What is the Future of Blogging?

Now it has come to the end of the semester and since I am not required to continue blogging, I am not sure if I am going to continue to do so. My decision will be based on the future of blogging. A number of things come to mind right away.

• To what extent can my be used against me?
• How effective of a social network are blogs?
• How effective will they be in the future?
• What are the alternatives?

I really do enjoy blogging, but I am not sure it is something I will continue to do in the future. I began to browse the internet and search for articles about the future and came across a very interesting blog where it talked about the future of blogs in terms of how people will use them and how they will be affected in the future. It lists nine distinct points which I find pretty believable and I have to say I agree. Based on all this I am not sure if this is my first and last blog. I will just have to see how technology evolves and use all the resources available to me to get ahead. It has been fun...farewell...for now.

One More Social Network Couldn't Hurt, But Email?

After reading an article in the Technology Section of the NY Times called Inbox 2.0: Yahoo and Google to Turn E-Mail Into a Social Network, it has become clear to me that social networking is growing nonstop and the technology for it has just begun to evolve. Just looking back at the days of simple communications through the internet with programs such as AOL or AIM where users can have a profile and customize it any way they like. Then sites like MySpace and Facebook, came into the picture and developed a basis for a community of individuals to become friends, share comments, and network. But that was only the beginning. Now I hear giants like Google and Yahoo want to turn their web-email services into social networks. This is definitely a great way to expand their business and make a ton of money, but are we ready for this? I have to say, it sounds like a great idea and I am all for having one easy page with everything I would want to check on it like iGoogle, but more. This is just the evolving technology and one more social network couldn't hurt. But there are dangers involved with expanding social networks this way. Overall, we need to look ahead and see what is best for the future.

Below is a great video about the dangers of social networking and they are outlined for each site based on case. Enjoy!

The Evolution of GPS Technology

After reading an article on the Rise and rise of GPS Mobile, it has just hit me that technology is evolving and there is nothing we can do about it. Now we do not even need to buy fancy navigation systems or even pay extra for them. Your cell phone, yes that device you use on a daily basis to make and receive calls, text message, check your email, and even listen to music, can now tell you where you are and how to get where you are going. It can also tell you where something is located and provide you a map of the area. In think this has to be one of the greatest additions to the technology world. Everything you need, built into one phone. The Iphone is a prime example of this. I have one and it really does have everything I would ever need. Now with the recent addition of the GPS application, my phone can tell me where I am and give me directions to where I need to go. With this new application, we can all find where we need to go and you don't even need to be in a car. You can use your phone!

Below is a video that shows you how the GPS application work on the iphone.

The New Politics: Facebook?

What is the deal with Facebook and Politics? After reading a blog about how facebook changes politics, it has come to my attention that social networking sites are now being taken advantage of and abused by many politicians as well as political supporters and such. But, why would a social networking site mainly created for the use of making and staying connected to friends be used for politics? The answer to the question is simple and is clearly expressed in the blog. It stated that,

"Politics on the internet is about a tension: between politicians trying to use it to attract supporters and people trying to use it to influence change. The tension is that most of each group sees the other as a necessary evil that needs to be harnessed. If neither fully understands why the other is in this new space then their interaction is minimal."

I was never really into politics and ever since I came to DC, it has been hard to steer clear of anything having to do with politics. It has been all over the news, newspaper headlines, posters, etc., basically everywhere. I don't think politics should invade social networking sites. There are other sites and ways to express your opinion or support your cause. Even though using social networking sites may benefit the politician or supporters, it's not necessary. The evolution of the technology has opened up a robust forum for people to use and abuse. Now there are so many different sites dedicated to specific interests or views and there is no need for politics to expand so much as to invade sites for the purpose of influencing a change.

Below is a very interesting video on Facebook and politics, what a coincidence. Its short and interesting. Enjoy!

Blog On/ Blog Off: To What Degree Can My Blog Be Used Against Me?

So I am beginning to learn that this is an ongoing pattern. First it was Myspace, then Facebook, etc., and now my blog can be looked at and be used against me. Where is all the privacy? I am now learning that the Blog I am using for my class can be used against me in the future by employers, while I am only expressing my thoughts and opinions freely. I understand that I may say things others won't agree with but this is my blog and I should be allowed to speak my mind.

