Hey guys! Couple of things I would like to see from gdgt:
#1) More guest appearances / user input on the Podcast. While I enjoy Peter and Ryan's commentary a lot, there are times where I think another point of view might add quite a bit of depth to the conversation. What if gdgt had a skype voicemail # users could call and say what is on their mind. (Be it a comment about last week's podcast, question, or submission of a story we would like gdgt to discuss) Then, if there is something note worthy, playback the recorded message (or call the user, with permission of course, for live discussion) on the podcast. Think of it as a TWIT for the rest of us gadget nerds who just happen to have a different 9-5 than Tech Blogging!?!?
#2) I know the gdgt events have kinda served this purpose, but I think it would be awesome if you could convince consumer electronics manufactures that gdgt would be an awesome conduit for brutally honest enduser gadget reviews. If there was a way that you could allow users to "test drive" (so-to-speak) demo units at our homes for a short period of time, in return, we would leave feedback on the product. It would then require the user to send it back to gdgt for distribution out to another user.....kinda like a gadget club or something. I think this would really encourage more discussions on the site, not to mention increased users. (Of course this might require some kind of deposit or something incase the gadget doesn't get returned or damaged etc) A lot of logistics to figure out here, but I think t would be great!
#3) I think interoperability of gadgets is something gdgt could capitalize upon. I'm thinking of a way to group gadgets into custom, user defined, groupings for the soul purpose of expressing interoperability to achieve a cool thing. For example, I'd like to create a special group that includes an my Canon Rebel xTI, Macbook, iPhone. To describe how I can operate the shutter on my DSLR from my iPhone's touchscreen wirelessly while previewing what is in the frame; I would connect the gadgets with arrows (Like a visio diagram) and explain how they all work together to by a simple predefined key of symbols, with the ability to indicate with freetext that I am using the "DSLRemote iPhone app" and desktop client.....maybe with the ability to indicate a total cost of the project. (Maybe using PriceGrabber?!?!) I think this would be a lot of fun, especially with the flood of internet connected devices coming to market.....
Taking it a step further, these specialized groupings could be searchable as well as commentable, allowing other users to discover how some devices are being used being used in conjunction with each other in new creative ways. It could lead to more informed buyers, as well as better discussion on the site.
#4) Why haven't you guys partnered with
Gazelle.com..... it seems like a match made in heaven!?!?!
Just a couple of thoughts....sorry for the novella! Hope to make it to one of the gdgt events this year!