DUE: Friday by 5pmLink 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.
I chose the blog "Soshable" because the motto "People soshalize. They don't care how it's spelled. They just do it" made me realize that when people write online, they don't care how they spell or if they use proper grammar. This blog has one author who writes because he is likes to share social media content. He writes to the people who are aware of how to spell "socialize." It is apparent in the content of his posts and the motto of his blog. The layout is not cluttered or busy, so the information is easy to read. The title stands out because of the large font and color scheme. The rest of the layout is white and neat, which makes it look organized and easy to navigate. People can read recent posts and share the page on Facebook or Twitter. One can even "like" the blog without being on Facebook. People continue to read the blog because the author consistently updates, posting daily if not twice a day. I recommend http://www.soshable.com/ for anyone who is media literate and would like an entertaining read about social media.
ReplyDeleteI recommend viewing www.greendrakkoman.com
ReplyDeleteI volunteer at Albany Medical Center in the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology clinic as well as Hope Club in the children's program for children affected by cancer. I met a little boy named Ben through Hope Club who was undergoing cancer treatment in the clinic I volunteer in. I got to know him and his family pretty well and his father kept a blog to keep people updated about how he was doing. This type of blog is very beneficial to all involved. Instead of the parents having to be asked all the time how their child is doing, people can just refer to the blog. It is nice for people who know Ben to be able to keep updated as well. Unfortunately, Ben passed away in October 2009 at the age of 9. His father's last blog post was on the day he passed away but I felt this was a good example of a personal blog. The only person who updated was Ben's father but they called themselves "Team Green Drakkoman". Ben invented the Green Drakkoman to help fight his cancer when he was first diagnosed. The audience is all the people who know Ben and his family. It is appealing because it's easy to read and there are many pictures of Ben as well as his twin brother. The color choices make it easy to read. They have a link to their twitter, volunteer opportunities and other things having to do with pediatric cancer. People kept coming back because they wanted to keep updated on how Ben was doing.
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ReplyDeleteThe link to the blog I recommend:
ReplyDeletehttp://alloveralbany.com/
The blog I chose is run by a few people. It is a commercial blog with limited advertisements. I chose this blog because I think it’s a great idea for every community to have a blog like this. This blog gives people an opportunity to share their ideas about the area. People talk about good places to eat, fun things to do, and upcoming events. They can post pictures to give readers a feel for the place or experience that they are talking about. People also talk about local news, their thoughts on things such as Craig’s list and the humorous ads they read, fashion seen around the capital region, or anything really. People can ask question such as, “Where can I find inexpensive Sunday morning yoga classes?” and people from the area can let them know. People can also support local artists or businesses by blogging about them. The audience is clearly the people of the community as it gives people from the community to give other community members the inside scoop on the area.
The visual lay out is appealing to me because it is plain other than the pictures sent in by people. I like looking at the artistic snapshots taken around the capital region from people having positive experiences here. I also like that it is easy to maneuver the site and everything is easy to see. The links to get around the page are all on the top. The home page shows the recent blogs. Everything else is organized into categories such as “People”, “Food”, and “Stuff to Do” which is nice.
The blog I chose was sleeptalkinman.com. It was made by a woman who noticed that her husband's sleep talk was outragous and usually offensive, nothing like his waking personality. She decided to share is night time ramblings with the world and created the sleep talkin man blog. The audience, I think, is anyone who wants to be amused. There is no real targeting towards any specific group, except for the warning that the content may not be suitable for young children. There's nothing really visually interesting about this blog, just a white backround with black letters. They have links for the store they run, as well as different foundations they support. The thing I think people come back for is the content itself. The updates happen almost daily and most of them are hilarious.
