Building A Following

Now that we are in an age of vast technological advancements taking place in the computer world every day, it is seemingly becoming very easy to network with people with shared interests throughout the planet. One way to get people to notice your brand, writings, art, music, product, or whatever it is that you are promoting is to build a following of supporters online.
What does it mean to “build a following?” To build a following means to have a number of networks and people who support your cause, whatever that may be. These are usually people who are interested in being part of your online “community”. Sounds easy huh? Well with the genius invention of social networking it can be.
Some of the most popular ways to build a following using social networking include twitter, Facebook, blogs, and YouTube. If you are already among the 7% of the country using twitter than I’m sure that you have already noticed the way twitter works. To get the best twitter experience its best that twitter is used as a marketing, and networking tool instead of just a social network where people just tweet their everyday random thoughts. To build a following on twitter is not as simple as it often looks. For one, you have to be tweeting topics of “substance” to get a solid following. What I mean by substance is unless you are an uber popular celebrity; tweeting boring details of your life will usually not garner too many followers. Tweeting about important issues, funny stuff, or marketing your business or product might just get people’s attention and in return they follow you. Getting a twitter following is about how interesting you are to follow.
Facebook is another tool to use to gain a following and many of us use it already. Facebook can be very easy as a networking tool because half of the time you already are connected to your followers, or “friends.” To get a following on Facebook it doesn’t take any interesting topic statuses, all it takes is to use the site for what it’s for and that’s networking with other people that you meet through the people already on your friends list.
Blogging is another great tool to build a following and network but it will take some work on your part to make sure that you are blogging on news, issues, or topics that people will want to read. Your blog should have all the proper elements to keep people coming back. YouTube has taken the world by storm and has also become a great tool to build a following as well. The thing about YouTube is that if you are going to make videos and want subscribers you have to have videos with elements like humor, important topics, good video quality, and relatable storylines to gain a following of subscribers. When used properly using the internet to build a following can be easy as 1, 2, and 3.

Do you use any of these social networks to gain a following for your cause? If so, which one do you think works best as a networking tool? Do you use twitter? If so, how many followers do you have? Can you think of any other online networks to use to gain followers? How do you feel about the whole idea of having people “follow” you? And finally, can you add any elements to this posting about building a following that I may have missed?

By: Jessica Dames

Networking: Do's and Dont's

Networking can be defined as the exchange of information of services among individuals, groups, or institutions ; specifically : the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business. For many people networking, is a key resource to the community, to advertising, to business, and to even finding a job. In order to network effectively...you have to know how to connect with people around you. For college students networking is easy and always at our fingertips, with our phones, computers, and tablets. But what we don't realize is how some of things we do now through networking will effect us later.
For a resource here are some do's and dont's.
Do's : stay connected and interact with people, join groups...but be selective, use your profile and such as a tool.
Don't: publish everything you did that one night last summer, badmouth anybody or any employers, just friend random people (because associates can see your friends), or carelessly post things especially personal information (think before you do).

Here lies the questions...do you agree with the do's and dont's? If so, do you personally have any other suggestions you would add to the list? Also in your personal opinion how much information is too much information (such as your address, phone number, your age), and how comfortable are you with random people accessing your personal life?
Finally do you think employers should be allowed to go through your personal pages without notification or release? And do you think that having a facebook, twitter account, or blog is worth it if you cannot really express how you feel due to people watching your every move/statement?

Twitter

Mashable.com offers a shocking statistic. Only 7% of Americans are on twitter; while half of Americans are on Facebook. With the recent protests in Egypt and the unrest in Libya, social media sites including Twitter have gained a lot of global attention. How are the numbers for the up and coming social media site Twitter so low? I found this to be shocking. Why do you think Facebook is a lot more successful than Twitter?


Are you on Twitter? If you are, how would you describe Twitter to someone who doesn't use it? What is your purpose on Twitter? Who do you follow? and How often do you tweet?

If you are not on Twitter, what has kept you from joining? Has the recent media attention made you consider joining Twitter? What do you think the purpose of Twitter is? Or are you confused about the purpose behind it?

image found on google images.
http://mashable.com/2011/02/24/facebook-twitter-number/

Building Your Website

Now that the internet has been in existence for almost two decades, the number of websites currently active and the number of domain names registered is in the millions. So what does one do when they want to create their own addition to the worldwide web? Today, there are many routes one could take to make their dream of creating a website a reality.

