Multimedia Tools

Multimedia is the combined use of several media, such as sound and full-motion video in computer applications.  It can be the finishing touch to one’s blog, website, or online resume when advertising a personal or professional image.  I would describe it as the “bells and whistles” of a particular online platform.   Adding multimedia can enhance an individual’s online messaging.  This can be through videos, infographics, audio, moving text, podcasts, photos, slideshows, and other multimedia options.  Multimedia content often goes viral quicker than other online content since it is visually appealing.  There are several programs and online sites that can help develop multimedia.  They include YouTube, GarageBand, iMovie, and even a program as basic as PowerPoint.  Individuals can enhance his or her personal brand message by adding a quick video, giving more information or displaying his or her strengths.  By replacing a cover letter with a quick video pitch, job seekers can showcase skills and abilities lost in translation in a traditional resume (Lagunas, 2012).  Videos provide employers with more of a personal approach to a resume.  Blogs and online resumes can often look the same.  However, adding infographics can add visual “spice.”  “Presenting a recruiter with a more visually stimulating overview of experience and qualifications can go a long way in setting a candidate apart (Lagunas, 2012). 

Companies can benefit from and advertise their message by using online videos as well.  “The real trick is adding multimedia that enriches your site, product, or brand without taking away from your company’s core message and aesthetic (Sniderman, 2010).”  Multimedia has sometimes been described as mobile marketing.  Webcasting and hosting videos can be used as advertising pieces for a company if designed appropriately.  Webcasts broadcast the company’s message by promoting products and gaining business exposure.  Using YouTube to create videos related to a particular brand is a very effective tactic for brands attempting to broadcast their message.  YouTube is a free service that creates videos capable of being shared on different online media platforms including blogs, social media, websites, and many more.      

               I believe that videos and webcasts are more effective than other multimedia platforms since they are visually appealing to online users.  Videos and webcasts provide rich online content and can potentially boost traffic to one’s site.  Both multimedia tools can easily be shared on other sites, advertising the message even further spreading the message.

               Google uses many different animations on its homepage.  These animations are called Google Doodles.  Google Doodles are the fun, surprising and sometimes spontaneous changes that are made to the Google logo to celebrate holidays, anniversaries, and the lives of famous artists, pioneers and scientists (Google, 2014).  These small animations attract the user’s attention when he or she visits Google’s homepage.  Some of the animations include animated GIFs, videos, and interactive games.  I believe that Google uses Doodles to make the user’s searching experience, whatever he or she may be searching for, more entertaining. 

               Domino’s is another company that uses multimedia to enhance their messaging.  Domino’s president issued a video apology to win back the trust of the public after a social media outrage over a video showing its employees acting in a highly unhygienic manner (Arora, 2013).  This video delivered a more personal touch to Domino’s customers since it was the actual president speaking.  Text only would not have been nearly as effective to deliver their message in a situation such as this. 

               Multimedia has provided individuals and companies with another option to enhance messages.  With the creation of new tools and interactive programs, I believe multimedia will constitute the majority of online content. 

References

Arora, Vineet. "3 Innovative Examples of Multimedia Use in PR and External Communications." N.p., 14 May 2013. Web. 30 Oct. 2014. <https%3A%2F%2Fwww.executiveboard.com%2Fblogs%2F3-innovative-examples-of-multimedia-use-in-pr-and-external-communications%2F>.

Lagunas, Kyle. "Can Multimedia Enhance Your Resume Message?" N.p., 2 Apr. 2012. Web. 30 Oct. 2014. <http://www.jobjenny.com/the-blog/2012/4/2/can-multimedia-enhance-your-resume-message.html>.

Multimedia. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved October 30, 2014, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/multimedia

Sniderman, Zachary. "HOW TO: Add Multimedia to Your Blog." N.p., 28 July 2010. Web. 30 Oct. 2014. <http://mashable.com/2010/07/28/add-multimedia-to-blog/>.

