BIRDJAM SPRING SURVEY RESULTS:
Thanks to the more than 600 birdJammers who participated in our
Spring Survey. You gave us a very
broad spectrum of inputs, helpful suggestions,
recommendations, as well as compliments. Please
see a
summary of responses. Based on your input, we've already
added "Sound Alikes" playlists that are available
for download.
We hope everyone who participated is enjoying
their birdJam t-shirts!
BIRDJAM TEE SHIRTS AVAILABLE:
Due to popular demand, the birdJam
t-shirts are available for only $10 with
FREE shipping. Follow this link to our Online
Store
and click on birdJam t-shirt. Even though
it refers to men's sizes, Denese wears
a medium without undue damage to her
self esteem. Here's the design from the
t-shirts:
NEW PLAYLIST CREATOR NOW ONLINE:
We just launched our new birdJam Studio.
The birdJam Studio will feature web-based applications
to enhance birdJam iPods, provide new downloadable content such as
user-contributed bird photography, and deliver other enhancements so
that birdJammers can easily customize their iPods for specific birding
styles and needs.
The first new web application is the Playlist Creator that automates
birdJam playlist development. Existing playlists serve as starter templates,
and point-and-click tools make it easy to add and delete birds to create
a new playlist.
New playlists can be shared with and accessed by other birdJammers,
building a huge library that leverages the knowledge and expertise
of the entire birdJam community.
A rating system—from 0 to 5 stars—means
the most useful playlists will be easy to identify.
Checklists that match the playlists can be
quickly formatted and printed. In just minutes, trip leaders can create
playlists and associated checklists for specific locations and field
trips. birdJam Studio will make your
iPod an even more powerful birding tool when
customized with individualized content based
on shared knowledge and expertise.
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MORE PHOTOS FOR BIRDJAM IPODS SOON:
A shared library of bird photographs for free download will be the next addition
to the birdJam Studio. Nearly 30 percent of birdJammers take photographs in the
field, and soon they will be able to contribute their photos to enhance the experience
of other birders. At the same time, an expanded library of photographs for birdJam
by renowned bird photographers such as Robert Royse and Brian Small is being finalized
and soon will be available for download at a nominal charge.
DOWNLOAD BIRDING PODCASTS:
Our recent survey revealed that nearly 60 percent of birdJammers have content other
than bird songs on their birdJam iPods. If you haven't discovered them yet, there
are several interesting birding-related podcasts that can be automatically downloaded
into iTunes. One such podcast
is produced by Bird Watcher's Digest. We especially like Episode
#3 which is all about
technology!
birdJam Ethics:
We are frequently asked about the potential
impact of birdJam iPods on birds,
so we developed "Recommendations
for Effectively and Responsibly Using
Your birdJam iPod Outdoors."
Since many of you do
use your birdJam iPods in the field,
we suggest you review these guidelines,
and please, provide us input and
other suggestions.
IPODS AND PACEMAKERS:
A study presented by a 17-year-old Michigan student in May found that iPods
can cause pacemakers to misread heart pacing or fail entirely. The study which tested the
effect of iPods on 100 patients with a mean age of 77 found that iPods caused electrical
interference 50 percent of the time when the iPod was held 2-inches from the patient's
chest for 5-10 seconds, according to Reuters. If you have a pacemaker, you may
wish to discuss this study with your doctor.
BIRDJAM MOMENTUM CONTINUES TO BUILD:
We are extremely pleased to report birdJam just completed its best month ever and
that momentum continues to accelerate. We are so gratified to receive many unsolicited
emails with messages such as this one: "We were at our camp in northern Maine
this weekend where Black-Throated Blues [warblers] are not uncommon this time of
year. I heard a call…obvious warbler of some kind…put iPod ear bud in one ear and
listened to the bird with the other. Scrolled to Black-Throated Blue, and the two
matched. Then, I saw the bird making the call. Terrific!"
BIRDJAM SUPPORTS BIRD CONSERVATION:
MightyJams, LLC (our
company name) annually contributes
five percent of our profits to The
Nature Conservancy and other non-profits
dedicated to the conservation, enjoyment
and rehabilitation of birds. In addition,
we actively support a wide range of
organizations and festivals dedicated
to birding. As active birders, we believe
it is only natural that we give of
our time, energy and money.
Thanks for your continuing support, and with the launch of birdJam Studio,
now you'll have the ability to easily share your knowledge and expertise
with other birdJammers—and to benefit from their knowledge as well.
Please keep in touch. With many thanks and best wishes, Denese, Jay
and Charlie |
