Team Work and Story Telling

Story-telling Websites

2005-05-24T16:11:00.000-07:00

Dr. Phil
http://www.drphil.com/show/show.jhtml?contentId=3161_cult.xml

I found this page to be very compelling, driving its audience to watch the show on television. It allowed viewers of the television program to interact with the episode by engaging in online chats, watch additional video clips and see previous shows related to today’s topic.

Interestingly, all subtopics mentioned in the show were also highlighted on the page. This is important to fans of the Dr. Phil show since they might missed the opportunity to watch the show or want to find out what tonight’s rerun show might be worth checking out.

Dan Brown, The Da Vinci Code
http://www.danbrown.com/novels/davinci_code/plot.html

Overall, this isn’t my favorite website but I love looking through the secrets and finding more info after reading the book. In this way, I feel that it complements the book well. Also, the website allows reader of Dan Brown’s books to easily find other books by the author.

Susan Komen, Race for a Cure
http://www.kintera.org/htmlcontent.asp?cid=39438

Linked from Susan Komen’s website for a cure for breast cancer was a list of short stories that were from real survivors and patients alike. The heart-felt stories provided a forum for these real0life warriors battling a leading killer among women.

Week Six: Content Control

2005-05-08T19:01:00.000-07:00

Courtney Howard article on Content Control highlighted the importance of managing content beyond DAM but to extend content management to control brands, DRM, format standards and so forth. She raised an interesting point as to the purpose of DAM as well as BAM noting that saving time and money top the list. The poor allocation of such resources as a result of mismanagement becomes a growing concern for those seeking various media files. Therefore content management becomes costly if it becomes lost due to poor distribution.

Courtney mentions the importance that DRM is content management since it helps distribution content to be use appropriately. She goes on to quote Bruce Gitlin, vice president of business development at ContentGuard to say:

"Just think about what has been going on in the music and movie industry and what could potentially happen in the publishing industry," adds Gitlin. "Whether it's professional publishing, educational publishing, or consumer publishing, the potential for the digital distribution of content is huge. And if you're going to distribute the content digitally, you need DRM.to make that a viable business proposition. DRM technology can be used in any vertical where you've got valuable intellectual property that you want to distribute and you want to protect and control the distribution, whether it's healthcare records, financial information, or intellectual property such as drawings and manuals that need to be distributed between different partners."

While I agree with Gitlin on the opportunities that DRM can offer, he fails to note the downside of DRM. First, DRM is still in its infancy and isn’t completely baked yet. So, end users a.k.a. consumers might have trouble accessing and using content for fair use. For instance, an appeals court recently overruled regulations set by the FCC which required television technologies to support “broadcast flags.” Broadcast flags like DRM are used to control television content so it doesn’t end up on the web. However, the appeal court decided that the FCC overstepped its boundaries when it created such requirements, since it prevents fair use of television content permitted by copyright laws. Furthermore, the FCC regulation would most likely drive up the price for various television technologies including HDTV, DVRs and so on.

This controversy about content protection and management as well as standardizing formats so that supporting technologies can complement that technology will be an issue which will end up on Capitol Hill. Courtney provides a gateway to understand what issues our legislation might have to discuss.

Week 5: Fix and Fluid

2005-05-01T21:07:00.000-07:00

I agree with Levy’s claim that digital documents are both fixed and fluid, especially since these files can be changed or updated with convenience. Levy also argues that paper documents can also be fluid but the claim doesn’t carry as much weight as it does with digital documents. Levy believes that hardcopies can be both fix and fluid as “books, memos and shopping lists are all subject to change.”

While true these types of documents, other print materials are less fluid and changes made are inconsistent with the original text. Take a newspaper article for instance, I could add or remove text but it might be inconsistent with the text. By this I mean, you can obviously notice these changes were made therefore the reader can make a judgment whether to consider the information changed.