Best Practices

A blog that I follow and in which I am particularly interested is Miriam Kamin’s personal blog.  Miriam Kamin is a blogger that expresses her feelings and shares personal life stories directly on her blog.  She started blogging about her life when it was turned upside down during a divorce.  I thoroughly enjoy reading her posts, because I feel as if I am emotionally connected to her through her writing.  Miriam does an excellent job of communicating feelings through her blog posts.  By doing so, she gives the reader a mental image of her, which is a writing style that is unique for some bloggers.  Readers often prefer these writing styles rather than professional blogs, because these styles cause the reader to be more involved and feel more connected.  Creating uniqueness in blogging is a quality that allows the blogger to claim their distinction in the blogging world.  I believe she chose this technique to keep the reader’s attention, leaving them anticipating her next intriguing blog.  She uses imagery as a part of her writing style and posts several images along with descriptive text, giving the reader a more visual approach to her blog.  Miriam continues to post about her life, her children, other people involved in her life, and her pets.  Miriam is constantly posting road bumps and “real-life” problems to which parents (specifically mothers) can relate.  She uses humor in the majority of her posts, which engages the reader by providing to them another personal touch, laughter.  I believe a function of this blog as well as Miriam’s intent is to provide support, similar to a support group, to mothers.  Something else that is accomplished is that the reader can relate to and often learn from Miriam’s blog.  Another function of her blog includes providing self-therapy.  Often, writers feel a release of stress as well as a connection to others through blogging. 

As far as structuring her blog, Miriam keeps her blog design very clean and simple.  This is imperative for a blogger in order to have a professional look while maintaining the overall theme.  Miram chose WordPress as her blogging platform, which is an easy-to-use, common blogging site.  Any reader can easily navigate around her site.  She keeps her grammar, spelling, and writing techniques in mind when posting.  Miriam is a regular blogger but does not post on a daily basis.  “Posting just to be posting” is a turnoff for many readers, and Miriam does not tend to conform to this writing style.  I believe that this is an effective technique of hers, because she does not stray from the substance of her blog.  If interested in following Miriam’s life events, check out her blog at http://wouldashoulda.com/.

Joe Paterno's Death

                                                                                    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Morgan McClain

SNHU Communications Coordinator

Southern New Hampshire University

morgan.mcclain@snhu.edu

After a battle with lung cancer, at the age of 85, Joe Paterno, also known as JoePa, left this world, leaving behind a legacy at Penn State.   Paterno passed away in a hospital bed in State College, PA.  Joe spent 61 years of his life coaching football at Penn State.  Part of his legacy included his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.   After George H. W. Bush heard of Paterno’s passing, he stated, " Paterno was an outstanding American who was respected not only on the field of play but in life generally—and he was, without a doubt, a true icon in the world of sports."  Although JoePa was terminated from his long coaching career at Penn State as a result of his involvement with in the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse scandal, he will always be remembered for the contributions he made to football.   

Facebook post: I was very saddened to hear of the loss of the legendary Penn State coach, Joe Paterno.  JoePa will be missed by the entire football community.  His legend will live on, not only in the immediate area of Penn State, but across the nation.  Football fans throughout America will always remember JoePa.  #ripjoepa   

Social Media Tools

1. Texting

Texting has become one of the most rapidly growing forms of communication in the past decade.  It is described as the nonverbal communication between one mobile user to another.  Texting instead of calling can be timesaving.  Often when a phone call is placed, more conversation is had than what is absolutely necessary.  When the conversation is via text, fewer words are used, thus getting right to the point.  Information delivery is enhanced through texting not only by saving time but also by creating accuracy.  Often when words are spoke, misinterpretation occurs.  However, when text messaging is used and the words are typed, there is less room for error.  Auto correct is a tool that is used on most devices and automatically corrects the messages for the individual.  Auto correct is also a time saver.  On Apple products, another handy tool is dictation.  This tool allows users to speak their text messages into the phone and the device automatically converts the user’s words into text.  Another advantage of texting is that an individual can place votes, make donations, and receive coupons as well as store alerts through texts.  I believe that texting is one of the most effective and easiest forms of communication today. 

