PART 2: Social Media Campaign

Summary

The campaign plan of posting once a week was mostly implemented.  Some weeks saw more posts than others, and some less but the ebb and flow of the page was consistent.  I was able to post pictures of home owners and also showcase landscaper's projects.  These were well received.  I also posted ideas for projects that could be done to improve the landscape surrounding the home.

Instead of sending an email blast about the new management of the page,  I communicated via word of mouth and through my own social network to tell people about the Facebook page.  I did not start a twitter for Rowland Stone like I had planned, but I did start an Instagram.  This medium was not well received by the people I work with or patrons of the establishment.  For this reason the attempt at Instagram proved unsuccessful.

Although I wanted to have the food trucks come and cross promote the business location I did not go that route.  This is because the nature of the rock yard is dirty.  There are always trucks being loaded and dirt flying through the air.  We do not park our cars in the parking lot because of the dust.  So, I did not have the food trucks for that reason.  

Self-Evaluation

Overall, I believe that I am better equipped to manage a page on Facebook than I was previously.  I learned about the insights and how to gauge the likes and reaches for each post. I learned how to operate the Facebook ads and how far the reach is capable of reaching. I also learned that more is MORE.  

When it comes to getting out there and creating a buzz about the product it is better to post, post, and then post some more.  It is also beneficial to tag people in pictures.  In the landscaper's photo that I posted and tagged, it resulted in one of the posts that received more attention.  Another type of post that had a good reach was the "how-to landscape ideas."  People enjoyed looking through them and getting inspired to tackle a new project.  

  I also would have benefited from connecting the website and the Facebook sooner.  It was an afterthought in the end of October, and I should have thought of it earlier.  Additionally, I only liked a few other businesses Facebook pages as Rowland Stone.  I think I should have sought out other like businesses and liked their pages too. 

Likes

 I took possession of the Rowland Stone Facebook page on September 15, 2015.  At this point there were 48 likes.  Currently, as of December 2, 2015 there are 122 likes.  This is approximately an increase of 150% in the number of likes. 

The best results I had increasing likes was when I used my personal Facebook page to solicit likes for Rowland Stone, around September 25th.  The next highest results were from word of mouth, around September 15th, when I personally told people to like the Rowland Stone page.  The 3rd peak in likes was two-fold, and it occurred on the weekend of November 7th.  My sister told her friends to like my page, and at the same time I offered a paid ad on the page, which resulted in an 8 additional likes.  I was a little surprised that I had an unlike on October 23rd.  It actually hurt my feelings a bit.

Looking back at the data, when I first took over the page (9/15) I posted new pictures and changed the background images.  This brought attention to a sleepy page, and by telling people about it, this accounts for the spike.  On (9/25) I posted about a local landscaper that was hosting a training about planting in the desert climate.  Additionally, I asked personal friends to like the page through my own Facebook.  These caused more interest for the page, but interestingly, no likes on the plug for the training even though it had a large reach.  On (10/30) I posted a picture of one of the drivers and also highlighted a local landscaper's pictures of a recent project finished.  This gave some additional likes.  The weekend of (11/7) was when the ad was played, and again, word of mouth from family was employed helped gather more likes.

Reach/Posts

People liked to see ideas for what could be done in their yards. This is why I kept adding Pinterest links because it reached more people. I tried introducing team members, but that did not resonate as well.  I also tried a regular status update.  When I tagged some of the landscaper's family about the completed project I saw a rise in attention to the post.  I think I should find ways to tag people and invite more landscapers to submit pictures of projects.  

Visits

It is interesting to learn that people started using the Facebook link I added to the Rowland Stone Website.  Also, even when the link or pictures were not liked, the representation that they were viewed is helpful information in finding out what people are clicking on when visiting the page.  

People

I had suspected that in St. George the demographic would have been people aged 55-64 in the majority.  Then, the data showed that 52% of the fans were between the ages of 35-54.  These fans were mostly in Utah, which was the aim.  I also wanted to reach people in Salt Lake, because of homeowners that may own an additional property in St. George.  I also thought that more men would be fans of a rock yard than women, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out that was not the case. We all know women usually make the final decision, (wink, wink) so this plays in my favor.

These statistics were also surprising.  There were over 1,300 people reached in the last 28 days!  Learning that so many more women were reached than men means to me that I should post ideas that will appeal to that demographic more often.  I could also post more about 2nd home ownership and ideas to have drought resistant landscaping.

Tactics

What worked well

Bragging about people made other people want to see more and because this was an event, it helped to involve the community.

This is a screen shot of the Rowland Stone Website.  I added a Facebook link and it was used by visitors to the website.  This added an element of cross promotion.

Updating the cover photo was a good tactic to be seen again by dormant "fans" of Rowland Stone

There was a lot of interest in the do-it-yourself fire pit.  This is how I found out that people liked these kinds of posts.  It was also evident when I accidentally posted it on my personal page and people liked it there too.  

What did not work well

 

One thing I had problems with was negotiating between whether I was posting from my personal Facebook or from the Rowland Stone page.  When I used my iPad the difficulties increased.  I found it was better to email the pics from my iPad to my email and then download them to the Rowland Stone page to avoid unintended posts on my personal page.  Here is the example, it would have done great for Rowland Stone because I had tagged a lot of friends and family in the post.  

It was difficult to keep the posts straight between my personal page and Rowland Stone while using the iPad.

This is what it looked like on

the Rowland Stone Page. 

 And this is how it posted, and had likes on my personal page posts.

Posts

I should have posted more often.  I tried to post at least once a week.  I see now looking at the data that when I would build up momentum with posts that I let it slide again by not posting as frequently.  I was concerned that by posting too much I would turn users off of the page, but I would probably have found more fans for the page if I had been more frequently, consistent. 

Cross Promotion

I tried to implement an Instagram for Rowland Stone.  I took about six pictures.  There are only so many pictures of tractors and rocks I could take.  I tried to get photos of some of the guys, but none of them are of the selfie generation.  I tried to get landscapers to get in a picture and they were unwilling. Epic Instagram fail.  

FRANKFURT & CHICAGO - LOW WASTE

Frankfurt, Germany has created a name for itself as a leader in Sustainability.

Refuse in Frankfurt is under control.  There are four key areas where Frankfurt focuses:

1. Waste Recycling
2. Collection and bring systems
3. Refuse Collection Charges
4. Urban Mining

COLOR CODED
Blue-Paper
Green- Glass
Yellow-Cans, “composite materials” (rinse only, not scrub)
Red- General Waste
Brown- Bio-waste: kitchen scraps, peels, tea bags, etc.
Gray- “Almost the rest” Personal hygiene, tissues, diapers, frying pans (this stuff gets incinerated)

WASTE RECYCLING
Waste recycling helps change the mindset of the society.  By implementing the recycling initiatives it helps to end a “throw-away” society.   Frankfurt has taken this idea to new level and has a waste-to-energy power plant.  This plant burns household and light commercial waste from Frankfurt.  This generates both heat and electricity for 30,000 households.  Additionally to supplying power, the plant helps to reduce CO2 emissions.

Materials recycling is how Frankfurt ensures that harmful substances to nature and humans do not end up in the environment.  Instead these materials are collected and reused.  The most successful recycling is glass, paper, and plastics.  Future concerns are being addressed in Frankfurt relating to the high tech materials.  Waste sorting and handling plants have a computerized process that sorts all kinds of waste by type and size.

Direct recycling reduces the waste of large electrical appliances in Frankfurt.  Appliances like televisions, computers, and washing machines are checked, and repaired if possible, and resold.


COLLECTION AND BRING SYSTEMS
The refuse collection is part of the public law. The city contracts with FES (Frankfurter Entsorgungs- und Service GmbH) to “collect and recycle waste and valuable material.”
These recycling laws are the city’s responsibility to remove the waste from the bins.  “A charge is levied in accordance with he regulation for refuse charges.”

There are three separation bins for waste

1. Residual Waste
2. Bio-Waste
3. Paper & Cardboard


The green dot system is on light packaging, like yogurt and food cans. This initiative has “put packaging on a diet”   Manufactures have to pay for the “Green Dot” on products.  The more packaging the higher the fee.  This has resulted in less paper, less glass and less metal.  Which in turn means less garbage to be recycled. The cost to the consumer for the disposal of the packaging waste by the German Dual System (DSD) is included in the price of the packaged item.”



BRING SYSTEM
Glass, which is marked with the “green dot” must be taken to a bottle bank, where DSD is charged with collection, sorting, and recycling.

Hazardous wast is taken back free of charge to any of the three mobil pollutant collectors.

“Car boot service” is  also free of charge and takes materials like waste paper, green waste, and packaging or scrap metal.  The quantity per drop off is limited.

Green waste can be taken to the bio-waste treatment plant free of charge.  Building site waste and rubble can be taken to a waste transfer station for a fee.

Old used tires, used oil, and used dry-cell batteries are returned to the dealers of that product range.

REFUSE COLLECTION CHARGES
It costs money to maintain a sustainable city and Frankfurt has engineered a means to finance that sustainability.  The collection fees cover the costs of the staff, administration, vehicles, and the sorting, recycling, and removal plants.

• STANDING CHARGE

Same for every residential unit.  Commercial companies help finance refuse collection

• VARIABLE CHARGE-Based on the volume of residual waste bin and how often it is emptied.    

•  Bio-waste bins
•  Bin for paper & cardboard
•  Free of charge
•  “Car boot”
• Bulky waste
• Harmful substances

People save money by sorting waste properly because there is less residual waste, which equates to less variable charges.  Keeping the bulky and harmful waste free prevents illegal dumping and damage to the environment.

URBAN MINING
Re-using natural resources of the future.
People are concentrated in towns & cities
Dwindling supplies of natural resources
Consumption and waste production worldwide occurs in major cities

Buildings in are a valuable source of raw materials.  In Germany around 225 million tons of mineral waste is produced each year.  Of that waste 92% could be recycled.  If it was recycled, 1/3 of Germany’s demand for mineral resources would be met.


CHICAGO

RECYCLING IS SIMPLE  

• Blue Cart Recycling- Paper, Glass, cardboard, plastic
• This year Jan-July 10% has been diverted from landfills to recycling.
• Recycling Drop of Centers- Eight locations throughout Chicago
• Catalog Choice - Reduce junk mail
• Household Chemicals and Computer Recycling Facility-

Composting

• Chicago encourages back yard composting.
• Yard waste is collected from April to November by placing yard waste next to blue bin for pickup.
• Businesses are required to accept used plastic bags from customers to reuse or recycle.
• Contractors are required to recycle at least 50% of debris from construction, remodel,  demolitions.

CHICAGO AMONG TOP 20
Chicago is actually listed as 19th on the Sustainable Cities Index, and it is working toward a better future by implementing some programs that will make a difference.  Reducing waste is a good place to start in achieving sustainability.  Helping people to become aware that when they put things in the trash it doesn’t really go away is important.  Offering a simple recycling processes, where everything can go in one compartment is a way to ease people into the process.  Eventually as the system evolves it can mirror Frankfurt and incorporate some of their successful ventures.

ENCOURAGE & INVITE
Incorporating the positive peer pressure available through social media is a way to increase recycling. In conjunction with reminding people to recycle and making containers for recycling readily available is one way to increase involvement.  People want to increase the sustainability of the planet. They want to do the right thing.  The truth is that if recycling is convenient it is more likely to be used.

FACEBOOK ADVERTISING

I decided to give it a go and try to have one paid ad.  I have it set to run from Thursday to Sunday.

First I selected the demographics:

As I added more specifics I was able to reach a larger audience.

Then I set the parameters of how long the ad would run.

Here is what Facebook showed me what the ad would look like.

Then I was able to select five more images to run with the same ad.

Now I am waiting for the ad approval, and then I will be able to use the data to know if this ad was effective in reaching a larger audience.

This is a current snapshot of the page.

AUTOMATIC ATTITUDINAL RESPONSES

Automatic attitudinal responses abound in the world around us.  Uneducated voices on topics are sometimes the loudest.  It is important to become aware of our own tendencies and be at least one voice that is educated on the entire issue, rather than opinionated garble.

OTM 1 - THINK PINK - I researched quite a bit to figure out what the pink pill for increasing women's sexual desire was all about.  Although I do have an opinion about Pharmaceutical companies I went into this discussion with an open mind.  During my quest to find out what this pill would mean for women I was saddened to see that the big money had helped to push this through without adequate research or proven results.  Even members of Congress boarded the money train.  I admit that in my mind I have formulated an attitudinal response, at least in this instance, I vetted it with my own research of the topic.

OTM 2 - ASHLEY MADISON - I hate to admit it but I definitely resorted to my automatic response in this assignment.  One thing I despise is dishonesty, and when I saw that Ashley Madison was exposed it actually made me a bit happy.   I did research about the topic, but I searched in the direction I thought would prove what I wanted to prove.  After having lived the heartache of being married and subsequently divorced from a cheater I was extremely biased.

OTM 3 - KIM DAVIS & GAY MARRIAGE -  On this topic I feel like I discussed both sides fairly.  I don't believe that I have extreme biases for or against gay marriage which is why I didn't resort to any automatic response.  I honestly felt that she should have done her job, and it is not her decision to make whether a gay couple can marry.  I thought that I did a good job of showing where both sides of the issue were coming from based on their opinions, not mine.

OTM 4 -  VIENNA TRAIN STATION -  This topic was an eye opener for me.  I do not watch television and I was really uneducated as to what was even going on with the refugees.  I believe that I represented what was going on from what I learned in the On the Media account.  I did not have an automatic response because I have remained unaware of the crisis.

OTM 5 - ABORTION POLLING - I did not allow my automatic response to abortion to taint my mind on this topic.  I personally have my own opinion about abortion, but I did not let it infiltrate my discussion about abortion.  I showed that both sides have an opinion about abortion and remained a neutral party to the conversation.

OTM 6 - DARKODE - Darkode is another topic that I was prior to, blissfully unaware.  One result of this podcast is that I have take measures to secure privacy in the form of covering cameras on some devices and disabling the microphone for many apps.  Because I did not have prior knowledge, I did not have an attitudinal response.

OTM 7 - PLAYBOY - If I had done this assignment 10 years ago I would have exercised an attitudinal response.  Now, at this point in my life I feel like I am able to take a more objective viewpoint on the subject.  People are free to do and view whatever it is that suits their fancy.  I no longer feel that it is my place to tell everyone that doesn't think like me that they are going to hell.

I feel that there are some subjects that illicit an attitudinal response in many of us.  The key is to realize that this is a tendency and to stretch yourself outside of your comfort zone and look at the whole issue for what it really displays.  Conducting yourself as an educated and informed member of society is a big piece of the puzzle that will help to break us away from stereotypes.  Imagine a world where people chose to search the facts before placing judgement.  Now that I understand I still on occasion revert to an automatic response, I will be more aware and more conscientious before I form an opinion on the events around me.  

ON THE MEDIA: Playboy

PHYSICAL:
Playboy announced that in March 2016 they will be adjusting their image.  Playboy will not feature nude models in their magazines.  The availability of nudity on home computers has cut into the subscribers of Playboy.  In 1975 there were 5.6 million subscribers compared to just over 1 million subscribers currently.  A shift in the images will permit Playboy to expand its reach and perhaps appeal to a wider audience.

PSYCHOLOGICAL
The psychological implications of Playboy in general relate to the entire pornography industry.  By depicting photoshopped, flawless, nude women it alters the image of the mind.  Women, or men for that matter, are not seen as individuals.  Rather, they are seen as objects. These objects are used to gratify sexual desires. Absent is the relational process of learning about another person and developing a healthy relationship.

CULTURAL
In our country it is not acceptable to depict nudity.  Magazines at grocery stores and covered, and the "dirty" magazines are out of sight.  Billboards and commercials adhere to the guidelines which keep America "clean."  But under the cloak of the internet the pornography industry is bustling.  It is not that our society is anti-sexualized, it is that it is not okay culturally to discuss it openly.

SOCIAL
One benefit for Playboy opting out of the nude pictorials is that socially and culturally their magazine will be acceptable to the public.  This means that articles from Playboy could be shared via social media without offending those that "believe" nudity is wrong.  It takes away a reason for people to hate Playboy.  Because of the free pornography available on the internet it makes sense for Playboy to try something new.  At least they are fighting to keep a remnant of their historic magazine alive.

TEMPORAL
Playboy and its iconic Playboy bunnies are not easily forgotten.  Playboy has place in American history and has generated many young boys first memories of what a naked woman looks like.  As Playboy shifts its direction and image it may lose some subscribers, but it also may pick up a different generation of users that are interested in actually reading the articles.

Playboy has depicted nude women for many years.  These women agreed to be a part of this magazine and knew that their images were for another's pleasure.  In the free market system there is a need and a fulfillment of the need.  If it isn't right for someone morally then opt out of the magazine.

CLIMATE 1.0 :Climate Change Denial Disorder (CCDD)

The political lines being drawn in the sand as to whether global warming exists is far from where the focus needs to be placed. Science has the data that backs up the claims that human interaction with our planet is causing a climate change.  The dialog needs to refocus.

Instead we should be asking why the media represents global warming as a possible fact or a political fiction?  A possible answer to this is that the media loves contention, because it drives viewership. Media steers clear of social policy because that tends to irritate people and then people will change the channel.  Money is driving goal behind media's approach.


How does social media play into the global warming situation?  I think if you wanted to get involved, and raise awareness of the consequences you could.  I also think that many of us are like sheep.  We follow the trends and believe what is being touted on the television. The current conversation isn't about what we can do to slow the process of global warming.  It is about the left versus the right and that is missing the opportunity to enact a change.  This change in opinion will come when people learn how to learn.  This includes doing the research before you blindly form an opinion. Back up your beliefs with facts and become an educated citizen. Then, when you are competently informed you need to vote for those politicians that are in line with your positions for our country.

Interestingly, social media has been involved with the effects of global warming, though I didn't put it together until I read this article.  Did you know that because of the droughts in Syria, it caused a ripple effect for the country?  The farmers migrated into the city because the drought dried up the crops. This led to a social unrest after the Arab Spring, and in turn contributed to their civil war.  All of these events were ultimately caused by human-derived green house gasses which also contributed to the drought.  The chain of events follows: green house gas - global warming - drought - displaced farmers - social unrest - civil war.  Thus, to say that global warming isn't effecting people is faulty and not representative of the facts.

The way that social media has played into this event in Syria is that citizen journalists that have taken to social media to share images and current events as they are unfolding.  Through the reports we have learned about the chemical attacks perpetrated by the Syrian government.  We saw what was really happening and as a result of the footage the U.S. came into the conflict.


Social media gives a voice to any person brave enough to speak.  The truth is that we are all connected in the human experience and this planet belongs to all of us.  The effects of global warming have a greater reach than a rhetorical debate over which came first, the chicken or the egg.  The dialog needs to change in a way that will     create a change.  We need to keep our planet clean.

RELIGION 3.0

What is Religion 3.0?  The Church of Reality has the mantra, "If it's real, we believe in it."  This church claims that religion has evolved from 1.0, which was denoted by the authority of elders.  Religion 2.0 shifted into the authority of scriptures, and now, Religion 3.0 is an age of awakening.  It is defined as the shift from basing religious doctrine on evidence rather than belief.





Another interesting shift in Religion points to the technology side of applications and websites. There are many games that can be downloaded as apps to your phone that allow YOU to be God.  Is this also a shift in Religion 3.0?  For example, games that make you master over its inhabitants include: Godus, Godville, and Sandbox to name a few.  In these games you create the world and are free to "bless" or "punish" your kingdom, create life, help to build communities, and watch over your world.

Also, there are apps that help to encourage religious individuals to connect with each other and to aid them in sharing God's word.  There are even websites devoted to helping Christians meet, date, and mate among fellow Christians.  Many Christians find strength in joining in a cause for prayers, and praying for those that need extra help.  I found many apps for combining the efforts of prayer. Below are listed a few to check out for yourself:
1.  Echo, which helps you organize your prayer lists and offers reminders to help you remember who to pray for.
2.  PrayerMate,  helps you be faithful in prayer and mindful of the topics for your prayers.
3. Instapray, allows you to ask for prayers and connect with loving, caring people. You can pray in smaller or larger prayer groups.

 

    The scope of apps for Religion are not limited to these few examples.  There are apps for sharing the good word, answering unbeliever's questions, listen to uplifting music, and even apps through which believers can easily donate to their congregations.  

    Religion is not being left behind in this technological era.  Rather, they are being marketed to just as freely as the rest of society.  Knowing that people are seeking answers, connection, and ways to contribute, financially or otherwise there will be someone that will answer the call.

  

DARKODE

Wow! I have heard of the hackers targeting big companies like Ashley Madison, Home Depot, and Target to steal data, but this really brings the problem into my own life. The act of remotely hacking into my personal computer and essentially locking me out of my personal documents is infuriating. I would be helpless to retrieve my information without submitting to the hackers demands. Although it is unfair that big businesses are subjected to data hacks, at least they have a fighting chance to avert the attack. People like the grandmother in this report, and everyday people, are easy targets with little defense against this cyber terrorism.

I would have liked the report to at least give a few tips on how to avoid these types of breaches against privacy. Instead, it just dug a little deeper to let you know that some people sell time to others and allow them to remotely spy on your computer too. How do you ever feel safe again? Do you have to back up all your pictures, music, and files by the hour? Do you have to completely unplug to maintain privacy?

The hacker enterprise is one that is continuing to grow and organize. Though law enforcement may momentarily shut it down, it can pop back up again quickly. As an organization that operates in cyberspace it can move and hide in between the ones and zeros. Privacy may be a luxury of the past.

PRIVACY 2.0

In an era of amazing technological advances we are a connected people.  There are many ways to stay in contact with family and friends.  From texts, calls, instant messaging, Skype, Facetime, Facebook chat, and email, just to name a few.  As society is constantly plugged in, the vulnerability of technological violations of privacy are eminent.

