“We all have fears and there are a lot of things we’re afraid of, but we jump anyway.”
Taylor Swift, an eighteen year old songwriting, guitar playing artist, seems to have definitely ‘jumped’ regardless of her fears. From performing at the young age of ten in every karaoke contest, festival and county fair that passed through her hometown of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, to signing her very first record deal before she could even drive, Taylor has leaped head first to fulfill her dreams—she is the definition of fearless.
Upon its release on November 11, 2008, Fearless sold nearly 600,000 copies in only its first week. This savant, lyric-writing genius, with a gift for verse-chorus-bridge structure saw her sophomore record, in which she wrote almost every one of the thirteen songs, remain number one on Billboard’s Top 200 chart for eleven consecutive weeks. From this accomplishment, Taylor holds the longest reign at the number one spot on this all-genre chart.
After listening to her lyrics, one can picture themselves as a character in her musical story tales. Her music is written based on her own, real-life experiences. Rarely does she change anything about the situation or the people involved in the experience she retells through her lyrics. She paints a picture in her audience’s mind where they can truly relate to the situation the song’s character faces.
Though only eighteen, Taylor’s lyrics are words of wisdom, support, determination, power and confidence that, if you listen you would think were coming from a fifty-something year old who has long lived life—something of an 18 going on 50 affect I guess. She combines her passion for music, talent for writing and expertise at playing the guitar and belting her vocal cords to deliver her fans the absolute best music possible. It’s no wonder that in such a short time Taylor has scored four number one country singles from her two records.
Fearless currently has a hit single that put Taylor at number one in another realm. ‘Love Story’ made history as it hit number one on both the country and pop music charts. In this song, Taylor adds a twist to Shakespeare’s story of Romeo and Juliet giving her fans a more likable and desirable ending than what the literature gives its readers.
Her second number one on the Fearless record, ‘White Horse,’ is a slower, melodic tune of inspiring words that may help one get through a break up or get out of an unpleasant situation. It brings our fairy tale visions of love and relationships to the context of real life. We can dream about our princes and princesses but we must wake up and face reality; sometimes we have to tell our prince charmings it’s too late for you and your white horse to come around.
Based on the sounds and lyrics of Taylor’s eleven other songs on her triple platinum Fearless record, it would not be a surprise—at all—if she had a few more hit singles top the charts. As the youngest artist in history to win this year’s Album of the Year at the Academy of Country Music awards, it is evident Taylor took a jump, head first, Fearless.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
RMAC CHAMPS!!!!!!!
WE DID IT!!! For the second year in a row, the UNK women's tennis team has captured the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference title. It was a very very cold Saturday morning. Drizzle floated down from the overcast sky and a small breeze was enough to send a cold chill up your spine. We began our warm-up with layers upon layers on our bodies. Knowing that soon we would be warm, we continued moving around to produce warmth throughout. Our poor but amazing fans sat through six-hour period of turning their heads to the left and then the right time after time again.
After doubles play, we were down 1-2. Cruising into singles, we soon tied the score with our number 3 player capturing a win. Just after losing our number 2 singles spot, our number 1 girl won as well as I at number 4! Only needing one more win to be the first to 5, our number 5 and 6 girls took the court. Before the 5 spot could finish, UNK's 6 girl clinched the match, crowning us RMAC Champs!
The level of excitement was rather low as our opponent's 6 girl lost the match on a double fault (missing two serves in a row), not the way we want to win! But when we were rewarded that shining plate, the excitement and joy finally set in.
Now we wait. We wait to hear whether we will host Regionals in Kearney or if we will have to travel to another site to compete. Should it be in Kearney, we need all the support we can get! If we receive the number 1 seed, we would advance to the finals and should we win that match, its off to FLORIDA for the sweet sixteen!!!
After doubles play, we were down 1-2. Cruising into singles, we soon tied the score with our number 3 player capturing a win. Just after losing our number 2 singles spot, our number 1 girl won as well as I at number 4! Only needing one more win to be the first to 5, our number 5 and 6 girls took the court. Before the 5 spot could finish, UNK's 6 girl clinched the match, crowning us RMAC Champs!
The level of excitement was rather low as our opponent's 6 girl lost the match on a double fault (missing two serves in a row), not the way we want to win! But when we were rewarded that shining plate, the excitement and joy finally set in.
Now we wait. We wait to hear whether we will host Regionals in Kearney or if we will have to travel to another site to compete. Should it be in Kearney, we need all the support we can get! If we receive the number 1 seed, we would advance to the finals and should we win that match, its off to FLORIDA for the sweet sixteen!!!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Heading to the Finals!!!
Sooooooooooooo PUMPED!!! Today we had a HUGE win!! First, we won our first round of tournament play 9-0. That was great but our next challenge was staring us in the eyes as we left the Gates tennis center and headed to Denver University's courts for our semifinals match against Montana Billings. After losing 4-5 to this team last weekend in Montana, we were out to get revenge. AND.....we pulled it off, this time defeating them 5-4! It came down to our final match and what a great victory she had. We sent Montana home with the feeling of defeat...ah yes, revenge is so so sweet! Our cheering section was so awesome and kept us pumped the entire time. Their support definitely helped carry us through!
Now, tomorrow we head to the heart of Denver, to play the Championship match at 8:00 am. The weather was absolutely perfect for the most part today. However, unfortunately tomorrow does not seem to be the same case. Rain, 41 degrees and isolated thunderstorms is what is in store for us tomorrow. We will use it to our advantage and hopefully bring home the plate! We are still unsure of who we play in the finals but it will either be Mesa, who we lost 4-5 to in the regular season match or Metro, who we have lost to once 4-5 and beat once 5-4. Either way it'll be a battle to the very end! Our adrenaline is up and we are fierce. By our wins today we secured our spot to compete at the regional tournament during finals week, so whether we come home with a win tomorrow or not, our season is still not over. We will continue working hard at practice and hitting the book for the next couple of weeks! What a great way to end my final year--it will only be sweeter with a big win attached onto it as well!!!
