23 March 2010 Elevator Pitch

Concisely Linking Interactive Community (CLIC) Is a multimedia application supported by PC and mobile internet device that streamlines communication within groups of people. CLIC uses a host of interfaces (text, voice, video, picture, software, and recording features) to aid in delivering a clear and concise message to all parties involved in one central location. With CLIC, messages are delivered to all specified CLIC members, facilitating the delivery of accurate, real-time information.

16 March Proposal Update

CLIC - Proposal Update
Thank you for the feedback, suggestions, and concerns. I hope to address all of the comments in this post.

To Clarify:

CLIC has two components - a website 'base' where organization of one's account takes place and a mobile application, which is really how CLIC is intended to become part of your everyday communication.

Visitors to the website would sign up much like other social networking sites, they could fill out a profile and share any information they'd like with the large (all other users) CLIC. Then the segmentation into specific CLICs would formulate (ex. each individual in a family CLIC's aka. friends each other and they form a private family CLIC).

They have now created a virtual 'living room' that is private to their family. They download the CLIC application on their mobile device and now they are instantly connected to one another.

Once in their virtual living room they can share ideas, feelings, pictures, thoughts, just as if they were all at home together. One family member can send a text --which alerts all individuals of the CLIC. Another can share a photo or leave a voice supported message.

The point of CLIC is to reach all members of the specific group in a timely manor and through different multimedia. CLIC makes it easy to keep in touch with friends, sharing ideas, thoughts, laughs, pictures etc. and is also critical in facilitating work. Companies and departments within departments can use CLIC to keep the team informed and up-to-date. Often times there is so much time lost in translating a message but CLIC informs everyone of the SAME exact message using a number of media platforms.

Example: A team of health professionals is monitoring the status of a patient. The team consists of specialists, doctors, and nurses. The team can form a CLIC and keep up-to-date reports on x patient. Just another way CLIC keeps people connected and communicating accurate information.

Each user is allowed 2 CLIC's for free and then group CLIC's can be purchased. There will also be multimedia support for sale that will assist in facilitating and catering to the needs of the CLIC, ex. software for specific fields.

To address the question of technologically challenging to build: CLIC is an amalgamation of technology we already use on a daily bases. Although I am not a programmer, I don't see this as an overwhelmingly challenging project because all of the components are already made and used - daily. Ex. CLIC has a rough BlackBerry Messenger frame, where you 'connect' with another BlackBerry user. The connection would simply me multiple (like an email chain you have with friends or co-workers) and then it would just be a matter of adding in the 'extras' like photo, video, and a voice messaging component. All of these stand alone on one's mobile device it is just a matter of connecting them to offer ONE direct area where information can be exchanged accurately and with an audience of your choice.
I hope this clarifies the merky points in my proposal! Please let me know if you have any further questions or ideas!
-Katherine

4 March 2010 Project Proposal

Project Proposal:
Name: CLIC
Acronym For: Concisely Linking Interactive Community
Overview: CLIC is an application created for use on mobile devices and the Internet. CLIC is an application based program that works in conjunction with devices such as iPhone, BlackBerry, and Internet programming. CLIC provides a user interface that merges: email, voicemail, voice messaging, picture, video, podcast, text messaging, twitter, facebook, myspace, SKYPE, and chat room/forums in a virtual, real time sub-community. CLIC allows for users to join micro as well as macro communities that cater to their needs and desires. CLIC can function as a virtual meeting room and allow for real time exchange of ideas, pictures, situations, messages, and most importantly allow for individual feedback. By streamlining the way information is received and transmitted, an individual no longer has to use multiple message engines.

Example of CLIC:Dad is a lawyer (Boston, MA), Mom is a teacher (Worcester, MA, son is a law student (Washington, DC) and daughter is a fashion designer (Hollywood, CA). Each member of this family uses text messages, facebook, email, phone calls, voice messages, BlackBerry messaging and exchange pictures via mobile device. They spend a lot of time conversing back and forth to one another but this requires separate emails, phone calls, etc. CLIC allows for the family to unite in one central, virtual, living room. Each member of the family logs onto CLIC's website and registers individually, creating a profile of themselves. (This will include location, interests, employment etc. -whatever they'd like to share to the larger CLIC community.) Then one member creates a 'CLIC.' This becomes their own personal space and they can invite members. The Smith Family Clic is created. Next, each member downloads the mobile application and their CLIC is formed!
CLIC Name: SUPER SMITH'S
'CLIC' icon shows up on each individuals mobile device and offers a forum for the exchange of text base messages, voice messages, instant photo and video (if supported by mobile device) as well as instantaneous exchange of communication. Every member of the specific CLIC can see the information logged by CLIC, cutting back on miscommunication, hassle of checking multiple interfaces and brings the family together.

