To get a feel for the social media technologies we will be discussing in class, you will need to learn how to use them. Therefore, starting this week, you will create a blog and post original content throughout the semester. Each week (12 weeks total), you will add new, original content to your blog, tweet about it, and comment on a classmate’s blog. The focus of your blog will be up to you. However, there will be several times during the semester that you must include specific elements. Citing sources in your blog is just as important as it is in any academic paper you write; therefore, plagiarism is not tolerated. However, links are appreciated & encouraged. Link & Summary (6 points) - SUPER-IMPORTANT: In order for you to get credit for your blog, I need to know where it is. Tell me your blog address by completing this Google Form; do this no later than September 5th. When you give me the link, include a 3-4 sentence summary of your blog. A list of blogs will compiled on D2L as well as on CynthiaNichols.com so you can find them easily.
Blog Posts (120 points) - You are required to make one post per week. It does not matter what day of the week you post, so long as you post at least once per week. Please note that you will NOT receive credit for posts that are added late. A week runs from Monday to Sunday. You may choose any topic to write upon during the semester. The point of this assignment is to have you maintain and create a social media presence in whatever area of expertise you so choose. However, there will be required blog topics or elements throughout the semester. For example, you will be required to blog about how social media & PR has had impact in your topic area. Grading Criteria: 1. Post is substantive (thoroughly developed) 2. Post is well written (organization, grammar, spelling) 3. Post demonstrates your understanding of the topic/issue 4. Post included the weekly required element Blog Comments (12 points) - You are required to make one comment per week on the blogs of other SC4493 students. You must keep a log of where you commented, which you will hand in at the end of the semester. For each comment you leave, your log should include the name of the blog you commented on, the URL of the blog post you commented on, the date of the comment, and the actual comment. Please note: I expect substance and civility. Add value to the original post to further deepen the conversation. Do not just say, “I agree,” “Good post,” etc. Do not use expletives, obscenities, etc. If you disagree with the blogger, make your point respectfully and politely. Grading Criteria
Sharing your posts (12 points) - Each week you will also be required to share your posts with the outside world. Remember, we are creating an online brand for you. This will help you get exposure, and possibly a job. (No, really. Just ask @Mikinzie.) To get credit, you must tweet about it, and include the hashtag #SC4493. I will search for #SC4493 to determine if you have completed this part of the assignment. Note: If your tweets are protected, I will not be able to see them. To remedy this, either allow me to follow your tweets or create a public profile. Topic of the Week - You will have a specific topic related to public relations writing to write about. Below is a tentative list of topics/special elements that you need during the semester. (These are subject to change.) Topic Special Element Due Week 1 – Introduce your self, blog & topic None 9/12 Week 2 – Open Pictures 9/19 Week 3 - Pulling from the news Linking 9/26 Week 4 – Social Media/PR impact on topic None 10/3 Week 5 – Viral videos related to your topic Video Embedding 10/10 Week 6 – Interview a Pro Pictures, Linking 10/17 Week 7 – Listening to & Critiquing Podcasts None 10/24 Week 8 – Open Create Podcast 10/31 Week 9 – Watching & Critiquing Vlogs None 11/7 Week 10 – Open Create Vlog 11/14 Week 11 - People to watch Twitter, Linkedin 11/21 Week 12 – Tips for new bloggers None 12/5 Need some help getting started? - Review the slides in Getting Started in WordPress. Watch some of the many FAQ screencasts provided by WordPress to help you with the step-by-step instructions. Here are a few of the best ones to help you get started on the right foot: · What should I do first? · General settings · Where’s my dashboard (and what’s it for)? · Writing & publishing your posts · Choosing and applying a theme (look and feel of your blog) · Displaying your blog’s Categories (using the Category widget) Also, read the blogging tips offered by Barbara Nixon: · 10 Blogging Tips That Will Change Your Life (or Grade, at least): = · 11 Tips for New Bloggers, from New Bloggers ( · 3-5-3 :: Blog Feedback for #PRCA2330 and #PRCA3330 Though you may have a good handle on the technical aspects of blogging, remember that the technical side is only part of the blogging equation. Corinne Weisgerber, a professor at St. Edward’s University and fellow PROpenMic member, created this presentation for her Social Media for PR class. The emphasis? How blogging can help you create your personal brand online. Take a look. It’s worth the time. Blogging & Managing your Personal Brand.
3 Comments
2/16/2011 08:59:22 am
It is a good idea to "shop around" before you settle on a doctor. Ask about the condition of his Mercedes. Ask about the competence of his mechanic. Don't be shy! After all, you're paying for it. Do you think so?
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3/21/2011 01:32:36 pm
Good start for a new blogger like me thanks for posting some helpful tips.
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9/6/2017 09:57:28 pm
I didn't know that there are factors and points to consider in the world of blogging. I thought it's just about being spontaneous and being able to write a good article! But you have a point, in the world of blogging there are different factors why a certain blog is being visited by many readers. I believe that it is necessary for me to follow all the rules so that I can have a larger community and be friends with a lot of readers online!
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AuthorI'm a Ph.D. in Mass Communication, PR Consultant, & SM junkie. Archives
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