Now, tomorrow we head to the heart of Denver, to play the Championship match at 8:00 am. The weather was absolutely perfect for the most part today. However, unfortunately tomorrow does not seem to be the same case. Rain, 41 degrees and isolated thunderstorms is what is in store for us tomorrow. We will use it to our advantage and hopefully bring home the plate! We are still unsure of who we play in the finals but it will either be Mesa, who we lost 4-5 to in the regular season match or Metro, who we have lost to once 4-5 and beat once 5-4. Either way it'll be a battle to the very end! Our adrenaline is up and we are fierce. By our wins today we secured our spot to compete at the regional tournament during finals week, so whether we come home with a win tomorrow or not, our season is still not over. We will continue working hard at practice and hitting the book for the next couple of weeks! What a great way to end my final year--it will only be sweeter with a big win attached onto it as well!!!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
RMAC TIME!
As I miss class for yet the fourth Thursday in April, I promise that it is all for good reason! This weekend we are in Denver, CO for the Rockey Mountain Athletic Conference tennis tournament. We are contending for back to back titles. A Cinderella story as a matter of fact last year. We found ourselves seated 4th and rose to the occasion beating the number 1 seed in the semi final round. Then knocking off the number two team in the finals, but one match point. This year it looks as if we are in the same ranking. Crossing our fingers for another title, we hope to perform at our highest level and bring home the trophy (plate in our case!) The teams seeded ahead of us were all close matches between the two of us, only losing by one point to each of the teams ranked above us.
Tomorrow we head to the courts for our first round of match play. Our poise, footwork, timing, consistency, and many other factors will be key in our overall performance. With higher altitudes, we are required to play with special balls making them heavier with the light air. Stay posted for our results after tomorrow's matches. Hoping for a win at 8:00 should bring us to play later tomorrow afternoon as well. Wish us LUCK!!!!
Tomorrow we head to the courts for our first round of match play. Our poise, footwork, timing, consistency, and many other factors will be key in our overall performance. With higher altitudes, we are required to play with special balls making them heavier with the light air. Stay posted for our results after tomorrow's matches. Hoping for a win at 8:00 should bring us to play later tomorrow afternoon as well. Wish us LUCK!!!!
Column 3--Final
“I stole things…a lot.” “I was a bitch and I knew it.” “I started drinking when I was in seventh grade.”
Looking at her today, one never would have guessed such confessions would come from that mouth of hers. However, she wasn’t always that way growing up. One, life-changing event caused these imperfections at a young age but more so has helped her become that great person she is today, a strong-willed, big-hearted, outgoing, and caring individual who is occasionally stubborn and knows what she wants and just how to get it. But most of all to me, she’s my best friend.
Growing up in Arizona’s elite suburb of Scottsdale, McKenna lived a great life. She had a lot of friends, an overprotective big brother and two supportive and loving parents. It was summer year round in her world and that was just the way she liked it. One particular Saturday in February will remain in her mind for the rest of her life.
It was 1999, a warm February day in Arizona. A little convincing the night before had earned McKenna and her brother, Dan, the opportunity to spend the night at a friend’s house, an event of great deal when you are 12 and 15 years old.
Dan, a typical sports fanatic, teenage boy, rushed home from his night of fun, excited for a basketball date with his dad. Walking in the door and heading up to his room, he passed his father who seemed to be peacefully napping on the couch. When Dan returned to inform his dad that he was ready to go, he looked closer and realized his father was only a motionless, lifeless corpse. Home alone, Dan raced outside, dropped to his knees and began to pray.
When he was able to break from his overflow of emotion, he got on the phone and contacted his mother, Chirs, who was away in Colorado for the weekend. She took the next flight back to Arizona, but until she arrived home, Dan and McKenna would have to grow up too fast.
“When I got home that day, my Grandma hugged me and told me that my dad had had a heart attack. I knew in my mind that he was dead but I refused to believe it. Then, when my mom, Dan and I walked into the house to see him together it was unreal. It was the weirdest feeling, something I can’t explain. I saw him there but knew it wasn’t my dad anymore, his soul was gone,” McKenna said.
My best friend had lost one of her best friends that day. Jeff Irwin, a very well-known and likable person, suffered from drinking and drug abuse, which in the end got the best of him. An overdose of cocaine had taken over his body and caused his heart to fail.
Immediately after this tragedy, McKenna struggled. She stopped believing in God, started drinking often, began to steal and turned into someone she was not. The now threesome moved to Omaha, Nebraska where McKenna would search for that person she was deep inside. After an unpleasant morning due to a night of drinking, she decided this lifestyle had to go. “I thought to myself, ‘Why am I drinking when this is something that killed my dad?’”
McKenna cleaned up her act—big time. She didn’t have a sip of alcohol until her 21st birthday. She began believing in God again, the criminal in her ceased and she became the person she is today. “Yeah, that was a tough period to get through. But I strongly believe everything happens for a reason and the incident I went through and surpassed with my dad has helped me to be a better person in the end.”
Looking at her today, one never would have guessed such confessions would come from that mouth of hers. However, she wasn’t always that way growing up. One, life-changing event caused these imperfections at a young age but more so has helped her become that great person she is today, a strong-willed, big-hearted, outgoing, and caring individual who is occasionally stubborn and knows what she wants and just how to get it. But most of all to me, she’s my best friend.
Growing up in Arizona’s elite suburb of Scottsdale, McKenna lived a great life. She had a lot of friends, an overprotective big brother and two supportive and loving parents. It was summer year round in her world and that was just the way she liked it. One particular Saturday in February will remain in her mind for the rest of her life.
It was 1999, a warm February day in Arizona. A little convincing the night before had earned McKenna and her brother, Dan, the opportunity to spend the night at a friend’s house, an event of great deal when you are 12 and 15 years old.
Dan, a typical sports fanatic, teenage boy, rushed home from his night of fun, excited for a basketball date with his dad. Walking in the door and heading up to his room, he passed his father who seemed to be peacefully napping on the couch. When Dan returned to inform his dad that he was ready to go, he looked closer and realized his father was only a motionless, lifeless corpse. Home alone, Dan raced outside, dropped to his knees and began to pray.
