Jennifer Heck

  Facebook, Twitter, and Blogspot are relevant in society today because everyone connects on these sites. Everyone can communicate to each other faster than mail but slower than texting. It is a key way to stay ‘in the loop’ with friends and family. It is also a good way to keep in touch with people who are far away. (ex: If you lived in Missouri and had friends/family in California, it would be easier to view their pictures and see what they are up to.) These outlets are important to the journalism industry because it is a quick place to view people’s opinions of the latest things such as movies, music, shopping, etc.

            A good blog can consist of many things; it depends on the purpose of the blog. For example, a good blog on the subject of the biography of Benjamin Franklin would include information on his life and your reaction to it. A person would not include a random story about food within this blog. If I were to start my own blog, automatically, it would be about the fact that I dislike Mondays. However, after contemplating it, I would focus on freshman life; adjusting to college atmosphere. Included in this blog would include talking about classes, socializing, and the transition in general to college.

Alexys Taylor

Social Media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter are relevant to society today because they are a way for people from all over to connect with each other and keep in contact with each other.  Students in college use facebook and twitter to keep in contact with friends that do not attend the same school as them and to keep in contact with family that may be far away.  Social media outlets are also very relevant to society because that is a good way for people to get information and updates as to what is going on with close friends and family.  Many people like to be in contact with people around the world just to hear interesting things that they would not have known without social media.  These outlets are important to journalism because most aspects of journalism focus on things going on in the world.  Social media often contains interesting facts and topics that become trends on social media outlets.  Social media outlets are also a good source for journalists to find information on people and the way they keep in contact.  I think I good blog can be one that involves an opinion.  Opinions in a blog open up a variety of responses from other people reading the blog, whether they agree with the opinion or not, and allows for good debates and conversation. Good blogs can also be some sort of a journal that has meaning to the writer.  If I were to start my own blog I would probably focus on an issue that is popular in the world today.  I would also focus on an issue or subject that was important to me.

Emelia Patterson

 Social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter and BlogSpot are all so relevant to society today because almost everyone uses them, which makes them accessible to virtually anyone around the world. Once a big news story breaks, the public can rely on countless status updates, tweets, and blog posts (as well as the traditional newspapers, radio stations, and television channels) to keep them updated with what is happening in the world. For instance, when Osama Bin Laden was killed back in April, I was actually visiting Columbia and not in my hotel room to watch the news. Instead, I found out by logging onto Facebook on my iPhone and reading the statuses of my friends. Perhaps this is why social media is so important to the journalism industry; it is the fastest, easiest way for people (especially our generation) to obtain their news, and it is also the news outlet that we all tend to check the most.

         A good blog not only reports news, but also comments on it. Blogs are perfect ways for people to express their opinions and interact with others on blogging websites to discuss current events, specific topics--whatever it may be. Blogs offer an opportunity for everybody to become a news commentator, personalizing the news industry and making it more accessible. If I were to start my own blog, I would probably focus on current events and comment on how they would or would not affect me and other people my age. 

Sarah Walsh

The popularity of Facebook and Twitter makes these sites good outlets for distributing bite-sized pieces of information and drawing the attention of the otherwise-uninterested reader who would not actively seek out magazines, newspapers or blogs; however, the journalism industry should take care not to let this attention-deficit style of reporting eclipse traditional journalism.

 A good blog should have a clear central focus so it doesn’t end up being one person’s diary posted on the internet. I’ve read those. When I was thirteen, I wrote one of those. They suck. A blog that centers around a specific topic (such as “Wonder Women,” which covers superheroines and woman creators in the comic industry) or addresses issues from a specific viewpoint (“Slacktivist,” a critique of modern religion and politics from a progressive Evangelical Christian standpoint) can attract a more solid, consistent audience and provide thought-provoking articles.

