In The Beginning...

I'll begin with an explanation of my blog title. I am a "curvy" lady. I mention this here only because it has defined much of my life, from the clothes I wear to the people I spend my time with. It has its advantages and disadvantages. The point, ladies and gentlemen, is that in my path to becoming the person I want to be, my "curvaciousness" has no place. It is merely a fact. I have spent my life concerned with it only to find out that in the grand scheme of things, it makes no difference what I look like. Yes, there are those who may look at me and decide I am not right for their company based on my "curves," but I doubt I would want to work with them anyway. In the days and weeks to come, I am certain you will find within these pages a post or two referring to my "curve" issue, but I digress.

The "curve" with respect to learning is not only academic. In the past, I have had little to boast about save for my academic achievements. Those I nearly ruined with an extreme case of "senioritis" during my senior year of high school. I have learned much from my years, though there are those who tell me I am still a "pup," and use the experiences I have had toward learning new things. This has become my passion, learning, and thus belongs upon the "curve" of my life.


 


A bit more about my "curve" and then I shall move on. As on a highway, in life, one often has difficulty seeing around a "curve." I must admit, my younger self would have been surprised, perhaps even appalled, at the path my life has taken. I was going to be a writer, the youngest published novelist, then a doctor, then a research scientist. So far I have become a mother, a community volunteer, a student, a telephone operator, and a scheduling specialist. While this is not exactly what I had planned, I am working on it. As I mentioned, one often has difficulty seeing around a "curve." You never know what is waiting there.


Frank McCourt, God rest his weary soul, never expected to become so celebrated simply by telling the truthful story of his life. I certainly do not. You never know, though, what fortunes may be hiding around the next "curve." Eventually, I will tell my own story. Eventually, I will become what I have planned. Eventually, my life will be exactly as I want it. Patience is not only a virtue, it is a way of life.

God (or whatever deity you choose to believe in) Bless.

Media Technology

     Mass media are useful because they reach huge numbers of people with single messages designed to appeal to a variety of audiences. The major disadvantage of mass media messages are created by people who often do not know personally the audiences to which they are broadcasting, and therefore must guess as to the needs of the public. Not every group within the audience needs every mass message, and, unfortunately, mass media does not address every group in a meaningful way. Perhaps the most difficult question any mass media writer must ask is, “Why should they care?” The answer is not always easy, and even in coming up with one, the writer may not be reaching all those s/he wants to reach.

"Radio Gets Results"

     Radio, since its invention, became an instant hit, spreading news and information to a far wider society than newspapers. Radio had the advantage of being able to reach even the illiterate masses of poor, working class families. In earlier days of radio, small stations sprang up at colleges and universities with experimental educational broadcasts. Franklin D. Roosevelt used radio broadcast to uplift the nation during the trying times of the Great Depression with his “Fireside chats.” Radio’s greatest advantage is portability. People listen to radios at home, at work, in cars, even while jogging or dining out. Because of the portability of radio, technical communicators must be very careful about planning for radio presentations. Impressive vocabulary and long, winding images may work well in a magazine article, but in radio they would only confuse the listeners.

     Audiences cannot backtrack and reexamine something they did not understand. Likewise, they cannot pause and look up words in the dictionary and continue on where they left off. Writers are charged with getting it right the first time because radio relies entirely on the sense of hearing. Though colleges and schools teach listening skills today, they did not always. Listening skills are only practical to those who know how to use them. Not only that, but radio is so portable that listening skills may simply be an impossibility. Try paying close attention to what is on the radio while driving in rush-hour traffic. Editing for radio has to respect these facts. It also has to account for the way music and sound effects will affect the listeners (media ecology). One does not have that problem with print media.

"No News Is Good News" 

     Newspapers have been around forever, practically since man developed a set of written characters to simulate language. Their distribution broadened, of course, along with books, with the perfection of a primitive printing press in the fifteenth century. Even though the press made it faster and easier to make identical copies, the main disadvantage of the newspaper was, and often still is, its locality. Most newspapers only concern themselves with their local constituents’ needs and interests. Wide-audience newspapers, such as USA Today, cover stories of national interest more in-depth than local papers. An inverted pyramid pattern of reporting, with the most important details in the first few paragraphs, makes newspapers easier to be skimmed rather than read thoroughly. Quotes and opinions of witnesses are usually held until the end of the article.

