Job Search Resources Weekly Update - 12/21/09

I'd like to wish everyone peace and happiness this holiday season! No updates this week.

Check out the Holiday Season Networking Advice from a few weeks back.

For more info check out these links:

• SoCal Networking Event Organizations
• Networking & Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts
  
• SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations
  
• Other & Indirect Job Networking Opportunities
  

Please take just a second to answer my poll (top-right): What day of the week would you like to see the "Job Search Resources Weekly Update" published?.

Thanks!

Privacy is in the Eye Pocketbook of the Beholder

Facebook sues to protect its users’ privacy from phishing spammers while being struck with a complaint by EPIC for reducing its users’ privacy. This is not so much about upholding privacy but rather deciding who makes money from personal information.

On 12/14/09 Facebook filed a lawsuit against alleged spammers (PDF):

This action arises from … theft and misuse of the usernames and passwords of Facebook users to gain unauthorized access … and send … (SPAM) to Facebook Users. Defendants’ SPAM directs unsuspecting recipients … to third-party commercial websites that pay Defendants for driving traffic to their websites.

On 12/17/09 The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) filed a complaint with the FTC (PDF):

Facebook’s changes to users’ privacy settings disclose personal information to the public that was previously restricted. Facebook’s changes to users’ privacy settings also disclose personal information to third parties that was previously not available. These changes violate user expectations, diminish user privacy, and contradict Facebook’s own representations.

I recently wrote a blog on Facebook’s new privacy settings and “Transition Tool” where I urged users to NOT take the default “Everyone” settings.

Of course, why did Facebook make these changes? Making Facebook “more open and connected” plus Facebook's agreement with Search Engines drives more traffic to Facebook webpages. This results in more advertising dollars for Facebook.

Not that Facebook’s and the spammers’ actions are the same, but in the end it comes down to others gaining financially from a reduction in users’ privacy.

Look for further “improvements” (read: reduction) in privacy from Facebook in the future, and in general carefully consider what information you share in any social networking/media site.

Job Search Resources Weekly Update - 12/16/09

Weekly updates! Please let me know if know of other items to add, or if you have any feedback on events.

Sorry this didn't make it out on Monday as usual - I've been to so many events of late it's taken a while to write them all up. Enjoy and good networking!

Follow these links to find the updates, and follow further for the full listings.

1 Update and 8 new in SoCal Networking Event Organizations.

No updates to Networking & Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts.

Comment in SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations.

Updates to Other & Indirect Job Networking Opportunities

SoCal Networking Event Organizations

Name: MixXedin Professional Network
Review: Tiffany Bradshaw is the affable host of these events, who takes a individual interest in those at her events. When you arrive, she leads each new attendee to a few others and introduces them, and continues to connect people throughout the event. As a whole the attendees are diverse in their fields and some of the friendliest I have encountered. Her last event I attended in December was also well attended, with approximately 60-something people. For this event she gave an approximately 15 minute speach on Business Development (her expertise) along with a two-sided overview sheet on the same material; she included examples directly from the attendees she knew. After that she passed the mic so everyone could give their 60 second commercial/elevator pitch; the first few people found it awkward but soon, due to the friendly and interested crowd, it was going smoothly and confidently. I even saw one person who was trying to dodge the path of mic finally relent and spoke comfortably. Once we knew each other the general networking that happened next was direct and eager. I was surprised by the number of small business owners, entreprenuers and managers/executives. Plus there was a few recruiters. Recommended!
Updated 12/7/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Criterion Resources, Events
Sites: http://www.criterionresources.com/, Events at EventBrite, Events
Self-description: "Out of work? Looking for employment during the harsh economical climate? Come attend a Criterion Resources seminar, a half-day event held quarterly.

