While advertising and public relations seem to be the main aspects of business being improved by Facebook, many businesses are now using Facebook during the hiring process. Specifically, businesses use Facebook to scope out possible employees. As businesses are now aware that people commonly use social-networking sites to express themselves, businesses use these sites to see not only the way in which a possible employee expresses themselves but also to try to determine the personality of the possible employee. And if your Facebook profile does not display you in the most favorable light--i.e. a profile picture which displays underage drinking--employers are less likely to hire you. Because of this, many colleges suggest to those students applying for jobs or internships to set their Facebook profile to private. However, even when a profile on Facebook is private, all users can see your profile picture. So, those applying for jobs and internships should always choose a profile picture which displays them in a favorable light just in case that employer decides to take a peak.
Similarly, many colleges and universities are using Facebook to research and recruit potential students. Specifically, many colleges and universities are now creating Facebook pages in order to encourage students to join in such a way that is less obtrusive than mail and emails--i.e. through status updates, messages, and pictures on Facebook. Also, since many colleges and universities simply do not have the time to look at every applicant's Facebook profile, admission offices will often only look at the profiles of applicants brought to attention for containing illegal or inappropriate behavior or language.
While colleges' and universities' use of Facebook is not as common as business' use of Facebook, this use still gives Facebook users, especially college students who are about to embark into the job market or high school students searching for a college, a lot to think about. Facebook is making interviewing and applying to college a different process: we now have to present ourselves not only in the interview but on Facebook as well.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Facebook and Business: Public Relations
As I discussed in my last post, Facebook advertisements provide a successful, efficient way for businesses to advertise. But now...businesses are also creating Facebook pages not only to advertise but also to improve public relations. After a business creates a Facebook page, Facebook users then have the option to become "fans" of the business. By becoming a fan of a page, users then have access to the business' photos, links, videos, and much more. Oftentimes, these large companies will use status updates and messages to alert their Facebook fans about a new product, such as Adidas' recent status update promoting their new shoes: the Cities Artist.
And even though larger companies, such as Coca Cola and Starbucks, have over 3 million fans, many smaller companies are also us
ing Facebook pages. For example, WFMZ, an independent television station that broadcasts to eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey, has 2, 671 fans on Facebook. WFMZ--like the big businesses--uses their Facebook page to better connect with customers. For example, with status updates, WFMZ alerts fans about events they will be hosting and charities they will be sponsoring. In turn, WFMZ seems to be successfully connecting to their fans--in a recent status update concerning WFMZ's anniversary, many followers commented on their gratefulness for the television station.
By creating a comfortable, convenient, and familiar way for customers to provide feedback, businesses who use Facebook to improve customer relations are sure to generate more business...more comfort and convenience= more consumption.
And even though larger companies, such as Coca Cola and Starbucks, have over 3 million fans, many smaller companies are also us
ing Facebook pages. For example, WFMZ, an independent television station that broadcasts to eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey, has 2, 671 fans on Facebook. WFMZ--like the big businesses--uses their Facebook page to better connect with customers. For example, with status updates, WFMZ alerts fans about events they will be hosting and charities they will be sponsoring. In turn, WFMZ seems to be successfully connecting to their fans--in a recent status update concerning WFMZ's anniversary, many followers commented on their gratefulness for the television station.By creating a comfortable, convenient, and familiar way for customers to provide feedback, businesses who use Facebook to improve customer relations are sure to generate more business...more comfort and convenience= more consumption.
Facebook and Business: Advertising
According to Facebook's statistic page, Facebook currently has over 350 million active users. Because of this, it is no wonder that businesses are now using Facebook for advertising purposes. For example, if you have a Facebook account, it's hard to miss the many free gifts offered by Facebook daily. These free gifts may seem like a fun way to brighten a Facebook friend's day, but these gifts are actually hidden advertisements paid for by businesses. For example, recently, the free Facebook gift was a holiday drink provided by Starbucks. By offering a holiday drink for users to give friends, Starbucks hopes to encourage users to actually buy these holiday drinks--not just give them as gifts on Facebook. And I have to admit...I was given one of these holiday drinks as a gift on Facebook, and I fell into the trap: a couple of hours after receiving the gift, I headed down to my local Starbucks and purchased a holiday drink--the Gingerbread latte.
