Class Blogs - Fall 2014

Make Up for All


Dormateria


Hauterunway


The Hearty Filipino


Curvy Girl 101

Class Blogs - Summer 2014

Check out and enjoy our class blogs from the summer of 2014.


Picturing the Outdoors


Vape Lounge


Beauty All Things Beautiful





Preview of US Opens


Gabrielle's Wraps


Car Repair for College Kids


Kitchen Skin Care


Fishing Fever


The Millennial Musician 


HerbaLife


Business Travel Tips


Half Way to 100


Herbalife

How to be a Successful Blogger

How to Be a Successful Blogger

Cyndi Allison

 

Why Blog?

 

     There are many reasons to start and maintain a blog. You might want to keep a running permanent electronic log of your activities, reach out to others, make a “difference,” or maybe your employer has requested that you blog as part of your work duties.

 

     Your specific approach will vary depending on your purpose for blogging, and “success” will vary depending on what you hope to accomplish with your blog. A small following of family and friends may be rewarding for one blogger while a larger, less-intimate audience may be the goal for another blogger.

 

     Blogging for fame and money presents a real challenge and would generally be a poor reason for putting the time and effort into creating and building a blog. While you may find many books and articles about getting rich and famous blogging, such “bottom line” intentions usually do not lead to success. Very few blogs gain substantial audiences and fewer still are financially viable other than perhaps pocket change. Anyone telling you otherwise is probably simply making money selling you on an unrealistic game plan and providing tips that only result in short term audience and income gains. Many of these “get rich and famous quick” blogs are quickly abandoned and become “lost” in cyberspace.

 

     With that being said, I can tell you that blogging can be very rewarding and certainly worthwhile.

 

     I started my blog, Barbecue Master, in 2006. My goal was to share recipes, tips, and reviews related to grilling and barbecue which is something I really enjoy. My Dad taught me how to grill when I was a pre-teen, and I’ve grilled/smoked for many years. I fielded many questions from family and friends about how to get started, how to grill specific foods, and recommendations for grills and barbecue products. It was easier to put the information in one spot online and send links rather than typing up the answers over and over. So, I began my blog with a very specific purpose and audience in mind. My blog would help others while saving time on my end.

 

     Over the years, my blog has gained recognition and awards. My visitor numbers run over 100,000 per month in season (grilling/smoking is typically a warm weather sport). Even in the off season, it would be rare that I’d drop below 30,000/month. When you put “Barbecue Master” in a search engine, my blog typically is the top result, and several online sites have rated my blog among the top outdoor cooking blogs online. I’ve even made “best of” lists for general cooking blogs (a much broader category with much more competition).

 

     Success, beyond my initial goal of helping family/friends, did not occur overnight. My numbers were very low in the beginning (perhaps 10 visitors per month), and it took four years to make the Google AdSense minimal payout of $100. Even now, I only hit the pay threshold during the prime spring/summer months.

 

     Don’t let the low monetary rewards scare you off if you do hope to make some profit from blogging. I could certainly monetize Barbecue Master with sponsors and advertising. Actually I do one text advertisement with a text link at the bottom of the blog currently to the tune of $40/month. It would certainly be possible to spend more time on blog placement sales if income ranked high on my “reasons to blog” list. It’s not that I dislike money; however, the spirit of my blog was and continues to be to offer honest and sincere help to others. Blasting readers with advertisements would not be in keeping with my original purpose and goals.

 

     In my case, I count my blessings in many other ways with owning a popular blog. And, yes, some of the blessings include monetary compensation. Barbecue Master establishes me as an expert in the field and the barbecue community. Going high profile with the blog has resulted in several good paying magazine assignments and corporate blogging with Kmart, Sears, and McCormick. In addition, I’m offered lots of products in exchange for honest blog reviews, and I’ve been hosted to visit and blog about product lines and barbecue events/competitions. A trip to New York City covered by Weber to see new product offerings will always be one of my favorite memories. They flew me out, covered my room in the Doubletree, and had a chauffeur pick me up and take me to the boathouse in Central Park with a VIP pass to see the new grills and sample gourmet foods made by company chefs.  

 

     My sister has young children, and she has a blog about traveling North Carolina with kids. As a single parent, money is tight. She is not making much profit from her blog, but she has been given passes and backstage access in some cases for various attractions across the state. She and the girls to get to do many things that they likely would not be able to do if not for the blog and free coverage for companies looking for non-traditional ways to get the word out about travel options in the Tarheel state.

