Unfriending on Facebook

So I am finishing up my final web project for this class and I have to say that it helped me to explore the different aspects on online friendship. One of the biggest things I got from it was that we cannot really define what a friend is for someone else. A friend may be someone that you can just go to talk to online when you need it. Someone who is there for you even though they are not physically there. My mom always told me that I would be blessed to have a real true best friend in my lifetime, and that all the other friends I have throughout life I would have to use them for what they are worth (but not in a bad way). She just meant that there are certain friends that I will be able to go to church with, some friends I can talk to, some friends I can have game night with, etc. So these online friendships can truely be genuine when you think about what its worth. I also can confirm that I still hate it when people on Facebook have a billion people they don't talk  to, are not friends with, and do not network with-MEANING YOU SHOULD NOT BE FACEBOOK FRIENDS! ;) I'm not as angry as that sounds. Tell me what you guys think!

The Boundaries of the Web

So I recently watched a youtube post by this young black female, who seemed to be frustated that her peers would always tell her that she spoke white. She said that a young white male who had posted something similar is what encouraged her to speak up. I started to think about how i felt about the situation because-yes people are sterotyping to even be able to say things like this, but the question is how real are these stereotypes and who do they hold true for. So is it whites that talk more proper or is it that more educated people from better neighborhoods talk proper.

Regardless my point is that I started thinking about the world of the internet, and how so many people connect and communicate through the words on a screen rather than the words coming from their mouths. I really think that its quite interesting.There are some boundaries that cannot be crossed on the web. Even if you can see the people you are communicating with. There is such a variety of people on the web that it is likely you will be exposed to different cultures either way. Can you really tell (if there are no pictures of videos) that you are messaging with an asian, black, white, hispanic etc person while your on CNN's website responding to a hurricane in the south.

We may never have a world that is free from racism, stereotyping, or discrimination, but could this be possible via the web?!?!?!?!?!?!

My Mother is on Facebook

How does the younger generation feel about their parents being more "hip" and up to date. Being able to operate sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace is becoming important. Now a days children who are underage are still making Facebook accounts and are in danger of becoming victims of crimes because of interacting with predators. Just like parents needed to learn more about the locks on the televisions they have to do the same for facebook. Or because a site like facebook can be accessed through the cell phones that parents give to their 7 year old child, they may need to take an alternative route. In addition to having a the "talk" about the birds and the bees, there needs to be a talk about the dangers of the web. Parents should seriously think about what their child needs to know about the dangers of the internet.

Getting Personal

Its so funny how personal some companies are trying to get to their consumers. It amazes me how they are connecting and informing through social networking sites now. It almost seems as if they should not have such access to the personal lives of their consumers. I see how so many companies and businesses are offering consumers more discounts and incentives to visit their webpages or their social networking sites. And if you are the rebel of the group and refuse to let these companies intrude on your personal time and space you end up missing out on valuable information and great deals-WACK!

Getting Employed Through Twitter!! :D

So I recently heard a lecture about how a young lady used Twitter to her advantage while on  her job search. The girl was very interested in a job at the Red Cross and she had a Facebook friend that was actually one of her followers on Twitter also. After she applied to the job she tweeted a sentence that got her an interview with the employer. She said something like I hope that friends name can tell me more about the available position @ the Red Cross, I'm very excited to see if I get the job. She not only tagged her friend in the post, but she also tagged the organizations page also. The person who was in charge of keeping up with social media sites at the Red Cross actually saw the post and notified the hiring manager at the Red Cross. Turns out that the girls name was in the pile that the company would reject, and after seeing her tweet they actually invited her to an interview. I am not sure if she actually got the job, but the point is that she got noticed. This was a great way to use social networking sites to your advantage instead of the usually disadvantage. Just thought I'd share ;)

FaNs

So after having so much discussion about consumers involvement the production of music and films I have really learned a lot. I really did not realize how much consumers play a role in what is created and how they influence the creators. I thought that is was really interesting that people make mini films of their own. I thought a lot about what Professor Macek said about Avatar and how it would be horrible if it were not for the special effects of the movie. But honestly I loved Avatar, and I won't deny that it might have been because of all the special effects, but my response to that is that I really don't care how or why I like it as long as I enjoy it. I think that, that is exactly what happens with other fans that get so involved in things such as the Matrix. you have to have a personal connection to the movies that you watch to even be able to enjoy it.

