While out learining environment has changed a bit over the semester, I feel the quality of the class has greatly improved. At the beginning of the semester, it seemed king of like an open forum. Everyone seemed to talk over each other while no one was really listening. People tended to veer off subject frequently, and we found ourselves running out of class time.
I like the way that the schedule has been updated, and how we have a class wiki page. It is nice to know that , if you are unsure of assignments, you can go back and double-check the wiki page in case you missed anything.
The blogs were a bit strange to me at first, but when I got the hang of it, it was much easier to do a class assignment posted to my blog, then have to stress about where I am going to find a printer to print off a hand-in assignment.
I think the learning environment that helped me the best was just being in class all together. My suggestion for the class might be to offer it as a Tuesday/Thursday class to help with time constraints. I think it woul help ensure that there is enough time to get to the subject on hand, as well as allowing everyone to contribute to class discussion.
All together, I have enjoyed the class this semester, and feel as if I have taken in a great deal of information, especially about my peers, that I had not in any of my previous classes. This class was definitely different than any other class I have taked, structurally, but I have enjoyed it in the long run.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Google Earth
The tool I chose to try our was Google Earth which allows satellite and aerial imagery of just about any place you can imagine. It is a free program that you simply download to your computer. From there, your research options are limitless. This tool is useful not only for adults, but teenagers and children as well.
You may navigate through the site using the various links on the page, and there is also a very handy tutorial link on the page that will give you step-by-step intstructions on how to use the tool, no matter what you may be looking for.
If you are using it for your business, you can get the Pro version for $400 from the website. It is a small cost for all its capabilities. Imagine being a professional appraiser, and instead of physically being at a worksite, just type in the address, and find it's dementions via-satellite! You can also see how your property has changed over time with the click of a button.
This tool has become more of a toy than a research tool to me, mainly because that is all I have used it for! I am looking forward to my chance to do some serious research with it, but until then, I am using it for recreation purposes only.
You may navigate through the site using the various links on the page, and there is also a very handy tutorial link on the page that will give you step-by-step intstructions on how to use the tool, no matter what you may be looking for.
If you are using it for your business, you can get the Pro version for $400 from the website. It is a small cost for all its capabilities. Imagine being a professional appraiser, and instead of physically being at a worksite, just type in the address, and find it's dementions via-satellite! You can also see how your property has changed over time with the click of a button.
This tool has become more of a toy than a research tool to me, mainly because that is all I have used it for! I am looking forward to my chance to do some serious research with it, but until then, I am using it for recreation purposes only.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Internet Interview
I had a particulary hard time finding ANYONE who did not use the internet in their daily lives. It would also seem that it is almost impossible to operate in our society without the use of the internet. When I asked several people the first question on our interview page, "Do you use the internet?", the recurring response I received over and over again was simply looking at me like I had lost my mind! Even my father, who is 72 years old, thought it was a ludicrous question, since it seems every spare moment of his time is spent on line, and he is retired.
The following are the results from the unnamed person I interviewed:
1) Do you use the internet?
Response: Yes
2) If yes, how often?
Response: Every day
3) What do you use it for?
Response: Facebook, YouTube, news, and research
4) Why do you not prefer to use the internet?
Response: Viruses, hackers
5) Do you have an internet connection?
Response: Yes, at home and at work
6) How much free time do you have?
Response: Very little
7) Do you not use the internet because you do not know how?
Response: NA
8) Does the internet seem user friendly to you?
Response: Yes
9) How would you like to see the internet change in the future?
Response: I'm not sure, I like it the way it is.
10) If you know how to use the internet, who taught you/how did you learn?
Response: I taught myself
11) What year did you graduate high school?
Response: 2006
12) When did you first learn about the internet?
Response: 8th grade
I actaully gave this survey to several people, and was shocked to find that, even though the interviewee above had just graduated in 2006, she had actually only started using the internet in the 8th grade! There could be several reasons for this, including parents' rules, having no home computer, etc. Most of those I gave the internet had taught themselves, which shows that the internet is effective, and easy to use for persons of any age or education level.
