We are in the future

While I am very disappointed at the lack of flying cars, we are most definitely in the future. It's not quite like the Jetsons interpretation, but pretty close. We have robots to clean our floors, refrigerators that can talk to us and give us recipes and ingredients, while I've only seen them at the airport, we have conveyer belts to transport us, even if just 100 feet, and we now have 3-D TVs. It's ridiculous. Now Steve Jobs is taking everything we do in life to another level...again.

Originally, he innovated the way we listen to music, now he's innovating the way we do everything in life from how we listen and share music to how we watch TV.

New innovations:

New iPod Touch

It is even more like the iPhone without the phone feature. It even has FaceTime video calling and HD video recording capabilities, among other awesome improvements. Who ever thought their walkman could do so much?? This is basically the iPhone for those of us brand-loyal Verizon customers who still wanna have all the fun you AT&T customers are having while we wait out for the day when Verizon to carry the iPhone that seems will never (and probably won't ever) happen. It also always seems like once I finally get something high-tech, the come out with a bigger and better one... I just got an iPod touch for graduation last May.

Reinvention of the iPod Nano with Multi-Touch

This thing is ridiculously small and somehow they expect people to be able to use them. Unless they're supposed to be used by children, I really can't imagine a person able to use this successfully. Maybe like any new product, it will take a little bit to get used to, but we'll see. I don't have much to say about it. I really need to just see it in person, I guess.

New iPod Shuffle

There's not much to say here either since it is just a newer model of the last one. I loved my shuffle when I had one because it was perfect to work out with since it's so light, but I just got an arm band for my iPod touch and the problem was solved. New things are always fun and shiny, though.

iTunes 10 with Ping

Another amazing innovation Mr. Jobs had up his sleeve. I mean, it's been entirely too long since iTunes was updated last ;) If we didn't have enough means to know what everyone says and does, now we need to know what music they listen to. I do think this is pretty awesome, though. I'll download a whole bunch of songs and then don't for a long time and then don't know what to download because I'm sheltered and don't know about good music other than what I hear on the radio a zillion times a day, so I would most definitely benefit from this. I never know what to search for, and while Genius makes it a little easier, now I know that I will be able to search through my friends' music to see what they're listening to that I'm not with Ping. It's pretty exciting.

Finally, and certainly not the least important:

New Apple TV

One word. Awesome. As if we didn't need something else to make our lives super easy. Now we can do everything from our couch. With a smaller design and smaller price tag, Apple offers a newer, better way to stream video to your TV. It's an amazing new way to experience entertainment in your home with streaming from Netflix, YouTube, and Flikr. The nice price and size make it much more attainable to the masses as well, so more people will buy it, and Steve can make more money. While this is freaking awesome, I have a Nintendo Wii to stream my Netflix, an XBOX, DVD player, along with four other outdated, while still nostalgic and working, gaming systems, so at this point in my life, I don't need another device to put in my entertainment system. No matter how small.

After all this, along with tons of other high-tech improvements not listed here and not designed by Apple, we are in the future. We can see people while we talk on the phone with them, we can see people on different continents, we can stream internet videos and pictures to our TV, we can listen to unlimited music anywhere, at any time, as well as an array of other things my mom couldn't do when she was my age. I'm loving it.

Apple Does it Again...& Again & Again & Again.

On September 1, 2010, Apple announced some major innovations and upgrades. Apple has done an extraordinary job at creating an "aura" about its products. These products are not just objects. They are not just tools. They are not just toys. They are a lifestyle. Apple revolutionized the world as we know it. Apple is by far my favorite brand/company/riduculously awesome entity that took over the world/whatever you want to call it. People that know me know that Apple and I go together. We are 2 peas in a pod.---an iPod, that is. Haha, okay...enough with the jokes.

Steve Jobs' presentation in the Keynote in San Francisco September 1, 2010 informed us of many upgrades the company is unveiling. Steve Jobs is an archetype and a role model to me in the way that he speaks to the world. He has a certain way of exciting the crowd as he speaks with such amazing enthusiasm & without a doubt, wearing his solid black turtle neck shirt. The Keynotes are often referred to as "Stevenotes" and typically unveil the newest products and announcements to the public for the first time. It is safe to say that these Stevenotes have a definite causal relationship to the substantial swings we see in Apple's stock prices.

Apple has an undeniable ability/superpower to recognize weaknesses of their products and re-create them in a very timely manner. Apple has tapped into our "dislikes" about certain products and like a genie, it has granted our wishes beyond our wildest expectations.

Here are some of the new & improved Apple announcements that rock my world:

1) The new iPod Touch now has Facetime video calling capability AND HD video recording. I MEAN, COME ON----RIDICULOUSLY AWESOME!

2) I mean, seriously, the iPod Nano seems like a joke to me. It seems like something we would see in the Jetsons or something because it is so tiny but can do so much! For me, the iPod Nano was too small to enjoy and was not my favorite product because didn't have buttons that I usually prefered. The new and improved iPod Nano is now tinier and more savvy than ever with it's small size and weight still allowing for a touch screen. This is just amazing. I cannot believe how tiny it is while still bearing these capabilities.