 If I were to start a personal blog, I would like to focus on the role of women in on of my favorite forms of entertainment – namely, video games. The gaming industry and consequently the gaming press are extremely male-dominated fields, ripe with all of the casual privilege and sexism that implies. (To make it worse, the men in charge are almost exclusively white and heterosexual, leading to further issues of minority representation and treatment.) Women in games are almost never protagonists, instead being relegated to roles as healers (because they’re so nurturing, obviously), love interests and even sex objects to complete the male wish-fulfillment fantasy present in games like Duke Nukem; the gaming community is infamous for harassing female players at conventions and during online play – and I know that stereotype is perfectly true, since I’ve experienced both of those situations myself. A blog focusing on this topic would not only allow me to express my own opinions and critically evaluate the medium I enjoy, but might also become a voice speaking to game developers and telling them to get with the program. It’s 2011. Your game is about bionic space marines fighting alien zealots for control of an ancient space station-slash-superweapon. I’m pretty sure that including a lady marine as a principal character, instead of having the protagonist run around talking to naked lady holograms, wouldn’t shatter your audience’s suspension of disbelief.

Ali Johnson

Social networks are so relevant in today’s society because of the great amount of technology used. Nowadays, computers and phones are used on a regular basis. Through these forms of technology, social networks are readily available. These networks make communication much easier and faster.

            These outlets are important to the journalism industry because they are being used as a form of written expression. Many aspiring journalists use social networks such as Facebook and Twitter as an outlet for their work. Also, since social network users post daily, it can be used as a way to receive updated news quickly.

            A good journalist makes a good blog. A good journalist understands his or her audience and creates posts that are relevant to them and in an interesting way. Not only does a good blog have good writing, but also other forms of work such as art, photography, etc. All of these elements combined into one make a blog enjoyable for the reader.

            If I were to create a blog, I would first concentrate on the appearance of the blog. If the background was white and the letters were black in Times New Roman font, it might not get as many readers as one with themes and artwork. Also, I would focus on current media topics that would be interesting for young adults to read about. Music, movies, and humor and some topics people our age are interested in and would enjoy reading about.

Andrea Kaufman

Social networking has turned into more than just a way for people to stay connected with those they meet throughout the years.  Over time this internet outlet has transformed into a tool for businesses, fundraisers, and schools to use as a form of communication.  With a simple click of the button information can be sent to hundreds of people, informing them on what is relevant to their affiliate at any given time. The society we live in today has become one of an extremely fast pace, making it important that the rate in which news is delivered matches.  Naturally, the quickest way to find or display breaking news is through the internet.  Websites such as Facebook and Twitter show the most current posts, explaining what is happening all around the world.  Sources such as these are vital for journalists today.  Whether they are using it as a tool to obtain information or deliver it, social networking is a constant two way street.  A popular form of delivering new through the internet on a specific topic is blogging.  This tool allows any given person to express their feelings on endless topics be it people, places, or things.  After expressing how they reacted to their particular topic anyone who has access to an electronic device with internet can read what they wrote. A journalist wants a tool that will provide the fastest release while also reaching a wide audience.  In close proximity with television, social networking is the way to go.  Currently I do not blog, however, given my current position in life I have several opinions on different topics I wouldn’t mind sharing with those who would be willing to listen.  Perhaps the idea that stands out the most in my mind would be “Guide to Freshman Year: Everything from the Classroom to Social Life.”  I know it sounds cliché, yet there are so many things that go on throughout my day and I feel as if people would be able to relate to everything I have experienced thus far. 

Cassandra Naes

Social media is relevant in society today because it is an easy way to relay a message. Facebook and Twitter for example are easy outlets to a mass audience of people. The messages we as teenagers put out into society however differ on many basis. The message could be positive, negative, political, humor, gossip, or any other amount of things. Social media is important to the journalism industry because journalism is about relaying a message to society. If you can’t reach an audience your message won’t be heard and it return would be beneficial to no one.

 

A good blog in my opinion captures a readers’ attention and is made up of interesting viewpoints and facts. A bad blog would relatively consist of things that are intentionally hurtful to a person or group of people in particular. Examples would be bi-est opinions, talking badly about someone, crude humor, and other things that you wouldn’t want to have associated with yourself. If I had my own blog it would most likely be based on things that interest me. Celebrity gossip, music, television, movies, new restaurants, and things that fit in with my lifestyle would be covered. I am not a big fan of politics, history, the stock market or anything like that so I wouldn’t write about it. The most important thing about what you write on a blog I think is that you have the knowledge to write about it. A pet peeve of mine is when people talk about something they know nothing about. You can’t support a topic if you aren’t educated on it. Blogging can be a positive and negative impact on society, it just depends how responsible you choose to be with it. 

