Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube

Facebook and Twitter:

http://www.mediabistro.com/alltwitter/social-media-lifecycle_b17744

“Twitter and Facebook allow businesses of all sizes to spot trends and track sentiment, filter and analyze data, collaborate with fans.” Nowadays social media such as twitter and Facebook are not just used for friends and family. The reason that business organizations are trying to reach to audiences on Facebook and twitter is because of how popular both of these social media networks are.

2008:

Facebook users: 100 million

Twitter users: 1.3 million

2009:

Facebook users: 300 million

Twitter users: 6 million

2010:

Facebook users:  500 million

Twitter users: 105 million

2011:

Facebook users: 800 million

Twitter users: 225 million

Random statistics:

·         “36% of social media users post brand related information on sm.”

·         “2/3 social media users say twitter influences purchases.”

·         “74% of people who purchase entertainment produces discuss them on social networks.”

LinkedIn:

http://socialmediatoday.com/mike-johansson/437862/5-ways-undermine-your-linkedin-profile

This website is useful to know what not to do on your LinkedIn profile.

1.)    Use a bad profile picture: “image that makes you look like someone I would not want to work with, collaborate with or in any other way connect with.”

2.)    Write a poor professional headline: Use as few words as possible and make sure that its professional. Most likely the audience will see the shortened version.

3.)    Having an ineffective summary: This space should be used to effectively summarize your professional experience, who you are (in a professional way), or talk about your current position.

4.)    Ignore how your Public Profile looks: If you are not willing to keep connected on your LinkedIn then you should not create an account. You should be able to keep your information current and updated.

5.)    Making your connections open: “By leaving the connections open anyone can creep on your profile and find other people to connect with. If you know them that’s fine, but if you don’t you’re exposing your connections to who know what.”

I have previously learned about LinkedIn in my communication 318 class last quarter. I learned how you can use LinkedIn to keep social networking open, communication with others in your desired field, set up internships or jobs, and to overall just portray who you are as a person. 

YouTube:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Social-Media-Marketing-Using-YouTube&id=6686232

“When talking of social media, people forget that YouTube is a very useful social media tool that can be used for more purposes than to share music videos and personal video logs. There are almost 15,000 videos uploaded on YouTube every single day.” I personally have never put too much thought into thinking of YouTube as social media but in reality it is because it is connecting millions of people to social media every day. It could be music, an informational piece, to do instructions, etc. A positive aspect to YouTube is that it is cost effective “It is an excellent way to reach out to millions of viewers.”

Week 4 Post (podcast and audacity)

Podcasting
Pros of Podcasting:
Podcasting is used to keep people updated on current news and problems around the world. If they do not want to read about the news individuals are able to just listen. Secondly, sometimes podcasts are used for school purposes such as if you miss a lecture from a teacher, some teachers will make podcasts available for students to listen. Thirdly, it is a postive way for businesses to make an advertisement for their products. Overall, it is a very inexpensive tool to use.
Cons of Podcasting:
A disadvantage of using podcasting is that not everyone has the best voice to record. Having a clear loud enough voice is key when recording so that your audience can understand and hear what you are saying. Secondly, there is not two way interaction so if the audience is confused on what is being stated then they are not able to ask questions.

http://www.brighthub.com/internet/web-development/articles/34767.aspx

Personally what I enjoy about podcasts is that they can be really fun and informative at the same time. I listen to many podcasts that are available on NPR.

http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=4&islist=false

Audacity:
Below I posted a basic video of how to use audacity. I watched it just for an overview of what we learned in class.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rQr5YVNqI0

What I like about audacity it that it seems faily easy to use which makes me alot less nervous to use this program.

Music Beds/Sound Effects:
Below is a website about how to add music using audacity which is something that I personally feel like I might be troubled with the most while using audacity.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2031997_add-music-podcast-using-audacity.html
Below is a link on how to fade music while using audacity.
http://tag.wonderhowto.com/fade-music-audacity/

Contrast Repitition Allignment and Proximity

This week in class we learned about C.R.A.P: Contrast, Repitition, Allignment, and Proximity.

