Module Nine: Multimedia

How Does Multimedia Enhance Our Messaging? 

"A website without multimedia is like a cupcake without icing: Functional but lacking."(Sniderman, 2010, para. 1).

(twopeasandtheirpod.com, 2012)

Multimedia enhances messaging by making it more sensual, and thus interactive. The reader feels like a part of the story, experiencing related sounds and imagery. Multimedia holds the readers' attention, breaking up large blocks of text with a captivating video, photo, or audio. Sometimes multimedia even improves readers' understanding. Charts and graphs assist visual learners in both comprehension and analysis. Multimedia really is "the icing on the cake;" it takes the narrative up a notch.

Are Certain Multimedia Techniques More Effective Than Others? 

The most effective multimedia technique depends on the topic and audience. For example, a blog post that highlights a recipe would likely not benefit from audio. Readers would prefer to see photos of the meal progressing and/or a video tutorial. (See image to the right, below.)

(twopeasandtheirpod.com, 2014)

Likewise, writers don't want to overwhelm readers with too much multimedia, as doing so will have the opposite effect—the audience will find the piece to be too busy, causing them to ignore the content. 

Examples of Effective Usage of Multimedia

This week, we read "Snow Fall: The Avalanche at Tunnel Creek" by John Branch. The author uses multimedia in a very effective way, particularly videos, slideshows, and photos. Each multimedia choice enhances the message, contributing to the compelling tale of nature's power and human survival. Some of the videos even play automatically as you scroll down the page. Part Two of this piece contains little head shots near the names of each expert skier who met up with one another. This small, but meaningful, multimedia decision helps the reader put a name to a face. Branch's placement is also key, as he doesn't flood the reader with competing mediums.

On the same note, let's consider Apple—one of the most innovative companies of our time—and their webpage on the iPad Air 2. Learning about this mobile device is like watching a movie. The layout is clean, user-friendly, and engaging. The imagery, complemented by the graphical display of need-to-know stats, is sleek. The audience has the opportunity to watch videos, including the keynote's speech at a recent Apple Special Event. The reader doesn't have to work for the information; it's all right there for you, in an interesting, aesthetically pleasing way. 

References

Apple, Inc. (2014). iPad Air 2. [webpage]. Retrieved from http://www.apple.com/ipad-air-2/

Branch, J. (2012). "Snow Fall: The Avalanche at Tunnel Creek." The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/projects/2012/snow-fall/#/?part=tunnel-creek

Sniderman, Z. (2010). "HOW TO: Add Multimedia to Your Blog." Mashable. Retrieved from http://mashable.com/2010/07/28/add-multimedia-to-blog/Two Peas & Their Pod. (2012). Brown Butter Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting. [digital image]. Retrieved from http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/brown-butter-pumpkin-cupcakes-with-salted-caramel-frosting/

Two Peas & Their Pod. (2014). Crispy Chocolate Chip Crunch Oatmeal Cookies. [digital image. Retrieved from http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/crispy-chocolate-chip-crunch-oatmeal-cookies/

Module 8: Blog Best Practices

Choose a blog and analyze the functions and substance of the blog as a form of writing and information delivery. In your opinion, what are the “best practices” when creating a blog to ensure appropriate form, function, and substance?

Julie Fagan
Peanut Butter Fingers
(2013, About)

Peanut Butter Fingers was created by Julie Fagan in 2009. She updates her personal healthy living blog daily to share stories from her life, “fueled by (mostly) health food and fitness” (Fagan, 2013, About).

Her blog appeals to women, particularly twenty-somethings, but can also extend to girls in their late teens or women in their 30s-40s. Many people are focused on health and wellness, especially nutritious foods and challenging workouts, and Julie’s blog is a great place to get tried-and-true information. 

With so many options out there, it’s nice to hear directly from someone who has tested recipes and performed certain workout routines. Julie makes it easy for her readers, developing printable workout plans and recipes cards.

Functions: This blog functions as a daily lifestyle read for young women and women respectively. Julie’s blog inspires readers to be physically active and healthy. Peanut Butter Fingers also serves as a credible source on items ranging from makeup to furniture to fitness. Julie’s honest reviews are well-respected by readers, allowing them to make informed decisions without having to scour the internet.

Substance: In addition to focusing on health and wellness, Julie also offers fashion advice and delicious, simple recipes. She discusses her favorite products, from snacks to makeup, and often provides gift guides around the holidays. Additionally, she gives readers a sneak peek at her daily life, including dinner dates with her husband Ryan and hikes with her spunky Vizsla Sadie. I've been reading Julie's blog for a few years now, and she honestly feels more like a friend than a woman I've never met.

