Demo Post

Hello World


























Link to CNN

Social Media

We recently discussed the role of social media in relation to delivering the news. It's an interesting issue, mainly because we've yet to see any big studies on how influential it really is. The following is a video on just how big social networking is and why it is or isn't a "fad." I want you to watch the video then respond to it on your blog. Feel free to make comments on each others' blogs, too, because I want to see what you all have to say.

Your response should include initial reactions, what this means for news media, how you feel about the size of social media, etc.

Get Angry!

Rants. We've all been on them, whether we know it or not. We've vented to friends, complained to teachers, and whined to parents. This is ranting.

Ranting on your blog can be used to accomplish lots of different things. You can rant to make a point, incite action, vent, and any other number of reasons.

Your job today is to rant on a subject related to your blog. Do not be rude, but be forceful. Give us reasons. Persuade us to agree with your anger. Incite us to take action. Make us share your pain and thus wish to change whatever it is you're ranting about.

The post should probably end up around three paragraphs long. It shouldn't contain personal attacks or foul language, but it should be forceful and help us to understand why you're so impassioned about the subject.

Good luck!

P.S. Obligatory Youtube Video of the now!

Hey Guys

Unfortunately I couldn't be there today to guide you on your blogging as I usually do. But trust me, I'm busy working hard at a workshop to become a better teacher. So, while I'm doing that, I need you all to get busy working hard to become better bloggers?

By the end of the block I want a regular blog post. Just stick to whatever your theme is and give me a good three paragraph (minimum) post. Videos, pictures, and links are suggested, of course.

In addition to that, I want you to find a blog that shares the same theme as yours. Review the blog based on how well written it is, how often it's updated, layout, etc. Essentially, rate the blog based on what we've learned so far.

Good luck!

P.S. Complimentary cat video. You're welcome.

New Layout

Hey guys,

Hopefully you visit this blog before class on Wednesday and get really confused by the new layout. I'm experimenting with my blog by trying to make it more "personalized." I was inspired by the pen and ink style of the turn of the century.
















If you want to try and do this, check out the following sites.

Blogger Templates Free

BTemplates

Our Blogger Templates

I have a tutorial sheet that shows how to change your template. We'll be taking care of this tomorrow during class, so be prepared to join the esteemed group of individuals with attractive, customized blogs.

Also; Ninja Cat is back.

Time for a New Kind of Review

Lots of bloggers spend their time reviewing products, shows, and services. These types of posts are great, because it gives readers a chance to see others' first impression of a commodity so that they may make an informed decision. Writing a product review, though, is more than just stating whether you like it or not. In fact, you have to give the good and the bad at the same time. This means you'll be delivering the PROs and CONs to your readers. The following website gives a great How-To on writing product reviews. Check it out before proceeding.

How to Write a Product Review

There you have it, the proper way to write a product review for your blog. It should be fairly obvious what your next blog post should be. Write me a product review based on your blog's main topic. Now, if you're writing an auto-blog, that doesn't mean you have to review a car. It means you have to review a product that is used by the auto industry, which includes items such as wax, tools, cleaning products, fuel additives, etc. not just cars. So think outside the box and review something you have experience with. These reviews should be fairly long, probably a minimum of four paragraphs, so be thorough.

Good luck!

Writing a Series (First in a series)

We've discussed how to write a series, and now it should be blatantly obvious what the assignment is. You need to find an issue, a topic, or a story within your blog's theme that will allow you to write a three-part series. I don't care what the series is over, whether it is meant to spark a revolution or to just inform, but it does need to be three parts with a clear theme. Each post should be a minimum of seven paragraphs, much like your last three posts. But all of these paragraphs throughout the three posts should have some sort of connection. But really, you guys know what a series is, you're the ones who explained it in class, so I have 100-percent faith that you will pull this off.

To sum things up:

-You need to write a three-part series (three-part is a minimum, you can go beyond that, you know).

-Each post should be seven paragraphs or longer.

-Each post must build off of the previous one.

-These are due on April 22 by the end of the class period.

Good luck and happy blogging!

P.S.

Here are some links on how to write a successful blog series.

10 Steps to Writing a Successful Series on your Blog

How to Write a Blog Series