, there are actually some pretty cool ways to use this and we've only started to get creative here. :-)
Ryan - trying to "Text" Blog or comment may be more difficult using the TREO or the Blackberry! This widget is more for dialing in and leaving a "verbal" post or comment. I did figure out that you can make the posts for "friends only" or "open to the public." The only issue I see at this point is there would be the lack of control of what others may comment on your posts. Utterz has only been out since May, I'm not sure what governing parties there are to moderate over incoming posts and comments like we have on Active Rain. That's my discovery so far and my disclaimer! :-)
LaShon - feel free to do whatever works! I'm only the messenger! Candace says she has done some research in this arena as well. I'm anxious and excited to see what she comes up with. Too much cool stuff out there! :-)
Ok Candace, now you gotta share what you found a few weeks ago!! Are you gonna make us wait for a post? I know it will be worth the wait! I am looking at a couple other apps right now to see how they compare. I'm not sure this will be or do exactly what my friend wants it to. I think she may be looking for something more like Missy was mentioning above. I'm still on the prowl! :-) Thanks for commenting and for "great minds" compliment!
Donna - after you check it out, come back and let me know what you think?!? There are a couple things I don't like, but there is more that I do like. The Jury is still out on this one!! :-)
Cynthia - This has only been out since May this year! You're right, if you can dream it up, it probably exists out there somewhere. Let's see where this type of technology goes over the next year. I think Video is really the next Biggest thing for the WWW. More and more, youtube is getting all the rankings!! :-)
Monika - no grammar, spell check, time consumption, plagiarism, slow internet connections, and typos!! benefits? on location, inter-views, advertising, reporting live, marketing, community news and updates, events, special guest speakers, email "verbal presentations" and tons more. Only our own creativity can limit us and the potential! Thanks for your comment, made me really think about it! :-)
Rob - this one is kinda cool alright, I am still trying to figure out how it all works. It's pretty user friendly, now it's the editing and moderating that has me doing more research. Thanks for the nice comment! :-)
Eric - You should be able to click on the "CLICK FOR MORE" link within the widget in this post. Not sure if you tried that but here is where it should take you. "CLICK FOR MORE!"
Brad - you can also use Jott to post on Blogger, Type Pad and Word Press. I use Jott a lot for notes to myself and my team, but haven't used its blog posting function yet.
Sharon - thanks for sharing JOTT! I'll check it out and appreciate you sharing that. My client didn't like the Utterz 100%, and still is not thrilled about even Blogging at all. That's ok, I showed her some benefits and successes of others and I think she's having second thoughts now. She likes the "phone in" idea, but is coming to terms with the fact that for now, she might just need to do it like us....the Old Fashioned Way! LOL! :-)
Tracy - that was cute! I am utterly impressed!! LOL! It's pretty crazy all the technology out there, just wait a year or two, we'll look back at this stuff and laugh. It's the new world, it's only going to get more overwhelming, so fasten your seatbelt and just enjoy the ride! :-)
Kotambu - I am always looking for new ways to help my clients with technology, marketing, Blogging, and products, tools and services that will help them grow their business and mine. I look for this stuff based on their needs, not always mine. I try to find this stuff, so you won't have to! Thanks for finding me!! That's a lot easier huh? :-)
Sharon Simms mentioned Jott.com earlier in the comments here. This is probably going to be the solution to what my client is looking for. I checked it out, and I am forwarding the information to her today. Sharon, thanks a million!
and meant to add that I'm going to wait on the whole phone blogging thing. I have to keep my eyes on the road more as I already have 2 blackberries...one more use for either of them and we're all in trouble. I limit myself to stop signs to see what messages I've just missed. Don't want to be the idiot that causes an accident because of darn phones!
Beth - sometimes I look for this stuff based on my clients requests, and sometimes I just let Google Alerts bring it to me. It really doesn't take much time at all to research and find this stuff! It's fascinating how much technology is out there and I love sharing what I find with others, especially if it's a product, tool or service that helps save time and increase business. Not sure if Utterz falls into any of those categories, but this was what the client was looking for, so I thought I'd post about it! :-)
Beth - in regards to your second comment, I think people are misunderstanding the whole "Phone Blogging" thing. This is a tool so you don't have to type using your TREO, Blackberry or any other phone for typing or texting. This one allows you to just talk to your Blog using your voice. Now you can keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. Just use your bluetooth headset and post away. Sharon Simms just shared another great tool called Jott.com. It does the same thing, but it will convert your voice to text for your Blog. It works with Blogger.com ad Wordpress.com. It's what she uses for her TEAM, but not for Blogging....yet! :-)
I hope this defines the whole "Blogging By Cell" concept. It really is worth checking out, even if you don't plan on using it for awhile. Thanks for always commenting so faithfully on my Blog! :-)
Thanks for the heads up on a blogging tech tool. I can see using the "blog talk" tool for the cool factor alone, but as for saving time, not sure it would, if you have time to talk on the phone, you probably would have time to blog.
Thanks for the heads up on a blogging tech tool. I can see using the "blog talk" tool for the cool factor alone, but as for saving time, not sure it would, if you have time to talk on the phone, you probably would have time to blog.
Rebecca Levinson-Connect2Agent
Rebecca - not if you type as slow as I do!! LOL!!!
Great Idea. Then all of my random blogging ideas could be put to use! The only problem is then blogging and driving!!!
Tina - thanks! I think what you meant to say was, "Then the only problem is then TALKING and driving!" LOL!! Thanks for your comment here, I really appreciate it! B-)
Very cool, Brad. I did not read all the comments...sorry. Is there a limit on how long the posts can be?