http://www.pbs.org/idealab/2012/01/pew-studies-the-power-of-text-based-donations-after-haiti-quake011/   

2. Mobile

Mobile incorporates the use of a cell phone for searching the web and downloading apps.  Launching a web browser via a mobile device is a timesaving technique.  It allows users to quickly navigate to the Internet without having to be on a desktop or laptop.  The individual does not have to be at their home with a wifi connection, which makes the use of mobile browsers much more convenient.  Several times while out running errands, I have needed an address or phone number for a business.  I immediately did a quick Google search for the business and was able to easily access the information.  In years past, I would have had to locate a phone book, which would have taken much longer.  Also, I can’t begin to count the number of times I have used the web on my phone for online shopping, reading news articles, and finding coupons quickly.  The use of a mobile device creates efficiency in the user’s life.  Another asset to using a mobile device involves the downloading of applications.  Millions of apps are available for download.  Society is constantly striving for timesaving techniques, and once again, apps provide just that.  For example, I often use the redbox app to rent movies.  Through the redbox app, I am able to browse the choice of movies or games, make my selections, and proceed with the transaction.  The redbox DVD is then waiting on me when I arrive at my local redbox location.   Through the redbox app, I am able to bypass typing in the website and logging into my account.  Since it is on a mobile device and mobile devices use location services, the app automatically locates where the user is and displays the closest redbox locations.

http://www.redbox.com/mobile

http://www.olivegarden.com/home

3. Twitter

“Twitter is an online social networking service that enables users to send and read short 140-character messages called "tweets".  Registered users can read and post tweets, but unregistered users can only read them (Wikipedia, 2014).”  One advantage of Twitter is that it can be a resource for developing a better understanding of a company while job searching.  Another advantage involves the breaking news that Twitter reports.  Users can easily find out what the rest of the population is talking about by viewing “what’s trending.”  This social media site can also provide information on a certain subject simply through using a hashtag.  Individuals can search for a hashtag, and several tweets that involve the hashtag will be displayed.  Twitter is also a social media platform that allows users to share their views and opinions and possibly just whatever is on their mind.  Twitter can be very beneficial for companies in today’s society as well, because a large number of the population is active on Twitter.  This platform can be an easy way to promote a professional brand, engage with consumers, and provide customer service to individuals in a cost-effective way. 

 

https://twitter.com/search?q=Ebola&src=tren&lang=en

References:

Heatwole, Anne-Ryan. "Idea Lab." PBS. PBS, 12 Jan. 2012. Web. 08 Oct. 2014.

"Redbox Mobile | Redbox Kiosk Locator | IPhone App, Android App and SMS | New Movie Releases on Your Mobile Device." Redbox.com. Redbox, n.d. Web. 08 Oct. 2014.

"Discover The New Olive Garden℠." Olive Garden Italian Restaurant. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Oct. 2014.

"Twitter." Twitter. Twitter, 9 Oct. 2014. Web. 9 Oct. 2014.

"New Media Tools." New Media Tools. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Oct. 2014.

Module 3: Unrestricted Web Publishing

My chosen article is “What to Do When a Patient Admits an H.I.V. Phobia” from The New York Times health section.  Below, I have tracked the sources and provided insight as to why I believe they are credible based on the guidance from “Criteria to Evaluate the Credibility of WWW Resources.” 

HIV/AIDS in the Health Guide of The New York Times
This source comes from The New York Times website, a news site, under the Health Guide.  The article was referenced from A.D.A.M., Inc.  It is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).  The article was written within the last year, and several health professors have reviewed it.  A.D.A.M.’s copyright is also attached to the bottom of the article.  There are no clues as to the fact that this article is biased.  Two credible books were used as sources for the article.  The references of the medical books are below.  I believe that HIV/AIDS could be fully covered with WWW sources.

