While examining Marcia Muller's piece for the New York Times, "A Novelist's Life is Altered by Her Alter Ego," it is clear that Muller has a very unique view of a writer's role. In her perspective as an author, through the decades she has lived and grown with the main character of her books. In essence, she has taken on the character's persona in certain ways in her own personal life. Muller has adapted to her subject over the years and originally created her with attributes that she herself wanted to possess (Muller, 2001). Throughout the course of her career, her audience of readers has in a sense seen her grow personally through the writings and story lines she has created for her character.
Muller's article is certainly interesting to read as well as contemplate how it relates to authorship on social media. Anything a person writes online, should be a connection to them in some way. They should be proud to share it and it should be personal to them. This is the message that Muller is trying to get across in her article and in that sense, I agree with what she is portraying as the writer's role. In addition, a writer of online content must be thorough and verify any information that is posted. It is important to keep in mind that once something is put online it can never be taken back. That content is a reflection of its author.
Throughout this course my perspective on the author's role has changed. I've always thought it important to create accurate and truthful online content. However, now I am more aware of the gravity and importance of what can happen when that information is incorrect. Those who are creating online material should remember that they are responsible for the information that is authored and being disbursed at faster rates than any other time in history. The information should be important not only to the writer but also the audience. It should hold gravity and be relevant.
REFERENCES
Muller, M. (2001, August 31). A novelist's life is altered by her alter ego. The New York Times. Retrieved from: http://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/13/books/13MULL.html
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Multimedia Examples
Examples of Multimedia Elements
http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/01/world/asia/afghanistan-bergdahl-release/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
- In this example of a breaking news story from CNN, the article incorporates video and audio regarding the return of Boew Bergdahl to enhance the telling of the story.
http://news.discovery.com/history/archaeology/artifacts-revealed-in-tomb-of-king-henry-vii-photos-140530.htm
- In this example Discovery News uses photographic documentation of a recent archaeological find to enhance the article. By using pictures, the audience is given a more in depth description of what items were found and their significance.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/01/world/asia/afghanistan-bergdahl-release/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
- In this example of a breaking news story from CNN, the article incorporates video and audio regarding the return of Boew Bergdahl to enhance the telling of the story.
http://news.discovery.com/history/archaeology/artifacts-revealed-in-tomb-of-king-henry-vii-photos-140530.htm
- In this example Discovery News uses photographic documentation of a recent archaeological find to enhance the article. By using pictures, the audience is given a more in depth description of what items were found and their significance.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Multimedia Tools
Multimedia tools such as photos, videos, charts or audio clippings can help to enhance an online message. Multimedia tools can make a story more interactive for the audience. These tools are especially important when it comes to the absorption of information. Not everyone learns the same way. Adding multimedia tools to your webpage will allow people that are more visual or audio learners to have a better understanding of the information simply because they have another option for observing and taking it in.
Multimedia tools of various kinds are beneficial and effective in their own way. Creating a chart for data that is representative of numbers and statistics is appropriate when dealing with lots of numerical information. In another way, posting a video to represent an account of a breaking news story is effective to display live coverage of an event. When used correctly within the context of a webpage, multimedia tools can work together to create a better reading experience for the audience.
In the New York Times article by John Branch, Snow Fall: The Avalanche at Tunnel Creek, Branch uses video testimony and audio from the victims as well as pictures to aid in the retelling of the tragic avalanche that took place in Washington state in 2012. The elements blend together seamlessly with the article to create a complete and thorough illustration of events for the reader. Because of the well placed multimedia elements, the story has more depth and brevity.
REFERENCES
Branch, J. (2012). Snow fall: The avalanche at tunnel creek. The New York Times. Retrieved from www.nytimes.com/projects/2012/snow-fall/#/?part=tunnel-creek.
Multimedia tools of various kinds are beneficial and effective in their own way. Creating a chart for data that is representative of numbers and statistics is appropriate when dealing with lots of numerical information. In another way, posting a video to represent an account of a breaking news story is effective to display live coverage of an event. When used correctly within the context of a webpage, multimedia tools can work together to create a better reading experience for the audience.