When my father began using the internet, it seemed as if it took him 30 minutes to type a single sentence. Presently, I might be ashamed to say, that he knows as much, if not more about the internet than I do.
The following are the results from the unnamed person I interviewed:
1) Do you use the internet?
Response: Yes
2) If yes, how often?
Response: Every day
3) What do you use it for?
Response: Facebook, YouTube, news, and research
4) Why do you not prefer to use the internet?
Response: Viruses, hackers
5) Do you have an internet connection?
Response: Yes, at home and at work
6) How much free time do you have?
Response: Very little
7) Do you not use the internet because you do not know how?
Response: NA
8) Does the internet seem user friendly to you?
Response: Yes
9) How would you like to see the internet change in the future?
Response: I'm not sure, I like it the way it is.
10) If you know how to use the internet, who taught you/how did you learn?
Response: I taught myself
11) What year did you graduate high school?
Response: 2006
12) When did you first learn about the internet?
Response: 8th grade
I actaully gave this survey to several people, and was shocked to find that, even though the interviewee above had just graduated in 2006, she had actually only started using the internet in the 8th grade! There could be several reasons for this, including parents' rules, having no home computer, etc. Most of those I gave the internet had taught themselves, which shows that the internet is effective, and easy to use for persons of any age or education level.
When my father began using the internet, it seemed as if it took him 30 minutes to type a single sentence. Presently, I might be ashamed to say, that he knows as much, if not more about the internet than I do.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Possible Job Pursuits After Graduation
What is the job?
Journalism Intern for a magazine.
What knowledge, skills, and attitudes are needed to be successful in the job?
I will need at least 2 years of college journalism courses. Need to have writing/editing experience for a newspaper, magazine, website, yearbook, etc. In addition, I need MS Office experience, excel commutication, writing, organizing, and proofing skills.
Thinking about your current knowledge, skills, and attitudes, what would you need to do to prepare yourself for the job?
I would need to at least sit in as an intern for a local magazine or radio/television station. I also would also need to take a few more Mass Communication courses to better acquaint myself with the job requirement and technical details I might need in order to be successful. I think this would be a great starting off point to get me started on something bigger. My ultimate goal, should I actually intend to pursue this career, would be an editorial or a freelance writer for a magazine or a newspaper. However, there are many steps I would need to take in advance in order to make a name for myself in the business.
Journalism Intern for a magazine.
What knowledge, skills, and attitudes are needed to be successful in the job?
I will need at least 2 years of college journalism courses. Need to have writing/editing experience for a newspaper, magazine, website, yearbook, etc. In addition, I need MS Office experience, excel commutication, writing, organizing, and proofing skills.
Thinking about your current knowledge, skills, and attitudes, what would you need to do to prepare yourself for the job?
I would need to at least sit in as an intern for a local magazine or radio/television station. I also would also need to take a few more Mass Communication courses to better acquaint myself with the job requirement and technical details I might need in order to be successful. I think this would be a great starting off point to get me started on something bigger. My ultimate goal, should I actually intend to pursue this career, would be an editorial or a freelance writer for a magazine or a newspaper. However, there are many steps I would need to take in advance in order to make a name for myself in the business.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The Human Race Machine
The Human Race Machine can, in no way, change the way people think about other races. In fact, every website I visited was only advertising the Human Race Machine as a marketed product. In my opinion, it is rather offensive, more like a freakshow for people who probably have no appreciation for what the machine is supposed to do.
All it did is show you what you would look like if you had some really intricate stage makeup applied. Actually, it would even require such intricacy, to be honest. Just a change of makeup tone.
Maybe I feel that it is offensive, because the question was, "How does the Human Race Machine change your perspective on yourself and others."
It may in fact, have an effect if your intial response was, "Oh my god! That is what I would look like if I were Hispanic!" or any other ethnicity.
To me....totally offensive. I find people in all colors equally, but uniquely beautiful, and they should change nothing about themselves. Nor should anyone. People, let's stop this perpetual struggle among races. Like the product advertises, "There is no gene for race."
All it did is show you what you would look like if you had some really intricate stage makeup applied. Actually, it would even require such intricacy, to be honest. Just a change of makeup tone.
