In the words of Mike York, “it’s time to get awesome.” What does Shortbord think is awesome? Good content.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be looking at people creating valuable content on the web. Who are these honorable men and women? What do they create? And, most importantly, what can you learn from them?

Stay tuned. In the meantime, check out what we’ve been working on:

1. Facebook integration – Don’t use Twitter? Don’t worry. Connect with Facebook to support causes, promote brands, and keep up with your friends on other social networks.
2. Real-time updates to your Shortbord feed.
3. Profile updates:

• Choose your vanity link: www.shortbord.com/yournamehere under My Profile → Edit Profile → the box labeled “Handle”
• Personalize your page with a bio: My Profile → Edit Profile → Bio
• Check out www.shortbord.com/yournamehere to keep track of who you’re following and who follows you.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be working hard to improve the process of creating a shortbord and opening up the Shortbord network.

In the meantime, we want your opinion: who creates the best stuff on the web?

The private beta has been going for a full 24 hours, and I have to say we’re all tired but excited to get shortbord on the web for people to start using.  Very cool to get so much feedback so quickly, keep it coming!

A bunch of shortbords have been created already, so feel free to pick any of the shortbords that people want you to promote and start taking them with you as you surf.  If you don’t see anything you like, you can create your own.  A shortbord can be a favorite brand, an event, a charity or a cause – make one for anything you want to build awareness for and send it to your friends.   Over the next few weeks, as the network grows and we open up a few partner websites to display shortbords, paid endorsement offers will be coming..

WebInno was a lot of fun last night, thanks to everyone that came by and visited us.  We’ll be in touch about those beta invite codes we promised.  We particularly enjoy events like WebInno because we get 1:1 opportunities to explain our vision and goal of helping people promote stuff while they surf the web.  It was great hearing all your thoughts, keep em coming!

And lastly, to piggyback on a few of the conversations we had last night: who will have the highest RIDE score at week’s end?  Anybody have access to web surfing badasses?  Feel free to share your invite code – the shortbord team will never hear the end of it if Josh finishes the week with the highest RIDE score!

josh walks around the office with a doo rag and a title belt, intimidating everyone with his impressive RIDE score... and gargantuan hands

The beta has officially started for a select few users.  Over the next several days, we’ll be sending out more invitations so keep a look-out for an invite.

If you’re at WebInno, swing by and get the beta invite code..

As always, don’t hesitate to give us your feedback.  Happy surfing!