Blogging Can Help You Survive

As I was cleaning out my "favorites" in Explorer, I came across a great article from the Blog Herald I had wanted to blog about. I know blogs are supposed to be timely, and although this is from October, I think this is even more timely now then in the past. Titled "6 Ways Blogs May Help You Survive the Economy," the entire article discusses how blogging can be beneficial in these hard economic times.

Three of the six really stood out to me. First, was to use blogs to find spending/saving tips. Many people blog for their enjoyment and will talk about their daily life. As a college student, I am always looking for ways to cut corners. The article discussed how some women are blogging about how they save money by clipping coupons. We all hear about how much we can save from people on television and specialists, but hearing a mother say it makes it so much more meaningful. Personally, I trust this because I know mom's run around the grocery on a daily basis trying to save some money.

Also, blogging and social networking help to build a support system. People are losing jobs and stuggling to make ends meet. By starting a blog, they can form relationships with people who can help them to get through these rought times. Whether getting a comment or e-mail, knowing someone who cares can help you keep pushing forward.

Lastly, blogs are all about you. The blog needs you to survive. And you need the blog to record your thoughts opinions. They are a great way to take time to yourself and forget what is going on around you. Instead, you can write about what you are doing lately, an interesting article you read or a hardship you are trying to overcome. No matter what, when you blog you develop readers who also depend on you. They are interested in what you have to say and look forward to new posts.

After reading all of the six positives, I realized I definitely need to blog more often. It's something I enjoy. I like reading about current issues and giving my opinion on them. I also think it is important to look at my own life and talk about what is going on. It's a great way to analyze what I've been doing and how I am handling situations. New goal for next quarter- blog weekly, if not more!

Rules of Twitter

While tending to my Twitter addiction, one of the people I am following (the today show to be exact), posted a link of a story by the New York Times titled "Twitter? It's What You Make of It."

Intrigued, I decided to click the link and read through the two pages of nothing short of perfect social media talk!  My overall opinion was to use Twitter however you want!  And I feel people often get lost and feel like they need to follow rules.  In fact, this article states just that.  You don't have to follow the rules.  Don't read EVERY tweet, just skim for things that interest you. 

I also loved the "rule" about using the Web site.  I will admit, for a few months, I stuck to Twitter.com.  Then, someone turned me on to using Twitterific on the Macs in my usual hang out.  Next, I ventured out and tried Tweet Deck.  This tool was so much better!  It separated my running tweets from my direct messages to my replies.  How much more perfect can it get?

Well does get better! Now, not only do I have Tweet Deck, but I also have Digsby.  This links my AIM with my Twitter and a bunch of other social media sites.  This is easier at times than Tweet Deck because I don't get as distracted by notifications and new Tweets.

No matter what, this article was awesome and really made me see that Twitter is going to only get bigger and better!

Long Time No Post

I have not posted in quite some time, and my apologies! Things have been extremely busy in the PR world of Amanda.

First, firm is taking off! We have held three events already for Do It Now! We have had over ten people sign up, which is amazing! I am so proud of our team for their enthusiasm. On the same note, Polar Bear Nation held the Polar Bear Ball! It was fantastic with over 300 students, faculty and alumni. I never realized how rewarding public relations would be until I saw my planning and the firm's work in action!

On another note, internship deadlines are approaching. As a junior, this is terrifying. I just don't know how to handle any of this. I am scared to apply and get rejected. Instead, I pretend nothing is going on and that I have all the time in the world. Then reality hit these past few days. I turned 21 this weekend. Relatives called and of course we talked about my future plans. That is when it hit home that I had to get started on my internships. And I am still scared and nervous and confused.

Ah! I really can't believe I am growing up this quickly and have to begin planning my future. Everything I thought about when I was little and couldn't wait for, is right around the corner. Scary I tell you, scary!