When he was able to break from his overflow of emotion, he got on the phone and contacted his mother, Chirs, who was away in Colorado for the weekend. She took the next flight back to Arizona, but until she arrived home, Dan and McKenna would have to grow up too fast.
“When I got home that day, my Grandma hugged me and told me that my dad had had a heart attack. I knew in my mind that he was dead but I refused to believe it. Then, when my mom, Dan and I walked into the house to see him together it was unreal. It was the weirdest feeling, something I can’t explain. I saw him there but knew it wasn’t my dad anymore, his soul was gone,” McKenna said.
My best friend had lost one of her best friends that day. Jeff Irwin, a very well-known and likable person, suffered from drinking and drug abuse, which in the end got the best of him. An overdose of cocaine had taken over his body and caused his heart to fail.
Immediately after this tragedy, McKenna struggled. She stopped believing in God, started drinking often, began to steal and turned into someone she was not. The now threesome moved to Omaha, Nebraska where McKenna would search for that person she was deep inside. After an unpleasant morning due to a night of drinking, she decided this lifestyle had to go. “I thought to myself, ‘Why am I drinking when this is something that killed my dad?’”
McKenna cleaned up her act—big time. She didn’t have a sip of alcohol until her 21st birthday. She began believing in God again, the criminal in her ceased and she became the person she is today. “Yeah, that was a tough period to get through. But I strongly believe everything happens for a reason and the incident I went through and surpassed with my dad has helped me to be a better person in the end.”
Column 3 Draft
It was the end. The end of a fabulous foursome, the end of a loving father and wonderful husband’s life.
That Saturday in February began as any normal day for the Irwin family in 1999. It was warm, as the sun glistened in Arizona’s elite suburb of Scottsdale. A little convincing the night before had earned the two children the opportunity to spend the night at a friend’s house, an event of great deal when you are 12 and 15 years old.
Dan, a typical sports fanatic, teenage boy, rushed home from his night of fun, excited for a basketball date with his dad. Walking in the door and heading up to his room to get changed, he passed his father who was peacefully napping on the couch. When Dan returned to inform his dad that he was ready to go, he looked closer and realized his father was only a motionless, lifeless corpse. Home alone, Dan raced outside, dropped to his knees and began to pray.
When he was able to break from his overflow of emotion, he got on the phone and contacted his mother, Chirs, who was away in Colorado for the weekend. Without saying a word about the life changing event that had just occurred, Chris knew right away that something just wasn’t right. She soon took the next flight back to Arizona, but until she arrived home, Dan would have to grow up too fast.
His younger sister, McKenna, a strong-willed, big-hearted outgoing individual, had not yet come home. Her dad was to have picked her up and taken her to dance class that day. “I waited and waited and he never came. Finally, Rachel, a family friend, showed up and I got in with her,” McKenna said. What heartache must have faced Rachel as she knew she had a big task ahead of her. “We talked as if it was any ordinary day, conversing back and forth. Then, as we turned the corner to my street, she started balling and said ‘I don’t think you’ll be going to dance today.’”
Cop cars, police men and neighbors flooded the sidewalk and driveway. “My first instinct was that my mom’s plane had crashed, but then I remembered she wasn’t coming home today day so she wouldn’t have been on a plane,” McKenna said.
Still clueless as to what was going on, McKenna found her Grandmother in the backyard and ran to her. She held her close and told McKenna that her father had a heart attack. McKenna knew he was dead, but she refused to believe it.
Moments later, Chris pulled into the driveway and hurried out of the car. Dan, McKenna and Chirs would now face this unrealistic tragedy together. They sobbed, grasping each other tightly for comfort. The three decided to go into the living room together, to see their beloved father and husband one last time. “It was the weirdest feeling, something I can’t explain. I saw him there and knew that wasn’t my dad anymore, his soul was gone,” McKenna said.
Jeff Irwin, the biological father of my best friend, McKenna, had lost his life that day. He was very well-known, liked by many and extremely important to those with whom he was close. After years of drinking and drug abuse, they got the best of him. An overdose of cocaine had taken over his body and caused his heart to fail.
That Saturday in February began as any normal day for the Irwin family in 1999. It was warm, as the sun glistened in Arizona’s elite suburb of Scottsdale. A little convincing the night before had earned the two children the opportunity to spend the night at a friend’s house, an event of great deal when you are 12 and 15 years old.
Dan, a typical sports fanatic, teenage boy, rushed home from his night of fun, excited for a basketball date with his dad. Walking in the door and heading up to his room to get changed, he passed his father who was peacefully napping on the couch. When Dan returned to inform his dad that he was ready to go, he looked closer and realized his father was only a motionless, lifeless corpse. Home alone, Dan raced outside, dropped to his knees and began to pray.
When he was able to break from his overflow of emotion, he got on the phone and contacted his mother, Chirs, who was away in Colorado for the weekend. Without saying a word about the life changing event that had just occurred, Chris knew right away that something just wasn’t right. She soon took the next flight back to Arizona, but until she arrived home, Dan would have to grow up too fast.
His younger sister, McKenna, a strong-willed, big-hearted outgoing individual, had not yet come home. Her dad was to have picked her up and taken her to dance class that day. “I waited and waited and he never came. Finally, Rachel, a family friend, showed up and I got in with her,” McKenna said. What heartache must have faced Rachel as she knew she had a big task ahead of her. “We talked as if it was any ordinary day, conversing back and forth. Then, as we turned the corner to my street, she started balling and said ‘I don’t think you’ll be going to dance today.’”
Cop cars, police men and neighbors flooded the sidewalk and driveway. “My first instinct was that my mom’s plane had crashed, but then I remembered she wasn’t coming home today day so she wouldn’t have been on a plane,” McKenna said.
Still clueless as to what was going on, McKenna found her Grandmother in the backyard and ran to her. She held her close and told McKenna that her father had a heart attack. McKenna knew he was dead, but she refused to believe it.
