The field of blogging has become pretty crowded in recent years. This is, in part, because major media outlets opted to add blogs to high rated sites with good traffic flow.
We are now seeing a drop in the number of people creating personal blogs and espeically in the younger age group. Here is an article that talks about the decline and the implications for the future.
Future of Blogging
Friday, April 15, 2011
Blogging Ethics - Thinking about Right and Wrong
The world wide web and Internet are new media, and there are very few laws in place. Bloggers must, therefore, think about personal ethics when it comes to posting information online.
Here is the article shared in classs suggesting some ethical guidelines for online writers:
A Blogger's Code of Ethics
Here is the article shared in classs suggesting some ethical guidelines for online writers:
A Blogger's Code of Ethics
Sunday, April 10, 2011
End of Year Blog Paper and Presentation
This semester has gone by really fast, and now it's time to showcase your work. Each member of the group will turn in a paper and do a presentation in front of the class.
Here are some details/notes/tips for the blog papers/presentations.
Blog Paper
The blog paper should be two pages (minimum) in double space in a standard font and size. Do not adjust the margins to make a short paper look longer.
Although it's fine to write in first person for a "process" paper, this is a formal assignment. The paper should have structure, flow, and reflect solid writing skills including good mechanics. If you aren't using paragraphs, then you need to go back and proofread the paper and work on the organization of your materials.
In terms of content, simply overview your blog project from start to finish. Explain your basic concept, the ideas you incorporated over the course of the semester, things that went well, things that proved to be challenging, and what you learned by blogging this semester.
The paper should "stand alone." In other words, I should be able to hand the paper to another professor or student on campus, and he or she should be able to understand your blog project based on reading the overview and examples.
Blog Presentation
The blog presentation is a 5 minute (4.5 to 7 minutes expected) opportunity to share your work with the class.
Most students have taken Public Speaking. For those who may not have been through that class already (or for anyone needing a brush up), remember the following:
1. Do not simply read your paper for your presentation. This is akin to shoveling content online. You need a different format for a different forum. Create a presentation; don't read a class paper. And, don't write a script for this part of the project.
2. On the other hand, don't just "wing it." Plan, prepare, and practice. Generally an outline is critical to having an organized presentation with good flow. Work on an introduction, a keyword outline, and a conclusion.
3. Relax and talk to the audience. Know what topics you plan to cover and use keywords to stay on track, but speak directly to the audience. Don't attempt to memorize the presentation. That is a lot of work, and the overall impact is typically not good when a student gives a canned speech.
What Should Be Included in the Presentation?
Each presentation will be unique, because each member of the class is unique, and each blog is unique.
Typically, students briefly go over the blog concept and then address some of the special features used to make their blog stand out.
Feel free to talk about things you've done in terms of your blog that worked well and also things that proved to be challenging. In most cases, bloggers find success with some ideas and then have other ideas that don't work out as well. Share the experiences - both the good and the bad.
Previously, here are some things that students have shared about their blogging experiences:
1. One student went into the stats section and showed trends and how those trends related to her use of social media.
2. One of our previous class bloggers secured a $1000 donation for a mission group she was writing about. The organization was struggling financially, and a reader from Canada made the donation after reading about the plight of the children featured in the blog.
3. Several students found minor glitches in the Blogger platform and explained how they were able to work around these issues.
4. A couple of bloggers focused on monetization. They took the group into AdSense and discussed how they were able to use keywords (not in a black hat fashion) to find the correct audience to make their blogs pay off financially.
5. Sometimes bloggers focus on the future and discuss plans to maintain blogs moving forward. This is not required in the class, but some writers have continued to post on their blogs and have stopped by to give me updates (even after graduation).
From the examples, I think you can see that there are many ways to tackle this project. The bottom line is that you want to bring value to the class and your fellow bloggers. You want to showcase your hard work over the course of the semester and share what you have learned.
NOTE: Do not stop blogging if you are scheduled for an early paper/presentation. Continue the blog through the last week of classes. I hope some classes members will continue after that. Keep me posted if you do.
Here are some details/notes/tips for the blog papers/presentations.
Blog Paper
The blog paper should be two pages (minimum) in double space in a standard font and size. Do not adjust the margins to make a short paper look longer.
Although it's fine to write in first person for a "process" paper, this is a formal assignment. The paper should have structure, flow, and reflect solid writing skills including good mechanics. If you aren't using paragraphs, then you need to go back and proofread the paper and work on the organization of your materials.
In terms of content, simply overview your blog project from start to finish. Explain your basic concept, the ideas you incorporated over the course of the semester, things that went well, things that proved to be challenging, and what you learned by blogging this semester.
The paper should "stand alone." In other words, I should be able to hand the paper to another professor or student on campus, and he or she should be able to understand your blog project based on reading the overview and examples.
Blog Presentation
The blog presentation is a 5 minute (4.5 to 7 minutes expected) opportunity to share your work with the class.
