So, I thought in light of the Christmas spirit, I would change my page to red. I know that this may turn some people off, as it is more of a STOP color than a go...but I like it.
I hope you all enjoy the festivities this year safely and with those you love!
-Torri
Monday, December 12, 2011
Professional Organizations
Public Relations Society of America (http://www.prsa.org/):
This organization is invested in networking, professional development and even job placement. The PRSA is a good jumping off point for someone just graduating college and wanting to broaden their horizons. This is also a good way to see any upcoming training or seminars available in your local area. I wouldn't mind being a part of this org. It seems legit and seems like it's pretty user-friendly.
National Communication Association (http://www.natcom.org/):
Well this one wasn't as impressive, to me, as the PRSA. However, I would say that the NCA has some high points. It does focus on education and scholarships for the communication field, which would have been awesome to know about before I started college. Also, they do have quite a broad reach into all the states in America. What I didn't like was that their Web site didn't have a whole lot of information. Their "About Us" section was merely a paragraph and their mission statement left much to be desired. I don't think this is an org I will be joining.
The Association for Women in Communications (http://www.womcom.org/):
Well I have to have this one, don't I? In all seriousness, I would like to be a part of this org. Their site seems very well put together and I like that they not only have a brief overview of themselves, but a fact sheet as well. I also can't resist an organization that is committed to helping me succeed in my professional endeavors. This one has my vote!
Association of Professional Communication Consultants (http://consultingsuccess.org/wp/):
APCC is a good organization, I believe. However, I don't think it's one that would interest me very much. They do seem very dedicated to providing additional training and offering tools for success, but something about their presentation left me feeling like I was watching a cheesy infomercial instead of looking at something that very well may change the direction of my career path. Pretty good, I guess, but definitely not for me.
The American Communication Association (http://www.americancomm.org/):
I like the ACA, they seem like they're relevant to the field of communication, and they provide some muscle where we need it. I like that they are involved in communication law. I like that their mission is to facilitate instruction, scholarship, etc. What I didn't like, however, was one of their core values. "Americanness"...is that even a word? When you are dealing in a world of professional communicators, the last thing you want to do is start making up words that everyone understands but no one is prepared to buy in to. Just saying.
All in all, most of the orgs seem pretty good and all seem legit. I think my top two are the PRSA and the Women in Communications. I think both of those sites offer more of what I'm looking for from a professional org. I felt immediately drawn to their design, mission and goals.
This organization is invested in networking, professional development and even job placement. The PRSA is a good jumping off point for someone just graduating college and wanting to broaden their horizons. This is also a good way to see any upcoming training or seminars available in your local area. I wouldn't mind being a part of this org. It seems legit and seems like it's pretty user-friendly.
National Communication Association (http://www.natcom.org/):
Well this one wasn't as impressive, to me, as the PRSA. However, I would say that the NCA has some high points. It does focus on education and scholarships for the communication field, which would have been awesome to know about before I started college. Also, they do have quite a broad reach into all the states in America. What I didn't like was that their Web site didn't have a whole lot of information. Their "About Us" section was merely a paragraph and their mission statement left much to be desired. I don't think this is an org I will be joining.
The Association for Women in Communications (http://www.womcom.org/):
Well I have to have this one, don't I? In all seriousness, I would like to be a part of this org. Their site seems very well put together and I like that they not only have a brief overview of themselves, but a fact sheet as well. I also can't resist an organization that is committed to helping me succeed in my professional endeavors. This one has my vote!
Association of Professional Communication Consultants (http://consultingsuccess.org/wp/):
APCC is a good organization, I believe. However, I don't think it's one that would interest me very much. They do seem very dedicated to providing additional training and offering tools for success, but something about their presentation left me feeling like I was watching a cheesy infomercial instead of looking at something that very well may change the direction of my career path. Pretty good, I guess, but definitely not for me.