Maybe I feel that it is offensive, because the question was, "How does the Human Race Machine change your perspective on yourself and others."
It may in fact, have an effect if your intial response was, "Oh my god! That is what I would look like if I were Hispanic!" or any other ethnicity.
To me....totally offensive. I find people in all colors equally, but uniquely beautiful, and they should change nothing about themselves. Nor should anyone. People, let's stop this perpetual struggle among races. Like the product advertises, "There is no gene for race."
Sunday, October 11, 2009
How Internet and Digital Media are Affecting NPR
Obviously the internet and digital media are taking over with regards to the mediums in which society gets its information these days. Whether it is reading the news, or listening to your favorite song, the internet seems to pretty much have it all. The NPR defititely feels the strain when it comes to the audience they are recruiting, and it seems that most that still revert to listening to the radio tend to be the older crowd.
However, even the older crowd is getting into the swing of things, mainly because in our day and age, some information mediums only have their access available through the internet or some other type of digital media. My dad, for example, who is 72 years young, even gets the majority of his news from the internet. Why bother perusing through a newspaper filled with random information you aren't intersted in, when you can fine tune your search through a detailed search engine to find exactly what you are looking for?
The conversation we listened to in class didn't seem to be very informative to me, however. Maybe it is because I am still considerably old school. Whichever news or entertainment media reaches me first, wins every time. For example, when I come home after a long day, my house tends to be filled with music, not from an IPod, or a music website, but from the rickety sound of my fiance's record player. There is almost something romantic about the rough sound of an original record that almost makes me feel like I am really there 20 years ago, listening to it for the first time.
I suppose it could have been more infromative had the speaker answered some of the posts that my fellow classmates were submitting, because a lot of them were particularly insightful. However, I couldn't seem to get past the loud static that was blasting through the speakers. I suppose if I had done a little more research prior to listening to the speaker, I could have applied a little more insight, and understood the basissof the topica little more thoroughly.
However, even the older crowd is getting into the swing of things, mainly because in our day and age, some information mediums only have their access available through the internet or some other type of digital media. My dad, for example, who is 72 years young, even gets the majority of his news from the internet. Why bother perusing through a newspaper filled with random information you aren't intersted in, when you can fine tune your search through a detailed search engine to find exactly what you are looking for?
The conversation we listened to in class didn't seem to be very informative to me, however. Maybe it is because I am still considerably old school. Whichever news or entertainment media reaches me first, wins every time. For example, when I come home after a long day, my house tends to be filled with music, not from an IPod, or a music website, but from the rickety sound of my fiance's record player. There is almost something romantic about the rough sound of an original record that almost makes me feel like I am really there 20 years ago, listening to it for the first time.
I suppose it could have been more infromative had the speaker answered some of the posts that my fellow classmates were submitting, because a lot of them were particularly insightful. However, I couldn't seem to get past the loud static that was blasting through the speakers. I suppose if I had done a little more research prior to listening to the speaker, I could have applied a little more insight, and understood the basissof the topica little more thoroughly.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Twittastic!
In my honest opinion, although tweeting might be fun for someone who can more easily access its features via cell phone and such, I actually feel I don't have the time for it! A simple 6 tweet assignment actually consumed my whole weekend, because I wasn't sure when the appropriate time span was to wait in bewtween tweets! I am not used to having to update my status so often, and I actually was in a panic because I was not sure at times what pointless bable I was supposed to be putting out there to see if someone else.
Each time I hit the send button, I cant help but feel that I am sending one more pointless missive that no one cares about, because they are worrying about the same things themsleves on the other end!
However, the assignment was rather enjoyable once I got the hang of it. It was useful in being able to put out the information that I need to find a new home for my dog, and post a picture of her as well. I guess that Twitter seems more enjoyable to me to use when I am simply bored. I have no real urge every fifteen minutes to an hour or so to update exactly what I am doing at the time.
Don't get me wrong, when it comes to posting some semi-urgent news, it would seem to be the immediate answer. Luckily, some people can even receive those updates immediately on their phones. Maybe that is why I don't have as much need for it because I cannot utilize all its features that make it unique.