Moments later, Chris pulled into the driveway and hurried out of the car. Dan, McKenna and Chirs would now face this unrealistic tragedy together. They sobbed, grasping each other tightly for comfort. The three decided to go into the living room together, to see their beloved father and husband one last time. “It was the weirdest feeling, something I can’t explain. I saw him there and knew that wasn’t my dad anymore, his soul was gone,” McKenna said.
Jeff Irwin, the biological father of my best friend, McKenna, had lost his life that day. He was very well-known, liked by many and extremely important to those with whom he was close. After years of drinking and drug abuse, they got the best of him. An overdose of cocaine had taken over his body and caused his heart to fail.
Friday, April 17, 2009
More discussion on Disney...
In response to my previous post, I have thought about and discussed some more information concerning the topic of Disney's situation. During a further discussion with a classmate, he discussed the following topics of this issue:
Recently Disney announced a new club called D23. The goal of this club is keep members up to date and involved with the company. In the past many Disney fans have lost interest in the companies offerings as they got older. This brings up the question, what web strategy should Disney use to keep these fans involved in the company as they age. One option is to offer multiple websites that appeal to different demographics. However, I believe that a better option is to offer a single web portal that offers content that appeals to all demographics. This approach eases the transition to new content as a member ages.
I also believe that Disney's approach to internet business with D23 is not ideal. Most internet user's are not used to paying for internet content, and while the D23 club offers other benefits besides website access, these benefits are very limited. According to http://disneyshopping.go.com other benefits include early screenings to new Disney movies, access to a Disney convention, a “surprise gift” and a membership card. However the only early screening listed for the club is for the movie “Up”, and the screening is only one day before the actual release of the movie. Disney says that in the future there may be more benefits to joining the club. If this is the case perhaps more people will be interested in paying the high membership price.
I think having a single website that offers appealing content to multiple demographics is the best strategy for a company such Disney. However they will be more successful maintaining fans if it costs less to join.
My response to him was rather similar as I agree with many of his points. My response follows:
I completely agree with him in saying that Disney should offer a single web portal that allows different content that is appealing to all demographics. He make a standout statement in saying that this approach eases into the transition to new content as a member ages. I totally agree with this statement because the more and more a user goes to this site the better it remains in their long-term memory. The more familiar they become with only having to go to one site when they want Disney products, services, news, etc., the better one is at navigating the site.
On the website Webpage design for beginners it discussed a particular page that was created and then went on to ask people to go to it and respond to what they liked and what was difficult to follow. After reading many of the responses, it was clear this page needed some help. The thing that seemed the most commented on was the organization of the page. With Disney choosing to have only one web portal, which I believe is the best strategy for them, they must make sure to stay very, very organized. Links to specific pages must be checked and double checked for error or broken links. I think having users try out the Disney site before its release to the public will be a huge benefit in the long-run. This way they can work out any mishaps before it gets out and negative talk begins.
He also make an interesting comment saying that their approach to the D23 business is not ideal as users will not want to spend the member fee. Lower these costs is something they should consider, at least until they see if people are truly wanting to be a part of this membership. Once they see that there is some interest in this product, then they can maybe begin discussing an increase in membership. Since many other sites do not force users to pay a fee, I think it is a good idea to shoot low and see what kind of response the public gives on this issue. Also, if they want to keep the price where it is, they may want to consider greater benefits to those who actually pay the fee to join.
Recently Disney announced a new club called D23. The goal of this club is keep members up to date and involved with the company. In the past many Disney fans have lost interest in the companies offerings as they got older. This brings up the question, what web strategy should Disney use to keep these fans involved in the company as they age. One option is to offer multiple websites that appeal to different demographics. However, I believe that a better option is to offer a single web portal that offers content that appeals to all demographics. This approach eases the transition to new content as a member ages.
I also believe that Disney's approach to internet business with D23 is not ideal. Most internet user's are not used to paying for internet content, and while the D23 club offers other benefits besides website access, these benefits are very limited. According to http://disneyshopping.go.com other benefits include early screenings to new Disney movies, access to a Disney convention, a “surprise gift” and a membership card. However the only early screening listed for the club is for the movie “Up”, and the screening is only one day before the actual release of the movie. Disney says that in the future there may be more benefits to joining the club. If this is the case perhaps more people will be interested in paying the high membership price.
I think having a single website that offers appealing content to multiple demographics is the best strategy for a company such Disney. However they will be more successful maintaining fans if it costs less to join.
My response to him was rather similar as I agree with many of his points. My response follows:
I completely agree with him in saying that Disney should offer a single web portal that allows different content that is appealing to all demographics. He make a standout statement in saying that this approach eases into the transition to new content as a member ages. I totally agree with this statement because the more and more a user goes to this site the better it remains in their long-term memory. The more familiar they become with only having to go to one site when they want Disney products, services, news, etc., the better one is at navigating the site.
On the website Webpage design for beginners it discussed a particular page that was created and then went on to ask people to go to it and respond to what they liked and what was difficult to follow. After reading many of the responses, it was clear this page needed some help. The thing that seemed the most commented on was the organization of the page. With Disney choosing to have only one web portal, which I believe is the best strategy for them, they must make sure to stay very, very organized. Links to specific pages must be checked and double checked for error or broken links. I think having users try out the Disney site before its release to the public will be a huge benefit in the long-run. This way they can work out any mishaps before it gets out and negative talk begins.
He also make an interesting comment saying that their approach to the D23 business is not ideal as users will not want to spend the member fee. Lower these costs is something they should consider, at least until they see if people are truly wanting to be a part of this membership. Once they see that there is some interest in this product, then they can maybe begin discussing an increase in membership. Since many other sites do not force users to pay a fee, I think it is a good idea to shoot low and see what kind of response the public gives on this issue. Also, if they want to keep the price where it is, they may want to consider greater benefits to those who actually pay the fee to join.
Monday, April 13, 2009
What is Disney to do?!
