Writers on Writig

The topic for the last post is one that is very fascinating to me. It touches on a subject that not to many explore and up until this point I haven't entertained. To hear "it" (opinion) straight from the horses mouth is intriguing especially when you can read so many different views. After going threw a few of the authors reflections, I stumbled upon that of Thomas Fleming. Fleming brought up a point that resonates with me from the first time I started writing anything. To get my thoughts on paper, I rely on my imagination. Fleming stated he credits his imagination for several novels he has written throughout his career. I can remember the first books I wrote as a youth in the annual Young Authors competition given by my school district. I wrote my first book about a superhero, cliche of course, that would save the day and get the spoils of his efforts. Even though it started as a beginners novel, I used this basis for the rest of my years doing Young Authors that lasted until 5th grade. I had written four books based of my imagination and dreams I've had as a youth. Fast forward to my adult years and I still dream and imagine things through on the daily basis. The satisfaction I feel when a dream comes to reality is one that can't be matched.

From what was previously stated it is clear to see that I am in full aggreeance with Fleming. I don't believe social media plays a role in any writer's perspective as well. My reasoning behind that is, every true writer only needs and looks for one thing. That one thing is a forum to share their thoughts. It shouldn't matter if its a local writing competition or a popular blog. Our thoughts as writers shouldn't be manipulated by the forums we choose. I honestly don't think writers suffer from this, as Ive never heard of one deliberately embellishing to gain exposure. This is something I feel strongly about and I look forward to seeing the evolution of writers and different forums.

Multimedia Tools

With the rise of technology, we have seen an influx of social media outlets and multimedia outlets. I have to admit that I have only explored the “traditional” means of social media, whether it’s Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube and have rarely paid attention to the different types of multimedia.  I’ve come to realize the only time I’m on YouTube, is when a friend sends an occasional link of a popular web series to my phone. I have to blame myself in that I don’t share too much pictures or videos, though I do understand how it can be important and how it helps connects families and friends. So with that said I thought about what form of multimedia I would want to explore if I had to choose. I choose to explore the cloud based video service, Animoto. I choose to explore Animoto due to my wedding coming up next year and I could possibly have some use for it. With Animoto, I have the ability to upload pictures and create a video based of those, hence why I would want to use it for my wedding. Using Animoto, you upload your pictures and/or videos and then you can customize as you feel to create a video. Afterwards, you can simply share what you’ve created with family and friends on Facebook, Twitter, etc.

                I believe this can be an effective means of multimedia because you can use it to personalize every moment of your life or bring life to your business, among other things. On the website alone, it has several examples of using Animoto for weddings, receptions, commercials, and announcing first born babies.  I think the use of this for businesses and weddings serves the most purpose as it is a great service that allows you to customize what you want and allows you to save money in doing so. The personal and business options are vast and exploring Animoto can be a strategic game changer for anyone. Lastly, you have to respect Animoto for taking control of a new technology, in cloud sharing and strategically using it to service the general public.

 Another form of multimedia that enhances our messaging is iMovie. iMovie allows for the common filmmaker to edit and share their crafts with us all. I have seen firsthand how this function can enhance ones brand and get their material to the world. My older brother uses iMovie a lot when putting his short films together or editing his online comics. I have seen the value that iMovie gives and for that reason, it should be acknowledged as a thriving multimedia outlet. I’m sure there are millions of people that can benefit from this as iMovie is key to editing material. This service along with Animoto helps bring your life to the screen or bring your passion to life. Due to these examples, this is how our visual messaging is being enhanced. Looking at the effectiveness of these multimedia avenues, I think it should have the ability to be personal, convenient, easy to use and appealing. Animoto and iMovie both have these. We can put our individual touch on the finishing products and use it for our own purposes. They are applications that are supported both on Mac and Windows computers, used mobilely, and can be accessed on your terms. Additionally, they both are very easy to use and have several tutorials via YouTube and lastly, they are attractive options. They both are relevant to a tech savvy generation and both equally have millions of users. I know I will use them as effective means of messaging, you should too.

http://animoto.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pqaggrhZsI

http://www.imoviehowto.com/

 

Who loves watches...This Guy!!

I choose to analyze the blog, A Blog to Watch. It claims to be the “The Most Popular Source for Watch News, Reviews, and Admiration”.  Now as some of you may know, this comes as no surprise. I begin liking watches only as a young adult and have since started a collection of my own. Early on I realized that the “bling bling” watch wasn’t me. That type of watch was never who I am as a person and I’m sure every watch enthusiast can relate. I recently started reading this blog and I can appreciate the content as a whole. I feel as though some of the stories speak to me, specifically the Guide to Buying Your First Rolex series. I agree 100% with that article and I can appreciate the writing style. While relaxed at times, it still gets the point across in an easy, sometimes comical way. The delivery of the information on the blog is very good in my eyes. The blog is updated regularly and the content changes as well. It is informational and offers reviews, recommendations, and interviews of watch connoisseurs.

