Adam Bauerle Blog Post #5

   


      The experiences of shooting, editing a group video were often hectic- riddled with struggles, pressures- unnerving at times- as the subject had to perturbingly trust group-members to submit the video. The subject's complete personal video was sent to the group in absence due to an incapacitated ability to drive with sprained wrists, an experience that caused pain to type, drive, or even hold a glass of water. There was also a basic ignorance and fundamental obliviousness of the video editing process, largely on behalf of the subject's unsettling cognition inhibitions. There was also a daunting struggle to comprehend basic rules or laws of the software, and even to use the type of computer. There was a general sense of anxiety, trepidation that the assignment may not be completed. It was however easier than imagined once fundamentals were established. There is an eternal gratitude to Eudy, who singlehandedly walked through the process so there was a clear understanding of what ‘first steps’ to take. If it were not for Eudy, there may not had been video. The unclearness was based solely on the behalf of an inherent inability to quickly comprehend general conventions of the software, editing process. The construction of the video was successfully accomplished, but the process could not be described as easy. 

      Video may be used as a unique visual tool for multiple reasons. Video adds a subjective, qualitative essence that is unique and simply cannot be measured, similar to art. Video can capture meaning that other messages or mediums simply cannot, viewing an entire sequence of behavior for an action can help encapsulate to a person approximately which form of reality is being demonstrated. Elements cannot be completely communicative if not fully reflective of reality- video adds movement, richer details, context for images, and allows understanding for reasons of why events occur the way that they do. Visually seeing stimuli enables access to a certain part of brain, namely the occipital lobe. *1.) In fact, “[The] Frontal lobe [is] located behind what most of us consider to be our foreheads, this section of the brain is responsible for, among many other actions, our ability to use higher-level thinking skills. It where calculations are processed, decisions are made, and critical thinking tasks are harnessed. [The] Temporal lobes – located on either side of the head, just above the ears, these sections hold memory,” “Occipital lobe- located at the back of the head, this section occupies some 20% of the brain’s overall capacity and is responsible for vision and being able to visualize scenes never actually witnessed before.”

      This means that the process of observing video captures a unique form of reality, containing subtleties and nuances unique to the mediums. Other mediums perhaps simply cannot replicate the same fidelity of truth or meaning, video is an entrance to a unique ‘world’ of new reality. Print involves writing which involves memory, it demands a certain type of attention, activated for critical thinking, logic, thought, reason. When one observes print, they analyze text to discern meaning- the brain waves and the brain areas of the frontal lobe are actuated while reading text- causing a subject to be truly engaged, interactive with the content. Whereas, video allows one to perceive a qualitative, more abstract, symbolic world that simply cannot be captured by quantitative reasoning and deductions. Video therefore should be used as a communication tool rather than print or photographs, depending on context.

      The public nature of the video had no impact on the subject matter that was chosen to be discussed. The subject enjoys abstract art or conceptual depictions, so it was rather effortless and seamless to engage the group for execution with passion, confidence, competence. The subject is indifferent to whether a public views it, whether they approve of subject matter or not. The only thing that was motivating the group’s actions was completing the assignment to the best of its abilities, and focusing on one goal- to embody, symbolize, and encapsulate the concept of abstractness. The group believes that they had accomplished their goals, and are quite pleased with the result. Features like flashing lights, non-discernable object or shapes, complementary music, odd angles, strange general sequences and shots- all measurably quantified the essences of the abstractness.

      The experience of constructing the self-portrait project was riddled with tribulations and technical, logistical issues. The shots were initially executed of a glass cup being translucently occluded by water- complete with odd angles, imagery- a formless and shapeless tangential candle flickering on the periphery. The effect was that of a visual embodiment of a static illusion, capturing the signification of the essences of a subjective and conceptual world. Further footage was constructed of several different videos of differing scenes that were imagined to produce the perception of a coherent storyline- representing abstractness also with its juxtaposition of a depiction of a symbolic world, strange angles, flashing lights, a bizarre plot. Later although the epiphany of a presupposition that the video should be shot singularly on one video was elicited, the tribulations were the shooting of footage that matched the vision, and an attempt to ‘get it right’ or capture what was imagined. The singular footage was eventually constructed after multitudes of attempts which allowed for an enhanced ease to edit during class. There was a stark apprehension as to the process of video editing, which caused anxiety for the subject because they had no experience with the software and was quite overwhelmed by adapting to how it functions. 