There is the standard way of building a site from scratch by using html, C++ or other types of computer programming language. There are various site building programs available for download that require paying a fee each month (some of better quality than others). There are also free web design programs such as Weebly, which might not look as slick or professional as a site designed professionally, but they get the job done. Then there are social networking sites such as Facebook (and previously Myspace) that many organizations, including rock'n'roll groups use as their primary homepage instead of going to the trouble of building or paying someone to build their website.

The possibilities for getting one's self out there on the internet are almost boundless. The question is, which of these options is right for you? Do you want quick'n'easy? Slow and complex but effective? Can you afford to hire a professional web designer or pay fees for a web design program?

Out of the various web design implements you may have come across in your life, which is most effective? Which of these would you choose if you were to design your own webpage (which might actually be inevitable for those studying to become teachers, for example, who may be mandated to integrate an online component into their lesson plans in order to prepare kids to be computer literate in a world becoming increasingly dependent on new media.

Websites that Work

Websites are an interesting and incredibly useful tool in the world of technology. They can be utilized for a large number of things, pertaining to almost any topic imaginable. They can be created to feature news about a local band, to teach people how to cook or repair their car, to follow the life and works of a celebrity, to keep people up to date with the world around them, or even to warn the world of the ever-so-dangerous dihydrogen monoxide. Websites use various types of media to express news, opinions, and facts in a creative and interesting way. Not only do websites present useful (or sometimes pointless) information to the people visiting them, but they often do this in a way that encourages audience interaction and participation. Many websites feature links which visitors can click to view more or different information, videos and images for visitors to view, a place for feedback and comments, and a place for visitors to submit their own content. Some websites even allow for users to edit the content and adjust the look of the website for their own viewing pleasure.

Websites have become increasingly easy to access, and even own, as technology races forward. It is safe to say, in today's world, that we all use and/or view websites on a daily basis. In fact, it is hard not to. From the Saint Rose website and Blackboard to online banking and shopping, much of our daily routine is ingrained into the world wide web, which results in a inevitable connection to the internet. A good portion of our leisure time is often spent on websites as well. Many people spend their free time reading the updates on news websites, listening to music on a band fan page, or checking the scores of the most recent game on the ESPN website. Because of this connection to websites and the internet, most of us probably have a favorite site that we visit on a fairly regular basis. No matter what the topic might be, our favorite websites all have one thing in common: something that keeps us coming back for more.

If possible, please come up with a specific example of a "website that works" and share the link below. What exactly is it about this website that holds your interest and keeps you coming back for more? Is it the content? Are their any key elements, such as pictures, music, links, etc., that make it interesting? Or does the overall success of a website depend on something else entirely? What do you feel are the essential elements that a successful website must have, if any?

By Jenna Herbert and Erin Walsh

New Media Marketing and Examples

The solo use of print media marketing is something of the past and will long be forgotten with the World Wide Web taking over. New media marketing is not only cheaper and reaches a larger and wider audience, but it allows everyday people to become part of the advertising as well. By this, companies who use new media marketing, closely create a community whereas individuals can readily and eagerly interact. Creating this opportunity allows individuals to feel as if they have a bigger public voice and role. New media marketing exists on the notion that everyday consumers will share their views, swap their ideas and advocate for (and sometimes against) products and services within the Internet world. For our generation, this concept of new media marketing is something that we see on an everyday basis and do not think twice about. Most of it can even be viewed as being very obvious. Some examples of new media marketing would be presenting consumers with products and services through the use of Facebook (pages, whereas individuals are able to add pictures, videos, “like” things, post on the wall, start a discussion, even-and most importantly, buy the product), Twitter (short phrases that promotes a product or service, often linking to fellow followers and other people or products-to enable a large amount of people to come across and view), YouTube (videos, both short and long, uploaded buy any individual or company, whereas they can showcase their service or product in a variety of forms. This allows any person with an account to make a comment and offer suggestions, and always keeps count of the amount of views seen), blogging of any sort (whereas any person can openly communicate their thoughts about a particular service or product and be followed by a community of people who ultimately share the same views), and location-based social networks, such as FourSquare (allowing individuals to “check in” to specific places, whereas there may by events advertising a specific product or service).

Examples of new media marketing surround our lives on a daily basis. What are other types of new media marketing that you find readily and easily available for you to see? Do you participate in any type of new media marketing? If so, what? Does new media marketing reach a broader range of individuals as compared to print media? Do you sometimes feel as if you are being overloaded with marketing? Do you feel as if these new media marketing techniques would more likely enable or persuade you to buy a product or service? How do you believe new media marketing will change in the future? Is this all just too much?!

