Writers on Writing

I chose an article titled, “Writers on Writing: Returning to Proust's World Stirs Remembrance," and it conveyed an author’s perspective on the writing. The article can be found at http://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/04/arts/04EPST.html. From what I understand, the author is saying that in life we look to other writers work to learn of their life experiences and opinions to base our own opinion. We read work by others and it helps us reflect on our own lives. But at some point later in life, as we continue to read and write our own stories, we begin to reflect on our own lives and experiences. I agree with that opinion and applied it to my experience with this course, Knowledge and New Media. Since this course started, yes, my perspective about a writer's responsibility in new media has changed. Until recently, I hadn’t realized the importance of needing to apply ethics to what is written online, shared via photo, multimedia or included in new media content. Like most people, I used to view social media environments as an outlet where I could express my own opinion and put my words out there for the world to see. Even though I am NOT journalist or have not officially dubbed myself as a writer, I know nothing but good can come out of applying ethics to my work so that it can be more widely accepted by others and make less of a negative impact. For example Kovach and Kosetiel confirmed that," Speed, in news, is the enemy of accuracy." This is taught me not just too blog, publish, or post pictures and video, without putting thought behind it and reconfirm my intentions. Plus if I am including work from other sources I need to realize that even if I'm passionate about a topic I must take time in verifying my sources and that I have properly check my facts. With my new writer's perspective, I have more ethical responsibilities than I thought. I am now aware that I must apply ethics regarding, confidentiality, honesty, privacy, truth, and social responsibilities. The repercussions of not applying at the guidelines, accepting responsibility for what I share or publish, might create disconnect and contribute to a breakdown of communication that I have with others. Because of the larger scale of readers and followers in a social Media environments, being ethically considerate of others will allow me to be better received and come across as less offensive, fair, and trustworthy. After completing this course, I am more confident with having an online presence, as a writer and creator of content, in social media environments.

Multimedia Tools

This is my logo for my health media new outlet, "Live 4 Life," that was mentioned in my press release that was posted on November 6th, 2013. The objective of my creation was to create a logo, or identity, for my brand. I wanted to include this as a part of my press release to introduce my health news outlet to the public. That way, if they search for me online or see and future publications created for, "Live 4 Life," it will start to become more recognizable to them. I created this image via Pixlr and chose this multimedia image over other multimedia content like videos, audio, or animation, because my logo as a part of my brand will be a constant on my online site and anything I publish. I felt it was important to brand first and then create or upload new media content to add personality to my news outlet as needed to bring my information to life. This multimedia outlet enhances my message because, in a unique way, illustrates my vision- LOVE for life, represented by the image of a HEART, and EKG line representing LIFE, and images that covey people or souls that are energetic, happy, and rejoicing for health. I also wanted this image to be colorful and be unique.

Best Practices

For this particular blog entry, I chose to take a closer look at different blogger sites that were inspired by food. Many of the food blogger sites I reviewed were similar, but at the same time were unique. However, there was one site that showcased blogs in a very appealing and appetizing way. The site is called Delish. The blog I chose to analyze is called Bitter Sweet. The author's name is anonymous, but it was noted that she is an 18 year old who is full of personality, that combines her love for food in a fun way. Additionally, she is a vegan who creatively uses her camera to capture her recipes, which brings them to life. There are several best practices regarding function and substance (keeping writing and information delivery in mind) that I took away from this blog that would add value to any blog I create in the future, no matter the topic. I took note of the writing style. I could tell that she took time to think about what she wanted to say, before she said it, and writes clearly so that her thoughts can be received easily. Because her recipes are ones she has chosen because she likes them, she shares them in a neutral way that lacks bias, and allows the reader to draw from her posts what the will, instead of feeling forced to see things the way she does. Indirectly with this writing style I can relate the Food Blogger’s Code of Ethics clauses of being civil, transparent, and being responsible. The information is delivered in a easy to read format. Graphics and things are kept to a minimum and do not detract from her words and food photos, which are the focal point of her blog. Another key point is her posts are not overloaded with text and are not too wordy, offering substance that is just right. She highlights finished products that are sure to entice vegans and non-vegans alike. The creator of Bitter Sweet made a great decision to choose a home for her blog, on the Delish.com, where many “foodies” look for new recipes, ideas, and share their own food experiences as well. Please check out the blog! I have included links below. http://www.delish.com/ http://bittersweetblog.com/