Best Practices to Ensure Appropriate Form, Function, & Substance: I'm a big fan of blogs, and I read many on a daily basis. Combining my personal experience with what I've learned in COM-510, I believe the following practices are the most important in creating a successful blog:

• Know your audience, and appeal to them
• Understand who's reading your blog (age, gender, hobbies, etc.), and include information that appeals to them.
• Engage readers
• Ask readers to share their thoughts in the comments section; ask readers real questions that you need feedback on; offer giveaways.
• Publish often
• Building a good online relationship requires strong communication, just like an in-person friendship; stick to a publishing schedule so your readers can expect when to hear from you.
• Be true to yourself, and be honest with your readers
• For example, if you were paid to review a product, don’t rave about it simply because you’re receiving compensation.
• Be an active participant on social media
• Don't use your blog as your sole method of connecting with readers; share photos on Instagram; set up and use Twitter and Facebook; stay current and keep pace with new technology.
• Develop a professional site
• Your blog should look polished, free of spelling and grammar errors; ensure the layout is user-friendly and visually appealing; make sure you're using a stable tool with solid tech support.

While this list is certainly not all-inclusive, I also know blog readers appreciate a sense of brevity :) For more ideas on how to launch a successful blog, visit this page.

Screenshot of PB Fingers.com
Retrieved October 22, 2014

Resources

Chelidonis, I. (n.d.). 12 Steps to Launch a Successful Blog. DAILYBLOGTIPS. Retrieved October 22, 2014 from http://www.dailyblogtips.com/steps-to-successful-blog/

Fagan, J. (2013). Peanut Butter Fingers. [blog]. Retrieved from pbfingers.com

Fagan, J. (2013). Peanut Butter Fingers. Julie Fagan headshot. [digital image]. Retrieved from pbfingers.com

Module Seven: Facebook Post Announcing Joe Paterno's Death

Facebook Post

January 22, 2012: Legendary Football Coach Joe Paterno “JoePa” dies at 85. If you love football or simply watch the news, you've certainly heard his name--most recently in the Penn State scandal. How will you remember JoePa? Has his reputation been tarnished, or do his positive contributions outweigh the allegations? #joepa #pennstate

Module Seven: Joe Paterno's Death Press Release

Legendary Football Coach Joe Paterno “JoePa”
Dead at 85

Paterno in his college days
(Donahue, 2012).

January 22, 2012 - On Sunday, January 22, 2012, Joe Paterno, better known as “JoePa,” died of lung cancer at approximately 9:25 a.m., surrounded by his family.

Penn State Scandal
While Penn State students, alumni, and football fans idolized Paterno, others knew him from the recent scandal surrounding Jerry Sandusky. Allegations against Paterno claim he “failed to respond forcefully enough to a sex abuse scandal” involving former Graduate Assistant Mike McQueary...Fired in November 2011, Paterno was "distraught" over the situation (CNN Wire Staff, 2012).



Life and Times

• Born: December 21, 1926, in Brooklyn, New York
• Early Life: Served in the U.S. Army during World War II 
• College: Brown University
• Football: Brown Quarterback who led his team to a 8-1 season in his senior year
• First Gig: 1950 - Assistant Coach of Penn State Football
• Moving On Up: 1966 - Head Coach of Penn State Football
• Career Highlights: 
• Two undefeated regular seasons in 1968 and 1969
• Two National Championships in 1982 and 1986
• Sportsman of the Year honor from Sports Illustrated in 1986
• In 46 seasons, led his team to 37 bowl appearances with 24 wins
• 409th career win in 2011 made him the leader in career wins for Division I coaches
• Personal Life: 
• Married Suzanne Pohland in 1962
• 5 children, all of whom later became graduates of Penn State
• 17 grandchildren
• Remembered For: 
• Developing Penn State’s football program into a national powerhouse
• Preparing roughly 350 of his players for the NFL
• Being a strong supporter of Penn State, donating more than $4 million during his time there.

Joe Paterno
(Biography.com, 2014)

"He died as he lived. He fought hard until the end, stayed positive, thought only of others and constantly reminded everyone of how blessed his life had been ... He was a man devoted to his family, his university, his players and his community." - Family Statement

How will you remember JoePa? Share your thoughts in the comments.

(ESPN, 2012)
Resources

CNN Wire Staff. (2012, January 22). Legendary Penn State coach Paterno dead at 85. CNN U.S. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/22/us/pennsylvania-obit-paterno/

CNN Library. (2014, September 18). Penn State Scandal Fast Facts. CNN U.S. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/28/us/penn-state-scandal-fast-facts/

Donohue, Ed. (2012, January 30). The Joe Paterno I Remember. Joe-Paterno-Brown [digital image]. Retrieved from http://www.vuhoops.com/2012/01/30/the-joe-paterno-i-remember

ESPN (2012, January 22). Remembering Joe Paterno [YouTube]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VlB_gLvCHU

Joseph Vincent Paterno. (2014). The Biography.com website. Retrieved from http://www.biography.com/people/joe-paterno-9434584.

