I came across this while doing research for my media revelations video clips. I just wanted to share these two videos. Be warned, Bill is out for "far-left" bloggers... does that include me?
Watch this clip first:
This is the follow up clip:
I wonder how Bill feels knowing that his tirade against Ms. Terkel has only boosted her ratings and given her more PR than she and her organization could have afforded in two lifetimes. In terms of value, the breadth and depth of this coverage is priceless.
For more on this
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Forgot to Cross-Post about Twitter!
CONS: Twitter posts can only give readers a glimpse of the whole picture. As Zaitchik puts it, you only get stick figure snapshots of situations, and nothing more. Trying to use twitter to grasp a whole issue can lead to limited understanding and it promotes single mindedness in our already shallow society.
Zaitchik also brings up a great point when he wrote that twitter our culture even further into a state of “autism” that breeds limited attention spans and skimming content.
I also consider the parodied line in Currents post “it’s like being with your friends at all times.” Twitter has provided us with another way for us to connect with the ones we love from anywhere in the world.
PROS: The list of eight things really presented some aspects of twitter that I’d never considered. I agree that in the PR field twitter can help companies directly connect with their audience and answer their questions in real time.
Twitter also helps give news agencies another way of connecting their media to their audiences. The way that twitter helps companies can also be applied to the way that twitter can help me get a job in the marketplace today.
I think that as a PR major it is easy for me to only see the positives of a social media tool like twitter. Today it is all about companies trying to promote themselves in as few words as possible and twitter is the perfect platform to practice this on.
I agree that twitter does promote a certain type of shallowness, but I am also fascinated with it as a platform for media. I think that in a few years we will be using a similar type of platform, but with half as many characters. Twitter is the ultimate in our less is more culture.
I recently tweeted about a type of wine that I was drinking, a friend saw that tweet and wrote me a facebook message about her favorite wine, which ended up with the two of us meeting up downtown for drinks on a Saturday.
This helped me relate more to twitter visually
Great Article on Blogging/Twitter
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Media Discoveries I've Made Today
So I found two very relevant articles/blurbs that I just had to share. Enjoy!
This would not be my first reaction...
Can facebook make you happy?
This would not be my first reaction...
Can facebook make you happy?
Monday, April 13, 2009
The First Amendment, does it cover PORNO?
So last class I brought up the topic of a state school in conflict with their state representatives over the school showing an adult movie on campus. The school is the University of Maryland and despite threats by a state legislator they went on to show the movie this past weekend on campus.
I've attached the links below FMI!
The Washington Post
Local Maryland Paper
Education in the News Blog
I've attached the links below FMI!
The Washington Post
Local Maryland Paper
Education in the News Blog
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Am I Brave Enough?
Clive Thompson's article "Brave New World of Digital Intimacy."
1. Describe what Thompson means by the title of this article - "Brave New World of Digital Intimacy" - in 3-5 sentences.
Thompson is referencing the almost false sense of intimacy that is crated through the use of online social media tools such as facebook and twitter. By following and “friending” hundreds of people on facebook, users are putting themselves out into the world like never before. If this type of flimsy digital intimacy is a good thing or bad thing remains to be seen.
2. Describe three PROS and three CONS of this new world, according to the research and individuals profiled in Thompson's article. Be specific.
PROs: One of the most obvious positive side affects of this new world is the ability to connect with others at any point during the day. These new types of technology allow us to become connected at all times, which ultimately can strengthen relationships. Another potential positive side affect is sited by Laura Fitton, the constant updates not only connect us to our friends, but help us connect to ourselves.
CONs: For me personally I see the biggest problem with this system to be the laid back approach to personal relationships and personal privacy. As discussed by Leisa Reichelt, the possible lasting affects of this type of non stop social updates is unknown, and the affects these tools may have on a persons ability to cultivate real interpersonal relationships is still to be seen.