The American Communication Association (http://www.americancomm.org/):
I like the ACA, they seem like they're relevant to the field of communication, and they provide some muscle where we need it. I like that they are involved in communication law. I like that their mission is to facilitate instruction, scholarship, etc. What I didn't like, however, was one of their core values. "Americanness"...is that even a word? When you are dealing in a world of professional communicators, the last thing you want to do is start making up words that everyone understands but no one is prepared to buy in to. Just saying.
All in all, most of the orgs seem pretty good and all seem legit. I think my top two are the PRSA and the Women in Communications. I think both of those sites offer more of what I'm looking for from a professional org. I felt immediately drawn to their design, mission and goals.
Monday, December 5, 2011
What Makes a Good Blog
I had an incredible time reading the blogs of a few of my classmates. Some were boring, some were amazing, some were just so-so. I learned that everyone has a different style, and that it is important to understand the elements that make a good blog. First of all, the purpose of the blog is most important. You have to decide what you want the blog to say and to keep the all-important WIIFM in mind. What is WIIFM, you ask? It means – What’s In It For Me? This should be applied to anything we are putting out into the information super highway. If someone cannot determine what is in it for them when reading your products, you have lost a potential follower.
The next thing to focus on is the design of the blog. Is it too busy? Are there too many, or not enough, photographs of you? Again, you have to think about what you are trying to say and the purpose of the blog. If you are trying to attract potential employers, having photos of you doing jell-o shots with your friends probably is not the best idea. However, I noticed the easiest blogs to read were the ones with clean lines, few photos and very few distractions. I liked the ones that kept the colors subtle, so I could focus on the content of the blog.
Of course a blog would not be anything without its content. This is also a vital element when blogging. I do not appreciate the bloggers who just go off on weird tangents or random rants about the dregs of society. Please, if you are going to spew words and ideas into the universe, develop a coherent thought. Your content can say a lot about you. It speaks volumes about your intelligence, especially if you do not have a firm grasp on the English language...it shows in the written word. Be mindful, especially if looking for employment, of what kind of language you are using. You need to know what your employer is looking for, in order to best present yourself to them.
Which brings me to your audience, who you are trying to communicate with. This is a very important piece of the blog. You could almost say it drives everything. The audience and purpose go hand-in-hand. You have to know who you are trying to communicate with and what you plan to get out of that communication before starting your blog. Well, you should consider these things prior to starting a blog. We have all seen those who do not consider these things and, well, I don’t think I need to expound on the subject. Knowing who is reading and knowing what you want to get out of their involvement in your blog can help you with your design and content. If you are looking to be hired by an art institute or creative writing department, it might benefit you to put a little more color and fun design elements into your blog. You can also get a little more crazy and flowery with the writing because you are showcasing your creative abilities and talents. On the other hand, if you are looking to work for a law firm, I wouldn’t even have a blog at all...you never want something coming back to bite you =) In all seriousness, though, you would want it more subtle, with passages that highlight your intelligence and your commitment to justice.
I reviewed three blogs this week and made critiques on all three of them. I wanted the critiques to be personal to the blogger because I think people are more receptive to criticism when it’s “nice.” The following is what I posted on my fellow classmates’ blogs:
http://mylifeisspeakingwhatisitsayingaboutme.blogspot.com/2011/11/delivering-bad-news-tactfully-and.html#comment-form
Sheila
I always see your picture and smile because your dog reminds me of my dog! I love what you've done with your blog. I like the blurred background. It's calming and not distracting at all. Your blog isn't busy or too much to take in and it really helps to focus on the actual message of what you're saying.
I also love the things you never say when delivering bad news. These are truly good things to keep in mind, especially when you have had a conflict with the person before. Your stuff is very well-written and insightful. I enjoyed reading it!
http://sandradee-communication.blogspot.com/2011/11/to-infinity-and-beyondinternet-craze.html#comment-form
Sandra,
What a great writing style you have! I like that you're to-the-point with what you're saying. I love what you said about the Internet craze and how it's really changed the way people communicate. Just look at this class for example. Your background on the blog is good, too. I like that it isn't distracting.
http://dmoss-blogpurpose.blogspot.com/
I like that you put your own thoughts and explanations behind each of the commandments. It really shows your understanding of the material and helps people see where you're coming from. I often find it helpful when communicating with someone, if you can understand their own interpretations of something you have your own idea about. It can make for very interesting conversation as well as easier ways to find a common ground.
