Monday, April 18, 2016

I Need Your Help, Readers!

Hey everyone!

I want to thank you all again for keeping up with my blog and responding to my posts. I love hearing your stories and ideas!

Which brings us to today. I need your help! I am writing a book about the advantages and (potential) disadvantages of using online collaboration systems for virtual team projects. These systems could be anything from Skype to Prezi. I'm looking to include quite a few true-life stories and examples from people in the real business world.

If you have a good, or even a bad, example of using I'd love to read it and possibly use it in my book! I need all submissions by May 20. I know it's kind of short notice, but it's greatly appreciated! I would really like to keep every story as true as possible, including using real names of people, companies, and software. However, anecdotes can be kept anonymous if you wish.

Those who's stories I select will need to sign a release agreeing that we can use your story. Once the book is finished you will receive a free, autographed copy as a thanks for you contribution! How cool is that?

Please help me out and send me your stories! I'm excited to read them!

Monday, April 11, 2016

Critique the Professionals

Cochlear Company profile

The video I chose to evaluate was a profile video for Cochlear. Cochlear is a scientific company that creates, produces, and sells hearing implants. Overall, I thought the video was very effective and quite enjoyable. It's use of B-roll, while minimal, was good. It showed images of people who have received implants from Cochlear and the Cochlear building. As for sound, while the video did not have any verbal narration, it did have a song playing in the background. I believe the song choice was good because it was simple and repetitive, a trick that helps them get stuck in their viewers minds and makes it memorable. It was also a very cheerful song, which lent to the idea that Cochlear is a good company that helps make people happier with their products. Much of the video was written text, graphics, and images. There were some photos that had great lighting and placement. The simplicity of the rest of the video made it very enjoyable to watch. They kept to a simple color pattern of black and yellow, which also lends to the company's logo. They kept the writing short and easy to read.
The video did a wonderful job of showing everything that Cochlear is, does, and what services it offers. It also gave reasons that the viewer should use and trust in their company and their products. I felt this was a wonderful video that follows the typical guidelines mentioned throughout our book.

Monday, April 4, 2016

Avoid Credit Card Debt...ITS IMPORTANT!

As a college student, I understand wanting to spend money to have a good time. But is it really worth wracking up the credit card debt? Between student loans and credit card debt, college students are having more and more issues financially every year.

Credit card debt is no joke. Its something all students should be wary of, whether they are thinking about getting a credit card or already have one. Credit card payments can be extremely difficult to pay for while in college, even if you have a job. Then, when you graduate, that debt and poor credit can make it difficult to get hired, find a home, or buy a car. Bad credit and credit care debt is something that will follow you for years to come.

So what can you do as a student to help save yourself from credit card debt? One helpful tip is to not use your card on consumable products. By this I mean, use your card to purchase things that you get to keep, not trivial things like a bar tab, gas, or event tickets. When you use your card to purchase things you get to keep, you have more of an incentive to keep up with your payments and don't feel so bad when you have to pay them. Another helpful tip is to cut back on going out, or if you do go out, be smart about how and when you use your card.

For more information and details, check out these cites:


http://credit.org/blog/tips-for-college-students-to-avoid-credit-card-debt/

http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/student-loan-ranger/2011/05/11/student-credit-card-use-could-cause-problems-later

Wanna Start Tumbling?


Tumblr has become extremely popular in recent years. But what is Tumblr? Tumblr is a blog site, similar to Blogger! Except that Tumblr is much simpler than many other blog sites. And they don’t actually call it blogging on Tumblr, it is called tumbling!

 So you want to set up a Tumblr, huh? Well, it is actually very simple! Just follow these few steps and you will be tumbling in no time!

1.      Create an account

To create an account you need an email, a username and a password. Your username will become part of your URL, which is what people will type in to find your blog! Don’t worry, your username isn’t permanent; you can change it any time in your blog settings.

2.      Familiarize yourself with the different types of posts

On Tumblr, you can post a few different types of blogs. Namely, text posts, photos, links, and even videos!

3.      Follow people and accounts and get your own followers!

Follow people you know and/or people that post things that you’re interested. Their posts will start showing up on your dashboard and when they follow you, your posts will show up on theirs! If someone follows you that you don’t want following you, don’t worry. You can block them.

4.      Like and reblog others posts!

On Tumblr, you can like other’s posts by clicking on the heart in the upper right corner of the post. You can also reblog it to share it with your followers by clicking the double arrow next to the heart.

5.      Customize your blog!

On Tumblr you can customize your own blog, from your personal info to the theme and appearance you can make it fit your personal style!

6.      Start blogging!

Finally you’re ready to start tumbling! Compose your own posts, add relevant tags to ensure people see it, cite sources to protect yourself from plagiarism, and post often!

 
Tumblr is a fun easy way to share posts about all kinds of things! So sign up and get to tumbling!

Thinking About Comic-Con? I say...GO!

Several of you guys (my fans) have asked about Comic-Con and whether its worth it to go. Well my answer to you is...yes! Comic-Con is a four-day event held every summer in San Diego, California. The event started in 1970 in an attempt to educate people about comics and to generate interest and raise money so a larger convention could be held someday. Today, Comic-Con brings in well over 100,000 fans to celebrate and share their love of comics, movies, books, and other artistic creations.

Now, if you do decide to venture to Comic-Con, it's important to be prepared and to know what to expect. This summer, Comic-Con will be held from July 21-24 at the usual place, the San Diego Convention Center. The most difficult thing about Comic-Con, is purchasing an attendee badge. The badge's sell out WELL in advance of the show. In fact, they're already sold out for this summer! But don't let that discourage you from going, you can sign up to be one of the first to receive your member badge and ID for next summer!

The rest of Comic-Con is all about fun! You can expect people in full costume, or not in costume at all. There are hundreds of special guest speakers, from comic authors and cartoonists, to your favorite characters from TV shows and movies. There are many different attractions and booths related to all things comic. Even if you're not that into comics, it's still a wonderful experience for everyone!

Study in Norway? Why not?!

Currently, Mayville State University is looking for students who want to experience Norway! MSU is giving students the opportunity to study at the American College of Norway (ACN), in Oslo, for either a semester or for the summer. There are already three students who have applied and been accepted and at least two more or in the process of applying! At ACN, all courses are taught in English by mostly American professors and the courses fulfill MSU's essential studies requirements!

But what does it take to study abroad?

Well first, you have to apply!

To apply, you must first fill out the ACN application form which is about 2 pages long. After that, you need official copies of school transcripts, a one-page essay in English explaining why you are interested in this educational opportunity, and a photo for student identification. Sounds pretty simple, huh?

So, why study abroad?

Studying abroad gives students the opportunity to experience other cultures while receiving their education. The best part about it? The cost of studying in Norway is almost equivalent to living and studying on campus at MSU AND you can still receive financial aid!

So if you're considering studying abroad with MSU and you think Norway is the place to go, you can go online at www.americancollege.no for more information or contact Dina Zavala-Petherbridge (dina.petherbridge@mayvillestate.edu) or Sarah Anderson (sarah.anderson2@mayvillestate.edu)!