Obtain helpful advice on networking, interviewing and other job-related issues. Learn from a rotating panel of speakers, such as human resources managers and company employers, with expertise on hiring, recruitment and staying financially stable during unemployment. Meet other like-minded professionals and share your own job-seeking experiences. Educate yourself on emerging technology to improve your job search, effectively market your skill set, and find the right job."
Frequency/Location: A couple times a year / Criterion Resources, Inc., 21900 Burbank Blvd., 3rd Floor Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Cost: Varies
Review: I attended their joint evening networking event with Pink Slip Mixers on 12/8 which was attended by about two dozen people, and included light food and soft drinks. Earlier that day they held a "Job Seeker Seminar & Fundraiser for Penny Lane Centers". I was told it was quite good as they had a number of speakers on different topics. They had a raffle. Attire was business casual and up.
Added 12/14/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Jobnob
Sites: http://www.jobnob.com/, JobNob Events, twitter.com/jobnob, facebook.com/pages/Jobnob/65795966468
Self-description: "Jobnob was founded to empower employees with real information about jobs and companies. The internet helps you find great bargains and the best restaurants, but offers nothing about the best place to work or where to earn the most money. Our mission at Jobnob is to answer the burning questions we all have about jobs."
"Jobseekers need work. Startups are cash strapped. Mingle and find a solution
Come "Jobnob" with cool new start ups and talented job seekers at our informal networking happy hours where you can find startup jobs. Be flexible on commitment and compensation- bootstrapped startups may be offering *alternative compensation: reduced rates, equity, internships, part time, etc. Get in on the ground floor with these great startups and meet cool tech companies!"
Frequency/Location: About monthly / Various US cities
Cost: Free for jobseekers. Pitching Startups may by charged.
Review: Jobnob isn't just an events, it's an online community where you can "Search for companies, jobs/projects or people". I attended last week's event in LA in conjunction with Docstoc (also in my list). This was their first in LA but have organized eight in SF. The venue was what I like to call "standing-still room only" packed! Upon arriving you received a name tag and four pages of companies in attendance, with a description of their projects and the skills they are looking for. The evening started with some general networking, and no-host bar, but hosted appetizers. Alan did a quick run through of how the evening would proceed, and offered a legal disclaimer on "alternative compensation". "20 companies will have 1 minute to present their projects." About 80 companies all together had small banners placed around the room where their representatives would be available. The pitches varied from polished to irreverent. Compensation was mostly equity to the point when one mentioned a real salary, a strong murmur was heard across the room. Primarily they were looking for developers/programers/software engineers. Because of the venue and crowdedness, sometimes the pitches were tough to hear even through they had a PA system, and I couldn't see them from my vantage. After the pitches, groups formed around the company's representatives, plus general networking.

The crowd was mostly professional, mostly in their mid to late 30's, and predominantly male. Attire varied from jeans and a t-shirt to suits, although business attire was most prevalent. Unfortunately, the skill set that the Startups were looking for didn't match that of attendees (mostly managers/executives, business development, sales, markeing, etc. - in other words, not sufficiently technical). I heard one Startup remark he would pay ten times as much for a room full of developers.

I spoke with both the founders, Julie and Alan, who were both very friendly. They plan to have more of these, and find a different venue. I asked Julie about the large stack of uncollected pre-printed name tags; she said because it was free, they expected about half of those RSVPing not to show up, although they did get a number of walk-ins. Recommended.
Added 12/14/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: #140Conf: The State of Now
Sites: meetup.com/140conf, Oganizer: twitter.com/jeffpulver, jeffpulver.com
Self-description: "An opportunity to discuss the emerging Real-Time Internet and the effects on business. A monthly gathering for friends of #140conf to get together and discuss issues of the day."
Frequency/Location: Monthly / Cities across US and Worldwide
Cost: Free?
Review: Recommended. It's only fitting I use my tweet:
Added 12/16/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Moodtyme Events
Sites: moodtyme.com/moodtymeevents
Self-description: "Welcome to MoodTyme Events, the exclusive, invite-only, special events division of the MoodTyme Corporation.

MoodTyme Events was formed in 2009 with a mission: To bring together global professionals, creators, business owners, executives, community leaders and more to create new businesses, expand their global connections, produce fresh ideas, innovative concepts, and develop new and better strategies for the life of all people.

