Microsoft has a great browser that most of you use for touring the Internet called Internet Explorer. Duh! Some of us have had issues with pages loading slowly, letters getting missed or skipped while typing, and screens locking up with no reasonable explanation. Many of us have to use Microsoft IE for MLS applications and other purposes which I totally understand.
I have found that Mozilla and the Firefox Browser have eliminated most of the issues I have had interfacing with Active Rain and many other sites and social networks. Pages load faster, no typing glitches (other than my own mis-spellings), and I have never had a page lock up on me. I also like that if the browser is ever closed unexpectedly, it will restore itself and take you right back to where you left off. Also, if you ever hit the back button accidentally in the middle of a post, you won't lose everything you spent time creating.
Now, there isFLOCK. I have been using it for about a week now and I am really enjoying some of the features that I don't have in the other popular browsers. FLOCK was originally created and used in the MAC world, but now they have released a Windows Version. FLOCK's browser was designed for the Social Network Users like you and I. When I first saw the reviews on FLOCK, I was intrigued and curious, but didn't have the time to invest trying something new. After hearing more about it from Macworld attendees, I decided to download it and try it. After all, it's FREE, and if I didn't like it, or see it's value, it only takes a few seconds to delete it. I am writing this post using FLOCK, and I have to say I have been very pleased with it's performance. I searched AR to see if others had written any posts about it, and was surprised to find that there were none. So I am taking this opportunity to at least let you know it's out there, and you will be hearing more about it.
Here are some things I think you'll be interested in knowing about Flock: Source: Flock.com
Latest Release Of Flock Browser Premiered At Macworld Offers Integrated Email And Friend Activity Features
Mountain View, CA – January 16, 2008 – Flock, the innovative social web browser, today announced the Flock 1.1 beta, available as a free software download for Mac, PC and Linux in two weeks at www.flock.com....More »
Flock Browser Named "Best Application" by Judges of Open Web Awards
Flock joins Facebook, ESPN, YouTube and Twitter as recipients of the inaugural Judges Choice AwardMountain View, CA – January 10, 2008 – Flock, the innovative social web browser, today announced that that the judges of the inaugural Open Web Awards have selected Flock as the best application....More »
Cnet Calls Flock One of the Top Web 2.0 Hits of 2007
Mountain View, CA – December 31, 2007 – Flock, the innovative social web browser, today announced that it has been listed as one of CNET’s top 2.0 Hits of 2007. CNET writers Rafe Needleman, Josh Lowensohn, and Caroline McCarthy called out Flock as one of the best technologies of the year in their “Hits and misses of 2.0 (07).”...More »
I think you should take a moment to read these reviews, watch the videos above, and then decide yourself if you want to give FLOCK a try. For me personally, I now have all my RSS feeds in one location, All my friends and videos in one place, and all my sites and social networks on one sidebar allowing me easy access to multiple Blogs and social networks. Remember, it is just a Browser and not some complicated application that will take you hours to learn or navigate.
So if you're a want-to-be Flockstar and want to learn what the FLOCK is all about, you owe it to yourself to check it out. I have added the "My Flock" button to the sidebar of my Blog here on Active Rain. They have multiple buttons available for you to use if you choose. They also have a Blog, Forums, a support Team, and even a phone number to call for questions and support (unlike the other browsers). Flock has some very cool and unique features, but only YOU can decide if FLOCK is right for your Web Browsing Experience. So to that end, I say "FLOCK ON!" my friends!!
66 Comments on FLOCK - The New "Social Web" Browser
JAN
26
2008
I finally got around to downloading firefox. I like it for here on AR and other internet sites. But, everything for real estate is in IE. My MLS, point2Agent site, zipforms. So I have to toggle back and forth and I hate it. I wonder if Flock is integrated with all the real estate programs? I doubt it as the real estate sites only wrote for IE.
Hi Missy - I know what you mean. Since I am not a REALTOR®, I can use just FF or FLOCK! The only way to really know is to try it with your MLS, but this browser is really meant for "Social Networking" as opposed to searching the MLS systems. Wish there was a fix-all for ALL REALTORS® like yourself! You deserve better and so much more! :-)
Brad, I like firefox, but like Missy said, most of my real estate programs require Internet Explorer. Will people be flocking to flock? They have a lot of competition.