Most students have taken Public Speaking. For those who may not have been through that class already (or for anyone needing a brush up), remember the following:
1. Do not simply read your paper for your presentation. This is akin to shoveling content online. You need a different format for a different forum. Create a presentation; don't read a class paper. And, don't write a script for this part of the project.
2. On the other hand, don't just "wing it." Plan, prepare, and practice. Generally an outline is critical to having an organized presentation with good flow. Work on an introduction, a keyword outline, and a conclusion.
3. Relax and talk to the audience. Know what topics you plan to cover and use keywords to stay on track, but speak directly to the audience. Don't attempt to memorize the presentation. That is a lot of work, and the overall impact is typically not good when a student gives a canned speech.
What Should Be Included in the Presentation?
Each presentation will be unique, because each member of the class is unique, and each blog is unique.
Typically, students briefly go over the blog concept and then address some of the special features used to make their blog stand out.
Feel free to talk about things you've done in terms of your blog that worked well and also things that proved to be challenging. In most cases, bloggers find success with some ideas and then have other ideas that don't work out as well. Share the experiences - both the good and the bad.
Previously, here are some things that students have shared about their blogging experiences:
1. One student went into the stats section and showed trends and how those trends related to her use of social media.
2. One of our previous class bloggers secured a $1000 donation for a mission group she was writing about. The organization was struggling financially, and a reader from Canada made the donation after reading about the plight of the children featured in the blog.
3. Several students found minor glitches in the Blogger platform and explained how they were able to work around these issues.
4. A couple of bloggers focused on monetization. They took the group into AdSense and discussed how they were able to use keywords (not in a black hat fashion) to find the correct audience to make their blogs pay off financially.
5. Sometimes bloggers focus on the future and discuss plans to maintain blogs moving forward. This is not required in the class, but some writers have continued to post on their blogs and have stopped by to give me updates (even after graduation).
From the examples, I think you can see that there are many ways to tackle this project. The bottom line is that you want to bring value to the class and your fellow bloggers. You want to showcase your hard work over the course of the semester and share what you have learned.
NOTE: Do not stop blogging if you are scheduled for an early paper/presentation. Continue the blog through the last week of classes. I hope some classes members will continue after that. Keep me posted if you do.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
What Does It Mean for a Post to Go Viral?
Some materials go viral online. In other words, the information or video is passed from user to user (often through social media sites and direct email) resulting in huge numbers of viewers clicking in to see the content.
A recent example (March 2011) would be the "Friday" song by Rebecca Black. Check the visitor hit numbers and the comments on this viral video, and compare them to most YouTube videos.
You can read more about Rebecca Black and her budding (or not) career. There's also an article on ReelSEO that looks at some interesting theories in terms of this video turning out to be such a sensation. After all, there are thousands and thousands of bad music videos posted all over YouTube.
Rebecca's Friday video isn't the first YouTube production to go viral. One of the first I noticed was Numa Numa. First made as a joke shared with friends, this video got huge hits, and many parady videos were made in a similar vein.
A recent example (March 2011) would be the "Friday" song by Rebecca Black. Check the visitor hit numbers and the comments on this viral video, and compare them to most YouTube videos.
You can read more about Rebecca Black and her budding (or not) career. There's also an article on ReelSEO that looks at some interesting theories in terms of this video turning out to be such a sensation. After all, there are thousands and thousands of bad music videos posted all over YouTube.
Rebecca's Friday video isn't the first YouTube production to go viral. One of the first I noticed was Numa Numa. First made as a joke shared with friends, this video got huge hits, and many parady videos were made in a similar vein.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Blogging Networking 2011 - Guest Posting
It's always good to keep up with what is going on in your topic area online. You can do topic searches or can sign up to follow favorite blogs or sign up for email notifications.
Students in class should be posting online in their various topic areas. This can be a guest post on another blog with similar content or other options mentioned in class.
Once you publish outside your personal blog (with a backlink if possible), be sure to post your link in the comment section below. Use your initials or first name etc so that I'll know to give you credit for the assignment.
Students in class should be posting online in their various topic areas. This can be a guest post on another blog with similar content or other options mentioned in class.
Once you publish outside your personal blog (with a backlink if possible), be sure to post your link in the comment section below. Use your initials or first name etc so that I'll know to give you credit for the assignment.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Can I Use Book Covers or CD/DVD Cover Art in a Blog?
This topic area is pretty tricky. There are no landmark cases pertaining to the use of book covers or CD/DVD covers.
Some people argue that the covers are "fair use." The issue here is that the cover art work and design is generally created by someone other than the content producer of the enclosed materials. In other words, the writer of the book likely did not do the cover art work for the book.
Generally, those who produce and sell product like books, CDs, and DVDs are happy to have the covers shown so that people will be aware of the titles and will hopefully purchase the items. This is not always the case though as you can read about in this article about a court case pertaining to cover art:
Court Case on Cover Art and Blogs
Often you can find media materials related to books, movies, video games and so on. Check the official site and see if such materials are offered for use.If so, you're fine.