Employers can now even further invade your private life. After reading Joshua Porters post on "The Blog is the New Resume," many things came to mind. A blog can benefit an individual if the potential employer likes what the blogger is talking about; however if your the guy who brings up many controversial issues and say things other wont agree with, your less likely to be hired. Below are the main points he brought up from the original post by Bokardoan Adam Darowski.

1. Your blog represents you.

2. Your blog is serious business.

3. You blog is an archive.

4. Your blog isn’t the only mirror of your life.

5. Your blog is your unedited version of yourself.

He basically highlights the main points that a person should start a blog, but at their own risk. When ever you write something, you are giving your right away for others to read it and even though I don't agree with this, thats the way it is. We all just need to watch what we write and post on social networking sites and the internet in general because with the current technology available to employers, they can basically find anything. Be safe and be careful! Apparently your blog can be used as your resume'. Thats great if you are an active blogger and are blogging for a cause. As for me, I am doing this for a class and for fun. My blog is not intended for professional use, but for private use.


Below is a video with instructions on how to adjust your blogger privacy settings. It features Eric Case and he gives you a video tutorial on how to do so. This video is short and easy to follow. Enjoy!

The Future of Social Media?

Before actually reading about it, I have never heard of citizen journalism or anything about it. When you even think about it, what does "citizen journalism" even mean? It is basically an ordinary person tells you what happened through his/her own perspective. Below is a very interesting video, though kind of long, that explained everything i need to know about citizen journalism.

Although the video is very interesting, i do not agree with the idea, nor do i agree with the idea presented by this video called EPIC 2014. The concept of the EPIC 2014 video provided an insight on the evolution of our world in media and the internet. It was very scary but true. Nowadays, the majority of people are relying on the media, a.k.a. other people, for information that they consider accurate and truthful. There is no problem with this because these are the people who are actually going out there and doing the work to find the information required, analyze it and report it to the people. This is done everyday, 24/7. People watch the news or browse the various sites available to catch up on the most recent news.

However, when it comes to news being reported through an altered perspective such as in a blog or social news site, the quality of the information changes. The validity of the story comes to questions because how can you trust an ordinary person telling you the latest about a recent event through his view in a blog or social networking site. I understand that journalism is a profession and that there are experts out there, but doing something like this on a more social level poses consequences for the future of media and I do not believe that it will work.

Virtual Teams = So Many Benefits!!!!

"Virtual teams are the workhorses—and the unexpected blessings—of today’s organizations. Whether crossing organizational, geographic, time-zone, cultural, language, or discipline boundaries, far-flung teams are the beautiful inventions that simplify work for smart enterprises." - Jessica Lipnack and Jeff Stamps

Virtual Teams are yet another addition to our ongoing technological advancement. They provide endless benefits for worldwide corporations and their workforce. Remember when you had to travel countless hours to different cities, states, or even countries? We’ll there is no need to continue spending so much corporate funds to buy plane, train and bus tickets. Studies have found that virtual teams work for some companies and don’t for others. But, that’s the way technology works.

Virtual Teams eliminate the stress of traveling and at the same time save money and prove to be as effective as meeting in-person. They make it easier for members to communicate without even having to be in the same place. Employees don’t even have to leave their workspace and that way they can get so much more done. The prospect of all businesses are Virtual Teams and they will be successful if companies take the necessary steps forward to make them work. There are many arguments against the used of Virtual Teams because they eliminate the face to face interaction, but they prove to be effective in the workforce.

Below is a list of 10 rules provided by Lynda Gratton, a professor of management at London Business School. These rules are very valuable and help virtual teams work. They are as follows:

1. Invest in an online resource where members can learn quickly about one another.
2. Choose a few team members who already know each other.
3. Identify "boundary spanners" and ensure that they make up at least 15% of the team.
4. Cultivate boundary spanners as a regular part of companywide practices and processes.
5. Break the team's work up into modules so that progress in one location is not overly dependent on progress in another.
6. Create an online site where a team can collaborate, exchange ideas and inspire one another.
7. Encourage frequent communication. But don't try to force social gatherings.
8. Assign only tasks that are challenging and interesting.
9. Ensure the task is meaningful to the team and the company.
10. When building a virtual team, solicit volunteers as much as possible.

A more detailed description of these rules can be found here. Also below is an interesting video that highlights the benefits of Virtual Teams. Please take a look and enjoy the points brought up by this man.