We believe in the power of inclusion, connecting individuals and giving everyone an opportunity to be a part of something much larger than themselves. With our VIP Power Networking Events and strategic powerhouse networking partners, our goal is to ignite and stir up the abundance of genius within our attendees, allowing them to share their gifts, talents, and genius with others to create the world and life they desire. There are no limits to the power of bringing people together. As a VIP courtesy perk, attendees have the option of being included on our VIP Power Connect List, which is used to connect you with other attendees from our power networking events around the world who fit some of the same criteria that you desire to connect with. What other networking event does that? Unfortunately, we don't know of any.

We also give back to those local communities where we host events, through portions of proceeds from our events and through collecting a non-perishable food item from attendees (though not mandatory for attendance) to help feed the needy at local and international food banks. It is amazing how we can help rid the world of hunger and starvation just by showing up. So why not network, attend the most powerful events on the planet, making new contacts, creating new business, and expanding your brand which is you, while making a difference.

This is why we say...ALL NETWORKING EVENTS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL.

Maximize Your Networking! Expand Your Influence! Change The World!"
Frequency/Location: Multiple times a month / Around the world
Cost: Varies
Review: They categorize each event as one or more types: "VIP POWER NETWORKING EVENT" (VPNE), "PRE-GRAMMY POWER NIGHT" (PGPN), "THE LIST" (TL), plus four others that are "Coming Soon"
Added 12/16/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Shades of Business
Sites: http://www.shadesofbusiness.com/, facebook.com/group.php?gid=86953289872
Self-description: "The purpose of this organization is to provide you with high-caliber events where you can network with a diverse group of professionals and entrepreneurs, expand your existing business, and learn about new opportunities on the horizon. In addition to networking events, Shades of Business offers you access to a variety of professional development seminars and workshops."
Frequency/Location: Unknown / "We currently have events in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties and spreading fast!"
Cost: Free?
Review: None
Added 12/16/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: New Media Vault
Sites: twitter.com/newmediavault, http://www.tubefilter.tv/newmediavault/
Self-description: "The New Media Vault is the East Side’s first New Media Networking Event. Held monthly in Downtown Los Angeles at The Crocker Club, the Vault is a chance to mingle and mix with others from the worlds of TV, Film, New Media, Tech, Advertising and Venture Finance, and to make new acquaintances and catch up with old connections. The New Media Vault provides networking opportunities in a comfortable, low-key and casual environment, and brings new media into the historic core of Downtown Los Angeles." "The New Media Vault is presented by Tubefilter, LA Mixers and Stella Entertainment"
Frequency/Location: Monthly / Crocker Club, 453 S Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013
Cost: Free
Review: "Please carefully note the dress code." I also have entries for Tubefilter and LA Mixers.
Added 12/16/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Bruin Professionals (BP)
Sites: http://www.bruinprofessionals.com/
Self-description: "The mission of Bruin Professionals (‘BP’) is to assemble a diverse group of UCLA Alumni who are well established in a profession or business and are willing to make a commitment to attend BP meetings. BP Members will have the opportunity through an organized format to develop relationships and expand their business activities by sharing referrals, resources, information, ideas and advice. BP will develop Bruin synergy and establish a venue through which Professional Alumni can become actively associated with UCLA and promote new business leads."
Frequency/Location: Monthly across seven SoCal Chapters: Downtown LA, Orange County, San Diego, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, South Bay, Westwood
Cost: Varies
Review: A colleauge of mine is a member and recommends it.
Added 12/16/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: ProVisors
Sites: http://www.provisors.com/
Self-description: "Our Mission Statement

ProVisors is a community of professionals who serve their clients as trusted advisors and share the highest standards of integrity, performance and accountability. ProVisors promotes and enables relationship building, information sharing and collaboration among its members for the benefit of their clients and one another.