Amy Parks

With the ever-changing field of journalism such social media outlets allow the world of journalism to adapt within itself and enables journalists or those interested in journalism to transition within the field. Prior to such outlets journalism was solely print, that which means magazine or newspaper. In today’s world however journalism takes on many forms, many of which are electronic and are therefore directly supported by social media. Facebook and Twitter allow for cutting edge updates on the lives of, in all honesty, the entire world. Their range of information and usage stretches the world and it’s instant which is much more efficient and insightful than any prior form of print journalism. BlogSpot allows for up and coming journalists or avid writers to get their work out on the web where people may find it. With blogs, twitter, or Facebook you instantly have a name on the internet where so much of the journalism field now resides.

What makes a good blog is insightful thoughts or enticing ideas that create the scope of the human race. If I were to do a blog I would do it on travel or something because it could be interesting and I’m very passionate about traveling.

Olivia Kabbani

Most people today connect through social networking sites or social media outlets in order to communicate or to express themselves.  A lot of people have access to computers which allows them to create an outlet for them to post their works or thoughts.  I currently use Twitter and Facebook on a daily basis to not only be able to see other people’s pages to browse and read, but also put across my opinions.  I feel like these websites are important to the journalism industry because it’s a free way for writers or just everyday people to convey their ideas, thoughts, opinions, and basically anything that expresses themselves.  Twitter and Facebook are different than blogs because it’s a shorten version of what they really feel.  Social networking is a way of “stalking” and catching up on people.  Twitter is a little different since it is just posting your thought at the moment or feelings.  My good friend created a blog last year and would post every night a new topic and told people what her true opinions were.  It was informal but at the same time, was a way for her to let out her feelings in a nice manner.  A good blog would have to be spontaneous, not biased and not cliché.  A daily blog about how your day went on and the schedule that repeatedly seems to happen is something I find quite boring.  It needs to have its own meaning and stand out from everyone else’s.  Adding pictures or decorative items would help make the visual appearance catchy to anyone who dares to read it.  Because most people today don’t go out and buy books or sit in a library reading for their knowledge and free time, it is common to see a laptop in use.  Technology these days has rapidly increased the use of computers or smart phones to replace old school books, letter writing, and anything that involves work.  Sometimes its nice to be able to write about something you love so that other people can enjoy and connect in what you are trying to put across.

If I was to start my own blog, I would make sure mine would not be the typical blog I seem to find.  It wouldn’t be talking about my day or my opinions on things everyone is talking about.  The topics I would choose would vary from pieces of work I create, photo entries, random thoughts, made up adventures and gossip.  Something that will grab the readers’ attention and make them want to read more.  I would make sure my entries would differ from one another so it wouldn’t feel like you have read it before.  

Sophie Newman

Social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, BlogSpot are relevant in society today because they are fast and easy accessible to a wide variety of audiences.  Smartphones and tablets now have apps designed specifically for these types of outlets, for journalism on the go.  These outlets are relatively new, and many people have been quick to jump on the bandwagon.  Everyone wants to see what the hype is about, and once emerged social media outlets become addicting.  The fast-faced atmosphere is perfect for the journalism industry, as something new is always happening.

A blog needs to be interesting and able to capture its reader’s attention.  When reading, it is apparent when the subject appears dull.  Therefore it is important that the blog writer be passionate about the topics featured on their blog.  If I were to start my own personal blog, I would focus on areas that I understand and have knowledge or personal experience on, for example starting as a college freshman or going through Sorority Recruitment week.  Many blogs are also controversial, sparking discussion and response, which is important.  

Christina Roddy

There's no reason that social media wouldn't be relevant in todays' world.

In an age when so much of our lives revolve around technology, it's inevitable that people in modern societies would use this technology to do the same things they've always done. Communication is a basic human instinct. With access to smart phones and computers at ever corner, people's desire to communicate can be gratified.

People traditionally associate journalism with newspapers, but social media offers a new way for journalism to continue its work. Gratification comes faster and more frequently through social media than with traditional forms: a letter takes far longer to arrive than an email, and picking up a paper takes more effort than clicking an article that appears on your homepage. People of all ages are more likely to rely upon their computer for communication and, by extension, their news intake.