ReplyDeleteI have always been into fashion, so anything that pretty much has to do with that field draws my attention. I personnaly feel that the Kardashian ladies are very good in the fashion world; they always seem to make things trendy or so interesting it catches my eye. My favorite Kardashian is Khloe. She is the one the media tends to bash, but from what i watch on tv and read in magazines she seems to be the most blunt and realistic sister out of three. I read her blog on an every day basis, simply because it's never boring. There is always something about her new married life, or her sisters, or her new stores, or something crazy and interesting. She updates her blog every day, so there is always something new to keep me wanting more. Khloe is always posting up pictures from her every day life and hers/ sisters' photo shoots. I read everything she puts but honestly the pics are what get me.
ReplyDeleteKhloe is the youngest, and to me, the most accompished sister. She's married to a NBA player, and that on its own draws attention to her blog; people want to see how the random couple is doing. as well as how the rest of the family is doing when theyre not on their show.
Her blog's background is dark and mysterious with pictures all over and advertisements of her new store. This on its own i feel keeps people wanting to look through her blogs.
Oh and the best part of the entire blog is the top of the home page, which has her posing in a very pretty picture.
http://khloekardashian.celebuzz.com/
In preparation for today's class, I brought the links to a few blogs that I read regularly. In our discussion, I realized that the blogs I had chosen were almost nothing like the blogs we viewed in class. They are more of personal blogs, and therefore are less focused on publicity and more focused on the writing and pictures on the blog.
ReplyDeleteThe first blog I would recommend is PostSecret. PostSecret is a blog run by Frank Warren that features, as one would imagine, postcards. These postcards are sent in by people wishing to share a secret anonymously through the web. Those interested write their secret on a creatively designed postcard, which is then mailed to Warren and, more often than not, added to the blog. PostSecret has also published books, which feature many of the secrets that are not published online. I chose this blog simply because I love the idea of it. The concept that someone can get something off their chest while still remaining anonymous, yet people all over the word can see it, is something that fascinates me. Personally, I have yet to submit to PostSecret, but I plan to in the future. PostSecret's only official author is Frank Warren, as the postcards are sent in by various people from all over the world. The blog is updated every Sunday night, and unfortunately the last week's postcards are not visible after the following Sunday. The visual layout of PostSecret is appealing because most of the postcards featured on the blog are vibrant or feature pictures that would capture the reader's attention. PostSecret really only offers links to their Facebook page, as well as the events they are hosting around the world. Currently, the PostSecret exhibit is set up in the Performing Arts building of the UAlbany campus. Frank Warren will be at the college talking about the postcards and his creation in early February. I would definitely recommend checking out PostSecret and possible going to the event in February!
http://aas.union.rpi.edu/det550/ & http://arnold-air.org/
ReplyDeleteWhy I chose these sites is because they are a part of my Detachment. The first site is a almost a blog type website for my detachment, it allows me to post and comment on certain things/subjects. Http://aas.union.rpi.edu/det550/ is a very important part of my life because it keeps me notified and I check it every day, along with the second URL.
The second URl is for Arnold Air society a Society within the USAF which cadets join. It's almost like a frat or sorority, you pay dues, and you have a position that you uphold. This blog is very helpful and allows me to stay on top of new things happening within the AAS (arnold air society).
Both of these websites are run by a team. http://aas.union.rpi.edu/det550/ is run by a squadron or a group at my detachment it is updated everyday, and the website is personal for those in the ROTC program. As for http://arnold-air.org/ it is a commercial website to anyone who wishes to learn more about AAS. The difference between the two sites is that http://aas.union.rpi.edu/det550/ again is more for persons in the RPI ROTC program whereas http://arnold-air.org/ is more for AAS members around the world.
They are both appealing in that they focus on putting out the information that is needed. The headlines for both pages have blue to symbolize air force colors and planes which are also a major part of the AF. The detachment page has links to the AAS site and other important websites affiliated with the AF. For example AR e-publishing, det 550, USAF. The AAS website has links to key aspects of AAS such as dues calculator, FB like page, AFROTC suggestion program.