Our History

ProVisors, founded in 1988 as Professionals Network Group, Inc. (PNG), was established to provide a community for professionals who believe success flows from a commitment to high ethical standards, devotion to the best interests of clients, and sharing resources and knowledge with fellow senior professionals. Two decades later, ProVisors is the community of choice for over 1,300 of Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and San Francisco's preeminent professionals. ProVisors was incorporated in 1991."

Our Meetings

ProVisors operates more than 55 groups consisting of 25 - 40 members each in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and San Francisco, California. Each group holds a monthly meeting from 7:30am to 9:00am. The meetings enable members to develop deep relationships with one another, address specific client needs and share information, strategies, business opportunities, resources, and contacts.

Members with specific needs or skill sets may participate in ProVisors Affinity Groups as a benefit of membership. Throughout the year, ProVisors also offers special events, such as educational forums, social, cultural and networking events for its members and their guests."
Frequency/Location: Monthly / Numerous clubs in California
Cost: "For 2007, annual membership dues are $1200"
Review: A colleauge of mine is a member and recommends it.
Added 12/16/09 by Todd Zebert

Networking & Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts

No updates this week.

SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations

No updates this week, but did you see Bruin Professionals (BP) above?.

Other & Indirect Job Networking Opportunities

• Professional Associations, Groups, Societies & Events.
• Online Professional "Social" Networking & Branding.
• Find (and Create) Tweetups at: tweetvite.com, twtvite.com, findtweetups.com, and tweetup.meetup.com. Or try a custom Twitter Search such as http://search.twitter.com/search?q=+tweetup+near:%22Los%20Angeles,%20CA%22+within:25mi (modify it for your particulars).
• Outplacement Firms.
• YOUR Previous Job - Alumni "groups".
• More Social Ideas - Network Everywhere.
• Volunteer - Network while doing "good".
• Other - keep your mind open.
• happn.in Find Twittered events and topics by locale by following (and taging): twitter.com/happn_in_la, twitter.com/happn_in_oc, and twitter.com/happn_in_sd

Facebook's New “Transition” Tool and Privacy

12/9/09 Facebook launched “new privacy settings and tools to give you greater control over the information you share on Facebook”. For many users this may be their first exposure to Facebook privacy settings, and while it’s better than nothing, it can be improved greatly.

The three components of this launch are:

• Transition Tool
• Changes in how Security/Privacy works
• Publisher Security

But I think the key change is the definition of Everyone. As I suspected back on 10/7/09 Take Control of your Facebook security & privacy settings, Facebook’s Everyone now means Everyone on the internet:

Remember, any information that's visible to Everyone may be seen by everyone on the internet. It will be visible to anyone viewing your profile, and Facebook-enhanced applications and websites that you use will be able to access it. Additionally, it may be visible in search engines or through RSS feeds.

(note that link only works AFTER you've completed the transition)

You may have noticed Google’s new real-time search (demo video) and may have heard about Facebook’s agreement with to feed data to Google. Currently, all this includes is Public Page updates, not Profile Posts. But Microsoft’s Bing DOES have access. Other search engines who knows. It’s only a matter of time until all of your Facebook Everyone-shared content is available by the search engines, possibly in real-time.

Transition Tool
The Transition tool will be required for all ALL users to review and update their privacy settings. On your next login you’ll go through the transition process.

Warning: Do NOT take Facebook’s recommendations for Everyone!

I don’t like Facebook’s recommended settings – they are too permissive. For instance, there’s direct Identity theft issues such if you’ve specified your Family Members in Facebook, someone may be able to find your mother’ maiden name. Less directly, they could use your information to answer any of those security questions that financial websites tend to give (“Where city were you born in?”, “What is the name of your first pet?”, etc.) Then there’s just personal info such as your “Looking For”, your Photos, Status Updates, etc.

Warning: If you’ve already done substantial changes to privacy be very careful to select “Old Settings” or you might have to go back and, for example, change all your photo album security manually.

Facebook has a video to guide you:

How do I use the transition tool? [HD]

On your next login you’ll be prompted to run the Transition Tool, or “skip for now”.