If you can't find media materials related to the content covers or art you want to use, try emailing the author, musical group, publicist etc. Often artists or companies will email art work on request.
Fair Use - Maybe or Maybe Not
Some people argue that the covers are "fair use." The issue here is that the cover art work and design is generally created by someone other than the content producer of the enclosed materials. In other words, the writer of the book likely did not do the cover art work for the book.
Generally, those who produce and sell product like books, CDs, and DVDs are happy to have the covers shown so that people will be aware of the titles and will hopefully purchase the items. This is not always the case though as you can read about in this article about a court case pertaining to cover art:
Court Case on Cover Art and Blogs
Want to be on the Safe Side?
Often you can find media materials related to books, movies, video games and so on. Check the official site and see if such materials are offered for use.If so, you're fine.
If you can't find media materials related to the content covers or art you want to use, try emailing the author, musical group, publicist etc. Often artists or companies will email art work on request.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Blogging Can Come Back and Bite You - Teacher Suspended Over Blog
If It's Posted Online - Then People Can Find and See It
Bloggers often consider posts to be private, and it is possible to password protect a blog. Anything posted online can, however, become public fodder. Even if you write over a page with new material, the cache is still there. You can visit the Way Back Machine and find the old content that many thought had gone POOF when they made changes to their online content.
Teacher Suspended After Blogging About Students
In a recent case, a high school teacher has been suspended, because she blogged about her job and students.
Natalie Munroe did not use her last name on her blog, did not name the school, and she did not specifically name students; however, she has been put on leave with pay pending an investigation concerning her blog.
Alexandra Petri checks in on this story and also mentions Nir Rosen (who resigned his NYU job after tweeting inappropriate comments) in What Happens Online . . .
Take Home Message
If you don't want others to see it or read, then buy a paper journal and lock it up. Don't post things online that you don't want others to see.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Adding a Photo to a Blog
Remember first that photographs (and other graphics) are protected by copyright. Don't steal art from others.
You may use:
- Original Photos You Have Taken
- Photos Made by Friends (with permission)
- Photos from morguefile (nice to list a credit at the bottom of the post)
- Photos from stock.xchng (do note that the photos at the top are "premium" and involve a cost while the ones below are free)
- "Commons" Photos (Be careful though, because some people upload shots to Commons which are not in the public domain.)
Don't steal materials online (including photographs) and end up in a law suit like a young blogger from North Carolina.
How to Upload a Photo
Edit Your Photo First If Necessary:
Have your photo in a format where you can upload. I typically save pictures as JPEG files after I edit them in PhotoShop Elements which is a fairly inexpensive photo editing software package.
Another option (which is free) is Picnik. The students on the college newspaper use Picnik for the photos for the newspaper and find it easy to work with.
For online photos:
1. Right click on the copyright clear photo that you'd like to copy.
2. Press "Save Picture As."
3. Add a new name for the photo including good search word terms (SEO).
4. Save to a thumb drive or the computer. (I usually save online photos to the desk top and then delete after I upload.)
Then:
5. Sign in to Blogger.
6. Open a new post (or an old post to edit).
7. Put the cursor in the edit field.
8. Press the photo icon (and a pop up editing box appears). I prefer to be in HTML edit mode rather than compose when doing photos.
9. There are options for different sizes and for placement (right or left etc).
10. Press browse to find your photo (after clicking the photo icon on the Blogger toolbar).
11. Double click the photo. You will see the information in the field box.
12. Press upload at the bottom of the pop up photo edit box.
13. Save your work (Publish Post at bottom - orange button).
14. Go back and make sure that your post is visually appealing and that all elements are there.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Can You Use Your Regular Email and Still Blog at Blogger?
If you go to Blogger, then you'll see that they require a log in that is Google based. Blogger is, after all, a Google product.
If you are currently using or have a gmail account, then you can sign in through that account (email and password) and start setting up your blog.
Blogger Set Up with an Eamil Other Than Gmail
Some of you may prefer to use your usual email address and sign in to get to your blog. If so, then you can sign up for a Google account using your Hotmail, Yahoo or other email adress and password by going to the following sign up form for a Google account and putting in your usual sign up information.
Google Account Sign Up
Feel Free to Try Gmail - It's Free and a Nice Email Platform
You can also sign up for a free Gmail account which is well integrated with Blogger and the tools, since they all fall under the G company name. This can be used directly for sign in at the blog and, in effect establishes your Google identity or account.
The main benefit with Gmail (besides the tight integration) is that it has a great search function. I have over 10,000 emails (yikes - yes I do). I can use the eamil search and put in a student name or topic or certain keywords and find things from years back.
Email Alerts About Blogger Comments (be sure to set comments on "moderated")
One other note as far as emails and your Blogger account, you can go into settings and put a different email. You might, for example opt to set up the blogger blog with a Gmail account but prefer to be notified about comments on your blog at another email account. You can just plug in where you want your commnet alerts sent.