     Editors carefully plan the design of newspapers to attract readers to what they consider to be the most important information of the day. Front-page headlines are in very large print and can be seen by passers-by from a distance. Some argue that the design of newspapers is to influence sales. A large, bold, catchy headline may induce a reader to purchase the paper; however, it can backfire. If the headline is offensive or vague, readers may turn away. Price, too, has an effect on whether newspapers reach audiences. People generally resist spending money on an item they can get freely elsewhere, such as the Internet. Many newspapers publish everything in their print versions online, extending to a broader audience they may not otherwise have reached. In fact, some newspapers print entirely online, reaching ever-widening audiences as masses of Web surfers and students discover their websites.

"The American advertiser has made the superior American magazine of today possible."
-- Edward Bok

     Magazines, in contrast to the inverted pyramid style of newspapers, tend to save the most important information for the end, as they are meant to be read slowly and with more attention to detail. The impending “big bang” at the end of the article keeps readers attention. In fact, certain magazines actually end the article in the middle, to be continued in the next issue, so that the reader will come back again and again to purchase that issue. This comic-book style of publishing may work well for certain special interest magazines, such as those that publish fiction stories, but for general audiences, it may be irritating. Magazines vary widely in their audiences and purposes. There are specialized magazines that are geared toward specific groups, such as Field and Stream or Ladies Home Journal, as well as general interest magazines that cater to masses, such as People and Time.

     The actual content of magazines varies as widely as the audiences. With a newspaper, a reader can expect news. In a magazine, a reader should expect just about anything. There are magazines that publish news, but magazines are a diverse category. Some magazines publish anthologies of short stories, some publish how-to articles on everything from gutting a fish to installing an air conditioner to feeding a special-needs infant, and still others publish articles of questionable authenticity on the lives of the rich and famous. Magazines tailor messages, especially advertising, toward the group they consider most likely to read. Working Mother, for example, is more likely to feature a birth control ad than, say, Sports Illustrated. However, since many magazines end up on tables in waiting rooms, their messages are read by far more than the intended audience.

"We love our own cell phones but we hate everyone else's."
-- Joe Bob Briggs

     An explosion of cellular technology has blessed marketers with a way to get their messages directly to the intended audience individually. Text messaging has become competition for many of the traditional communication media. It is as portable as radio, perhaps more so, as a silenced cellular phone can reach people even in situations where radio would be distracting, and newspapers and magazines would take up excess space. The portability and instantaneousness of the text message has become an invaluable tool for marketers. Given the limited space that many cellular phones provide, however, many marketers and technical writers must be especially careful of the design and wording of a message. A recipient would be more likely to delete a long message without even looking at it. Hooking the audience is all the more difficult. Marketers must also pay close attention to the number of a certain type of message that is being sent, since spamming is against many company policies and, in some cases, illegal.

     Not only can advertising messages be sent out through text messages, but purchases can often be made directly through the text message, creating a whole new environment for impulse buyers. Convenience is the name of the game in today’s society, beginning decades ago with the Home Shopping Network, and now just about every brick and mortar store has an online version so that shoppers never have to leave the privacy of their own homes. Text message shopping is even more convenient than the Internet. It is targeted, so the actual “shopping” step has been removed from the equation. The advantages of text messaging are endless; as the technology continues to develop, more and more creative uses of messaging become available to marketers. “Telemarketing” has entered a whole new era.

     In a world where society makes the latest technology almost a necessity, media are in a flurry to grab hold of the next great messaging system. I am certain businesses everywhere were in a tizzy when television was perfected with all of the possibilities. Today, that technology can be broadcast literally anywhere with the advent of video-capable cellular phones and the like. Where will technology lead us in the future? Will we have enough money to use it?

