Monday, February 23, 2009

OCARINA: iPhones New Way of Playing


With the technology raising day to day; iphone an innovative telephone has come up with a new way of gaming. iPhone experts have come up with an instrumental game called OCARINA. This game enables users to sing and compete worldwide with other gamers. Ocarina is a device that is "sensitive to your breath, touch and movement". "There are no pre-complied riffs so musicians will find unlimited opportunities for self-expression. Advanced options allow you to choose between diatonic, minor and harmonic scales". This game enables users to tap into the social sphere by competing against others world wide, users will be able to rate their performances and even name their Ocarina if they please. Ocarina is easy to use, by just blowing into your phone's microphone you will be able to record your music. If you choose to change your vibrato you can easily do so by tilting your phone. After your done recording your music, you can easily share it with friends and family members via e-mail, or by displaying them on "My Ocarina" webpage.

I believe that this is a fun and interesting way of gaming. This new era of social media networking is bringing new ways to connect with others worldwide. This new game can enable people to show of their talents and engage in interpersonal interaction.

If you have any questions please visit this website: http://ocarina.smule.com/

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Media Outreach


Chapter four of the PR book describes a new way of reaching out to the media. The author describes ways for a Public Relations specialist to connect with the mass media. The book states that for a PR professional to obtain a good relationship with a journalist you must first know as much information of them as you can (Breakenridge 58). Breakenridge states that as a PR consultant, you must first use the internet and research the journalist background and obtain well-rounded information of that person. After you have completed that you must then contact the journalist depending of how they want to be contacted (Breakenridge 60). The book emphasizes for you to give detail and accurate information; the author stresses for you to have concrete information that is liable or else your reputation may end up suffering for that (Breakenridge 60). Journalists also seek reliable information that they can use for their stories. The book emphasizes for PR consultants to information that is beyond the norm (Breakendridge 60). Its also important for PR consultants to give information that can be used to meet deadlines (Breakenridge 60). The book states that with these steps, journalists are more willing to use your help.

I believe that these steps are a good start into a building a relationship with journalists. Having accurate information, and being relevant and persistant will pay off in the end. Obtaining good ties with a journalist can benefit a PR consultant throughout their career.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Social Media Strikes EXPRESS Co.


Since the rise of Web 2.0, media tools such as wikis, facebook, twitter, and myspace to name a few have been used on industries to raise awareness for their companies and increase revenues for their sales. EXPRESS Co., a famous name brand clothing company has recently used these innovative social media tools to its advantage and have created a Facebook and Twitter page to promote their brand.
EXPRESS's facebook page consists of a mini version of their actual homepage on the left side of the page, and some videos depicting some of the company's models.As the page transcends, the user can voice their opinion by leaving a comment regarding EXPRESS stores or their current merchandise. The company has also used Twitter to promote their sales and current designs.
I believe that EXPRESS Co. has opened the path to a whole new way of marketing, their Facebook and Twitter pages will create uproar and will soon allure many new customers. So what are you waiting for, subscribe to an EXPRESS Facebook or Twitter page and obtain the latest trends.

If you have any questions please visit this page:http://www.express.com/home.jsp

Monday, February 16, 2009

"The Printing Press as an Agent of Change"

This image can be obtained at www.eslweb.org/587.htm
As we take a look back at history, we can recall the beginning of an era that emerged into current modern day printing . Johann Gutenberg was the inventor of the printing press, a machine that had the ability to duplicate material in a couple of days (McConnel & Huba, 72). This new innovation changed the lives of many; this German inventor opened the path way to change. "The availability of printed materials made possible societal, cultural, familial, and industrial changes facilitating the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the scientific revolution"(McConnel & Huba, 73). The printing press made it possible for emerging activists such as Martin Luther (Reformer of the Christian faith) to reach out to the masses and be able to voice out his opinion through text. "In just three years, between 1517 adn 1520, Luther's 30 publications probably sold more than 300,000 copies" (McConnel & Huba, 73).

The printing press emerged a channel for self expression and the spreading of information. If it werent for the printing press, our era would have never been as evolved as it is now; world wide written sources wouldnt of been able to be known and the ability of express ones opinion could have been more difficult to show. "A new cultural die had been cast. Truth had been democratized. Society had been wrecked and rebuilt in new and egalitarian ways" (McConnel & Huba, 74).

