Cassie’s Blog

As this blog was created to discuss emerging media and the impact it has on the world around us, I am not completely sold on the idea of spending countless hours discussing these implications.  There are many researchers who have given us reasons why we should keep up with a personal or company-related blog.  For some, blogging has changed lives and intellectual outlook.  For others, it is too much to keep up with.

Here are some of the benefits that I’ve experienced by keeping a blog:

• Keeping up with current events, technology, and social networking.
• Learning some of the features such as embedding videos and pictures.
• Realization of how prominent social networking and blog are in today’s society.

On the flip side, here are my aggravations and dislikes about blogging:

• Time consuming – I’m interested in finding a full time job where I have time to blog throughout the day!
• Frustrating for those who have little interest in blogging.
• Blogging has become more of a chore rather than an intellectual challenge.

Don’t get me wrong – I have enjoyed blogging and will continue to read other people’s blogs.  I think it’s interesting to see things from another point of view.  Blogging has helped me become more open-minded and sensitive towards other people’s views.  One of the most interesting topics for me to write about is entertainment.  I’ve been able to see how emerging media is part of our everyday lives.  I can honestly say that I watch television shows and commercials with a new perspective.  I can now say I know what Twitter is.  I can see how much new media will continue to effect my life.  And for me, this has been the ultimate reward of my blogging experience.

Across the nation, realtors are using social networking to make connections with potential house buyers.  In an industry that is rising out of the recession, real estate agents are becoming creative in their communications efforts.  Realtors are streaming through social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter in addition to their own Internet sites.  Some are calling it Real Estate 2.0.  Others, like myself, are more hesitant. 

In an industry that is based on customer service, this is a risk for that many are willing to take.   While many think that this is a great approach to improving connections, doesn’t this sound like it’s taking away from the personal experience that you need with your realtor?  A realtor in California was featured on The Today Show and found his approach using social networking very effective.  He uses e-mail phone, and even Twitter to help close the deal. 

As a potential first-time home buyer, I’ve found that buying a home is a life-changing decision.  When I first began to contact local realtors, I began talking on the phone and using e-mail to find out more information on houses that we were interested in.  Although I have accounts established on Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace, they are by no means my primary contact methods.  I use my e-mail account to receive bill notifications and other important messages but would rather use the phone to communicate with my realtor. 

I can see where those frequent to social networking site could find this approach appealing.  But in a world where social networking is frowned upon at work, who has the time or energy to check all your social sites for updates on a potential house?  I’ll stick with the phone system to communicate with my realtor.  After all, aren’t we all attached to our cell phone?

“Congratulations you’ve won Pen’s Playoff Tickets.”  This was the text message that made hundreds of Pittsburgh Penguin fans happy campers.  “Just Kidding.”  Now, this text message malfunction is going to cost the Pens. 

“It was just a mistake, but in the era of technology, it’s a split second. Once you make it, you can’t retract it,” Pens spokesman Tom McMillan said. “At that point, it was just a matter of figuring out exactly what had happened and how many people were involved and what we do to make amends.”

As an apology, these bummed-out fans will receive a package including a $25 gift card, Pen’s gear, and two regular season tickets.  The damage for the Pens?  Over $60,000.

For more information, visit www.thepittsburghchannel.com.

Recently at work, I’ve found co-workers on gaming sites such as candystand.com and Yahoo! games. Not only do I want to know how they have time to do this, but where did they get such an idea? Today, IMC professionals have implemented such games into children-friendly websites. The animation as well as the advertising is a success. My question is – do website developers have both children and adults in mind? As we all know, some games really are just for kids (think Froot Loops “The Ultimate Fruity Adventure”). But I think many adults are reaching for their inner-child and loving these games, too.

I’ll have to admit, after looking at many different web-based games, I found it quite entertaining. But let’s get back to the real reason why adults are participating in childish web activity, such as gaming and even… Facebook. As fun as it might be to find old friends and reminisce on old times, do we really need to know that you “wish it was Friday” or that you are “out for a run”?  Don’t get me wrong, I sometimes spend my (little) free time on the social networking sites.  I find it humorous that grown adults can make enough time to write on their friend’s walls and post pictures of their 10-year class reunion.  Just like it’s kind of funny to see my middle-aged coworkers playing mini-golf on their computer. 

My theory is that marketing professionals today have found a way to target a wide range of people.  While this may come as annoying to some, it shows how successful these two types of entertainment really are.  The controversy of social networking sites are just as important as those regarding marketing towards children.  As I can speak for many others out there, both are ethical and virtually harmless.  But, only to a certain extent.  Parents – watch what you children are doing on the internet and show that you have as much influence on their lives as the marketers.  And try to limit your time on Facebook 🙂