      There were fundamental problems for uploading the self-video that the subject attempted to address and achieve, however computer software could not convert the file format to an appropriate extension, so a video was not uploaded but is hopefully planned to be for Wednesday, Dec. 11. There were numerous attempts in different ways to accomplish the feat of uploading a video. Three “free trials” of software were downloaded to convert the files to a format which could be uploaded to the internet- unfortunately much to the detriment of the subject's computer memory as the conclusion was to no avail. Once or if the video is uploaded, it will surely be reflected upon and documented in some way. The experiences of constructing a video overall were rewarding, surprisingly exciting, yet also tedious. Not knowing if the video would be complete because of a reliance on a group for submission- which is inherently variable- was equally disconcerting. To produce as great, excellent of a product as possible was deeply desired and ultimately achieved to the best of the subject's efforts. The assignment proves the value of working and communicating with others in groups, this understanding will be beneficial to the subject in innumerable which will be internalized for life. This experience from the video project will forever be valued as an introduction to how to effectively communicate with others to execute a certain result. The subject is certainly pleased with the result, and for all of the struggles- there was an even greater reward.

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References:

1.)    Taibbi, C. "Brain Basics, Part One: The Power of Visualization" Nov. 4, 2012.  
        Psychology Today

Blog Post #4

                

                                                                       

  

 The website platform which was constructed during the "COM336: WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA PRODUCTION" class may be used to focalize the subject’s most creative, impressive school-related achievements for quick, easy reference to a reflection of a person themselves. The website may be utilized by those on the internet whom will observe it, become exposed to the artifacts or documents that are encoded, embedded with every facet of the subject’s creative mind. Similar to the social media site Facebook, one quickly learns details of someone on a website which ‘humanizes them’, ‘personalizes them’, adds subjectivity to an entity- more succinctly than most other ways to list one’s important accomplishments or characteristics. The organized, electronic content allows for easier access to one’s prominent work- being more visibly and noticeably accessible for maximum likelihood of an understanding of one’s personhood.
       The bio of the website very concisely summarizes the subject’s most important accomplishment or defining features which will immediately focalize the contextualization and connotation of meaning for one as a very personal, subjective entity. The immediate connotation evinced of the virtue of excellence and academia are relayed to the face, design of website. It was realized that the layout of a website, sets a profound tone and first impression which is often irrevocably inserted into the unconscious mind. *1.) In fact: “Together, the posterior cingular cortex and amygdala help us compute first impressions of others. ‘These regions sort information on the basis of its personal and subjective importance and summarize it into an ultimate score, a first impression,’ says Schiller. In forming those first impressions, we automatically attend to and parse relevant information about somebody, based on how important they are to our own motivations. Our split-second reactions to other people are assessments of their value to our own social world. Outside of the lab, our impressions factor in everything from what we’ve heard about them to how often they blink. To recap, despite some oversimplification: meeting people activates the same region of the brain responsible for assigning prices to objects. And after we’ve assigned a value to a person, we make the decision about how to orient ourselves to that person: do we want to get closer? Knowing what this person’s value is to us, do we want this person to be involved in our network?'” To summarize- scientifically, the first impression of a website categorizes value of others to abide to one’s own “social world”. The categorization process is a weakness if the web design is perceived as incompatible, incoherent or incorrect to a second party whom may determine, gate-keep certain actions that may potentially benefit the subject. Content will be immediately socially categorized upon initial observance. As soon as one views a party’s website- it will immediately be categorized- so it was realized that it is of utmost integrality that aesthetically, stylistically, logistically a website is formulated and established to an effect of a perceived approval, acceptance, credibility, competency, authority.