3) The new Apple TV has a new & much nicer price. Now only $99, it is a lot more accessible to many more of us coming from the mid to upper 100's it costed previously. This thing is half the size it used to be and has HD quality with a huge selection of movies and television shows available to RENT & buy. Hmm, Steve, could you make TV watching a little more simple please? ;) This makes driving to the video store look like a joke. Say "goodbye," Blockbuster! One simple click from the Apple TV remote and you're rockin' and on your way to watching your favorite movie without ever leaving your living room. I own an Apple TV and LOVE it!

4) Another Apple product I got as a gift, but don't prefer to use on a regular basis is the iPod shuffle. I just didn't like the idea of not being able to see myself controlling the device on a screen. Now, I'm not complaining, of course I'm thankful to have any Apple product, I'm just being honest. It was nice to workout and run with because of its light weight, but still, I like to control what's going on with buttons. Now, of course the iPod Shuffle has buttons because Apple tapped into that weakness by imposing with its "awesomeness factor."

5) Ping is the "social network" King in the music world. It connects with your iTunes 10 and and allows music lovers to connect in ways that Facebook & Twitter allow people to connect. You can follow your favorite artists, see what your friends are listening to, etc. I think this is just a small preview of what is to come in the world of social networks. I love this idea!

I own Apple products and I have not one complaint about any of them EXCEPT the new iPhone 4. I have had horrible reception with the phone, but I am quick to forgive Apple as a company because I absolutely adore all their other products and for years have had minimal (if any) problems. I love Apple so much that I chose to buy stock in it with my graduation money I received from my grandfather. I have a lot of faith that it has a very prosperous and successful future ahead of them.

In my opinion, Apple has the ability to change the world. I know to some, that might sound a little extreme, but seriously--think about it. Apple has taken the idea of the classic "computer/tech geek" and transformed it into "awesome, cutting edge & cool." There is no other product in it's category that can stand up to the uniqueness and prototype of Apple. Apple, like most products, have competitors. But none can come close to the brilliant Mr. Steve Jobs who has made his company a way of life. No product feels the same when you use it. When you are using an Apple product, you can feel it. There is a feeling of authenticity that comes with each Apple product. Its products are user-friendly, dependable & backed with excellent customer service. This authenticity stems from the quality of its products and the cutting edge creativity the company has. This is what I love. I love Apple and think there is still very much to come from this one-of-a-kind anomaly of a company. For now, I will remain a loyal Apple consumer, investor and huge fan. Cheers, Apple!!! And, Jobs---YOU 'DA MAN!!!!!

A new look for iPods and a social network for music lovers

Apple's latest keynote took place on September 1, 2010. At the event, Steve Jobs unveiled a new iOS, some major iPod updates, the new iTunes 10 with a built-in social network for music, and a new version of Apple TV. Here, some thoughts on my favorites:

iOS 4.2 Update
I don't own an iPhone but I do know about the excitement that surrounds software updates. Jobs announced two major changes that will occur with the iOS 4.2 update, which rolls out within the next two weeks. The new feature I am most impressed with is the HDR photography capability. I think that iPhones already have great photo and video capabilities, but the HDR feature takes iPhone photography to the next level. It works by taking three separate photos and combining them into a single HD photo with optimal levels of highlight and shadows. Looking at regular iPhone photos and HDR photos side by side, I was very impressed with the difference in quality. The second iOS update feature is a new Game Center, which allows multi-player gaming. This means you can play iPhone games with friends and strangers from all over the world. I am not big on gaming apps (I'm more of a "Words with Friends" kind of girl), but I do see the value of this feature. I do have to wonder how this feature will affect battery life though.

iPod Updates
Since this was a music event, the majority of announcements concerned iPods updates. In fact, Jobs announced that Apple plans to release new versions of all iPod products.

The iPod Nano is the iPod product that received the most significant makeover. The new iPod Nano Touch features a touch interface, integrated FM radio,a pedometer, and Nike+. The new product also includes the best features from its former models - a built in clip, hard buttons for volume control and voice over capability. It will come in many colors and 2 storage levels, 8GB for $140 and 16GB for $179. As an runner whose two workout companions include an iPod Classic (huge!) and an Andriod phone with a GPS running application (functional, but too bulky), I am looking forward to buying the new iPod Nano touch, a tiny MP3 player with built-in tools that will make it easy for me to track my mileage and speed.

Also discussed was the new iPod Touch. Other than aesthetic updates like a thinner body device and an updated Retina display (4x more pixels than its predecessor), the new version also features 2 built-in cameras - one the front and one on back. This makes it possible to record HD video, and, even cooler, do face-to-face video calls just like with the newest iPhone. Video calls are made over wifi using your Apple account. The new Touch comes with iOS 4, so it will also include the Gaming Center features discussed above. Pricing starts at $229 for a 8GB Touch and go up to $399 for the 64GB model. I think these updates are great, but as someone who does not own an iPhone, I do not see myself making this purchase anytime soon. If I do take the plunge, I will definitely be getting an iPhone, so I can do all of this and make calls.


iTunes Ping
This is the announcement I was most interested in. Although I have not had the opportunity to explore Ping, Apple's new "social network for music," housed in iTunes. The idea is that users will be able to follow friends, like on Twitter, in order to share and discover new music. On Ping, you can follow your friend's iTunes habits (what did they download, listen to recently, and so on) or preview the music in their library to see if it is something you might like, and hopefully download, too. From what I understand Ping also posts concert dates and allows you to buy concert tickets within the application. Last I heard, Ping had close to 1 million users already.