Now that most documents are created in a digital form which makes many documents both fix and fluid as Levy claims. This makes Levy’s point even more applicable since softcopies of a text can be fluid while hardcopies of the same text can be fixed. Furthermore, this enables authors of the text to keep the consistency which prevents readers from determining if the document has been altered.

Week 2: Story Telling

2005-04-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

Read and summarize any "ah-ha's" for blog. How do traditional narrative elements of storytelling relate to other writing genres? What are your top three tips for the visual design of a "web story"?

I found that Kimberly Appelcline’s commentary on good storytelling to be well written as she describes how key elements including setting, character, plot, backstory and details can bring a story to life.

Her suggestions for character development provide helpful insight especially since she calls out the importance allowing the character to reach their “potential.” She went on to explain that well build characters aren’t pigeon holed into a cookie cutter format since people tend to be more complicated.

Stories aren’t complete with out a strong plot telling the set-up, build-up and pay-off. Kimberly examines how these three components can help a story develop to its full potential while going on to say mention details are also important.

Kimberly wraps-up her commentary by telling how weaving the key elements together to develop a story and its key features from start to finish.

Week 1: March 30th

2005-04-04T17:33:00.000-07:00

Identify three types of stories (content) that interest you as a content creator. Provide the story/content name, URL, abstract, and a statement of what sparked your interest.

Well, what a better way to tell a story than to make a movie thus being my first pick. The visual and audio components to movies deliver an unique opportunity that still pictures and memos just can quite capture. Movies can tell an entertaining story and bring life to the message while demonstrating the importance of key issues through a visual and audio medium.

PBS.org is a great example because it demonstrates the heart felt dramas of real life which can be told in documentaries and newsworthy videos. These clips also help drive viewers to watch television shows provided by PBS as well as donate funds to the public broadcast service which is self – sustaining.

The movie trailer for the Sunset Story which is available at http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/sunsetstory/film.html, provides added value to the text heavy and non-visual aspects of the website. This helps people quick understand what the film is about in a creative and entertaining fashion.

My next choice in story-telling delivery would be with music, more specifically in mixing music. I find the recent iPod and Washington Lottery ads to be very compelling, delivering a creative, unique yet effective way to reach key audiences. I couldn’t find the song online but the website is http://www.secondchancebonuszone.com/scratchtracks/wa/home.php. I think is fun and definitely grabs the audiences attention.

We all know what that say; a picture tells a thousand words so you won’t be surprised if I tell you that my final approach to tell stories would be in a picture. Pictures offers its own way of telling a story, one that can be interpreted differently by each person so its important to have some flexibility with the message your trying to get across. I think National Geographic does an excellent job of capturing these moments to tell the world a story of humanity, creation, life, etc…

One of the most interesting photos I found is http://lava.nationalgeographic.com/cgi-bin/pod/PhotoOfTheDay.cgi?month=12&day=12&year=03. It’s a picture of Jupiter’s Giant Red Spot. While people viewing the picture can easy identify what it is, there is still a mystery as to why it is. The image is thought provoking and beautiful.

Phase 4: Production and QA

2005-03-07T16:20:00.000-08:00

This reading provided some useful insight for website development, specifically from a project management perspective. I found the target specifications to be quite interesting as it drills down onto the technical support used by audiences. With my experience with PM outside the classroom, I think this is something which is overlooked at many levels. Many times we assume that our audiences have the latest and great tech products, but the truth varies between target audiences.

The chart for target specifications offered a straightforward take as to what technicial requirements should be considered before developing a website. We used something similar for our MCDM website redesign, which Jac spent some time thinking about what kind of hardware and software support our key audiences would have.

After reading html templates, I came across this website that offers predesigned html websites at http://www.hypertemplates.com/. For those who are looking for a stylish design on a reserved budget, this might be something you will want to look into and you don't have to be a wiz-kid to do it.

