One of the most exciting fields today is that of communications. Technology has widened the scope of communications fields and made it possible for us to interact in new and interesting ways. No matter your communications career, you can use web tools to keep in touch and even complete work assignments. Here 25 web startups that are helping to revolutionize the way we communicate:
Events, Networking and Location
Keep in touch with others, send event invitations (and receive timely RSVPs), as well as coordinate meetups and see where members of your networks are.
Eventful.com: See what’s happening in your area, and share events with others. You can promote events easily, and arrange to meet up at your favorite event with member of your community. Keep in contact with your friends and plan outings using the internet.
Meetup.com: If you are interested in finding new people to share your interests with, Meetup is a good place to start. You start your own group, or join an existing group of interest. Share your events, and see what is happening. Communicate with others about interests and group activities, and plan events with your new friends, and promote your latest fun event or outing.
Xanga.com: This is a blogging community that also acts as a place for photoblogs and a social networking home. It’s a place where you can express yourself, and it provides a sort of “home base” for your social world online. A good place for people to go if they want to keep up with your life, and if you want to keep up with the lives of your loved ones.
FMyLife: An interesting way to communicate the everyday minutiae of your life. You can see what others are saying, and keep in touch with others. It’s kind of a place where you can share the stories that can make life frustrating. It’s a place to go to blow off steam, and feel like maybe your life isn’t that bad.
Plurk: Share your daily life, with Plurk. You can let people know what you are doing, and share information. A good way to keep up with others, and to coordinate schedules. Features a way for you to keep track of relationships and share your own schedule.
Jaiku: This is a lifestreaming online application that allows you to enjoy conversations with others. The start-up was actually bought by Google in 2007, and is likely to enjoy the benefits. You can customize your design, add icons and see how others are doing. A fun and easy way to show your personality while carrying on an online conversation.
Brightkite.com: Many people like to share their locations, and find their friends. BrightKite allows you to connect with friends while you are on the go, changing the way we are always online. Others can see where you are, and you can see others’ locations. Also allows you to find new places and simplifies setting up meetings.
Yammer.com: Companies know that their employees are interested in social networking and communications. Yammer provides a place for your employees to engage in private corporate conversations, rather than public conversations. A great way to bring social networking to the corporate world.
Causes: This is an interesting startup aimed at helping people articulate support for causes. It helps people donate, as well as helps them get the word out about causes that are important to them. Social fundraising at its finest. Makes use of Facebook to do even more.
Waze: Real-time traffic advice. A great navigation tool that allows you to get updates from others about traffic conditions on the roads. Helps you get through difficult intersections and avoid traffic jams. All with communications from strangers.
Multimedia, Entertainment and Reviews
How we communicate now encompasses multimedia: Video, audio and more. These startups are changing how we interact with media, and how we enjoy entertainment, as well as our reviews about different products and services.
deviantART.com: If you are looking for user-made artwork, this is the place to go. You can exhibit your art, and discuss others’ art. It is a great way to connect with other artists — and maybe even make business connections. Express yourself through your art.
Stickam.com: A live community that offers live streaming. Changes the way we make movies and video, allowing you to do it from anywhere, including your phone. A great way to talk face to face, and to connect with others on a more “real” level.
sevenload.com: Allows you to share video and connect with others. You can create clips, and even make your own TV show. A good way to get yourself out there, and share your views (or your creativity) with the world.
ccMixter.com: Use this site to communicate with music. You can find Creative Commons music here, and mix it, cut it and more to put with presentations, your own videos and other projects. You can also get your own music out there. A good way to express yourself with music.
Kongregate.com: Social gaming site that allows you to communicate through your love of games. Rate different games and connect with others. Share your favorites, participate in challenges and learn about developing your own games.
ActiveWorlds.com: This global 3D chat allows you to build worlds and interact with others in a virtual environment. Create textured 3D homepages and even do business. Meet and communicate with people all over the world.
MouthShut.com: Share your views on a number of items from hotels to mobile phones to movies. A fun way to share your opinions, and learn from others. A great way to connect with others, and a way to get a global perspective on products and services of interest.
Askville.com: Get answers to questions. An interesting way to use the wisdom of the crowds to get reviews and opinions, as well as get answers to personal conundrums. Askville is now owned by Amazon.
Collaboration, Presentation and Brand Building
You can use online tools for better communication, as well as brand building — getting your name out there.
Wetpaint.com: A collaboration site meant for those who are a little unsure about being online. A wiki that allows multiple users to help create and edit projects. Wetpaint also includes social networking features that make it easier to communicate and share. A helpful way to communicate and work on projects and presentations, as well as manage content, across distances.
PBworks.com: Another great online collaboration site that helps with content management and project management. Provides for team collaboration across distances, and makes it easy for multiple people to contribute to a single project.
Scribd.com: Great presentation site that allows you to create and publish presentations. You can also share the information, get feedback and learn more about others. Get involved on the community, and learn how you can better express yourself using presentation and collaboration.
Wikia.com: Another wiki based collaboration company that allows you to put together different projects. You can join wikis for your favorite games and shows, participating in a community, or you can start your own. Great for adding to long-distance projects.
Statsit.com: This is a great tool for brand building, since it allows you to keep track of your stats online. Helpful for those looking to measure results and build a brand. Provides feedback so that you can change the way you communicate to your audiences.
Vocus.com: Revolutionize the way you handle public relations with this company. You have access to a media database, as well as help with distribution. Includes the ability to monitor social media. A great tool for those who want to better control their brand image.
Attensity.com: Helps companies manage customer communications. Makes it easier for you to communicate with your audiences. A way to more easily track customer satisfaction and get higher marks.