Each time I hit the send button, I cant help but feel that I am sending one more pointless missive that no one cares about, because they are worrying about the same things themsleves on the other end!
However, the assignment was rather enjoyable once I got the hang of it. It was useful in being able to put out the information that I need to find a new home for my dog, and post a picture of her as well. I guess that Twitter seems more enjoyable to me to use when I am simply bored. I have no real urge every fifteen minutes to an hour or so to update exactly what I am doing at the time.
Don't get me wrong, when it comes to posting some semi-urgent news, it would seem to be the immediate answer. Luckily, some people can even receive those updates immediately on their phones. Maybe that is why I don't have as much need for it because I cannot utilize all its features that make it unique.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
5 Ways I Use the Internet
1. I mainly use the internet to look up information, or to do research. Since the internet is incredibly efficient, and easy to use, it is my number one source for general information. I don't even use phone books anymore, just whitepages.com. Other favorites of mine are Google and Wikipedia.
2. Social Networking! Since no one seems to be able to make a phone call anymore, or write a letter, especially if they live far away, social networking has become the answer to our click-of-the-button connectivity. As most of us know, MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter, have now become a part of most of our daily lives.
3. Internet Banking! I cannot express how easy internet banking has made my life. I no longer have to wait in line at the bank to deposit my check, or live with the fear that my electric bill will be past due, thanks to the internet. Direct deposit allows my money to be in my account right on time, and allows me access to my funds to pay bills at any time with instant affirmation.
4. Entertainment! Ahh...the laziness of it all! For a small fee each month, I can have access to just about any movie or TV serious out there, all from my home computer. The creators of Netflix, and Hulu have almost canceled out my need for a television all together. Even if I want to watch local news, I can simply go to their website and be just as informed, if not more, than those who wait on the regular 5, 6, or 10 o'clock broadcast.
5. Shopping! It is amazing how easily it is to be able to go to a store's website, and pick and choose items to buy without having to deal with crammed parking lots, adament salesmen, or screaming babies! Even better, depending on what you are willing to pay, you can even have next day delivery! The only way it could be more efficient, is if I could order groceries online, and have them show up on my doorstep within a couple of hours on the same day! I know, I know.....baby steps. =)
2. Social Networking! Since no one seems to be able to make a phone call anymore, or write a letter, especially if they live far away, social networking has become the answer to our click-of-the-button connectivity. As most of us know, MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter, have now become a part of most of our daily lives.
3. Internet Banking! I cannot express how easy internet banking has made my life. I no longer have to wait in line at the bank to deposit my check, or live with the fear that my electric bill will be past due, thanks to the internet. Direct deposit allows my money to be in my account right on time, and allows me access to my funds to pay bills at any time with instant affirmation.
4. Entertainment! Ahh...the laziness of it all! For a small fee each month, I can have access to just about any movie or TV serious out there, all from my home computer. The creators of Netflix, and Hulu have almost canceled out my need for a television all together. Even if I want to watch local news, I can simply go to their website and be just as informed, if not more, than those who wait on the regular 5, 6, or 10 o'clock broadcast.
5. Shopping! It is amazing how easily it is to be able to go to a store's website, and pick and choose items to buy without having to deal with crammed parking lots, adament salesmen, or screaming babies! Even better, depending on what you are willing to pay, you can even have next day delivery! The only way it could be more efficient, is if I could order groceries online, and have them show up on my doorstep within a couple of hours on the same day! I know, I know.....baby steps. =)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Net Neutrality
Net neutrality is a term that refers to ISPs maintaining an even playing field when providing internet service to would be competitors. There are currently efforts underway by large ISPs to provide a higher tier of service for those companies with the ability to pay.
The fear is that powerhouses like Amazon and YouTube can pay to make navigation within their websites faster and therefore more convenient. Furthermore, ISPs can make certain content inaccesible, eliminating one of the internet's most appealing features, the fact that wherever you access from you can access the same content.