To set the alert email function to an email other than the one that use to sign in with, go to Settings (to the right of where you press Posts to add a new post on the dashboar). Click on Settings. Another row of topics will appear below including Comments. Click on Comments and go down the page several fields to Comment Moderation. Under Comment Moderation, you will see a field for Email Address. Simply type in the email where you'd like to get notices of comments from friends and fans.
If you are currently using or have a gmail account, then you can sign in through that account (email and password) and start setting up your blog.
Blogger Set Up with an Eamil Other Than Gmail
Some of you may prefer to use your usual email address and sign in to get to your blog. If so, then you can sign up for a Google account using your Hotmail, Yahoo or other email adress and password by going to the following sign up form for a Google account and putting in your usual sign up information.
Google Account Sign Up
Feel Free to Try Gmail - It's Free and a Nice Email Platform
You can also sign up for a free Gmail account which is well integrated with Blogger and the tools, since they all fall under the G company name. This can be used directly for sign in at the blog and, in effect establishes your Google identity or account.
The main benefit with Gmail (besides the tight integration) is that it has a great search function. I have over 10,000 emails (yikes - yes I do). I can use the eamil search and put in a student name or topic or certain keywords and find things from years back.
Email Alerts About Blogger Comments (be sure to set comments on "moderated")
One other note as far as emails and your Blogger account, you can go into settings and put a different email. You might, for example opt to set up the blogger blog with a Gmail account but prefer to be notified about comments on your blog at another email account. You can just plug in where you want your commnet alerts sent.
To set the alert email function to an email other than the one that use to sign in with, go to Settings (to the right of where you press Posts to add a new post on the dashboar). Click on Settings. Another row of topics will appear below including Comments. Click on Comments and go down the page several fields to Comment Moderation. Under Comment Moderation, you will see a field for Email Address. Simply type in the email where you'd like to get notices of comments from friends and fans.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Blogging Class Blogs 2011
Here are the student blogs for Online Publication (Spring 2011). Each student came up with a topic proposal and posts weekly (or more often) on the selected topic.
There are some really terrific blogs here. Check them out and be sure to leave comments for these new bloggers.
DO A Spot Check
All About Fish
Classy with a Twist
Becoming a Girly Girl
Tinseltown Tirade
Stencil Anything
BEaYOUtiful You
Whitney's Adventures in Dogland
Man United Fans 4 Life
C is for Create
Guide to Tokyo
The Big Fly
Loco Parenthood with Mama-B
The Dugout
Casual Gamer Reviews
Weather with Whitley
The Holy Report: A Journey through the Scriptures
Photo Venue
Yellow Jackets Tennis
Crazy Can't Describe This
Wheel Talk ACC
Extreme Measures
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Selecting a Topic for Your New Blog
Deciding on a blog topic or focus can be one of the most difficult decisions for beginning bloggers (and long term bloggers as well).
Avoid the Urge to Set Up a Blab Blog
Often, new bloggers will click in and begin a “blab” blog. These are basically online journals. You simply attempt to share your entire life in little blurbs and snippets.
I hate to tell you this. You’re just not THAT interesting. I’m not either. Very few people can draw a following by posting up mundane daily activities. Even your Momma likely will get tired of hearing that you got up, took a shower, went to class, ate lunch . . . You get the picture. That kind of information is not great fodder for building a blog.
Day to day notes work better on Facebook or Twitter. If you like to keep a running log of your activities, then check out other social media outlets. Your friends and family members are much more likely to see the data than if they have to search out a blog where you run down a trip to the grocery store.
Follow Your Passion When Blogging
While many bloggers hope to have a blog that draws large visitor numbers and/or will eventually generate good income, it’s not a great idea to research and invest time and energy into a blog topic simply because you find that a certain topic is popular or pays well. What’s “hot” today does, after all, change.
Blogging is more fun (and ultimately does pay off - if that’s the goal) when you select a topic that you’re excited about. You’re much more likely to stay on top of your true interest area and share information on a regular basis if you’re excited about what you’re covering. You’re also more likely to have readers, because onliners can recognize knowledge, passion, and quality materials.
Deciding on Scope When it Comes to Blogging
A blog focus is a balancing act. You want a topic that is broad enough to serve you well for months or years. But, you don’t want a topic so broad that you never find your niche audience, and most blogs do draw niche audiences.
A general cooking blog is too BROAD (in most cases). You’re not likely to attract a regular following if you range from crock pot recipes to decorated cupcakes to gourmet salts. You’re simply not “speaking” to any specific cook, and blogs really need to have that focus. When I blog, I often pick one “real” person from my life, and I write materials with that person in the back of my mind.
On the other hand, you can get too specific. I could blog on grilling chicken. Yes. There are a number of ways I could go with that. But, I would have a hard time keeping a stream of grilled chicken materials posted. In addition, I would personally get bored if I limited my blogging to only one food – no matter how much I might like that food.