Week Seven: Examples of Digital Communication Aesthetics

2005-02-28T08:58:00.000-08:00

Questions: Find both good and bad examples of digital communication aesthetics, based on this author's perspective and prior readings on Gestalt theory. I will compile a list and publish it for Christine to use; the analytical skills you are developing should help with the course Design Analysis.

The Good: When visiting the Windows Mobile website for Portable Media Centers, http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/portablemediacenter/default.mspx, there is a simplicity which filters through the visually appealing design. The site appears to be designed with a grid style, bucketing information in each cell provided. This allows the eye to quickly scan over the content provided in each cell and select information relevant to them.

In addition to the grid style used on the site, links and headers are strategically located to follow the eye naturally. The overarching brand for the Windows Mobile website is clearly located on the top left corner, so visitors can identify the owner of the website while a search tool is conveniently located on the top right corner. This seems to be an appropriate placement for search tools since visitors can quickly glance over content on the site before scanning to the right of the page to find the search tools. From a marketing standpoint, this allows an opportunity for visitors to unveil content which might interest them.

The navigation bar is intuitively located on the right side with clear headers limiting the amount of confusion on the website. Following the navigation bar on the right site is promotional banners which are placed in such a way that is noticeable yet not distracting to visitors. Across the bottom of the page are productivity links with familiar icons to drive stickiness and interaction to the site. This is impressive because these links allows visitors to send the page to others, add to favorites which suggest current visitors will return, comment on the website which allows communication between the user and the host and print functionality.

The Bad: Even though I am living in the generation of MTV, the official website of the network at www.mtv.com is visually complex and ultimately confuses its visitors with busy nuances. Visitors to the site might feel overwhelm by the amount of moving piecing found on the site. Similar to the Windows Mobile site, the MTV logo is located on the top left corner while search features are available on the opposite corner. Centered at the top is registration/log in information, but it seems out of place. Overall the website seems pieced together with little consideration as to how visitors would use the website. A large splash screen is located on the left side highlighting news and video clips available to view, but a bar across the bottom of the splash screen intimidates visitors from clicking on the appropriate link. Promotions are located on the right side of the screen with much animate content while news is hidden between the flashy splashy screen and promotional ads on the left.

Real entertainment materials are located further down on the page, reminding me of some marketing ploy retailers use to bring shoppers completely through the store by placing sale items in the back. A similar strategy does not seem appropriate for websites.

Week 4: Reading: Multidimensional Analysis for Custom Content for Multiple Audiences

2005-02-09T13:39:00.000-08:00

Questions: Identify three key learning points or best practices from your reading. How might these be applied, either in this project or in something your are doing at work?

The author emphasized the importance of creating content that is tailored to different audiences. While content is usually designed to a “one-size-fits-all” fashion, it is recommended that content be customized to different types of audiences it might appeal to.

For instance, the MCDM website team is responsible for creating content that appeals to a broad audience – from potential students to existing students, facility and employers. The reading provided insight as to why we might want to develop content that is tailor to each target audience based on interest, knowledge and purpose. This allows potential students to easily find and interpret information that relates to admissions, program over and course details while exisiting students might find news & events, course sites and research resources more helpful.

Since knowledge about a particular topic spans from beginner to advanced, the reading suggested to design content that adapts to the user so a potential student would see information that is more relevant to them rather than information that would be more functional to faculty. I envision visitors to the DM site should allow students and faculty to personalize the main page so information most relevant can appear in the viewer while potential students and even employers will conveniently find top level information about the program when they visit the site.

Week 3: Standards

2005-01-29T18:51:00.000-08:00

Question: How do standards impact our ability as communicators to reach our target audiences? When (why) might we chose to deliver information that does not conform with standards?

Standards are important in the communication process especially if trying to reach a target audience. Without standards, consumers end up confused and frustrated with technology because terms and expectations vary.