A controversial topic came up in an article I read in the Wall Street Journal online today discussing Disney. The idea for Disney to create a new web portal has been on the agenda at various Disney staff meetings. The decision needs to be weighed out as to whether Disney should create separate websites for distinct target markets and brands or should they create a single portal strategy instead? After reading the article titled, Disney Angles for Cash, Loyality, I decided that the best strategy for Disney is to have a single portal strategy.
First, in earlier discussion topics we have discussed the fact that easy domain names and keyword search terms are necessary in helping to make one’s site easy to find and easy to remember. If Disney chose to incorporate different web sites for distinct target markets and brands I think it would become a huge mess. People would become confused and just give up on what they are searching for. As I remember from the readings of both my website design and e-marketing classes, a design of a website must be convenient for the user or else there is no way of keeping their interest if they can’t find what they came to find in the first place. As big as the Disney Empire, I think the best option is to keep it simple by only having one portal and then from that keep it very organized and user friendly so that users can navigate around it easily and conveniently.
As the article Disney Angles for Cash, Loyality, states ‘One of the most persistent thorns is Disney's side has been the proliferation of unofficial Web sites and blogs that sometime spread rumors and opine about various aspects of the company and its doings,’ by only having one site to maintain this may help diminish these not-so-friendly remarks and rumors (Sanders) . One portal will allow users to go to the site and find the information they desire about false or untrue statements about this great company. Also, many websites have a comments link available, those who question something they have heard and can’t find information they seek elsewhere, can write in a comment and know that with only one portal site the comments/questions will get to the right people and a response shall come in a timely fashion.
The article goes on to further explain that Disney wants to continue targeting the younger generation as they grow older. By just having one site, these members have, from the time they were Whinnie the Pooh and Tiger fans, to High School Musical followers, embedded in their minds the site’s address and a general idea of where to navigate to find the info they desire. As this group continues to grow up, they will still remember that address, how to get around the site and perhaps even all the words to every High School Musical song! Having one single portal is evidently the best possible strategy for Disney. What do you think would be Disney's best approach?!
First, in earlier discussion topics we have discussed the fact that easy domain names and keyword search terms are necessary in helping to make one’s site easy to find and easy to remember. If Disney chose to incorporate different web sites for distinct target markets and brands I think it would become a huge mess. People would become confused and just give up on what they are searching for. As I remember from the readings of both my website design and e-marketing classes, a design of a website must be convenient for the user or else there is no way of keeping their interest if they can’t find what they came to find in the first place. As big as the Disney Empire, I think the best option is to keep it simple by only having one portal and then from that keep it very organized and user friendly so that users can navigate around it easily and conveniently.
As the article Disney Angles for Cash, Loyality, states ‘One of the most persistent thorns is Disney's side has been the proliferation of unofficial Web sites and blogs that sometime spread rumors and opine about various aspects of the company and its doings,’ by only having one site to maintain this may help diminish these not-so-friendly remarks and rumors (Sanders) . One portal will allow users to go to the site and find the information they desire about false or untrue statements about this great company. Also, many websites have a comments link available, those who question something they have heard and can’t find information they seek elsewhere, can write in a comment and know that with only one portal site the comments/questions will get to the right people and a response shall come in a timely fashion.
The article goes on to further explain that Disney wants to continue targeting the younger generation as they grow older. By just having one site, these members have, from the time they were Whinnie the Pooh and Tiger fans, to High School Musical followers, embedded in their minds the site’s address and a general idea of where to navigate to find the info they desire. As this group continues to grow up, they will still remember that address, how to get around the site and perhaps even all the words to every High School Musical song! Having one single portal is evidently the best possible strategy for Disney. What do you think would be Disney's best approach?!
Column 2--Final
Where in the World is Katie-Mary Outhwaite?!
Four years ago, Katie-Mary was in Kojonup, Australia. A year after that, Perth, Australia. She entered her first year of college at the University of Memphis in Memphis, Tenn. just short of two years ago. Now, feeling like this is where she belongs and thanking her lucky stars for bringing her here, Katie-Mary, more commonly known as Mary, resides as a student at the University of Nebraska Kearney (UNK) in Kearney, Neb.
Saying good-bye to all she knew was one of the toughest moments in her life. Mary, then a newly 18 year-old, was ready to set out on a life-changing journey. Leaving friends, family and her way of life in Australia behind, Mary chose to keep one thing she knew close to her—the game of tennis. Deciding to further her tennis years growing up and pursue her dreams of playing tennis at the collegiate level in America, Mary arrived in Memphis, Tenn., luggage and racquet in hand.
“I knew absolutely no one! When I got to that city [Memphis] I thought ‘ok here we go, what do I do now,’” Mary expressed. I must say, it is a shame this column is not a radio broadcast because when Mary speaks that Aussie accent grabs your attention and makes you listen.
Concluding her first season of competition as a Memphis Tiger, Mary was informed that the head tennis coach was to be replaced and that his replacement had decided to cut her from the team. “It was a huge slap in the face after finding out that news. I had no clue where to turn or what to do. I was on scholarship and when I was cut that was taken from me,” Mary said.
Realizing he had made a mistake, Mary was offered her spot back. “I turned down his offer. I guess my pride just got in the way and I didn’t want to play for him,” she said.
It wasn’t long before a friend of her previous coach at Memphis, urged her to check out Kearney, Neb. She had also received an offer to play for the University of Texas (UT). Each option created new opportunities that she was forced to weed out.
Option one was to pack up her dreams of being in the States and playing college tennis and go home. “At the time, this choice seemed to be the one that sounded the best. But I thought, I’ve come this far and surpassed many obstacles in my way, so why give up now?” she said.
Her second and third options would bring her to new surroundings, yet again. The thought of being able to continue playing collegiate tennis and fearing the let-down of not sticking to this new adventure excited her to seek out option two or three.
With no ounce of emotion left in her body due to the triumph of the past months in Memphis, Mary decided against going home and focused on whether she would be attending UT or UNK in the fall of 2007. “I was so emotionally exhausted from everything I went through in Memphis that I don’t really remember feeling anything as I went about making my decision,” she said.