 

     Do note that blogging should never be about asking for “free stuff” (and my approach has been to let others contact me if they want coverage).  In fact, there are laws that pertain to abuse of blogging platforms which I’ll cover later. If, however, you have a passion for your blog topic/purpose, work hard, and build an audience, there are extra benefits which may not be initially anticipated.

 

     Every blogging experience is different, and I’m sure other bloggers could list a whole host of benefits to blogging ranging from having an artistic outlet and a way to blow off steam to making new friends with similar interests and networking in a specific field.

 

     If you are starting a blog or have a blog and are looking for ways to be more successful, then I’d suggest that the very first task would be to identify reasons for spending the time and effort to build a space online. If you’re not sure what you’re doing and why, then it’s not likely that blog visitors will understand either. You can’t reach people if you don’t know why you’re reaching out to them. Your blog will just look like more online spam (a splog), and you’ll likely get tired of talking to yourself pretty quickly. 

 

 

Blogging Class Weekly Schedule

Online Publication - COMM 2901 – Summer 2013

 

Week 1 (short week)

 

Topics Covered

 

• Read Syllabus
• Overview of Online Publication Class and Types of Online Writing
• History of Blogging
• Types of Blogs (and how to develop a targeted, marketable blog)
• Starting a Blog

 

Assignments

 

• Complete Weekly Readings (posted on BB)
• Syllabus Quiz and First Week Readings (required before completing other class work)
• Post idea and URL name for personal blog under Discusssions (which will be viewable online). Do wait for feedback before proceeding. Classmates are invited to offer input, ideas, etc.

 

Week 2

 

Topics Covered

 

• Complete Weekly Readings (posted on BB). These will include basic blog set up readings and notes. Please do get in touch if you are having any difficulties.

 

 

Assignments

 

• Create/Design Blog (Be sure to look at all the various options. There are a lot.)
• Put up first blog post by noon on Thursday June 5 (25 post total count with one free day = 24 required – spread out throughout the term with no more than four posts per week)
• List Blog URL under BB to be Included in Class List on Class Blog (for easy access). I’ll link that, so it will be easy to find class blogs.
• Start Peer Comment Log List (fifteen comments on peer blogs required and on different days across the month). Don’t wait until the end, or you will forget where you posted.
• Weekly Test 1 - 20 points (available from 1 pm on Saturday through noon on Monday – ALL tests except the exam are on this schedule giving you both weekend and a week day to work)

 

Week 3

 

Topics Covered

 

• Complete Weekly Readings (posted on BB and probably on class blog)
• Widgets – what they are and how to add one
• Monetization (just a note - don’t apply for this option yet)
• Famous Bloggers
• Julie and Julia (watch the film) – This is not due yet, but begin to plan for getting a copy of the film and the research.

 

Assignments

 

• Continue to blog on schedule.
• Continue to make comments.
• Add at least one widget that compliments your blog
• Get ready for Julie and Julia (watch the film)

• Do outside research on Julie/Julia and write a two page paper due June 30 (500 words minimum = 2 double spaced pages). Be sure to use in text links for web sources used (or include a MLA citation list at the bottom of the post). Papers should be posted to BB under Assignments (to maintain the links).  
• Weekly Test 2 - 20 points  

 

Week 4

 

Topics Covered

 

• Complete Weekly Readings (posted on BB)
• The value of linking (both in and out)
• Adding “pages” (these help with organization and make your blog look like a web page)
• Prepare for BB discussion.

 

Assignments

 

• Complete readings.
• Add at least one external link.
• Add pages (four minimum).
• Take part in class Discussion (50 words minimum – may be split in more than one post)
• Weekly Test 3 – 20 points
• Julie & Julia paper due under Assignments by Monday June 30. This is just an advance reminder.  

 

Week 5

 

Topics Covered

 

• Blogging fatigue

 

Assignments

 

• Complete readings.
• Continue to keep blog posts going.
• Continue to comment on peer blogs.
• Guest Post (time is flexible but be sure to be scouting out a guest blogger – post due before the end of class)

 

Week 6

 

Readings

 

• Continue to blog and leave comments.
• SEO (and the importance)

 

 

Assignments

 

• Keep up blog and peer comments
• Julie & Julia paper due (June 30 by noon)
• Weekly test 4

 

Week 7

 

Readings

 

• Stats in Blogger
• Legal issues and blogging
• Ethical issues in blogging

 

Assignments

 

• BB discussion (50 words minimum – may be split in more than one post)
• Weekly test 5
• Begin to review and correct any issues with your earlier blog posts. You do have an edit option. Feel free to use it.