Just look at the media format wars with companies such as Real Networks and Apple pushing their formats while Microsoft drives its Windows Media formats. While competition is good, consumer usability varies. Until formats are standardized, consumers will have to determine which content will play through which player and which device will support which formats. This is more technical than the average mainstream consumer. If I want an iPod but all my songs are in a .wma format, I have a problem. There are some solutions to distribute my .wma content to the industry’s most beloved MP3 player but unless I have experience with codec, I will have to purchase all new songs through iTunes.

Standards take out the guesswork for consumers but it also hinders the benefits that come with competition. Competition drives innovation. Once standards are implemented, innovations for specific technology dramatically decline. Therefore, standards should be implemented when technology reaches maturity to drive the innovation to reach critical mass.

Week 2: Team Roles

2005-01-23T20:03:00.000-08:00

Based on class discussion and reading, which team role most appeals to you? Which least appeals? Why?
Team roles such as “project manager” or “producer” seem more appealing to me because it relates to my current work experience. I currently manage various projects at work which requires me to strategically plan, coordinate, devise, implement, execute and evaluate strategies. My familiarity with project management brings a valuable asset to a team competent with other skills including web development, creative thinking, code, etc...

I’m very fortunate to have a team consisted of such tech savvy folks since technical roles would not interest me. I am more than willing to put on a technical thinking cap, but I’m not sure how good I would be at developing code, webpages, etc... There are others on the team that would be more appropriate for that position. (Thankfully!) I would be interested to learn these applications but I wouldn’t recommend that I manage these tasks since I don’t the comprehension to execute such tactics. I would rather help develop plans and oversee teams projects bringing them together for one cohesive project.

Effective Teams and Communication

2005-01-12T10:01:00.000-08:00

Think of a team you've worked on before. Was it effective or not? Why?
In the work that I do, team work is part of the profession. The teams are usually project focused, requiring strategic planning, research, execution and outcome management. I’ve seen a lot of growth on the current account that I’m work on, though there has been plenty of growing pains before reaching effectiveness.

When I first came to this account more than a year ago, there was tense between colleagues and clients causing conflict and confusion for everyone. For these accounts, teams are usually arranged as a hierarch with each person holding a specific role, but when senior executives don’t trust one another, the results can be damaging. For instance, when working on an important project, I received instructions from a senior executive as to how the project should be delivered, but after the first report was delivered, another senior executive expressed his concerns for the report and questioning the decision to do so. When I explained that this was the instruction given by a fellow senior executive, battles begin to unveil creating more confusion as to what was expected from me. Each day that I had to deliver the report, one senior executive would complain about how I approached the project, even though the other senior executive asked me to do so. No matter which instructions I followed, it wouldn’t satisfy one of the two senior executives. In the end, one of the senior executives was removed from the account.

When the senior executive was removed from the account, it left a hole of knowledge to be filled. This created new problems as other executives attempted to fill this void. Other account executives competed to prove they could provide the knowledge and expertise causing a more competitive environment rather than a collaborative one. After the rocky start and several account changes including replacing a number of executives, our team has final achieve a group of individuals that has trust and respect for each other. Our deliverables are improving, our client relationships are stronger and we are shortening our turn around time. Now we are finally on the path to building a strong and secure team, which can handle the problems and struggles as a team rather than as a group of people.

How do you prefer to communicate with team members? Why?
I am more accustomed to communicate with team members via email. It’s nice to have a record of expectations, agreements and even disagreement. I’ve noticed that team members take more time to carefully word disagreements in email rather than in person, or over the phone. I find its best to use email to initiate thoughts, ideas and develop expectations but offline communication is also needed. Though I believe final agreement should be followed up in an email so everyone can understand the terms of the project.

I consider emails to be a very useful tool in project management since it gives a platform for team members to communicate with each other. The platform has a memory since emails can be arranged by name, subject or date, this is very useful since you can find who had the last say on subject, and when. Maybe some additional information surfaced, emails provide a record which can determine if the information was considered at the time of the last decision. Whatever the case might be, emails are great for project managers and team member alike.