With the past overwhelming success of various community Web sites such as Myspace, it isn’t news that people like to post their lives online. However, if you are searching for a way to post pictures, keep track of contact information and view what’s happening in your life without everyone you’ve ever known searching for you; 37signals may have a Web site for you (also check 37Signlas’ Campfire post)

Backpack is Web-based organization tool that allows you to keep track of all of the little things that you cover your computer screen in post-it notes for. If you are planning an event or looking to make a big purchase, you can upload comments, notes and pictures to your Backpack site. Adding pages to your initial Backpack site assists you in reviewing several projects at once. Once you get your Backpack site filled up with items that you want to track, you can send reminders, pages or pictures to your mobile phone or you can invite a friend to view your page. Viewing access can also be taken away if desired, making Backpack as private or as public as you wish.

There is a free Backpack account that allows you to have up to five pages but it does not offer storage or SSL security. Upgrading can cost between $5-$14 dollars per month. There are more advantages to having an account upgraded such as having your pages ad free, more pages, storage and security, and upgraded accounts also have access to the Backpack calendar. The calendar tool is probably the most useful portion of Backpack because you can send alerts to your mobile phone.

I’m not convinced that Backpack is worth paying the money since many people now have calendars, alert tools and picture capabilities on their phone or already uploaded to another Web site probably for free. Yet, Backpack does offer some simplicity and privacy and would be a good site for someone to get started online if they’re an Internet newbie.

Play with it at www.backpackit.com

Many of us have experienced the occasional corporate meeting that seems to make our days longer as the speaker asks questions that no one responds to. Some may compare it to a true Ferris Bueller moment…anyone…anyone? What’s worse is that many individuals are required to join the meeting over the phone; forced to sit and imagine what is being presented.

In this technologically advanced age, there are products that can alleviate the pointless in-person meetings and allow us to continue to do what we do best – work with our computers. 37signals provides several Web-based products to help individuals and companies work better. An excellent online communication program is Campfire (we also review Backpack at this post)
Campfire is a password protected communication tool that allows users to chat, share documents, review files and code and keep track of all of it simultaneously. It is simple to use and you only need a Web browser to use it. The aspects of campfire essentially revolve around chatting. Meetings are simplified with Campfire, allowing you to talk through a protected chat client that automatically dates and categorizes the transcript; eliminating the need for a note-taker. Transcripts are also categorized in a user friendly format, allowing you to search by multiple criterions.

Campfire also allows you to upload files 10MB or less in size; allowing the chatters in your room to view logos, text documents and even code. The three latest files uploaded are conveniently located along the side of the chat screen. This can greatly facilitate the progress of your meeting, allowing you collaborate in an open field. Users are able to view documents close up rather than looking up at a projection screen which should enhance participation.

In regards to participation, in a chat environment, it is beneficial to let users type as they come up with ideas. There is no longer a worry of interrupting others or the inevitable fear of public speaking. If your chatting needs are minimal (four or less chatters at once) then you can use Campfire absolutely free with 10MB of space. If you need more simultaneous chatters or more file space, the price increases – maxing out at $49 per month. The good news is there is no contract to sign and you can change your membership as often as you like. Campfire allows people, miles apart, to work together better and easier than ever. Take a moment to check out www.campfire.com