Ideas for Blogs
There are limitless topics you could cover in a blog. In fact, some people have numerous blogs, because they have so many ideas and find that they need multiple blogs to share all the information they’d like to share. Others may find honing in on an idea more difficult. That’s when brainstorming can be helpful.
A good way to brainstorm is to sit down with a pencil and piece of paper and just begin writing down things you enjoy doing and things that matter in your life. These ideas may revolve around your hobbies, your part-time job, or your college major. Don’t censor yourself initially. Just get some ideas down on paper. Then, you have something to work with.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Turning in Your Viewpoints Review Online
This page is designed for students to turn in links for their Viewpoints review posts, so I can find the reviews and check/grade them.
Visitors
If you are interested in writing for Viewpoints but are not a student in my class, then check out the post on Writing Reviews for Viewpoints.
Class Members
Once you complete your Viewpoints review assignment (see syllabus for due date - post should be up before class on the day it is due), add your review link in the comment section here. You can also print a hard copy and turn that in if you prefer, but you will have a backlink by posting the review here in comments.
Please note "student" in your comment, so I can screen out any spam posts or lost visitors. Also, include your first name, initials, or provide your user name in class so that I know which student to credit for the review.
Sample Comment Post
Here is a Viewpoints review that I did after the web site launch party in Chicago.
Chicago Travel Review - Magnificent Mile
Visitors
If you are interested in writing for Viewpoints but are not a student in my class, then check out the post on Writing Reviews for Viewpoints.
Class Members
Once you complete your Viewpoints review assignment (see syllabus for due date - post should be up before class on the day it is due), add your review link in the comment section here. You can also print a hard copy and turn that in if you prefer, but you will have a backlink by posting the review here in comments.
Please note "student" in your comment, so I can screen out any spam posts or lost visitors. Also, include your first name, initials, or provide your user name in class so that I know which student to credit for the review.
Sample Comment Post
Here is a Viewpoints review that I did after the web site launch party in Chicago.
Chicago Travel Review - Magnificent Mile
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Posting a Review at Viewpoints
Writing a review at Viewpoints is a good way to get started with online publishing. You have an opportunity to review virtually anything (within reason) and to upload a photo or photos to compliment your review.
Steps for Writing an Online Review at Viewpoints
1. Select a product or service to review. This can be any product or service.
Sample products/services for review at Viewpoints:
2. Sign up for an account at Viewpoints. This is quick and easy. You need to think of a user name and a password as with most online spaces. I would suggest a generic user name and a password that you can remember.
3. Upload a user photo. This does not need to be a personal photo. You can use a flower, bird, mash up or anything you want within reason and not under copyright. If you opt to copy a photo online, then make sure it is copyright clear. One spot for copyright clear images is MorgueFile. Users donate the photos for use by onliners.
4. Search for the product you want to review. If it is in the database, then you’re set to begin reviewing. If not, then look for the tab to “add a product.” When adding a product, be sure to click to select the correct section. For example, the George Foreman grill would go under Home & Garden and then Small Kitchen Appliances.
5. If you add a new product to the database, upload a main photo to go with the review. It will show across the site for all additional reviews for that product. If the featured photo is in place, then upload a user photo which will show to the side of her review only.
6. Write your review in Word. Online forms can glitch. Your review can be lost in a heartbeat. This does not happen, but if you lose a review once, you will understand why it’s better to have the work in Word. If something happens, then you do not have to write your work a second time.
7. Paste your review in the field. It should be at least 100 words (longer is fine). Viewpoints does not require a certain number of words, but good reviews have some detail. If you just put, “This rocks,” then I would not consider that showing effort on the assignment. Likewise, I will not look favorably on cut and paste posts (plagiarism).
In writing the review, you may need to add a bit of background. In other words, tell us the basic features and functions of an item. It’s not much fun to read a review if you are not even sure what is being reviewed. If you review a toaster, then you do not need to explain how a toaster works, but you would want to talk about any unique features.
Also add some real word user commentary. Discuss your own personal experiences with the product or service. This is the value of user input on reviews. If you’re just parroting the publicity materials, then the reader is not gaining any insight.
8. Use the tool bar to format your article. At the very least, press the spell check icon. Adding bold subheadings and such will make the review more readable as well. I will notice when you make the effort to ensure that your review is visually appealing.
9. Go back and read your review after it’s posted. If you’re not going to read it, then why would you expect others to read the review. You will also be more likely to catch errors when you see the piece live on site. For some reason, the typos are more obvious after you press publish and go back. Formatting issues will also be obvious in read mode.
Take pride in what you post for the world to see!
Steps for Writing an Online Review at Viewpoints
1. Select a product or service to review. This can be any product or service.
Sample products/services for review at Viewpoints:
- Electronic Device
- CD
- DVD
- Book
- Grocery Item
- Clothing
- Sports Gear
- Restaurant
- College
2. Sign up for an account at Viewpoints. This is quick and easy. You need to think of a user name and a password as with most online spaces. I would suggest a generic user name and a password that you can remember.
