Finding your way back home

I have visited the sandbox and found a very interesting story written by a gentleman that recently arrived home and was having difficulty with adapting with life back in the states. I really felt for his situation. I did, however, appreciate his willingness to consider help form therapists during this difficult time.

I found it odd that Derrick seemed to want to go back to the war to feel at home and normal. I really feel that this is a side of the military that we do not concentrate on enough. I think it is especially important because Derrick discusses his relationship with his weaponry and I do not feel that is something to be ignored.

Derrick responds to his past with weapons the same way some people talk about past drug use or addiction in general. I am not saying that he has a problem, but I think it is cause for concern that our servicemen are sent to another country and asked to be specialized in handling weapons and then return home where these weapons have no casual place in society and these individuals feel somewhat lost. He describes his urges to hold his old weapons to feel the power and the security of his life.

I think this is a very important issue that I will continue to investigate.

What will they think of next?

In regards to the articles concerning Ben Domenech, I found the controversy to be enlightening as far as the intricate nature of internet publication. I think that bloggers can really learn from this experience. Plagiarizing is a very serious offense.

After reading these articles, I am curious as to how bloggers can ensure that they are indeed being responsible and ethical in their submissions. I know that I have taken many writing courses where the instructors have impressed the importance of sourcing and referencing material in all forms of writing. That being said, I still have had issues concerning proper citing techniques.

I see now that there are millions of bloggers from all walks of life, not just journalists. I feel that these uneducated individuals should review the liabilities of blogging and responsible practices before writing for the public. We have discussed issues that would arise as the popularity of blogs grew. I believe that if bloggers are not careful they will face unanticipated consequences.

Incidentally, I watched an old episode of CSI: Miami last night. I found that blogging can be used in far more deceptive ways than I ever expected. The episode centered on a corporation blog that employees used to spread inside gossip. The employees also used code words to disclose private information within the company. The old saying goes, “read between the lines”, I found that bloggers could have the potential to also write between the lines. Whether or not this is truly possible and currently happening, it makes me nervous…especially for our young people that use the internet inappropriately.

There's more than war in the milblogs

I have found the Sandbox to be a great way to correspond with those overseas and really get a feel for their experiences. I really appreciate the sincerity of the posts. I also really enjoy the art work that is displayed and the photos of the living conditions. The site brings another side of life in the midst of war to life, a more personable one that the media does not show the public.

Who's Out There?

Audience

The anticipated audience will include the general public of Warsaw and visitors to the area. Warsaw is well known for increasing its population in the summer months with so many lakes in the area. This blog will be helpful to those that have missed the restaurant happenings in the off season. In addition, Warsaw is home to multiple orthopedic companies that bring in many visitors year round and they will find a service such as this blog a good way to get to know the town and what it has to offer. People of the town of Warsaw will especially appreciate the restaurant blog as a means to further community relations by becoming more involved with regard their restaurant experiences. It is a well- known fact that “word of mouth” carries a lot of weight in restaurant success.

Here's the skinny

Introduction

The Restaurant Blog is designed to provide an ongoing service to the potential patrons of Warsaw restaurants. The blog will provide locations and phone numbers of area restaurants with brief overviews regarding menu items and ambiance. This site will demonstrate an interactive guide for residents as well as visitors to comment on their restaurant experiences in order to aid others in deciding their dining destinations. The blog will feature restaurants and inform the public of special events and menu updates. This blog will not be used to file complaints as the blog creator is merely a patron and not affiliated with the restaurants.

Whats in it for me

Table of Contents

I. Title Page
II. Introduction
III. Body
A. About the Blog
1. Brief Overview- The Restaurants
2. Blog Features
B. Blog Mission
1. Purpose of the Blog
2. Goals of the Blog
C. Audience
1. Analysis of anticipated audience
2. Blog Policies for Subscribers
IV. Conclusion
V. References

What's Next for my Restaurant blog

In the next week, I will further my research in restaurant blogs and begin to develop a list of all the components that I will use in my restaurant blog. I will make a list of restaurants with brief descriptions. I will then begin to formulate a rough draft of the technical/artistic side of the blog and see what kind of options that I have…..I am thinking elevator music???

Who's in Charge, here?