I have not had the opportunity to check out Ping, but I have read a few articles on it and one of the major criticisms seems to be its exclusivity. Several of the sources complain that it is difficult to initially connect with friends on Ping because of the lack of connectivity between Ping and other social networks. Its been suggested that Ping add a feature to search for your Facebook friends or Gmail contacts that are on Ping. However, I also know that Apple and Facebook have had difficulty agreeing on contract terms. Big surprise! I have a feeling that they will have to come to an agreement if Ping is really going to take off as a successful social networking tool.

The Gospel of Apple According to Keynote

Good old Steve Jobs is still up to his Keynote schemes! Being a disciple of Apple since 2002, I remember being made fun of for buying a white laptop with the Apple symbol posted upside down and paying $400 for the first static touch IPod. I said, “One day Apple will be huge.” It seems today that Apple is becoming a household name in America, beginning with the revolutionary iPods which evolved to iPhones and the OSX 10 operating system that has raised the bar for computer software stability. Of course, I never can wait to hear about the new products or upgrades that will be announced in the next Keynote speech. Unfortunately, I am a grad student that has no money to buy those innovations.

Keynote September 2010 had many high hopes for the new product line because of the holiday markets. Like most Keynotes, Steve Jobs had the usual types of changes and upgrades (more touch options, software, and looks of previous products in IPod family: Shuffle, Nano, and IPod Touch). The most noticeable product innovation for Apple was the Apple TV. This product I felt was lacking for so many years. The revamp of this model has drastically changed the size, leaving it with one-fourth the footprint of the previous model. Apple also removed the hard drive with loud irritating sounds, and added 1080p HD. Also, the cost for rentals was lowered to 99 cents; the added Netflix capabilities also got my attention. Apple TV

After listening to the Keynote presentation I felt that Apple is changing their strategies to create new ways to raise up sales for their movie line. Lately driving around Austin, Texas I have noticed more Block Buster, Hollywood Videos, and many other rental business closing up, but seeing millions of Red boxes at the corner of every Walgreens and McDonalds. Is Red Box about to take over the world? I believe that Red Box, Netflix, and Video on Demand are the ones contributing to the rental stores going out of business. Seems like Apple wants a piece of the pie. After hearing the cost drop on the Apple TV to 99 dollars, I feel this product is quite more affordable to the public from their previous price that was in the 250 to 300 hundreds range. It thought it was also pretty sweet that it is able to stream your iTunes music and pictures with out the hassle of adapters.

iTunes is the foundation for almost everything that Apple has conjured up in the past decade. Adding this new social network called “Ping” to iTunes is a brilliant strategy, introducing a new, niche market for iTunes users. This new social network is a place where music enthusiasts can talk about what they love, and are able to check out new and old music. Then, at a press of a button, iTunes users can buy albums or rock videos. I don’t believe that Facebook has pushed music enough, and now Apple is beating them to the punch. I just joined Ping and it is pretty awesome to be a “follower” of the bands that you love and being able to get updates on tours and new releases.

As you can see, I could talk about Keynote all day, but this is some of the stuff that sparked my attention. The only thing I was not sure of is the new upgrades for the HDR camera option for the iPhone. Is it going to work on the iPhone 3gS?

Apple....being amazing as usual

Well once again Apple and the extremely successful Steve Jobs blew everyone away with the Sept. 1st Apple Fall event where Jobs announced these amazing and innovative products:






iPod Touch
The new touch includes Apple's Retina Display, Facetime video calling (SOOOO cool) HD video recording, A4 chip, 3-axis gyro, and game center

iPod Nano
has gone through a complete re-design with Multi-touch that lets you navigate your music by tapping or swiping a finger on the display screen. The nano is HALF the size and weight of the previous one.

iPod shuffle with buttons
the new shuffle has clickable buttons and Apple's NEW voiceover technology.

Apple Tv (which is ONLY $99) So cheap!
This new TV offers HD capabilities and a large online selection of HD movies and even TV shows you can rent!

Itunes 10 with Ping
Apple announced that in less than 48 hours since its launch on Wednesday, more than ONE MILLION users have joined Ping!


WOW!!!!!

Apple always has a way of "one upping" every bit of its competition! I find it very interesting that Apple only broadcasted this launch event to people who are using Apple products that include: Iphone, Ipod touch, Ipad or a Macintosh computer (and only with the latest version of Snow Leopard of course) I feel like it gave people who did not have these apple products the incentive to go out there and get the product they needed in order to stay up to speed with the advances of technology...which is EXACTLY what Apple was trying to do! Apple always has a way of coming up with new and improved products that are MUST haves. Their business strategy is something that proves to be successful time and time again. They seem to come out with the best of the best ( and sometimes not the best in the beginning) yet people are always buying their products....and they find the most remarkable ways to market their products to the world.

What do I think of the products.....they are WONDERFUL and shiny and new and sleek and I would love to have all of them, if money grew on trees! :) Apple is going about business the right way and always managing to stay up to speed with the changes of technology.

Will I buy any of them? HECK YES! I really want to get the Apple TV as soon as possible. I have an ipod nano but I would like to upgrade to the new one..maybe a christmas gift? early? ha that would be nice!