 

Week 8

 

Readings

 

• Monetization on blogs (do hold off on this)

 

 

Assignments

 

• Begin to finish up blog and comments.
• Exam – 25 points

 

Week 9 (final week)

 

Readings

 

• Making a difference with blogs and your blogging future.

 

Assignments

 

Using what you’ve learned over the semester, go back and make any corrections, additions, and deletions to your blog before final grades are assigned.

Post under Assignments your own self-ev aluation of your blogging work.

 

• Making a Difference with Blogs

• Future of Blogging

 

Assignments

 

• Weekly Test - 25 points (available from noon on Friday through noon on Sunday)

 

Exam

 

• Blog – 50 points (includes all requirements such as visuals, widgets, guest post etc. as well as progress over the semester).
• Final Self-Evaluation – 15 points (includes an overview of the blog from start to finish with what was learned and what worked well as things that did not work as well – 500 words minimum).

 

* Class Participation (10 points) – This includes the various assignments that are not specifically graded.

 

 

 

Blogging Class Summer 2014 Syllabus

COMM 2901 – Online Publications – Wittum

 

 

 

Instructor:

 

Cyndi Allison  - See BB for contact data.

Meeting Times and Room:

 

Online

May 29 – July 24 (2014 – summer)

 

Textbook and Study Materials:

 

• Online materials (BB and online class blog - http://yesyoucanblog.blogspot.com/).
• Fellow peer blogs (list to be posted when all are set up – keep track as you go along).
• Julie & Julia (film). This is the only item that will need to be purchased for class. You can also do a download or rent.
• This is an online class blog (much like the ones you will create). I’m not sure how much I’ll use this, but it could be helpful if the main site is down. I’ll start an index for the class to make finding items easier.  https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5501502855899333141#overview/src=dashboard

 

 

 

Course Rationale:

 

Online Publishing is offered as an elective in Communication Arts. 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, on a quiz 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 the medium on society and the implications of publishing in a global forum now and looking toward the future.

 

Methods of Instruction:

 

1.  Online readings, research, and discussions as well as practical applications.

2.  Hands on learning in publishing online including (but not limited to) posting written materials and/or visuals in various forums including personal student blogs.

3. Instructor, peer, and self-evaluations with personal action plans developed by students with faculty input, feedback, or assistance as needed.  

 

 

Assignments:

 

1.  Develop a blog concept and implement the idea including 25 blog posts (one free post for break if needed/wanted) and 1 guest post (guest post does not count in your 25 total). You’ll need 3 to 4 posts per week plus the guest post during the second half of the class. Do not post more than four per week (excluding the guest post), because a blog does better when written across time on a regular basis.

 

2.  Use social networking tools (FB, Twitter ect.) on the blog as well as network to coordinate a guest post exchange. This will also include a widget which may or may not be geared toward social media.

 

3.  Provide appropriate and insightful online feedback on work produced by peers (twice per week with a log including URL of each peer post). Be sure to keep a log with the name of the blog and the URL as you go; it’s easy to forgot where you went and what you did if you wait until the end of the class.

  

4.  Six weekly tests (covering materials assigned during that week). You will not have a test every week. See the schedule for weeks with tests. These are short tests and will run from Saturday through Monday of the assigned week.

 

5.  Watch Julie & Julia film and write a 2-page research paper (500 words).

 

6. Mid personal blog review with instructor feedback as needed. Students are always invited to ask for extra assistance at any time during the term.

  

6. Final blog project review and self-evaluation.

 

Grading:

 

Syllabus and First Week Test                               Required but no grade (unlimited attempts)

Post blog idea and rationale (with feedback)   5 points

Peer feedback on class blogs (2 per week)      20 points

Short Tests – Five tests x 20 points each                       100 points

Final exam                                                       25 points

Two discussions (based on current events)      20 points

Widget (may be social type media)                  10 points

Research Paper (Julie & Julia)                         25 points

Mid self eval on blog and feedback                 10 points

Guest Post (2^nd half of semester)                                 10 points

Final Blog                                                        50 points

Final Self-Evaluation and Overview of Project            15 points

Class Participation                                           10 points

 

Total Points = 300

 

 

The class is on a 10 point scale once class points are divided by 3. If you earned 230 class points, you divide the total points by 3 = 76. That’s a C. There is a plus/minus system. Taking the B range on a 10 point scale, 80 to 82 would be B-, 83 to 86 would be a B, and 87 to 89 would be B+.

