Blog Entry #8

For my final project, I will be writing about Audi and how the German company known for its strong advertising and luxury performance cars is utilizing social media across multiple platforms to bolster its already loyal customer base. Audi has a strong presence on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and in my paper I will analyze the company's use of these media and how it has affected their numbers (sales or otherwise). I am a big fan of Audi myself, following the company on all of the platforms listed above, so it will be interesting to see what I dig up in my research.

Blog Entry #7

My favorite discussion topic of the semester so far has been the .com Bubble, which we covered in Module 4. Even though I was aware of the .com bubble, I was not privy to the detail to which I am now. It's interesting to know that websites today are still being overvalued by investors like they were in the lead-up to the collapse of the .com bubble, although I feel society is somewhat more cognizant of the value of websites today than it was back then. Internet based companies have proven their profitability, and even though some of them are highly overvalued, I doubt we'll see the type of collapse that crippled the economy 10 years ago.

Regardless, it'll be interesting to see the new ways in which websites attempt to prove their market value to investors in the future.

Blog Entry #6

So far in this class I have learned quite a bit about new media and the ways they are used today. Some of the theories we have discussed so far have been almost common sense to me since I've grown up with the Internet, but some of the discussions have shed light on interesting topics (such as the .com bubble) about which I previously knew very little.

My major gripe with the course is that the BlackBoard interface doesn't exactly lend itself to seamless learning, especially the discussion board. It's difficult to follow a string of conversation on the discussion forum due to the layout, and that can be frustrating at times. The weekly discussion summaries I've received via email have been very helpful and concise, as they highlight the major points from each week's lesson.

Blog Entry #3

If I were to redesign this blog, I would make it more visually appealing, first and foremost. On top of that, if I were to market something through the blog, the content would have to be relevant to that product or service. I could also use SEO to make my blog more easily found by people searching on the Internet. The integration of ads would help me raise funds so that I could hire a proper web designer to help me refine the page, and I could place ads on pages my demographic would frequent to increase my page views.

Blog Entry #2

This article from the Social Media Examiner details how Livestrong was able to capitalize on social media to maximize fundraising and support for cancer sufferers and survivors. While the cause had already gained popularity through it's iconic yellow bracelets, it has truly flourished due to its use of social media as marketing tools.

Blog Entry #5

Here's an interesting article from Forbes about the 'rules' of social media.

Blog Entry #4

If I were going to open a store, I would make it online rather than brick-and-mortar, primarily due to the cost difference between the two. Operating an online business incurs fewer overhead costs than a physical storefront would, and the same money can do more for website design and layout than it can for interior design and decoration of a store.

Shopping online makes it easier to comparison shop and to find the best deals on items, although the major caveat is that one cannot physically see or touch the goods before purchasing them from a website. It is easier for a store owner or employees to develop personal relationships with customers through brick-and-mortar stores than online ones, which means the former is more likely to have a loyal customer base.

Even though online retailers are more prominent today, I think the brick-and-mortar store is here for good. These physical locations are much more convenient than ordering something online and waiting for its delivery, and the public's need for immediacy and impatience with shipping times will ensure that storefronts are here for many years to come.

MDIA 4902 — Blog Entry #1

I currently use quite a few social networking sites, including: Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Blogger, LinkedIn, Foursquare, and Instagram. I use all of them fairly regularly (at least once per day), but try to limit my usage to a reasonable amount of time. My favorite is Instagram, due to its ease of use and clean interface, both of which improve the user experience.

Storyboard Imitation

This scene from the film RockNRolla depicts the famous Archie slap. Shown below are the first five shots of the scene and an overhead view showing camera placement.

In filming this, Guy Ritchie followed the 180 degree rule, by never crossing the line of action, the 30 degree rule, by moving the camera at least 30 degrees with each cut, and the 30 percent rule, by not making any jump cuts due to framing. The rule of thirds was broken in the first shot, however. This was likely done for a number of reasons. First, it shows that Lenny is the center of this world. By framing him in the center of the shot and shooting from a low angle, the viewer knows exactly who has all the power in the scene. The symmetry of the shot also highlights the orderly fashion in which Lenny likes to live, thereby emphasizing the glaringly missing painting. After Lenny's dominance is clearly established, the rule of thirds is followed for the remainder of the scene.

Song Deconstruction

1. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zf2kCSLPDCc and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgT9zGkiLig&ob=av2n for two different versions of the song Drive.

2.View these images:

3. As you can see, the two songs do have some similarities, but are very different. The speeds vary, the rhythm comes from different instruments, and likewise the grooves are completely different. In fact, the only similarities the two songs have are some of the lyrical content, and the fact that they both build emotionally toward the choruses. They have different heights, widths, and depths, and even the things they have in common (lyrics and emotional architecture) are still distinctly different.