A good blog should be run with either a sense of purpose. Some people blog about current events while there's en entire subset of blogs devoted to reviewing makeup. Some blogs have many writers while some are the work of one person. The subject of the blog often dictates its presentation – a blog reporting seriously on current events should take a different tone (and sense of professionalism) than one that focuses on reviewing makeup. A good blogger, above all, identifies his audience and delivers according to its expectations.

If I were to write a blog, I would begin with something that I'm both passionate and knowledgable about. If you have nothing to offer on a topic, there's no point in writing about it – why should people be interested in what you have to say?

Shannon Cary

The social outlets our society has created allows for people to find one another no problem. With the help of facebook, twitter, blogs and more we’re capable of knowing what a friend, family member or even acquaintance is up to almost every moment of the day. Social outlets are really helpful because they save time and allow people, like journalists, to investigate a situation ten times faster than they were previously able to do.

Blogs are one of the more subtle outlets to be introduced. While many people have them, it’s not referred to nearly as much as the latest wall post, or twitpic. Blogs are interesting because they allow an individual to express anything from cooking recipes, to a political stance, to traveling abroad, and much more. Blogs allow people to discuss in depth their personal views. In order to have a good blog the first entry must be something to grab the reader’s attention. Thus a creative title or a picture even would be a good way to do so. Also the blog itself has to really reflect the view of the individual not just summarize a certain instance. For example if someone’s blogging about a book, whoever is reading it is probably looking for an opinion on it versus the key points of the plot. This brings to light another reason why blogs are helpful. They help link people together. Going off the same example, if someone read an opinionated blog of a book and agreed with it they could reply to the blog and sooner or later the two bloggers could be having weekly discussions about books they enjoy. Obviously this situation doesn’t happen for everyone but nonetheless, people might stumble upon a blog and become very interested. This is the main difference between facebook and twitter, and blogging. Blogs are much more personal. 

Ola Akintola

Social media has become a cultural phenomenon.  Technology has come far from the past and social media is being used in many ways. Outlets such as Twitter, Facebook, and Blogspot are relevant because they allow people to express themselves and are also a good way to reach out to millions of people about a local/ national issue. For example when a tornado hit St.Louis, a Facebook page was created to get help for the community. These outlets are important in the journalism industry because they allow many amateur journalists to get their work out there and they are also a good way to get recognized. Many aspiring journalist usually use blogs and such for good practice of just for fun.

                There is not a set criterion that makes a good blog, but I would have to say a good blog is anything that others can relate too.  The presentation of the blog can also have a lot to do with it, but overall I think it is the readers that make a good blog.   If I were to start my own blog I would focus on music specifically underground music and unsigned artists. It would include my personal opinions and more. I would include how music helps me get through the day and how there are many connections one can make with music.

Jessica Hughes

            The world as we know it is becoming technological based.  We are no longer using sources such as newspapers, magazines, and other paper related sources.  Life is becoming all about the new latest fades.  Facebook, Twitter, and Blogspot being just a few.  It is more socially acceptable nowadays to read about the news online than in the life of 3D.  The social media sites are attracting those that start the new generation to get them hooked.  Some have even referred to those sites as “addictive,” making it habit to check those before one checks the news.  Why learn about world events when you could see who your friend is dating next? Blogs have gained fame to provide your own take on things, you could share your thoughts and opinions on situations and have them be known all over the world with just a click of a button.  These sites, more so Blogspot than any others, is relevant to the journalism industry because that is where it is all headed.  The paper industry is slowing dying out, with that many job opportunities for those associated with journalism.  For the newcomers interested in a career of journalism, it is imperative that they become aware of what makes a good blog.

Liz Skretkowicz

Our current generation is often referred to as a group of people that is constantly on the go. From fast food, to speed dating, to breaking new track records, our generation, as vast and diverse as we may be, all have one thing in common – the desire for speed. As a result, technology is constantly changing. This may explain why social media websites such as facebook and twitter have become so popular – because everything is temporary. Both facebook and twitter allow for one’s “status” or thoughts to be constantly recorded in a stream of consciousness fashion.

In addition to allowing teenagers (and some hip adults) to share every waking thought that pops into their head, such networking mediums have also become popular to businesses. For instance, the journalism industry has taken advantage of the new age by streaming updates from twitter and facebook accounts alike. This new medium of documenting information has made it easier for young people to stay up to date with current events.