When the 2007, fall semester convened, Mary walked to class on UNK’s campus. “I felt so incredibly welcomed by everyone I had met that I just knew I had made the right decision,” Mary said.
Now, almost a year and a half later, Mary looks back at her experience in Memphis as stepping stones for helping her become an emotionally strong individual. “Looking back I guess I am thankful for what I had to go through. It definitely helped shape me into the person I am today and because of those experiences I am the Katie-Mary Outhwaite I am,” Mary said, laughing.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Column 2--Where in the world is Katie-Mary Outhwaite?!
Four years ago, she was in Kojonup, Australia. A year after that, Perth, Australia. She entered her first year of college at the University of Memphis in Memphis, Tenn. just short of two years ago. Now, feeling like this is where she belongs and thanking her lucky stars for bringing her here, she resides as a student at the University of Nebraska Kearney (UNK) in Kearney, Neb.
Saying good-bye to all she knew was one of her toughest moments in her life. Katie-Mary Outhwaite, then a newly 18 year-old, was ready to set out on a life-changing journey. Leaving friends, family and her way of life in Australia behind, Mary chose to keep one thing she knew close to her—the game of tennis. Deciding to further her tennis years growing up and pursue her dreams of playing tennis at the collegiate level in America, Mary arrived in Memphis, Tenn., luggage and racquet in hand.
“I knew absolutely no one! When I got to that city [Memphis] I thought ‘ok here we go, what do I do now,’” Mary expressed.
Soon she was well acquainted with the girls of the Memphis tennis team and ready to compete. It was concluding her first season of competition that the head tennis coach was to be replaced with someone new. Mary soon discovered that the new coach hired on had decided to cut her, as well as three other girls from the team.
“It was a huge slap in the face after finding out that news. I had no clue where to turn or what to do. I was on scholarship and when I was cut that was taken from me,” Mary said as a tear began to form in her eyes. Thousands of miles away from home and Mary thought she was left with nothing but shattered dreams.
Realizing the new coach hired had made a mistake, he contacted Mary and offered her a spot back on the team. “I turned down his offer. I guess my pride just got in the way and I didn’t want to play for him,” she said.
It was at that moment where her next biggest decision, her most pivotal moment in her life, came to be. Mary needed to decide whether she was going back to Australia or search out other possibilities in the United States.
An unexpected offer from the University of Texas came to her soon after she had heard of the devastating news. Then another from a friend of her previous coach at Memphis, wanting her to check out Kearney, Neb. Each option created a plethora of opportunity that she was forced to weed out.
Option one was to pack up her dreams of being in the States and playing college tennis and go home. “At the time, this choice seemed to be the one that sounded the best. But then I thought, I’ve come this far and surpassed many obstacles that have been in my way so why give up now?” she said.
Her second and third options would bring her to new surroundings, seeming to place her back where she was when she first arrived in Memphis. The thought of being able to continue playing collegiate tennis and fearing the let-down of not sticking to this new adventure excited her to seek out option two or three. “If I chose to attend the University of Texas that fall I would have remained playing Division I tennis. Playing for UNK, I would have stepped down to Division II and a smaller university,” Mary said.
With no ounce of emotion left in her body due to the triumph of the past months in Memphis, Mary decided against going home and focused on whether she would be attending UT or UNK in the fall of 2007. “I was so emotionally exhausted from everything I went through in Memphis that I don’t really remember feeling anything as I went about making my decision as to what school I wanted to attend,” she said.
When the 2007, fall semester convened Mary walked to class on UNK’s campus! “Before I even got to Kearney, the girls on team that I would soon be joining were already calling to see if I wanted to get together and meet everyone on the team. I felt so incredibly welcomed by everyone I had met and I just knew that I had made the right decision,” Mary said.
Now, almost a year and a half later, Mary looks back at her experiences in Memphis as stepping stones for helping her become an emotionally strong individual. “Looking back I guess I am thankful for what I had to go through there. It definitely helped shape me into the person I am today and because of those experiences I am the Katie-Mary Outhwaite I am,” Mary said, laughing. Coming from a girl who has been there and knows, Mary is convinced that, “Our experiences really can build character.”
Saying good-bye to all she knew was one of her toughest moments in her life. Katie-Mary Outhwaite, then a newly 18 year-old, was ready to set out on a life-changing journey. Leaving friends, family and her way of life in Australia behind, Mary chose to keep one thing she knew close to her—the game of tennis. Deciding to further her tennis years growing up and pursue her dreams of playing tennis at the collegiate level in America, Mary arrived in Memphis, Tenn., luggage and racquet in hand.
“I knew absolutely no one! When I got to that city [Memphis] I thought ‘ok here we go, what do I do now,’” Mary expressed.
Soon she was well acquainted with the girls of the Memphis tennis team and ready to compete. It was concluding her first season of competition that the head tennis coach was to be replaced with someone new. Mary soon discovered that the new coach hired on had decided to cut her, as well as three other girls from the team.
“It was a huge slap in the face after finding out that news. I had no clue where to turn or what to do. I was on scholarship and when I was cut that was taken from me,” Mary said as a tear began to form in her eyes. Thousands of miles away from home and Mary thought she was left with nothing but shattered dreams.
Realizing the new coach hired had made a mistake, he contacted Mary and offered her a spot back on the team. “I turned down his offer. I guess my pride just got in the way and I didn’t want to play for him,” she said.
It was at that moment where her next biggest decision, her most pivotal moment in her life, came to be. Mary needed to decide whether she was going back to Australia or search out other possibilities in the United States.
An unexpected offer from the University of Texas came to her soon after she had heard of the devastating news. Then another from a friend of her previous coach at Memphis, wanting her to check out Kearney, Neb. Each option created a plethora of opportunity that she was forced to weed out.
Option one was to pack up her dreams of being in the States and playing college tennis and go home. “At the time, this choice seemed to be the one that sounded the best. But then I thought, I’ve come this far and surpassed many obstacles that have been in my way so why give up now?” she said.