A Brief History of NPR and Public Radio. (2011). Retrieved March 3, 2011, from National Public Radio website: http://www.npr.org/about/aboutnpr/history.html#history 

Smith, G. V. (2010, May 6). Text Message Marketing. Ezine Articles. Retrieved March 3, 2011, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Text-Message-Marketing&id=4206695

The Printing Press. (2004, May 13). Retrieved March 3, 2011, from The History Guide website: http://www.historyguide.org/intellect/press.html 

Bad News

     “You are a department manager in a mid-sized company that provides technology support services.  You have ten employees who are required to maintain a high level of technical expertise and deliver excellent customer service.  One of your employees, who has been with the company for two years, is performing at a substandard level and you have received numerous complaints from customers and coworkers.  In addition, this employee has displayed confrontational behavior which has created a hostile environment.  You must now meet with this employee and deliver an ultimatum regarding the need for immediate improvement or dismissal.”

     In a similar situation, my own boss leaves a note in the paycheck envelope requiring a meeting. I would follow suit with my own employee, notifying him in some manner that we need to speak. Approaching him on the floor in front of coworkers can only lead to disaster. It is important that the employee be allowed to save face in front of his peers. He has, in the past, obviously been a good employee or he would not have been with the company for the two years he has been. In a situation like this, I would invite this employee to my office and assure his comfort before mentioning the problems. Diplomacy in conveying bad news, even to a subordinate, is a must (Lannon, 2008, p. 344).

     In this case, it is probably best to build the case first, coming to the main point at the end of the discussion (Lannon, 2008, p. 344). I would explain to the employee the necessities of working together as a team and what that does for our company, as opposed to everyone acting in the manner he has (describing his manner without blaming him personally). I would further explain the consequences for substandard work and offer solutions to a hypothetical employee who might be having troubles at home or with family that may cause such substandard work.

     After pleading my case, I would convey to the employee the complaints of customers and coworkers. I would use “they” statements so as not to sound accusatory: “Customers feel neglected when…”, “Coworkers become upset when…” If I have observed the behavior myself, I can insert my own feelings using an “I” statement (Cahn & Abigail, 2007, p. 112). In this way, I can hope that this employee can begin to understand the havoc he is wreaking and precisely how this behavior is detrimental to the company.

    My ultimatum would involve a two week, or ten working day, probationary period during which the employee must show improved behavior and work ethic. I will explain that this probationary period is necessary to determine if he is still a good fit for our company, or if another place might be better for him. I am, in effect, delivering his options: change or termination. If he is a good employee and has been having a rough time at home, I will explain the need that he come to me, as his employer, and explain the issues he has. I will attempt to help, but I cannot overlook his inappropriate behavior. I have an open-door policy and my subordinates are welcome to come to me with any problem, personal or otherwise. If he chooses not to come to me and to continue to perform substandard work and behave inappropriately toward the other employees, it will be necessary for him to find another place of employment. He has given my company two good years, and I appreciate it, but I must consider the good of the company.

Lannon, J. M. (2008). Technical Communication (11th ed.) Ashford Custom. New York: Pearson

Cahn, D.D. & Abigail, R.A. (2007) Managing conflict through communication. Boston: Pearson.

What To Do With My Degree: A Review of Some Career Tracks in Communications Studies

Communications Studies is such a vast field covering a myriad of individual career paths. A body can choose from such an infinite array of careers using their Communications Studies degree that the prospect of “job hunting” seems daunting at first. Many assume that they must enter the mass media sector with this degree.

Here, I highlight just a few of the areas I first considered when choosing Communications Studies as my major. This list is adapted from a list suggested on Longwood University’s website (Communication Studies, n.d.). Admittedly, most of them are in the mass media sector. The last one on the list is my final decision, after having studied the variety of options and worked with a number of instructors at Ashford University.

Journalist

Journalists typically report from location, or adapt notes written by other journalists from location. They gather information from their own eyes or from speaking to witnesses and authorities. The Five W’s are often the most essential pieces of information for a journalist (Who, What, When, Where, Why). They struggle against deadlines to answer, organize, and report the answers to these questions. Hours can be long and tedious. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (2010-11 ed.), the best opportunities in this field are with smaller publications outside of major metropolitan areas. Most employers require a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or a similar field as well as experience with school newspapers, volunteer organizations, or through internships. Available positions in this field are expected to decline somewhat in the years to come, but gifted writers in specific specialties may gain over those who do not. Salaries vary widely, from around $20,000 to more than $75,000 annually.