I've used JOTT before a bunch of times but you are limited to 15 seconds. But you CAN have your "post" show up in print in your blog. Pretty cool as well.
Jeff - With Utterz, there is no time limit to your voice recording, but it also will not convert to text. It stays an .mp3 file that goes right into your widget. The widget can be placed as a post (like above) or on your side bar. You can also leave voice comments, upload photos and videos from your cell. or text messages, or just the old fashioned way of commenting.
With Jott, you are limited to 30 seconds, but it will convert your voice to text which is really awesome. I guess it depends where, when, and why you might need it. The technology is changing everyday, this is what motivated me to start TechKnowBabble and WidgetWorld. Just trying to keep up on all this great stuff and then share with my fellow readers and Bloggers! :-)
There's too much to choose from! You'd be proud, I've finally given in to an outside blog, Brad. Now I've got to figure out which widgets will help it fly the most! That'd be a good post - sort through the options and benefits.
Jeff - TOO MUCH is an understatement!! I am proud you started your outside Blog!! That's awesome!! I just started another called Widget World. It's under construction, but in the meantime you can check out my Technology Widget Showcase. I think you'll be able to weed through some pretty cool widgets there!! Thanks Jeff
Brad....like somebody said...your are the AR Techno King! But ya gotta STOP! I can't keep up with all these new things....pretty soon, I won't be selling...I'll be locked in a room trying to use and learn all this cool stuff! Just kidding...keep the tips a coming!
Oh snap. I already talk to much. One of my clients calls me "the Professor"... at least he doesn't say "nutty" when I'm around. I I could call in posts I might have six or eight a day... nobody wants that.
Thom - you're right, I gotta stop! and soon I will, but right now, many clients love this stuff. I am a little obsessed by pleasing those in the industry I am surrounded by on a daily basis. Pick and Choose is what my pa used to say, I'll eventually have to pick a "new" topic for my Blog, as I'm sure these widgets and gadgets will just become a standard in everything we do!
Lane - I love your "Realtor for Car People!" I think this or Jott.com are the widgets for you. You can post all day long and I'm sure nobody minds your 6-8 posts a day...especially your subscribed readers! Go for it!!
Some of my best conversations are while I am showering. I could use a waterproof phone to capture all my words of wisdom. Or...I could use the bluetooth connection while driving...or while on my morning walks
You can absolutely use your bluetooth for walking and traffic. Just see the sample that I did in this post. I just received an email from them today so I am including it ion my next comment. Looks like technology is always going to be improving!! :-)
You Can Now Post Utterz for Just Your Other Web Pages or Just Yourself! That's right! After you record an utter and hit pound on the phone, you can choose to post your utter for everyone (including your other pages), just yourself or just your other web pages where you have a widget or auto-post set up. On utterz.com, you can always change the visibility of utterz on the individual utterz page by clicking the edit button next to visibility, right above the replies section. This way, you can create a private utter, then decide later if you want to post it to the utterz public and/or your other web pages. FYI, after you record an utter, you can always just hang up to have it posted automatically for everyone to hear.
"Friends" are now "Subscriptions" on Utterz We made this change to make it even easier to follow someone who you think is a clever utterer! Now, you can subscribe to someone's utterz and have the option to be notified when they utter! You'll see a new "subscriptions" page in your stall where you can see who you are subscribing to and who is subscribing to you. You have been automatically subscribed to all of your friends, and your friends have been subscribed to you! If you have a widget set up to play yours and your friends utterz, it will now play yours and your subscriptions' utterz.
New Notifications Page Check out your new notifications page. We've added new ways for you to choose how you're notified of replies and your subscriptions' utterz.
Check out Utterz AutoPost! If you have a Wordpress, Blogger, TypePad or LiveJournal blog, you can now set up to autopost right to your blog stream right from your phone. It takes literally seconds to set up and you don't need to change anything on your blog! Check it out in The Lab.
There's a ton more coming! In the coming weeks, we'll be releasing lots of new capabilities, so stay tuned. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, feedback or ideas.
Brad - Great idea to help EVERYONE with blogging. In my opinion, blogging is a benefit if you continue to answer the same questions over and over for clients and prospects. You can just direct them to the blog that answers that question.
Dale - great point. After giving your comment some thought, and it is early in the morning and coffee has not kicked in, I think I'd want people to stay at my blog and I'd go find the answer and then come back to be the resource. Don't want to send too many people away to other blogs or websites if they're potential clients. On the other hand, I totally believe in link love and supporting others in this community. All te answers are here to all the questions, it's just a matter of how you want to use all this power to yours and others benefit. Great comment, thanks Dale!
Jeff Turner - has proven this to be a great tool when traveling! He uttered while at NAR in Vegas, and at times made many of us feel like we were there. Thanks Jeff!! :-)
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
Today a client asked me, "Why should I Blog? Why wouldn't I just use email or talk on the phone?" This was a great question, and momentarily had me stumped! "I wish I could just use my phone to Blog?" I asked, "Why wouldn't you want to expose your marketing and advertising efforts for free using a Blog? She responded, "Because I don't have time, I'm not a writer, and Blogging requires both!" 
;)
;)
Brad, very interesting post. Different than what I thought it would be about. With internet access on our phones, many of us are capable of blogging from our phones (albeit slower on these small screens than if we were at the computer). If never written an entire blog from my phone, but have spent time reading and commenting on other posts.
Anyways, this Utterz service seems pretty neat. I've bookmarked your post to check it out further when I have some time.