 

 

Summer Schedule

 

Online Publication - COMM 2901 – Summer 2013

 

Week 1 (short week)

 

Topics Covered

 

• Read Syllabus
• Overview of Online Publication Class and Types of Online Writing
• History of Blogging
• Types of Blogs (and how to develop a targeted, marketable blog)
• Starting a Blog

 

Assignments

 

• Complete Weekly Readings (posted on BB)
• Syllabus Quiz and First Week Readings (required before completing other class work)
• Post idea and URL name for personal blog under Discusssions (which will be viewable online). Do wait for feedback before proceeding. Classmates are invited to offer input, ideas, etc.

 

Week 2

 

Topics Covered

 

• Complete Weekly Readings (posted on BB). These will include basic blog set up readings and notes. Please do get in touch if you are having any difficulties.

 

 

Assignments

 

• Create/Design Blog (Be sure to look at all the various options. There are a lot.)
• Put up first blog post by noon on Thursday June 5 (25 post total count with one free day = 24 required – spread out throughout the term with no more than four posts per week)
• List Blog URL under BB to be Included in Class List on Class Blog (for easy access). I’ll link that, so it will be easy to find class blogs.
• Start Peer Comment Log List (fifteen comments on peer blogs required and on different days across the month). Don’t wait until the end, or you will forget where you posted.
• Weekly Test 1 - 20 points (available from 1 pm on Saturday through noon on Monday – ALL tests except the exam are on this schedule giving you both weekend and a week day to work)

 

Week 3

 

Topics Covered

 

• Complete Weekly Readings (posted on BB and probably on class blog)
• Widgets – what they are and how to add one
• Monetization (just a note - don’t apply for this option yet)
• Famous Bloggers
• Julie and Julia (watch the film) – This is not due yet, but begin to plan for getting a copy of the film and the research.

 

Assignments

 

• Continue to blog on schedule.
• Continue to make comments.
• Add at least one widget that compliments your blog
• Get ready for Julie and Julia (watch the film)

• Do outside research on Julie/Julia and write a two page paper due June 30 (500 words minimum = 2 double spaced pages). Be sure to use in text links for web sources used (or include a MLA citation list at the bottom of the post). Papers should be posted to BB under Assignments (to maintain the links).  
• Weekly Test 2 - 20 points  

 

Week 4

 

Topics Covered

 

• Complete Weekly Readings (posted on BB)
• The value of linking (both in and out)
• Adding “pages” (these help with organization and make your blog look like a web page)
• Prepare for BB discussion.

 

Assignments

 

• Complete readings.
• Add at least one external link.
• Add pages (four minimum).
• Take part in class Discussion (50 words minimum – may be split in more than one post)
• Weekly Test 3 – 20 points
• Julie & Julia paper due under Assignments by Monday June 30. This is just an advance reminder.  

 

Week 5

 

Topics Covered

 

• Blogging fatigue

 

Assignments

 

• Complete readings.
• Continue to keep blog posts going.
• Continue to comment on peer blogs.
• Guest Post (time is flexible but be sure to be scouting out a guest blogger – post due before the end of class)

 

Week 6

 

Readings

 

• Continue to blog and leave comments.
• SEO (and the importance)

 

 

Assignments

 

• Keep up blog and peer comments
• Julie & Julia paper due (June 30 by noon)
• Weekly test 4

 

Week 7

 

Readings

 

• Stats in Blogger
• Legal issues and blogging
• Ethical issues in blogging

 

Assignments

 

• BB discussion (50 words minimum – may be split in more than one post)
• Weekly test 5
• Begin to review and correct any issues with your earlier blog posts. You do have an edit option. Feel free to use it.

 

Week 8

 

Readings

 

• Monetization on blogs (do hold off on this)

 

 

Assignments

 

• Begin to finish up blog and comments.
• Exam – 25 points

 

Week 9 (final week)

 

Readings

 

• Making a difference with blogs and your blogging future.

 

Assignments

 

Using what you’ve learned over the semester, go back and make any corrections, additions, and deletions to your blog before final grades are assigned.

Post under Assignments your own self-ev aluation of your blogging work.

 

• Making a Difference with Blogs

• Future of Blogging

 

Assignments

 

• Weekly Test - 25 points (available from noon on Friday through noon on Sunday)

 

Exam

 

• Blog – 50 points (includes all requirements such as visuals, widgets, guest post etc. as well as progress over the semester).
• Final Self-Evaluation – 15 points (includes an overview of the blog from start to finish with what was learned and what worked well as things that did not work as well – 500 words minimum).

 

* Class Participation (10 points) – This includes the various assignments that are not specifically graded.