Short Ends of Social Networking

 

             The frenzy of Social Networking is all about us. Through media websites like Facebook, Google +, and Twitter, people are connecting both personally and professionally. Armed with an interactive arsenal of tools like e-mail, blogs, and message boards, individuals are reaching out to convey their interests and concerns. The technology is being professional utilized by businesses to create career contacts, to educate, and to conduct commerce. Social media increasingly become more subjective.

                Even in connection with businesses, blogging has emerged as a staple. In fact, today a business is neglecting their potential reach if they do “...not have a blog (or “learning center”) that is actively updated on a regular basis.”(Beachum) Whether its conventional blogging or Microblogging, the broadcasting of up-to-date activities can help to keep interest in your ideas, and the incorporation of hashtags will indicate a trending topic.

                Other services, such as Short Message Service (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) enable messaging by way of cell phones. Though this facilitates a mere 160 characters on average, it also allows the transfer of audio and video files via text messaging.

                The ability to Chat is facilitated through a web interface or special client. Within a chat room, people are able to converse in real time, on usually a particular designated topic. However, there are chat sites more tailored toward conventional discussions, such as the ever popular Skype or web-based chats that allow participants to explore a variety of ongoing discussion threads. As always though, caution must be taken to insure the security of personal information over such sites. Not all users of social media are as friendly as the sites they may prey upon.

Beachum, Nicole. “Blogging is More Important Today than Ever Before.” Social Media Today.  6 April, 2013. Web. 26 Nov. 2013. http://socialmediatoday.com/nicolebeachum/1338806/blogging-more-important-today-ever

Mccabe, Laurie. “What is Social Networking, and Why Should You Care?” Small Business Computing. Quinstreet Enterprising.  7 April, 2009. Web. 26 Nov. 2013. http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/biztools/article.php/3813971/What-is-Social-Networking-and-Why-Should-You-Care.htm

Shelly, Gary B., and Jennifer T. Campbell, Discovering the Internet: Complete, Fourth Edition.  Boston: Cengage Learning, 2012. Print.

Efficacy of E-Mail

             When considering the statistic that “more than 94%of Internet-connected American adults use e-mail,” it is safe to assume that most people are fluent with e-mail transactions. Perhaps it’s because of this fact that marketers intend to increase their email advertising budgets over the next year. The immediate advantages of e-mail, including that of speed, affordability, and accessibility are obvious and beneficial to both individuals and businesses. But the actual components of the system may not be so familiar.

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                Beginning with an e-mail client, such as Microsoft Outlook, an account is set up to support the creation and transference of various e-mail communications. Once synced to a particular e-mail address, the messages are transferred via TCP/IP suites and packet switching. A DNS server determines the path of the messages and directs them through several alternate routers until arriving at a designated mail server.

                Depending upon the e-mail client, messages may be handled in different ways. Through a POP server, all messages are downloaded and stored onto the customer’s computer. Though all mail is managed by the server, all messages must be managed from the customer’s computer. An IMAP mail server, however, stores and maintains all messages on the server, allowing the customer more flexibility in their e-mail management. IMAP also allows synchronizing accessibility from differing computers.

       An e-mail could be as simple as plain text message addressed to a single recipient, or an elaborate formal communication to several addressees. It could include a lengthy message, graphics, attached files, and links to pertinent web pages. A customer can receive, compose, and send messages instantly anywhere at any time. But always keep in mind that e-mails are also very impersonal and, because they lack tone or expression, can be misconstrued.  

Lorette, Kristie. “The Use of Email in Business Communication.” CHRON Small Business. Demand Media, 2013. 26 Nov. 2013. http://smallbusiness.chron.com/use-email-business-communication-118.html

Shelly, Gary B., and Jennifer T. Campbell, Discovering the Internet: Complete, Fourth Edition.  Boston: Cengage Learning, 2012. Print.

Smith, Lauren. “Email Preferred Communication Channel; Commands More Clicks & ROI.” Litmus. 20 Febuary, 2013. 26 Nov. 2013. https://litmus.com/blog/email-preferred-more-clicks-conversions-roi

The Remedy of Google Docs

           

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   My initial reaction to Google Docs was one of pessimism. I am an avid fan of Microsoft Word, and there was no way something else could produce at such a universal level. But I soon realized that it is in fact a whole new level of document crafting.  The program excels in both capabilities and usability.

                After familiarizing myself with a few Google Docs forms, I recognized several potential applications for it as a writer. Beyond the fundamental use of word document creation, the spreadsheet and presentations formats of Google Docs will enable me to address the business aspects of professional writing.  I can now easily articulate myself through both literary and visual expression within the same document. It serves as almost a self-publishing program.

                Whether my future pursuits take me into public relations, marketing, or any media field, I can create rich supportive documentations to convey my creative ideas. That fact that it is located in one place helps to insure originality and authorship. Yet I am still able to allow my writing to be edited by selected individuals. 

Privacy vs Professionalism

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               Over the last month, I've been linked with others through the highly praised social connection of LinkedIN. The initial establishing of an account and discovering compatible contacts was relatively easy. I even received several requests from other professionals within the writing arena.

                My opinion of this endeavor thus far is still divided. For the reason that I look at it as yet another collection of my personal life left at the curb for all to rummage through. I’m beginning to believe there is no privacy left within our everyday lives. Plus, it seems be another facet to constantly be checking in on.

                Yet on the supportive side, we have the professional aspects of it. After all, I’m not simply connected to professionals; I am connected to authorities within my area of interest. Much like Twitter, I have daily interaction with literary agents, publishing firms, or simply other writers. And those are things I could definitely utilize...

                So I think I will need to see which way the scales tip as I continue to pursue my career as a writer.

www.matthewferrara.com