-Alysha Lindmark

Marketing via New Media

Marketing has become easier for companies than ever before. New media, such as social networking sites, collect millions of users around the world. Most people in this generation use the internet religiously, which makes the task of getting information about a new product or company out there simple. People are interacting via the internet, using Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, blogs, podcasts, e-mail and more to share their opinions and read or listen to other people’s opinions. Marketing is still popular amongst newspapers and billboards, but more people are involved in the digital world. Marketing via new media has become more common because it gets the word out there at a lower cost, as well as letting consumers become engaged by voicing their opinion. When the consumers can share their knowledge and opinion on a product or company in a more convenient and efficient way, it will enable marketers to make changes to their marketing techniques and products to satisfy the consumer to ultimately make more money.

Do you think marketing via new media works? If so, why does it work? Are there better ways besides print media or digital media for marketers to advertise or gain public feedback? Are marketers invading the public by using new media as a source of advertising? Should more people use new media as a source of marketing? Will people continue to market via new media in the future?

What is Podcasting?

A podcast is a digital media file, audio or video, delivered online via an RSS, or really simple syndication, feed.  With the correct software, they are as easy to produce as speaking into a microphone and as easy to receive as a click. And, unlike TV or radio, they allow the user to choose their own content and listen to or view it when and how they want.  Podcasts are created for a wide range of purposes, from the personally obscure to detailed professionalism in fields as diverse as entertainment, education, business, or social work.  Users can search for podcasts through communities, directories, podcatchers, such as Itunes, or through subscription. 

While the content for the most part is free, is the large volume of choice overwhelming or confusing? Is the content copyrighted, or is it public domain? Is choosing content to be played when you want convenient, or is something lost, like the element of surprise when you 'surf' for something that sparks your interest on TV or the radio?  Do you utilize podcasts? If so, do you find podcasts to be useful? How do you feel when your professors suggest utilizing the podcasting tool on Blackboard to make up for lost time or to allow you to listen to lectures at your own leisure? Would you find it helpful if professors utilized this tool to allow you to listen to previous classes or revisit lectures when studying or going over your notes?

MacKenzie Burke and Sarah Shaw

Making Your Visual Presentation

The ability to make videos has been around for years now. In 1951, the first video tape recorder captured live images from television cameras by converting the information into electrical impulses and saving the information onto magnetic tape. Since then the world has advanced drastically in its ability to stop and record time for a few minutes at a time. Now we have web cams, digital cameras, and even cell phones that have the ability to record pretty good videos incredibly quick. Most of these devices record in either the .AVI or .MPG formats, both of which make the video shot easier to upload directly from the device to a computer or any other source of memory.

The actual process of making a video hasn’t really changed much since the 1950’s, or has it? Do you think that now, because of all the utensils we have at hand, is easier to make “good” videos? What do you think would be the components of a good video? What do you think would be the components of a not so good video? What is it that keeps you watching it for its full length?

Also, how do you think you would a make a video? Would you use props? What exactly would you do to make your viewers interested for more?

Sound and Vision: The YouTube Phenomenon

Ever Since YouTube was introduced in 2005 it has become the most worldwide video sharing website. Before the launch of YouTube in 2005, there were few easy methods available for ordinary computer users who wanted to post videos online. The popularity of YouTube stems from several aspects of the website. The simple fact of its easy access to millions of videos on pretty much any topic you can think of is key to its success. There is no doubt that YouTube has made a social impact. Several videos have gone viral on YouTube not to mention a personal favorite that I'm sure most people have seen "Charlie Bit My Finger". YouTube has also aided in the discovery of new artists as well as their popularity such as Justin Bieber.

Why do you think so many people are drawn to YouTube? How much of a part do you think YouTube has played in the discovery of new artists? If you use YouTube, why are you drawn to the website?


Christine Stanners & Tracie DeGonza

Wiki Building

When the Wikipedia article isn't enough, there's always the chance of finding a Wiki article. Wiki articles provide more in-depth answers to whatever the searcher is looking for. Many heavy hitters of pop culture have their own Wiki pages. Here are some examples:

http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page

http://pokemon.wikia.com/wiki/Pokémon_Wiki

http://zoids.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page

http://twilightsaga.wikia.com/wiki/Twilight_Saga_Wiki

I thought it interesting that for the Twilight Wiki, not only is there the main article, but another Wiki for every main character. Wow. The above are just a tiny sampling of Wikis out there on the web. Apple has a Wiki, as does Baywatch and Nintendo.