In the New York Times article by John Branch, Snow Fall: The Avalanche at Tunnel Creek, Branch uses video testimony and audio from the victims as well as pictures to aid in the retelling of the tragic avalanche that took place in Washington state in 2012. The elements blend together seamlessly with the article to create a complete and thorough illustration of events for the reader. Because of the well placed multimedia elements, the story has more depth and brevity.
REFERENCES
Branch, J. (2012). Snow fall: The avalanche at tunnel creek. The New York Times. Retrieved from www.nytimes.com/projects/2012/snow-fall/#/?part=tunnel-creek.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Links to classmate blog commentary
Below are links to blog posts that I commented on this week:
http://cathydoherty22.blogspot.com/2014/05/module-8-2-blog-best-practices.html?showComment=1400805713545#c4696126172753078893
http://khixson11.blogspot.com/2014/05/font-definitions-font-face-font-family.html?showComment=1400806241420#c365513717672492606
http://cathydoherty22.blogspot.com/2014/05/module-8-2-blog-best-practices.html?showComment=1400805713545#c4696126172753078893
http://khixson11.blogspot.com/2014/05/font-definitions-font-face-font-family.html?showComment=1400806241420#c365513717672492606
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Blog Review
Recently I examined the popular news, entertainment and general information blog the Huffington Post. I found that it is full of a variety of stories from entertainment news to the forefront of political debates. It also features commentary from a wide variety of writers and journalists. The stories featured on the Huffington Post main page are formatted much like an online news magazine. The reader can choose from a variety of category tabs to get access to stories on particular topics of interest. These categorical tabs include "business", "sports", and "technology", as well as many more.
The stories and information reported on this blog seem well researched and complete. The articles written for the blog incorporate news information with trending social media posts. This is a great technique to integrate the traditional online article with social media posts in the spread of information. Although some stories intermingle opinion and hard news, the Huffington Post looks and feels like a reputable source for current and up to date information.
In order to create a blog that is trustworthy and reputable a blogger must keep a few standards in mind. Whether a person is setting out to create a blog that centers around travel or covers breaking news stories, your first priority for the blog should be to inform your audience and do so in a complete and accountable way. Firstly, a person should never post anything that they would not be comfortable supporting and backing up. Secondly, be thorough. One should always research and source any information that they share. When posting an opinion piece, it is important to remain transparent and to do no harm. Posting content of any kind that could negatively effect another person should be avoided. Lastly, remain honest. Only post something that you yourself would want to read. Don't post information that could be misleading to your audience. Using these "best practices" as a guide, a blogger should have an adequate starting point to start writing and creating.
The stories and information reported on this blog seem well researched and complete. The articles written for the blog incorporate news information with trending social media posts. This is a great technique to integrate the traditional online article with social media posts in the spread of information. Although some stories intermingle opinion and hard news, the Huffington Post looks and feels like a reputable source for current and up to date information.
In order to create a blog that is trustworthy and reputable a blogger must keep a few standards in mind. Whether a person is setting out to create a blog that centers around travel or covers breaking news stories, your first priority for the blog should be to inform your audience and do so in a complete and accountable way. Firstly, a person should never post anything that they would not be comfortable supporting and backing up. Secondly, be thorough. One should always research and source any information that they share. When posting an opinion piece, it is important to remain transparent and to do no harm. Posting content of any kind that could negatively effect another person should be avoided. Lastly, remain honest. Only post something that you yourself would want to read. Don't post information that could be misleading to your audience. Using these "best practices" as a guide, a blogger should have an adequate starting point to start writing and creating.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Facebook Post
Joe Paterno died on January 20th of complications related to lung cancer. Although he had accomplished many things during his over 60 year career as a coach at Penn State, he was ultimately fired from his position during the course of sexual abuse scandal centered on another coach. It is unfortunate that such a beloved college football icon passed away in the midst of such a terrible scandal.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Paterno Press Release
Christine Eisnor FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
christine.eisnor@snhu.edu
PATERNO DEAD AT AGE 85
"Losing a game is heart breaking. Losing your sense of excellence or worth is tragic."