Being that they are two completely different songs, I feel as though I cannot pick a favorite. Each evokes different emotions and memories in me. The original version by Incubus is much more familiar to me and feels welcoming, like a hug from a best friend you haven't seen in five or ten years. The house remix, on the other hand, is much more upbeat to begin with and I happen to associate it with some awesome memories of partying, living it up, and generally having a good time. Both are great songs and mean something special to me, and because of that, I love them both equally.

Scene Deconstruction

In this scene from Pineapple Express, we are exposed to Saul and Dale's relationship for the first time. This scene sets the tone for the rest of the film, as we catch a glimpse of them in their natural environment (smoking weed). However, contrary to popular belief, Pineapple Express is not about smoking weed, but instead about friendship. Even though Saul and Dale know each other on a strictly professional level at this point in the film, it's clear that the two have chemistry together and that there's strong potential for a great relationship to emerge.

The rhythm of the scene is predominantly slow and steady. The cuts are made sparingly, and ample time is spent on each shot. However, when two new characters enter the scene to buy marijuana from Saul, the cuts become more rapid and as a result there is a marked increase in the scene's tension and tempo. What was previously a relaxed smoking scene becomes one that is full of awkward character interaction and unrest. The characters who come in are disrupting Saul and Dale's hangout time, and the editing reflects that sense of interruption.

The scene primarily utilizes limited and flat space. These types of space emphasize the relationship between Saul and Dale, placing them on the same plane. However, when the two newcomers enter the scene, the space changes to deep, symbolizing the disparity between the two parties. It also adds some dynamism to the scene to heighten the tension associated with the new characters.

Animation Deconstruction

The color in both of these is similar in that the main character in the scene is wearing a brighter piece of clothing and all the other characters are dressed in bland, neutral colors so they aren't distracting. There is some brightness in the first image coming in from outside, while the second scene is rather dark and dingy. The light in the first image causes part of the frame to appear saturated, but in both shots the main characters are clearly in focus.

There is a considerable amount of shadow in each shot to reflect that both of the scenes take place in seedy locations. The lighting symbolically reflects the presence (or in this case, lack) of good in both scenes. The mood is fairly light in the first shot because of the light coming in through the window but it is much more serious in the second due to the shadows and dim light.

A Mexican Mystery

Something's amiss in sleepy little Mexico...

Vegeta goes HAM on an unassuming stick figure...

Brainwashed

In Seth Godin's Brainwashed, he talks about how we have been brainwashed into thinking that being average, being the norm, is okay. This, however, is an improper assumption. Godin asserts that it is imperative to stimulate the creative and interpersonal aspects of being human in order to make as big of an impact as possible.

One of the ways to accomplish this is to connect. Social media in particular provide us with a unique opportunity to reach and interact with more people than ever before. This can be a powerful and influential tool for both change and success.

Another important aspect of being creative revolves around being generous. One person's individual talents mean nothing unless they are shared with other people, and the simple act of being generous fosters positive relationships and promotes further generosity.

A third creative impetus of Godin's is to make art. Devoting one's self to creative expression is often rewarding and can serve to break up the monotony of an otherwise mundane life. As Godin describes it, art is taking risks, and if you don't take risks, you aren't likely to be rewarded.

These three characteristics of a creative life tie in to this blog in a few ways. This blog allows me to connect with a theoretically limitless number of people. It provides me with not only an outlet of expression, but also with a means of communication. The blog format itself opens up a channel for generosity as well, in that those who read blogs can post constructive comments, compliments, or stimulating observations for other people to discuss. A blog is also a good way to make or share art, and also to take risks. In writing a blog, I am taking a risk because I am putting my own personal thoughts in the public domain. There is no telling what comments or repercussions one of my posts might elicit, and that is a risk for me. However, in order to get the reward of expanding my creative horizons and learning about different forms of self-expression, I have to take the risk of opening myself in the form of my written words up to millions of strangers.

Finding Your Howl

In Jonathon Flaum's Finding Your Howl, he describes a wolf that is one of fourteen that escapes from captivity. However, due to their captive pasts none of these wolves know how to howl. One wolf, Mumon, takes it upon himself to find his howl and consequently become the pack leader. In searching for his howl, he finds and kills a deer, thus beginning his process of assimilating with his wild side. He feels guilt for this kill, but a raven convinces him it was the right thing to do. With this renewed sense of validation, Mumon begins to run and feels himself becoming more and more connected to the earth.

Then a farmer shoots him.

After the wound has been inflicted, Mumon journeys to the center of the earth where he dances in fire and howls for the first time. The howl is so prodigious that the moon itself claims it as its own.

