This semester in Electronic Communications, I learned a lot about my habits and behaviors regarding Computer Mediated Communication. I am much more aware of the reasons why I do many of the things that I do. For instance, we talked a lot about how we use calling and texting on our cellphones as security devices. When I am waiting alone somewhere or awkwardly standing by myself, I used to constantly text or check something on my phone as a way to look busy and stay comfortable in that situation. I am now aware of this behavior and try to find other ways to become comfortable when alone. Also, I have become much more aware of the way I use CMC habitually. I sit down on my computer and instantly check my Facebook account and my e-mail before doing what I sat down to do. This is a major time waster and distracter and I have honestly tried to do the opposite. I will now do my work and when I am finished, I will then proceed to check my e-mail and Facebook.
I do not think that I have any unhealthy addictions to Computer Mediated Communication but I know that I can use CMC in more productive and better ways than I do now. For instance, texting, e-mail, and Facebook are all excellent ways of keeping in touch with people from home. However, it not essential that those people hear from me frequently, but more important that when they do hear from me they are more informed about my life. In other words, I can send my parents an e-mail about what I did today as opposed to texting them back and forth for an hour and hardly getting much information out. CMC is a very powerful and useful tool and we must concentrate on using to the best of its’ ability and not allow it to have control over us.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
Making a Game out of Advertising
In class, we have talked a lot about how businesses are using online communities to reach customers with advertising. One company in particular, has used this idea but they got a little more creative than to just put the company’s name and logo off to the right of the page. Adobe has created a game that is available as an application on Facebook. The main demographic for the Adobe software is most likely college students or young adults. That particular group of people seems to care and know a lot about digital photography and the advantages of photo shopping and editing. The challenging game is discerning whether a photo is real or fake; did this really happen or is it edited on Adobe software.
This is a remarkable advertising idea in my opinion. Students or game players can see all of the features that are available with Adobe software. There is even an option that explains in a tutorial how the photo was edited and what tools were used. Once you become a fan of Adobe, you are encouraged to play each day because there are five new photos added everyday and you are notified. Game players can learn more about a product they already own and recommend it to others. Others who are new to Adobe can see what can be done with this program and potentially purchase this program. This also allows the company to have a closer and more intimate connection with it’s users. Customers may post questions on the fan page or comment and leave suggestions along with feedback on new features. This free, open exchange of information is different and more honest than any paper or online survey that the company may give. This Facebook feature allows a very free and open environment where users can post their opinions and where they are not limited in questions they may answer and in ways they may answer. The company is now able to see what their customers really want and this will only make their business more successful.
When I tested out the game, it was pretty difficult. None of the photos seemed realistic to me and I was certainly impressed with the capabilities of the Adobe program. This is a very innovative and creative advertising tool that allows the company to work closer with its’ customers while showing them all that their products can do.
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