      The website will also be promotional because the subject’s likeness- like social media- veritably and colloquially ‘adds a face’ to an objective website; and communicates a certain combination of messages which are designed to be conducive to trust, acceptance. The subject is in fact smiling- in what looks like a relatively professional headshot, with a collared shirt in front of an aesthetically consistent, wooden background. The photograph was especially designed to communicate that the subject is a 'professional' and a generally affable human-being which is often desired in an organizational setting or to the potential niche target audience of those whom would wish to view the profile to base opinions, attitudes, beliefs, first impressions- ultimately- behavior. The social media projects all share common denominators and themes that complement, compound the efficacy of each nuanced understanding. Experiences with blogs namely aided the ability to write objectively and understand dynamics of posting to a website. Viewing one’s text on a website firsthand was an initial experience or- ‘first impression’- of the process that helped the subject to understand web-dynamics and how text appears on a page. Useful knowledge was gained as to how to create hyperlinks of URL’s for simplicity in navigating through sites. Viewing other student’s blogs also helped to garner insights as to how others write objectively, and which themes were predominantly reflected- that the classroom experience had also reflected. Features of the WikiHow assignment were synthesized into the creation of the website inasmuch it was reviewed for others to base organizational decisions- unlike blogs- which may influence people but may be more inconsequential and less professional, as the target of a particular website may be more inclined to professionals. There are also professionals whom critique work on WikiHow. The result is that a blog more resides to the spectrum of ‘entertainment’- existing to attract attention or proclaim ideas, whereas WikiHow’s and websites are more ‘informative’; websites are designed to inform of credentials or personal information and WikiHow’s inform of relevant information to understand solutions for problems. The entertainment aspect of the class blog aided the ability to write in a way and structure that attracts attention for the website while it predominantly informed. 

      The Twitter assignment similarly involved a medium that is arguably more entertainment than informative, as Twitter does not always truly inform, it may disseminate meaning but information of consequence may be drowned in a sea of competing news outlets. The vast overflow of information effectively disqualifies Twitter from being purely informative, as there are also colossal overloads of disinformation, Twitter is arguably more designed to entertain. The Twitter assignment therefore helped to integrate the entertainment aspect of the website while still being informative. The Twitter assignment taught the subject of how to communicate important information quickly. The conciseness of a Tweet helped gather an understanding of displaying as much of the most important information first in a message, and what words that do not necessarily add significant value of consequence to meaning of which to simply omit. The Twitter assignment also taught to critique information for relevance by tweeting to other students. The Twitter assignment quickly informed firsthand of which words to use or omit, and which style is used for objectivity, opinion, information, or attention. This knowledge helped to gauge which style to formulate as a format, striving for only objectivity but also to entertain and attract attention with graphics, impactful text structure for maintained viewership. It was learned that often the more concise a message- the more ambiguous it can be to describe something fully as there are not enough descriptors or context to define meaning. Concise messages therefore were deemed to be potentially more persuasive because of a lack of context and details to discern truth of information. This helped the bio of the website to write in a way that is persuasive, with certain information in certain locations for maximum effect.
      The overall experience of designing a website was positive, pleasing there was a fascination evoked at the completion of the project- knowing that it was not constructed by multiple parties which made it more personal and rewarding. Viewing the website preview firsthand elicited a sense of satisfaction, imagining how others might think, feel, or belief upon its observance. It was compelling to view the smiling subject to the simply designed website, it was thought to perceptibly add value and emphasis to the overall scheme, structure. The experience of working with code was rather daunting- knowing that if there was an accidental press of a spacebar on the keyword, the entire project is effectively corrupted- and particularly that it may not be finished in time. There were numerous times when the class monitor screen was being watched, and the computer program did not ‘do’ what Professor Pabico did, possibly due to software type variations or simple incompetence on the subject’s behalf. Knowing that a class-mate named “Eudy” and others offered help greatly added comfort to the process, aware that if the subject was ‘behind’ in work, then Eudy can analyze it who clearly was literate of the process- noting the size of the class-room. The process of completing the assignment in a smaller class-room of roughly 5-7 students was especially enriching- rather than the usual 16-20; it was seemed that the consistent interactive guiding throughout the project compounded the ability to learn at an accelerated rate with more attention to aid the completion attempts. The software was complex to use for a beginner, there was a process of identification for simple tools. The editing of the pictures to become web-ready was rendered as utterly perplexing on behalf of the subject's cognitive incompatibilities, until again- a student offered notes when the subject's wrist was recently sprained and the subject was able to competently accomplish the goal.
      There was a discovery that the software is essentially only difficult when one does not know the steps to accomplish the goal- but if one knows the tools, steps, understands all rules, conventions- it is quite natural and mechanistic. The organizing of content was intriguing to understand the basic layout of a professional website. The organizing of the index and other windows was particularly unnerving, as there was a fundamental unawareness of how both matched. There was also difficulty to identify files, in part of a constant relocations and renaming of files- to much dismay. The organization of content added depth of understanding for the organizing of other electronic mediums, and for potential websites in the future. The look of the website was largely predicated on the juxtaposition of text and graphic of a face. The “3.9’s”, and “4.0” which were all noticeably, overtly and proudly displayed, had complemented the smiling subject- synergizing the efficacy of the effect or initial reaction. The look was simple, but sometimes simple websites are thought to be best- other than overly-complex graphics that may be distracting. The websites, overall was thought to be a nice, simple, neat look. The organization of the web-site had ensured that all content and other features are easily accessible. The documents were also thought to look alluring underneath the proclaiming of positive characteristics and accomplishments.
      Nearly everything that was learned, will forever be remembered. So that, if one day- once again- the similar software to create a website is used, the subject will feel immensely more competent and confident to accomplish any goal once again. The knowledge gained may lay dormant of present, but if circumstance permits, it will prove truly invaluable.