I find myself even more interested now in Apple's products. Oh Apple......I am beginning to love you more and more! :)

Apple is Innovation

Apple never seems to cease delivering innovative products that make the lines at the Apple Store so long that it seems one needs to bring three square meals, a sleeping bag and a latrine to make it through. At the close of Apple's hyped-up event held on September 1, we all got an inside look at a revamped iPod lineup, a more compact and more affordable Apple TV and Ping, a new social network and a way to discover music within iTunes.

First, I think it is interesting Apple live-streamed their launch event exclusively to viewers who have an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad or Macintosh computer. The company knows they have a captive audience and I think adding this exclusivity element only enticed or will entice non-Apple consumers to make the switch. All and all, this is just another typical PR stunt Apple employs to boost hype around their products and make them appear larger than life then they already are. This translates into consumers wanting something that is so "out of reach" that they have to have it.

As with the new products, Apple's new social network Ping seems interesting, and somewhat like Twitter will let end-users follow others to see their music habits and comments of friends and artists of interest. Tech pundits seem to be divided - some are saying Apple's new social network Ping will ultimately eliminate existing services like MySpace, while others question the need for an additional social network. Will I use it? Probably not, at least not at the present time....my bucket is a little too full right now.

On to Apple TV. It is definitely noteworthy that Apple dramatically decreased the price of this product from $99 down from $229 and also decreased the size of the hardware to a quarter of the previous version. Renting shows now only cost $0.99, previously $2.99 or $1.99, and now iTunes movie rentals will be offered day in date with traditional DVD rentals. It will be interesting to see how the upcoming launch of Google TV will compare to the Apple TV...I'm sure it will stir up a news frenzy and an ongoing battle between these two tech giants. According to Gartner analyst Van Baker, the revamp of Apple TV marks an improvement, but he questions how popular the device will be initially. "Will it be a massive hit?", Baker asks. "Not yet. Apple has to get the other networks on board." Do I think I will buy Apple TV right away? My answer is similar - Not yet.


Finally on to the new iPods. According to Steve Jobs, Apple has gone wild with new models. He called it "the biggest change ever in our iPod lineup". In addition to a complete redesign of the new Shuffle, Nano and Touch models, new features specifically to the Touch include cameras on front and back, which gives end-users the ability to engage in Apple's FaceTime video chats. According to Creative Strategies analyst Tim Bajarin the new iPod Touch could be a game changer for the company and predicts FaceTime is going to be huge. Will I buy one of these products soon? - most likely yes, since my veteran iPod is one of the originals and acts and looks very ancient.

Lastly, I wonder if Steve Jobs and Chris Martin are bff's. To be honest I am pretty jealous since Coldplay has been one of my favorite bands since I first saw them play in a tiny venue quite a few years ago. It is amazing to see how far Coldplay and Apple have come - congrats to them.

iPod Touch new best game platform, soon new best everything ever

Apple's fall event came and went this week with the usual torrent of sales figures, product revamps, and unveiling of new devices and services.

To be honest, I'm of the mindset that none of this stuff is really for me; I got my cell phone for ten bucks to make calls and send texts, and I have a laptop to do pretty much everything else, so I'm not particularly interested in coughing up the cash for an iPhone (and the bigger phone bill to go with it).

After losing two Shuffles and a Nano (which I'm pretty sure my nephew actually hid from me), I'm almost scared to buy a new iPod.  The new Nanos look interesting, but I kinda prefer the current style.  I didn't like the piece-of-gum-sized Shuffle, so it's nice to see that going back to the older postage-stamp look.  If I do purchase any of 'em though, it'd probably be the Touch--but with Nintendo's 3DS rumored to be launching this holiday season, I may just have to wait until next year's inevitable revamps, for my wallet's sake.

Speaking of gaming, though, it was interesting to see Jobs claim that the iPod Touch is now "the number one portable game player in the world".  While it's true that the Touch, iPhone, and iPad are portable and do, in fact, play games of a sort, I think he may have gotten a little ahead of himself with that claim. It'd be like him standing up there and saying the iPod Touch is now the number one timepiece in the world because it has a clock in it.

Traditional videogame consumers don't buy an iPod for its game-playing capibilities.  That being said, the platform is definitely picking up steam, with big name titles like Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars and Civilization Revolution coming soon (or already released).  In fact Satoru Iwata, president and CEO of Nintendo--the long-undisputed king of portable gaming--considers Apple the "enemy of the future" and the only true threat to their handheld gaming dominance.

Competition breeds innovation, so as a gamer I'm eager to see what Apple's got in store in the coming years and how companies like Nintendo and Sony will react.  They're already rocking the boat with the iPhone Game Center, which looks to be kind of a portable equivalent to Xbox Live. Offering matchmaking services, leaderboards, achievements, and friends lists, it absolutely destroys the laughably terrible system Nintendo's got in place for the DS and Wii.

An Apple a day ...

Apple may not introduce new products every day, but sometimes it sure seems like it. How is an underpaid, indebted journalist/student supposed to keep up? Especially when you have a dog with a taste for technology. Literally.

To me, Apple announcements are sort of like flipping through SkyMall to see all the stuff I can't afford and don't really need, but secretly want.

I recently bought an iPod touch. But only because it came free with the iMac I bought, which is the first desktop computer I've bought in many, many years. And now they've gone and made the iPod touch better. Typical. It's pretty much the iPhone minus the phone, which I also don't have but want. Unless my dog eats it, I will probably have that iPod touch until it falls apart or becomes an obsolete paperweight, no matter what shiny new gadget Steve Jobs waves in my face. I guess that means I fall into the category of late majority or maybe even the laggards when it comes to adopting new technology. But I'm OK with that. I manage just fine, thank you.