You’ll get to review the changes they’re making. For each category on the left, there’s radio button in the middle for the FB recommended, and one on the right for your old settings. It will automatically probably (I've heard it's not in some cases, so verify!) select the option (by pre-selecting the radio button) of the more restrictive setting. The recommended settings are those Facebook has determined are commonly used.

• To understand which category means, click on the small question mark to its right.
• The Privacy setting is shown above the radio buttons for each grouping of categories.
• To see what your old settings are, hover over the radio button.
• To choose a different setting, you’ll have to change the settings later through your privacy settings.

Next save your settings.

Finally, review your settings, organized by level of privacy, and confirm them.

Overview (only available to users AFTER you’ve gone through the transition)

Changes in how Security/Privacy Works
There are quite a few changes. Look for a forthcoming blog on the details.

Overview of changes:

• “A simpler Privacy Settings page.”
• You’ll need to enter your password prior to making changing any Privacy Setting.
• Location (Regional) Networks are gone, leaving only School and Work Networks.
• Your location is shown as your Current City/Region Field from your Profile
• “Tool to control the audience for each and every post you create.” See Controlling the Audience of Each Publisher Post below.
• The “Basic Set” of publically visible info now includes: Name, Profile Photo, Gender, Location, Networks, Friend list, and Pages. This info is only visible to those with Facebook accounts, Applications, and Website that connect to Facebook.
• “Social Ads” Settings have moved to your Account settings. The settings haven’t changed, just where to find them has.
• Apps will have to ask to have more permissions than the “Basic Set” of info.
• Differences for minors (those under 18): 1) Everyone means: Friends, Friends of Friends, and Networks. 2) No public search engine results. Note that Facebook does not permit profiles for uderage users (those under 13) and will delete these accounts if they are notified.

Controlling the Audience of Each Publisher Post
Previously known as the “Beta Publisher” which was available to those of you who had your profile open to Everyone, it now will be standard for all users.

Publisher is the “What’s on your mind?” box on your profile where you can share your Status, Photos, Videos, Events, Links, and more.

Now it will have the standard Facebook “padlock” security icon from which you can control the audience for your post. Options included are the familiar Everyone (anyone on or OFF of Facebook), Friend and Networks, Friends of Friends, and Custom. The default action for this is controlled by the “Posts by Me” Privacy Setting.

Further Reading

• Facebook Privacy using Friend Lists
• Facebook Application and Content Creation Privacy

Changes
12/10/09 Updated Transition Tool discussion because I've had reports of it not pre-selecting the user's previous settings.

Job Search Resources Weekly Update - 12/7/09

Weekly updates! Please let me know if know of other items to add, or if you have any feedback on events.

Follow these links to find the updates, and follow further for the full listings.

2 Updates and 7 New in SoCal Networking Event Organizations.

No updates to Networking & Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts.

Updates to SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations.

Updates to Other & Indirect Job Networking Opportunities

SoCal Networking Event Organizations

Name: So Cal Sushi
Cost: Free, excluding cost of food and drink
Review: Last week Neal re-started his LA-local meetings (they were primarily in OC) and of course there was an interesting selection of people. Neal Schaffer's concept/book "Windmill Networking" put into practice. Great format, from Neal's introductory statement, the table of biz cards, name-tags, round-table introductions (sometimes video recorded), to lunch (prix fixe). Recommended.
Updated 12/7/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: The Circle LA
Review: I tried to attend their last event at the Liquid Kitty on Pico. Granted, I arrived about two hours in, but I couldn't find the group. The venue was small, dim, mostly empty, and loud. I'll give it another chance.
Updated 12/7/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Access Executive Network (AccessEn)
Sites: OC Chapter, LA Chapter
Self-description: " ACCESS Executive Network (AccessEN) is dedicated to bringing together leaders and senior executives to enhance professional connections and give back to our community.