Finally what brings people back is that is important to their way of life and it focuses on whats important to AAS and Det 550.
(the reason why these pages are so important to me is because I am in the USAF)
The blog, which I shared with the class was from the URL everything-everywhere.com. I found this blog to be very interesting because I really have a desire to travel once I finish school. The best way in which you can make yourself a well-rounded individual is to submerge yourself within a culture that is nothing like the one in which you live your daily life. I found it very encouraging to continue my dreams and goals of traveling to the places that peak my interest before officially becoming too “old” to travel alone (before I settle down and have a family of my own-much to my mother’s appreciation will be years and years from this point in my life). Reading this blog is also very interesting because it gives you a snip-it into the life of someone who you can live vicariously through. Although, I do find myself traveling, it will ultimately never be to the same extent as our blogger friend has traveled. The author of this blog is written by one individual person who has traveled by himself across the world since March of 2008. He is currently continuing his journey around the world, and has also continued to share his journey with those interested in reading. This blog is very personal due to the fact that it is written by one person and is intended for an audience who can either find similarities in the situation in which he is in, or who may have the desire to travel or read about someone who is actually taking an active role in this adventure. This blog is very appealing because it gives you a reason as to why he is making this journey, as well as sharing it with words and a slideshow of pictures and videos from his journey around the world. Even if he is unable to write about his journey at that particular moment, he updates where he currently is located (even showing the day and time in which he updated this location). The links that he shares with his viewers are only to his website (which is actually quite large and detailed). He makes it easy to find recent pictures and videos, as well as comments from those following him. This blog along would bring people back, due to its array of travel spots, blogs and large selection of pictures and videos. The concept of this blog is very interesting because it involves traveling and the importance of how it shapes you as an individual.
ReplyDeleteA blog that I regularly follow, and would recommend to anyone looking to waste time is www.11points.com. It is written by a man named Sam Greenspan, a writer and comedian, living in Los Angeles. The tag line for this blog is "because top ten lists are for cowards." The blog is updated every 2-3 days with a new topic composed in a list made of 11 items. Before the start of each list Sam writes about his inspiration for the current topic.
ReplyDeleteThe ones that I find the most intriguing are the lists that include pictures. All the lists have various images, but there are some lists devoted to just funny pictures. The author then critiques about the list in a humorous way, often including cheesy but funny puns. His lists or blog posts consist of many different topics including sports, music, movies, books etc. Personally, I stay away from the NFL section. By going to the archives the reader can filter what they are interested in. Anyone with a sense of humor will be able to find a blog post that is interesting to them.
Like any good blog there are links to facebook, twitter, rss feed, and a mailing list. There are also links to other blogs that the author enjoys as well.
The blog's background used to be pink, but was later changed to dark purple stripes. The actual writing however is on white making it easier to read. The colors are bright and attention getting. Along the side and top of the blog are little snip its of what the blog is all about. If you click on the about section at the top the author describes the contents of the blog in an eleven point list. Clever.
I do not follow many blogs, but I do find this to be a very amusing site that I try to follow regularly.
For the blog assignment I chose the "Shoes of..." which is my friend's blog. I chose this blog because it gives me an insight into my friend Heidi's life. The author of the blog is Heidi Frazer, who goes to Syracuse University. This blog is certainly personal and is mostly about Heidi's life. I love how she writes about random daily things, the simple things that people take for granted or look past. There really is no specific audience. It's basically whoever wants to read what Heidi writes about. However, I really dont think many people know about it besides her friends or whoever sees it on facebook. The way the blog is laid out is very appealing. Since Heidi is also into photography there are several capturing pictures that get the readers attention. The blog is very clean and bright and easy to read. Since the blog is personal there are no advertisements its just Heidi's entries. Which is something that I really like because I can just focus on the blog rather than all these other things around it. Once in a while Heidi will post a link to something she likes but mainly its just her writing and photos. I noticed in class today that this blog this blog was definitely different from the ones in class because its not centered around advertising or PR, its just her personal blog. She keeps it simple. I think people go back to her blog not only because they are her friend but the simplicity of it. Her topic choices are always very interesting and different yet at the same time daily life things, such as nap time! I just really love how pretty much anyone can relate to the things that Heidi writes about.