The nano and the shuffle also got a makeover, but I think what people are really talking about are Ping and the new Apple TV. Both of which I know practically nothing about. You're surprised, I know. I hope Ping, the social network for music, takes off only because someone should have offed MySpace ((shudder)) years ago. Apple TV is intriguing. I've always wanted to be able to pick and choose what channels and shows I get. I love Netflix, and if the two can work together that's even better. This is another step in the right direction for TV. Anyone who can take money out of Time Warner's pocket is good in my book.

If you missed the Sept. 1 announcement, check out the new crap - er ... products on Apple's website.

- Julie

Apple's Fall Event

At the Apple Fall Event on September 1 this year, Steve Jobs announced a number of innovations and upgrades to Apple’s product offerings: iPod now includes FaceTime, Retina display, HD video recording, and Game Center; iPod Nano has Multi-Touch (but please don’t make it any smaller or I’ll need a stylus to operate it); iPod shuffle now has buttons, VoiceOver and even playlists; iTunes 10 is coming with Ping; Apple TV facilitates streaming of photos and music from the Mac and pumps HD movies and TV shows to one’s widescreen TV.

Apple has been quick to address iOS criticisms, as well – showing that it continues to support the devices its customers already own. One of the exciting announcements is that of iOS 4.1 (available now) and the “pre-nouncement” of iOS 4.2, with Air Play and new iPad print capability for iOS. Thought apparently not a major talking point at the Fall Event, what excites me the most is the cogency of interfaces between iPad, iPhone, and iPod. Everything looks and operates in the same manner!

I’m a BIG iTunes user, approaching 37,000 for my tune count. I love its search function, and use iTunes (and my round-bottomed iMac) like a jukebox. The announced Ping function of iTunes 10 – a meshing of Twitter-type functions with iTunes – will be useful for those who interact over music and by those who follow new music – especially when following indy artists (who may not be getting media exposure afforded to the big-name artists).

How do the other Applegoodies relate to me? I have never owned an iPhone (it’s unavailable for Sprint PCS) nor an iPod (can’t listen at work; when I’m not at work, I am already in front of iTunes on my Mac, studio style). I don’t know how what features they have now, so I can’t assess how allegedly comparatively inadequate the current versions are compared to the upcoming ones. Those who use these devices, though, have reason to be excited - so says The Steve. (Also sprach Stevathustra?)

Though I have never had one, the new Nanos are GREAT ! I already wear a big wristwatch, and Nano comes with a display that looks like an analog clock… hmmmm... I think I may be able to talk myself into one before Christmas! Sadly, since the iPad is cost prohibitive (for me), I also do not own one of them, but I like the idea that it is incrementally evolving into a flat, touch-screen netbook/Kindle/whatever (now with print function!). For those who can keep up with these innovations, it just gets better and better.

I don’t watch TV as a general rule - I don’t like the content or the presentation. Apple TV, however, might be just the ticket for me – I can go “on demand” for just about everything I want to see, when I want to see it! Not only that, but I have (for over a decade now, as time permits) spent time digitizing and organizing all of the media from our family archives – Apple TV will even be the perfect way to enjoy (and work with) that stuff, too.

By the way, Steve Jobs is looking kinda ragged. Has he been ill?

Back to School

My name is Amanda Flores, and I am starting my second year in grad school here at Texas State. I did my undergrad here as well, and began grad school right away. I am glad I did this because as an undergraduate student, my minor was Communication Design. While that is what I thought I wanted to do (the creative/art direction side of advertising), after further review, it's not. I want to do the more boring, market research, side of advertising, and I am enjoying the graduate classes because they allow me to do more research and the marketing side of advertising.

I'm basically really excited to learn as much as I can in the year I have left of school.

Hello...

Hi there. My name is Jordan Lloyd, I'm 23, and I'm starting my 2nd year of grad school at Texas State. I've lived in Austin since I was born, and I graduated from UT Austin last August. I started grad school so quickly after graduation that I hadn't even gotten my diploma in the mail yet.

In my first year, I was in the Communication Studies department. However, I slowly realized that with my work goals and interests I would be much better suited in the MassComm department. So, I switched. This will be my first semester as a MassComm student, and I can't wait.

I've done some work in PR and Social Media, but I have absolutely no experience with media design or web development. So...I'm a little terrified. I did noticed that we have a small project to do on iMovie, which was exciting because I am extremely comfortable with iMovie/iDVD. Anyway, despite my apprehension and lack of experience, I am extremely excited to start learning all of this stuff. The New Media Issues class I was in over the summer with Cindy was great, and I have a feeling this one will be even better. See you all in a bit!

- Jordan
Twitter: JordanALloyd

Doozo yoroshiku!

My name is Veronica Arellano. Fall 2010 will mark my 2nd semester as a Mass Comm grad student here at good ol' Texas State.

I graduated from Texas A&M University - Kingsville with a degree in Radio & Television production. As an undergrad, I spent my time DJ'ing for TAMUK's 91.1 The One and working with the campus television news channel. For now, I've hung up my DJ hat.