Quinn TC. Epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds.Goldman’s Cecil Medicine . 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 392.

Sterling TR, Chaisson RE. General clinical manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus infection (including the acute retroviral syndrome and oral, cutaneous, renal, ocular, metabolic, and cardiac diseases). In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Churchill-Livingstone; 2009:chap 121.

Phobia definition in the Heath Guide of The New York Times
Phobia is defined on The New York Times website, a news site, under the Heath Guide.  The article was referenced from A.D.A.M., Inc.  It is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).  The article provides the reader with the option of discovering more information on “phobia” that can be found on other sites. The article is fairly current, dating 3/7/2012.  It has been reviewed by a number of medical doctors.  A.D.A.M.’s copyright is attached in the reference section of the article at the bottom, providing additional credibility.  There is no information in the article showing bias.  One medical book was used as a reference, Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry.  WWW sources are sufficient enough for the definition of phobia.

Taylor CT, Pollack MH, LeBeau RT, Simon NM. Anxiety disorders: Panic, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety. In: Stern TA, Rosenbaum JF, Fava M, Biederman J, Rauch SL, eds. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry . 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2008:chap 32. 

Pascal's wager and the hanging of crepe
This source can be referenced from Pub Med, a government website sponsored by the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health.  It is a citation of biomedical literature from MEDLINE.  The author is clearly stated at the top of the site.  The reader can find more information on medical research, clinical trials, and other medical articles written by the author if he/she chooses by simply clicking on the author’s name.  The author is not biased in any part of the article. The citation, Pascal's wager and the hanging of crepe, comes from the 1975 paper.  The information is derived from the 1975 paper, so it is not current.  However, the article from The New York Times is simply referencing a theory from the 1975 paper of a credible philosopher of the time, Pascal.  The source’s information is listed in the full text citation on The New England Journal of Medicine’s website, which is an organization website.  Print sources would provide balance to the article.     

A potential negative impact of doctors treating patients who are fearful that they have H.I.V. is that those patients are possibly receiving treatment that is unnecessary.  Time, money, and energy are wasted throughout the process.  The physical aspect of the treatment for one who does not need to receive it can be exhausting and financially burdening.

References
Zuger, Abigail. "What to Do When a Patient Admits an H.I.V. Phobia." Well What to Do When a Patient Admits an HIV Phobia Comments. The New York Times, 15 Sept. 2014. Web. 19 Sept. 2014.

Siegler, Mark. "Result Filters." National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 23 Oct. 1975. Web. 19 Sept. 2014.

Siegler, Mark. "Pascal's Wager and the Hanging of Crepe." The New England Journal of Medicine. The New England Journal of Medicine, 23 Oct. 1975. Web. 19 Sept. 2014. 

Social Media and Truth

How do you know what you know?
I am a firm believer that I know what I know today because of the education that I have received as well as my surroundings, the advancement in technology, and those who mentor and influence me. Although I would admit that sometimes what I think I know isn’t always true.  

Name one new thing you learned using a social media site today and explain why you believe it is true.
Today, just by logging in and doing my daily check of Facebook, I learned that Prince William and Kate are expecting their second child.  I believe that this source is true because I watched The Today Show, which had a news reporter live on the scene at Kensington Palace.  There have been numerous other news sites as well as social media pages that have confirmed this announcement to be true and legitimate.  

What source did you use to acquire this information?
I used Facebook to require the information regarding Price William and Kate's pregnancy.

At times, are social media sites reliable for obtaining credible information?
I do not always believe that social media sites are factual.  I would say that several times the "breaking news" has been altered at least a tad bit on social media.  This was apparent in the missing Malaysia Airlines flight.  I remember seeing several posts reporting that the airplane had been found and that some of its passengers were still alive when, sadly, none of this was true.

Murray, Matt. "Prince William, Duchess Kate Expecting Baby No. 2: We’re 'thrilled'" TODAY. TODAY, 8 Sept. 2014. Web. 09 Sept. 2014