Get Your Hate On: The Protest Over FaceBook's Facelift

I've heard that many of my students are Facebook users...(insert duh face here). I've also heard rumblings about the social networking behemoth's new look, and that some people are less than thrilled about it. Well, leave it to a few socialmedialites (get it?) to start a protest. No, make that a few million people!

So, my fellow students and FaceBook addicts, what are your thoughts on this protest? Do you think it will have an impact? Are you going to boycott the site during the protest in a few weeks? Or, should people quit whining?

And for those not in the know...what's the big deal about the new FaceBook?

COM 130 Blog Prompt: Presidential or Vice Presidential Debate Reaction Post

For COM 130 students next blog post assignment, I would like you to watch one of the presidential or vice-presidential televised debates and write a blog about it. For more information on debates, visit the Commission on Presidential Debates website.

Meantime, here are the dates of the next three:

October 2nd - Vice Presidential Debate (this one takes place at Washington University in St. Louis) - 8:00 pm Central Time

• October 7nd - Second Presidential Debate - 8:00 pm Central Time


• October 15th - Third Presidential Debate - 8:00 pm Central Time

For the assignment, pick one of the three you want to watch and analyze for your 500-word post. This is a critical thinking post. I want you to "review and react" to the debates. Here are some examples of questions you can (but are not limited to) answer:

• Did you agree with the questions?


• Which channel or news network did you select to watch the debate? (all networks and cable news channels will carry the debates - NBC, CBS, ABC, MSNBC, CNN, Fox News, PBS) If you watched it on the Internet, what website did you choose for debate coverage?
• What did you think of the candidates' responses?


• In your opinion, did the debate have a clear winner or loser? Which quotes did you find most memorable? What will you remember the most about this debate? What will go down in the history books?


• What can either candidate do to improve his or her demeanor in these debates? In other words, what can they do in the future to "come across better" to voters?


• Finally, have you made a decision about who you plan to vote for? If you feel comfortable sharing, please do. However, you won't lose any points for not claiming a side, or explaining that you don't like either candidate.

The blog post is due by Friday, October 17th. That's two days after the last televised debate. You will also need to submit your post to TurnItIn.com. This post is worth 30 points, because you are doing extra work by watching the debates. Isn't that nice? I'm rewarding you for paying attention! :)

Extra Credit Alert: You Weigh in on the First Televised Presidential Debate

All classes, from now until Monday at noon, leave your comments about Friday's debate between Senator John McCain and Senator Barack Obama. I'll give you five extra credit points.

Here are my immediate thoughts:

Sen. McCain dominated the military conversations, Sen. Obama took the lead on the economy. Obama kept calling McCain, "John". Meantime, I didn't hear McCain calling his opponent, "Barack".

To me, McCain seemed to answer most of his questions in a narrative format, meaning several answers were more like stories. Obama had a hard time interrupting McCain on a number of occasions, as McCain seemed to take over.

Overall, I thought it was a good-spirited debate, not overly contentious. Both sides are in turbo-spin mode. Both sides claim victory.

Also, I'd be curious to know if you watched any of the news coverage afterwards, and what your thoughts were. I, of course, flipped around (and at this hour, still am flipping because I'm a news nerd). CNN seems to have 25 people commenting, Sen. Biden is in spin mode...Where's Sarah Palin? Fox News and MSNBC have their usual suspects. The talking points I keep hearing are: Obama said a number of times he "agreed" with McCain. Meanwhile, McCain repeated the phrase "you don't understand" to Obama several times.

A Gen Y note...both respective YouTube channels already house propaganda videos from tonight's debate. (Obama, McCain)

Okay, that's enough from me...now it's your turn.

What do you think? In your opinion, who won? What lines did you find memorable? In addition, are there relevant issues you didn't hear discussed that you think should have been? Do these debates matter to you?

Your Wireless Future and the Campaign to "Free the Airwaves"

In one of your communications courses you should have studied the electromagnetic spectrum as a means for how we enjoy "free" radio and television over the airwaves. Perhaps, you've learned of the digital changeover that's scheduled for February 2009. Once television broadasters move their signals from the spectrum, there's going to be some free space up for grabs.

What to do what to do. Certainly, there's some money to be made somewhere by media companies, right?

Well, Google and various others have started a Free the Airwaves campaign. They are requesting the FCC allow use of these new, open "white spaces". Google argues it will allow more room for "wireless" devices to operate and help provide WiFi-type services for more people. Check out their YouTube channel for more background on the issue.