References:

Starr, Karla. "The science of first impressions"  Feb. 8, 2013. Psychology Today

Adam B. Blog Post #3

      Twitter is an online news and social networking site that allows people to communicate with each other by broadcasting short messages called tweets. Tweets are intended to be useful or interesting to one’s audience, one may describe tweeting as “microblogging”. People use Twitter to follow notable people, companies, whomever effectively captures and maintains interest. Twitter has become exceedingly popular in culture, largely because of its scannable content and user-friendliness. With the word restrictions, a “tweet” cannot exceed 280 characters- one can read another’s content very quickly with a glance. The word restriction may encourage more focus, clever use of language- providing for a challenge to write effectively.

      The vast majority of Tweeters microblog recreationally, as an opportunity for others to hear one’s voice and understand one’s unique perspective, which adds depth to an understanding of different concepts or world events. Twitter can inspire people to become amateur journalists whom share useful, valuable content that depicts world events. Twitter is a way for one to understand one’s unique perspectives and perceptions of life. For example, on January 25^th, 2011, hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered in Tahrir Square during a time of turmoil preceding the unseating of incumbent Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak. One year afterward, Tunisia had experienced mass demonstrations during the central Cairo protests which provoked a series of changes throughout the Middle East and North Africa- which would be dubbed as the “Arab Spring”. Social media became a crucial tool to spread awareness, Arab Spring had effectively been connoted to concepts like the “Twitter uprising” or “Facebook revolution” for international news networks and journalists to gather firsthand truths, qualitative understandings. Twitter became a focal point of opportunity for protestors or related organizations to express communication that would otherwise remain mute. Twitter has frequently been described as the ‘first with news’ medium, from a small piece of information which can evolve to assume tremendous impact. Twitter's popularity can be attributed to its immediacy, intimacy, and impact that it provides for the dissemination of information, to propagate stories. During a dangerous Houston flood, Twitter allowed for exposure of witness accounts, friends or family providing first-hand evidence, phone pictures, soundbites, and reactions that added context to the story.
      Twitter has been used beyond socializing, it interconnects human civilization itself. Two individuals are granted the potential to know about each other at a personalized, in-depth level. People whom one may have never met, can develop a bond and virtual intimacy; and different parties very quickly know about each other at a deep, intimate level. In typical life, there is a period of time that occurs during the process of getting to know someone, but with instantaneous access one can read multiple features about someone at once. Twitter connects ideas, features hashtag trending- allowing for the possibility for one to develop a sense of the pulse of public dialogue. Beyond socializing, Twitter allows one to understand the psyche of collective civilization itself, and to analyze what the public is thinking about or cares about. For marketing, one can attain quantitative metrics and feedback of audience participation to adapt strategies in accordance to data with social media. A marketer can develop a criteria for certain goals, if one sets a goal for a certain amount of shares or feedback, it becomes easily measurable and the results become less abstract. The outcome is that it is easier to evaluate the success of marketing campaigns, because the feedback and metrics are absolute, objective, quantitative. Also, the vast reach of social media- in cases, supersedes the predominance of traditional media. Thousands of people can be reached with relative ease and hypothetically free without paid advertising. For marketing, one may achieve a method with profound, nuanced depth, to reach a targeted demographic and interact with an audience in real time. A marketer