Situation:
Mom wakes up and is driving to work - its Grandmothers Birthday and she wants to remind her family to call Grandma and wish her a wonderful 81st!

BEFORE CLIC:
-She'd call her husband at work, leave a message with his secretary; hope he receives it!
-Her son is hard at work in the library, knowing he's unreachable by phone call she dashes off a quick message "CALL GRANDMA TODAY - "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
-Knowing her daughter is rarely behind a computer, she texts her phone (because of the time difference) "CALL G - HAPPY BDAY"
This has now taken her 10 minutes and 3 different forms of communication!
-Later that night mom and dad go to grandma's 81st birthday. Mom takes pictures of grandma with the cake and decides she will email the photos to her son and send one picture through the mail to her daughter. Just another long process of exchanging information.

WITH CLIC:
-Mom remembers it's Grandma's 81st and sends a voice message to CLIC. "Hi Dad, Hunter, and Meg, remember it is Grandmother's 81st today! Please call her and wish her well!"
-Dad is commuting to work when he sees the * signifying the exchange of information on his phone, he CLICS, CLIC and types back - "Sounds good!" Meg is up early and listens to the message. She is on a photo shoot catching the early sunrise and snaps a picture. She records voice with the picture and sends it through CLIC "Show and play this to Grandma tonight - "Hi Grandma, here is a picture of the sunrise on your 81st Birthday! Miss you so much - see you soon, Love, Meg"
-An hour later Hunter wakes up and sees the exchange of information on CLIC. He writes back that he has a test later today and is happy no one called him early this AM to remind him of Grandma's 81st. He wants to send flowers to Grandma for her special day and sends around a link to FTD...what are Grandma's favorite?

Cliques of friends, family, co-workers, and people that share the same interests can all become a CLIC. Your CLIC is literally a click away on your mobile device and computer. This virtual space will facilitate the exchange of ideas and help unify people with the same interest. CLIC will also feature larger CLIC's resembling chat rooms but will still allow for instant exchange of information. Say you are a religious person and would like to stay connected with your church even though you are working in Scotland for six months. Your church group has a CLIC and each morning the Rev. leaves virtual inspiration. He can use text to write out the message or record a song and then end with a Bible quote. You, as a member of the CLIC are kept informed and can share information back to your community. It can be as simple as not having your best friends to shop with you and needing their advice on how you honestly look in a dress, to more complex work related issues, working on projects.

CLIC offers a user-friendly space for the exchange and promotion of ideas, images, voice, and SKYPE like features that will allow you to all 'meet' in one common place.

TARGET AUDIENCE: CLIC can cater to many different audiences but will start with the promotion of reconnecting the every-busy family. Professional parents, kids, and grandparents can all be part of the same CLIC. Targeting families is powerful in keeping a 'dinnertime' environment and promotes communication and the exchange of ideas/images...making everyones world a bit closer.

SECOND TARGET AUDIENCE: The professional who works on a team. Many times meetings are easily sidetracked and contractors/subcontractors deal with communication problems. CLIC will offer a fast forum for the exchange of ideas, images, as well as computer created work (Excel spreadsheets, Word documents, PowerPoints etc.) keeping everyone on the 'same page' and no excuse for a 'lost email.'

Are you ready to join the CLIC?

23 February Community Building

How do you grow a community online? There are a lot of sites that have a strong following and users feel a strong affiliation towards them. The usual networking sites like Facebook, YouTube, MySpace, Twitter, and LinkedIn are exciting because individuals update profiles and information and other network users enjoy reading about their peers; but the more interesting websites are the ones that weren't created as a community space. Most sites are attempting to create a communal feel allowing for website customization, welcoming comments by visitors, and allowing their visitors to slowly 'take over' the site. Here are a few examples of the transition from one-sided, business websites to public access, community sites.