Sounds great, but one problem...some broadcasters don't see it Google's way, and they certainly have friends over at the FCC. To further the debate, Google co-founder Larry Page has even gone so far as to accuse broadcasters of "rigging" tests on use of the airwaves for mobile devices.

You weigh in. As complicated and scientific as this debate is, check out the links above and leave your thoughts below. This will certainly impact the future of wireless communications. Do you agree with the Free the Airwaves campaign? Would you like to see the white spaces used for more wireless commerce? Or, do you agree with the broadcasters that Google's plan doesn't work?

COM 130's LTTGYE Links

Hey, I'm just trying to be like you with the acronyms...

Anyhow, here are the links to today's COM 130 articles. We used these as material for our mini-speed presentations for Let's Talk Tech and the Gen Y Effect. All five are fab and all five are from AdAge.com.

Surprise! You text more than you talk!

Does the iPhone have competition now?

Shia's new movie, follow on your phone

KFC monitors 90210

Better late than never in the social networking world, MTV

So, tell me, did you like this second installment better than the last time? I think we were talking about SpinSpotter and campaign ads then. I tried to keep a marketing to Gen Y theme today. You tell me...what kinds of topics to you enjoy debating the most?

CNN's Campbell Brown Says "Stop the Sexism" with Sarah Palin

Do you agree with Campbell Brown or not? Why?

Real Celebrities

Since you had so much fun with this in class today...here are the links. Now, go tell all of your friends about retouched photos.

Nine cover stories (Kate, Andy, Britney)
iWANEX Studio
Faith Hill

What do you think? To retouch or not to retouch?

Trouble the Water: Are You Interested in this Film?

A friend sent me a link to a movie trailer today and I thought I'd share it with you. It's a documentary called, Trouble the Water. It's about hurricane Katrina victims as they try to survive and reclaim their lives. Watch this clip and let me know if this film has your interest. What's the media impact angle here? Can telling this story change opinions and ideas held about the victims of Katrina?

Is Gen Y Getting Left Behind in the Classroom?

Hey, Gen Y, I found a fascinating article from PBS' MediaShift blog. I would love for you to check it out and leave your thoughts. It's written by an NYU journalism student and blogger. It has since caused some scandal at the university.

But it did get me thinking, are you feeling left behind? What would you like to see more/less of in your college courses? I'm asking this out of my own curiosity. (I request you don't name specific names here, just general comments about what you would like to see improved in your classrooms.)

What do you expect to learn by pursuing a communications or journalism degree?

Trend Alert! Sarah Palin's Glasses

Listen up, people! We have a trend alert! Sarah Palin is sparking a glasses frenzy! And that is certainly more important than the weighty issues on the campaign trail.

I'm being facetious here.

Check out this feature story from CNN's Jeanne Moos about Sarah Palin's glasses. Keep in mind Ms. Moos is their feature-type reporter. She's the same one who covered Obama sneezing, so this isn't the lead story of the newscast, if that's what your wondering. But it is making news, nonetheless (along with news of her e-mail being hacked).



Anytime a female politician's wardrobe becomes the focus of attention, I can't help but wonder why? We aren't talking about Barack Obama's shoes or John McCain's suits. What does this media attention say about our values regarding women's appearances? Remember Michelle Obama's speech at the DNC? It was all about her blue dress.

I'm also thinking about the media impact angle here. Let's think celebrities for a second. Typically, we are emulating them by copying their shoes, handbag or car. But with Sarah Palin being the new political celebrity, it's just so funny to me that people are modeling her "look". I can only imagine how various companies must be clamouring to give her free stuff so she will be photographed and videotaped wearing it. Aren't there more important things to talk about?

Tell me what you think.

Dancing Lizards and Herding Cats

In case you'd like to see these again (and just for fun)...here are the links from today's media literacy discussion about production values.

Ads:
Gatorade 2008
SoBe Lifewater
Budweiser Clydesdale
Herding Cats

Movie Clip:
A Few Good Men

Just because you made me click on this:
The Angriest Cat

See? Now you'll never watch ANYTHING the same again! Glad I could ruin things for you. Now get off the couch and jump up and down...

Have favorites you didn't see today? Leave me the links below!

Media Talk #2 Links - COM 327

Another great job today by my Media Literacy students! Here are the links to our stories and videos from today. Again, students in my other classes, feel free to check out what we were up to and share your thoughts on these media issues.

Tina Fey as Sarah Palin on SNL
Campaign ads turn ugly, Obama and sex education, McCain and computers, Karl Rove says McCain ad goes too far
Photographer Jill Greenberg doesn't like McCain, Today's update on the issue - editor apologizes
YouTube bans violent videos
Reporters blown away, is this necessary? Weather Channel, Al Roker, Canoeing in shallow waters
Obama's cold - old Jeanne Moos story

A Spiffier Media Talk

I bet you're doing a double take right about now, wondering if this is the right blog or not. Hope you like the new look! I have to give props to a certain Multimedia Production major here at Lindenwood (you know who you are). He's the one who created the banner. I only dream of being that artistic.

In class you hear me nag about how communications students should be creative, well it was time for me to step up to a custom banner. If you get the urge to create one for your blog (or find someone who can), let me know and I'll be sure to direct attention your way so everyone can appreciate it.

As this blog grows, I'm sure I'll be tweaking things again. So, what's the verdict, you like?

Hey, Gen Y, It's a Lettuce Virus!

I realize we haven't talked about viral marketing this semester yet (we will later), but I must hear your thoughts on this latest attempt by marketers trying to get your college cash (insert, "what cash?" here). According to this article on AdAge.com, Wendy's has launched a new "viral" campaign for it's "Baconater" burger.

Check it out:



In previous semesters, I've referenced Burger King and its Subservient Chicken as a case of viral marketing. (Tell me how much time you can waste on that website.)

Your Gen Y boy over at MillennialMarketer.com doesn't seem to think the lettuce-gone-wild will have much of an impact. I'll have to agree, since its hits on YouTube sit just above a thousand as I'm writing this. I'm going to admit that I did laugh at the lettuce, much more than I chuckled at the new Microsoft-Seinfeld ads.

So, here are my questions: do you think this viral marketing attempt will sell more burgers for Wendy's? Or, are you smart enough to sniff out a marketer, even if its wearing different clothing?

Russell Brand - Funny or Offensive?

I'm starting to feel old. After watching snippets of MTV's Video Music Awards last night, I became curious about one thing...what do my students think of this? I mostly curious about the host, Russell Brand.

These awards have changed from the days I remember them as the "must watch" event at the beginning of the college school year. Well, you are the students now, you are the show's target audience. Tell me what you think. Funny or offensive? Great show or poor performances? Do shows like this set the agenda for what is "cool" and "popular" among young people anymore? Are they still relevant?

New Seinfeld Microsoft Ads - Your Thoughts?

Just curious, because you are the "cool" generation and all...

What do you think about the new Microsoft ads featuring Jerry Seinfeld? Apparently, it's an effort to revamp the company's image. I'm sure you are all very familiar with the Mac is cooler than PC ads. Are these supposed to answer those?

I'm going to go on the record here and say that I am thoroughly confused. I do not understand the Seinfeld-Microsoft commercial. You tell me what you think...



Update: Here's a link to another one of these ads, courtesy of Jacob. Again, I'm a little confused. Do you think these are funny? I guess these ads are a series, as this newest one picks up where the above left off.

Should We Stop the Internet Paper Trail?

For those of you who may have missed the memo, much of what you click, search and surf online can be tracked by advertisers. Ever notice that it seems like some ads on the Internet are tailored just for you? Well, they are, and you might as well get used to it.

Or do you?

Well, that's the subject of this very interesting article from AdAge.com., discussing Microsoft's new Internet Explorer 8. It's been a busy week for browser news. This after Google's leak about its product, "Chrome".

Back to the topic of IE8...check out the article, and I'm curious to know who you are siding with: the advertisers or the people? On one hand, we can enjoy our favorite websites for free because advertising pays the bills. This means it's okay for them to find out our age, gender and zip code, so they can supply us with ads and information that "better meet our needs". On the other hand, do we actually have a choice about how much information we will allow companies to collect about us without our direct permission or knowledge? It appears as if IE8 will allow users to remove the electronic paper trail advertisers rely on.

Hmmm...an interesting media debate. You weigh in.

International Student Interview: What's the Media Like in Your Country?

COM 130 students, your next blog assignment involves interviewing an international student on campus. Chapter 1 of your text discusses how media is essentially the United States' leading export. Think movies, books, television shows, etc. How many young people in other countries learn about us through our media that we export? The text also discusses the "free press" we enjoy here, compared to government-controlled press in other countries.

You are the interviewer, you ask the questions! Let your own curiosity guide you through the interview. Make your post at least 500 words. It's due Monday, 9/8. You also need to submit your post to TurnItIn. Don't forget to add hyperlinks, pictures or videos to enhance your storytelling. Perhaps, there is a funny commericial you'd like to show us!

If you are an international student at LU, you can certainly interview a student from a different country if you want to. However, it would be fine for you to answer the questions yourself on your blog about how the media in your home country differs from the United States' media, and observations you have made since living here.