Chapter 12 Review of "Blogs, Vlogs, Podcasts, and Webinars"

A major question that should be asked is, what is a blog, a vlog, a podcast, or a webinar? Blogs are the older of the three, being around since the early 1990s, then video blogs (or vlogs) came along, becoming popular with the invention of YouTube in the mid-2000s. Podcasts, in recent times, have become very popular among the younger generations, especially during the pandemic. Webinars are live video conferences, like a live blog almost with the benefit of seeing and hearing directly. 

The beginning of Chapter 12 focuses on what a blog is, why it has become popular, and how they are supposed to be organized. I found this portion of the chapter very interesting, I originally assumed that blogs were like other social media sites like Facebook and Twitter (not calling it X) but more time-consuming and difficult to navigate. The chapter made them seem more doable and creative, but still, I don't understand all the requirements that go into making them (on a personal level). The requirements for word counts, image captions, and hooks. They seem more like an English class assignment. Though I can understand some of the requirements, you have to make your site look appealing to a wider audience, be correct with your statements and show you're genuine. When it comes to marketing, I can see why some of the requirements are paramount for the future of a company's success. 

The next section focuses on vlogs, which I really found very fascinating. Previously, I only had a minor understanding of a vlog. I thought it was like a video on Instagram or TikTok that was just someone saying how their day was or someone just nagging that a store gave them a cake that said "Happy Retirement Frank" instead of "Happy Birthday Sarah". I was amazed that they could be more, and how they can have a great impact on people's lives. It gives personality to a story and a one-on-one experience, further solidifying the belief that these are not AI-generated stories, but true and meaningful life lessons. I found the structure of vlogs somewhat interesting, like with the blogs. Podcasts, on the other hand, seemed to stand out from the rest. They actually provide live commentary between speakers. Allowing for debate on certain topics, sharing conflicting or similar experiences, and allowing the audience to hear real people instead of reading a page-long story. When it comes to webinars, I have never heard of them until reading this chapter. Still, I can see how they greatly benefit marketing, providing live feedback and storytelling. Almost like story time in kindergarten, but with money and reputation on the line. 

The chapter, in my opinion, greatly explains how these tools can help a company expand its marketing practices, becoming one with the people almost, sharing experiences, replying to the comments of customers, and expanding its brand. Whether they be good or bad, these tools (blogs, vlogs, webinars, and podcasts) are great instruments that can benefit markets and connect people with new and amazing products. I can see them evolving over time and becoming widely known and used by the public and companies in the future. 

ONU Life Poem #2 "Nature's Presence around Campus"

 Life at ONU is full of amazing surprises. While I don't get out in town much or hang out with friends, I look more at the nature that makes up the area. I enjoy looking at the squirrels, no matter the season, or the ducks swimming in or sliding on the ponds. There is more to offer than watching movies on Netflix or scrolling through social media. From time to time, we must take a step back and enjoy the nature around campus. While there may be loud noises coming from cars, dump trucks, or people screaming from the field. Still, it is an amazing opportunity to just walk around campus and enjoy the amazing sites nature provides. One is always drawn to the leaves changing in the fall and blossoming in the spring, or the flowers growing right next to the resident halls and academic buildings. There is a benefit to being a rural college, nature is right next door, providing clean air and cool breezes. Furthermore, nature provides great stress relief, just going for a short walk can take your mind off of what is bothering you. Especially before an exam or presentation, I have witnessed the benefits of the calming reality of nature and seeing the carefreeness of the animals around. 

Here is a recommendation for anyone who needs to take a break from what life offers. Just go outside, turn off non-essential technology, and find a nice area to sit and rest your mind. If it is cold, like most days in December, January, and February, just be sure to bundle up. The campus provides many areas to walk, the Green Monster being proof. The woods near Founders is a nice place to relax, just be sure not to get lost. Also, the areas around the ponds are tranquil areas to find some inner peace. Even on rainy days, just take an umbrella and a nice jacket and go for a walk. You should put in your earbuds and listen to music while you're at it. Still, nature provides free music. The birds around the area provide wonderful tunes, the subtle waves are calming, and the wind provides comfort from life's troubles. Remember that there are multiple ways to relax than relying on technology, nature doesn't give you the headache of staring at a screen for many hours. Ironically, I'm using technology to spread this message of staying away from technology, still, technology is a useful tool. Take advantage of nature's gift, beauty rich and rare. 

ONU has much more to offer

Whether it be on land, in the air, or the water

From the variety of blossoming trees

Or the geese, high as your knees

Making your mental state a whole lot stronger

A walk around campus is much more than a chore

It does wonders for the spiritual core

The calming touch of the wind

And the music of birds that ascend

You'll be transported to a world of tranquility galore 

ONU Life Poem #1

Life at ONU is odd but cool

One could barely tell it was a school

The so much to do

No one should ever say boo

There is much to offer from the library to the athletic pool

The classes here are great adventures for all

There is hardly any reason to remain in the residential halls

From courses about science, sports, and art

It is an honor to take part

To the many classes offered here, including law

Chapter 1 Review

 In my take on Chapter 1 of the textbook The Essentials of Social Media Marketing by Michelle Charello, I believe that it provided a great introduction to the world of social media and its connection to the world of marketing. The good, the bad, and the confusing bits of it. This chapter provided important points to what social media offers, for advantages that can greatly improve customer engagement and services with communications and it can increase sales and revenue. It also covers the disadvantages, which are important to understand as well. For instance, it warns that can impact customers who prefer a face-to-face approach when dealing with sellers and requires more resources to manage. Furthermore, this chapter provided many resources and definitions for terms that I didn't even know existed. Finally, I did like the chapter's take on artificial intelligence and augmented reality. I know that AI has become a big deal when it comes to markets wanting to sell their products to the right people, but I was blank on the effects of AR when it came to marketing. This chapter provided insightful information on what AI and AR can do to benefit and harm a market's profits and reputation. 

The Highland Times Coming Online

 This is the first blog post on this new account.