Linda Rosencrance discussed Corporate weblogging and the impending offenses associated with defamation and revealing trade secrets. I think that she raises valid points, however, I found myself asking, “Who is in Charge, here”? I think that like many other online correspondence, a higher authority will become necessary. The next weblog that we were asked to review followed in suit with expressing the need for guidelines within corporations. These kinds of issues that are being raised lead me to question the validity and necessity in blogs, at least in the corporate world. I have tried to pitch the idea of a corporate blog for my husbands company and I really do not see the necessity. I find it a less secure form of a general website.

The art of war...literally

I just reviewed a milblog about an artist in the military and thought it was incredible. I feel that it really illuminated another side of the war and the thoughts of our brave soldiers. I wrote the artist- soldier thanking him and his comrades for their sacrifices. I also thanked him for showing me a cultural phenomenon- the art of war…literally.

Is Blogging here to stay?

I think that the future of blogging is going to have to be more structured and condensed to stick around. I find so many parts of blogging to fade away, because there are so many things that are and will become negative about the experience. I feel that legal issues will continue to surface. I also believe that with blogging being so diverse there is no way to quantify the content.

Security will always be questionable and with so much private content, I think that many will fall out. Just a note, I am actually surprised with the culture of worry that the U.S. has adapted that so many people are willing to expose themselves so openly. On the other hand, I think that blogging anonymously brings people together and we embrace that sense of community and anonymity.

Overall, I think that bogging will become more structured and that is when people will decide whether or not it is worth their time. Not to mention, the price will continue to rise with blog popularity and demand.

What I learned about selling my ideas

The three most important things that I learned from the given articles were:

Be precise and rid your bid of fluff, they have heard it all before. Have a catchy and honest angle on what you have to contribute. Keep it short and sweet.
Have confidence in your opinion and make it stand out. Be persistent with your intentions.
Pick your target audience and adapt your blog to attract them on all levels, from design to content.

I will keep all of these ideas in mind in creating my blog and submitting it to bigger arenas for attention.

Restaurant blogs times 3

I have found three sites that will compliment my project, although they are not the same blog type that I am writing. The first site is a how- to guide to creating a restaurant blog. I found “Starting a Restaurant Blog” and it really provided a lot of information regarding choosing a theme and a service with plenty of links to blogging sites. It also provides resources and tips with links to aid in creating a credible and appealing blog. I was very surprised at the lack of restaurant blogs in the sphere.

The second site that I researched was a restaurant blog in the Boston area entitled; Boston’s Hidden Restaurants. I liked the site and its many features, although I am not so sure I would follow the same structure. The site is more or less based on links. The main page has search options for finding a restaurant within a specific region, and pricing guide. It also tells about restaurant features, the creators of the blog, and links to other blogs by the same creator. I felt that it was a little overly link- ready. I chose this site to demonstrate the contrast that I will have in my blog.

Lastly, I chose the Spark Woodfire Grill Restaurant Blog to review because it is one of the only restaurant blogs in the sphere. If I would choose to expand on my blog and create an actual restaurant blog designed for a particular company, I wanted to know what to expect. This blog gives information about restaurant as far as the type of menu and structure of the restaurant. There is an option for comments and a rating system for the blog. I can see now that restaurant blogs are few and there is definitely room for growth. After reading about the top ten mistakes that bloggers make, I found most of the information to be common sense after reviewing so many different blogs. For instance, I found it fairly obvious that in order to gather attention and be remembered, a photo is necessary. I also think that irregular blogging frequency affects the credibility of a blog. It reminds me of a news channel that only reports when there is news. That would not happen, and it would not appear as reliable. It seems that mixing topics would not be sensible unless it was the foundation of the blog. And it certainly stands to reason that all information posted to a blog should be filtered in order to ensure that it would not negatively affect one’s professional future.

I did not realize the importance of picking a catchy and proper headline for each entry. It definitely seems necessary when I consider what I choose to read in a blog. I can also see how linking should relate directly to the topic and be clear. In addition, I would agree that linking within a blog really creates a structure and increases validity. Calendars are a good way to add structure, but should not be used as a navigating tool. Lastly, I was unaware of the importance in choosing a home for one’s blog. I will certainly review the options in the future.

Overall, I believe that all of these tips will become instrumental in setting up the structure of my restaurant blog. They will help me in creating my blog and creating boundaries to adhere to during this process. It is a checklist to follow.

