Response to video
Wow. This was a pretty informative video. I really didn’t watch the debates or the campaign for presidency this year. So I did not notice the brilliance of the campaign strategy. I see now why Obama won. Integrating social networking tools into everything that they did really put them in touch with the people, and made it seem like Obama was truly into making the changes that are needed by keeping in touch with a younger generation. Getting the people that are Internet and socially active on the web was a brilliant idea. The older generations rely on what media they are familiar with, such as television, newspapers, and magazines. The new generation is all about communicating via mySpace, flickr, facebook, youtube, and other web based communication tools. Creating the sense of worldwide saturation was one of their goals, and they met this outstandingly. Keeping in touch with everyone really says I care, and doing it using the tools of the younger generations says Obama really had an open mind and will use every tool available to accomplish what needs to be done.
This would transfer over to any business strategy. In today’s marketplace, consumers have a ‘now’ attitude. We want it, we want it done right, and we want it done right now. Just look around, businesses are becoming more technologically interested. Name a successful business that does not have a web presence. Think of a person that does not have an email address, or some way to receive content over the internet. Today the push to be integrated into the internet is almost overwhelming. Think of the business that Amazon and similar companies does….they’re open 24-7. If I need something, I can get it anytime I want it. They also offer a personal touch. Offering other products when you purchase something, and recommending other products that have relevance to that individual. Not like a random phone call offering me medical coverage for my children…you know, the ones I don’t have. Getting to know your consumers, customers, users…this is the new way of doing business. And the internet provides this in spades.
This social networking interest is not going to go away, and before long, there will be a whole new world where everyone is connected to each other in some way or another. Something that businesses need to understand… word of mouth is instant in social networking groups, and one bad word can turn hundreds against you instantly. The flip side, one satisfied customer through the internet, can reach millions in a week.
Social Networking
After reading this article again, I have come to a few startling conclusions. While I think that the information and social aspects of Web 2.0 are exciting, I can also see the future of this technology. Now that companies are really starting to get into the blogging, and social networking, I foresee an ever increasing way for them to sell their messages. As soon as someone created the telephone, what happened…People around the world were able to communicate with absent family members and friends. Then came the telemarketing. Now you have to have your voicemail and answering machine screen your calls so you don’t have to repeatedly tell a solicitor that you are uninterested. Then came banner ads, as soon as they were created, boom, more crap on the internet and websites that are annoying, and personally ruin the experience.
So now here we are with a great new technology. Social tools for networking, keeping in touch with friends and family, etc. And now we must look ahead to see the problems. Just like with cell phones, texting and other technologies, this is dangerous territory. The public as a whole are not responsible enought to be given these communication tools. They have already proven this by texting while driving, while in class, at work, etc. So now there are blogs. This is great! Now everyone can say what they want, when they want, whether it be for fun or work related. Some of these are phenomenal. But with this tool you have to have responsibility. The average person does not have this in mind. There are already people who start blogs as revenge against an ex-partner, boyfriend etc. People with blogs are being sued for slander. This is the crazy world we live in today.
I think that the dawn of this new world is great and exciting, and I really like the idea of being out there, letting the world see my work, and receiving job offers and suggestions. I think these things are great. Being able to collaborate on a project with someone around the world is awesome. I just think that we (companies and individuals) need to slow down a bit and make sure we are prepared for the repercussions of unleashing this technology to a planet who cannot even take care of their environment, and risk their lives to text someone a message while driving.
Studio Problem
I have noticed that the price of getting an education has gotten out of control. So much that some people will never get higher than a High school education. This seems to be an escalating problem. There is a solution though. In the past there were apprenticeships available for eager students who wanted to learn a career. This would entail an apprentice learning from a master in a field, usually only for room and board. I think that there is a great deal to learn from a master that has been doing something professionally for decades.
I think that this resource should be tapped today. Imagine learning from Michaelangelo, or DaVinci, living and breathing art with these masters. Not only learning the craft, but learning about them. I think that learning one on one, doing and talking and asking questions is a great opportunity, and I am sure that there are teachers and craftsman out there that would like to share what they know.
The problem:
There is not a resource to find craftsman and masters willing to share what they know, free of charge to interested parties. Like Big Brothers and Big Sisters, there are individuals who would like to share their knowledge with students that really want to learn what they know, in a friendly environment.
The solution:
I propose to create a website community that facilitates the connection between those willing to teach and those wanting to learn. I would like to have a teacher section, internship section, and an apprentice section. These would have their specific listings. I would also like to add a place for speakers to list speaking events, and a section for people to post their needs and questions, like a blog.