may more easily analyze the psychographics of an audience or demographic by examining feedback of certain Tweets to compare it with other content, which may be deemed as more or less favorable. The effect is that the marketer has a rich amount of psychological profile data and interests, to more easily target the demographic or appeal to their known desires. With Twitter, a marker also has the ability to connect and interact with their audience at a deeper, richer, more intimate level. A marketer has a simple tool that can provide for mass reach without additional cost, providing for an opportunity to spread monumental amounts of awareness disparate from other known information dissemination methods. A marketer can uniquely promote a brand with particular combinations of media messages to holistically communicate one’s ideas.
      Twitter can be used as a journalistic tool for anyone to simply broadcast a message instantly to attain a sense or pulse of public dialogue. Journalists can access the public more intimately, and can roughly discern approximate relevance of a story with trending hashtags to understand the flow of information for the day. Journalists may initially receive stories online and later verify them to confirm their veracity. Journalists also can become more informed quicker by other journalists so that an entity can recognize stories faster. Those who do not have a symbolic ‘voice’ in the public conversation or public dialogue, are able to participate and disseminate news that is deemed useful to them. Twitter has allowed for amateur journalism, which has enabled public information to be richer, more nuanced, and presented at a personalized level. Although, a surplus of information presents vital negatives too, as anyone can post information that is labeled as news without any verification or often even a way of verifying. This leads to a significant amount of misinformation- and disinformation. False information can quickly become viral and profoundly, negatively impact enormous audiences. Twitter can also be used as a political tool; a politician or political organization can reach their target demographic instantly and deliver their side of the story first to control a narrative. Political ads of social media may be formed based on data or feedback from users, posts, to more proactively establish messages that can reach the target instantaneously. Twitter can be used as a political tool for a politician or related political organizations to garner a general sense of public opinion and adapt messaging accordingly. Political or social issues are communicated that may otherwise have no ‘voice’ or outlet. Political narratives can be examined for more proactive approaches of how to address an audience. Twitter can be used as a political tool to understand an audience at a more qualitative level. Similar to marketing, Twitter allows for an opportunity to more easily analyze, interpret the psychographics or characteristics of an audience, which makes it easier to know what to say to them- and what type of content to publish.
     Twitter can also be used as an organizational tool to aide an organization gain a more in-depth, nuanced understanding of public opinion and attitudes towards them as an entity. With Twitter, an organization has the capability to evaluate feedback directly from the public, and is able to connect with other organizations. An organization can forge alliances with other organizations, which allows communication with other organizations to be easier. With Twitter, an organization attains a sense of what the public or target demographic desires by understanding what is being most well-received, so that one may have more clarity as to what action to take. Organizationally, Twitter enables the capability to spread brand awareness at a mass, unprecedented scale, and virtually without cost. Twitter can be an excellent, efficient tool for an organization to forge and manufacture their brand-image. The ability to measure feedback and demographical data proves invaluable to understand one’s audience at a more in-depth, personalized degree.
Three instances during the past twelve months when Twitter was used as a communicator of major events, include the World Cup, Pacific’s ring of fire earthquake, the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