Columnist

The difference between a journalist and a columnist is that a while a journalist gathers and reports news stories, a columnist usually comments, evaluates, analyzes and offers perspectives on those stories. They work for many of the same employers and have similar hours to those of journalists. Educational requirements generally fall under the same guidelines as journalists, but an experience specialty of commenting on and analyzing stories at school newspapers, small broadcasting stations, or various internships is necessary. Unfortunately, this position’s outlook is also as bleak as journalists. Salaries in this field also vary widely, but generally are higher than journalists, from around $23,000 to more than $150,000 annually.

News Photographer

News photographers generally travel with an assigned journalist to take photographs inherent to or supplemental to the story the journalist will write. Many employers require a college degree in photography, journalism with a photography specialty, or at very least training in photography. Inherent in gaining a photography position is creativity, imagination, and “a good eye.” Often, a portfolio of previous work is required and can sometimes be substituted for documented experience. Photographers positions are expected to grow in the coming years but competition for these coveted occupations is fierce. Salaries generally depend on location and type of employer, ranging from around $16,000 to over $60,000 annually. Freelance photographer salaries can be much less or much more, depending on the number of photographs they sell and to whom.

Copywriter

Copywriters generally work closely with advertising clients to produce ad copy, or the written or spoken explanations in advertisements. They must be creative, talented writers in order to appeal to individual clients about individual products. Copywriters usually need a degree in communications, journalism, English, or some similar field that emphasizes writing. Experience in writing ad copy can be gained through internships at advertising agencies, various producers of products, or through smaller newspapers and magazines, including those published by colleges and literary societies. Copywriters positions are expected to grow in the coming years, however advertently affected by various economies. They are a member of the chain of product sales: as fewer products are purchased in a bad economy, producers make less money and, therefore, choose to pay less for advertising. Salaries depend heavily on location and popularity of employer, ranging from around $28,000 to above $95,000 annually. Freelance copywriters may make more or less depending on their individual performance.

Teacher – Post Secondary

Post Secondary Teachers, more commonly titled College Professors or Instructors, teach in a wide variety of settings. Some teach in university classrooms, some teach adult classes after hours in high schools or municipal buildings, some even teach online through the use of various Internet technologies. They make use of their own expertise and of required texts to convey knowledge to students of all ages, races, and backgrounds. Most college professors have at least a master’s degree, many have doctoral degrees in various fields. Post Secondary teaching positions are expected to grow quickly during the coming years, mostly for those with doctoral degrees in their specialized field. Highly specialized teachers are in demand to provide specific education to certain students. Salaries depend on employer, institution, and environment. Generally, a professor can expect to make anywhere from $28,000 to over $120,000 annually.

As my time as an undergraduate comes to a close, I am making plans to return to Ashford University for a Master’s degree in Education. My plans are to follow in the footsteps of those online instructors who have proved such valuable resources to me. In the years to come, I may also pursue a Ph.D. in some field in order to enhance my qualifications for the positions I wish to hold.

Communication Studies. (n.d.) Longwood University website. Retrieved March 17, 2011, from http://www.longwood.edu/career/Majors_Careers/CommunicationStudies.htm

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2010). Occupational outlook handbook (2010-11 ed.). New York, NY: Skyhorse. Available Online at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ooh_index.htm

Additions to "The Learning Curve"

As a beginning blogger, I have come to learn a few things overall about blogging. While I did use some authoritative content to discover this, much of what I have learned came from viewing my peers’ blogs and relaying my opinion. Of course, ProBlogger appears to be the most authoritative blog-designing blog out there, so I picked up a few tidbits from them as well. It never hurts to study the techniques of the professionals!

One classmate of mine appeared to have worked very hard on her blog. With all her hard work, she missed a few key elements of blogging that, were I a professional looking to hire, would make me look elsewhere. Certain elements take precedence in blogging. I chose to pick on this particular classmate because I had the most suggestions to make on her blog. Hard as she must have worked, she made a classic blunder, according to Flaxman (2011). She posted first drafts.

