Monday, August 31, 2009
Twitter delivers!
I was never been interested in Blogging because i never saw how just venting my frustrations, and having people comment on them was useful to me. Micro-blogging sites like twitter.com were even more discouraging because i only viewed it as pointless blabber. i watched a news report on the use of twitter by businesses that monitored the site. I also found an article on how to get customer service via twitter. Companies would respond to any mention of bad service and try to solve the problem.
This service would encourage me to join twitter. the businesses use this method as a way to get closer to customers and provide better service. This may prove to be better than dialling a 1800 number and speaking to someone you don't understand after you was on hold for 15 minutes.
To blog or not to blog?
I am very new to this blogging phenomenon. I had always heard bout it but i never really understood the concept and the reason for it. After reading a few articles and seeing a few my self i have started to see the reasons why people do them.
A recurring question in some of the articles i have read have been why do people still blog knowing the chances of it getting any attention are almost the same as the amount of people trying to win the power ball?
A possible solution to the problem of not having your blogs read would be to join a network like Twitter whose popularity right now rivals those of Facebook and MySpace.
A recurring question in some of the articles i have read have been why do people still blog knowing the chances of it getting any attention are almost the same as the amount of people trying to win the power ball?
A possible solution to the problem of not having your blogs read would be to join a network like Twitter whose popularity right now rivals those of Facebook and MySpace.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Should the Blogosphere have the right to unmask its cat fighters?
The Blogosphere is full of anonymous readers and writers who will engage in catfights every so often knowing that their anonymity won’t be revealed. This allowing to express themselves freely under the right of the 1st amendment. According to the article by Harry Phibs
Nonetheless, the Blogosphere seems to be loosing its motto of letting everyone including anonymous Bloggers opinionate and engage in catfights freely without the fear of being exposed.
"It greatly enhances the scope for ‘whistle blowers’ - those anxious to expose the failings in the company or public service they work for. They would be in fear of their jobs were they to do so with the required candour in public."This controversy making it difficult for anonymous Bloggers to explicit their stance towards other Blogs without the fear of being revealed! Like in the article by Harry Phibs where a certain girl decided to engage in an old fashioned catfight and was exposed to the world. This leading to a $15 million lawsuit against Google.
Nonetheless, the Blogosphere seems to be loosing its motto of letting everyone including anonymous Bloggers opinionate and engage in catfights freely without the fear of being exposed.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Blogging Taking Over
Everyday more and more people are becoming a part of these so called "social networks", whether it be to update others about their lives, or to just share ideas and thoughts on a specific topic. According to the article "Introduction to Blogging", a""Blog" is an abbreviated version of "weblog," which is a term used to describe web sites that maintain an ongoing chronicle of information".
For some people, blogging has become a way of life. In the article "For Some, Blogging Never Stops" by Katie Hafner, Richard Wiggins, can't go a day without sharing his thoughts or feelings about life. "I'm just getting something off my chest," But why is this?, What are people really getting out of making their lives public for the rest of the world to see?. For some, its become more of an obsession than anything else. The article states "Such bloggers often feel compelled to write several times daily and feel anxious if they don't keep up" (Hafner) Due to the quickly growing blogging sites and the easy access, people all over are spending more time on the computer, while at the same time neglecting their families and friends. ""It seems as if his laptop is glued to his legs 24/7,"" Ms. Matthews said. (Hafner)
As the popularity of blogging grows, so do the endless possibilities of what may come about next in the blogosphere.Technology is ever changing and the way we communicate and share thoughts and ideas is evolving at a rapid pace.
Hackers and Blogs
Is blogging just another way for hackers to do their worst? According to an article in BBC NEWS it is. A blogger known as Cyxmyu in Russia believes he was targeted by hackers for blogging about the Russian-Georgian War. Both Twitter and Facebook were affected by this attack on him, in which they were shutdown.
"Those hackers were able to prevent millions of people gaining access to world famous social networking sites merely "to block one blogger" because of his unpleasant and unacceptable" position."