      During the World Cup in Russia, the audience participated in the dialogue, by expressing celebration, sharing victories, watching live tournament analysis, and simultaneously experiencing the event throughout the world as it happened. After 64 matches- including the World Cup Final between France and Croatia, there were 115 billion impressions of tweets. Fans had discussed the event live, and their conversations made public. FOX Sports introduced fans with premium video World Cup content in the United States. FOX Sports produced a live-streamed show exclusively on Twitter from Moscow’s Red Square, each match day during the World Cup. FIFA World Cup- hosted by Rachel Bonnetta- delivered 7.1 million video views throughout the world, with awareness that was supplemented, maximized, and popularized by Twitter. FOX Sports also brought video highlights to Twitter- including every goal that was scored moments after they happened, as well as video featuring talent Q&As. The use of Twitter was a tremendous success, effectively broadening the reach of the event and providing for live audience participation.
      During the Pacific ring of fire earthquake, 70 earthquakes occurred in less than 48 hours- devastating the lives of millions of people. Countless people throughout the globe in or along the earthquake-affected areas- Tweeted scenes, detailed firsthand information of the recovery process. Many who had no voice or access to communicate the events became their own journalists. By tweeting facts about the earthquake as it happened, the reach generated by the tweets expanded and spread, maximizing awareness. Had there not been Twitter, numerous amounts of people would have no way of reporting the events firsthand which paints context for other journalists or news-gathering organizations. The tweets had a communal effect, where one isolated area is interconnected with the many to share life experiences through the same lens for mutual understanding. The circumstance proved a success, as multitudes of individuals who may had otherwise been unrelated to the events were informed of an international disaster in real time.
      During the 2018 royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the hashtags #Prince Harry and #royal wedding were used to broadcast a subject’s reaction to the wedding in real time. Throughout the world, people would post pictures or Tweet what they thought of the wedding, adding personal messages. The effect is that one can observe the public witnessing the events along with the perspective of Harry and Markle. The communal effect is created when people interconnect in a way that it feels like participating in a real community, the world becomes smaller and impact is maximized. The collective behavior indicated the Twitter campaign to be a success, as the wedding became one of the most discussed topics on Twitter- and more known throughout the world.  

For the Twitter project, the Buffalo Sabres, National Geographic, and Kim Kardashian were chosen to follow. It was decided to follow the Sabres because of an avid interest in hockey and the team; as an interest, the organization became easy to tweet about because of the in-depth knowledge that already existed. A series of tweets were posted that were all relevant and related to each other. The information published was useful, accurate, interesting, regarding the topic. Tweeting about the Buffalo Sabres was an opportunity to express existing opinions related to the project. The Sabres were chosen majorly because of a familiarity with the topic and related topics. The Sabres were referenced for 10 Tweets about an organization, chosen because of existing experience with hockey so that the Tweets became more seamless. National Geographic was also chosen. National Geographic has always been an interest and provided for a chance to explore the topic deeper, more in-depth. Tweeting to them was valuable to understand how to use hashtags effectively. The skill of conjuring a statement with limited characters was introduced, practiced, and polished. Kim Kardashian was chosen as a third topic- because, as a pop culture icon- she represented something that there was no interest for. Kim Kardashian was chosen because it provided an opportunity to follow and critique a topic dissimilar to existing interests, so that unique perspectives were able to be gained to a topic which otherwise would not ever be investigated. Examining Kardashian’s Tweets offered insights to how Twitter is used, the marketing aspects of Twitter, popular culture, and the opinions of those who follow her. The union of Kim Kardashian to Kanye West as a symbolic whole entity was observed to increase the marketability of Kardashian’s brand and increase her appeal. Kardashian’s Twitter offered a chance to critique an account of one who has millions of followers. The Buffalo Sabres, National Geographic have many followers, but examining an account with followers of Kardashian’s scale was an opportunity to understand the global implications of Twitter and global attitudes.
      This experience of using Twitter is similar to blogging by that it is a dissemination of content for engagements, but the format is unique with different implications.  A Tweet has limited space, whereas a blog has virtually unlimited space. Both Twitter and blogs can deliver news, but are accessed in different ways. A Twitter is typically updated much more than a blog, is in real time, and allows to gauge an understanding of an audience at a personal level. Tweeting can lead to a communal ‘feel’, where one is able to broadcast a voice and interact with audiences, whereas a blog may not necessarily be as sharable, scannable, or personalized. Twitter allows for one to analyze trends with hash tags, though blogging may be less interactive. Twitter is thought of as a place where one wants to know ‘what’s going on’ immediately in the moment. Twitter is based on the present moment, with a pulse on public dialogue. Blogs may be updated less often, and can often refer to what has already happened. Hashtags that are present on Twitter are absent on blogs. The particular hashtag system is unique to Twitter, and allows for one to view what is currently popular. The effect may be a sense of participating in a community, rather than simply consuming a blog.  Twitter has certain features which separates it from other social media sites like Facebook. Twitter involves ‘followers’ and not ‘friends’. Twitter is more often connoted to amateur journalism than other social media sites, due to its immediacy, briefness, and impact. Facebook is a way to connect with people, yet Twitter presents an opportunity to participate and connect to global events. Facebook- with nearly unlimited space and operating by a different format- may not be as scannable as Twitter. Twitter- perhaps more than other mediums, is focalized by the present moment and what is immediately occurring now.