"Thou shalt not discriminate among bits based on who made them or what they're doing"
is the 11th commandment for proponents of net neutrality. Though this seems like a new high tech problem that could only be realized in the 21st century, I found some examples almost 150 years old that would suggest otherwise. In 1860 a US federal law was passed regarding the subsidization of telegraph lines which stated that:
"messages received from any individual, company, or corporation, or from any telegraph lines connecting with this line at either of its termini, shall be impartially transmitted in the order of their reception, excepting that the dispatches of the government shall have priority ..."
—An act to facilitate communication between the Atlantic and Pacific states by electric telegraph, June 16, 1860
Just as there was an awareness of the potential abuse of the system, there were also opportunists who attempted to circumvent these types of regulations. In 1888, Almon Brown Strowger invented an automated telephone exchange system designed to bypass non-neutral telephone operators who redirected calls for profit.
Ultimately the solution to this issue will determine how the internet evolves. If neutrality is not maintained, the internet could lose its dynamic nature and end up analagous to our cookie cutter suburbs, homogenous, predictable, and worst of all, boring.
The fear is that powerhouses like Amazon and YouTube can pay to make navigation within their websites faster and therefore more convenient. Furthermore, ISPs can make certain content inaccesible, eliminating one of the internet's most appealing features, the fact that wherever you access from you can access the same content.
"Thou shalt not discriminate among bits based on who made them or what they're doing"
is the 11th commandment for proponents of net neutrality. Though this seems like a new high tech problem that could only be realized in the 21st century, I found some examples almost 150 years old that would suggest otherwise. In 1860 a US federal law was passed regarding the subsidization of telegraph lines which stated that:
"messages received from any individual, company, or corporation, or from any telegraph lines connecting with this line at either of its termini, shall be impartially transmitted in the order of their reception, excepting that the dispatches of the government shall have priority ..."
—An act to facilitate communication between the Atlantic and Pacific states by electric telegraph, June 16, 1860
Just as there was an awareness of the potential abuse of the system, there were also opportunists who attempted to circumvent these types of regulations. In 1888, Almon Brown Strowger invented an automated telephone exchange system designed to bypass non-neutral telephone operators who redirected calls for profit.
Ultimately the solution to this issue will determine how the internet evolves. If neutrality is not maintained, the internet could lose its dynamic nature and end up analagous to our cookie cutter suburbs, homogenous, predictable, and worst of all, boring.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
The Need for Speed
Why am I taking “Internet and Society”, you ask? Well, in truth, I am taking the course for several reasons. First and foremost, it fulfills one of my course requirements! Before you get all worked up, I chose this one specifically for a number of reasons.
First, I am still a member of the digital immigrants; therefore, I still need a little guidance when it comes to my usage of the internet. While I am interested in the plethora of new things that the internet offers these days, I am still in the process of perfecting the basics.
I believe that we all must be accustomed with the complexities of being able to connect with the rest of the work via the internet, whether it is for your career, or simply entertainment. I have enjoyed learning the many different ways to find information, follow a certain subject, or just get my opinion out there for people to either enjoy or not.
The value of obtaining this knowledge is limitless, based on just how committed you are to learning how to do new things on line. In my experience, the more you want to know, the more you will learn, and the easier it becomes. At first I was a little hesitant to learn certain things, mainly because I thought I would never use the information, but I have been proven wrong. I feel more comfortable, especially in being able to understand more of the language of the internet, and how to apply that language.
I totally agree with the Net Generation norm that says we are a generation that has a need for speed. When email and chat rooms first became a normal thing for me, I was amazed merely by the technology itself; therefore I did not have such urgency for speed. However, now when it takes a page longer than a second to load, I feel like ripping the computer from the wall and throwing it across the room!
The Net Generation has become one of instant gratification, not because there is anything wrong with it, but we have been spoiled with more efficient machines and internet service providers. Although I am simply glad to have a means to get online while I am at home now, I tend to forget that my machine may or may not be up to par with one I am used to at work or school. Either way, I think all of us can agree that it is very irritating to not get an immediate response to a message, or an instant page load when we are all capable of doing so at the click of a button.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Web 2.0
Web 2.0, according to about.com, is the idea of human society merging with a network of computers through the usage of interaction, not simply reading information that is presented to us. Although there is no definite meaning of the phrase Web 2.0, the idea is one that connects people more intimately and collaboratively, through social media, social networking, and wiki pages.