Blog guidelines to success

After reading about the top ten mistakes that bloggers make, I found most of the information to be common sense after reviewing so many different blogs. For instance, I found it fairly obvious that in order to gather attention and be remembered, a photo is necessary. I also think that irregular blogging frequency affects the credibility of a blog. It reminds me of a news channel that only reports when there is news. That would not happen, and it would not appear as reliable. It seems that mixing topics would not be sensible unless it was the foundation of the blog. And it certainly stands to reason that all information posted to a blog should be filtered in order to ensure that it would not negatively affect one’s professional future.

I did not realize the importance of picking a catchy and proper headline for each entry. It definitely seems necessary when I consider what I choose to read in a blog. I can also see how linking should relate directly to the topic and be clear. In addition, I would agree that linking within a blog really creates a structure and increases validity. Calendars are a good way to add structure, but should not be used as a navigating tool. Lastly, I was unaware of the importance in choosing a home for one’s blog. I will certainly review the options in the future.

Overall, I believe that all of these tips will become instrumental in setting up the structure of my restaurant blog. They will help me in creating my blog and creating boundaries to adhere to during this process. It is a checklist to follow.

Losing jobs for just being you

I am not a bit surprised that careers are being compromised due to undesirable online profiles. Personally, I have a my space as a way to keep in touch with some old friends and to track some of my favorite blogs, but my use for it stops there. I certainly do not believe that the internet is all that secure to post anything more personal than my name and potentially my sign. I find it hard to believe that interns or potential employees would not be more aware of the depths that an employer would go to find out the inner workings of a potential employee, especially in the higher paying and public jobs.

In addition, I have found after having to explore blogging in this class, just how popular it has become. I hear it mentioned all over the media. I feel that my security is most important online. I would like to think that my personal information is not readily available for online predators or undesired parties, but I also feel that is a chance that I take submitting it to the World Wide Web.

Milblogs

I think that milblogs are a great use for a blog. I can see there being problems with security dealing with the infiltration of military blogs by unintended parties. I can see this being a dangerous practice for the preservation of private intelligence and the lives of our soldiers. However, what a efficient way to correspond. I have a cousin in the military and on his first tour, I would write him letters and it would take a long time for him to receive them and write back. Obviously milblogs are a time saver that relieves stress on the relationships between families and soldiers. My only concern is the security and safety of the troops. The internet is just not the most secure method of information transmission.

Blog Controversies

http://althouse.blogspot.com/2005/11/academic-blog-controversies.html

I found this article interesting as it covered another side of blogging. I was curious as to how an organization or business could be against blogging when it can in fact promote an organization or business. I guess that analyzing organizations and businesses is a foundation of democracy. I think that it is important that we are able to address our impressions of the world good or bad. This just creates another fine line of interpretation from viewers. When thinking of my restaurant blog, I thought how could the restaurants possibly be upset with my free advertising of factual information. After reading this article, I can see that there are more factors to be considered. Being that most businesses are not versed in blogging, they could easily become defensive regardless of the content. In addition, there is no consistent way of judging the content of a blog or the realistic interpretations one gains from reading such a novice account of a business which can lead to poor credibility and bad advertising.

http://dipperchick.blogspot.com/2006/12/brad-lavigne-blog-controversy.html

This is a short and sweet blog entry concerning blog controversies. I found it particularly interesting because the blog is in defense of other blogs that this particular blogger finds inappropriate. In this case, this particular Democratic blogger uses her blog as somewhat of a soapbox in voicing her concerns against political propaganda that she feels strongly about. I think that is an excellent way to contribute to the democratic structure of this country. I can see some great dialogue building. I feel that her issues should be the foundation of blogging, to speak your mind on credible issues.

http://blogs.herald.com/infomaniac/2005/11/blog_controvers.html

This is yet another unique use of a blog, to report on “blog controversy” and other media related topics. I think that I will continue reading this blog. I find it’s apparent anti- conservative nature to be of interest to me and would like to further explore conservative- liberal blogs. I think that it is probably not the most credible source for information, but I would like to see how blogs interpret the news and reflect on it.

