Content Strategy for the Web Discussion #1
#3: What can we do to keep our content from dying? How do we keep it fresh?
If you’re looking to get into writing for the web or blogging (or if you’re already doing it), content is one of the biggest components of your site that you will have to focus on. For someone who has been dealing with web writing/blogging, doing fan pages, etc. for over a decade, content (and bringing new content to the table) is one of the most time consuming tasks. Some websites can do more with less when it comes to content. For example, fan pages use to be complex in what they offered, but now many popular ones just focus on news, multimedia (photos, video, audio), social media accounts, and sometimes a forum. This can also be said for other websites out there. Now with Wordpress and other blogging platforms, it’s easier to add content and pretty much anyone can set up a blog.
In regards to keeping content from dying and keeping it fresh, I believe finding your niche is one of the important. Why are you blogging/writing? Who are you trying to reach? What message are you trying to communicate? Once you figure it out (and you may not get it all at once), you can start writing. Keep track of what other bloggers in your niche or what the blogosphere is doing. Look for trends going on around the web. Product & restaurant reviews also help (sometimes if you promote a product or do outreach to them, they’ll give you something in return). Try to come up with your own ideas (I believe each person is unique and offer something). Videos and photos are big attention grabbers. If you run out of ideas, try doing blog memes (example: A Photo a Day for a Month or daily writing prompts – more examples here). And if you need to take a break to find what you're looking for (no matter how long it takes), it's okay to do so. You want to be motivated, inspired, and excited about what you write. If you don't like it, your visitors won't either. Also, don't be afraid to ask your visitors/readers for advice and what content they would like to see. Reaching out to established bloggers could also help (but don't feel disappointed if they don't respond). Some bloggers will offer tips and suggestions on their blog on how to get started.
#4: Find an example of a website that is doing more with less, and then tell us how and why.
- A website that serves as a good example of doing more with less is the official website of The Southern Food Alliance (http://southernfoodways.org). The websites doesn’t display a ton of content, but the design and usage of photos make it presentable. Navigation and social media are easy to find and navigate. There’s an easy way to listen to the latest podcast. Latest posts are easy to read, contains an eye-catching image, and straightforward as well. I think the layout and responsiveness (meaning it responds to the device you’re using which means easy navigation, less scrolling, etc. which means more of a better website experience) of the site helps with this idea of less is more.
Content Strategy for the Web Discussion #2
#2 Provide an example of a company or entity that uses many "channels" to deliver content, and provide examples of those channels and how they are working together.
– An example of a company that uses many “channels” for outreach is EA/Maxis for The Sims franchise (est. 2000). The Sims is a life-stimulated computer/video game that you can design and play as you like. Content-wise, the series provides extended spin-off games, expansion packs, game packs, and stuff packs with objects that provide extra or interactive game play. The game is in its 4th series and is still going strong. Over the years, EA/Maxis have created various channels to deliver content to its faithful Sims followers. They have a website and a fan forum for communicating (both which are mobile-friendly), social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Tumblr), a newsletter, and an app. In the past, they had a store where you can buy additional items, commercials were shown on TV, and there were printed materials and merchandising all over the web and in stores. The company also works with Sims-related fan sites to showcase upcoming game play items. For fan outreach, they also offer surveys and ask questions for feedback. They have partnered with different celebrities to market the product as well.
Spreadable Media - Discussion #6 (Chapters 2-4)
Chapter 2 Question
#4: How is YouTube a digital writing environment, and how does the medium (videos) influence the content of the digital writing and the "many different ways the site can be understood?" (94).
– YouTube is a digital writing environment because one its overall free, and content (from users in the form of video) is shared throughout the web. For example a “beauty guru” (one who shares and demonstrates/reviews beauty products) can create a video. That video reaches millions of people, and if a product is used, those viewers will go purchase that product. This is a win-win for the guru, consumer, and company. Other use YouTube as a way to communicate ideas, share self-created documentaries, talk about politics, meets others who are like minded, bring awareness to issues. YouTube has somewhat become online television. Pretty much any type of video you can think of is on YouTube (news, politics, cooking, how-to and other guides, music, old TV shows, movies, etc.) Even if videos are drawn to a certain discourse community, videos can attract those outside of its niche. These videos will also continue to stay on YouTube as long as the user (or someone else downloads it and keeps it up) has it on their channel. YouTube, Inc. has help jump start companies and careers for thousands of people.
Chapter 3 Question
#4: How does transmedia engagement allow for "multiple ways of engaging a narrative," and what are those multiple ways? Provide an original example to explain your ideas.
- Transmedia engagement allows the audience to engage with a show, brand, or product through various interactions. Storytelling is an original example. This can also include merchandising through several mediums as well. I remember growing up and being obsessed with Barbie. Mattel not only sold Barbie dolls and doll accessories, but they also marketed Barbie with storylines to go along with whatever they were selling. Barbie also had kid-sized items that could be used/played with as well. There were toys sold alongside Happy Meals from McDonalds, TV shows, movies (ex. Barbie and the Rockers), costumes for Halloween, you name it, Barbie was there. As time progressed, she became a part of the digital world and CD-ROM and video games were sold. Today, Barbie isn’t as popular as she was decades ago with girls, but Barbie is now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Tumblr. Her official website is interactive and offers games, videos, contests, and other digital goodies. For old school Barbie lovers (or those who want to rekindle their childhood), there are a plethora of options to buy collectables and/or to purchase them on places like eBay. YouTube also has older commercials and even parts of Barbie’s films and cartoons. I think these examples are a great at showing how transmedia is engaging, and also how it’s connecting past and present through one medium, Barbie.
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