Joseph Vincent Paterno. (2014). The Biography.com website. [digital image]. Retrieved from http://www.biography.com/people/joe-paterno-9434584.

Module 6: Social Media Tools

Check out the tools found here. Choose 3 that you want to write about. Discuss the tool, what it does, how it can enhance information delivery, and link to one really good example of the tool in use.

1) Social Network Sites

What are they? “Social networking sites are online communities that allow you to share information about yourself and your program with clients, colleagues, family, and friends” (aids.gov, 2013, Social Network Sites). 

How can they enhance information delivery? These tools are very popular with “67% of online adults [using] social networking sites. Facebook [had] one billion active users as of October 2012; and 584 million users log on to the site [each day]” (aids.gov, 2013, Social Network Sites). With this level of engagement, these tools enhance information delivery by reaching the masses on a daily basis. Social networking sites are interactive, allowing users to be active participants, from “Like”ing posts to sharing articles. This fulfills society's desire to connect with one another. Social media “builds awareness, strengthens relationships with readers, and increases online readership of story links. [It’s] where readers are shifting their attention” (Vermont Songbird, tumblr).

Good example of the tool in use: Nordstrom uses social networking sites very well. On Facebook, they have 2,869,687 "Likes." On Twitter, they have 505,016 followers. Using both sites, they post and tweet beautiful photos, announcements, upcoming deals, and even respond to customer inquiries. Their social networking sites are visually appealing, while also allowing customers to interact with one another—commenting on clothes, sharing advertisements with friends, and asking questions to the company directly.

2) Mobile

What is it? “Mobile is a way of viewing, receiving, and/or sending information to and from cellular phones and other wireless devices. Mobile encompasses many things—the mobile web, mobile applications, and text messaging” (aids.gov, 2013, Mobile). 

How does it enhance information delivery? Mobile is a highly effective means of communicating. Most people are constantly on-the-go, so smartphones have become their primary source of news. “45% of all adults in the U.S. own a smartphone, and 80% of cell phone users send or receive text messages” (aids.gov, 2013, Mobile). With so many news consumers connected to their devices 24-7, mobile messaging and advertising is a great way to reach an audience. It’s almost impossible to ignore mobile messages. Likewise, mobile web and mobile applications are efficient, simplistic, trendy, and therefore—popular. 

Good example of the tool in use: Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. uses mobile effectively, and I know this first-hand. While viewing my friend’s wedding registry in the store, I noticed a promotion—if customers text the word OFFER to a specific number, they will receive a 20% off coupon code, and more coupons to follow. I happily obliged; and a few days later, I received my code and saved $15.00 on my purchase. Now, whenever I get a text with a new promo code, I’m more willing to make a purchase at Bed Bath & Beyond for an item I may have purchased elsewhere. 

3) Blogs

What are they? “A blog is a website with regular updates (often daily or weekly) called posts, that typically combine text, images (graphics or video), and links to other websites” (aids.gov, 2013, Blogs). 

How do they enhance information delivery? My friends and I read blogs on a daily basis. There’s a wide variety of topics to choose from—health and wellness, first-time moms, sports, cooking, and much more. People read blogs like they would magazines, and many followers come to trust their beloved bloggers. As such, many bloggers get paid to review certain products and sponsor giveaways. They build a strong connection with their audience, bringing readers back every day to check in and see what’s new. “By the end of 2011, there were an estimated 181 million blogs worldwide, up from 36 million in 2006” (aids.gov, 2013, Blogs). 

Good example of the tool in use: A great blog example that come to mind is Skinnytaste (healthy cooking). Gina Homolka of Skinnytaste started her blog in 2008 and now has 2.5 million unique visitors monthly (Skinnytaste.com, 2008-2013, About Me). My friends and I visit this blog often, and I have happily pleased many dinner guests with Gina’s recipes.

Resources

Blogs. (2013). Aids.gov. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Retrieved from http://aids.gov/using-new-media/tools/blogs/

Mobile. (2013). Aids.gov. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Retrieved from http://aids.gov/using-new-media/tools/mobile/

Skinnytaste. (2008-2013). About Me [blog post]. Retrieved from http://www.skinnytaste.com/p/about-me.html

Social Network Sites. (2013). Aids.gov. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Retrieved from http://aids.gov/using-new-media/tools/social-network-sites/

Vermont Songbird. (n.d.). NEWSPAPERS, FROM DOORSTEPS TO MOBILE DEVICES. Retrieved from http://vermontsongbird.tumblr.com/post/42127270587/newspapers-from-doorsteps-to-mobile-devices