I also wanted to respond the question about whether or not film critics had the right to be annoyed with how some films are made today where you have to actively search for other parts of the story. I really feel like they have the right to be annoyed if they want to but in all actuality it does not make a difference because the exact movies that annoy them are the ones that people are interested in. Whether you have to actively seek more info, or if they have poor dialogue. Now a days people are only looking at the surface of things anyway, and the job of the producers and creators of films is to please the audience. Not to say that people won't enjoy something that has a little bit more depth to it, but what is wrong with change?

Blog Prompt 4-The Future of the Music Industry

The music industry has been faced with some issues over the past and the present when dealing with individuals downloading and file sharing copyright music. Does this mean that the music industry is in trouble. I do not believe so. There are so many other ways that the music industry can make money. So why does the music industry continue to hire armies of lawyers to fight this battle for so long. Two things come to mind. Maybe they are doing so to maintain the amount of people who are not downloading and sharing or who minimally download and share. Or maybe they continue to do it on principle. Either way we all know that they spend so much money on doing this. What would happen if they decided that it was not worth it anymore. There are some possible things that I have explored. Possibly people would feel more free to download and share music and will be introduced to other types of music that they may have never considered before. I personally believe that even after this people will maintain how much they value having an actual album on hand of the particular artist that they enjoy listening to. Having these albums on hand will be something of value because of how often and how easy it is to share music. The music industry can also save a heck of a lot more money on lawyers and such, and invest that money into other things that may help to increase revenue in the industry. WHAT DO YA THINK!?!?

TECHNOLOGY IN THE WORKPLACE

So in one of my other speech classes we have been discusses whether or not the use of multiple technologies in the workplace are beneficial to workplace productivity and communication. In some aspects I believe that IMing, using company telephones, and relying on webcamera interaction can be a huge benefit to the company. It allows for instant communication between the employee and the employer. But where do we draw the line to working and free time. And can introducing these things cause employees to become less productive if the right rules and regulations have not been put into place? Tell me what you think?

Media=Distraction

I have found that media is really a huge distraction when you are trying to get somethings done. All types of media are everywhere. If I am trying to do my homework there is always some way that I end up checking my Facebook. If I go to the library I always end up listening to a song or too on my ipod. If I am trying to have a conversation there seems to always be a television somewhere (in restaurants, lounges, etc).

Why is using the media so tempting? :/

Blog Prompt 3: Youth and New Media

I totally believe that parents should be worried. The media is now taking over how younger people tend to enjoy learning. Which is scary, because like the article that we read in class, it seems that reading via the web has caused some negative effects on how we retain information.

Also, I can see myself that new media is changing the way young people learn. It seems like some students do not really know when to disconnect from the virtual and digital world when they enter the classroom. They include things such as "@" in papers and so on.

I really feel like if the younger people in this generation can not take hold of the effects that the media can have learning ability then there is something to worry about.

On the other hand, if someone does have a good grip on these two differences then the changes in technology can be a very positive thing, and assist our youth in learning instead of hindering them.

Employers Taking over Social Networking Sites

So, I was just thinking today about how a lot of the things that I do online a largely impacted by how I want others to perceive me, mostly future employers. I have fun online, but I can't ever really "let loose" like I want to sometimes and that is because I am always thinking about what a potential employer might have access too. This forces me to keep a lot of things under control and under wraps so that I don't end up regretting a past statement or picture. Sometimes I resent being responsible (lol). It also doesn't help that I have a unique name. So what so you guys think about this possibility.

Social Networking Request=DENIED

So, I thought that this was funny. I was just searching through different social networking sites and I ran across some that did not accept my email. I am so used to being able to create a profile and sign up for anything that interest me on the internet, but this really came as a surprise. One that I was really interested in replied that my North Central email account was not one of their accepted email domains. So not only was my email not enough, but North Central had to be an affiliate of this site for me to even be able to join. WHAT?! :(
Here is one of the culprits: FledgeWing.com.

