Jun 12, 2007

Breaking outside of the blogging box

Blogs can take on many different forms. They can be used for rants, a forum for specific topics, be the primary website for a group, or be a useful tool for class projects.

Here are a few examples of non-traditional blog formats:

Eugene Faith Center Middle School Group has used Blogger to create it's primary web page. The blog contains information about meeting times, upcoming events, recent videos and even brochure downloads.

What I find great about this format is that it creates dialogue between middle schoolers, adults and leaders. Viewers can leave comments about any post, which are usually upcoming events. The site is fairly new, but comments are picking up.

Recently, I used Blogger for a online geology class assignment. The professor requested a Word document with hyperlinks embedded; however, I asked if a blog would meet the assignment objectives. It was easy to supply the information about Great Sand Dunes National Park, post pictures of the geographical features and supply outside links.

Blogs are easy to use, easy to update and provide great information. Businesses, groups or individuals who are technically challenged might find blogs easier to maintain than a full web site. Anyone can do it!

These are only two creative uses of blogs out there. What other non-traditional blogs have you seen? I'd love to check them out.

Jun 11, 2007

Playing indoors with Barbies...online?


The New York Times recently wrote an article noting the increase of interactive web sites targeted for children. Instead of playing outside or interacting with other children, kids are staying home and playing in virtual worlds, such as BarbieGirls and Cartoon Doll Emporium.

The article discusses child advocates' concerns over the amount of advertising being displayed on these sites and the amount of time children are spending on these sites.

With the increase usage of interactive web sites, will children participate less in physical activity?

I can see how these sites appeal to children, but I can see a few negative effects. Are there benefits as well? What do you think?

Ultimately, parents have the final decision on how much time their children can spend on these websites. Children and adults a like must find a balance between virtual worlds and the "real world."

On that note, I'm going to go play outside.

Jun 3, 2007

I love kids, books and PR work.

Recently, I've had the opportunity to help coordinate Springfield Public School's Gift of Literacy event. Over the last few months, every first grade student was read nine books from the Gift of Literacy collection. They each chose their favorite book, and last week they were presented with that book at a day long event held at Lane Community College. Every student received their favorite book with their name inside, a reusable book bag, and a handful of educational goodies. Local celebrities read out loud to small groups of children and then every child received a free lunch. Nearly 150 volunteers and $40,000 of donations made the day possible.

It was such a rewarding experience. Seeing the children's faces was worth the time at the office and in meetings.

Here's what I learned so far from this experience:

  1. Take initiative: When assigned a task, just go for it. Get the information you need from your supervisor, and then just take a stab at it. You may not always know what the supervisor is looking for, but do the work and let him or her make changes and edits.
  2. Network like crazy: In my case, I worked with a committee of 20 rotary members, teachers and district employees. Take every chance to get to know these people before or after the committee meetings. You might just have something in common with them.
  3. Not everyone likes email: Emails are not everyone's preferred method of communication. Sometimes it takes a hard copy sent via snail mail to get your message through.
  4. Stay organized: When dealing with a new project, start an organizational system from the very beginning and stick with it. It is time consuming to reorganize paperwork and emails later.
  5. Memorize names quickly: It's easier to ask someone for assistance if you know who you are talking to.
  6. Be passionate: Put heart into your work and hours will fly by.
These are just a few of the things I've learned during this process. I can't wait to start planning for next year's Gift of Literacy and see the kids' excitement when they open book bag with a cool, new book inside. It's amazing.

Check out the local news coverage here and here.

PR in the Garden of Eden

I'm fascinated by the new Creation Museum that opened last week in Ohio. What an interesting idea. The museum reminds me of a Christian version of The Pacific Science Center in Seattle, Washington.

The Creation Museum "brings the bible to life" and introduces visitors to the concept of creationism, while rejecting evolution. A. Larry Ross Communications, a Christian PR firm, headed up the PR campaign. The campaign will be measured on the number of visitors to the museum. The expect to see 300,000 visitors in the first year.

The commercials are visually appealing and well done. The media campaign has a newsroom with images, press releases and backgrounders, and the museum seems to have great coverage. Even with all the PR bases covered, how will the campaign hold up against critics? Many non-Christians are sneering at the idea.

I'm thinking the controversy behind the Creation Museum will only aid news coverage and increase the number of visitors.

What do you think? Will the news coverage help or hinder the number of people who visit the museum?