Blogs are also very popular today because they provide a means for people to share their thoughts behind a screen as opposed to face to face. While some blogs are meant to inform, others are based solely on entertainment. As an eighteen-year-old girl who is very busy trying to balance all the new responsibilities that being a college freshman entails, I would definitely prefer to read a blog meant to entertain. Specifically, something that offers comedic relief through satire and sarcasm. I feel that through words on paper, or a computer screen in this case, authors are able to better voice their thoughts and achieve the intended effect. If I were to create my own blog, I would probably focus on the thing I know the most about – my life. I would talk about my friends, my family, the delicious food I ate throughout the day, and how hard I had to work out to burn it off. I would allow for my real thoughts to be conveyed and my honest opinions about others would come out. But, because I am an eighteen-year-old girl, I have both facebook and twitter accounts, which I use to voice my opinions. So all a blog would allow me to do is to share my thoughts uncensored with out a character space limit.

Blogging by Nikki Osberg

The uprising of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter are important in today’s society and especially journalism because they allow us to acquire news much faster at any time of day as well as supply us with many different opinions. Newspapers and even broadcast news programs are starting to become obsolete because Twitter can be seen and read 24/7 unlike most other news outlets. Whether or not what is read on these sites is completely factual depends on the author. Although these sites may not always ring true or unbiased they are still useful tools in staying up to date on current events.

            A good blog contains a cohesive purpose from post to post. I also think that good blogs have a personal side to them. People who write about things that they are passionate about or that directly affect them have the biggest voice in the blogosphere. If I were to create my own blog it would probably be about things I deal with on an every day basis, such as my transition to Missouri from California. Or perhaps I could create a blog that tackles particular issues that I have a strong opinion towards. Blogs are useful tools to get someone’s point across a large audience and should be utilized with passion and well-constructed thought. 

Social Media by Katelyn Rudolph

Social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter and Blogspot are important and relevant in today’s society for many reasons.

These social media outlets provide a good outlet to the journalism industry so that journalists are able to bring the people of the world the news in unique ways and they are staying up to date to all of the latest technology crazes/updates/whatever you wish to call this phenomenon that is social media. In today’s society, the majority of the people who are “up to date” on the news, have a Facebook or Twitter or keep a blog to have more in-depth responses to news and common topics that are relevant at the moment. All in relation to journalism, social media is basically an expanded form of journalism because that is just the natural way it has expanded. For example, when the World Wide Internet came about, newspapers and magazines created websites to keep up with the ever-changing and rapidly growing world, so they would not lag behind their competitors in providing the fastest news. Personally, I’m a big fan of social media because it’s interactive, and the main word here being SOCIAL. Before social media, journalism basically provided the news and their readers didn’t really have a strong suit in which they could provide feedback, spark a conversation about the latest hot news or whatnot. So overall, social media in its youth has proved so far to be very relevant in today’s society and supportive to the journalism industry.

        

Furthermore, one of the social media outlets that intrigue me the most is blogs. Blogs can be used for a variety of different reasons, as stated before, blogs can be used as a news outlet or they can be used as a personal online diary, what have you. From my experience, a good blog is a mixture of both. Because, to be a blogger, you must have a keen interest, focus or desire to spend vast amount of time writing about something. So it’s nice to read a blog occasionally that isn’t scatter-brained and is disciplined in the interest that it’s focus on. No randomness of, oh, this is supposed to be a Harry Potter blog but you stumble upon a random post about Doctor Who. I appreciate those kinds of blogs that are dedicated into what they are interested in. Also, if they’re like me, I think a good blog is a blog that has a variety of interests, so as to appeal to a wider group of readers. For my own personal blog, I would focus on my favorite TV shows, such as: True Blood, Jersey Shore, Glee, The Office and so on. Mostly in my blog I would post a lot about pop culture, because as a journalism student I really like to be updated in what’s going on right now and really would love the feeling when I break the story that Chris Colfer revealed that he was secretly dating Darren Criss the whole time! So, a good blog in my opinion is something that is dedicated, passionate about their interests, and even if not focused on a news source, inevitably ends up as a news source.