The real question is what is your privacy worth to you?  Is completely limiting your activities to snail mail and rotary phones going to maintain your private life?  I don't think that "unplugging" is going to help preserve privacy.  Perhaps moving off the grid and living in a tent while picking berries and bow hunting deer may give you head start to anonymity.  But, even if you go to all that trouble, the google car is bound to spot you and your cover will be blown.

The truth about our Nation of Secrets is that we have given them the green light to track our lives, and it is all under the premise that in doing so we will be safer.  Our state of fear following 9/11 resulted in giving up privacy rights that would have been adamantly protected before.  A quote by Dwight B Eisenhower highlights how one can have complete safety.  He said, "If you want total security, go to prison.  There you're fed, clothed, given medical care and so on. The only thing lacking is freedom."  Now we have allowed our government unlimited access in the name of security. They can track our web searching, our phone calls and texts, and any other data that is emitted via technology.  But hey, we are now "secure."

It is also alarming that hackers, which previously targeted businesses and government entities are turning their aim toward everyday people.  With such personal information at their fingertips and no compassion for the lives impacted there is no limit to the people that will be impacted.  A recent tactic is hacking into your personal computer and essentially blocking all your access to your files. For a small fee, they will unlock your data which they so kindly locked from you.  Hackers are forming communities of their own.  Darkode is an online forum that unites hackers; it gives them a location to collaborate, trade, and sell. They are virtually unstoppable, when the government shut it down, it only took a few weeks and they were back online.

The truth is that our ever connected society is firmly connected.  People travel through their lives, posting joys, frustrations, and ideas as they are experienced in real time.  To opt out of social media and technology would be opting out of experiencing relationships as they are shared in our current day and age.  The reality that we may be subject ourselves to a breach of our privacy does not justify opting out of the experiences available through our evolving technology.

ON THE MEDIA: ABORTION POLLING

PHYSICAL- The conversations about abortion and women's rights are expressed in many places. From the virtual realm of Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to the physical news outlets are all providing the stage for this heated debate. Many people also take to the streets, abortion clinics, and legislative offices where they picket to express the diverse views surrounding abortion.

PSYCHOLOGICAL- The psychological aspect of the abortion debate, and the relationship to the polling reflects deeply rooted beliefs.  Those that are Pro Choice lament that the woman should not be dictated concerning her own body.  While the other side, Pro Life is also equally adamant that the voiceless infants also deserve a choice about their growing bodies.  There is merit in both sides of the argument and the polling of Fox News is attempting to get a better grasp on the opinions concerning the issue.  Gaining further insight into the minds of both sides of the issue through more directive questions allows a different conversation.  Rather than glossing the surface of anti-life or anti-women's rights, the dialogue can move into a more substantive direction.

SOCIAL- The social ramifications of limiting and banning abortions is that the poor and uneducated are those that are the most adversely affected.  These women are often struggling to support the families that they have.  An abortion, is the only option they believe will allow them to survive. On the other side of that, these women that do have abortions and then regret their choice are left with little support.

CULTURAL- There is a great divide on the morality of abortion because both sides of the issue believe there is no questioning their stance. This division limits a common ground and conversation between opposing viewpoints.  The new take on polling individuals about the underlying feelings surrounding the controversial subject encourages a new discussion about abortion.  It becomes a step in the right direction to help people understand the complexity of abortion, that it is not simply a black and white issue, there is a lot of gray.

TEMPORAL-  This is a topic that is not going away.  It has always been a hotly debated topic which will continue because of the lines that are drawn in the sand by both sides. 

It is important to bring the underlying opinions that are articulated by incorporating more in depth questions. This creates more thought behind why or what opinions are formulated about abortion, rather than a broad-brush answer of right or wrong.

DEMOCRACY 2.0

Democracy.  What is it supposed entail?  The definition of democracy is "a system of government by the whole population of all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives."  Is that really what we are experiencing in America?  Or are politicians voting based on the companies that line their pockets with the most money?  Or trading votes with other politicians based on their own personal agendas?  Where is our voice, the citizen's voice?

Democracy 2.0 holds an amazing prospect, and I personally hope that the momentum continues to grow.  Through social media, and by tapping into the vein of Americans, with their constantly  plugged in mentality democracy 2.0 is a wonderful idea.  The internet has become a bridge that is capable of linking people, ideas, and opinions.  The voice of the majority can be calculated and shared with those that are elected to vote on our behalf.  

Pia Mancini and her organization, Democracy OS is revolutionizing the opportunity that the citizen has to participate in government.  Through this software they will make available the legislation that is on the floor.  This will be explained in terms that are more easily understood to the population. Additionally, this will encourage the conversations about the upcoming legislation available, and there is also a button to choose either for or against the bill.  

This information is then available to the elected official.  Democracy OS is trying to take this one step further and promote their own candidate that will be held to the voice of the people that are voting through the software.  Although they were unable to get their candidate elected this time, the current government in Argentina is now willing to look at the data that they are collecting through the votes collected through their software.  


Why is this uniting of citizens important?  In an era of fear we have given up immense amounts of privacy. The Patriot Act opened the floodgates that allowed the government to legally begin spying on American Citizens.  The government has found loopholes around the laws and have taken information on Americans under the guise of National Security.  

We will only have a voice when we unite with those that share our ideals.  A new way of uniting is through social media outlets.  This wave of technology can be the change that finally brings change and accountability to our elected officials.  The views of the majority will have a voice.  

ON THE MEDIA: VIENNA TRAIN STATION

War-torn Syria has its residents fleeing by the droves.  This on the media report focuses on the individuals that are at the Vienna train station in Austria, seeking refuge in neighboring countries. Currently, they are in Vienna as they await their next home.