3. Upload a user photo. This does not need to be a personal photo. You can use a flower, bird, mash up or anything you want within reason and not under copyright. If you opt to copy a photo online, then make sure it is copyright clear. One spot for copyright clear images is MorgueFile. Users donate the photos for use by onliners.
4. Search for the product you want to review. If it is in the database, then you’re set to begin reviewing. If not, then look for the tab to “add a product.” When adding a product, be sure to click to select the correct section. For example, the George Foreman grill would go under Home & Garden and then Small Kitchen Appliances.
5. If you add a new product to the database, upload a main photo to go with the review. It will show across the site for all additional reviews for that product. If the featured photo is in place, then upload a user photo which will show to the side of her review only.
6. Write your review in Word. Online forms can glitch. Your review can be lost in a heartbeat. This does not happen, but if you lose a review once, you will understand why it’s better to have the work in Word. If something happens, then you do not have to write your work a second time.
7. Paste your review in the field. It should be at least 100 words (longer is fine). Viewpoints does not require a certain number of words, but good reviews have some detail. If you just put, “This rocks,” then I would not consider that showing effort on the assignment. Likewise, I will not look favorably on cut and paste posts (plagiarism).
In writing the review, you may need to add a bit of background. In other words, tell us the basic features and functions of an item. It’s not much fun to read a review if you are not even sure what is being reviewed. If you review a toaster, then you do not need to explain how a toaster works, but you would want to talk about any unique features.
Also add some real word user commentary. Discuss your own personal experiences with the product or service. This is the value of user input on reviews. If you’re just parroting the publicity materials, then the reader is not gaining any insight.
8. Use the tool bar to format your article. At the very least, press the spell check icon. Adding bold subheadings and such will make the review more readable as well. I will notice when you make the effort to ensure that your review is visually appealing.
9. Go back and read your review after it’s posted. If you’re not going to read it, then why would you expect others to read the review. You will also be more likely to catch errors when you see the piece live on site. For some reason, the typos are more obvious after you press publish and go back. Formatting issues will also be obvious in read mode.
The bottom line?
Take pride in what you post for the world to see!
Options for Online Writing - Ways to Publish on the Internet
Options for Writing Online
There are many avenues for publishing online. Advances in technology now mean that virtually anyone can find or develop a platform for online content (including written works, photos, and video).
Here are Just a Few of the Avenues for Getting Materials Online
1. Review Sites
Review sites allow writers to provide information about products and services used. There are many options today. Some of the online review spaces were developed specifically to house reviews while others are part of content or sales sites. Amazon, for example, allows buyers to provide feedback or reviews on items purchased. Many other companies selling online have similar type review options for purchases now.
Epinions is one of the oldest online review sites with over a decade of publication. It is the first large review site that sought out general consumers and paid for review content. Be aware that Epinions is now owned by Ebay and that they have a parallel site called Shopping.com. It is likely that Epinions will gradually shift over and become a shopping focused site and likely without the pay out model.
Viewpoints is a newer space, although they have a few years online at this point. Most contributors are not paid, although they do have a payment option for active members who apply and are accepted. Viewpoints allows users to add products not in the database and also to upload photos.
2. Online Content Mills or Content Farms
Content mills are web spaces that depend on constantly updated content provided by various writers. In most cases, writers are paid a small upfront fee for accepted content (from as low as $1 per article up to usually $20 with a few higher pay out prices), however, some content mill sites have revenue share programs. In some cases, revenue is based on the number of visitors to an article while others are based on a share of the income from advertising visits.
The reference “content mill” or "content farm" is generally considered to be derogatory. Many writers with more traditional writing backgrounds note that the pay tends to be very low and that, in some cases, the quality of the content is lacking. These concerns are valid, although some content mill work pays fairly well, and some of the content mill materials are well written and provide solid information.
Some content mill examples include:
- Constant Content
- Demand Studios
- Examiner
- Suite 101
- About.com
3. Blogs
Another route to online publishing is to set up a personal blog. Writers have more control when hosting and posting on a personal blog. This is especially true when going with a blog template (wordpress is common) with a personal domain name like www.myname.com. If hosting the blog, then the owner must buy the domain name and also pay a monthly hosting fee. Generally these fees are very reasonable (only a few dollars per month on hosting).
Google also hosts blogs at blogger.com. There are no costs associated with starting a Blogger blog. The templates are not as robust as other templates (usually linear from newest reading back through oldest post), although more sophisticated templates can be purchased and uploaded.
Blogger blogs are the easiest to use, since they are integrated with paste in fields for design. They are also easily monetized though the Google AdSense program, however, it can take years to reach the cash out mark of $100. Wordpress, by contrast does not allow affiliate ads on sties, so anyone wanting to monetize will want to look at Blogger or purchase a domain name and pay hosting fees.