- Joe Paterno
Joe Paterno passed away on January 22, 2012 in State College, Pennsylvania surrounded by family and close friends. Paterno had been diagnosed with lung cancer and was undergoing treatment at the time of his death. His private funeral on January 25th was attended by hundreds. Countless more people waited on the street to witness the caravan of vehicles that brought Paterno to his place of burial.
Early reports that Paterno had passed away were proven false. The Paterno family soon issued a corrected statement to let the public know that Paterno was still living, although he was in declining health. Unfortunately, very soon after the initial false reports were leaked, it was learned that Paterno had in fact passed away.
Joe Paterno had been the head football coach at Penn State since 1966 and had worked in similar capacity as a coach at the University since 1950. He was inducted in the National College Football Hall of Fame in 2007. Many would agree that Paterno was a college football legend in his own right.
The end of Paterno's career at Penn State was sullied by controversy when allegations of sexual abuse by another football coach rocked the campus. Paterno had petitioned to retire from his position at the end of the 2011 season. The administration at Penn State chose instead to fire Paterno and ultimately ended his illustrious career in scandal and shame.
###
REFERENCES
Joe Paterno. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia online. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Paterno
Joe Paterno quotes. (2014). Brainy quote. Retrieved from http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/j/joe_paterno.html
McCarthy, M. (2012, January 22). Media dead wrong to repeat false report of Paterno's death. USA TODAY. Retrieved from http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2012/01/media-outlets-dead-wrong-to-jump-the-gun-on-paternos-death-joe-paterno-poynter-cbssportscom/1
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Reaching an audience
There are many media tools that can prove effective in reaching large audiences. Social networking sites, RSS feeds and social bookmarking are among the most popular.
Social media sites like Facebook are a major part of many people's everyday lives. In fact as of 2012, Facebook has recorded an epic one billion active users (aids.gov, 2014). Social networking sites allow daily users to be reached easily. Because of the sheer volume of users and the amount of time they spend on these types of sites, information and advertisements can be easily transmitted. This type of media is especially helpful in reaching audiences.
RSS feeds are automatic by nature (aids.gov, 2014). Users sign up on a website and can receive news and updates directly to their electronic devices without having to seek it out (aids.gov, 2014). Posts can be sent to emails or phones regarding everything from pertinent news stories to new information on an emerging product. Because this type of media is automatic it is a successful vessel in reaching an audience.
Social bookmarking sites allow users to share articles, pictures and advertisements with others in a format that is user friendly. The popular site pinterest is an example of a social bookmarking site. Giving everyday users the capability to share their interests on an online forum like pinterest is a great way to get information, ideas and products translated to an audience.
REFERENCES
New Media Tools. (2014). aids. gov. Retrieved from http://aids.gov/using-new-media/tools/index.html#tool-bookmarkingNew
Social media sites like Facebook are a major part of many people's everyday lives. In fact as of 2012, Facebook has recorded an epic one billion active users (aids.gov, 2014). Social networking sites allow daily users to be reached easily. Because of the sheer volume of users and the amount of time they spend on these types of sites, information and advertisements can be easily transmitted. This type of media is especially helpful in reaching audiences.
RSS feeds are automatic by nature (aids.gov, 2014). Users sign up on a website and can receive news and updates directly to their electronic devices without having to seek it out (aids.gov, 2014). Posts can be sent to emails or phones regarding everything from pertinent news stories to new information on an emerging product. Because this type of media is automatic it is a successful vessel in reaching an audience.
Social bookmarking sites allow users to share articles, pictures and advertisements with others in a format that is user friendly. The popular site pinterest is an example of a social bookmarking site. Giving everyday users the capability to share their interests on an online forum like pinterest is a great way to get information, ideas and products translated to an audience.