PHYSICAL
The report is based in the Austria train station.  Refugees are escaping the war in Syria and migrating to Germany.  Many are displaced and camping out around the train station.

PYSCHOLOGICAL
These refugees left their homes and are disheveled and desperate, and there is uncertainty in their future.  The good news is that the Austrian people are opening their hearts to their plight, versus the response from the Austrian government, which have issued a cold shoulder. 

SOCIALLY
The interesting facet about the social connection is that there is a human connection.  The Austrians are witnessing the conditions that the refugees are struggling with and doing something about it.  They are providing tents, food, and helping to ease their suffering.  Also, the Austrian's are connecting with each other via social media.  The bulk of the truth in reporting is coming from their own social networks.  The Austrians are disgusted with the lack of aid from the established political parties.  Many feel ashamed with the leadership's response to the situation, which is hiding responsibility by saying that there may be terrorists among the refugees.  Even local companies are donating to the refugee cause, and allowing "help time" for their employees to render aid. 

CULTURAL
The Austrians are changing the perception of their culture.  These acts of kindness towards the Syrians are rewriting their history as a collective group of compassionate and generous people.

TEMPORAL
The time frame of the Syrian was has been going on for over 4 years. The ramifications of the war are affecting both the Syrians and the communities that are receiving them in real time. 

The desperate situation of the refugees is being aided by the people of Austria.  The citizens are communicating amongst one another, and businesses are stepping in to alleviate the suffering.  This is being done in spite of the lack of influence and organization of the government.  People helping people is the best part of this story. 

LEARNING 2.0

 Education  is an important part of our culture.  We want to live in a society which values education and empowers its citizens to be informed.  The new innovations in technology have afforded society with many methods for retrieving and disseminating information. Social media is an added component available to education in our always plugged-in society.  It became the horrifying images that flooded twitter when the reporter was shot, a voice for the #blacklivesmatter, and money to the ALS cause with #icebucketchallenge on Facebook.  The question is whether this sharing of information is actually education?  Or should education be considered best within the traditional form of a school house?  What constitutes learning? Has it evolved to include the various avenues of social media?

Some of the benefits of incorporating social media in the classroom are to promote student interest.  When students are engaged it is linked to positive student learning outcomes, as evidenced with critical thinking and individual student development. There are several factors to consider with increased use of social media in the classroom. An increase in peer interactions occur with social media and relationships are available through this medium.  Twitter provides a running history of the movements as they unfold.  Also collaborations are made available, and this is especially useful through google docs, where entire groups can develop a project and continue to improve it in differing spaces and times.  Additionally, this aids in knowledge development because students are encouraged to read peer inputs  to classroom discussion, and come to understand the differing viewpoints on many subject.  The virtual classroom is a new venture, and once the students get comfortable in the new environment it can be a place for a different learning experience.  In these examples, yes sharing information can be educational.   School doesn't have to be constrained to a brick and mortar building.  Current events are important to understand because it is the newest history that is being written right before our eyes.  Social media has grown and there is something we can learn from it everyday.

Everybody learns in a different way, and the generations that are going through school now  are extremely comfortable in the virtual community that houses our society.

 Through this medium, many are embracing its possibilities and sharing the present as it passes through time.  The question isn't can social media allow education, the question is what are you going learn from it?  The answer is up to you.

ON THE MEDIA: WAIT...THERE IS A LAW

INTRODUCTION

Kim Davis believes she took a religious stand against gay marriage, and she refused to give marriage licenses to gay couples in Kentucky.  As a county clerk, that was her job.  Since the Supreme Court ruled that gay marriage is now legal, Kim Davis knew that as a county clerk issuing marriage licenses, her religious beliefs may be impacted by her job.  My question is WHY didn't this issue get dealt with BEFORE she started denying marriage licenses????

Other states have dealt with this by having those that work in the marriage license offices that are not opposed to gay marriage, be the individuals that issue those licenses.  It appears to have been drawn out for drama, especially since they were able to assign her to a different department after the public display.

PHYSICAL

The location for this played out in Kentucky, and was distributed by many news channels. Additionally, people have taken to Facebook to either decry or praise Kim Davis for her actions. This news about her has been added to Twitter, and political candidates have attached their names to her cause. Also memes are popping up with comments both for and against her behavior too.

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PSYCHOLOGICAL

The impact has to do with the impasse.  There is not a way for everyone to be content.  The law is now in place and everyone has the legal right to marry whomever they choose.  People opposed to gay marriage are not easily changing their minds.  While those that are behind the equalization of gays to include marriage are equally set in their mindset.  Both sides should be afforded their opinions.  The happy medium is for people to work in jobs that don't require them to do something that is against their religious ideals.

SOCIAL

The Supreme Court has ruled that gay marriage is legal and the country is adjusting.  There are growing pains as people learn how to accept the new reality.  Back in the 1960s our nation had to adjust as the Civil Rights Movement brought about great change,  and as the black community was able to integrate into the fabric of America. There was opposition from some while others more fully accepted the change.  The same is true today.  Now, gay marriage is a part of the American experience, and it is available for those that choose it for their lives.  Some will continue to kick and scream and drag their feet, but that won't change the present.  Gay marriage is here to stay.


CULTURAL

The underlying theme is a diversification of culture.  Kim Davis and her supporters honestly feel that God abhors gay marriage.  This is a strong belief, and because she was willing to go to jail rather than issue a marriage license to a gay couple she has endeared herself as a martyr for the cause.