Adam Bauerle. Blog Post #2 with WikiHow Link

      Writing the WikiHow for how to stickhandle was a lengthy and in-depth process, but the product may be deemed as excellent as a very necessary article that was absent from the WikiHow database. WikiHow had several articles for how to play hockey in different circumstances and contexts, but a step-by-step tutorial specifically on how to stickhandle was blankly missing. Personal knowledge of how to stickhandle was dutifully transcribed into a word document, step-by-step outlining the logical sequences for someone to learn stickhandling- including nuanced variables and information that many others may have overlooked. The directions are designed so that anyone- including those who have never played hockey nor know anything about it- can legibly understand. The steps were extremely in-depth, detailed, nuanced but the text had to be polished and edited after feedback from Professor Pabico. Pabico highlighted points to edit or remove for increased coherency and likelihoods of the article being successfully published. After refurbishing the text, 13 related photographs that were taken became photoshopped to adjust to class standards as they were delineated by numbered steps. The text for the “stickhandling for hockey” WikiHow would be coded during a lengthy process so that it could be successfully published. The coding draft was riddled with errors as there was some initial confusion. WikiHow would be eventually accessed to transfer the draft into a final code for publishing. After previewing the code, adjustments were made so that it was compatible with WikiHow. Finally, after the Wiki was proofed and approved by Pabico, the WikiHow was published.
      There was prior class discussion of which topic would be best for students, who communicated with each other about which one of the topics was strongest to use. The visual communication was deemed conducive to efficient learning and communicated concepts effectively to easily be understood by any audience. The visual of the bent wrists to a forty-five degree angle in order to stickhandle properly, served as an appropriate referent to communicate the template for the technical aspects of stickhandling. The stick was exactly at a forty-five degree angle on both sides of the stick-blade in the picture, and the visual fully encapsulated, portrayed the concept to transform something potentially intangible to many viewers into something that may more easily be able to be understood. 

      Also, the form of bending one’s knees with a head up to stickhandle was captured and communicated to what may be to great effect, providing for a more palpable reference for how to commit the act.

      The “Things You Need” section was listed first with proper items contained in the corresponding picture, succinctly communicating what will be used throughout the steps. I had referred to other similar Wiki’s and how they communicated their message, and the hockey-related wiki’s did not mention many nuanced variables that were included- namely how to stickhandle- with bent wrists, bent knees, toe drags, stickhandling behind the back, stickhandling while looking up, deking, and others. The Wiki was designed to be as simple and concise as possible, while communicating how to stickhandle at a most basic level for anyone to understand- and may be considered successful to attain its goals.  Hockey-related terminologies were defined so that if one does not watch nor play hockey, they can still understand how to learn. The tips, warnings were initially bountiful and data-rich, so they were cut down into five for each. The tips featured only the most essential aspects of stickhandling; such as making sure that one is using a simulated hockey ball that reflects the physics of a hockey puck, being certain that gloves fit snuggly with a firm grip, ensuring to always keep the stick-blade on the ground while stickhandling, becoming ‘one’ with the stick as an extension of one’s self, being sure that the helmet fits snugly on the head- and isn’t loose. These tips are vital to the actual process and learning of stickhandling properly which requires that each tip is adhered to. Likewise, the warnings were condensed to only the most valuable and relevant points that are fully necessary for a real hockey game; including that one should always wear gloves while stickhandling, hands should never feel heavy or forced, watch the ball or puck, always keep the head up, and momentarily close the eyes while stickhandling. The process was communicated with class-mates for feedback and aide with a constant dialogue between students for their WikiHow’s. Students helped by communicating about the initial photoshopping, editing, coding procedures, and their WikiHow’s concepts were communicated between each other. The article was communicated to family and friends for feedback. Family-members who do not watch nor play hockey were able to successfully understand the steps, and were effectively able to learn how to stickhandle from the article. After publishing, the Wiki was communicated to the managing staff of WikiHow for major editing until it will be released as an official article. The link to the Wiki was communicated to Pabico’s class blog for other students to view and give feedback.