ReplyDeleteThe link is - http://theshoesof.wordpress.com/
A History of Here: Life in Albany Past and Present by Akum Norder at http://blog.timesunion.com/norder/ interested me because I was born in Albany and live in the neighborhood which she highlights. Apparently many others are just as interested as her blog was recently profiled in the print edition of the Albany Times Union on 1/10/11. It is a personal blog whose author moved to Albany in the mid 1990s from Texas. She has fallen in love with our city and, along with her husband and two daughters, now lives in the Pine Hills neighborhood. She writes about the extremely rich history that is all around us which she notes Albanians seem to take for granted. She also writes about the cultural and social opportunities and conveniences available to Albanians in the present day. She has a significant following of both current and former Albany residents who, through their comments, express their pleasure with the stories she blogs, such as the approaching 100th birthday of her house. She also mentions the close-knit community of native Albanians and how difficult it is for an outsider to be considered a local even though they have been here for decades. I must admit, I got a chuckle from her description of the Albany accent which we of course don't hear, but of which I am conscious as my mom comes from the north country and has said the same thing. For example, Albanians call Albany "Awbany." She mentions this in her intro to the blog Oct. 7, 2010. Besides photographs, the visual layout of her blog is accentuated with postcards, illustrations, and engravings highlighting significant historic topics from the neighborhood. The blog's background is white and simple, making it eay to read. It is uncluttered and simple. Besides Facebook, Twitter, and Email, she has 336 links. People come back to her blog because they enjoy her enthusiasm for the topics she presents. She is genuinely intrigued by our city and hopes to generate from others the same passion.
ReplyDeleteThe blog that I presented to the class is called PrCouture.com. I visit this blog frequently and enjoy it's content because it does a great job of incorporating fashion, and business savvy tips for today's working pr practitioners. The blog is really multi faceted to me because I can get up to date fashion trends as well as stay in the loop of public relations being that it is my major, and career choice! Prcouture.com features a team of contributors and aim toward a more commercial audience. For me I feel like the blog's target audience is more professional, business savvy women, (and men) in the public relations/marketing/advertising field. The visual layout of the blog is kind of "chic," professional, and sleek with minimal distractions. I love this blog not only because of the trendy style but also the content and the many links, articles, abd art it has in the content. Try it out! www.prcouture.com
ReplyDeletehttp://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/off-the-markley/
ReplyDeleteI am a huge fan of Stephen Markley. His memoir, "Publish This Book" is witty, insightful, and stupid enough to work. Markley is much like the average 20something American male; he drinks a lot and writes the stories down, gets published, and makes a lot of money. I follow Markley on Twitter, and after finding his blog, I was easily amused by the stories and arguments he posts. Markley usually works alone, but during his vacations the blog is managed by a gaggle of his good friends. This includes some guys named Scott, Brian, and Bojo. The blog is personal, but littered with ads on the right side of the screen. Yet this is a way for Markley to communicate with fans on a better level than Twitter.
The audience is primarily that; fans. Markley isn't the most well-known guy on the planet, but his fans and friends flock to the blog to hear of his most recent adventures. He writes to his fans, reminding them of things that went on in his book. The layout is confusing at first, but is somewhat pleasing to the eye. The ads gets annoying, but the text is easy to read and simple pictures help with the detail. Links up top have Markley's biography, his RedEye column, and book tours. The color choice works, and is very standard. White and teal, black text, and red accents.
People keep coming back for more Markley. He's a funny, but unthreatening guy who makes life hilarious. His writing style is amazing and interesting, and fans want more.