REFERENCES
New Media Tools. (2014). aids. gov. Retrieved from http://aids.gov/using-new-media/tools/index.html#tool-bookmarkingNew
Friday, April 18, 2014
Evaluating Sources
In the past week I searched for an appropriate article that would allow me to evaluate sources and information. In this search, I came across a piece in the science section of the The New York Times written by Jim Robbins, Paying farmers to welcome birds (2014, April 14). It was an interesting and informative article that delved into the need to increase the number of wetland habitats for migratory birds in the overly developed areas of Central Valley, CA (Robbins, 2014). The article also attempted to shed light on a project called BirdReturns out of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The BirdReturns program uses information from birders who track migratory patterns by recording the information on an online application and submitting it. This data is then used by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to identify the areas in most need of manufactured wetland habitats (Robbins, 2014). Farmers and scientists are working together through initiatives to recreate the wetlands through man-made processes (Robbins, 2014).
The article cited many sources; mainly focusing on experts in ornithology from Cornell and the University of Connecticut and also nature conversationalists. A local farmer who was not cited as having any particular expertise or familiarity in birding, was also cited as a first hand witness to the work that was being done to populate the wetlands with migratory bird species.
I was able to vet the sources named in the article using the suggestions included in Criteria to evaluate the credibility of WWW Resources(1998) by Virginia Montecino. I first identified what affiliation each source was linked to and made sure the expert credit that they were given was in fact correct. I then checked to make sure the projects that were talked about in the article i.e. BirdReturns were in fact legitimate and current. My research has led me to believe that the article and its sources hold brevity and are reliable and credible.
I was able to substantiate the information in this article through the knowledge that I have and the research I conducted. Thankfully, the information in Paying farmers to welcome birds was accurate and well balanced. However, this is not always the case in online mass media resources. Just about anyone can post information that is not correct and cite sources that are not reliable. When incomplete data is out there on the web, it can be a dangerous thing and lead to the proliferation of material that shouldn't be there in the first place. It is always important to check for the validity of information and sources relating to any mass media content you are consuming. If I were to be negligent in checking sources found in an article and re-post it on social media or tweet it out and then find out the information was inaccurate, I would be just as responsible for that content as the original creator.
REFERENCES:
Robbins, J. (2014, April 14). Paying farmers to welcome birds. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://nyti.ms.Ris1Dp
Montecino, Virginia. (1998). Criteria to evaluate the credibility of WWW resources. Retrieved from http://mason.gmu.edu/~montecin/web-eval-sites.htm
The article cited many sources; mainly focusing on experts in ornithology from Cornell and the University of Connecticut and also nature conversationalists. A local farmer who was not cited as having any particular expertise or familiarity in birding, was also cited as a first hand witness to the work that was being done to populate the wetlands with migratory bird species.
I was able to vet the sources named in the article using the suggestions included in Criteria to evaluate the credibility of WWW Resources(1998) by Virginia Montecino. I first identified what affiliation each source was linked to and made sure the expert credit that they were given was in fact correct. I then checked to make sure the projects that were talked about in the article i.e. BirdReturns were in fact legitimate and current. My research has led me to believe that the article and its sources hold brevity and are reliable and credible.
I was able to substantiate the information in this article through the knowledge that I have and the research I conducted. Thankfully, the information in Paying farmers to welcome birds was accurate and well balanced. However, this is not always the case in online mass media resources. Just about anyone can post information that is not correct and cite sources that are not reliable. When incomplete data is out there on the web, it can be a dangerous thing and lead to the proliferation of material that shouldn't be there in the first place. It is always important to check for the validity of information and sources relating to any mass media content you are consuming. If I were to be negligent in checking sources found in an article and re-post it on social media or tweet it out and then find out the information was inaccurate, I would be just as responsible for that content as the original creator.
REFERENCES:
Robbins, J. (2014, April 14). Paying farmers to welcome birds. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://nyti.ms.Ris1Dp
Montecino, Virginia. (1998). Criteria to evaluate the credibility of WWW resources. Retrieved from http://mason.gmu.edu/~montecin/web-eval-sites.htm
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Social Media as a Source
I check various news sources throughout the day to learn what is going on in the world. The sources I most often turn to are CNN for national and global news, The Boston Globe for local news and events, Discovery News online for updates on technology and science and People Magazine for entertainment news. On a daily basis I strive to obtain a variety of news on a broad range of subjects so that I feel as though I have an educated and well-rounded view.