WikiHow URL:
 Adam Bauerle Stickhandle For Hockey WikiHow


Related Wiki References:
WikiHow: Choose a hockey stick.
WikiHow: Measuring a hockey stick.
WikiHow: Playing hockey

Adam Bauerle Blog Post #1

Watching every move you make: How MySpace ushered a world with no privacy.

 The former user-traffic behemoth known as MySpace dawned the underpinnings for the social media age, which morphed into the conglomerate of Facebook. From 2005 to 2008, MySpace was the heaviest trafficked social networking site in the world, collecting 75.9 million monthly visitors in its 2008 peak; but Facebook would eventually supersede MySpace’s prior predominance in 2009- with a now astronomical 2.23 billion monthly active users. (*1). Much has changed between these two eras, particularly the chief functions and audiences of the two entities.  MySpace reflected primarily younger individuals, with the average age being 31- for Facebook it’s 38. Complex features that Facebook employs were absent from a more primitive MySpace, including news, pages, “find friends” feature, apps, but perhaps most notoriously- its advertising structure. Facebook currently has an advertising revenue of $9.16 billion, %20 of the digital advertising market. (*2). MySpace began the social media trend, but couldn’t adapt, as Facebook perfected the social media concept and advertising system. During the MySpace era, pseudonyms were tolerated, but Facebook encouraged using real names- installing a “find friends” feature. Thus, Facebook was themed for other friends, whereas MySpace emphasized the ‘I’. Facebook made people seem more real, personable and ‘searchable’. One must use their real name, there is a less expectation of privacy. Anyone can easily ‘intrude’ on another’s life with a click. The intrusiveness of Facebook is evident by its data storage of every action for advertising- including likes, shares, potential interests, every app- even webcam and microphone access without consent. Facebook tracks where one is, one’s contacts, one’s facial profile, emails, calendars, messages, files, photos, videos, music, call history, search history, and browsing history. (*3) The encroachment culminated in 2016, when Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified to congress because data of 87 million Facebook users was unknowingly shared with advertising company Cambridge Analytica. (*4) The "privacy bill of rights" was subsequently introduced which requires the Federal Trade Commission to establish privacy protections for social media users-  so clearly there is some demonstrable responsibility to ensure privacy for consumers. However, there is also a responsibility for users to be cognizant that everything one does is analyzed. For nonprofit agencies, Facebook can be tremendously positive for garnering funds. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society was able to amass $1 million dollars in March simply by disseminating information with minimal cost. The role of Facebook provided for the ability to reach the sheer amounts of people, proving to be more effective than other mediums. For the future, social media may be revolutionized yet again, but by government regulation. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said that federal regulation of Facebook is "inevitable" after Cambridge Analytica’s massive privacy leak and “fake news”. A startling 44 percent of people receive their news from Facebook. The unverified stories had become predominate to other press, degrading truth and impacting society, which also prompted congress to act.  Whether or not regulation emerges, it’s undeniable, that social media is intrusive to our lives in some form. One thing is certain, advertisers will continue to covet user-data.

                                                                   Works Cited:

*1.)  Schenker, M. “Former MySpace CEO explains why MySpace lost out to Facebook so  
            badly”. Digital Trends. 12 May. 2015.

*2.) Glum, J. “I Found Out Everything Facebook Knows About Me- And You Can Too”. Money.  
            23 Mar. 2018.

*3.) Curran, C. "Are you ready? Here is all the data Facebook and Google have on you". The   
            Guardian. 30 Mar. 2018.

*4.)  Kirsten, K. "This Is the Personal Data that Facebook Collects—And Sometimes Sells".   
            Fortune. 21 Mar. 2018.

      *5.) Image: https://www.opendemocracy.net/uk/jennifer-cobbe/problem-isn-t-just-
            cambridge-analytica-or-even-facebook-it-s-surveillance-capitali.