Building a Wiki from scratch is a huge task. A legitimate Wiki engine can be downloaded, but as the examples above define, it might be easier to find a host site. Wikis are group efforts; there might be one head Admin and a bunch of Moderators. This helps establish what gets posted and if it stays there or not. The Geekgirls website says it perfectly; for those not technology savvy, building a Wiki from the start can be a painfully annoying process. If anyone has ever toyed with HTML and computer codes, I can tell you how long it took for me to create just a simple box.

Wikia is a host site, but all the Wiki articles look different. This is an easier way to make Wiki articles, and each topic looks unique. The Harry Potter Wiki has affiliates, fun facts, and tons of community links. The Pokemon Wiki has featured characters and polls. Each article is different to what the fanbase desires.

Building a Wiki isn't easy. It takes a knowledge of HTML and coding, a lot of time and a steady flow of people who want the article to work. The topic has doesn't have to be popular, but it needs to be decently well-known. Zoids aren't so big anymore, yet the Wiki still exists. Silly Bands are insanely popular yet no Wiki on them exists, because the demand isn't high enough.

Now for some questions. Do you personally think Wikis are useful? Should colleges and universities have Wikis, where students can post unbiased opinions about their school? Are Wikis becoming too numerous, and do you think some of them are flat-out ridiculous or just good intentions? (I personally think having a Wiki page for every Twilight character is a little much.)

CSR Wiki Entry

What have you changed/added/removed from the CSR wikipedia page? Post your edits here and link to the section.

Be sure to comply with Wikipedia's rules on neutrality.

Choose Your Topic

Each of you will be responsible for assigning questions or problems to solve for an upcoming topic on our schedule. Look at our schedule on the calendar on Blackboard and choose the topic you'd like to be responsible for. Your post here must be up *prior* to class time that day and deal with the topic in some broad sense. You may want to connect it to our reading for that day as well as link it to previous discussions we have had.

Select your day (and a second choice as well) and post it in the comments here, no later than Friday at noon. Check the comments before adding your own. The sooner you post, the greater the likelihood of getting the day and topic you would prefer. All dates after spring break are available. Once you've all posted, I will add your names to the calender so you have an extra reminder.

Transmedia Storytelling

Post your transmedia story developments here: be sure to include all elements particularly the images and links that explain the connections you are making.

Don't forget to list both your names!

Elements must include:

• Image
• Story
• Facebook Page
• Blog

Elements may include (use at least two)

• Twitter
• Game
• Film
• TV show
• Comics
• Music
• Books

Jenkins Ch 2: Buying into American Idol

Jenkins argues in this chapter that asynchronous participation (i.e. not in real time) has affected both fan communities and the corporations who try to woo them. Fans can go back and review material they once saw only in real time; they can also confer and debate meaning about products or shows. He writes:

Even if you believe that fan and brand communities lack the clout to significantly alter corporate behavior, you still need to understand the way participation works within this new affective economy so that you can direct criticisms at the actual mechanisms by which Madison Avenue seeks to reshape our hearts and minds.

Find examples of fan communities (think of Blakley's "taste communities") affecting corporate behavior or attempts by corporations to woo those fan communities. Are there other examples like American Idol? Were they effective? How so? Do people feel more loyalty when they feel that they have an input?

Post by the end of the day Friday.

New Thoreaus?

William Major took away his students' smartphones as an extra credit assignment:

As part of the experiment, I always ask my students to write about being left in the technological cold. I want to know about their expectations, reservations, and day-to-day experience of disconnection. Give me the good and the bad.

Do you consciously unplug from the digital world? Would you benefit from being forced to do so? Is this just a gimmick like pretending to live in the past, or are we really "addicted" to our gadgets and instantaneous feedback?

What Makes for an Effective Blog?

DUE: Friday by 5pm

Link to the blog you brought to class today and explain in detail why you chose it. Does it have one author or a team? Is it commercial or personal? Who is the audience? How can you tell? What's appealing about the visual layout? What about color choices? What sort of links do they offer? What brings people back?

Be persuasive.

Plagiarism & Piracy

Where do you draw the line between freely appropriating information and calling it piracy or theft? How much or what kind of information is it okay to use?