3. What does Thompson mean by the phrase "ambient" awareness"? What do YOU think are the specific pros and cons of living in an online world of "ambient awareness"? Do you accept Thompson's conclusion that "ambient awareness" can have some therapeutic effects - making you a "happier person, a calmer person," or are you more skeptical? Justify your position.
Ambient awareness as described in this article I liken to being able to watch someone, like a neighbor, without ever really meeting or getting to know them. You can see what they are doing, but you are an observer not an active participant in their daily life. I feel this way when I read a status update or a new posting on twitter. I feel a little like a peeping tom. I constantly know what my “friends” are up too, but only in an observer sense. I find the opposite of Thompson when it comes to the therapeutic part of the updates. The constant need to trim down what is happening/relevant in my life into less then 160 characters is stressful and frustrating. A majority of the time I feel overwhelmed by all the updates I receive. I am still trying to find a balance between active and passive participation.
Right now my status update is: Caitlin Pierce is trying to teach GUS how to pee in the litter box, not on it.
1. Describe what Thompson means by the title of this article - "Brave New World of Digital Intimacy" - in 3-5 sentences.
Thompson is referencing the almost false sense of intimacy that is crated through the use of online social media tools such as facebook and twitter. By following and “friending” hundreds of people on facebook, users are putting themselves out into the world like never before. If this type of flimsy digital intimacy is a good thing or bad thing remains to be seen.
2. Describe three PROS and three CONS of this new world, according to the research and individuals profiled in Thompson's article. Be specific.
PROs: One of the most obvious positive side affects of this new world is the ability to connect with others at any point during the day. These new types of technology allow us to become connected at all times, which ultimately can strengthen relationships. Another potential positive side affect is sited by Laura Fitton, the constant updates not only connect us to our friends, but help us connect to ourselves.
CONs: For me personally I see the biggest problem with this system to be the laid back approach to personal relationships and personal privacy. As discussed by Leisa Reichelt, the possible lasting affects of this type of non stop social updates is unknown, and the affects these tools may have on a persons ability to cultivate real interpersonal relationships is still to be seen.
3. What does Thompson mean by the phrase "ambient" awareness"? What do YOU think are the specific pros and cons of living in an online world of "ambient awareness"? Do you accept Thompson's conclusion that "ambient awareness" can have some therapeutic effects - making you a "happier person, a calmer person," or are you more skeptical? Justify your position.
Ambient awareness as described in this article I liken to being able to watch someone, like a neighbor, without ever really meeting or getting to know them. You can see what they are doing, but you are an observer not an active participant in their daily life. I feel this way when I read a status update or a new posting on twitter. I feel a little like a peeping tom. I constantly know what my “friends” are up too, but only in an observer sense. I find the opposite of Thompson when it comes to the therapeutic part of the updates. The constant need to trim down what is happening/relevant in my life into less then 160 characters is stressful and frustrating. A majority of the time I feel overwhelmed by all the updates I receive. I am still trying to find a balance between active and passive participation.
Right now my status update is: Caitlin Pierce is trying to teach GUS how to pee in the litter box, not on it.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Maybe Google is Trying to Take Over...?
As a gmail user I received this update in my mailbox this morning and the more I learned the more I became frightened and puzzled. Google has developed and is now launching a feature, named CADIE, that learns from your style of email lingo and will respond to your messages for you. Read More.
Censored Chapters 7,8,9,10
Chapter 7
The conflict surrounding the Gaza Strip is something that I hear about on the news almost weekly, however the sound bytes I hear are always quick and skim the surface. I am still waiting for someone to do an in depth series that will help Americans, like myself, get a greater grasp on the history of this conflict. However I now know that there is little use in hoping to catch a non partisan special on this conflict. I also found it extremely surprising that the issue of the healthcare crisis wasn’t covered by more American new outlets.
My question: what terrible acts will it take to get people to reexamine this conflict and the underlying issues in today’s media climate?