However, this subtle type of advertising does not end with the free gifts. The margin advertisements on the side of every Facebook user's profile page are both unobtrusive and discreet because the advertisements blend in with the overall layout of Facebook. Also, did you ever notice that the margin advertisements seem extremely personalized to each specific Facebook user? For example, was there ever an ad that seemed extremely personalized to your interests? Well, this is because these advertisements really are personalized because Facebook allows businesses to engage in a form of target marketing--i.e. businesses are able to display advertisements to selected demographics.
Specifically, the advertising software provided by Facebook allows businesses to choose these demographics based on the information given by users on their (the users') profile pages, such as hometown, religious beliefs, interests, education, and favorite movies. Businesses can then easily choose the demographics which are most likely to purchase their products.
So, the next time you give a free Facebook gift or even update your information on your Facebook profile...you are actually doing more than meets the eye: providing businesses opportunities to advertise their products.
However, this subtle type of advertising does not end with the free gifts. The margin advertisements on the side of every Facebook user's profile page are both unobtrusive and discreet because the advertisements blend in with the overall layout of Facebook. Also, did you ever notice that the margin advertisements seem extremely personalized to each specific Facebook user? For example, was there ever an ad that seemed extremely personalized to your interests? Well, this is because these advertisements really are personalized because Facebook allows businesses to engage in a form of target marketing--i.e. businesses are able to display advertisements to selected demographics.
Specifically, the advertising software provided by Facebook allows businesses to choose these demographics based on the information given by users on their (the users') profile pages, such as hometown, religious beliefs, interests, education, and favorite movies. Businesses can then easily choose the demographics which are most likely to purchase their products.
So, the next time you give a free Facebook gift or even update your information on your Facebook profile...you are actually doing more than meets the eye: providing businesses opportunities to advertise their products.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Downloading Audacity and Attempting to Record
Today in "Composing Cyberspace," we had to download the program, Audacity, and try to record ourselves saying something--anything--using this program. Though I was a bit skeptical at first that just about anybody could podcast, I found that if taken in small steps, producing a podcast can be very simple. Downloading audacity and recording "test" recordings of our voices was the class's first step...and soon we will be well on our way to producing a podcast!
Before I can enjoy producing a podcast, I think I will have to get over hearing the strange way my voice sounds after it is recorded. To me, my voice sounds completely different when I'm talking normally than it does when I listen to it on the recording. Since I thought it sounded strange the first time I heard my voice on the recording, I actually asked my roommates, "Do I really sound like that?" My roommates told me that I sound similar to that, but my voice sounds a little bit higher on the recording than it does in real life. So, once I get over the initially strange factor of hearing my voice on the recording, I think producing a podcast will become much easier! After all, I will have to hear my voice constantly while producing a podcast when editing, adding music, etc!
On the other hand, listening to my classmate's recordings was very interesting and not very strange. I think it wasn't strange for me because as a society, we hear recorded voices of others all the time (from television to radio), so hearing my classmates' recorded voices was not unusual. I thought it was very interesting, and I really liked the editing that Sam used on his recording. I didn't even think to try that on my recording, but now I really want to experiment with some editing techniques!
All in all, this experience in recording my voice and listening to my classmates' recordings was a little strange, fun, and interesting!
Before I can enjoy producing a podcast, I think I will have to get over hearing the strange way my voice sounds after it is recorded. To me, my voice sounds completely different when I'm talking normally than it does when I listen to it on the recording. Since I thought it sounded strange the first time I heard my voice on the recording, I actually asked my roommates, "Do I really sound like that?" My roommates told me that I sound similar to that, but my voice sounds a little bit higher on the recording than it does in real life. So, once I get over the initially strange factor of hearing my voice on the recording, I think producing a podcast will become much easier! After all, I will have to hear my voice constantly while producing a podcast when editing, adding music, etc!