I think the biggest thing I can take away from my fellow classmates’ blogs is the diversity that we all have in our communication. It is easy to think that everyone who is taking the same class as you, might communicate very similar. However, I have learned that it is not always that simple and that I still have a long way to go before being able to communicate my message to future employers. Not everyone wants someone who speaks “military.”
The next thing to focus on is the design of the blog. Is it too busy? Are there too many, or not enough, photographs of you? Again, you have to think about what you are trying to say and the purpose of the blog. If you are trying to attract potential employers, having photos of you doing jell-o shots with your friends probably is not the best idea. However, I noticed the easiest blogs to read were the ones with clean lines, few photos and very few distractions. I liked the ones that kept the colors subtle, so I could focus on the content of the blog.
Of course a blog would not be anything without its content. This is also a vital element when blogging. I do not appreciate the bloggers who just go off on weird tangents or random rants about the dregs of society. Please, if you are going to spew words and ideas into the universe, develop a coherent thought. Your content can say a lot about you. It speaks volumes about your intelligence, especially if you do not have a firm grasp on the English language...it shows in the written word. Be mindful, especially if looking for employment, of what kind of language you are using. You need to know what your employer is looking for, in order to best present yourself to them.
Which brings me to your audience, who you are trying to communicate with. This is a very important piece of the blog. You could almost say it drives everything. The audience and purpose go hand-in-hand. You have to know who you are trying to communicate with and what you plan to get out of that communication before starting your blog. Well, you should consider these things prior to starting a blog. We have all seen those who do not consider these things and, well, I don’t think I need to expound on the subject. Knowing who is reading and knowing what you want to get out of their involvement in your blog can help you with your design and content. If you are looking to be hired by an art institute or creative writing department, it might benefit you to put a little more color and fun design elements into your blog. You can also get a little more crazy and flowery with the writing because you are showcasing your creative abilities and talents. On the other hand, if you are looking to work for a law firm, I wouldn’t even have a blog at all...you never want something coming back to bite you =) In all seriousness, though, you would want it more subtle, with passages that highlight your intelligence and your commitment to justice.
I reviewed three blogs this week and made critiques on all three of them. I wanted the critiques to be personal to the blogger because I think people are more receptive to criticism when it’s “nice.” The following is what I posted on my fellow classmates’ blogs:
http://mylifeisspeakingwhatisitsayingaboutme.blogspot.com/2011/11/delivering-bad-news-tactfully-and.html#comment-form
Sheila
I always see your picture and smile because your dog reminds me of my dog! I love what you've done with your blog. I like the blurred background. It's calming and not distracting at all. Your blog isn't busy or too much to take in and it really helps to focus on the actual message of what you're saying.
I also love the things you never say when delivering bad news. These are truly good things to keep in mind, especially when you have had a conflict with the person before. Your stuff is very well-written and insightful. I enjoyed reading it!
http://sandradee-communication.blogspot.com/2011/11/to-infinity-and-beyondinternet-craze.html#comment-form
Sandra,
What a great writing style you have! I like that you're to-the-point with what you're saying. I love what you said about the Internet craze and how it's really changed the way people communicate. Just look at this class for example. Your background on the blog is good, too. I like that it isn't distracting.
http://dmoss-blogpurpose.blogspot.com/
I like that you put your own thoughts and explanations behind each of the commandments. It really shows your understanding of the material and helps people see where you're coming from. I often find it helpful when communicating with someone, if you can understand their own interpretations of something you have your own idea about. It can make for very interesting conversation as well as easier ways to find a common ground.
I think the biggest thing I can take away from my fellow classmates’ blogs is the diversity that we all have in our communication. It is easy to think that everyone who is taking the same class as you, might communicate very similar. However, I have learned that it is not always that simple and that I still have a long way to go before being able to communicate my message to future employers. Not everyone wants someone who speaks “military.”
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