I happen to agree with the fact that we are making it easier for hackers to gain access to our lives. This in my opinion goes along with the problem of identity theft. In this day and age we are making ourselves more vulnerable to personal attacks just because we are trying to make our lives easier and more accessible to the world. In my opinion blogging our daily lifestyle choices should be discontinued. The internet was created in order to access information more easily, now it has become an infringement of peoples lives and their personal information.
Do you want your parents to read your blog?
Do you want your parents to read your blog?
According to the article "My Mommy Reads My Blog" by Andrew G.R, blogs should be "mommy friendly." "The reality is that even if my mom was NOT reading my blog, I would pretend that she did. And I don’t think that’s a bad thing."
When blogging, you let go of your insecurities, thoughts, and opinions to a hidden world online. It gives you a way to escape reality, and enter into a life you might have created through blogging. Depending on the relationship with your parents, your blog might limit the details you want to give out.
Unfortunately, I don't have a great relationship with my parents, and they might judge what I write. This limits me on talking about my social life, and to mainly focus on my interests and my feelings. Maybe this can make me closer with my parents and let them see a side of me they haven't seen before.
Blogging creates new careers
The article addreses how this blog site opened opportunities for artists such as writer's and photographer's to display their work. The famous author Julie Powell of Julie& Julia, blogged about her experience and now the book was turned into a movie in theatres now. I was unaware that blogging could have this effect on society, but I have noticed that quite a few people make their living off of blogging and it really can change the outlook of media.
Parenting On The Web
Now that younger and younger people are blogging, this has made it easier for parents to learn about their child's life. There are some people who feel that it is easier for them to post that they are having issues on a blog for everyone to read, then to have to tell their parents and suffer embarrassment. This would also give parents and incite to the everyday problems that their child might be going through. This way, parents can head off drug problems, drinking, bulling, and other problems that young people face.
Many of my friends' parents have face book and myspace accounts, as well as read blogs. This has made it awkward for my friends at times when they are caught doing something they know their parents would disapprove of. Schools and businesses are also looking a applicants' profiles and blogs. This has made it that no thought or action is private online.
Many of my friends' parents have face book and myspace accounts, as well as read blogs. This has made it awkward for my friends at times when they are caught doing something they know their parents would disapprove of. Schools and businesses are also looking a applicants' profiles and blogs. This has made it that no thought or action is private online.
Michael Vick Blogs Apology
Michael Vick, former quarter back for the Atlanta Falcons was sentenced to 23 months in prison for dog fighting. After Michael Vick was released from prison he sent out a mass message apologizing to the public from his computer. The entry is called, "What I Did was Horrendous."
Michael Vick has several interesting lines in his blog.
It will certainly be a long time before Michael Vick can be forgiven, but for now at least he's moving in the right direction for our forgiveness, but should we all forgive him?
Michael Vick has several interesting lines in his blog.
"I ain't never written a blog before, so putting my thoughts down
on paper is a challenge - however it's a challenge I must face. I can look a 250
pound linebacker in his eyes at the line of scrimmage and have no fear. But
expressing myself when I know that there are millions of people who are so angry
with me, and rightfully so, is a challenge unlike any other I have faced
before."
It will certainly be a long time before Michael Vick can be forgiven, but for now at least he's moving in the right direction for our forgiveness, but should we all forgive him?
How big are blogs?
Blogs represent power. They are very interesting and effective as well. When u hear about big blogs we should all thing of a man by the name of Johannesn Gutenburg. In 1440 he created a printing press and that printing press created a publishing boom and an information revolution. Some may have thought that this printing press led to the protestant reformation and the western democracy. The printing press set the model for mass media. Mass media is basically a section of the media created to reach out to a very large audience such as the population of a nation state. Mass media includes internet media such as blogs. so basically this man open dorrs for a variety of things.