Occasionally, I also come across factual news information on social media. For example, I learned through a Facebook post today that former President George W. Bush and President Bill Clinton watched the final game of the NCAA championship together. This post struck me as very interesting considering President Bush and Clinton's differing political views. After reading the post I confirmed that it was correct through CBSNews.com. CBS similarly reported the story with an accompanying eyewitness photo of the former Presidents sitting in the stands next to one another.
Social Media can certainly prove to be a reliable source of information. However, it is always important to remember that it can also be a vehicle for unreliable information. In order to be certain that a story or post you are reading from social media is in fact correct it is good to follow up and fact check on your own. Looking for the same story from a reliable news source is an effective way to double check the facts of a story from social media.
Occasionally, I also come across factual news information on social media. For example, I learned through a Facebook post today that former President George W. Bush and President Bill Clinton watched the final game of the NCAA championship together. This post struck me as very interesting considering President Bush and Clinton's differing political views. After reading the post I confirmed that it was correct through CBSNews.com. CBS similarly reported the story with an accompanying eyewitness photo of the former Presidents sitting in the stands next to one another.
Social Media can certainly prove to be a reliable source of information. However, it is always important to remember that it can also be a vehicle for unreliable information. In order to be certain that a story or post you are reading from social media is in fact correct it is good to follow up and fact check on your own. Looking for the same story from a reliable news source is an effective way to double check the facts of a story from social media.
Monday, March 31, 2014
New Media/Social Media
Hi there!
This is my first experience creating and cultivating an online blog. I am really excited to use this forum in the context of our online Knowledge and New Media class. I feel as though creating my own blog will help me have a better understanding of what it means to create and distribute online media content.
In my day to day life I use new media constantly. I email all day long at work, check Facebook® during my free time and refer to online news sources throughout the day to stay current on what is happening locally and around the world. I use online stores to shop and subscribe to Groupon® for deals on vacation getaways and spa treatments. All in all, my daily use of new media is virtually endless!
Social media is a huge part of new media. Now when news stories break there are constant perspectives from countless numbers of people who are immediately able to weigh in and cite their personal opinions on what is happening. Social media changes how I personally get my news and information. When I read an article on the internet, I am able to see how others view what has been written or their thoughts on an event that has taken place. Whether I realize it or not, my own opinion has been influenced by others who are participating in social media. Although I have my own personal beliefs, the world is a lot smaller now. Discussions on any range of topics can be done on a computer with people thousands of miles away.
The accessibility of resources, information and discussion at our fingertips at all times is certainly convenient and can be very positive. However, when these resources are so readily available to us it can make it easy to become complacent. It is important to remember that we need to be selective about what sources we use and what social media opinions we adhere to. Allowing ourselves to drown in an overload of information is never good!
This is my first experience creating and cultivating an online blog. I am really excited to use this forum in the context of our online Knowledge and New Media class. I feel as though creating my own blog will help me have a better understanding of what it means to create and distribute online media content.
In my day to day life I use new media constantly. I email all day long at work, check Facebook® during my free time and refer to online news sources throughout the day to stay current on what is happening locally and around the world. I use online stores to shop and subscribe to Groupon® for deals on vacation getaways and spa treatments. All in all, my daily use of new media is virtually endless!
Social media is a huge part of new media. Now when news stories break there are constant perspectives from countless numbers of people who are immediately able to weigh in and cite their personal opinions on what is happening. Social media changes how I personally get my news and information. When I read an article on the internet, I am able to see how others view what has been written or their thoughts on an event that has taken place. Whether I realize it or not, my own opinion has been influenced by others who are participating in social media. Although I have my own personal beliefs, the world is a lot smaller now. Discussions on any range of topics can be done on a computer with people thousands of miles away.
The accessibility of resources, information and discussion at our fingertips at all times is certainly convenient and can be very positive. However, when these resources are so readily available to us it can make it easy to become complacent. It is important to remember that we need to be selective about what sources we use and what social media opinions we adhere to. Allowing ourselves to drown in an overload of information is never good!
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