This brief tale goes to show that it is impossible to go against one's nature. Even though Mumon was raised in captivity, he was still able to overcome considerable odds and find his long-lost howl. This howl could mean any number of things, depending on the person in question. To one it might a life's aspiration, to another a subtle muse, and to another still a drive for redemption. In Mumon's case, his howl turned out to be all three of these and more still. Simply put, a howl is a reason to be. Without it, we are lost in a foreign and hostile world. In order to be successful and thrive, it is imperative to find your howl and never let it go.



"Somewhere something incredible is waiting to be known."
-Carl Sagan

This quote form Carl Sagan serves as my own personal "howl." The pursuit of knowledge is one of the most important things to me and I try to cater to it as much as possible in my day-to-day life. The human mind is a marvelous entity, capable of expanding without bounds and constantly thirsting for more knowledge. In this manner, it makes for the perfect howl, because it can never be satisfied or forgotten. Carl Cagan's quote serves as a poignant reminder that no matter how much I think I know, there is still so much more that I can discover. Keeping myself in a mindset of infantile wonder at the marvels of the world allows for my creativity and mind to grow, completely uninhibited.

A howl is much more than a quote, a mantra or even a life-changing event (in the case of Mumon). It is a muse, a driving force so powerful that it consumes ones life, for better or for worse. For me, my howl has been the imperative to hold myself to a higher standard of intelligence than I otherwise would have. Few things can be cultivated as easily and as uniquely as the human mind, and every incredible thing waiting to be known has the power to positively change a multitude of people's lives. Perhaps one or two or two-million of these particular incredible somethings will go on to serve as howls for those who discover them, further perpetuating the cycle of inspiration and intelligence.

Deconstructing Characters

Daddy Moarbucks

An Ominous Shadow

This shadow describes Moarbucks in a variety of ways. The shadow represents the side of the being where light is not present, hinting at the presence of evil. A shadow can also have a dramatic effect on whatever it is cast on. In much the same way, whatever comes near Daddy Moarbucks becomes lethargic and timid, cowering at his might. Unlike with most shadows though, the one that emanates from Moarbucks does not have a light at its source. Instead, his shadow exudes out from him on all sides simultaneously.

Shades of Gray

These shades of gray describe the enigmatic and mysterious side of Daddy Moarbucks. Black is a somewhat nondescript color, but there is more to Moarbucks than just evil. He has wiles. He's cunning, ruthless, and manipulative like a snake. He can be one of many variations of the same ideal whenever he wants. Even though he does have these varying shades, he is still evil when it comes down to it. Most of what is known about Moarbucks is shrouded in mystery, and his simple color scheme alludes to that. Even if one may quickly get a glimpse of him, he is just as soon obscured once again.

An Imposing Chimney

This image represents Daddy Moarbucks' imposing shape. Much like this chimney, he looms over his surroundings. He is a tall and slender figure, much like the skyscrapers in the cities he runs. However, unlike those skyscrapers (of which many have comparable heights), no person can come even close to matching his power, which is why this image is such a good visual descriptor. Like the chimney lording over the tiny sugar plantation, Moarbucks has full purview over his immediate surroundings, especially the plebeians under his iron fist.

Hank Hall

Light On All Sides

Framed by light on all sides, an object will not have a shadow. In much the same way, Hank Hall does not have a shadow at all. This is one of the few things that separates him from the common man. In most other respects, he is a completely normal character, but when it comes to radiance, he outshines the rest. having not a single evil bone in his body, Hank Hall is the embodiment of good. He is motivated to do what is right, come Hell or high water. It is unclear whether the light emanates from his figure or simply follows him around; all that is evident is that wherever Hank Hall is, light can also be found.

Orange and Blue

This complimentary color scheme is both appealing to the eye and rather commonplace. the orange of his hard hat and undershirt and the blue of his denim overalls are symbols of hard work and, to an extent, honesty. Synonymous with the protagonist, this heroic color scheme also appears in Hank's home and family. When juxtaposed with Daddy Moarbucks' monochromatic color scheme, Hank's orange and blue attire gives him a certain depth of character and emotion that would otherwise be absent. This, in turn, makes him a very likable character.

Brick Wall

Hank is the embodiment of the corn-fed, hardworking, Midwestern ideal. He has a boxy shape from working construction and while not seeming imposing or intimidating, he certainly commands a certain amount of respect. The amount of strength he possesses is often belied by his mild temperament and kind demeanor. A brick wall also takes time, precision, and hard work to build properly, and this speaks to Hank's work ethic. He knows how to work for his pay, and likewise will not stop until the evil Daddy Moarbucks is put in his place.

First Legitimate Post

Now I have to make a post about my favorite superhero, Iron Man (Tony Stark.) Shown above is a picture of Robert Downey, Jr. doing the character great justice. Also embedded is a television spot from the film Iron Man 2 highlighting the Audi R8 Spyder.

First Day of MDIA 203 Lab

Today is my first lab for MDIA 203. I made a blog. This is that blog. I also made a family tree in Powerpoint. Here's a video of an adorable cat: