Linked In Profile

Just here recently, I lost my job. Before that, I would not have given Linked In a second look. In fact, I just typed up some invaluable information about myself and posted it in an effort to connect with the community, as my previous employer attempted to beef up its social media efforts. I realized some of the people in my network belonged in these groups that I saw on the right side of the screen or below their name but I did not understand its value. As I clicked on the group, I came to understand that 1) the network was strengthened with like-minded professionals, 2) it was an easier method to contact people within the group with specific tasks or action items in mind. For instance, An engineer who was a part of an engineer’s association, took the time to post job opportunities to just that group versus bombarding his whole network which obviously varied in professional backgrounds . Now the pro’s and cons of Linked In vary and although, I am aware of the fact that I would be reasserting the obvious which includes concerns over privacy and identity theft. Linked In has been reputable and a way for employers to see the backgrounds of people; which is a con for someone like me, who refused at one point to give the social media site any credence. A potential employer could assume based on what I have posted on Linked In, that I am not involved with much. So that is an unintentional consequence against me, now the pro is really for those who are social media maniacs. How many times does one have to fill out similar applications, over, and over, and over, and over again before someone enterprises the bright idea of one application fits all? Sort of like a Texas Common Application for collegiate students, and then send a resume with background details specific to the particular position. Well, as I have come to learn, Linked In is as good as it gets. I just do not trust that methodology because one thing I do know is that people can be judgmental and petty. I am always afraid that someone who I am linked with or to (no pun intended) may have burned a bridge with a potential employer or contact and then as they say, birds of a feather flock together – then I am labeled and judged. That is definitely where the tide gets a bit tricky. I understand that people are in the mode to get their information in the form of job applications out there, especially in these trying times. It seems the old fashioned way of applying for potential job opportunities has become antiquated.

Multi-Generation

The irony is uncanny. As when I was creating the post from my grandparent’s computer – I almost wanted to throw the computer out of the window – literally. Their high-speed internet package sat nice and neatly, on a desk, in a folder, as I waited for hours for the low-speed modem to “fire up”. The Pew Research institute stated that "since 2005, broadband access has increased dramatically in the United States across all age groups, but older groups are still largely unconnected to high-speed internet. For Americans ages 12-24, broadband access has increased by about half; for 25-64 year olds, it has about doubled; and for seniors 65 and older, broadband access has more than tripled. The percentage of the oldest age group to have broadband at home is still very low" My grandpa is one of those people. In a generation where social media and the internet are the catalysts for communication Interestingly enough I thought I would have a sit down with my Daddy Jack, as we kids call him - and see what he thought about social media and why the heck he is on not high speed internet. Here is an example of the outtakes that had me in stitches. Since I do not have editing equipment, I thought it to be best if I simply wrote out what transpired.

Me: Daddy Jack, how important was the internet when you were working at the post office? Daddy Jack: Well, the internet was not exactly in existence and we had our own internal way of conducting business. Me: Do you think social media is important?

DaddyJack: What do you mean by that?

Me: Do you think that Facebook and Blogging are important?

Daddy Jack: Well, the younger generation may not think that but it does. Seems to me that it is distracting – teens always on their phone twinning. I wouldn’t say it is important because life goes on without it.

Me: Twittering, Daddy Jack.

Daddy Jack: Well, whatever and texting on those phones which is rude, you do that all the time you know.

Me: I do not! Ginayle does!

Daddy Jack: You all do. Anyway, it stymies people from communicating with friends and family the old-fashioned way. I do like how you can get in contact with people you haven’t seen in a while, so that would be good. I just think your private business should remain private.

Me: There are social media sites that help with the job search too…

Daddy Jack: Well, then that is good but limit the information that is put out there. Some people from what I heard phish for information and I mean privacy is critical.

Me : Spell phish, I want to see if you got it right. Daddy Jack: You spell it, you’re in grad school.

Me: Thanks, DaddyJack...

Please see the video of my Daddy Jack telling it like it is in the kitchen.

Sea World Social Media Blog

Social Media Case Study : SeaWorld from Ted Murphy

In the above video, the PR campaign for Sea World is explained and as a San Antonio native that first hand has seen the popularity of the local favorite wan over time, I thought the strategies implemented were ley in sparking the interest

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The PR team backing the Journey to Atlantis ride at Sea World San Antonio developed a social media campaign that led to sparked interest in the ride. Sea World was able to attract top roller coaster enthusiasts, journalists, bloggers, etc, to serve as its online community to spread the word. According to the team created content based on the social graph of this group—meaning their interests, attitudes, basis, motivations, etc. Similiar to a time lapse, the team documented the construction from start to finish with 11 videos and a 45-photo portfolio. These were posted on social media sites YouTube and Flickr. The bloggers were granted easy access as this content was easily viewable and they could use it in their own posts. Most importantly, the videos were posted on the Sea World’s Coaster site, complete with multiple social media sharing options. An interesting offline tactic was that a special interest group or stakeholder,the American Coaster Enthusiasts Group, was specially invited to attend the media launch, and be among the first to get to ride the new coaster. The riders left positive comments on the YouTube videos. The campaign received 50 links from unique websites, 30 of which were from roller coaster enthusiast sites.

Social Media: Regulation needed

Social media is both a hell and a haven. Social media increases awareness, connectivity and diversity. On the other hand, social networking sites can potentially expose children to sociopaths, increase vulnerability to computer viruses, lower attention spans, and since social media has a culture all of its own, short-hand typing has found its way in academia – much to the dismay of educators.Nevertheless, this cultural shift is imperative to understand and should be regulated.

According to Internet Regulation Laws | eHow.com, "illegal activities on the Internet are expanding, and the Internet regulation laws continue to expand with them. Scams are numerous, including the exchange of money through bank accounts and under the guise of customer service representatives or accounting representatives. A criminal conviction for a person who is employed in either of these situations could result in fines, repayment of the money and possible imprisonment. It does not matter that the employee is not the creator of this scam."

Infringement of intellectual property as described above will end in huge fines and a ban on conducting further business in some cases. It depends on the case and what the content of the problem really is. The Federal Trade Commission has several publications that outline past cases and how they were settled.

http://www.law.com/jsp/cc/PubArticleCC.jsp?id=1202560843256&The_FDA_and_the_Regulation_of_Social_Media

Not providing the users to websites adequate information about the use of the website may cause legal actions such as a lawsuit, criminal charges and/or civil actions. Fines may be imposed as well as jail time. Again it depends on the severity of the charges. If it is a lawsuit you will be liable for attorney fees and the fines. Making false claims will incur fines and possible damages to the user of the information or product.

 

Here is a video with a weird url but it is from Robert Todd an attorney who goes into further explanations. Regulation is definitely needed but  how is the question.

 

 

Eco Fantastic Fashions

I love fashion.
There is no doubt about that but when I found a sustainable store, I had to be sure that these folks were not just green washing the market. The owner of the store, Nicole,  was very open to explainging that her store was more than fashion but about the greater good. All of the accessories benefit a country and its citizens directly, all of the clothes are manufactured in the United States/North America for the most part.

She was quick to make sure that it was realized that not all foreign clothes are made in sweatshops or that are bad. When it was asked if sustainable clothing is what attratcs her customers, she said no, it's a plus but it is really about the style for her customers.  She said when it comes to manufactures that can produce organiz tees, for instance, in large quantities it adversely affects the idea of sustainability. She inisited she ordered only what was needed in order to fulfill her clientel's needs. Body Politic is all about the politcs of fashion and being responsible. A body politic comprises all the people in a particular country considered as a single group - I believe the store owner wants people to understand we all have a responsiblity to shop when  necessary and buy quality. As Nicole said  you may pay a little more for our fashion but it is made righ here in North America.

I bought a pair of denimyoga jeans like the ones below from the store and to say they are comfie, is an understatement.

Vancouver Tales: Chapter 1- the Convention Center

Words can not express how dynamic the Vancouver trip was. The best part of Vancouver is that Sustainability is put into action. From the Convention Center, we saw the beauty of the Harbour and Green Park shown below but the real story is how the people have taken care of their City throguh responsible recycling and compost.  The Vancouver Convention Center complete with green roofs, efficient lighting and recycled wood was a site to see. The fish habitat was incorporated into the building structure foundation as to not disturb the natural habitat.

They have won the highest of the high as they are the first convention center in the world to earn LEED^® Platinum rating.













The really cool story was about the bees! They were so cool and the tour guide told us that people enjoyed watching the bees do what they do best, swarm and gather nectar to make honey. The honey is given away as a treat for dignitaries and guests. Super cool.

On another note, there were dignataries and children that were visiting the center and they too are having the chance to learn sustainable practices by merely being there. Guests are encouraged to walk versus taking taxis, recycle and make the most sustainable visit they can make.

Civil Rights Goes Green!

As I learned about all of the different organizations that are trying to sustain Seattle, I was disapointed on how it seemed as if there was a slight disconnect. We met with Michael Woo, Director & Green Jobs Organizer.
Poised with passion, Michael described his dream for a more sustainable Seattle and I could not help but wonder why he was not at the other tables where I sat. As he talked and the class observed, I grew to understand why.

Michael is concerned with the triple bottom line but with an emphasis on the social aspect. As sustainability grows as a "buzz word" he wants to be sure minorities have their place at the table of opportunity - that sounds about right to me.

However, the more he spoke the more it seemed as if he felt the sustainable, green movement, was leaving out the disadvantaged but if the foundation of sustainability is to attempt to equalize and diversify - this seemed like a huge contradiction to what we are learning about.

Michael's concern is focused on job creation and community development. Got Green opened my eyes to a different perspective. Got Green is saying hey we want our civil rights to have fresh good food and well-payong jobs so we can sustain!

When we offered up ideas on how to partner with other organizations in Seattle, Michael did admit he may be the organizations set back due to to some bad blood that had occured previously between the leaders of Seattle and the community that he was representing.

I learned quickly, interdisciplinary skills would have to come into play inthis situation, Everyone wasn't to have their own piece of the pie but it is critical to the success of the Green Movemen that forces are made to make changes. How could the ideals be so different? I recognized there was more to the story but I did hear loud and clear that Mr. Woo is standing up for the environment and the people by encouraging sustainable social parameters.

 “What started as an exploratory research group became an advocacy and organizing group with the goal of ensuring that low-income communities will fully participate in opportunities that the Green Economy creates… I tell our Got Greeners that the only way we’re going to fail is if we let ourselves down – and that’s not going to happen!”