Her second and third options would bring her to new surroundings, seeming to place her back where she was when she first arrived in Memphis. The thought of being able to continue playing collegiate tennis and fearing the let-down of not sticking to this new adventure excited her to seek out option two or three. “If I chose to attend the University of Texas that fall I would have remained playing Division I tennis. Playing for UNK, I would have stepped down to Division II and a smaller university,” Mary said.
With no ounce of emotion left in her body due to the triumph of the past months in Memphis, Mary decided against going home and focused on whether she would be attending UT or UNK in the fall of 2007. “I was so emotionally exhausted from everything I went through in Memphis that I don’t really remember feeling anything as I went about making my decision as to what school I wanted to attend,” she said.
When the 2007, fall semester convened Mary walked to class on UNK’s campus! “Before I even got to Kearney, the girls on team that I would soon be joining were already calling to see if I wanted to get together and meet everyone on the team. I felt so incredibly welcomed by everyone I had met and I just knew that I had made the right decision,” Mary said.
Now, almost a year and a half later, Mary looks back at her experiences in Memphis as stepping stones for helping her become an emotionally strong individual. “Looking back I guess I am thankful for what I had to go through there. It definitely helped shape me into the person I am today and because of those experiences I am the Katie-Mary Outhwaite I am,” Mary said, laughing. Coming from a girl who has been there and knows, Mary is convinced that, “Our experiences really can build character.”
Monday, April 6, 2009
Google and Twitter
It is evident that there is a growing popularity of social networking sites popping up all over the internet. We’ve seen Facebook, MySpace, and Wayn. Now site known for other purposes than social networking are choosing to jump on this band wagon and go with it! As the popularity increases, adding these functions seem to have more positive outlooks than negative.
As with Twitter and Google, two powerhouses in their select industries, it seems right that the two combine, enhancing each others functions.
For consumers this move is great. Because of Twitter’s microblogging service, consumers are able to post brief text messages on this site. This has amounted to consumers obtaining and sending information concerning their topics of interest such as how the feel about specific goods. From this, advertisers are able to get a better idea of the products and services consumers are most likely interested in, raising an overall awareness of these products. This then aids the marketers in developing, improving and producing these products based on the customer feedback. Afterall, as we have encountered time after time in our text and of course throughout our marketing classes, pleasing the customers and giving them the best possible services/products possible is the goal of any company or business.
As with consumers, marketers will too benefit. Like I mentioned, the marketers will be able to see what customers are discussing in dealing with certain products. This allows them the ability to improve products/service based on the form of feedback they receive. Word of mouth is the fastest growing segment of the media industry (Marketing VOX). With consumers utilizing this medium through Twitter, marketers will be able to get a better idea of what’s in, out and desired.
Google will certainly benefit as well. Twitters microblogging mechanism has emerged as the ‘custodian of a valuable online index of real-time facts, comments, musings and announcements, information that is clearly valuable for Google's search engine index’ (Perez). Google’s way of collaborating with major web sites to determine the best possible way to index one’s site content for its search engine (Perez), would stick with that same consistency of Google’s purpose should Google and Twitter choose to do the same.
Finally, this move would benefit both Google and Twitter financially. Google selling the ads to marketers and Twitter being used as an advertising mechanism will increase their incomes greatly. The awareness of Google is obviously very strong now but this also gives Twitter a chance to become better known allowing more users to jump on as they hear of Twitter and its functions.
As with Twitter and Google, two powerhouses in their select industries, it seems right that the two combine, enhancing each others functions.
For consumers this move is great. Because of Twitter’s microblogging service, consumers are able to post brief text messages on this site. This has amounted to consumers obtaining and sending information concerning their topics of interest such as how the feel about specific goods. From this, advertisers are able to get a better idea of the products and services consumers are most likely interested in, raising an overall awareness of these products. This then aids the marketers in developing, improving and producing these products based on the customer feedback. Afterall, as we have encountered time after time in our text and of course throughout our marketing classes, pleasing the customers and giving them the best possible services/products possible is the goal of any company or business.
As with consumers, marketers will too benefit. Like I mentioned, the marketers will be able to see what customers are discussing in dealing with certain products. This allows them the ability to improve products/service based on the form of feedback they receive. Word of mouth is the fastest growing segment of the media industry (Marketing VOX). With consumers utilizing this medium through Twitter, marketers will be able to get a better idea of what’s in, out and desired.
Google will certainly benefit as well. Twitters microblogging mechanism has emerged as the ‘custodian of a valuable online index of real-time facts, comments, musings and announcements, information that is clearly valuable for Google's search engine index’ (Perez). Google’s way of collaborating with major web sites to determine the best possible way to index one’s site content for its search engine (Perez), would stick with that same consistency of Google’s purpose should Google and Twitter choose to do the same.
Finally, this move would benefit both Google and Twitter financially. Google selling the ads to marketers and Twitter being used as an advertising mechanism will increase their incomes greatly. The awareness of Google is obviously very strong now but this also gives Twitter a chance to become better known allowing more users to jump on as they hear of Twitter and its functions.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Social Networking
The idea of Hulu, an up and coming video company, adding social networking functions is, in my mind, a key to the success of the company and I completely support this effort. The more interactive users can be allows marketers a greater plethora of consumer information in deciding how to better target specific groups. Marketers have seen a trend in the popular social markets such as MySpace (myspace.com) and facebook (facebook.com). Through these networks word of mouth, the best way to simulate messages, is the main way users communicate with one another. Like facebook’s feature of adding a friend because you have common interests with that person or because you know someone they know, is similar to the concept Hulu is considering. Connecting with each other and sharing video preferences is Hulu’s way of adding this concept and customizing its product.