Note also that many online sites have companion blogs. Often these blogs are written by paid employees, but some companies will hire writers to post or will open up the blog to readers/fans.
4. Freelance Writing
Some online spaces hire individuals to write materials for websites (and some purchase articles from the online content mills). Content is critical, so some companies and site owners can and do farm out some of the writing.
Writing on a contract basis includes a variety of types of content production. A writer may be hired to do blog posts, feature articles, copyrighting, or to provide SEO (search engine optimization) editing.
In terms of pay, freelance writers online may be making as little as $1 for blog posts or articles, but some writers are paid along the longstanding print industry standard of $1 per word for big name sites or by contract (x number of dollars for x assignment) or even by the hour.
Freelance writing offers flexibility and convenience, but freelance (or contract) writers do not get benefits like traditional paid employees. Work for hire (freelance) requires writers to track pay and expenditures and to pay taxes yearly (or by the quarter for those earning higher wages). In effect, you own a business if you are a freelance writer.
5. Staff Writing
With the explosion of web sites for companies large and small, staff members are often asked to contribute web content as part of the job duties. This can range from doing news or feature articles to PR releases to blogs to working on social media associated with the employer company.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Blogging Class Grade Worksheet
Online Publication Grade Tracking Sheet
Test Grades
_______ Test One Grade (100)
_______ Test Two Grade (100)
_______ Final Exam (100)
Class Participation
_______ Viewpoints Review Plus Photo (10)
_______ Blog Proposal and Rationale (10)
_______ Julie Powell Research/Thoughts Movie Week (10)
_______ Favorite Blog Selection and Paper (10)
_______ Header Bar Additions (10)
_______ Adding a Guest Blog Post (10)
_______ Additional Online Posting (20)
_______ General Class Participation Including Peer Feedback (20)
Blog Grade
_______ Mid Blog Check (50)
_______ Final Blog Check (150)
Total = __________ divided by 6 = ___________ minus penalty points = FINAL GRADE ___________
Penalty Points:
Remember to subtract 2 points off the final grade for every class missed after three total and 1 point for all tardies over 3. The three skips and tardies are to be used for sports, scholarship commitments, outside school activities, sick days and NOT as vacation days.
If you have more than 3 skips with valid documentation (tennis had 4 meets – for example), provide the paperwork the last week of classes, and I will offset. Again, this does NOT include days taken as vacation or for oversleeping or other random reasons. Those will be subtracted from the total – no exceptions.
Feel free to visit my office with any grading questions throughout the semester. Do not, however, contact me during the last week of classes or during exams and ask for grades or averages.
Test Grades
_______ Test One Grade (100)
_______ Test Two Grade (100)
_______ Final Exam (100)
Class Participation
_______ Viewpoints Review Plus Photo (10)
_______ Blog Proposal and Rationale (10)
_______ Julie Powell Research/Thoughts Movie Week (10)
_______ Favorite Blog Selection and Paper (10)
_______ Header Bar Additions (10)
_______ Adding a Guest Blog Post (10)
_______ Additional Online Posting (20)
_______ General Class Participation Including Peer Feedback (20)
Blog Grade
_______ Mid Blog Check (50)
_______ Final Blog Check (150)
Total = __________ divided by 6 = ___________ minus penalty points = FINAL GRADE ___________
Penalty Points:
Remember to subtract 2 points off the final grade for every class missed after three total and 1 point for all tardies over 3. The three skips and tardies are to be used for sports, scholarship commitments, outside school activities, sick days and NOT as vacation days.
If you have more than 3 skips with valid documentation (tennis had 4 meets – for example), provide the paperwork the last week of classes, and I will offset. Again, this does NOT include days taken as vacation or for oversleeping or other random reasons. Those will be subtracted from the total – no exceptions.
Feel free to visit my office with any grading questions throughout the semester. Do not, however, contact me during the last week of classes or during exams and ask for grades or averages.
Blogging Class Syllabus
Bloggng Class Syllabus
Course Rationale:
Online Publishing is offered as an elective in Communication. In a rapidly changing world where communication is critical, the class offers insight into changes in the presentation of news, information, and data as well as the impact of new technology on individuals and society.
Learning Outcomes:
Students completing Online Publication will:
1. Be able to articulate (verbally and/or in writing) the history of online content.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the changes over time in presenting information online and the current standards and emerging trends in online publication.
3. Reflect a basic understanding of the underlying technology and the ability to use simple tools for publishing online.
4. Grasp the safety and moral issues involved with publishing online and reflect sound judgment in selecting, packaging, and presenting data and ideas online.
5. Demonstrate an awareness of the power of medium on society and the implications of publishing in a global forum.
Methods of Instruction:
1. Lectures and discussion of relevant materials and issues from texts, handouts, research, classroom experiences, and hands on applications.
2. Guest speakers from the industry covering various topics of interest and importance in the field of online publishing.
3. Hands on learning in publishing online including (but not limited to) posting written materials and/or photos in various forums including personal student blogs.