Sharing Business.
At AccessEN, our entrepreneurs and business executives:

* Brainstorm and share ideas during "real-life" business case studies
* Share expertise and knowledge at monthly networking events
* Provide ongoing discussion and interaction via online forums
* Enable access to valuable resources including OC thought leaders

Giving Back.
Our annual survey shows that members join because of our strong network of entrepreneurs and executives. Yet, members say that one of the most important benefits they actually receive from joining AccessEN is giving back to the community.

* Members "give back" – a portion of every membership fee and event fee goes to our charities
* Members "share time" – we serve our community including "adopting" an at-risk child for a day at the beach and working at the community soup kitchen"
Frequency/Location: LA: roughly monthly / Sony Pictures Plaza, 3910 Madison Ave, Culver City , CA 90232
Frequency/Location: OC: monthly / Chairman's Room, The Center Club, 650 Town Center Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Cost: $45/person or "$300 yearly individual membership fee for unlimited meetings in LA or OC Meeting and membership fees help support charity organizations. "
Review: Events include networking, a presentation, and a business case.
Added 12/7/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: SoCal SpeedNetworking
Sites: socalspeednetworking.com
Self-description: "SoCal SpeedNetworking is the premier solution to help you expand your network by bringing the professional working community an innovative solution to enhance networking opportunities. Make more business contacts at just one SpeedNetworking event than you can in weeks of ordinary business networking! It is well known that the primary way businesses, especially small or new businesses gain new customers, clients and contacts is via business networking. Getting face to face with a potential client or partner is the only way you really know whether you can do business with them or not but traditional networking events can sometimes be very unproductive. Many people tend to gravitate towards those they may already know, never getting the opportunity to meet others who could be great business contacts. In our structured environment you will interact with many individuals on a one-to-one basis that you may have never otherwise had the chance to network with. Being able to meet lots of people in the time frame usually set aside for just one or two appointments means you can spend more of your time actually doing work that earns money. "
Frequency/Location: Multiple times a month / Various locations including Northridge, Mission Hills, Beverly Hills, San Fernando, Burbank, Santa Monica, Simi Valle, etc.
Cost: "The cost to attend a SpeedNetworking event is $10.00 or $15.00 for online payment and $20.00 if you pay at the door. "
Review: "A limited amount of complementary appetizers will be served. "
Added 12/7/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: People (Men) Between Jobs
Sites: peoplebetweenjobs.wordpress.com, also an email list.
Self-description: "Free support base, job postings, network, career & job events"
Frequency/Location: "Monday nights 7pm" / Room 204, Shepherd of the Hills, 19700 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch, CA
Cost:
Review: "Women welcome"
Added 12/7/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Information Systems Security Association
- Los Angeles Chapter
Sites: www.issa-la.org, linkedin.com/groups?gid=141501, twitter.com/issala. Other SoCal chapters include Orange County, Inland Empire, and San Diego.
Self-description: "The Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) is an international organization providing educational forums, publications and peer interaction opportunities that enhance the knowledge, skills and professionalism. The primary goal of ISSA is to promote management practices that will ensure availability, integrity and confidentiality of organizational resources.

Why join the Los Angeles chapter of the ISSA?

