Chapter 2 and 3

   As a consumer of information, it is easy to see obvious differences in Digital Media and Print Media, such as the way we access the information , the way the information appears visually, and the production that goes into creating it. Until now, I have never taken time to dive into researching both the differences and similarities in how we, as authors, publish our thoughts in both the Internet and print realms to appeal to the most readers and gain their trust in what we are saying.

After reading Chapter 2, I found it comforting that while the world is changing around us at rapid speeds, there are still clear guidelines - Communicating, Organizing, and Interpreting - to writing in whatever outlet that must be followed to make positive journalism. Seeing that the true essence of writing isn't changing even though the outlets are makes for a comfortable link between the past and the future.

   As a member of the generation that is torn between the print media that marked our childhood and the digital media that dominates our teens and current lives, I can't help but have love for aspects of both of them. I enjoyed the way in which the book pointed out positives and negatives of both, such as the way traditional print media can have stronger credibility due to the time put into it while blogs and other online forms of journalism proudly boast the voice of the individual, something large print companies have to dance around.
   I have mentioned in past posts that I am far from what you would call a computer expert. The content of this book, especially the sections on credibility and readability vs. "scan-ability", were incredibly helpful to a blossoming blogger. The internet, wether we like it or not, is changing the ways in which we think and process information. I now feel I have the knowledge to make my posts, videos, and images concise yet interesting and brief yet informative, keeping my readers active and engaged. By simply looking at the world around us, it is clear to see that these skills will be the ones we need to succeed in the future. I wonder though, what skills will be lost or stamped out if the world of print continues to be taken over? Will the ink and paper skills we once learned be any part of our children's future? 

   As we also discussed in our last class, it is important for many reasons for companies to have effective and user-friendly websites. For example, I might shop more online at Target.com if I felt their website was functional and useful. Chapter 3 in the textbook embraces the evolving technological world and offers great support in all the areas of creating a website that I never knew before. To me, my view of websites was simple, I either liked it or I didn't, never really taking time to think about why. This reading on writing style, tone, layout, etc. inspires me to learn more about successful pages to be able to get my thoughts across in a way that captures peoples attention. In the hopes of gaining as much blog advice as I can, I ask, what catches your eye first about a webpage? And once you are hooked, what keeps you coming back for more? 

Getting Started: First Class Readings

   Being a Communication Studies major, it is almost impossible to find a subject in the department, as well as many areas of life, unaffected by the societal obsession and reliance on the internet and all things digital. After reading Is Google Making Us Stupid? and the article on Electracy, it only strengthened my knowledge of the importance of technology in every aspect of life, including social media, news, education, etc.
   While reading the first article, I couldn't help but feel as if I myself were in the author's shoes, experiencing the shift from from an eager digester of knowledge to a skimmer of an onslaught of information, annoyed by anything not meeting my quick and easy standards. Much as the author feels the hunger and thoughtfulness once attached to learning and consuming is endangered, I feel I rely too much on the internet for instant tidbits of information, such as the recently researched liter conversion chart, that while delivered at a gratifying pace, will filter through my mind before I can switch to my Facebook page. Another point of the article I found to be especially accurate was the argument that digital media not only changes the way we act, but also the way we think. I often find myself surfing the web on my laptop, watching a show on TV, and perusing Twitter on my iPhone all at the same time. Like the article suggests, I believe society has been taught to think that consuming, and focusing on, only one form of media at a time isn't enough. If we don't keep up with the waterfall of ideas and info, we might miss something, right? While I am certain I am not the only person who consumes and media simultaneously and rapidly, I can't help but wonder if others are conscience of this trend, and if they are, if it an easy change to go back to simple times or is this bound to define the future indefinitely?
   While I feel knowledgable about the above mentioned topic, Electracy is a new word to me, something that required a little outside research. The second article was slightly harder for me to understand, but ultimately it further provided evidence that there is a cultural importance to being digitally literate, such as it is important to be literate in a world dominated by print. To be successful in the growing and developing world that parallels a digital lifestyle, it is crucial to be able to navigate and evolve with the technological sphere. After reading this article, I think it is important to discuss the ways in which Electracy, of lack there of, can help or hinder future plans. In society today, what all goes into Electracy and how can knowledge of the digital world further success in future careers?

About Me and My Plans

My name is Arynn Carswell and I am a Junior at Furman University. Although I am quickly becoming familiar with all things Communication Studies, my chosen major, I am still quite the amateur blogger. Seeing that I hope to one day settle into a Public Relations or Event Planning career, I figure now is as good a time as any to explore and learn about this online form of journaling, right? With a little bit of patience and a lot of help from those around me with a wealth of knowledge, I hope to emerge from this Digital Communications class with an updated status from computer illiterate to slight computer nerd, an idea of how to effectively communicate my ideas via the web, and the confidence to see these skills through. Thinking of my small fear of all things technological, I chose Blogger to jumpstart this project for its simplicity and user friendly nature. Over the next view months, I will focus on exploring the Upstate region of South Carolina, traveling places and searching out restaurants -whether it be downtown hotspots or hole in the wall joints- I have never been to before. As a busy college student, it is easy to spend my weekends catching up on rest or watching the fourth season of Madmen that I no longer seem to have time for. It is my plan that with this blog, I will learn more about the beautiful and thriving cities around me while also navigating the world of blogger and this form of communication. With a blog decorated with sassy silverware and bold yet simple wording, I hope I am off to a good start of blending my new discoveries. There is one thing I do know for sure - If you bear with me, you are in for a tasty treat!