Dan - not sure who will FLOCK to the flock as one of their browsers, but according to some of my friends who attended MacWorld, they say the cross-over from Mac to Windows with Flock will be a force to be reckoned with. As all new things on the WEB with 2.0, I think only time will tell. :-)
Jim - my understanding is that FLOCK was built around the Firefox model, but was also started on the MAC/APPLE OS. For the MAC users out there, they know what I mean when I say "Ease of Use!" Let me know what you think of it. Your opinion and feedback here makes all the difference in the world! Thanks! :-)
Missy - I used FLOCK to post, and now to comment. It works great! I do have every social network, Blog, and site I use all in one easy to access location with Flock. I also have my RSS feeds in another sidebar window. I am adding a few of my screen shots for you to view. This first one shows my Networks, Blogs & Sites, and My RSS Feeds which I'm in the process of updating:
This one shows the screen shot as I'm using it for my Browser:
This last one shows the media tool at the top, my RSS feeds on the left (notice the number that shows how many posts in each) and my AR Blog in the center window. These are just a few of the tools I like on FLOCK! I am still learning all the features and how to use it as my browser, the more I use it, the more I like it!! :-)
A truly excellent find Brad, especially for all the social butterflies here. It's amazing how different various sites can look from one browser to another. I love the People in the Browser and the share easily features of Flock, will be trying it out as soon as I have time to set it up. Thx...
Marti - I am always happy to get comments like yours. You have NO FEAR and are always willing to investigate what's new out there. I think you'll like this browser and some of the features and benefits it offers. I have been using it now all week long and all day today without a single glitch. I still have yet to discover all its possibilities.
As I find new stuff using the browser, this will be a great forum to update and keep readers abreast of new discoveries and or challenges. After all, that's what really brings value to these posts and also keeps them alive.
If you discover anything using FLOCK (good or bad) please feel free to come back here and share with us. You know that my BLOG is always open to you and your visits and comments are always very welcomed and appreciated! :-)
Cait - you'll love all the features in FLOCK. I just added another video from the Mahalo Daily and Veronica interviewing the CEO of FLOCK. I think they have big plans for the future now that they've crossed over to the Windows Web 2.0 platform. Enjoy, let me know what you think after you've had some time to explore and indulge!
Brad: I could spend several hours just clicking on all the buttons you have on your sidebar!!! Thanks for telling us about all the latest technology ... as usual you are the "first" to take a big step forward. I will check out FLOCK. Thanks!
Brad, I don't think that I am the "certain member" you were speaking of. However what the Flock are they going to think of next. Kinda stole my thunder. Oh well I got my 25 anyway.
Jan - I think you'll like flock. I am discovering new and cool things about it everyday. For example, you know the words we have to type into each comment like "Lilly-Pilly", "Love-In-A-Mist" and "guaxamilliaciao"? (haha)
Well.....once you type them one time, FLOCK remembers them and auto fills the box for you. You just click on the word now. Really cool! No other browser does that!
Rob - I knew you wouldn't let me down. You are the "certain member" I was thinking of! LOL!!! hahaha....just kidding, but glad you saw the opening and took it! Enjoy your 25 and your weekend!
I thought you might have gone to the next level and said," now make like a sheep herder and get the FLOCK out of here!"
Probably just stole someone else's thunder! ooopps! :-)
Hi Brad - I've seen a lot of buzz about Flock on Twitter. (There's a sentence we never thought would be written!) Haven't had a chance to try it out yet, but like Missy pointed out, most of the real estate apps seem to be tailored to IE. So much to learn ...
Brad - I had originally installed Flock because of its slick interface with Flickr and use it primarily when I am working with images. But as you point out, it does so much more.
For those who want more pizzazz in their browser with complete IE compatibility for MLS and other applications that require IE I might also recommend Maxthon2 for your consideration.
John - you should check it out. Just the Real Estate apps shouldn't prevent you from seeing and possibly using what else is out there. FLOCK has too many other great tools to pass up on. Plus, who know it won't work with MLS, Zipforms and other RE apps until you try it. Let me know what you think and what you find. I'd love to hear how it works with those apps. Thank my friend!
Ted - thanks! I have not heard of Maxthon2, but I will certainly be checking it out. So far, I love the FLOCK browser. I find new features and benefits every day. I still plan to use FF and IE but mostly to see what my posts and Blogs look like to other viewers using those browsers. A must if you want to please all readers. :-)
Steve - looking forward to your comments after you have a chance to check it out. I am really enjoying it. FLOCK is FAST, flexible, easy to customize, user friendly, loaded with rich features and web 2.0 tools, and it's helping me be organized with all my social networks, Blogs, and websites. So far, I'm sold. Can't wait to hear what you'll have to share. Thank my friend! :-)
Karen - let me know how you like it, I am going on my second week using it and so far I am totally happy with it's performance. I really like many of the features and it's very fast loading every site I go to. Very cool, keep us posted! Thanks! :-)
Larry - I'd love to own a MAC too, but don't have the funds nor the time to learn a new operating system, at least not right now. I think FLOCK has all the power that IE and FF have and more, but I do understand the whole MLS thing too. I still haven't had anyone report back that FLOCK won't work with the MLS, but I'm pretty sure that most MLS's only work with IE.