Social networks such as Facebook and Myspace have opened up a new door to social interaction. Web 2.0 allows us to not only read information that other people have presented to us, but alter and add to a web page, making it unique, and for a quick minute, all our own. As well as it allowing us to change the information that we are able to see, it provides us an outlet to interact with other people’s ideas.
The way Web 2.0 works is as simple as clicking on an application on your desktop. However, once you click on that application, you are instantly connected to millions of people through various, easy to use websites and networks. It makes the internet more responsive to our needs as users.
How does Web 2.0 affect me?
Whether my use of Web 2.0 is catered more to social networking or becoming more familiar with wiki pages such as the one we use in class to stay connected and updated with each other, it is gradually becoming more of a staple in everyday modern life. More and more, it seems that those without their own social networking pages, or blogs, are now seemingly the outsiders in society. To some, they are lagging behind, and need to catch up with the rest of us! Even so, in a few years, it seems we might not even have the use of cell phones or email anymore, and we will all be communicating via Web 2.0 alone!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Innovations of the Internet
Over the past twenty years, the internet has made many great advances, both technologically and innovatively. Early users and creators of the internet probably had no idea what kind of significant impact the internet would have on the plethora of information that the public is now freely able to access with the simple click of a button.
Originally, the internet was created as a way to play with hypertext, as well as provide a personal database of information. It was a way for great minds around the world to be able to share information without having to use one common machine. Over a short span of time, the internet has morphed into probably the single most used source of information, and connectivity among modern society.
One can only presume if the creators of the internet were aware of the impact they were making on the world when they were putting together the rough draft of the World Wide Web. While these men were undoubtedly genius in their own right, I highly doubt they could imagine the great extent to which this humanlike “machine” would become. At the time of the internet’s creation, what would begin as a way to share technical information would become the basis to everyday life for most of us.
Who would have known that we would not only be able to search for basic information on line, but pay bills, talk face to face with friends overseas, or do some grocery shopping from the comfort of your own home? While the internet is my favorite way to look up simple information such as phone numbers, background searches, and basic knowledge that could once only be found via encyclopedia or micro phish, its many uses greatly outnumber the basic uses it was originally designed for. Programs such as Skype, for some people, have replaced picking up a telephone and calling someone long distance. Why would you, when seeing someone as you talk to them is much more personal, and let’s face it, fascinating?
The implications of the rapid advancements of the World Wide Web suggest that we are merely on the brink of our capabilities as humans using what used to be a simple word processor. In our own homes, we are now able to “become” the machine, and teach it new tricks. Each time we click on a link, type a word phrase in a search engine, or visit a website, we are seemingly molding the internet into something all our own.
The advancements of the World Wide Web not only amaze me, but sometimes (actually most of the time) I feel as if I cannot keep up! However, as long as we as humans maintain a sense of order and respect for each other, then the internet can actually benefit us more than we had ever imagined. Although some fear that we are actually becoming robots in our society, none of us would be where we are today without the internet’s capabilities, and I look forward to growing and learning more along with it.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Comparing Writing Styles
I am going to compare the writing styles of the following two blogs: http://www.buzzmarketingwithblogs.com/ by Susanna Gardner, and http://havefundogood.blogspot.com/ by Britt Bravo. In my attempt to understand this assignment, I noticed some definite differences between the two blogging styles. Whether or not I am correct in my interpretation will be revealed to me soon enough, I'm sure.
First, I will start with http://havefundogood.blogspot.com/. Although this blog appears to be targeting new bloggers such as myself, the plethera of of instructions is almost information overload. Even though it includes eye catching bold face, and makes good use of lists and numbering, I personally have an easier time learning new things when they are short, sweet, and to the point, unlike my own writing style!
Obviously, the blog has attracted many readers based on the amount of praising comments posted. The numbered steps ensure that the reader is executing their steps in the correct order, thus reducing the confusion when setting up a blog for the first time. In addition, I like the fact that there is an "about me" section where you can navigate away from the page to locate more information on the writer. Even though it might seem like a lot of steps to me, I am still extremely new to the whole blogging process, and it may just be a self-induced mind block!
