Reflect on what you learned - 4

Course Project
In week four, with the help of Dr. Ho, I chose a course project. My project will be about the censorship in either Iran or China. I'm excited about the topic because its something I know a little bit about but have never researched. What limitations does Iran have? What do I take for granted that the Chinese can not access? It interests me greatly! I would never do a project for any class that didn't intrigue me. I will learn a lot from this project. My proposal is due next week and I have to make sure I include a clear outline of what I will discuss.

I'm becoming more familiar with Twitter. We're suppose to learn how to better utilize the site for research next week. That will be good. I know more about Twitter but it seems like I'm still missing something...

Google Buzz
I plan on checking out Google Buzz later this weekend. I have a gmail account and ever since I opened it I have been real pleased with my account. I like the layout, storage, attachment size quota and I like having iGoogle has my home page. Needless to say, I'm a fan of Google and like checking out their latest creations when they are released.

Blogging
I read any interesting article about blogging that provided statistics on the decline and rise of blogging between age groups.

A study released by the the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project has indicated that blogging has dropped among teens and young adults while simultaneously rising among older adults since 2006.

http://www.eyefortravel.com/news/marketing/study-indicates-decline-blogging-among-teens

It went on to say that the overall blogging on the internet has remained the same but that it had shifted in age groups. I wasn't to surprised by that analysis. I did think it was interesting 73% of teens use social networks compared to 55% in 2006. It shows what we already know. Social networking is HUGE. Its a great tool for businesses and people.

The article also mentions Twitter and states that the biggest users of Twitter are from the age range 18-29. I hear about Twitter constantly on the television and I also see it on websites. Its almost a catchphrase now for businesses to advertise "follow us on Twitter". I haven't followed a business on Twitter yet. I wonder what the benefits would be? I'm sure they tweet about upcoming sales and promotions and maybe links to coupons. Saving money is always a benefit to consumers.