The class definition of contrast is:
-make different things different
-bring out dominant elements
-mutes lesser elements
-creates dynamism

http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2010/09/fully-understanding-contrast-in-design/

This website is an introduction to understanding contast. This website defines contrast as “the difference in visual properties that makes an object (or its representation in an image) distinguishable from other objects and the background.” This website gives information on color, shape, size, and positional contrast. Overall, this site shows people how to make their websites interesting; and stand out.

The class defintion of Repitition is:
-repeat design throughout the interface
-consistency
-creates unity

http://thinkvitamin.com/design/how-crap-is-your-site-design/

This website covers all the elements of C.R.A.P. "The repetition of design elements down a page reinforces their meaning to the user, as well as letting the designer organize the layout in a cohesive manner." Repitition throughout the website leads for readers to find key information easier and it makes it easier for the audience to read.

The class defintion of Allignment is:
-creates a visual flow
-visually connects elements

http://desktoppub.about.com/od/designprinciples/a/alignment.htm

This websites states allignment:

create order

organize page elements

group items

create visual connections

There is horizantal, vertical, edge, center, visual or optical allignment. "Lack of alignment creates a sloppy, unorganized look. Mixing too many alignments can have a similiar effect."

Photoshop- Week 2

Photoshop is a fairly new program to me; I have used it a little in high school but I do not remember most of anything. It was helpful this week to go over some of the major tools within the program we will be using. The gradient tool was a major tool that we used this week. It was the rectangular box located on the left hand side of the screen. Next, learning how to use text. The T located in the tool box allows you to enter in text content. Thirdly, the triangular tool is the move tool; once you select this tool then you are able to move content around the page. Fourth, if you click control select all layers it will move as one unit together. Fifth, if you select the selection tool it allows you to take out parts of the background and either delete it or move it around. Lastly, learning how to insert an image; once you find your image and it is saved to the desktop you then are able to move that image into Photoshop by dragging it in.  

Photoshop Videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4EooYoYYTQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pi_0KAP2Lxc

Kara Smolke Communication 350

A little bit about me

Hello everyone! My name is Kara Smolke I am a Communication major and am hoping to graduate by the end of summer 2012. I have no idea what my future will bring but I am hoping to find a job within the radio industry. I see this class being a challenge for myself but I am excited to learn new aspects of Communication technology. I have a twin sister who also goes to Western. I am outgoing and love meeting new people!

10 Rules about Web Design

1.) Your web pages should be easy to read: I know that there is nothing more frusterating then going to a web page and you feel like you are not able to read the content. Crazy, tiny, and fonts that are too fancy can be difficult to read. Simple is better. (Axandra)

2.) Your web page titles are explanatory: Being able to know what you are about to read is helpful. I have been on websites where the titles or sub headings do not explain what I am about to read. (Axandra)

3.) The contents on your web page should be clearly arranged: Clutter is not fun to deal with. I like to be able to go to a website and be able clearly understand why words and photos are placed on the web page. (Axandra)

4.) Make use of full browser window: Just as we have talked about in class it is always good to use the full web page. I have seen web pages that do not use the full space and I feel like it does not like professional and less credible. (Ten Rules of Web Design)

5.) Check the site for errors: I have seen sites that have spelling errors and problems with links. I usually then do not use the website because it is not credible in my eyes. (Ten Rules of Web Design)

6.) Consistency is key: I believe that this is true for anything that is written. If writing is not consistent then it is really unpleasant to read. (Ten Rules of Web Design)

7.) Design is paramount: Websites that are appealing to look at when you are looking at it for even the first five seconds is postive for your audience. It will attract them to want to look further into the website. (Ten Rules of Web Design)

8.) The URL on the web page is meaningful: As we have talked about in class it makes more sense for your URL to match the content that is on the web page. As mentioned before clarity is essential. (Axandra)

9.) Color is critical: Personally I like to choose the color black when using fonts and in the background nothing too flashy that will take away from the content on your page. Like stated in number one simple can be better. (Ten Rules of Web Design)

10.) Navigation should be intuitive: Relating to clarity it is always good when you are able to find what you are looking for. (Ten Rules of Web Design)

"Website Design Tips For Professional Sites" IBD HOST. March 2009. http://www.axandra.com/
"10 Rules of Web Site Design." Sharpened Productions. 2011. http://www.sharpened.com/web/about/rules.html