Vineyard Vines does a great job of creating an on island, feel to an otherwise drafty Internet. The company started small 1998 and has sense grown to be nation and world wide (through the web) but they've still maintained small island appeal. By employing visitors to create a community through pictures and stories you feel right at home on their website. They also bring life to their clothing by offering short vignettes on their own friends, family, and community members. By clicking their 'Whale Tales' you get to know the local boat maker on Martha's Vineyard, the owner of restaurants, and their own employees, all creating a community atmosphere.

Lilly Pulitzer also caters to their loyal following and has built a virtual community through their website and use of facebook. The blog allows for exchange of ideas, information, pictures of everyday customers and fashion tips. This brings customers turned readers in on a regular basis and creates more 'excitement' around the line of clothing.

MooseJaw does a great job of combining corky information, emails, and their facebook group which keeps customers coming back for more. Their emails are often odd/silly and captivate the reader. It also draws a touch of personality to the brand and makes you feel like your a friend. An example of their Valentine's Day mass emailing. MooseJaw also employs a strong community via facebook and if you are a fan of Moosejaw Mountaineering everyday they run a t-shirt contest, drumming up business, interest, and return viewers.

Larger clothing stores are also catering to community. J.CREW has Jenna's picks, a designer who works at J.CREW. They are also sending out emails that allow you to "get to know your designer" and form a relationship.

Athletic based websites like Nike and Mapmyrun allow athletes to connect in a virtual space and keeps the audience active. Nike+ does a great job of organizing an online community. They host marathons that you can do independently and work at cultivating a group of runners worldwide. They also tie in charity run events, allow for blogging, group interaction, and even have a running singles link. Websites like these have turned into a social group and promote participation.

Boston.com approaches local issues and news by offering a comprehensive Boston based website. The site lists events, traffic, shopping, dining, daily politics news, local news as well as national stories of interest. It also creates sub communities by town giving viewers an in depth look at issues that affect their daily lives. Twittering stories, facebook, and comments are all user interaction applications. Bostonians use this site daily to find out what is happening in their community.

5 February 2010 How News Happens

I came across this article that I found rather interesting and a direct connection to our multimedia class. It talks about how news is spread and how people are receiving news. It uses Baltimore, MD as an example city.

Project for Excellence in Journalism goes into greater detail about new media and blogs, and the impact they play in delivering information. (I will comment on the report in greater length this weekend)

Excerpt:

Pew - How News Happens: A Study of the News Ecosystem of One American City
Project for Excellence in Journalism - How News Happens: A Study of the News Ecosystem of One American City, January 11, 2010.

"The study, which examined all the outlets that produced local news in Baltimore, Md., for one week, surveyed their output and then did a closer examination of six major narratives during the week, finds that much of the “news” people receive contains no original reporting. Fully eight out of ten stories studied simply repeated or repackaged previously published information. And of the stories that did contain new information nearly all, 95%, came from traditional media—most of them newspapers. These stories then tended to set the narrative agenda for most other media outlets. The local papers, however, are also offering less than they once did. For all of 2009, for instance, the Sun produced 32% fewer stories on any subject than it did in 1999, and 73% fewer stories than in 1991, when the company still published an evening and morning paper with competing newsrooms. And a comparison of one major story during the week studied—about state budget cuts—found newspapers in the area produced only one-third as many stories in 2009 as they did the last time the state made a similar round of budget cuts in 1991, and the Baltimore Sun one seventh as many. Yet the numbers suggest the addition of new media has not come close to making up the difference."

Connection:
CBS' The Sunday Morning Show touched upon Super Bowl advertising and Pepsi Co. 20+ year involvement in TV ad space. Their decision not to run commercial time during this years Super Bowl might capture the change in multimedia outlets. Pepsi has decided to put their resources into an online, interactive marketing approach called the Pepsi Refresh Project that hopes to foster great ideas and in doing so, change the world all through involvement. This excerpt from The Sunday Morning Show touches upon Pepsi's 'game changing' decision.

"In fact, TV ads — with their catch-phrases and clever story lines that seem to permeate pop culture — often assume significance far beyond the selling of a product. But in an age of multiplying media, fragmented audiences and short attention spans, is advertising as we know it about to change entirely?

Our story begins in the offices of Pepsi-Cola, where an executive there will explain the company’s surprising decision, after 23 years of successful Super Bowl ads, not to run a TV spot in this year’s big game. Instead, they’ve launched an Internet campaign. What if anything does Pepsi’s strategy say about the larger landscape for advertisers?"

