Has anyone used the Alexa browser toolbar?  I'm a Google toobar junkie so I'm not keen to replace it, but I'd like to know if it's any good.

I've been trialling DeerSoft SpamAssassin Pro for two weeks now.  For those unfamiliar with it, SpamAssassin is a collaborative spam filtering application that leverages the power of it's users to help fight spam.

However the DeerSoft plugin for Outlook XP does not handle the HotMail inbox yet and this is where my spam comes from.  My novissio address is still shiny enough not to get any spam.  But I don't imagine that will last for long!

Unfortunately the DeerSoft trial is only 14 days so I don't really feel I've seen it in action (although it did file a number of legitimate but likely messages as spam) and can't justify the $30.

However, reading Michael Alderete's weblog I came across his notes about SpamNet which is another collaborative spam filter and available as a free download.  If it can access the hotmail inbox that would be great, otherwise I guess it gives me more time to play with this technology before having to commit and maybe pay for SpamAssassin.

The only downside is that it's only available for Outlook on Windows.

Just thinking about intranets and klogs.

I think klogs bring the role of a web or intranet editor sharply into focus.

Much as the users of a Wiki should occasionally re-factor pages that are becoming "busy" I think that a good intranet editor should be grooming the klogs in their organization and drawing together useful strangs to form part (or all) of the static intranet.

I wonder what kind of tools would make this easier?

I had a very useful and productive meeting on Friday.  I gave my first klogging pitch and, despite the roughness of the material, it didn't go too badly wrong.  I was pitching to friends which has it's plusses and minuses but overall it's the right place for your first pitch.

Here are some of the important issues that were raised:

• Having klogs can easily overlap with existing formal systems.  For example when klogging a difficult interaction with a student (these guys are at a University) does this mean that you don't put the information into the CRM system?  Or when klogging about a problem with the printer should you not fill out a helpdesk ticket?   It's not enough to answer that these kind of formal systems are often under-utilized, the people aren't trained, etc. since it's hard to argue this with a client who has invested in these systems.  Indeed you may be pitching to one of their sponsors who might not take kindly to such assertions.
• Klogging as presented so far is a decentralizing technology.  However the natural tendency of most organizations (at least in my experience within the UK) is to want to centralize.  The idea of employee's having greater autonomy is not desirable.  Of course they won't say that up front, however...
• Many people will fear that klogging could be used as a control tool that lets unscrupulous managers see exactly what they are doing and maybe even document their job so that they can be replaced by someone cheaper.   It's a sad reflection on todays workplace, but it is a reflection.
• Security.  This is closely related to the de-centralization point above.  At the moment klogging systems (because they are basically blogging systems where security isn't an issue) have little or no inherent security.  This will limit their value as people will feel unable to klog anything sensitive.
• Big-KM vendors will embrace klogging.  This is really only of interest to people espousing klogging solutions based on products like Radio or MoveableType (is there anyone?).  My own belief is that the Big-KM vendors will do their usual job of missing the boat, missing the point then coming to the party with a hotchpotch solution.

These issues are not new but are, to my knowledge, unresolved.  I'll be looking for answers in the days and weeks ahead.  Anyone got a headstart on me (please!)?