Instant Message

This tool is something I really don't use at all. I can see business people using it in an office between workers if they are in cubicles and want to pass along info. The fact that instant messaging is portable is weird because I think texting is basically the same thing. New features like adding attachments could be great for businesses when workers want to co-edit a project. Chatting can be done through IM with a group of people. (AndroidGals 2012 p.4) There is voice IM which I still think is pointless because why wouldn't you just call a person or send a typed message if its something short that you are saying. Instant messaging can be great for people across different continents. " IMO Instant Messenger Updated with New Features | AndroidGals." AndroidGals. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2012. .

Skype

Skype is used for video-chatting. It can be used from any part of the globe and offers free calls. The site will allow for a many people to communicate at the same time simply by using a internet connection preferably a dsl connection something that won't disconnect and logging into the Skype site. (Skype 2012)The disadvantages of using the service is that social aspect is tarnished because it is better to be in front of people and be able read their body language. Skype seems really informal for business but I guess if a person can't actually be in the room and if its costly for them to travel then its more practical. For me I think it would be beneficial because I plan to move to another state and if I can interview for a job through skype that would save me so much money. The site would allow me send my portfolio in online format and also my resume. Another bad thing about skype is that if there is an important meeting going and people get disconnected it could ruin the deal and taint the professional look for a company. Some people may feel too comfortable being on skype and not dress appropriately or have background distractions going on. "Skype Features ." Skype. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2012. .

comparing and contrasting social networking sites

The three sites I will be discussing are Twitter, Facebook, and Myspace. First off I'll say I have used all three sites before some more than others, twitter would have to be my favorite though. Twitter is probably the most accurate representation of our times, never before could a fan communicate and follow an artist so closely. It has removed the barrier between the well known and the unknown. Its a way to express feelings quickly and give important information for promotion. Facebook the most widely used is to keep in touch with people you are ready know and sometimes meet new ones. It is the most involved out of the three because people tend to publicize their entire lives on facebook through photos and videos. Myspace has recently had a stylish update to its site and even with that its still not on my radar. I used it for a couple of months when it was first popular but after that haven't seen a reason to because everyone I know is on facebook. Facebook has the most features and is always adding new things like categories to group off friend list by close friends or family. Twitter is the most simple with a person just having to log-in in and put in a short message. Myspace the most design-friendly one is great for people trying to promote their music. The negatives are that Facebook is easy to manipulated like someone can find your location or post harmful information on your page. Twitter is susceptible to hacks and MySpace is just irrelevant.

Site:	Twitter	Myspace	Facebook
users	500 million	54 million	1 billion
customization	minimal	most	moderate but with usage features
security	susceptible to hacks	FCC forced recent improvements	secure

HTML Tables

Ambrose, Eileen. "MySpace settles with FTC - Baltimore Sun." Featured Articles From The Baltimore Sun. N.p., 8 May 2012. Web. 20 Nov. 2012. .
Facebook.com Myspace.com Twitter.com

LinkedIN

LinkedIn is a great site for business. You could find someone with career skills like your whom may have more experience and ask them for advice. A person can post their resumes for employers to see. I have even found information about old coworkers and managers in order to keep my resume up to date. I'd recommend reading people's work experience that are in the career field you want to work in to get an idea of what job's to take and how long it may take to get to the position you want to have. The site is very easy to use because you can just search by name and another keyword like maybe the company to find the right person you are looking for. Just like twitter a person could publicize their business on LinkedIn and even find employees with the skills they need. An employer can communicate online to prospective employees just to figure out if the living situations will leave way for time to commit to the job especially if its something as time-consuming as design work. Statistics from the LinkedIn site are often used in news reporting and is considered way more of reputable source than maybe facebook or twitter would be. (Blue Rise Media 2012 p.5)

"LinkedIn Stats - Demographics of the Professional Network - INFOGRAPHIC | Blue Rise Media | Chicago Internet Marketing, Social Media & SEO Company." Chicago Internet Marketing, Social Media & SEO Company. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2012. <http://www.bluerisemedia.com/linkedin-stats-demographics-of-the-professional-network-infographic/>.

www.podcastalley.com and www.podcast.com

I can honestly say I didn't like either site. I found it hard to tell which blog was still actively being updated and which was just old. The layout of podcastalley was very cluttered too which made me not even want to use it. When you click on a genre it only shows up about 4 or 5 names but it may say there are over 5000 podcast for it. Then when you click next nothing appears and I can tell it must not be maintained.  Now podcast was a little simpler and more up to date with how much websites look now with bold text and just a lot clean space. I didn't find much though on the podcast site that I would like. For example, when going to religion & spirituality all I mainly saw was podcast about witchery and how I'm amazed that those entries were in the featured category. Podcast.com would have to be my favorite because it was more relevant and even featured some celebrity podcast like Adam Carolla on its homepage. The simple design was a plus as well but limited content wasn't. Podcastalley is just bad to me it was just way to much small typed information on one page. I feel they could have cut down on the content on the homepage and maybe change the layout and make the search easier to use. Like a person would think that if search for one specific thing I could find it but no a lot of times I wouldn't get any results for very simple words.

Podcast #3

The Snarky Geeks

Another blog about tech as you can tell I'm a fan-boy but this one goes from tech to games to comics. This one is fairly new and there most recent video was only at episode 6. Thankfully they aren't Apple obsessed like most of the country so they talk about products from Google's new line of Nexus devices to the recent Disney acquisition of Star Wars. It really is like two friends just talking among themselves about their interest. You can really tell their love is comics though they even jokingly discuss their ideal list of Avengers superheroes. They can be a little offensive and sound almost like brats but its a humorous take on all things geek.  I thought there dynamic was great you can tell they are actually friends and probably aren't creating the blog in a attempt to make themselves well but just share to like-minded individuals. I'd say if you are sensitive to cuss words and womanizing I'd say check something else out.

Podcast #2

Buzz out loud

Technology is a major focus for this blog. I'd say probably the most popular tech site CNET is the base for this podcast. The podcast includes experts from the companies views on the latest buzz in the industry. The podcast just ended this year and I think maybe because they have a sort of video-podcast called the 404 which talks about faulty products and fails in the technology industry. I feel like maybe they are going with what's their niche in the tech world telling people what is good and bad. I found another video type show they had called Always on where they show products from the unboxing phase to checking out the guts of many popular items like the Microsoft Surface. Its still easy though to listen to past buzz out loud episodes and I found some that included popular comedians take on the industry. I liked it because they give expert takes on important things regarding technology and I know that many people regard their reviews as a go to before buying any tech so hearing what they have to say about the industry is just as interesting.