Conversely, the LGBT community has finally been recognized as a legitimized entity, and to have the new privilege of marriage denied feels like a slap in the face.  This has been a long battle for their organization.  The governing body decreed that this is a right they have, but Kim Davis and others are not allowing it based on religion.

TEMPORAL

Gay marriage is like Obamacare.  It is implemented, and it is not going away soon.  The continued political support for the martyrdom of Kim Davis is going to keep this story alive for some time.  The division of opinions between the sides of gay marriage and religious freedom is causing a gulf, where neither side is able to see eye to eye.  If one side wins, then the other side loses.

CONCLUSION

Those that are fighting against it based on their belief in God are missing an important piece to God's puzzle. According to the Bible, one of the commandments is to Love one Another.  It is God's place to judge and man's place to love.  By denying someone something that is legally available to them is judging them.  Kim Davis is free to have her religion and her opinion on gay marriage.  She is also free to choose employment that doesn't conflict with her beliefs.  This creates a win-win, judgement free scenario.

ASHLEY MADISON: THE SECRET IS OUT

Ashley Madison is not the cause of affairs. Ashley Madison is a symptom of a growing problem infecting communities and families around the globe.  Many believed they had found a safe way to have their cake and eat too.  Now that reality has unleashed, they have been told the buffet is over and now it is time pay.  You are always free to make your own choices, but you don't get to choose your consequences.

PHYSICAL - The physical beginning of the Ashley Madison kingdom was built online.  Men and women used the anonymity the site provided to seek relationships outside of their marriages. Then, if the chats and flirts in the virtual world proved promising, they would move to the physical reality and take the "relationship" to the next level.  This model proved successful for many years as Ashley Madison grew in users.  Until, of course, the security of the site was breached and the users were exposed.  The secret, double lives of its users were now published for the world and their spouses to view.  As the old Chinese Proverb teaches: "If you don't want anyone to find out, don't do it."  Some people that hid behind the screen of darkness found their physical world turned upside down, as the cloak of Ashley Madison came crashing to the ground.


PSYCHOLOGICAL - There are several perspectives to consider regarding psychological implications.  The user of Ashley Madison believes that there is an unmet sexual need or lacking of emotional intimacy in the marriage.  The offended spouse is feeling abandoned and betrayed.  Additionally, the families of those outed for a spouses infidelity because of the data breach are also damaged in the wake of scandal.  Divorce and distrust in marriage have a domino effect and hurts children too. Many lose their belief that love lasts, and feel torn between their love for their parents and                                                               choosing one parent's side over the parent.  One person's decision
                                                      to secretly have an affair does not only impact themselves.  

SOCIAL - The social implication is an interesting aspect of the Ashley Madison data breach.  Now that the system has been exposed and hacked, the inner workings of the business model are available to dissect.  The married straight men were baited by "female bots," who are not even real women. Also, only 8% of females were users on the site.  Ashley Madison catered more to these straight men and engaged as an organization in the interactions they experienced.  Socially, these men were seeking a fantasy, an escape from the mundane existence of the work, wife, kids, and PTA. Evidently, the role these husbands and fathers are playing at home are not meeting their needs or expectations.

CULTURAL - The popularity of this type of website speaks volumes as to the values and ideals that are held in societies across the world.  Since Ashley Madison was available in over 30 languages people in many nations participated in seeking affairs and relationships that were married. Culturally, people have become desensitized as to the sanctity and purpose of a marriage.  Television shows, movies, and even cartoons depict people having affairs on spouses.  Over 50% of married women will have affairs, and 60% of married men will have affairs.  As the familiarity with watching people cheat on spouses becomes a regular occurrence it is not surprising that Ashley Madison gained such a wide spread following.  The surprise is that everyone is surprised, and then pretend to act like they have never thought anything like this site could exist.  It exists everyday in everyone's home when they turn on their televisions.

TEMPORAL -Social Media has taken Ashley Madison and exposed not only its users, but is also broadcasting its inner workings and how it targeted specific users.  When the hackers breached the security which Ashley Madison had promised its users, it needed the channels that social media provided to make its threats and wreak the most havoc.  This venue was provided in real time and reached the hacker's desired audiences exactly when they desired.  Then, without the hackers trying, twitter, Facebook, and news outlets began to add fuel to the fire.  Reading through some tweets about the scandal reveal that there is less outrage about the hack than when Target and Home Depot experienced breaches.  Most felt that the Ashley Madison users deserved this timely consequence.

Eventually the lies you live will become your truth.  This topic is very personal to me and my opinion is that if people want to live the single lifestyle, then they should not play the types of games that are enabled by websites like Ashley Madison.  Our society teaches through its media that relationships are meant to be broken and twisted.  We shouldn't pretend to be appalled when our society reflects what it experiences through these channels.

SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN PLAN

SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN PLAN

1. Your campaign involves a Facebook page based on a theme and defined communication objectives - the type of business or community page you wish to develop and describes your social media presence, your venture's name and mission.

https://www.facebook.com/Rowland-Stone-155320591172898/timeline/

• This Facebook page is for Rowland Stone.  It is a family owned and operated business that is located in St. George, Utah.  The type of page I would like to create is a local business page and the type of social media presence I would like is one that represents ideas for landscaping projects using our materials of rock, flagstone, and boulder.  I think this would be effectively communicated by posting pictures of landscapers and homeowners completed projects.  Offering some advertising to these landscapers and accolades for the homeowners that participate.  