* Great opportunities for networking and education at our monthly lunches.
* Fantastic savings on training, including CISSP, CISM, ITIL, Risk Assessment, Certified Ethical Hacker and Information Technology and the Law this year.
* Make a difference through our Community Outreach Program."
Frequency/Location: Monthly Luncheons(?) / Les Freres Taix French Restaurant, 1911 West Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026
Cost: "LA & other ISSA chapter members - with reservations: FREE. LA & other ISSA chapter members - without reservations: $25. Non-members - with reservation: $25. Non-members - without reservations: $30". "General Membership $95.00/year, plus chapter dues (if applicable)" Chapter dues seem to be frequently below $50.
Review: None
Added 12/7/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Marina Pacifica Job Club
Sites: linkedin.com/groups?gid=1948399
Self-description: "Job seekers in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas meet weekly to network, exchange ideas and best practice, share stories and provide support. Recruiters, Corporate HR Professionals, Motivational speakers, etc are guests and encouraged to provide input. Only active job seekers should apply to this group."
Frequency/Location: "Private club meetings are held on alternate Monday mornings at the Marina Pacifica Clubhouse from 10:00 - 11:30. Must RSVP."
Cost: Free
Review: While I haven't made it to any of the luncheons, I have been to a couple of the joint evening networking events they've done with Pink Slip Mixers. Expect a number of speakers (sometimes even myself!), raffles, cash bar, sometimes complimentary light appetizers, and of course plenty of networking.
Added 12/7/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: Happy Hour Mafia
Sites: facebook.com/group.php?gid=85363157401
Self-description: "Hello!?! Look at the name of the group. You'll figure it out. Basically this is about getting large groups of cool people together for a fun time. Events take place whenever the muse inspires us. There is no other agenda. So... enjoy.

Want more details? Well, so far we have four kinds of events, 2 of which are "live" and 2 of which are in development.

1. Happy Hours. Open to all Happy Hour Mafia members. Always take place on a Friday at 6 pm, at semi-random intervals, and always at unusual and interesting venues.

2. Field Trips. Also open to all Happy Hour Mafia members. These are non-sleep-over events at some interesting location, venue or activity. E.g., horse races, concerts, bowling, hiking, etc..."
Frequency/Location: Roughly monthly
Cost: Free
Review: Gordon Einstein leads this as a more social event as compared to his other group, NoNameTags (also in my list), which is more business. I've been to a few HHM "happy hour" events (but not the "field trips") and they vary from very social to a mix. At the last event, I traded a few business cards. They are well attended, ages from 20's to 50's. Dress is upscale. Venues are usually clubs with a DJ - it can be loud, dancing may occur. Usually there's a photographer, and watch for Fantastic Fig doing card tricks (and he's good!) Gordon is affable and will introduce you to others once you introduce yourself.
Added 12/7/09 by Todd Zebert

Name: #140Conf: The State of Now
Sites: meetup.com/140conf
Self-description: "An opportunity to discuss the emerging Real-Time Internet and the effects on business. A monthly gathering for friends of #140conf to get together and discuss issues of the day."
Frequency/Location: About monthly, across multiple cities
Cost: Free
Review: Events seem to begin and end with networking, with some presentations in the middle.
Added 12/7/09 by Todd Zebert

Networking & Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts

No updates this week.

SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations

Have you checked out Classmates? (Re-)Connect with your K-12 and College classmates. A word of warning though, others and myself find they have bad customer service (email "spam", customer service, etc.)

Other & Indirect Job Networking Opportunities

• Professional Associations, Groups, Societies & Events.
• Online Professional "Social" Networking & Branding.
• Outplacement Firms.
• YOUR Previous Job - Alumni "groups".
• More Social Ideas - Network Everywhere.
• InterNations - the Network for Expatriates and Global Minds. I've signed up but haven't used the site. Like XING perhaps?
• BlackPlanet "the largest Black community online" also with Professional and Job sections. Also owned by the same parent company is MiGente the "largest Latino-American community online."
• Other International/Multinational social networking sites include Bebo (Europe), Orkut (popular in Brazil & India), Piczo, StudiVZ (German-speaking mostly, but sister sites for other European countries).
• Volunteer - Network while doing "good".
• Other - keep your mind open.

Facebook Application and Content Creation Privacy

While Take Control of your Facebook Security & Privacy Settings (part 1 of this series) provided an overview of Application Privacy, this is a deeper dive and explains how Built-in Apps control some basic functions and default security of Facebook. This is the third in a series, the previous being Facebook Privacy using Friend Lists.

Finding and Setting your Application Settings

1. Hover over Settings (top right of screen)
2. Click Applicaon Settings
3. From the "Show" drop-down (top-right) select "Authorized"

Application settings have to be set for EACH ONE – so it’s better to have fewer than more! For each application, you can "Edit Settings", see its "Profile" (the Facebook page describing the application), or delete it using the "X".