I'm pretty interested in viral campaigns and guerrilla marketing and would love Love LOVE to work with companies that do those kinds of crazy things. Doing something like that or working for Nickelodeon/Adult Swim/any cartoon network would be super cool for me. If any of those jobs required me to travel, I'd drop to my knees and thank Jesus for giving me my dream job.

Besides aiming for a Master's in Mass Comm, I came to Texas State to study Japanese. Growing up, I loved anime and never really thought about where it came from. However, when I graduated from high school, I began to appreciate all the other aspects the island of Japan had to offer and I've been hooked ever since.

When I'm not reading manga or watching an unhealthy amount of Korean pop music videos, I play with my two pups, Baxter and Bradley.

I've dabbled in HTML and CSS before and can work my way around code to a small degree. Lord knows I prefer straight up coding to Dreamweaver but I am eager to learn! I'm really looking forward to this semester since I had a pretty rough summer. Time to hit F5 and refresh!

Twitter: VeeFantastic

Hello All!

Hello Everyone,

My name is Christina Gulla and I am about to begin my second year as a graduate student at Texas State. I love graduate school and so far have met a lot of awesome people. I am 26 years old and live in Austin, TX. I am currently working as a Real Estate agent in Austin so if anyone needs help with buying or selling their home, let me know! I graduated from Texas State in 2009 with a degree in Mass Communication & Advertising and a minor in Psychology. I went straight into the graduate program to obtain a Masters degree in Communication.

I took Cindy's Issues in New Media Class this past Summer and absolutely loved it. It was by far my favorite class thus far in the grad program. Cindy is awesome and the class got me very interested in new media. I am really looking forward to this class and can't wait to meet everyone.

~Follow my personal blog at www.ChristinaGulla.wordpress.com

~Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/christinagulla (@ChristinaGulla)

Looking forward to Fall 2010!

PS---sorry this picture is so large. I don't know how to make it smaller! I will know how to do that by the end of this class :)

Intro

Hey everyone! I am a new guy to MC, and I am excited to learn your side of things. I graduated for University of Mary Hardin-Baylor with my undergrad in Recreation, and I am finishing up my last hours for my Masters in Recreation Administration and Management. This class is one of my electives that I have chosen because I believe that online media is so prevalent in todays society and in recreation. I am super stoked for class, since it will help me broaden my knowledge of this type of media, and it will help me be able to create more effective ways to promote, educate, and market my field. I look forward meeting all of you in class!

Intro Post

Hello everyone! My name is Yomali de la Cerda. I am new here to San Marcos so if anyone wants to show me the town, i'd greatly appreciate it! I've lived here for a whole 10 days as of today :) I just moved here from Brownsville, Texas where I did my undergrad in Communication Studies and Mass Media at the University of Texas at Brownsville. Most people don't know where my itty bitty home town is, so I usually have to say, "It's about 30 min from South Padre Island..." and many immediately know. I have to say it's quite a luxury living next to the beach... one i didn't appreciate until i moved away. Brownsville is also a border with Mexico which is also very interesting. But I digress...

This is my first semester as a Graduate student. I obtained my degree in May 2010 and decided I was not ready to stop learning and I jumped right into my master's. I took many media, advertising and other design classes in my undergrad and I was very intrigued by it all. I'm familiar with working most design programs but mostly InDesign and Photoshop. I figured this would be a great class to take for my first semester. I have done some website design as part of my assignments but nothing on a professional level. I am excited to learn how to work all these other programs!

In my free time I enjoying living my life as any other 22 year old. I enjoy traveling, working out, going out, golf, guns and such. I'm a secret foodie...or at least i try to be. I love trying all kinds of food. I'm sort of a female Andrew Zimmern, or at least i try to be. Since i just moved here, i'm currently unemployed (not that i was employed before..) but i am searching for maybe a little part time job for now, so if anyone has any leads...let me know!

Other than that, i'd love to get to meet new people since i just moved here. I am really looking forward to meeting everyone and especially looking forward to the class and my first semester of grad school.

My facebook is Facebook.com/yomali which is the easiest way to find me and keep up with me i'm not much of a tweeter ahha I do have a twitter but I just use it to stalk celebrities... I know embarrassing and lameeee hahaha but here it is anyways @yomalers

k bye for now:)

Intro Post

Hi everyone! My name is Monique Ramos and this is my second full semester in Graduate School at Texas State. I graduated from Texas State in May 2009 with a BA in Mass Communication-Advertising and since then I have done a lot of internships and most recently I worked in the Marketing Department at Schlitterbahn. I took Cindy's New Media Issues class this summer and it got me very interested in New Media. I learned a lot of useful information and I look forward to learning more about HTML, Flash, Photoshop etc. Right now I basically know nothing about web design so this class will be a challenge, but I hope to learn a lot of new skills and broaden my knowledge of new media.

I recently moved to Austin and have been having fun getting to know the city better. After living in San Marcos for four years I needed a change. This semester should be very busy and fun! I am a GA for professor Lucy Brown who teaches Account Planning, and I am also very excited about my new internship at LatinWorks in the Account Service department.

Follow me on Twitter @ramosmonique

Can't wait to meet everyone!