I think the best practices of creating a blog number one, is to have a product or topic of interest. Seeing as though watches are becoming more and more popular due to the explosion of social media, I see why this blog was created. So a hot topic is definitely needed and along with that, you need good content. The blog is riddled with content and caters to the beginning watch enthusiast as well as the expert of all watches. The layout is very simple and easy to navigate making it ideal for functionality. Lastly, customer interaction must be important and a focus for any blog to survive and there is a section that lets visitors ask questions and get real time feedback.  I recommend everyone go check out the blog, as I believe it is on the cutting edge and taking advantage of a growing industry. Check out the link below..

http://www.ablogtowatch.com/

Facebook Post- Joe Paterno

Here are my Facebook post that goes along with the initial report and then the rebuttle to the errouneos story printed of Joe Paterno's death.  Also, times were made up to highlight the initial story and then rebuttles made afterwards.

Facebook Post- January 21, 2012 11:00am

Joe Paterno has been reported to have passed away today. A sad day for the likes of the Paterno family, Penn State University, State College, PA, and football fans everywhere. RIP to a legendary football coach and humanitarian. Stay updated with the latest news via News Live.

Facebook Post- January 21, 2012 8:05pm

It seems as though the reports of Joseph Paterno’s death were made erroneously. According to the Paterno family, via Twitter, the coach is still alive and is holding tight in a hospital near State College, PA. IT seems social media has prematurely deceased yet another legendary figure.  Stay tuned for the latest updates via News Live.

Breaking News from News LIVE- Joe Paterno press release

Here is a mock press release highlighting the initial story of Joe Paterno's death and the reaction to the rebuttle in a press release form.

Demetrius D. Davidson

Email: davidson3d@newslive.com

COULD IT BE, A LEGEND DECEASED?

A nation mourns a collegiate legend, or so we thought.

 

State College, PA.

According to several sources, it has been reported that the University of Pennsylvania’s famed football coach, Joseph Paterno has died. According to the likes of The Onward State, The Huffington Post, and CBSSports.com, the tragic news broke on January 21, 2012. This would be forever known as a day football lost a “great”. Though his last days were etched in scandal, “JoePa” will be forever be synonymous with football and Penn State University.

 

UPDATE, UPDATE, UPDATE- 8:00pm Jan. 21, 2012

 

It has been discovered that the initial report of Joe Paterno’s death was fraud. According to a retracted story by CBSSports.com, the information was received from State College’s own student blog, The Onward State and the information wasn’t verified. It seems as though the social media giant, Twitter, has shown us overwhelming evidence that “JoePa” is still alive and advises us all to not give Paterno a premature death. It is clear to see that as helpful as social media can be for breaking a story, it can be just as detrimental.

 

Paterno is best known for coaching Pennsylvania State’s Nittany Lions Football Team. He has a career record of 409 wins and most impressively 24 bowl game wins. Paterno and his family are also known for their charity work and commitment to the community of State College and Penn State University. Although, most recently Paterno has been attached to the infamous Sandusky Scandal, it is important to remember that Paterno has contributed much more to society and most importantly he hasn’t been convicted of anything. With the help and support of his family, we hope to see Paterno well soon and continue to strive for excellence in a tough time for Penn State University.

Edwards, D. (2012). An Apology from the Managing Editor of Onward State. An Apology Form the Managing Editor of Onward State. Retrieved from http://onwardstate.com/2012/01/21/a-letter-from-the-managing-editor-of-onward-state/

 

ESPN Stats & Information. (2012, January 22). Joe Paterno's statistical legacy. Big Ten Blog.

Retrieved February 23, 2014, from http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/44161/joe-paternos-statistical-legacy

Social media tools you can use!

Seeing some of the top social media tools, it was evident that I was missing the boat on more than a few social avenues. Looking and now understanding some of these I'am now happy to use them with confidence and for personal and professioanl goals. Take a look and I hope you enjoy a glimpse of the three I felt were the best and up and coming.

https://twitter.com/MikeAndMike

For my first social media tool, I choose Twitter. This comes as no shocker as Twitter is among the top social media outlets in the world.  Nearly 115 million users a month use Twitter regularly, according to the website, statisticbrain.com. What Mike&Mike have done is genius in my opinion. Not only did they figure out a way to engage fans, but they also are gaining revenue.  Since I’m a fan I listen to Mike&Mike religiously and always notice that they refer to their inboxes as the “1800flowers.com Inbox”. They have sold the name of their Twitter inbox and not only engaging fans in real time, but being profitable at it. Most importantly, Twitter gives us all a forum to speak to one another and be engaged with our favorite “everything”. Anything that could be thought of can be found on Twitter and Mike&Mike will continue to thrive as long as there’s an audience for sports and social interaction. 

http://www.ted.com/pages/198

Looking at the other social media tools, I found the use of RSS or “Real Simple Syndication” a very valuable tool I can use in my personal and professional life. Just last week I had a conversation with my Account Manager at work and we were discussing the need to do more studying and learning outside of work. Seeing as though I’m in the technology field, things are ever-changing and RSS will help me stay current to trending topics and news in the technical field. TED.com is just one site I subscribed to and I get emails based on my specifications nearly every day. I have gotten some interesting news over the last days and I already see the benefits of using RSS.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.tapmedia.qrreader&hl=en