On the other hand, listening to my classmate's recordings was very interesting and not very strange. I think it wasn't strange for me because as a society, we hear recorded voices of others all the time (from television to radio), so hearing my classmates' recorded voices was not unusual. I thought it was very interesting, and I really liked the editing that Sam used on his recording. I didn't even think to try that on my recording, but now I really want to experiment with some editing techniques!
All in all, this experience in recording my voice and listening to my classmates' recordings was a little strange, fun, and interesting!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Response to Podcast Solutions--Chapter 8 "Video Podcast Production"
Chapter 8 in "Podcast Solutions" peaked my interest when it began with "YouTube" as an example of the frequency in which videos are being produced and uploaded daily. At first, podcasting seemed a very intimidating task. Though it still seems fairly intimidating, thinking of the thousands and thousands of videos on YouTube produced by those both younger and older than me helped me to realize that I too could podcast.
While the technical talk--such as the type of equipment needed to produce a video podcast--was slightly over my head, my attention was revived when this chapter began discussing various film techniques. Since I have already taken a film class and am currently taking another film class, I was familiar with the filming techniques discussed in this chapter, such as the types of shots and types of lighting. Because I was familiar with these techniques, the chapter became much more personal and interesting for me. I especially found it interesting that these film techniques, like using a long-shot, medium shot, or the three-point lighting technique, can be used in both something as small-scale as a personal podcast AND a major motion picture. For instance, this chapter pointed out that both major motion pictures and video podcasts commonly use the "three-point lighting technique" (a method in which three lights are used: the key light, the fill light, and the backlight in order to receive the best image on-screen).
I also found it interesting that video podcasts require casting. During high school, I was in many school plays, so I was able to easily relate to the section about how to go about casting actors for a video podcast. Many of the techniques and methods listed to find the best cast were the same techniques used by the director when choosing actors for our high school productions--such as "call backs" and videotaping each audition. Another technique used both in making a podcast and in my high school productions was marking spots on the floor. My director frequently marked important spots on the floor of the stage with duct tape so that actors would know where to stand and to ensure their placement on stage was consistent during every performance.
By relating what I was reading to my own experiences and knowledge, video podcasting not only became more feasible to me but also more interesting.
How does everyone feel about podcasting? Do you think you might try it? Comments?
While the technical talk--such as the type of equipment needed to produce a video podcast--was slightly over my head, my attention was revived when this chapter began discussing various film techniques. Since I have already taken a film class and am currently taking another film class, I was familiar with the filming techniques discussed in this chapter, such as the types of shots and types of lighting. Because I was familiar with these techniques, the chapter became much more personal and interesting for me. I especially found it interesting that these film techniques, like using a long-shot, medium shot, or the three-point lighting technique, can be used in both something as small-scale as a personal podcast AND a major motion picture. For instance, this chapter pointed out that both major motion pictures and video podcasts commonly use the "three-point lighting technique" (a method in which three lights are used: the key light, the fill light, and the backlight in order to receive the best image on-screen).
I also found it interesting that video podcasts require casting. During high school, I was in many school plays, so I was able to easily relate to the section about how to go about casting actors for a video podcast. Many of the techniques and methods listed to find the best cast were the same techniques used by the director when choosing actors for our high school productions--such as "call backs" and videotaping each audition. Another technique used both in making a podcast and in my high school productions was marking spots on the floor. My director frequently marked important spots on the floor of the stage with duct tape so that actors would know where to stand and to ensure their placement on stage was consistent during every performance.
By relating what I was reading to my own experiences and knowledge, video podcasting not only became more feasible to me but also more interesting.
How does everyone feel about podcasting? Do you think you might try it? Comments?
Response to Causewired--Chapter 7
While reading Chapter 7 in Causewired, "Spare the Paperwork: The Quick Rise of Flash Causes," I was immediately able to relate to everything author Tom Watson was describing. During this chapter, Watson describes "flash causes," which are "an instant burst of community activism" (120). Examples of "flash causes" include members of a community raising money for a family with a sick child, a group of people joining together to find a missing person, and much more.