Sunday, February 15, 2009

RSS Access

With everyone's life on the go people's time is a valuable tool for everyone to have. Really Symple Syndication (RSS)is a valuable asset to one's life, with this tool people have the privilage to have information sent to them instead of them searching through the internet. RSS is a a good alternative to have when you have a busy schedule in addition to that it is "spam free, a communication tool that helps you update, an excellent resource for companies, a means to reach customers, etc" (Breakenridge, 144). RSS can avoid you countless hours surfing through the net....so what are you waiting for? Go and create your RSS!

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Google Searchwiki Innovation!


Google has once again innovated the internet by introducing a new way to search the Internet. Google has introduced a "Searchwiki" which allows users to sort their sites in order to rank them however they please. Creators of this new idea state that the arranging of websites is just the begining, users can also write notes next to the website and also rearrange their sites whenever they want. "Searchwiki is available to signed-in Google users", you must acquire a google account to be able to use Searchwiki. In addition to seeing your sites, you can also be able to see other Searchwiki user's notes.
This new way of sorting your searches and navigating the internet is a more convinient way to use the Internet. By simply logging into your Searchwiki and going through your website you will be able use the Internet more efficiently. I believe that this is a great idea that can have a positive aspect to the community. "Google has become the de facto starting point on the Web" by speeding up your time on the web and having your sites at easy access.

If you have any further questions please visit this site: href="http://futurethinktank.com/2008/11/20/google-search-wiki/">

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Facebook Gets a Face Lift


Creators of Facebook have recently decided to give the site a new maker over. Although the program has had a few changes done, designers of Facebook believe that the site still needs some improvements. Facebook innovators believe that "these changes are intended to help user communicate and share information more easily with each other- on their profiles, through applications, and through News Feed". To accomplish this they have set goals to:
"-Make profiles simpler and more relevant for uses adn their friends
- Help users represent themselves adn control their profiles
- Help users commuicate with their friends through content as well as through established channels"

These new modifications will soon bring new applications which consumers can use. "Here are the key improvements:

1. New forms of user-to user communication.
2. Deeper profile integration.
3. Streamlined install/login flow".

These new adjustments done to the site will allow Facebook users to navigate the page with more ease. I think that this new innovation is an excellent asset the page, all these improvements can enhance communication among users and can also attract new users to the site.

If you have anymore questions regarding Facebook improvements please visit this page:href="http://wiki.developers.facebook.com/index.php/New_Design_Integration_Guide">

Sunday, February 1, 2009

The New Rise of PR


Photo credited to Fotosearch Stock Photography and Stock Footage
With the rise of new technology and advancements, public relations has evolved into a more productive profession. PR used to be a vocation that relied greatly on third party authorities to promote their services; but with new services rising, PR has loosen their tie with third party influencer's and has now shifted to a more effective form of communication. The advancements of technology has paved the road for PR consultants by further connecting them to the customer through innovative ways of technology.

Deirdre Breakenridge, author of the book "PR 2.0" states that PR has taken a different approach in communicating with their audiences by using "new social media tools to create compelling information...." (13). She furthers her explanation by stating that the growth of the internet has really impacted the development of all these social media applications such as "blogs, wikis, Really,Simple Syndication (RSS) technology, streaming videos, and podcasts.."(Breakenridge, 14). She strengthens her argument by saying that public relations specialists can reach their audiences directly by the use of these applications.

The author also gives compelling examples of the variety of social media applications that a variety PR Companies have adapted. She states that E-Newsletters are a good source to attract "potential prospects, current clients, employees, the media, stockholders,etc" (Breakenridge, 19). She also affirms that viral marketing is a good source for spreading your message out. Breakenridge states that she likes to think of viral marketing as the "word of mouth" of the Internet (Breakenridge,22). She finalizes her examples by saying that news releases are also a good source of strong communication. She explains that with the right precautions and targeting lists, PR companies will have a broad range of their message distributed to their targeted audience (Breakenridge, 24).

This new innovative ways of promoting public relations seem to have a positive outlook for the profession. With the promoting of these new ideas we will soon obtain a greater source of information from customers and those willing to give out their opinion. With the rise of 2.0 Internet, we were able to better enhance our ways of communicating by removing third parties and directing our attention straight to our primary audience; the customer.