Intro Post

Hey everyone, my name is Brittany Ervin and I'm in my second year of grad school. This is my second class with Cindy and I'm really excited about learning and honing many technical skills that are necessary with a new media concentration. I loved New Media Issues in the summer and took so much away from it. I'm ready to come back this fall and own Dreamweaver and Flash!
My background is in music, however, so for a very long time I wasn't immersed in Dreamweaver or Flash or CSS or any other such program but rather my instrument. While I love music and still play always, I am fascinated with new media and am so ready to learn as much as I can in this next class! I really want to get on the bandwagon with Flash and some of the other programs I haven't worked with before. I hope to incorporate music and my passion for it into my career and utilize the skills I acquire in these grad classes.

You can follow me on Twitter: @BrittErvin

See you soon!

Hello there. Julie here.

I took a class similar to this about six years ago with Cindy when she taught at UT Austin. I'm looking forward to this class because even though I've worked for a website (mySA.com) for the last five years and use basic HTML every day, I'm pretty rusty on the actual building of a website. And I'm sure I've forgotten just about everything I learned about Flash.

About me. Well, I kind of have a love/hate relationship with new media. Kinda funny when you consider everything. This is my second semester at Texas State in the Mass Comm grad program, new media concentration. Cindy seems to ride the ever-changing wave of new technology and media almost effortlessly with a joy and passion I admire, while I sometimes feel as though the wave is smacking me in the face and dragging me under. I love how new media is changing the way we get information, making it faster and more accessible. It's given voice to many of the voiceless and done a whole lot of good. But sometimes the extreme navel gazing that comes with it gets me down and I just want to unplug from everything. Which I take great pleasure in doing from time to time, letting the always-present wanderlust take over.

- Julie Ruff
@sapaws (work)
@txbucketlist (funky side project) (I'll probably use this one for class so I can curse like a sailor. Ayup.)

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Hi everyone, my name is Kelly Gorychka and I'm in my second semester of the Mass Comm grad program. So far I have enjoyed it and am getting more comfortable being back in school again. I currently work full time for a tech PR agency in Austin that represents Dell. I manage Dell's business computing group that includes business notebooks, desktops, workstations, and desktop virtualization and security solutions. Between working full time and taking two grad school classes this semester, I'd say I am a little busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

As background, I grew up in the Austin area and attended Stephen F. Austin State University, where I played collegiate volleyball and wrote for the school newspaper. Upon graduation I ventured to Costa Rica for a two-year stretch and worked for an international healthcare consulting and management firm as a writer and PR/marketing specialist. On the side, I did freelance writing for a luxury tourism magazine and had the amazing opportunity to travel and experience life in top destinations throughout the country. And...as an added bonus, I perfected my Spanish language skills. I eventually moved back to Austin and began working for a boutique tech and healthcare PR / social media agency for about three years.

To make my life even more complicated, in addition to school and work, I am planning a wedding next April and my fiance and I will welcome our first puppy in October. I am very excited to think of the new skills I will be able to add to my bag from taking Online Media Design. Mostly, I am looking forward to learning how to code and master new design tools that I hope to utilize in my current career. And of course I am looking forward to meeting my new classmates.

You can follow me on Twitter @KellyGorychka

Introductory post

What's up everyone? My name is Ryan Fritsche. I'm 23 years old and I am entering my 2nd full year of Grad School here at Texas State University. I graduated from Texas State in May 2009 with a B.A. in Mass Communications concentrating in Electronic Media. I also came away with a Minor in Coaching Athletics which is where I originally thought that my heart would truly lie except I was not ready to give up the media aspect of sports. My current aspiration once I complete graduate school with my M.A. is to enter into the ever-growing world of Sports Information Directing. The best case scenario is for me to impress the Sports Info Department here at Texas State enough for them to offer me a job for the 2011-2012 athletics year.

Well, how about we go into a little bit more about me? Yes, I'm THAT exciting. Haha! I was born in Houston, Texas on May 26, 1987 and lived on the outskirts of the city limits for 9 years before moving to the suburb of Cypress in 1996. My parents and I have lived there ever since. I am an only child and I will admit that it really does SUCK!!! Rainy days sucked especially when all I had was Super Nintendo to keep me entertained. I graduated from Cy-Fair High School in May 2005 and never needed to look anywhere else but Texas State to pursue my college career for a possible job with ESPN upon graduation (that didn't work out).

I am a true sports fanatic and am really knowledgeable in the world of sports. I played football for 8 years and really enjoyed every moment of every down I played. I love my hometown teams (Texans, Astros, Rockets, Aeros (AHL Hockey Team) and Dynamo) but I also love teams that are outside of Houston. My favorite NHL hockey team is the Minnesota Wild due to the fact that they are the parent club of the Houston Aeros. I also enjoy watching the Pittsburgh Penguins for reasons unknown. My 2nd favorite MLS soccer team is the Seattle Sounders FC just based on the fact that their home games are enjoyable to hear during televised games. But above all else, I am a HUGE!!!!!! Boston Red Sox fan. Ever since about 2000 when the Yankees won their 26th World Series, I have HATED the Yankees with a passion and fell in love with the Red Sox due in part to Fenway Park and because of Nomar Garciaparra.

Aside from my fascination with sports, I enjoy listening to music (Rock, Country, and Eminem) and singing aloud in my apartment in Buda. You also might catch me jumping around my apartment while playing Guitar Hero every now and then (I'm a rockstar at heart even though my singing is something to be desired). I love to go on vacation to Colorado in the winter so that I can shed my Texas roots for a snowboarder's lifestyle for a few weeks. I also thoroughly enjoy going to Las Vegas because I've never come home with less money than I left with. I really enjoy the Craps tables and the beer pong tables at O'Shea's on the Strip. Greatest casino on earth as far as I'm concerned.