We have all done it. We have posted angry rants in our Facebook Notes. We have put up sloppy poetry or prose in our personal blogs. Perhaps we have even thrown up our first instincts on our personal websites. Our professional blogs, in contrast, need to be treated with all the care and respect we would give our final term paper. We have to consider that this is not just the grade here. These blogs can be used in the future to showcase our work as communications studies majors. They can help us get those coveted jobs we have studied so long and hard to get! Flaxman (2011) states the entire writing process, just as we do with our papers, needs to be followed for our blog posts.

Another classmate showed me something that I only now notice, after much careful research. Her initial post was an assigned class posting. As Flaxman (2011) mentions, there’s no “proverbial welcome mat.” Her “About Me” section mentions her goals for the blog, but few readers are going to click through to that section. It is another page, outside the realm of the blog itself. This classmate probably needed to first blog about her purpose, personality, or plans for the use of the blog. Of course, it is too late for this, so I have chosen not to mention it. She still has the opportunity to blog about these items, to “display [her] personality” (Flaxman, 2011).

Something I noticed on many of my fellow classmates blogs is that they chose not to include images in their posts. I used images in my own posts because I have seen professional bloggers do this. Images break up monotonous text. Regardless of how interesting the text may be, staring at a computer screen takes concentration. Line after line of text with no visual break can be hard on the eyes, and the brain. Pictures attract the eyes. Visuals stimulate the interest (Flaxman, 2011).

Rowse (2008) provides a list of criteria for an effective blog post. I adapted his list into a rubric for my classmates as I critiqued their blogs. Something I noted in one of my classmates posts was that she neglected to cite the sources she used at the bottom of the post. It was clear she used sources, because she did cite them within the text of the post, but I had no way to find the sources should I want to check their accuracy. This falls under Rowse’s believability suggestion (Rowse, 2008). The post is not written by an authority in the field of communications, it is written by a college student. Granted, that student may have learned plenty from her years of school, but where did she get that information from? Citing of her sources goes to her credibility as a writer.

Something that I have learned from my years of writing college papers is that white space is essential to a good layout. It makes the document “skimmable” by busy professionals who may not have the time to read the entire thing. Some of my classmates were adept at spacing the text within their posts at the right moment in their context. It became clear, “here is breathing room: take a breath, continue.” Rowse (2008) points out the necessity of a clear, “skimmable” layout. One of my classmates posted a single-spaced post in relatively small text with very little space between paragraphs. I loved the post. It was interesting and held a lot of well-thought-out information. I hated reading it. I considered that, if I hated reading it so much, so would a potential employer or colleague. They may simply move on, losing out on the good information she had to share.

I have not cited my classmates’ blogs in-text because I do not feel it is necessary to point them out individually. Mistakes can be made by anyone, and I am certain there are blogs floating around out there on the internet that make my classmates’ mistakes look minor. In addition, once those mistakes are fixed, having been pointed out by a round of critiquing, my citations will be no longer relevant. I have listed their blog addresses as references. What makes a good blog? I cannot answer with authority. I can, however, point out with some certainty what does not make a good blog, and help to fix it.

Easley, F. (2011). Adventures of a Guerilla Fundraiser. Retrieved March 17, 2011 from http://adventuresinguerillafundraising.blogspot.com/ 

Flaxman, S. (2011). Eliminate 21 reputation-crushing writing mistakes from your blog. Retrieved March 21, 2011 from http://www.problogger.net/archives/2011/02/26/eliminate-21-reputation-crushing-writing-mistakes-from-your-blog/

Loomis, L. (2011). Aims of the Admin. Retrieved March 17, 2011 from http://AdminAims.blogspot.com

Marchbanks, D. (2011). Communication in the 21st Century. Retrieved March 17, 2011 from http://comm21century.blogspot.com

Rowse, D. (2008). Nine signs of an effective blog post. Retrieved March 15, 2011 from http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/07/10/nine-signs-of-an-effective-blog-po

5 Organizations for the Communications Professional

Organizations for communications professionals abound, and by merely typing “communications professionals” into a search engine, a long list displays. Following are five randomly chosen organizations catering to communications professionals, the types of professionals they seek as members, and the benefits of being a member.

