Twitter isn’t for everyone. In fact, I have many friends who ask me “Aren’t you self-conscious about what you post? The whole world can see what you’re saying!” Yes, sometimes there is that thought in my head. “Am I going to feel the same way about this in a few months?” But to me it doesn’t matter. In the realm of continuous data and information, an opinion I have today will be just as relevant as one I had four years ago. I’m more concerned about connecting, adsorbing, and living through the information put out by my peers.

Consequently, a developer by the name Hazem Sayed in California felt the same way, but with a more private state of mind like my friends. His brainchild, Vibe, is the solution to many digital users’ problem: sharing a voice that is truly anonymous. The constant need to share, which by no means is negative, comes with responsibility: you’ve got to put your name out there. Vibe aims to replace that anchor, making information free flowing, untraceable, but always attainable.

Once opened, the only form of information Vibe asks you to provide is your current location. This allows you to tap into local “vibes” as well as use a slider to view vibes within a certain radius. If there isn’t a “vibe” in your area that you’d like to respond to, you can make your own. With different time-based levels of sharing, your message can be heard as loudly, or as softly, as you like.

A whisper will stay live for 15 minutes.

A speak will stay live for 1 hour.

A shout will stay live...

SocialGift is a new platform that lets users chip in to purchase gifts from an online catalog of products and services. The way it works is simple. A user starts a new SocialGift "event" and invites others to participate in purchasing the item via Facebook, Twitter or e-mail. When the total cost of the gift is met it is shipped to the recipient.

This is a really neat service for a few reasons. The platform is social to the core, allowing users to see who has contributed and to post questions or comments to others. Participants can also vote for which gifts to give and unique gift baskets can be created if a group doesn't come to a consensus. "Karma" points make sure that givers keep giving by rewarding them for starting new SocialGift events, contributing to an event or inviting someone who contributes. Once a certain amount of Karma points is reached, users can indulge themselves for a change. And of course, the service is great because it lets people give presents for less than the total cost of the item.

It will be interesting to watch this service as we creep closer to the holiday season.

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Watch this at WSAV

This week on WSAV Tech Tuesday, BFG's Hal Thomas discusses One Pager, a web-based service that allows business owners to create simple, one-page websites without having to know graphic design or web coding.

Onepager Introductory Video from Simande LLC on Vimeo.

......Well sorta. The Oslo City Shopping Center in Norway has launched an eye catching interactive campaign starring David Hasselhoff.  Finally, your chance to star in a commercial with "The Hoff" has arrived. Simply upload a headshot of yourself or friend and let the application load your "avatar" into the video.

In my opinion, this is a successful tactic to help spread awareness for the shopping center. Customizable content allowing the consumer to become involved with the spokesperson/celebrity provides much more return than simply asking them to watch the talent. Relationship building and pass along are two examples. The video takes a bit of time to load, but it's worth the wait. Check out my video here and be sure to make one of your own.

Every few months, we take a look back at emerging trends and technologies to take note of. Our latest trendspotting report is available on Slideshare. It covers off on the rise of niche social networks, how companies are bringing the physical and virtual worlds together, next gen shopping, extreme grouponing, and digital music. Enjoy!