One thing for sure, change is inevitable in the computer world of technology and software applications. MAC has come a long way and now that you can run both windows and apple applications on a MAC, you may see more people switching over. Here's a link to some media advertising and battles between MAC & PC. I know you'll enjoy these! :-)
This is really cool!!!! When you create a link to a graphic, or find a graphic that has a link attached to it, using FLOCK, if you hover the mouse over the graphic, FLOCK gives you the option to 1. Preview the stream, 2. Create a new Blog Post about it. or 3. Email it to a friend. I just discovered this while commenting back to Larry above. I am really liking this whole FLOCKING idea! :-)
(see screen capture image below for details)
I have never seen a browser offer so many cool tools and features. :-)
Brad - Didn't work with my Local MLS site but what does. Flock has changed my life forever. So many excellent streamlined features. Absolutely amazing. Goodbye Firefox. :)
Steve - thanks for letting me know about the MLS functionality, and for your accepting, yet realistic and honest observation regarding the MLS Systems. FLOCK has certainly enhanced my online experiences as well. It gets even better, I just got this update automatically, and ;look what they've improved! It may even work with the MLS?!?!
I bet you could call their support line, and they'd try to figure out why it's not working, and try to be the first Browser other than IE to actually work. Certainly worth a try or at least a phone call. Glad you love this version, check out the comment below for what they've done in the "NEW" update! Very Cool!!
Thanks Steve, I love comments like yours, it keeps me motivated to continue sharing this stuff out here! Your comment, "Has Changed My Life Forever"...well...it doesn't get any better than that! :-) Thanks Steve!!!!!
Flock 1.0 delivers a more personal experience of the web, where its users are in control and more connected to what's important to them. By automatically managing updates and media from popular social services such as Facebook, Flickr, YouTube, and Twitter, Flock makes sharing with friends and services drag-and-drop easy.
These Release Notes contain information about what's new in this release as well as known issues that we'd like you to be aware of.
What's New
New Features in 1.0
Flock 1.0 has added a "People" sidebar to support new service integration with Facebook and Twitter.
Flickr and Youtube have been promoted to "People" services.
Several performance and stability enhancements have been implemented and several memory leaks have been fixed.
Ross - I love another feature I found today that I knew was there, I just wasn't using it. There is a "graphic" called "My World" and unlike your favorites links, this is a column of just your social weblogs and sites. These are all conveniently located in one spot and just one click away! I'm lovin FLOCK more every day!! :-)
Hi Brad - and to think I thought I was just getting cool because I finally downloaded and have been using Firefox!! And now, reading your post, I see I might not be as cool as Firefox was making me feel.... ;-)
As I was reading your post, I had the same questions pop up that Missy did. I think I'll hold off a little on this one, and continue to read more about it from you and others as they play around with it.
Brad -- this is a great tip. Our MLS also uses IE. However, I will have to check this out -- it sounds amazing. Perhaps the MLS systems will start upgrading so they can be used with FF and FLOCK etc.
Looks incredible! Thanks, I'm going to give it a try. I always wondered why I had so much trouble with typing glitches...I should have realized it was good ole Microsoft.
Ann - it's a great program. It's the only one I use now. I Love my Flocking Browser!! It's just like Firefox with a few more bells and whistles. It's not in beta, so it's ready to go when you are! Thanks Ann, let me know if you have any questions about it, I'd be happy to answer them for you. B-)
Sharon - I know you'll love FLOCK because it's just like firefox. I also know how busy you are on that computer and how you need a browser that won't lock up or hiccup on you in the middle of your work. Let me know what you think of Flock, I am really liking it. It's the only browser I use on my home computer now, I haven't had a single glitch with it yet and it's going on a month now.
Joan - I think you'll like it. I bet if you contact the folks at flock, the'd be willing to call your MLS to see what it takes to make FLOCK work with they're systems. The customer Service and support at Flock is awesome!! :-)
Christopher - I used to have so many problems with AR and using Internet Explorer. Another member told me long ago to switch to FF, so I did and the problems went away. Pages loaded faster, no typing glitches, screens stopped locking up, stopped losing posts when I hit the back button accidentally etc. Now with FLOCK, I have the same Firefox power, but it's designed for social networking and has some really cool features. Hope you enjoy it.