AEJMC – Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication

AEJMC is a professional organization for educators and students in the mass communication sector of the communications career field. Their mission is to maintain high standards of journalistic and mass communication education, helping to create the best future professionals and a “better informed public” (Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (a), 2011). Members enjoy network contacts and free subscriptions to the associations many publications, including the bimonthly newsletter announcing coveted job openings in the field. AEJMC also hosts an annual professional development conference to which its members are invited. Also available to members is an invitation to join various subdivision groups which provide additional benefits.

PRSA – Public Relations Society of America

PRSA is organized and maintained primarily as a professional development organization for the Public Relations sector of the broad communications career field. They also accept as college and university students in public relations majors and extracurricular activities as members. They try to uphold high standards for public relations professionals, particularly ethics. They attempt to broadcast a greater understanding of the public relations field, as well as continually train and develop their professional members. As a member, one can enjoy the organization’s vast professional network and public recognition for outstanding achievements among the profession. There are a number of continuing education programs available, as well as professional trainings and conferences. Members of the society benefit from lifetime job search assistance, not only through networking, but through the website and career advice library.

AMCP – Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals

AMCP’s primary concern is hosting competitions in various media in order to award public recognition, grants, and awards to various communication professionals. Membership is automatic upon entering one of their announced contests. Benefits vary according to the individual competition, but may include scholarships for continuing education, research grants, and the fellowship of the organization. Members are given rights to use the organization’s copyrighted logo in publications. I would consider joining this organization depending on the type of competition they are hosting at the time. Winners receive special recognition and the specified prize for that competition. Such recognition would be impressive on an entry-level resume.

LACP – League of American Communications Professionals

LACP maintains discussion forums for professionals to discuss their best work and provides public recognition for deserving professionals. Members receive a monthly newsletter SPIN, which highlights tips and resources for best practice. Additional benefits include email announcements about upcoming competitions for various awards, and online subscriptions to various exclusive research databases. They also receive a free subscription to the league’s publication, PR Scope. Members can submit work proposals or campaign ideas to LACP for review and evaluation before pitching to clients or employers, in order to perfect their performance. I would consider joining this organization because I like the idea of having a professional sounding board available. Such a benefit can provide the boost necessary for an entry-level employee to be promoted quickly within a company.

IABC – International Association of Business Communicators

IABC members come from all kinds of backgrounds, education levels, and careers within the communications field. IABC is an association catering primarily to networking a vast array of communications professionals in order to help its members, including freelancers, find jobs, clients, or professional services that may be provided by another member. They provide a number of discussion board areas on various topics for members to communicate with one another. Members also enjoy exclusive access to IABC’s online research library as well as online professional development classes, free subscriptions to IABC’s publication Communication World Magazine, and public recognition for outstanding performance. Unique to IABC, so far as I have seen, is the exclusive use by members and member-company employees of Club Quarters, a string of private hotels in 8 international cities. I would consider joining this organization because the benefits appear to outweigh the costs of membership. As an entry-level employment candidate, there can be no value put on networking, and the perks (Club Quarters) are amazing.

These are only a few of the available organizations a communications professional can join. Some offer membership to students and unemployed professionals. Some cater to communication among professionals, others to recognition and professional development. Becoming a member of a variety of organizations seems to be the entry-level professionals best shot at reaping the benefits of the years of experience of communications professionals already in the field.

Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (a) (2011). About. Retrieved March 20, 2011 from http://www.aejmc.com/home/about/

Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (b) (2011). AEJMC Membership Benefits. Retrieved March 20, 2011 from http://www.aejmc.com/home/2010/03/aejmc-membership-benefits/

Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (2009) About AMCP. Retrieved March 20, 2011 from http://amcpros.com/about.php

International Association of Business Communicators (2011). About IABC. Retrieved March 20, 2011 from http://www.iabc.com/about/

League of American Communications Professionals (2011). What is LACP? Retrieved March 20, 2011 from http://www.lacp.com/aboutus.htm

Public Relations Society of America (2011). About PRSA. Retrieved March 20, 2011 from http://www.prsa.org/AboutPRSA/?utm_source=prsa_website&utm_medium=masthead&utm_campaign=about_prsa_nav