Press Release

Live 4 Life: Is Bringing Healthy Back! New Online Holistic Health Advocacy Program Has Roots in Tampa Bay! TAMPA FLORIDA, Nov 6, 2013/LIVE 4LIFE/- " The success stories are multiplying for those who have been able to adopt a healthier, more holistic, enjoyable lifestyles by way of Live 4 Life!" Tampa Bay area resident, Lauren Jones, is the founder of "Live 4 Life, a holistic health advocacy program, that is centered on the idea that if you know better you will do and feel better. Her insight and ability to assist those in their quest for a healthy, balanced lifestyle is taking the Internet by storm. Live 4 Life offers an online interactive environment where innovative food recipes, exercise plans, and the renowned, "food for your soul" blog, can be accessed from anyplace, anywhere. Lauren has also worked closely with The Tampa Florida Department of Health and funded assistance programs like, Healthy Start, prioritizing wellness services for children, persons with disabilities, and households with low income single parents with children. About LIVE 4LIFE Since Live 4 Life's inception in 2011, more than 100,000 subscribers and followers have attain new levels of health and peace of mind. Lauren is a graduate of the University of South Florida, in Tampa, and looks forward to giving back locally, as well as, utilizing the Internet to connect with the world and empower all to eat healthy, find balance between mind and body, and ultimately Live 4 Life! Contact: LAUREN JONES LIVE 4LIFE Phone: (000) 123-4567 CUSTOMERCARE@LIVE4LIFE.COM WWW.LIVE4LIFE.COM

Social Media Tools

There are two social media tools that I have not used before and decided to try them out. The first social media tool is Blogger. I have never created a public blog before, nor have I visited or followed a site dedicated to blogging. I was introduced to Blogger, and blogging, at about two months ago at the beginning of this course. The concept seemed straight forward and easy to use. This social media tools provided a neutral space that I could personalize by design and content. Even though my entries are related to this course right now, I do see the potential and opportunity that I have to voice other interests and views that I have with others. The second social media tool I tried out for the first time is Google+. I recently upgraded my Smartphone, being a long standing loyal Blackberry user, and switched to the Samsung Galaxy. Google+ was a social media tool I had never heard of or used before, and as of last week tried it out for the first time. It is very similar to Blogger in the sense that I also have a free space to personalize with photos and various posts as I see fit. The one thing that was, and still is slightly confusing to me, is how interconnected Google+ is with other social media networks. It would frustrate me when I would log into Gmail or YouTube that I was automatically signed in to Google+ and other apps simultaneously. After exploring the site, I realized there was added convenience to a certain extent. While I am logged into to Gmail or Google, my searches, frequent sites visited, favorites, music, friends, and photos, are organized in a space set aside for me. Google+ makes it easier to navigate the Internet and do things more quickly because of how it organizes my social life. Of the two social media sites, I would say that Google+ offers me that extra special something that would allow me to reach audiences more effectively. Not only do I have the ability to streamline the personal interests, sites, music, photos, and people that are close to me on one site or page, I can stay tuned in to a wider variety of topics and happenings that are related to me or related to people I am connected with. Also, even though I can always log into Blogger and do almost the same thing, Google is the heartbeat of my Smartphone. So many other people like me also have this phone and use of Google social media; therefore there is a greater audience that I have access to and them to me. In the end, Google+ has a greater power to connect emotions (via pictures, music, friends/family), personality (leaving free spaces for opinions, interests, and blogs, and broadens communications with others by continuously updating your friends about what you doing, saying, and like), as well as, suggesting and introducing you to others that potentially share your same interests. I think Google+ increases my chances of reaching audiences most effectively.

Unrestricted Web Publishing

Today’s blog post is regarding this week’s assignment, which was to visit each source online, evaluate its credibility based on the guidelines set in Criteria to Evaluate the Credibility of WWW Resources, and draft a blog post that briefly states a potential impact of unrestricted web publishing through mass media as it relates to this article. 

More than ever, a spot light is being shined on healthcare reform in the United States and the great things it can do for costs. However, the spot light is not being shined as brightly on impoverished Americans, who even with reforms to Medicare programs, are still at a loss in receiving consistent, affordable, quality healthcare. Many of those deemed as impoverished in this country are women with children. Surprisingly, there are more Americans who are between the ages of 19-64 who do not have children or dependents and are overlooked for that fact, leaving them unable to get the assistance they need to seek medical resources.

For this blog post, I chose an online article published by the New York Times titled, “It’s not only Mothers and Children.” It mentions that even with changes to the current healthcare reform law, people who earn too little to buy subsidized coverage are exempt from receiving quality healthcare. Affected are over 8 million Americans who live in 26 (mostly Republican-led) states.