Blog Controversies

http://althouse.blogspot.com/2005/11/academic-blog-controversies.html

I found this article interesting as it covered another side of blogging. I was curious as to how an organization or business could be against blogging when it can in fact promote an organization or business. I guess that analyzing organizations and businesses is a foundation of democracy. I think that it is important that we are able to address our impressions of the world good or bad. This just creates another fine line of interpretation from viewers. When thinking of my restaurant blog, I thought how could the restaurants possibly be upset with my free advertising of factual information. After reading this article, I can see that there are more factors to be considered. Being that most businesses are not versed in blogging, they could easily become defensive regardless of the content. In addition, there is no consistent way of judging the content of a blog or the realistic interpretations one gains from reading such a novice account of a business which can lead to poor credibility and bad advertising.

http://dipperchick.blogspot.com/2006/12/brad-lavigne-blog-controversy.html

This is a short and sweet blog entry concerning blog controversies. I found it particularly interesting because the blog is in defense of other blogs that this particular blogger finds inappropriate. In this case, this particular Democratic blogger uses her blog as somewhat of a soapbox in voicing her concerns against political propaganda that she feels strongly about. I think that is an excellent way to contribute to the democratic structure of this country. I can see some great dialogue building. I feel that her issues should be the foundation of blogging, to speak your mind on credible issues.

http://blogs.herald.com/infomaniac/2005/11/blog_controvers.html

This is yet another unique use of a blog, to report on “blog controversy” and other media related topics. I think that I will continue reading this blog. I find it’s apparent anti- conservative nature to be of interest to me and would like to further explore conservative- liberal blogs. I think that it is probably not the most credible source for information, but I would like to see how blogs interpret the news and reflect on it.

Blog Laws

The issues discussed in the website are going to be instrumental in setting up my restaurant blog. I can see now how important it is to be an unbiased and informative guide and not to critique the restaurants. I can see just how easy it can be for these restaurants to hold me responsible for negative publicity. I also found that it is a thin line that divides responsible journalism and free speech.

Seeing that I am not interested in being sued or having my own character defamed, I will certainly use the information as a guide to posting a responsible and informative account of local restaurants. I particularly found the FAQ section of the site helpful in outlining the boundaries and impending consequences of blogging such as defamation laws, intellectual property, trade secrets, right of publicity, publication of private facts, and intrusion into seclusion.

I have learned from this site that I will need to learn more about the rights of an individual to submit information about people or place outside of my personal experience. Honestly, I did not realize that so many laws were set in place to protect bloggers and/ or companies. I will not only continue to review this site, but also keep an eye on how laws are developed concerning blogs and the enforcement of existing laws that may apply to blogging.

Intern infiltration

I feel that the issue being discussed within this article about private practices in Corporate America is extremely relevant. I have pondered the impending issues that would arise in accordance to blogging’s fast and furious trend. I must say that the bloggers mentioned are walking a dangerous road of not only divulging inside information about these companies and/ or private employers but, compromising their personal integrity and privacy.

I have read the “Nanny Diaries” and found that to be quite a story about the employers as well as a look into the private lives of the women. The story itself is in a diary style account of the trials of the women in being a nanny for high class New Yorkers. It goes without saying that true stories do indeed sell. People must have a natural curiosity for the inner workings of others lives, especially when they are juicy stories. Most stories like these depend on the hero or heroine beating the odds and rising above persecution. However, over time, following the very existence of an individual is just as appeasing.

I do agree with the article in the fact that blogging only speeds along a good expose’. For instance, if an employee is disgruntled by working for a corporation and writes a tell-all. They will privately track the incidents leading up to the conclusion and then write the book. After writing the book, they will need to search out a publishing outlet and then market their story. The internet definitely speeds up this process as well as lends itself to the online diary, in which people are able to follow the story on a daily basis.

Personally, I think that this obvious invasion of personal and corporate privacy needs to be regulated. At first, I felt that blogging was going to cause more problems with the slanderous information emitted by employees, consumers, people in general. However, it seems that blogging could be harmful on multiple levels for big business. I think that many corporate businesses need to follow in suit with Viacom and revise employee conduct laws. I also think that the consequences should be somewhat more effective than mere termination. It seems obvious that if an employee writes about the inner workings of a business they probably do not take their position too seriously as it is said to be common sense not to publicly expose a company without consent.

Although, I feel that it is an individual’s right to speak out on prejudice or mistreatment in the workplace, I feel that employees should be limited in their rights to expose the lives private or corporate individuals for personal gain. I think that it is fairly obvious that the internet is not all that secure and those trained in technological advances are able to find all kinds of confidential information on- line. This story was a good lesson in the importance of safeguarding a corporate or private business.