However, I do like the explaination of terms like "tagging", because I did not know what they meant previously. In addition, the step-by-step-instrucions for fine-tuning your blog becomes more helpful and relavent the more I read it.
Second, http://www.buzzmarketingwithblogs.com/ by Susannah Gardner is quite different from the previous blog for obvious reasons. Although it is not necessarily a "how-to" guide when it comes to blogging, it is a marketing blog that directs you to other resources necessary for upgrading your blogging skills.
I defintely like the "chunking" style she uses, with the simple, but eye-catching photos and videos that are easy to access and understand. It also allows the reader to be informed on resources that she has provided if you need "free advice" on your websites, while allowing your pages to be presented to a bigger market.
Instead of using your basic numbered, "how-to" typed format, she includes video feed on how you can submit your work in the Web Workshop she is hosting. I think for most internet users, learning is enhanced when you can see, as well as hear, step-by-step instructions on a certain subject.
I think both of the blogs are extremely neat, and professional, both in style, and appearance. But in the end, the number of readers that are attracted to each of them is ultimately based on the specific subject they are looking to learn more about. In my opinion, Susannah Gardner's blog seems to target the current blog user who is needing to cater to a specific market, while Britt Bravo is simply trying to explain to the blogging beginner how a blog is put together.
First, I will start with http://havefundogood.blogspot.com/. Although this blog appears to be targeting new bloggers such as myself, the plethera of of instructions is almost information overload. Even though it includes eye catching bold face, and makes good use of lists and numbering, I personally have an easier time learning new things when they are short, sweet, and to the point, unlike my own writing style!
Obviously, the blog has attracted many readers based on the amount of praising comments posted. The numbered steps ensure that the reader is executing their steps in the correct order, thus reducing the confusion when setting up a blog for the first time. In addition, I like the fact that there is an "about me" section where you can navigate away from the page to locate more information on the writer. Even though it might seem like a lot of steps to me, I am still extremely new to the whole blogging process, and it may just be a self-induced mind block!
However, I do like the explaination of terms like "tagging", because I did not know what they meant previously. In addition, the step-by-step-instrucions for fine-tuning your blog becomes more helpful and relavent the more I read it.
Second, http://www.buzzmarketingwithblogs.com/ by Susannah Gardner is quite different from the previous blog for obvious reasons. Although it is not necessarily a "how-to" guide when it comes to blogging, it is a marketing blog that directs you to other resources necessary for upgrading your blogging skills.
I defintely like the "chunking" style she uses, with the simple, but eye-catching photos and videos that are easy to access and understand. It also allows the reader to be informed on resources that she has provided if you need "free advice" on your websites, while allowing your pages to be presented to a bigger market.
Instead of using your basic numbered, "how-to" typed format, she includes video feed on how you can submit your work in the Web Workshop she is hosting. I think for most internet users, learning is enhanced when you can see, as well as hear, step-by-step instructions on a certain subject.
I think both of the blogs are extremely neat, and professional, both in style, and appearance. But in the end, the number of readers that are attracted to each of them is ultimately based on the specific subject they are looking to learn more about. In my opinion, Susannah Gardner's blog seems to target the current blog user who is needing to cater to a specific market, while Britt Bravo is simply trying to explain to the blogging beginner how a blog is put together.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Journey Into the Unknown
I am making a second frightful attempt to post a blog today! As juvenile as it may seem, I have almost no experience in the blogging world. The fact that I am able to get this far, in fact, amazes me! I suppose I can start by explaining my current lifestyle change.
First of all, after a four year break from college, I am reintegrating myself back into society. I have spent four wasted years of mindless job bouncing, partying, and somewhat self-loathing. The past two years, however, have given me a new appreciation of the things that should really matter in life. If I only knew just how drastically life would actually change, and how quickly!
Until recently, my days were spent complaining about the current situatuion I had gotten myself into, desperately trying to find someone or something to blame. I felt that my life had actually come to a stand-still, and I was trying to figure out what I could do to make a change in my life, and the lives of those around me.
