Web 2.What?

Ok, if you don’t have a costume by now… it’s probably too late (as a matter of fact, as of this writing, I do not have one myself!)

Anyway these last few days I have been frantically trying to find something and have come across these hilarious ideas (and others) that I thought you’d enjoy!

1. Facebook Profile

If you google “Facebook profile halloween” you’ll find quite a few, but I particularly like this one.

2. LOLCat

As a cat lover–actually a lolcat lover–this is one of my fav costume ideas. Google’s Matt Cutts even dressed up as one last year!

3. Fail Whale

This is new for 2008, but has been abuzz the last few weeks. No photos, but you can check out the Fail Whale fan club for inspiration.

4. Youtube video

If you love your online video, why not dress up as one?
More funny web 2.0 costume ideas at Now Public…

I can’t believe I forgot to post something sooner, but Social Media Breakfast Ottawa 4 is happening tomorrow and it’s going to be a good one! Although the tickets are sold out, if you contact Simon Chen directly, he may be able to help you out.

Jen Evans, Founder & Chief Strategist, Sequentia Environics will be moderating a panel all about online communities, included on the panel:

• Luc Levesque, Founder & General Manager, TravelPod (A TripAdvisor / Expedia Company)
• Gérard Métrailler, Senior Director, Product Management, Graphics, Corel Corporation
• Ian Skerrett, Director of Marketing, Eclipse Foundation

Less than a month into my new job as a community manager, I’m especially excited for this one! See you there.

Well you may have wondered… If I’m such a social media enthusiast, why am I not doing anything related to it in my day job? When I started working at the City, I was hoping I could get more experience doing what I went to school for–and I absolutely did–and it also gave me the opportunity to put more time and effort into my personal brand via this blog, twitter and all those other wacky tools I waste all my time on.

However, when the right opportunity comes around, you know it. And while it was a tough choice for me to make (should I leave a public sector job for a startup??!) I’m confident it was the right choice, and that’s why I’m pleased to announce, that as of today, I’m Community Manager at SmartHippo!

SmartHippo uses the power of community to help consumers save money on financial products and services…On the site, users can compare, rate and review mortgage rates (and soon other financial products as well) in order to find the best deal. But what about the big financial crisis in the States? Well that’s actually a little exciting for us, because, in theory, if consumers start educating themselves and collaborating with others–instead of relying solely on financial institutions to tell them what to do–well, we might have this financial crisis solved once and for all. OK maybe that’s a little idealist, but it’s certainly true that Internet tools have transformed the way other industries do business, yet financial institutions still hold all the control. However, it’s also a good thing for financial institutions, because as soon as they can break down the barriers and incorporate more transparency in the way they do business, the more confidence consumers will have in them. Bottom line is you’ll get the best rates, and banks will run business better. Who doesn’t like the sound of that?

As community manager, I will be blogging over at the SmartHippo blog, and of course, twittering about industry news and site updates (Follow me @smarthippo). I will also tap into my other skills, hopefully getting us some good press and as well doing our email newsletter (I’m just never going to get away from email!). And probably lots of other fun stuff in the mix too. Pretty much what I’ve always wanted in a job.

**UPDATE**

SmartHippo CEO George Favvas wrote a nice post welcoming me on board!