Assignments:
1. Write and post an online review including a photo on a basic online review site.
2. Develop a blog concept and implement the idea including weekly maintenance of the personal blog.
3. Find a publication avenue and publish a minimum of one article/photo in an area of interest.
4. Provide appropriate and insightful online feedback on work produced by peers once per week (interacting at least once with several fellow class members).
5. Three tests total including a comprehensive final.
6. Two page paper overview of class experiences in online publishing.
7. Verbal overview of blog project with peer feedback.
8. Class participation with specific assignments noted on class day hand out.
Grading:
Blog - 200 points (divided between mid semester 50 points and the end of the semester 150 points – includes blog, paper, and presentation)
Test 1 – 100 points
Test 2 – 100 points
Final – 100 points
Class Participation - 100 points (see class schedule for details)
Total Points = 600
Divide final point total by 6. Use the 10-point scale to determine grade. For example, if you have 520 points at the end of class, you divide that by 6 and get 86. Your grade would be B (assuming you did not lose points for missed classes or tardy days). The plus/minus system is applied, so a grade of 82 would be a B- while an 89 would be a B+.
Penalties for excessive absences are charged at minus 2 points for every absence after three (3) subtracted from the final grade on a 100 point scale. Tardies are charged at 1 point off for every tardy after 3 – also on the 100 point scale.
Students missing ¼ (11) of scheduled classes will receive an automatic F per the faculty handbook.
Textbook and Study Materials:
Baehr, Craig & Schaller, Bob. (2010) Writing for the Internet: A Guide to Real Communication in Virtual Space. Greenwood Press: CA.
Class handouts
Online readings
Course Rationale:
Online Publishing is offered as an elective in Communication. In a rapidly changing world where communication is critical, the class offers insight into changes in the presentation of news, information, and data as well as the impact of new technology on individuals and society.
Learning Outcomes:
Students completing Online Publication will:
1. Be able to articulate (verbally and/or in writing) the history of online content.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the changes over time in presenting information online and the current standards and emerging trends in online publication.
3. Reflect a basic understanding of the underlying technology and the ability to use simple tools for publishing online.
4. Grasp the safety and moral issues involved with publishing online and reflect sound judgment in selecting, packaging, and presenting data and ideas online.
5. Demonstrate an awareness of the power of medium on society and the implications of publishing in a global forum.
Methods of Instruction:
1. Lectures and discussion of relevant materials and issues from texts, handouts, research, classroom experiences, and hands on applications.
2. Guest speakers from the industry covering various topics of interest and importance in the field of online publishing.
3. Hands on learning in publishing online including (but not limited to) posting written materials and/or photos in various forums including personal student blogs.
Assignments:
1. Write and post an online review including a photo on a basic online review site.
2. Develop a blog concept and implement the idea including weekly maintenance of the personal blog.
3. Find a publication avenue and publish a minimum of one article/photo in an area of interest.
4. Provide appropriate and insightful online feedback on work produced by peers once per week (interacting at least once with several fellow class members).
5. Three tests total including a comprehensive final.
6. Two page paper overview of class experiences in online publishing.
7. Verbal overview of blog project with peer feedback.
8. Class participation with specific assignments noted on class day hand out.
Grading:
Blog - 200 points (divided between mid semester 50 points and the end of the semester 150 points – includes blog, paper, and presentation)
Test 1 – 100 points
Test 2 – 100 points
Final – 100 points
Class Participation - 100 points (see class schedule for details)
Total Points = 600
Divide final point total by 6. Use the 10-point scale to determine grade. For example, if you have 520 points at the end of class, you divide that by 6 and get 86. Your grade would be B (assuming you did not lose points for missed classes or tardy days). The plus/minus system is applied, so a grade of 82 would be a B- while an 89 would be a B+.
Penalties for excessive absences are charged at minus 2 points for every absence after three (3) subtracted from the final grade on a 100 point scale. Tardies are charged at 1 point off for every tardy after 3 – also on the 100 point scale.
Students missing ¼ (11) of scheduled classes will receive an automatic F per the faculty handbook.
Textbook and Study Materials:
Baehr, Craig & Schaller, Bob. (2010) Writing for the Internet: A Guide to Real Communication in Virtual Space. Greenwood Press: CA.
Class handouts
Online readings
Welcome to Blogging Class
Need Help With Blogging - You're at the Right Place
First, I'd like to welcome all students taking my blogging class this semester. It not only is a beneficial class that will give you skills for the future, it's also a really fun class.
For any visitors, welcome also. This blog is offered to provide more information for students taking my class, but I think you will also find ideas and tips that will help if you're starting a blog or currently have a blog but need a little help or just motivation.
This is a work in progress. I'm adding data as the class works through the semester. The pages at the top (under the blog title) will include links which should help on navigation. I'll group those in categories under Site Map, so folks won't have to backtrack through numerous posts to find what they are looking for.
All the best with blogging this semester and down the road.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)