*deep breath* That's pretty much all about me and why I was placed on this Earth haha. I cannot wait to meet those of you I have not met just yet and look forward to seeing all of you whom I have shared classes with over the past year. Follow me on Twitter @ryanfritsche42

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Hi everyone! My name is Sarah Hopper. This is my 2nd semester as a Grad student at Texas State. I graduated from Texas A&M University in May 2009 with a degree in Communications & Journalism. I have worked for the Texas A&M Health Science Center since 2007 and become full-time upon graduation as a Technical Communications Specialist. Fortunately, they have allowed me to work part-time during Grad school just doing some web editing, design and maintenance of our departmental website. My job has opened the door to several opportunities and training which have allowed me to learn SO many cool things and meet lots of great people! :)

A little about me.....
Well I was born in Kingsville, Texas (way down south) and grew up in East Texas in a small town called Whitehouse. I spent my 1st year of college at Texas A&M Kingsville and then transferred to College Station to finish my degree. I absolutely LOVED being in aggieland:) That place will always mean something to me. I am VERY close to my mom and dad... they are my rock! My family is very important to me. I am one blessed girl! I enjoy being with my friends and family and playing with my sweet puppy Marley! :) I love to read, listening to music is a must and I love to sing. I am excited.... and scared ( I have to admit) about Grad school. I hope to one day have a job maybe doing some type of web design/development for a company/org/magazine....anything!


I took Dr. Royal's New Media Issues class this summer and LOVED it! I learned so much about the history of the web and the many issues facing new media today. I look forward to learning about Online Media Design and the importance of it. I also hope to advance my HTML and CSS skills and learn more things about using photoshop and dreamweaver. I know I will learn a lot from this class, I'm excited:)

You can find me on twitter @sarahatm2009 Follow me! :)

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My name is Douglas Martin-Whitaker, and I am two semesters away from completing my graduate program of study, working toward a MFA in Mass Communication at Texas State University. I prefer to be called "Whit" (as a one-word moniker, like "Sting," "Madonna," "Prince," or "Liberace" - none of whom I resemble), as that shortens things quite a bit. The degree I am working on will be my third degree from Texas State University: I also hold a BA in German language and a Master of Public Administration. My MFA in Mass Communication should help with my transition into a career in radio broadcasting - something I have wanted to do since I was a kid.

Personal info? I tend to be over-analytical, as well as extremely focused (maybe I'm hypomanic?). I have a hectic schedule that keeps my life really busy - this fall I'll be working 60+ hours per week almost every week (and most weekends, too) in addition to doing my graduate studies and keeping up with household maintenance and domestic chores. I also teach a Christian apologetics class on Sunday evenings at church (http://calvarysanmarcos.com/) - all are invited!

As with most folks, I have this belief that higher education will somehow eventually lead to a more pleasant life, to include a successful career that involves doing more things I want to do. One of those things is (actually): Online media design (!), particularly as it contributes to the online presence for a radio broadcast station (or other media outlet). Though I am a "master surfer," there's not much demand for that as a job skill. I want usable, marketable online skills. This class - combined with its successor - should provide me with those skills.

My Twitter contact is @WhitTxState11. If you "follow" me, do it at a distance and don't act suspicious about it...

Hi :D

Hi everyone! My name is Nicole Martinez. This is my second semester of grad school at Texas State.

I work part-time at a search engine optimization company called SEO Launchpad, housed in Conjunctured, the first co-working space in Austin. I just started a few weeks ago and I absolutely love it! I am surrounded by young, creative entrepreneurs everyday and it is awesome.

In my free time, I enjoy blogging, swimming, and riding my bike, as well as spending time with my two dogs, Dude and Miley. I've also been thinking about training for a half-marathon, so if there are any runners out there, I'd love to talk to you.

I look forward to learning about web design & working with all of you. You can find me on twitter at @mipanator.

Online Media Design introduction

Hello, everyone.  I'll be taking Online Media Design this semester, so I guess I'll take this chance to introduce myself.

This is my first semester of grad school (I graduated from Texas State alnost two years ago), and I'm excited to be going back.  I love movies and videogames, and I write handheld videogame news and reviews for the Examiner from time to time, though I haven't written much lately (you can see my profile and links to my articles there at http://www.examiner.com/handheld-in-houston/doug-seliger).

I took Dr. Royal's introductory web design class as an undergrad, and I'm looking forward to building upon that foundation.

I'm on Twitter @Doug_S which I mostly use to post links to new articles or ask for suggestions for games to review, so hit me up.

Welcome to Online Media Design!

Hi everyone and welcome to the class. Here's a little something about me. I look forward to seeing you all in person next week!

I'm the instructor of the class, starting my 5th year at TX State. I got my Ph.D. at UT, and have been teaching Web design and online media courses for more than a decade. It's been interesting to keep up with the changes. I have a personal website at cindyroyal.com and a tech blog at tech.cindyroyal.net. I love live music, and have a music blog and interview show at onthatnote.com. I spend a lot of time online, but I also love kayaking and hiking around Town Lake. Can't wait to hear about the things you like to do.

My Twitter name is @cindyroyal, so check me out there, follow me and join the conversation!