What I found to be unique about this article, unlike other articles I reviewed, is that this article does not just have one author. This article is an editorial piece that was written by The New York Times Editorial Board. The Editorial Board consists of 17 journalists with wide ranging areas of education, expertise, and work experience. Do to the extensive credentials and amount of journalists involved, here is a link to their bios:

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/opinion/editorialboard.html#AndrewRosenthal 

The New York Times, and the Editorial Board, both have a long standing proven track record of reporting valid and accurate news and deemed by the public to be one of the more credible sources of news reporting today. Even though this article did not have cited sources or links to refer to specifically, each of these journalists can be considered to be a reporter-source based on their credentials alone. Even though they all have managed to build up their credibility via the sources they rely on for their information, the great track record they have established is validated by their basis of knowledge and work experience. Kovach and Kosentiel (2010) remind us that, “credentials alone are insufficient.” Since specific sources could not be found explaining where facts and figures in the article came from, more time must be taken to look more closely at the author(s).

Strictly relating to this article, the potential impact of unrestricted web publishing through mass media can be detrimental to the effectiveness of relaying information, the credibility to The New York Times, and to the authors. A website that was established and centered around reporting news accurately that prides itself in publishing works created by well-established journalists has more potential as being seen as credible than this article being post on a personal homepage, by a company on a commercial site, or a professional site. Such sites tend to be filled with bias and special/personal agendas and may detract from a credible publication like this above mentioned article.

THE EDITORIAL BOARD. "It's Not Only Mothers and Children." New York Times. N.p., 12 Oct. 2013. Web. 13 Oct. 2013. <http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/13/opinion/sunday/its-not-only-mothers-and-children.html>.

Social Media and Truth

During my last year as an undergraduate I developed a new awareness about myself and about life in general. One of the questions I would contemplate over for hours was, “How do I know what I know?” Do I know what I know based on what I have been told to think? Was it truly based on my own personal experiences? How much of me does truly drive what I know? In this digital age, journalism and media are so much a part of popular culture today and with television programming and new media pushing agenda’s and doing things to seek profit, more openly, it is hard to say with conviction that what I know about things are based on fact, and not beliefs, upside down perceptions, and delusions.

Last week I found myself in a situation that presented a great opportunity for me to take a step back and ask myself these very questions. A few of my friends have interests in details regarding, “conspiracy theories,” such as ones like the Illuminati and are concerned with news regarding the new world order, Illuminati symbolism (its use in pop culture and the music industry), and end of world prophecy. They insisted I watch some videos via YouTube that explained how the Illuminati is bringing to pass this one world order and how they are influencing popular culture. They also pointed out specific channels and videos that incorporated,  music video examples, breaking world new events, and biblical references. Pop stars like Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Katie Perry, as well as, rappers like JayZ, Little Wayne, and Kanye West were the featured artists in most of these videos. The common symbolism, actions, personal, political, and financial connections that were being pointed out, coupled with current worldwide breaking news and noted historical happenings of the past, was shocking and began to overwhelm me emotionally .

        I began to find myself believing what I was seeing, hearing, and reading. My eyes have never been opened so wide. I was mortified! It seemed like everything pointed out made sense. Clearly it was researched, and there was objectivity to it and sources that were used behind the scenes were made known and noted. I did not know initially about all that was being explained to me, but I had heard things in the past about them before. I accepted the information as being  valid even though it was collectively one point of view.

       The starting point of me pursuing more information did begin with the sources and resources used for the videos and other details referred to in there vlogs. Published articles and news broadcastings were available in new media formats on Internet news/journalism sites like, Time magazine, CNN, and BBC. Additionally, I was able to locate transcripts of lectures, books written by people high up in the music industry, as well as. those who had first-hand dealings with being involved in the Illuminati agendas and groups.

       There is so much information and at the same time there is so much that is unknown about this topic. It is hard to say what is true and what is not. I do think that in some instances, social media sites are credible sources for obtaining valid information. I feel that there is naturally a difference in the way credible information is reported, as opposed to unsubstantiated, bias that has a high entertainment factor. Those reporting more truthfully and adhering to ethics tend to be more transparent with where they are pulling information from and are willing to disclose resources. Those that invest in truly reporting and sharing information via all media channels want to inform and educate people about events or reality in general. A true investment in empowering others with the facts, requires a commitment to ethics. I understand that the creators of these videos do want me to see their point of view, but I did not feel pushed or forced into thinking and feeling only what they thought. I was still able to draw my own conclusion and seek out materials to gain my own deeper understanding.

       In the end, before I get overly consumed by this topic, or anything I come across on social media sites, I have to remember the awareness I have about deciphering the kind of content I am reading, or listening to, and make sure that I am applying the ways of skeptical knowing to make sure the position, or view I end up choosing, is well founded.