All done!
Hehe. That works on so many levels...
I finally figured out what went wrong with my Digital Story pics, and I fixed it! Now all the pictures work! I thought I'd be able to get some videos in there, but I didn't have time. The pictures tell the story well enough. All done with my project! Check it out!
Also, today was the last day of my Professional Writing class (well, other than presenting my project). No more classes! All done Fall 2004 semester!
I think this was the quickest semester ever. Now I have these classes to look forward to:
-African American History: 1865-Present
-Introduction to Astronomy
-Introduction to Journalism
-American English
Now, I must write papers and papers and papers... and practice and practice and practice...
I finally got my digital storytelling project up. Most of the pictures don't work, but I'll try to fix that in class. At least I got the site to come up! I think Beast likes to stop working sometimes. Well, if you're interested in being an intern, are a current/former intern looking for fun, or just want to take a look, go ahead and look at the site! (Though it's no fun without pictures.)
Digital Storytelling Project
I have decided to do my digital storytelling project based on my internship with the Trenton Titans hockey team. It will offer a behind the scenes look at what goes on while the fans are watching the game. I will include pictures of areas rarely seen by fans, like the officials room, the zamboni area, and the press boxes. There will also be pictures of some bigwigs in the ECHL world that I so sneakily took. Hopefully, I'll be able to figure out how to put some videos up. I took some video of opening night: an empty-net goal by the Titans and the final explosion of fireworks when they officially won. I hope that this site will offer information to potential interns and make them more interested in joining the Titans' team.
Relationship Elements
How does the inclusion of relationship elements engage the reader?
Relationship elements allow readers to become more involved with the site, and in some cases, making the site their own. One element, linearity, is what dictates how a user can navigate the site. A linear site gives the user very few options to view the site how they want, not the way the makers want them to. If a user can explore the different areas of the site freely, they have more control. Sites, like blogs, that allow customization lets users personalize a site and make them feel accomplished because they have created something that has the potential of being viewed by millions of people.
Action in a Narrative
How does action function as part of a narrative? Can it be likened to the function of transitions in a linear print narrative?
Action is what keeps users involved and interested in a site. If a user cannot decide where they would like to navigate in a site, it is unlikely that their interest will stay with the site, unless the content is very interesting. Having a linear site is like reading a book: you can't skip around without missing something. If a user is free to explore the site and look at whatever aspects they want, then they can see what they are interested in and ignore what they are not. This is like looking through a newspaper, as you can pick which sections you would like to read.
Are the understandings of digital storytelling used in professional writing? How does this serve narrative functions such as scene-setting and character development?
From the website that explains interactive narratives, we learn that there are 5 basic elements that build a narrative: Media, Action, Relationship, Context, and Communication. After looking at some digital stories and advertisements, it can clearly be seen that these aspects are used in professional writing. Professional Writing is about communicating to a given/perceived audience, usually trying to sell a product or an idea. The way in which these 5 elements are used can either make a great, relevant story or a dull, confusing story.
For example, in the Dali narrative, a wide array of medias is used. There's text, narration, pictures, videos, and interactive images that move when you mouse over them. The site seems a bit chaotic, but it fits because of the odd, chaotic paintings of the artist. On the other hand, the the Sony Hi-MD site is a lot less eye-catching. Also, in Dali, users are free to explore the many links in the site. The Sony site has less links and less options for exploration. The Dali site was clearly meant for people interested in Dali, fellow artists or patrons. It's chaotic presentation fits the chaotic life and works of Dali. The Sony site is just a press release meant for competing businesses/products or potential customers interested in the details of the product. Each of these sites uses the different elements of digital storytelling in a way that gets their point across to their audiences.
Because digital stories are not always actual stories, the ideas of scene-setting and character development are different. Setting the scene is like letting the reader know what type of site they have stumbled upon. The scene for Dali is fun yet educational. The scene for Sony is business-like and professional. The way in which digital storytelling elements are used help portray the scene. Lots of pictures and action indicate a consumer-friendly site, while text and still images make for a more business-friendly site. I see the characters as being the product/idea being sold or the people selling the product/idea. When looking through a site, you should be able to tell if the people behind it are amateurs or professionals, if the product/idea is valid to your needs or not.
Check it out!
I made a webpage in my Professional Writing class! It still needs work, but hey, I'm still learning. On my site, you will find a cute picture of me along with links to things I do and my resume! Look look look!
My Webpage!
Exciting!
I have just completed my first week of my first real paying job. On Mondays, I am a hall security worker in Eickhoff Hall. I pretty much just make sure that whoever walks in has their key and sign guests in. On Wednesdays I am an Office Assistant, also in Eickhoff. I open the office, check to see if all the extra keys are there, distribute the mail if it comes during my shift, sign out vacuum cleaners, and other random tasks. Those are my only two permanent shifts, but I can sign up for weekends whenever I want, which I did this past Saturday and every other Saturday until the end of October. It's pretty fun, especially when you sign up with a buddy (Serena!).
Well, speaking of work, I need to do some homework.
Coming Soon!
I am in the process of making a website. It's going to take a while, but it will be done. Oh yes, it will be done. This HTML stuff is hard, especially when the program we use to make the sites doesn't work right!
I'm learning!
No, I'm not playing with my blog in class, we're actually learning! Learning how to put fancy links using HTML that is. Here's a link for you!
The College of New Jersey
Living Professionally
This blog is for my Professional Writing class. In it, I will explore the different fields in which I would like to work and my current job experiences.
Right now, I am involved with a few activities that relate to what I would like to do for a living. I seem to be following right in my sister's footsteps into public relations. However, I would like to work in a more exciting environment, no offence to her, her office or staff.
I am currently a Game Night/Public Relations intern for the Trenton Titans ECHL Hockey Club. It is really fun and I have developed quite a taste for the sport. I am hoping to get a permanent position with a team sometime in the future.
Another possibility is getting a job at a zoo or aquarium, since I love animals. I have been looking at public relations internships at the Philadelphia Zoo and the New Jersey State Aquarium (soon to become Action Aquarium in May 2005).
For now, I am enjoying my work with the Titans and involvement with The College of New Jersey's yearbook (The Seal), radio station (WTSR 91.3), and online magazine (www.tcnj.edu/~unbound).