• The venture's name is Rowland Stone and the mission is: 
• At Rowland Stone, we are a 20 plus year, family-owned rock company.  We supply the necessary landscape rock, flagstone, and boulders to compete with the water deprived environment of this beautiful desert community we all call home.  We believe in going the extra mile, providing excellent customer service, and standing behind the quality of our products.  We are in business to rock it.  We are able to support eight local families that work for us, and are still able to invest in growing our business.  We service St. George and many of the outlying communities surrounding us.  We believe in achieving high customer satisfaction and work diligently to resolve any issues with speed and compassion. The employees that work for us are part of the family at Rowland Stone.  Several employees have been with our company for over a decade.  We want our employees to feel at home here, as well as any customer that walks through our doors.  

2. Your campaign plan posted on your blog includes a minimum of three market personas, people-types you want to target for successful clicking. 

1. Landscapers - These individuals are the bread and butter for our organization.  Helping them market their work will also help benefit Rowland Stone. As more people find a highlighted landscaper to do their projects for them, which will result in more rock products purchased.
2. Home-owners - These customers provide a word-of-mouth referral that helps generate more business. As one person beautifies their property, the next neighbor likes to "keep up with the Joneses."
3. Concrete/Pool/Construction workers - These individuals also constitute a bread and butter for business.  Pool workers use flagstone in facades for waterfalls into pools and many boulders to build walls around pools.  Concrete workers use a lot of mason sand for curbing around landscapes.  Then Construction workers need varying products depending on the scope of what they are completing. Some need lava cinders for outdoor fire pits, others flagstone walkways, and some rock in bags to protect water flow onto city streets. 

3. Your campaign plan posted on your blog explains your tactics; how you will reach your audience, including cross-promotion on other social media channels, and how you will make your page compelling.

• How to reach audience - I plan to send out an email blast recommending joining the Facebook page, and explaining how posting pictures of completed projects to the site will draw business for themselves.  Additionally, I plan to establish a regular content posting routine.  In this weekly post I will discuss a suggestion to keeping your yard looking great, or sharing information about a new product we have, or sharing a picture I received from a homeowner or landscaper/contractor that is unfamiliar with how to post on social media.  

• Another tactic to reach the audience will be to determine common interests based on a search of similar Facebook pages using Graph Search. Then, based on that information, I will run highly targeted Facebook ads.  Finally, I plan to offer something of value in an effort to draw out a like to the page, by linking the like to the use of the value.  Also I plan to use #hashtags to cross promote on twitter.  Finally, I plan to offer a physical location for the food trucks during lunch time and promote that on Facebook as the food trucks would also promote the location to their customers.  This would also be a physical draw for people driving past to notice the food truck and then make a mental note of the business where they saw it parked.

RACISM 2.0

DISCUSSION
Why can't we all just get along? This is a question that has
been plaguing society for generations.  What is the cause for the disparity between the races?  Is one race greater than another?  This isn't a black and white issue. This is an issue that effects individuals, families, and generations.

The current image of racism is shifting.  There is still much attention given to those that spew thoughtless and harmful insults targeting individuals because of their skin color. This is true for any variation on the color wheel, and includes the LGBT community.  The point is that these outlandish comments detract from where the focus of racism has shifted.  Racism 1.0 has morphed from easily
interpreted judgements into the form of Racism 2.0, which
requires an educated ear to hear its voice.

Let me explain.

Since Racism 2.0 is a covert form of racism, many have difficulty deciphering it.   Then, because it is more challenging to recognize, it is viewed as a problem that is no longer in existence.  When, in fact it happens every day but simply slides under the radar of overt accountability. This is mostly because it lacks the crass nature of Racism 1.0.  A broad example of Racism 2.0 relates a white person, who proclaims to not be a racist making a covertly racist statement.  For instance,  a white person, noting how amazing it is that this black man was so "well spoken" or "articulate," but then thinks nothing of their comment. It sounds like a complement. Though, the underlying question to counter this "non-racist" statement is: Why shouldn't this person be well spoken or articulate?  The color of his skin should not result in a surprise at the high aptitude the individual achieves.  This is Racism 2.0.

POSITION

There is truth to the statement that "It's HARD to see RACISM when you're white."  The reason this is true is because of the unspoken ideal of white privilege.  Tim Wise, an advocate of combatting racism,  relates that it is his intent is to educate white people about the disparity between other races versus the white race.  For example, white privilege is defined by the White Privilege Conference, which includes being able to:

• Assume that those you are studying about in school will be the same race, gender or sexual orientation that you are.
• Assume that your failures are not a result of or attributed to your race or gender.
• Not have to think about your race, gender, sexual orientation, or disabilities on a daily basis.

Many whites, like myself have these advantages in our daily lives.  We are not given a wary eye as we pass others on the street.  We are not targeted as potential criminals because of our white skin.  We are afforded the opportunity to conduct our lives without the interference of judgements from strangers that know nothing of our intentions.  We are free to live the American dream, and this opportunity is something that every American deserves.  

An interesting scenario  was mentioned in a thesis I researched about Racism 2.0.  The activity described is called the Race Game.  To play the game the white student was required to use the word "white" whenever they described their encounter with a white person.  For example one might say,"I was at this restaurant, and the white waitress I had was so friendly."  The "game" is intended to point out that "whiteness is never acknowledged by white people."  

If this is true then that means that whenever one is describing an encounter and inserts, "black guy" or "hispanic girl," etc., then that is also a form of racism 2.0.  There is a dividing line between the races and one of the keys to removing the barrier is in the use of language.  Referring to a person as a person is the human element that can build bridges and unite races.  We can all get along. The only disparity between the races are the ones that are so engrained we don't even realize they exist.  It can be a black and white issue, an open and shut case.  It is right to treat others with respect and dignity, without prejudice and judgement.  Together we can derail the movement of Racism 2.0.