Many people in this world are starting to create their own blogs. As long as u have a working computer and internet connection anyone can become a blog publisher in about 10 min, because thats how long it takes for you to sign up. Many people who have created blogs are collectively adding new features so that bloggers cab start up video and music so everyone can come together and be apart of editorial projects. In conclusion blogs were very big in media back then and up until this day it still is. blogs will definately change ur buisness for the better.
Many people in this world are starting to create their own blogs. As long as u have a working computer and internet connection anyone can become a blog publisher in about 10 min, because thats how long it takes for you to sign up. Many people who have created blogs are collectively adding new features so that bloggers cab start up video and music so everyone can come together and be apart of editorial projects. In conclusion blogs were very big in media back then and up until this day it still is. blogs will definately change ur buisness for the better.
A World Sick of Blogging?
“I had to sign an agreement that said we agree not to blog about any of the goings on at Milk and Honey and will not put photos on a blog or any social-networking site,” said a member requesting anonymity to avoid jeopardizing his right to visit."
In today's world it is difficult to find someone who does not blog on a daily basis. Whether it be full length blogs, or tweets, people are finding it impossible to escape a life lived out in public on the Internet. According to this NY Times article, Twitter has attracted 44.5 million unique visitors in the month of June. This would suggest that blogging is doing everything except slowing down in popularity.
However, certain companies are establishing a "no twittering" policy among it's prospective employees. Teachers for example are finding themselves in an uncomfortable position when events in their lives are made public on the Internet through means of blogs or Facebook updates. Many of them would assume just not be a part of it.
Even with a myriad of privacy options available, you cannot guarantee that your information cannot be accessed by unwanted parties. In today's information obsessed society it is difficult to lead a life less blogged about, however there are those who are trying.
Blogging
I was reading an article on examiner.com and came across an interesting point on blogging. The article made me realize that if one does not have "a unique perspective or expert insight on your topic" then why blog. After reading the article I have come to believe that blogging should not be merely to babble on about useless information. If one is blogging then one should be blogging because they have an opinion on an issue, and add insight to why the issue is at hand. If you are also blogging about a common issue, why should someone spend time reading your blog when there are millions like your blog. Blogging should have a person's opinion, but at the same time should be backed up by facts; that the person is presenting.
What's blogging means to you?
Blogging seems to be the modern online diary that many can't get enough of. Twitter for example, is a new phase of social networking/micro blogging that takes blogging to a new pedistal... Every one from athelets, Hop-Hop artists, and even major media outlets (CNN) all participate in some form of blogging. But whats the hype all about? I looked into a few blog sites, and it seems that what ever your into, has some type of blog... Here's one I found about Jay-Z and a new shoe endorsement. In this blog website, they had several different posts, on several different sneaker/shoe releases that would be releasing soon... Check it out!
Labels: Jay-Z "Americana"
IBM creating a new generation of blogging
In this article IBM takes blogging to the next step. IBM has been currently creating a TV remote that allows you to "auto-blog". This new technology allows people to use their TVs to blog as long as your TV device has networking capability. The steps are simple enough. "How does it work? Let's take a look at a snippet from the patent filling, which was submitted last year but didn't show up online until april"
One of the most important parts about blogging on your Television is automatic blogging during media viewing. This allows you to view and read blogs posted on the internet through your television set. Check on IBM's website for more info and insides on Blogging through television.
Blogging In the Second Grade
Recently, I've been introduced to blogging. It has definitely been a great tool for voicing your feelings, opinions and even life experiences. However I was unaware that blogging has had such major effect on everyone. After reading an article on NY Times.com, "In the Classroom, Web Logs Are the New Bulletin Boards" by JEFFREY SELINGO. I was amazed to see that blogging is now a part of the classroom, of second graders! At first this was strange to read however, this is the era we live in today and everything is based on your knowledge of computers.
"In the blogs, students write about how they attacked a tough math problem, post observations about their science experiments or display their latest art projects". Jeffery Selingo NY Times.
"In the blogs, students write about how they attacked a tough math problem, post observations about their science experiments or display their latest art projects". Jeffery Selingo NY Times.