Watson's descriptions of these "flash causes" instantly reminded me of the groups on Facebook. It seems whenever I log on to Facebook, I have at least one or two group invitations. Most of the time, these groups are superficially based--i.e. a person creates a group to collect phone numbers when they get a new cell phone or a group is created based on a shared interest--but sometimes, these groups actually concern serious issues. For example, sometimes I receive group invitations that concern issues such as a missing child, a local petition, and other important causes. These many Facebook groups concerning important causes prove Tom Watson's point that using the internet does wonders for philanthropy because it "puts the tools of attention, and fundraising, and action into the hands of any citizen who cares enough to use them" (123).
The most striking example of a "flash cause" given in the book was that of Mukhtaran Bibi, a woman from Pakistan who was sentenced to be raped because of her brother's affair with a high-status woman (her brother was falsely accused). The tribal council of Bibi's village in Pakistan decided that, to punish Bibi's brother, Bibi would be gang-raped by high-status men. Later, Bibi was placed under house arrest in order to prevent her from traveling to New York to speak about human rights. Though this story was from 2002, my heart still ached for Bibi. As I read on, I realized that because of the large response on the internet--mostly from blogs--Bibi was eventually released and now travels in order to speak about human rights. Reading this story inspired me and made me realize just how powerful the internet can be for important causes--from big to small.
Due to this new-found inspiration, I decided to include a few links from groups and causes on Facebook which I think are important to support:
. Missing Girl (Facebook Group)
. Children's Rights (Facebook Causes)
. Breast Cancer (Facebook Causes)
Comment with any causes you feel are important!
Watson's descriptions of these "flash causes" instantly reminded me of the groups on Facebook. It seems whenever I log on to Facebook, I have at least one or two group invitations. Most of the time, these groups are superficially based--i.e. a person creates a group to collect phone numbers when they get a new cell phone or a group is created based on a shared interest--but sometimes, these groups actually concern serious issues. For example, sometimes I receive group invitations that concern issues such as a missing child, a local petition, and other important causes. These many Facebook groups concerning important causes prove Tom Watson's point that using the internet does wonders for philanthropy because it "puts the tools of attention, and fundraising, and action into the hands of any citizen who cares enough to use them" (123).
The most striking example of a "flash cause" given in the book was that of Mukhtaran Bibi, a woman from Pakistan who was sentenced to be raped because of her brother's affair with a high-status woman (her brother was falsely accused). The tribal council of Bibi's village in Pakistan decided that, to punish Bibi's brother, Bibi would be gang-raped by high-status men. Later, Bibi was placed under house arrest in order to prevent her from traveling to New York to speak about human rights. Though this story was from 2002, my heart still ached for Bibi. As I read on, I realized that because of the large response on the internet--mostly from blogs--Bibi was eventually released and now travels in order to speak about human rights. Reading this story inspired me and made me realize just how powerful the internet can be for important causes--from big to small.
Due to this new-found inspiration, I decided to include a few links from groups and causes on Facebook which I think are important to support:
. Missing Girl (Facebook Group)
. Children's Rights (Facebook Causes)
. Breast Cancer (Facebook Causes)
Comment with any causes you feel are important!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Businesses using Facebook...a possible research paper topic?
Recently, I've been trying to think of possible topics for my final research paper. I looked through Dr. Ray's list of possible ideas, and even though "The Changing Nature of 'Friends' in an Online World" and "The Connection Between Writing and Literacy" interested me, I think I will most likely write my research paper on "Facebook and Business."
I was first introduced to this topic during a discussion about the ways in which businesses are using Facebook to better communicate with their customers in a Public Speaking course I took in Spring 2009. Our class discussion was very interesting, and I would definitely like to investigate further ways in which businesses are currently using Facebook.
Within my paper, I plan to discuss the ways businesses use Facebook in advertising, public relations, and hiring. How does this sound as a topic for my final research paper? Any thoughts or suggestions?
I was first introduced to this topic during a discussion about the ways in which businesses are using Facebook to better communicate with their customers in a Public Speaking course I took in Spring 2009. Our class discussion was very interesting, and I would definitely like to investigate further ways in which businesses are currently using Facebook.
Within my paper, I plan to discuss the ways businesses use Facebook in advertising, public relations, and hiring. How does this sound as a topic for my final research paper? Any thoughts or suggestions?
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