Lastly, looking at the social media tools I saw something that has always been of interest to me. I’ve always wondered what the bar code stickers were as I’d see them on walls, doors, businesses, and anywhere else you can stick a sticker. I figured they were used for information, but never actually asked or tried them myself. I can see how this is beneficial and I see it as a way to build an audience and keep them engaged. I see myself creating my own and using it as another way to build my client base at my job and use it strategically to gain revenue. Not only could the public use it the way I plan to, but it could also be used to network.  According to the website listed above, you can create a business card QR Codes. Plain and simple QR Codes can have multiple uses and can be used a variety of ways. I think more people are like me and just are ignorant to what a QR Code can actually do. With that said, I do believe that the word will spread and we will see more of these scanners around on the everyday basis.

Reference:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.tapmedia.qrreader&hl=en

 

Credibly Critiquing

I choose an article of relevance to breakdown in terms of its credibility. I heard on the radio that there has been some reluctance to travel to the Sochi Olympic Games by Americans. Specifically, I hear that is you wear America’s colors, you could be subject to violence. So I found this interesting and alarming at the same time so I wanted to dig deeper. I stumbled upon an article by Time Magazine written by Michael Crowley entitled U.S. Officials: “Uptick in Threat Reporting” for Sochi- but Don’t Panic. This article explained the thought of these perceived security threats and gave some good information about what our government is doing and thinking. The thought that immediately came to me, was how do I know what is real and what is not. Understanding the specific measure to ask oneself is key in making that judgment either positive or negative. The first thing I did was GOOGLE the author. I skipped the step of worrying about the website, because TIME is a publication that has been around for decades and responsible for reporting some of our countries best and worst news. Crowley is clearly associated with a dominant publication so this gives instant credibility, but why should I believe what the author reports? She/he could be published in TIME and not be credible, but I don’t know this until I research. So as I researched I found that Michael Crowley is a Senior Correspondent for TIME. So right there it shows that he is established within TIME, but also list other publications he has written in including GQ, the New York Times, and reports for the Boston Globe. Not only that, but Crowley is an expert in domestic politics and foreign policy. This answers the question of whether the author has authority in his field, which he does. As I researched more articles that Crowley has written, I found tons, but nothing scholarly. Now clearly I can see that he has had many “tests” of his professionalism because he has written for hundreds of news sites and publications. I believe this serves as that test and Crowley passes with flying colors. Also, with this being a time sensitive issue, I noticed that the article was actually written today. I like that about online reporting because often we can see exactly what time the report was posted and it provides credibility because I can conclude I’m getting real-time information. There was one piece of the report that got me thinking, briefly of course The fact that he quoted anonymous sources from the Obama Administration raised an eyebrow, though seeing that Crowley was evidently credible, I can respect that he must hide his inside sources. Also, due to his track record and the publications he’s been associated with, I can rest my mind and believe his quotes. It is clear to see that with some additional research, I can be sure that what I’m reading is credible and the author is credible in his reporting. The Criteria to evaluate credibility guidelines, put things in perspective as to who, what, when, where, and why of information we are viewing.  Viewing the criteria provided has been helpful for future use, I just hope I don’t automatically discredit information due to me now knowing. I once heard that you should only trust information you’ve researched and due to this assignment I can truly understand and appreciate this.

Crowley, Michael. (2014. Jan. 24) U.S. Officials: “Uptick in Threat Reporting” for Sochi- but        Don’t Panic. Retrieved from http://swampland.time.com/2014/01/24/u-s-officials-uptick- in-threat-reporting-for-sochi-but-dont-panic/

http://mason.gmu.edu/~montecin/web-eval-sites.htm

The "Trust" Factor

 In today's society everything can be looked up. Simply put, things like Google Search to auto-text, takes the guess work out of our everyday lives. The question of, how do we know what we know, can be taken further into why do we trust what we know. We trust that Google will get us home, find us food, and even make our phone calls. We "trust" because the masses trust. The masses is also how we know what we know. Technology has taken the news straight to our cell phones, tablets, and laptops. Personally, I know my mobile apps have allowed me new avenues to learn information. Instagram alone has opened my eyes up to nature, culinary arts, fashion, etc. Today I even ran across something that caught my eye and not once did I question it's accuracy. I saw that today was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's birthday and immediately believed it to be true. What reaffirmed my belief was that as I scrolled down my feed, I saw the same thing another 11 times! The masses have clearly spoken in that they all believe today to be his birthday and thus I too. This is a prime example of how we know what we know and sadly to say this is what we've come down to as a generation. I can't believe that I haven't opened an encyclopedia since grade school. Even with this evolution and counting on the masses for truth in what we see, I do believe that for the most part what I see is true. Even though I always research anyway, it's a testament to where and what we've become as a society.

P.S. This post was actually started on January 15, 2014.