Just as citizens have taken to covering and interacting with news firsthand through online blogs, websites and video/camera streaming, the world of advertising is changing in dynamics as well. It will be interesting to observe this change in appealing to a demographic and if Pepsi's revolution from TV to internet pays off.

2 February 2010 Topic vs. Story

In our last class we discussed the difference between covering an event from a story level versus a topical level. When reporting on an event from the story level it provides a more focused look into a specific topic. The story doesn't have 'legs' because many times the facts and story itself have changed. These stories lack longevity because as time progresses, more information is learned about the matter and thus the initial story morphs. When reporting on a subject from a topical level one is looking more at trends, history, and the story tends to have repeat visitors because the coverage is more holistic.


Possible Headline Quote: "Sunday, Sunday, Sunday...Off to a Sensational Start"

As we are in the midst of Super Bowl excitement, I think it would be interesting to look at Super Bowl coverage from a topical and story based angle. This NBC Sports article is a prime example of evolving news and a specific focus. "Early media talk focuses on Freeney's ankle" and even calls out the sensationalism in the 'story' by saying, "Hype surrounding Super Bowl XLIV not hitting usual din of previous games." The article points out its storyline, "For once, members of the media could focus on an actual storyline before the Super Bowl - how is Dwight Freeney's ankle?"



This is relevant news for Super Bowl fans and could determine the outcome of Sunday's game, but this story will no doubt evolve as the week continues. The story will remain but with more factual information and with Freeney's ankle progress, the facts will change.

Looking at Super Bowl XLIV from a topical standpoint portrays a whole different angle on The Bowl Game as this article exemplifies. "Excess Rules at Super Bowl and That's No Ballyhoo" written by Mike Tanier of The New York Times, recounts the history of the Super Bowl and how it came to be one of America's most facinating sporting events. The article gives history of the Bowl and charts its 'Super Sized Programming.' The following excerpt allows you to see the difference in tone versus the story coverage above.

"The A.F.L.-N.F.L. championship game was a hard sell in 1967, when the leagues were separate and unequal. N.F.L. Commissioner Pete Rozelle needed a prestigious championship game to legitimize a newly minted merger with the less-established American Football League. So Rozelle, a former public-relations specialist, used his marketing expertise to surround the game with hype, or hoopla or ballyhoo, as it was called at the time.

Rozelle adopted the grandiose Super Bowl name — coined by the Kansas City Chiefs’ owner, Lamar Hunt — and he commissioned Tiffany to create the Titletown Trophy (later renamed for Vince Lombardi). He persuaded NBC and CBS to simulcast the game for $1 million each, and he raised Los Angeles Coliseum ticket prices to $12 from $6, to increase revenue and, more important, to give the game prestige."

Both story and topic reporting inform the audience on different levels. One focuses attention on a specific, while the tropical report offers a broader view. This is just an example of two ways an audience can be informed of events.

2 Ways I would cover Super Bowl Sunday:

Story:

1. Interview Bon Jovi and get his reaction on headlining the Super Bowl's halftime show. Interview would include halftime preparation and set list.

2. Fans could also be interviewed from past Bon Jovi concerts to determine how this performance might rank with his previous concerts. As this event has yet to happen, the story would simply be an introduction and specific vignette on Bon Jovi's involvement. Individuals from Bon Jovi's facebook group would also be contacted and connected.

3. Track stage crew as well as event planners for halftime show, capture setup and issues in a documentary setting. (Film rehearsals and sound bites.)

4. Meet with volunteers and carry one-two stories on their careers as dancers, backup singers, children involved in act etc.

5. Interview security and legal team to pinpoint main issues of halftime show.

6. Interview costume designers on choice of fabrics, theme, custom assembly.

Topic: Recap the history of halftime shows starting with the inception of The Super Bowl.

1. Historical data such as run time, list of performances/performers, controversial performances and reaction would all be highlighted.

2. Money spent on halftime coordination and the actual implementation of halftime performances would also be gathered and presented in bar graph form.

3. A timeline of events would be created showing factual data that pertains to the show. The timeline would also list main events of the year and fashion/musical interest allowing the viewing audience to understand the culture of the time.