It is very fortunate that these second graders have the chance to learn about blogging in which, it allows them to have a voice in thinking creatively. As well, it also prepares them for what's to come in the real world of technology.
"It allowed them to interact with their peers more quickly than a journal, and it evened the playing field". says Marisa L. Dudiak second grade teacher in Frederick County, Md.
These students are well advanced and It makes me wonder if they are well on their way to an Ivy League.
"It allowed them to interact with their peers more quickly than a journal, and it evened the playing field". says Marisa L. Dudiak second grade teacher in Frederick County, Md.
These students are well advanced and It makes me wonder if they are well on their way to an Ivy League.
Tips on Posting
For those of you who have never posted to a blog before here are some simple guidelines.
Posting: Use this blog to post about anything relating to the readings, lectures and class discussions. You can also post about current events that relate to the issues raised this semester.
Presentation Posts: Posts are required for oral presentations. A presentation post should include any short quotations, links, images, or video, that you might wish to use in your presentation.
Read before Posting: Always read the other posts on the blog before posting, don't repeat the same material as a previous post unless you have something to add to the discussion. Consider making a comment on a previous post instead of posting on the same topic.
Short Paragraphs: Blogging is a short form. Posts do not have to be very long (two or three well written paragraphs.) Write brief, focused paragraphs. Quality is more important than quantity.
Quotations: Use short quotations from the assigned readings, always cite your source clearly; provide a link. Format your quotation by indenting the margins so that it is clear that it is a quotation and not your words. Use quotation marks for very brief quotations.
Cite Sources Clearly: Always cite your sources clearly, using a link to the source material if possible. Use the author's full name, the title, and the page number, if possible.
Strong Links: A good post should include helpful links. Judicious use of links to key reference materials can ensure that your posts are short and to the point. Make sure you only link to authoritative, reliable sources of information.
Relevant Images: Use images that directly relate to the topic of your post. Don't post images just for window dressing. Ask yourself: does the image add to the substance of the post? Or is it just eye-candy? The same goes for videos.
Proof-read! Always proof-read and spell-check your post before publishing. Remember, spell-check does not check the spelling in the title of the post. A warning: this is a public blog and your posts will may be used during class discussion as well (big screen, 40 people reading your post,) so proof-read before publishing!
Comment: Reward good posts with praise and constructive crticism and discussion. Be prepared for comments from unknown sources that may not always be polite. Don't engage in flame wars with anonymous commenters.
Labels: blogging
Blogging Lingo: Glossaries of basic blogging terms
Here are a couple of glossaries of basic blogging terms:
Wikipedia on blogging terms
The Giant Blogging Terms Glossary
Wikipedia on blogging terms
The Giant Blogging Terms Glossary
Labels: blogging
Display Names
Your display name should be your first intial and your last name. For example: if your name was Rita Moreno your display name would be "R. Moreno". "Rita M." Would also be acceptable
You can change your display name by going to your dashboard and clicking on "edit profile" on the upper right of the page. Look for the "display name" box and change it.
If you are posting with a pseudonym I will not be able to give you credit for your work.
Thanks.
You can change your display name by going to your dashboard and clicking on "edit profile" on the upper right of the page. Look for the "display name" box and change it.
If you are posting with a pseudonym I will not be able to give you credit for your work.
Thanks.
Labels: announcement
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Welcome!
Welcome to a new semester of Digrevo, your course blog.
- Don't forget we will be moving our class to the Student Union building for the rest of the semester: Room SU327, just around the corner from the radio station.
- Make sure you know how to log into Angel. Most of the resources for this class will only be available on Angel.
- Check your email on Wednesday evening for an invitation to the course blog. Follow the instructions to accept the invitation. You will need to set up a google account, if you don't already have one.
- Assignment: Look for one online article about blogging and the blogosphere. Choose one key point that you wish to write about. Come to class on Thursday prepared to post about it on the course blog.
Labels: announcement