With this idea of building user loyalty and mining data to attract advertisers, marketers can get a better idea of what products to promote/advertise because they will better know what kind of groups they are targeting. According to the article, Social Networking Gets a Sanity Check, the number of dollars spent on advertising on facebook and MySpace together is $1.02 billion. Obviously from these numbers, it is evident that advertisers believe social networking sites are great places for advertising. Though assumptions may still be made about certain users, overall this is a great concept. The article, Hulu Embraces Social Networking, stated that users would be able to create their own profiles for this particular site. Seeing the success that has come from social networks like facebook and MySpace, even Google, Amazon and eBay, I believe Hulu is heading in the right direction. Allowing users to create their own profiles, puts them in the driver’s seat, as they are the ones who choose what goes on and what is left out. Overall, adding social networking functions is a great idea that will help capture consumers, build brand loyalty, and better fit advertisements to specific target groups.
With this idea of building user loyalty and mining data to attract advertisers, marketers can get a better idea of what products to promote/advertise because they will better know what kind of groups they are targeting. According to the article, Social Networking Gets a Sanity Check, the number of dollars spent on advertising on facebook and MySpace together is $1.02 billion. Obviously from these numbers, it is evident that advertisers believe social networking sites are great places for advertising. Though assumptions may still be made about certain users, overall this is a great concept. The article, Hulu Embraces Social Networking, stated that users would be able to create their own profiles for this particular site. Seeing the success that has come from social networks like facebook and MySpace, even Google, Amazon and eBay, I believe Hulu is heading in the right direction. Allowing users to create their own profiles, puts them in the driver’s seat, as they are the ones who choose what goes on and what is left out. Overall, adding social networking functions is a great idea that will help capture consumers, build brand loyalty, and better fit advertisements to specific target groups.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Taken--Movie Review
"I don't know who you are. I don't know what you do. But I will find you. I will kill you." Ah, the famous line many of us heard during the promotional commercials for the thrilling movie Taken. That line alone, sparked my interest and plunged me into the set of Taken.
Bryan Mills, who is played by actor Liam Neeson, is a retired X-CIA spy. Overtime he has acquired a certain set of special skills in which he can fight, investigate and kill. His daughter Kim, played by Maggie Grace, lives with her mother. Dad and daughter have a drifting relationship due to the fact that previous years in the CIA has kept him busy and on the road. Mills decides to retire in order for him and his daughters relationship to rekindle and so that he can be close to her. Kim approaches her father with a question asking to go on an international trip with her friend Amanda, played by Kate Cassidy. Still being in high school, her father is reluctant to let two young girls travel overseas alone. Finally, he agrees to letting her go but only after Kim agrees to daily phone calls and of course one letting him know she arrives safely.
When the girls arrive at the airport in Paris, they grab their bags and walk out to the streets where they try to get a cab to take them to Amanda's cousins house. A cute boy that the two meet, who happens to be a recruit for a sex slave ring, offers to share a cab with the girls in hopes of getting some information from them. They make the mistake of telling him where they are staying and that they are in fact there alone. After saying good-bye he makes a call informing the person on the other line of the information he has obtained.
Kim, forgetting to call her father when they arrived, noticed she had a missed call from him so takes her phone in another room and calls her father. Here's where it gets interesting...! Only moments after their conversation begins, Kim sees Amanda being taken out of the house by a group of men. Frantically informing her father of this, he tells her to enter another room and get under the bed. She does this and then goes on to say that what he tells her next is key. Kim is told that she will be taken. Once she is, her father instructs her to yell out everything she sees and then he will come find her. With only 96 hours to find Kim, we see her father's set of special skills released throughout the chase.
The action that unfolds kept me on the edge of my seat and I instantly developed a sense of hate for the men that had kidnapped Kim and Amanda. A father's love is so strong that when his precious joy is taken from him anyone can become invincible. The clues that Mills collected and his clever ways of obtaining them was an excitement in its own. Based on instances that have occurred in our world, with women being kidnapped and taken to other countries, Taken posed as a real eye-opener as to what may be going on when these women are captured. Families may rethink sending their students overseas, but if anything it should teach us that you can't be naive and never too careful. The determination Mills shows in getting his daughter back is a prime example of a father's divine love.
Bryan Mills, who is played by actor Liam Neeson, is a retired X-CIA spy. Overtime he has acquired a certain set of special skills in which he can fight, investigate and kill. His daughter Kim, played by Maggie Grace, lives with her mother. Dad and daughter have a drifting relationship due to the fact that previous years in the CIA has kept him busy and on the road. Mills decides to retire in order for him and his daughters relationship to rekindle and so that he can be close to her. Kim approaches her father with a question asking to go on an international trip with her friend Amanda, played by Kate Cassidy. Still being in high school, her father is reluctant to let two young girls travel overseas alone. Finally, he agrees to letting her go but only after Kim agrees to daily phone calls and of course one letting him know she arrives safely.
When the girls arrive at the airport in Paris, they grab their bags and walk out to the streets where they try to get a cab to take them to Amanda's cousins house. A cute boy that the two meet, who happens to be a recruit for a sex slave ring, offers to share a cab with the girls in hopes of getting some information from them. They make the mistake of telling him where they are staying and that they are in fact there alone. After saying good-bye he makes a call informing the person on the other line of the information he has obtained.
Kim, forgetting to call her father when they arrived, noticed she had a missed call from him so takes her phone in another room and calls her father. Here's where it gets interesting...! Only moments after their conversation begins, Kim sees Amanda being taken out of the house by a group of men. Frantically informing her father of this, he tells her to enter another room and get under the bed. She does this and then goes on to say that what he tells her next is key. Kim is told that she will be taken. Once she is, her father instructs her to yell out everything she sees and then he will come find her. With only 96 hours to find Kim, we see her father's set of special skills released throughout the chase.
The action that unfolds kept me on the edge of my seat and I instantly developed a sense of hate for the men that had kidnapped Kim and Amanda. A father's love is so strong that when his precious joy is taken from him anyone can become invincible. The clues that Mills collected and his clever ways of obtaining them was an excitement in its own. Based on instances that have occurred in our world, with women being kidnapped and taken to other countries, Taken posed as a real eye-opener as to what may be going on when these women are captured. Families may rethink sending their students overseas, but if anything it should teach us that you can't be naive and never too careful. The determination Mills shows in getting his daughter back is a prime example of a father's divine love.
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