4. Number of participants, money spent, hours of rehearsal, money earned could be organized in chart form - this would be rich in pictures and video of performances.

5. Number of tv viewers, increase in tv viewers for halftime, etc. would all come into play. I would also conduct a study to see if approval and popularity ratings increased after the said performers appearance on Super Bowl Sunday through record revenue.

I would parcel the information using a tv frame image with various links to halftime shows/information within the tv set itself - capturing the evolution of time. This would give the online audience a point of reference. Rough Example:

All of this factual information would give the audience a holistic view of halftime performances.

24 January 2009 Post 2 Surveillance and Analysis of Disaster Coverage

Surveillance and Analysis of Disaster Coverage
How organizations cover disasters in Haiti using multimedia

1. MSNBC has a comprehensive website covering the earthquake in Haiti. The website employs many different forms of multimedia such as, video, blogs from volunteers in Haiti, an interactive map of Port-au-Prince calling out hospitals, governmental buildings, transportation, schools, churches, ports, search and rescue areas, and large refugee camps. A scientific analysis on ‘Why Haiti’ – explaining why the earthquake occurred, its magnitude, along with interactive maps imported from Bing, give the viewing audience a holistic view of the area and updates on the catastrophe. The website also supplies visitors with clear information on donating, listing reputable relief organizations.


2. World Concern is a disaster response team that assists impoverished areas and responds to natural disasters. The website has imported video from Channel 5 King News along with information about their efforts, a photo slide show, downloadable flyers that assist in spreading information and a call to aid, many 'badges' that can be attached to blogs and websites for easy donation, and quick facts about Haiti and how World Concern plans to help are all easily located on the website. They also have an interactive world map that displays their areas of aid and once clicked, a short biography of the region and what World Concern is doing to improve the country is displayed.



3. Lynn University's website update on their two lost faculty members and four students, one of which is Britney Gengel, a soon to be twenty year old student is of personal interest to me as I am from Massachusetts and know one of her family members. This story is being followed very closely in Central Massachusetts and updates on her family's mission to find Britney are topics of many websites. The story is especially heart wrenching because her parents were told that Britney was found among the rubble and safe. They were comforted to hear that she was flown to Florida and awaited a joyous reunion with their young daughter. Unfortunately this wasn't accurate information and she still remains among the missing in Haiti. Her father and mother just returned from Haiti where they attempted to facilitate the search and rescue mission. The Lynn University website posts daily updates on progress and urges for donations. Although this website is basic (text and pictures of the missing) it displays relevant, specific information that is difficult to find elsewhere.

An excerpt from their Earthquake Response Website.
11 a.m. Update: Work continues at Hotel Montana site, press reports regarding status of missing remain unconfirmed
By Lynn University on January 25, 2010 11:18 AM
Reports to Lynn University officials this morning indicate that rescue operations continue in some capacity at the Hotel Montana site, but that work on-site is increasingly shifting toward search and recovery. According to this morning's updates, a search and rescue team from Fairfax, Va., is still on site and will remain until fully relieved by U.S. military teams.

At this time, neither the State Department nor the Haiti Taskforce team has officially called an end to rescue operations at the Hotel Montana. Once official word is received, that transition will be noted in an update to the Lynn alert site (www.lynn.edu/alert).

Press reports unconfirmed
Yesterday and this morning there have been a number of press reports indicating that one or more of the missing Journey of Hope members have been identified on site. Lynn University cannot confirm those reports. At this time, university officials have not learned of any Department of State notifications. As noted below, such official notifications are the responsibility of the State Department and will directed initially toward the families. The university will only confirm such reports after they are received by the families, the university is notified, and Lynn officials are granted permission to share that information with the campus community and general public.

Barring any breaking news, the next update to this site will be at 6 p.m. today.

MEDIA NOTES:
Reminder: Lynn officials have continued to be asked to verify press reports concerning the status of our missing students and faculty. As noted above, the university is relying on State Department officials to relay such news and will report such details only after they are received by the families (university will not be notified first), and university officials receive permission to share that news with the campus community and general public. Only after that news is received and those permissions granted will the university post such information on its alert site (www.lynn.edu/alert)

4. Anderson Cooper's AC360 blog shares text, video and audio of Haiti and offers clear coverage of the daily struggle. His blog format allows for a more intimate look into Haiti and his video/audio delivery is a strong tool in getting across the unimaginable devastation.