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.