I decided I was going to bite the bullet, and go back to school, not because it is what anyone else had planned for me, but because it was the higher standard I had always set for myself. My mother had always made it clear that if I was not going to go to school, then I at least needed to find some sort of career, one that I at least partially enjoyed, and could be given the opportunity of advancement.
It sounded so easy! Little did I know, that the big, bad world is filled with big, bad people, many of whom will not hesitate to jump at the chance to take advantage of you, and any situation you are currently in, especially if it will benefit their own personal achievement. I do actually have half a brain, and the fact that my superiors recognize this, and my work ethic, make for a terrible recipe for my own personal gain, while advancing their own. Hence, here I am, back at Midwestern State, and back on track.
However, one thing seemed to deter my plan to get back in the game. I found out, unexpectedly, that at the end of March, I would be bringing a new life into the world! The funny thing is, I work in a field where I am constantly around children, and had always been grateful for that. Let me rephrase...I was grateful that, at the end of the day, I could give these little precious beings back to their rightful owners, and I could get back to my selfish ways. This may sound terrible to some, but I actually justified my stance by telling myself that I would never have any of my own.
Now that reality has slowly set in, I am actually getting used to the idea, and (don't tell anyone) am actually really excited! I have realized that everyone has to grow up at some point, and all things happen for a reason. I have the feeling that this might just be the best thing that has ever happened to me, not for selfish reasons, but for all the right reasons. I can finally see the dim light at the end of the tunnel, and I can't wait to get there.
Unknowingly, I have opened up so many doors for myself, and it has all happened so quickly, that sometimes it is hard to process it all. But if I know myself, I will be the best I can be, and won't settle for less. It's not about me anymore, and that is a bit terrifying, but maybe that is exactly what I need to regain my focus, and look at the bigger picture. Wish me luck!
First of all, after a four year break from college, I am reintegrating myself back into society. I have spent four wasted years of mindless job bouncing, partying, and somewhat self-loathing. The past two years, however, have given me a new appreciation of the things that should really matter in life. If I only knew just how drastically life would actually change, and how quickly!
Until recently, my days were spent complaining about the current situatuion I had gotten myself into, desperately trying to find someone or something to blame. I felt that my life had actually come to a stand-still, and I was trying to figure out what I could do to make a change in my life, and the lives of those around me.
I decided I was going to bite the bullet, and go back to school, not because it is what anyone else had planned for me, but because it was the higher standard I had always set for myself. My mother had always made it clear that if I was not going to go to school, then I at least needed to find some sort of career, one that I at least partially enjoyed, and could be given the opportunity of advancement.
It sounded so easy! Little did I know, that the big, bad world is filled with big, bad people, many of whom will not hesitate to jump at the chance to take advantage of you, and any situation you are currently in, especially if it will benefit their own personal achievement. I do actually have half a brain, and the fact that my superiors recognize this, and my work ethic, make for a terrible recipe for my own personal gain, while advancing their own. Hence, here I am, back at Midwestern State, and back on track.
However, one thing seemed to deter my plan to get back in the game. I found out, unexpectedly, that at the end of March, I would be bringing a new life into the world! The funny thing is, I work in a field where I am constantly around children, and had always been grateful for that. Let me rephrase...I was grateful that, at the end of the day, I could give these little precious beings back to their rightful owners, and I could get back to my selfish ways. This may sound terrible to some, but I actually justified my stance by telling myself that I would never have any of my own.
Now that reality has slowly set in, I am actually getting used to the idea, and (don't tell anyone) am actually really excited! I have realized that everyone has to grow up at some point, and all things happen for a reason. I have the feeling that this might just be the best thing that has ever happened to me, not for selfish reasons, but for all the right reasons. I can finally see the dim light at the end of the tunnel, and I can't wait to get there.
Unknowingly, I have opened up so many doors for myself, and it has all happened so quickly, that sometimes it is hard to process it all. But if I know myself, I will be the best I can be, and won't settle for less. It's not about me anymore, and that is a bit terrifying, but maybe that is exactly what I need to regain my focus, and look at the bigger picture. Wish me luck!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