A Twist to Advertising Using Social Networking Sites

Walking around campus I have notices how much Social Networking Sites are taking over on and off the internet. In class we have discussed how much people have used social networking sites to advertise their business, party, event, etc. What I have seen recently is that organizations and offices such as CUAB and Chartwells are using their Facebook profiles, printing out significant part of their page and posting them around campus. Letting consumers and members visually see where their site is located and what it looks like. It is a tool that helps them to relate to the general student population, who mostly also have an account on Facebook. I really think that this way of advertising is very creative. I remember seeing a Chartwells ad that had a friends list that included one of the people I knew on campus. What do you guys think.

By the way-while I was trying to find videos for this blog I ran across this-ENJOY (thanks class of 2008:)

Spike Lee @ NCC

So! The infamous Spike Lee visited North Central College this past Tuesday. So many people asked me what exactly did I think about his speech and persona of Mr. Spike Lee. I will try to withhold the passion that lies behind my words-Spike Lee's words were inspiring, I can definitely say that, but I did not think it was unique. I also thought that things got very interesting during Q&A, not that many of the questions were fully answered). Overall, I thought that the presentation and speech was alright (he could have dressed nicer though).

Side Note: I value those famous people that are doing things to create change within our neighborhoods, but I do not value those who think too highly of themselves and portray themselves as being "better than the rest"

THAT-IS-ALL---think what you may

Lying Through Email

So, in my professor in my Business and Communication class brought up an interesting study in class today. He said that a study revealed that a reasonable percentage of people admitted to being less truthful when they are placed in front of a computer. I also found some other articles and websites that a relevant to this topic. I really have not thought about this question from an email stand point. I would expect that people would  be more willing to lie when on social networking sites, dating sites, etc, but I would not have thought that about email. I figure that email is usually used more often by professionals and people who are communicating for a purpose but I guess not from the article he mentioned. Let me know what you guys think about this particular topic.

To Google or Not to to Google-That is the question ;)

I my friends am what you would consider to be a "Googler". I am a fan and a dedicated user of this particular search engine, and for good reason I believe. Google has earned its way into my heart with its way with connecting me to the cyberspace world. To top it all off Google continues to add to it free services that it gives to its users. I would say that I am semi-addicted or almost addicted to Google. Although I do love what it is about I believe that if it were to disappear today I would not pass out at my desk (LOL seriously). I do have the URL's for most if not all of my favorite websites (which I do not use Google to find by the way ;)_) Overall, I do not believe that Google is to powerful or omnipresent. This company is rightfully gaining and keeping the LOYALTY of its users based on the unique qualities and services of the company. To say that we are too dependent on Google may be an over statement in my eyes. I believe that if Google were to leave today many other company's would pick up the pieces just fine, and users would readjust over time. But until that day comes I will remain a true and faithful Googler.

Changes Coming in Social Media in 2011!!! WHAT?

Upon reading this article titled Big Changes in Social Media in 2011 I ran across some interesting ideas things that may come about this year. It never fails that people all around the world find so many new uses for the media in the world today. I often wonder to myself what else can we possibly come up with, and here it is! We are looking at some significant changes in the near future, some that will benefit companies all of the world. According to this article marketing may become a lot easier and cheaper for companies. But does that mean we, the users, will be overloaded with mass amounts of advertisements? The article also suggested that in 2011 many social network users will start to veer away from their excessive use of social networking sites.Overall I thought that it was an interesting article tell me what you think!

Blogging With Tiffany B Brown-Prompt #1

Tiffany B. Brown caused my eyebrows to raise more than once in her interview. She definitely opened my eyes to different ways that blogging can be used. I really found it very interesting that she used her blogging as a form of a diary every once in a while. She used it as something she could refer to later while at the same time communicating with the world.

I would absolutely love to get into this "blogging thing" to see what types of people are interested in what I have to say and what type of community gets created from my own words. It would also be very interesting to see the variance in my opinions from time to time.

Reading this blog also made me do something I have not done in a while because of her statements about the opportunities that she was introduced to because of her blogging. I Googled myself! Hmmm...it made me realize that I need to update linkin page for one, but it also helped me to realize the power of the internet and your opinion together. Great read!

It Starts....

It's Andie and I'm ready to begin!!!