Well today is my birthday and I thought I'd use it as a test bed of sorts for things 2.0. Interesting phenomenon birthdays. Here's an interesting link to a site all about birthday traditions from around the world. Enjoy!

As with all discussions nowadays, I guess its only appropriate to make some sort of comparison against Facebook - It is the competitive benchmark of all things isn't it? I've used FB to remind me of friends' birthdays on a number of occasions but, is it really the preferred channel for saying "Happy Birthday"? Lets look at the numbers:

Q. how many people sent me virtual gifts on Facebook?

A. 1 (Thanks Robin)

Q. how many people wrote to me on my Facebook wall to say Happy Birthday?

A. 1 (Thanks Richard)

Q. how many people sent me Facebook email to say Happy Birthday?

A. 4 (That was so nice of them wasn't it?)

Q. how many people sent me a regular email for the occasion?

A. 20+

Q. How many people sent me an e Card

A. 3 (yes folks, people still do this!)

Q. how many people actually called me?

A. I didn't really count but it was by far the largest number! I was on one conference call yesterday where I was ambushed by perhaps a dozen or more well wishers.

With all the web 2.0 ways with which to communicate - is Facebook the standard? I guess that depends on your social network. Apparently, its not my network's standard. Not yet anyway!

So which channel do I prefer? All of them, of course! Whether you use Facebook, Outlook or even that old day timer/planner (you know who you are) - make sure you remember to say happy birthday to your friends and acquaintances. Remember, its not about the technology - it is always about the people.

BTW, I was worried that the one (most important) person that hadn't wished me a Happy Birthday yet wouldn't have before I posted this. Well, I just lucked out - she called! (thanks mom!)