It will take three clicks (“X”, “Remove”, “Okay”) to remove each application, so carefully consider next time you’re offered to add a new application.

Built-in Applications:

• Events
• Gifts
• Groups
• Links
• Notes (should set “new note” defaults)
• Photos (does NOT seem to set “new album” defaults)
• Video (does NOT seem to set “new album” defaults)

Note: there is NO control for (Fan) Pages!

Most Application Settings have three tabs:

• Profile Tab: Checkboxes if the app should be shown on your personal Wall/Info page as a “Box”, and/or if it should be shown as a “Tab”. There’s also Privacy settings that have been described previously in this series.
• Bookmark Tab: Checkbox. Not important to security/privacy.
• Additional Permissions Tab: Items specific to that Application. Most also have a checkbox for “Publish to streams” which means the application can publish to the “wall of a user or a Facebook Page, group, or event connected to the user.” This is similar to “Publish recent activity (one line stories) to my wall” option. You’ll want to carefully consider what applications you allow to create posts for you. Other applications have options on which events (not a formal Event, but specific activities) that should trigger an email to you.

Controlling Privacy when Creating Content
Creating content in each built-in Application is discussed below:

Events – Creating:
Step 1, Privacy:

• Open: “Anyone can see this Event and its content. Anyone can RSVP or invite others to this Event.”
• Closed: “Anyone can see this Event, but its content is only shown to guests. People will need to be invited or request invitations to RSVP.”
• Secret: “Only people who are invited can see this Event and its content. People will need to be invited to RSVP.”

Step 2, Event Options:

• Options on if there’s a wall, what content can be posted, if only admins can post, and control over invites and visibility.

Note: if you create them from your “What’s on your mind?” via Attach: Event, you don’t have the same privacy control.

Gifts - Giving:
Part 4. Method of Delivery:

• Public: “People will see your gift and message. The gift will go in the recipient's gift box and the wall.”
• Private: “People will see the gift but only the recipient will see your name and message. The gift will go in the recipient's gift box but not the wall.”

(Fan) Pages – Creating:
Outside the scope of this article.

Groups – Creating:
Outside the scope of this article.

Links – Creating:
There’s no way to adjust the Privacy of an individual Link as you create it, nor afterward.

Note: You don’t have to create a Link from your “What’s on your mind?” via Attach: Link. Facebook will automatically recognize the URL and create the Attach:Link. You can click the right-side “X” to delete the Attach:Link and while the URL will remain, this update will be simply a status update.

Notes – Creating:
Note Privacy: set the privacy different from the default if you choose.

Photo – Creating a new Album:

Privacy: set the privacy. The default seems to be “Everyone” – this is not changed by the Photo Application settings.

Photo’s created from the “What’s on your mind?” via Attach: Photo end up in different Albums according to how they were created. “Upload a Photo” places it in “Wall Photos” and privacy can not be set at that time (you may have previously set, and can subsequently set privacy). “Take a photo” places it in “Webcam Photos” (you may have previously set, and can subsequently set privacy). “Create an Album” allows privacy settings as usual.

Photo’s created via a Mobile upload go an album called “Mobile Uploads” (you may have previously set, and can subsequently set privacy).

Warning: Like all Facebook Albums, “Wall Photos”, “Webcam Photos”, and “Mobile Uploads” are all restricted to 100 photos. When this limit is reached, a new album with the SAME name is created and its Privacy is defaulted to Everyone. This will not be obvious unless you check. For Mobile upload photos this can be problematic since you are presumably away from your computer, you may not get to (or forget to) change their Privacy for some time.

Videos – Creating:
Privacy: set the privacy. The default seems to be “Everyone” – this is not changed by the Video Application settings.

Video’s created from the “What’s on your mind?” via Attach:Video default to Everyone.

Warning: Mobile upload videos default to Everyone, and since you are presumably away from your computer, you may not get to (or forget to) change their Privacy for some time.