RSS- Really Simple Syndication

Hello again! When I first heard of RSS, Really Simple Syndication, I was unaware of the things it allowed for you to do. If you look at what what the acronym means it will breakdown exactly what RSS is. It is a really simple way to syndicate different media. Basically, you can have all your blogs, news feeds, etc. in one location. In order to be able to read an RSS feed you must successfully install an RSS reader. Once you find a reader you just have to find the right websites to follow and add them to your feed.
What I like about RSS is that it allows me to retrieve information from websites I enjoy really quickly. I choose to use Google Reader which is an application we have learned about extensively in class. I am new to using RSS so I will have to work to understand it better. I guess that is one of the purposes of this class.
In case you were wondering a quick and easy way to blog then here is a video from YouTube.
Also, I was thinking that another way to remember syndication was to think about television. Think about the television application of the word syndication and it will help you better understand it. Earlier I discussed how I used Google Reader. Well, click on the highlighted text and it will take you right where you want to be.
In the professional world blogs can be used for all different types of work. Journalists can use it to find valuable source information. Educators can use it to stay up to date on different ways to educate young people. Basically, the point is that RSS can be used for more than recreational use. Professionals of all types can use RSS to make their job easier and more efficient.
Just in case you want to learn more here is a website that will help you.

Want to know about blogging? Read this...

Okay so let's just say I am new to the whole blogging experience. I thought blogging was for people who had way too much time on their hands. I always told myself blogging was, in a way, stupid. That was before I took this class and really thought about the practical application possibilities that exist through blogging. I now understand that blogging is an effective public relations tool that can be effective if enough readers find out about the blog. I have eaten my words. Blogging is not dumb and pointless. It is an effective journalism and public relations tool. Plus, it can be fun!
As we all know, some people have become blogging professionals. Companies are hiring people just to deal with blogs. Writing and monitoring blogs has become an effective job for people recently. In fact some of you reading this blog could one day be solely responsible for a Fortune 500 company''s blog. So read with caution and conviction. Let's' take Coca-Cola for example. Numerous blogs exist that discuss soft drinks and their likability versus people who do not like them. Coca-Cola then hires people to monitor these blogs in order to ensure they have an idea about public opinion concerning their product.
Another effective tool of blogging is the reporter aspect of it. Blogging has become a way for individuals to quickly announce or report on a topic. Just as easily as I am typing about blogging someone could be typing about a huge car crash that happened in Los Angeles that is holding up traffic. If I were a subscriber to that blog then I would possibly attain my information via that source. Basically, the important thing to remember about blogs is that they are easily modifiable. What I mean by this is that blogs can be written on any subject, quickly edited to the style the author likes and then published on the internet for the entire world to see if they want. Websites like blogger.com have allowed for easier access to blogging. These websites provide a FREE forum for people to use to blog. Also, these sites allow for people to pay for greater access and more control. This is an easy way for the websites to generate more revenue. A couple negatives can come out of using blogs for journalistic purposes. Lack of professionalism and possibility for unverified information become prevalent in blog reporting.
A couple blogs I enjoy are: http://espn.go.com/blog/sec and www.trackemtigers.com

I dreamed a dream.....

Hello friends! Like many of you, I am a graduate student in the Department of Communication and Journalism. I graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Radio, Television and Film in August 2008. Upon graduation I was hired by WXXV in Gulfport, MS to serve as weekend high school sports reporter for Jackson and Harrison counties in Mississippi. As a former athlete in that region, I enjoyed meeting and talking with all the players and coaches as their season progressed. I was informed about the graduate program by my friend Molly Free who stressed to me that it could be a great opportunity to advance my education while I am young. I applied and was given that great opportunity Molly spoke about. So, that is how I got to this point.
My future shines bright because I will not allow myself to fail. I know that as long as I keep my mind focused on the task at hand I will be successful. I do not say this to come across conceited. I think everyone should feel this way because lacking confidence can be detrimental when trying to find a job or advance in the company that you work for. Seriously, please do not take these last few comments the wrong way. Have confidence in everything you do and watch the results. My parents always told me that I could do whatever I wanted but that I could not get it done from the back row in life. They stressed to get involved in things, stay respectful of authority and always pay attention to detail. I feel these qualities will help me accomplish my personal and career goals.
My career goals will always take a backseat to my personal goals. It is more important to me to have a happy family than a tremendous job. With that said, I still would like to follow my dream of being a corporate attorney or national sportscaster. I am intrigued by all sports and would love to work in that industry. Recently my parents and I have been discussing the possibility of going to law school. I guess I am making a career out of college, at least that is what my dad says.
If I could have one job in the world it would be to play baseball for the Atlanta Braves. Since that is out of the picture at this point, I guess I will settle for working for them in some other capacity. If I go to law school I would look for a school that would provide me the best opportunity to get into corporate law. Organizations like the Atlanta Braves have teams of lawyers that deal with all types of legal issues. I would like nothing more than to be part of something like this.
Anyways, I have explained a little bit about myself. Please feel free to respond. I am eager to get to know those of you in class that I just met as well as developing the friendships I already have with the Department of Communication and Journalism graduate students.