Is Orkut’s Memetic strength a misinterpretation?

Are you orkut by now or still a chirkut? I doubt whether we have seen a better meme than “orkut”, creating a memeplexe. Let me get to the focused point, “Is Orkut’s Memetic strength a misinterpretation?” In other words, “Is Orkut’s marketing strength misinterpreted?” So what then are we talking about? You are right, “scrapbooks” the most viral of all orkut tools.
orkut

Aji Orkut is an inactive Orkutian as I have hardly invited a person or taken extra pain to write to other’s scrapbook (though recently I have started scrapping here and there). Even after being inactive I have over 50 scraps (after deleting few). My scrapbook is filled with daily halchal (hindi word for “hi hello” phrases) like “how are you doing?” or “whats up man?” Is it what Orkut Buyukkokten wanted with his scrapbook?

Orkut Buyukkokten’s original Interpretation of scrapbook
(Text taken from Orkut Answer 11796)

The scrapbook feature is another way for you to add tidbits of information to your profile. Share a funny story or reveal a little known fact about yourself. Click on the “formatting tips” button to learn how to change the color of the text or add a smiley face.

Point 1: You can scrap your own scrapbook with additional stories, an extension to your profile.

You can also add messages to other members’ scrapbooks. To do this, visit their profile and click on the “view scrapbook” button. Enter your message into the box and click “submit.” Your entry will appear in their profile instantly. If you change your mind about what you’ve written, you can always return to their scrapbook and click the “delete” link next to your scrap.

Point 2: Your views about the person, or a simple message. According to orkut answer 11800 scrapbook can be used as an alternative to orkut testimonials.

Market’s misinterpretation of scrapbook
I think I can call it a misinterpretation as it doesn’t seems right for me but still we love it as perfection is just another viewpoint. How many times have you seen people scrapping their own scrapbook? I think I am the only fool who did it as an entrant to orkut (now I do not do it after being stopped).
orkut scrapbook

What are then real people (real user) using it for? It is getting used for conversation. If my scrapbook says, “Anil: How are you?” (by friend Anil) then I am suppose to go to his scrapbook and say, “Aji: I am doing good and how is you doing?”. For a third person my scrapbook is really a crap full of questions or incomplete conversation. I am sure no one has the patience to go to other users scrapbook to read the complete conversation. I hardly see people using it as an alternative for testimonials except few like the following image.
orkut scrapbook messages

Does it matter at all?
Whether it’s a misinterpretation or imperfect use of a perfect tool, it hardly matters as the king (the end users or customers) has accepted it whole-heartedly. This is a perfect example of a marketing model where the market decided the real use of scrapbook over the catalog.

An advice for Orkut Buyukkokten
When the king says, “Earth is flat” better we accept it and revamp our own documents saying, “we knew the earth will remain flat and this application is a right fit when it is flat”. Whatever it is orkut still rocks as a viral tool.

I am offering a platform for interpretation
With the launch of my new baby, a blog planner, I am also offering a platform for interpretation. This leaves no room for misinterpretations, as the kings are free to redefine the perfect use again.

Indra Nooyi at B-School Graduation

After posting an inspiring message from Steve Jobs, here is another one from my special collections.
IKN — Columbia Business School Graduation 5/15/05
Columbia Business School Graduation Remarks Indra Nooyi, then President and CFO (now chief executive officer and president), PepsiCo May 15, 2005

Indra Nooyi

Good evening, everyone. Dean Hubbard, distinguished faculty, honored graduates, relieved parents, family, and friends – it’s a distinct pleasure to be in New York City this evening to celebrate the biggest milestone to date in the lives of you — the young men and women before us: your graduation from Columbia University Business School.

It may surprise you, graduates, but as big a night as this is for you, it’s an even bigger night for your parents. They may look calm and collected as they sit in the audience, but, deep inside, they’re doing cartwheels, dancing the Macarena, and practically speaking in tongues, they’re so excited. This is what happens when parents anticipate that their bank accounts will soon re-hydrate after being bone dry for two years. So, for everyone here this evening, it’s a very special occasion. And I’m delighted to share it with you.

Continue reading “Indra Nooyi at B-School Graduation”

Steve Jobs at Stanford

I know its an old one but then I also heard that old is gold, this report certainly proves it right. I got this from Vasudha and I was wondering that how could I miss this one. If you missed it then here is it again.
Steve Jobs

You can download the speech as well in quick time or real or window media format

Stanford Report, June 14, 2005 ‘You’ve got to find what you love,’ Jobs says
This is the text of the Commencement address by Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios, delivered on June 12, 2005.
I am honored to be with you today at your commencement from one of the finest universities in the world. I never graduated from college. Truth be told, this is the closest I’ve ever gotten to a college graduation. Today I want to tell you three stories from my life. That’s it. No big deal. Just three stories.

The first story is about connecting the dots. Continue reading “Steve Jobs at Stanford”