Chapter 8
This chapter was especially interesting to me a young woman. I remember when the commercials for Gardasil started airing and I remember sitting down with my mom telling her that she needed to get my little sister and myself vaccinated. After waiting for our insurance policy to begin coverage on this drug both of us received the three part series of vaccinations. While I don’t regret getting the vaccination I have realized that there is so much to be learned about HPV that the commercials were not only misleading, but in some aspects irresponsible. The drug company pushing this product (Merck) was more concerned about scaring the public into acting than it was about truly educating them about HPV. For a disease that affects one in four women my age, education is the first step.
My question: if the drug company’s can create their own educational campaigns to coincide with the launch of their products, what can the public do to cut through the BS and get the real truth?
Chapter 9
I was confused by the GM radio deal talked about in this chapter. I know that it was challenged by Ralph Nader, but doesn’t that type of relationship violate a number of laws? I know we talked about this type of gray area bribery/kickbacks in earlier chapters of Media and Society, and didn’t we label these types of behavior illegal? However the most stomach turning part of this chapter was the section talking about the Lowell Sun’s birthday celebration paper dedicated almost entirely to Rep. Marty Meehan. Meehan managed to turn a newspaper into a full on PR dream spread without much of a fuss from the public.
My question: with all the PR and stealth advertising is there anyway to tell what is actually “real news” anymore?
Chapter 10
I drew a lot of connections between this chapter and my project censored story. It felt almost shameful that we allow executive orders like the ones talked about in story#5 to pass with little to no media coverage while people in other countries are loosing their freedom and even their lives to publish and read articles exposing injustices like those. I also feel embarrassed that so few Americans know anything about these executive orders or about the Terrorism/Patriot Act.
My question: When did America stop leading the way in freedom of the presses?
The conflict surrounding the Gaza Strip is something that I hear about on the news almost weekly, however the sound bytes I hear are always quick and skim the surface. I am still waiting for someone to do an in depth series that will help Americans, like myself, get a greater grasp on the history of this conflict. However I now know that there is little use in hoping to catch a non partisan special on this conflict. I also found it extremely surprising that the issue of the healthcare crisis wasn’t covered by more American new outlets.
My question: what terrible acts will it take to get people to reexamine this conflict and the underlying issues in today’s media climate?
Chapter 8
This chapter was especially interesting to me a young woman. I remember when the commercials for Gardasil started airing and I remember sitting down with my mom telling her that she needed to get my little sister and myself vaccinated. After waiting for our insurance policy to begin coverage on this drug both of us received the three part series of vaccinations. While I don’t regret getting the vaccination I have realized that there is so much to be learned about HPV that the commercials were not only misleading, but in some aspects irresponsible. The drug company pushing this product (Merck) was more concerned about scaring the public into acting than it was about truly educating them about HPV. For a disease that affects one in four women my age, education is the first step.
My question: if the drug company’s can create their own educational campaigns to coincide with the launch of their products, what can the public do to cut through the BS and get the real truth?
Chapter 9
I was confused by the GM radio deal talked about in this chapter. I know that it was challenged by Ralph Nader, but doesn’t that type of relationship violate a number of laws? I know we talked about this type of gray area bribery/kickbacks in earlier chapters of Media and Society, and didn’t we label these types of behavior illegal? However the most stomach turning part of this chapter was the section talking about the Lowell Sun’s birthday celebration paper dedicated almost entirely to Rep. Marty Meehan. Meehan managed to turn a newspaper into a full on PR dream spread without much of a fuss from the public.
My question: with all the PR and stealth advertising is there anyway to tell what is actually “real news” anymore?
Chapter 10
I drew a lot of connections between this chapter and my project censored story. It felt almost shameful that we allow executive orders like the ones talked about in story#5 to pass with little to no media coverage while people in other countries are loosing their freedom and even their lives to publish and read articles exposing injustices like those. I also feel embarrassed that so few Americans know anything about these executive orders or about the Terrorism/Patriot Act.
My question: When did America stop leading the way in freedom of the presses?
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