Steve - this one's a little slow out the gate, but it's certainly worth checking out so you can decide for yourself if you like it. I could tell you and all the others could say it's the best thing since sliced bread, but that doesn't mean you'd like it, or that it would work for your needs. I say, "GO FOR IT!" If you don't like it, you can always completely remove it from your hardrive! I think FLOCK ROCKS!!! :-)
Glad you like it Steve....The Flock that is!! LOL!`~ Those Giants really wanted it, you could tell. They deserved to win!! Thanks Steve, and you're welcome! :-)
Brad - Did you know that you can subscribe to the RSS feeds from forsalebyowner.com? Flock will assist you in keeping up to date with new fsbo listings. :) Enjoy.
Brad.... more information to read? lol I am happy with Firefox, but if Flock will help me organize everything, then I guess this is something to look into. Thanks for the info.
On another note, I haven't followed your story lately, in regards to your previous title job. I hope all is well.
Brad.... Very interesting..... I have not changed from FireFox..... I have been waiting to see if there are any issues to be concerned about. I'm using Vista and IE..... I keep getting messages the IE stoped working. Will FF help with this.....
Jeff - It's great to hear from you. I know you'll like Flock! I am still using it and have yet to find a reason not to. It's just like Firefox with a few more bells and whistles.
In regards to my job, I am with Placer Title now, and still finding my way but enjoying the people, the company, and just trying to make a difference in the markets I serve. I'm not a miracle man, just trying to help others make it through our shifted market! I have survived a couple of these over the past 22 years, just trying to do it again, and take a few good people along with me. Always nice to hear from you Jeff, thanks for stopping by and checking in! :-)
Roland - switch to Firefox or Flock NOW! Trust me, you'll be back to thank me later! (But don't feel that you have to LOL) I use Vista as well, and FF and FLOCK are both 110% better as browsers especially with Active Rain! Try it, you can always switch back, but I say go forward, be adventurous, do it now!! :-)
Do choose Firefox or Flock. I hardly use Internet Explorer. I only use IE when there is browser incompatabilities. Just make sure to update the security and option features in your initial download. Best of luck.
Steve - great tip, thank for sharing that. In the version I have, the securities and options features were included in the initial download. just fyi... :-)
Brad, I do not think you mentioned this yet. Most Firefox extensions should carry over if you switch to flock. you can also install the extensions to flock, and they will work. An example would be I use SEO for Firefox in Flock. Another good example would be Piclens for Firefox. Unfortunately I'm not using flock, right now and will have the type in the capture myself.
Jeff - that's a great point and I did neglect to mention that. I use firfox primarily but still access my Flock for certain features and capabilities. As much as I am doing online these days, I need all 4 browsers. Safari, FF, IE, and Flock! NO MORE BROWSERS .....PLEASE!! lol~ :-)
Being a macowner and user, Flock and safari are both used more in our world. I still prefer firefox due to the numerous add-ons including Speed Dial which allows you to set shortcut keywords (cntr + something) for specific web adresses'. Anything is better than ie at the moment and that's been the case for quite some time now. Perhaps Microsoft realizes that. After you try Flock, try Firefox so you can see the difference and let us kjnow what you liked about either. Thanks for the article Brad.
Spoken like a true blue Firefox user! I have seen and used many browsers, but my all time fav is Firefox. It's the one I use most now, I grew out of Flock, might need to go back and check it out myself. Funny how these things can change for some and yet not for others. I do like Flocks interface with Social Networking. :-)
John - you're welcome. Here's another quick tip, you don't need to put backlinks to your site in the comments of other members posts, the link in your name is enough to get them there. Just FYI... some members consider this spamming their post or hijacking it. Often times, your comments will be deleted if you do so. Thanks, just looking out for ya here... :-)
Tony - Flock rocks!! I still use FF mostly cause I'm on a MAC now, but I did use Flock for most my PC browsing. I just downloaded Google Chrome a couple months back, just haven't had the chance to check it out yet. :-)
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Microsoft has a great browser that most of you use for touring the Internet called 
;)
;)
I finally got around to downloading firefox. I like it for here on AR and other internet sites. But, everything for real estate is in IE. My MLS, point2Agent site, zipforms. So I have to toggle back and forth and I hate it. I wonder if Flock is integrated with all the real estate programs? I doubt it as the real estate sites only wrote for IE.