Lady Gaga's "LittleMonsters" site

So you want to gather a group of outrageously adoring fans in one location? Easy. Build a website! From her catchy pop-dance tunes to over-the-top extravagant outfits, Lady Gaga is anything but ordinary. What is the best word to describe Lady Gaga? According to fanpop.com, many users have said “unique”, “GAGA”, “GAGARIFIC”, “oddly awesome”, and my favorite: “f*cking mad”. Obviously, some of these exclamations are more than one word but…you get the point.

 Dubbed the reigning queen of Twitter with currently more than 24 million followers, Gaga has not only dominated this popular social media site (and surely populated many many fans through other social networking channels), but has also recently launched her own social site called “LittleMonsters”. How outrageous is that?!

But let’s take a stroll down Gaga history lane (I made that up) and dig deeper into “LittleMonsters”. You’re probably wondering why she chose such a discrete name for a website by now. I mean I never would’ve thought of that one!

For those who are not die-hard fans, the term “Little Monsters” may not sound familiar, otherwise you would already have called yourself a “Little Monster” (you will see why later on) and understood the term. In short, after working on her second album which took on the theme of monsters, Gaga started to address her fans as her “Little Monsters”, mainly because of all the screaming and crawling (oh, beloved fans) that they did during her live performances. She had also named herself “Mother Monster”, which you can find on her other social media sites like Twitter (mostly taken from Gagapedia: http://ladygaga.wikia.com/wiki/Little_Monsters). A more creative definition of a “Little Monster” on urban dictionary reads the following:

“Someone who lives and breathes Lady Gaga. We make clothes out of random household materials, spend hours learning her dances, and cry about how much we love her when we're drunk.

We're easily identifiable; the more extreme little monsters usually have white hair and crazy makeup, but every little monster can be distinguished from a crowd.

I acknowledge that we are all batshit crazy.”

This of course won over 258 thumbs up, showing how righteous this definition is to the public. I certainly approve, so technically it’s 260 thumbs up now (everyone has 2 thumbs, which is why it is an even number, aha!). Alas, the story behind the name of the “LittleMonsters” website. 

With social media being the most widely used form of communication between people from around the world, it is no wonder LittleMonsters is a great way to build a community site. With millions of loving fans from around the world, this newly launched site is a place that is exclusively dedicated to praising anything Gaga-related. What makes it so wonderful is that it’s not just any site—Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, or whatever that is being used to serve as a bridge to post Gaga-related materials on, but LittleMonsters is officially Lady Gaga’s own site and fans can post right on the site without having to feel out of place. Without having to look for a fan-based group on Facebook for instance, posting on your own wall, or even on Gaga’s own Facebook site, you can simply post right on the LittleMonsters site comfortably and know that everyone in this community are all big fans just like you.

Creating a website such as LittleMonsters has both its benefits and downfalls. Although there are not many concerns when it comes to the limitations of a personal website, there are much more benefits that outweigh the downfalls in this situation.

The benefits for Gaga are that she has a community of fans (although not all is present or know about the site or don’t visit the site) that she can keep track of, she has a website that she can call her own and do whatever she likes with it, and most importantly, the site is a personal site that she can communicate with her fans privately, as if in her own house or territory, unlike some other social media sites that contains unwanted materials (ads) on the page which distracts the overall atmosphere of the visit, the user experience. The importance of a “personal” site versus simply being on a social media networking site that is and almost will always be created by someone else is largely different. This is mainly because these networking sites tend to be sponsored and supported by many other companies (meaning they help pay to keep the site up or offer goods) that want to plaster their names wherever they can on pages that people visit so that everyone knows who they are. Dully noted, there are even individual businesses that pay social networking sites to run ads through their pages so that they can spread the word about the amazing products and services that they have. Notice the random ads on the side of the pages yet?

The benefits for fans are that they have an environment to share and converse with one another all the things they love, have experienced, stumbled upon, or found interesting online that are Gaga-related. As human beings, we tend to be more comfortable around the people that we have more things in common with and so LittleMonsters provides an outlet for fans to express their unconditional love for their Mother Monster. “Little Monsters” (fans) have the basic features of posting in the news feed, following other little monsters, messaging, and commenting. More specific things that fans can do is post up pictures, videos, or news, engage in discussions, or participate in “open chats” found at the top right-hand corner of the screen, which allows you to either join existing little chat rooms or create a new room. These are just the many ways that users can participate on the site. Fans can also submit feedback of what they like and don’t like about the site and maybe even spread the word about the site so that others are aware or may even request to try out the site themselves too.

The only downfalls I see personally from this site is that it is still in beta-version, meaning that not everyone is able to sign up for an account in order to have access to the site immediately. I had to wait 20 days before the Admin invited me to go on the site after I had sent in a request prior to that. Being in beta also means that the website still has some testing that needs to be done, mainly to figure out what content or tools needs to be adjusted or changed based on how the current group of people are using it and what sorts of feedback the site is getting. Another downfall, more like an annoyance, is that the site is somewhat glitchy. I’ve noticed that when editing some materials in my profile, the site would totally break and freeze for a few moments to the point where I need to go back to another page then back in again to continue editing my information. 

A personal website such as LittleMonsters may also not serve the same purposes or have the same elements or entertainment choices that a social networking site like Facebook might have. LittleMonsters in comparison to other sites is a hybrid between Pinterest and Reddit, it is more for posting interesting materials (photos, videos, links, comments), getting up-votes, and having discussions. In comparison, Facebook may have other features other than posting material up—one can play games, build individual groups, create events or invitations, and many more. This doesn’t seem to be the problem for fans that strictly want to go on a site that will allow them to talk about their idol, however it may restrict what users can do on a website.

Aside from observing the basic pros and cons, LittleMonsters has focused on other social media strategies that ultimately help understand how to build a thriving community. With all of the support, followers, fans, and likes that Gaga has developed over the years, key points in Lady Gaga’s life has led her to this very day. You may have first noticed her as a pop-dance singer, perhaps from her “Just Dance” billboard-charting single, and as the years progressed, she released a few albums: “The Fame”, “The Fame Monster”, and just last year “Born This Way”. 

During the past few years, she had also built a reputation for being a rather odd, different, all the words mentioned earlier in the blog, kind of person. This statement that she makes with being different eventually made her a fashion icon, one that is quirky and wears avant garde (fashion terminology), meaning “pushing the boundaries” sort of experimental looks, in the media. If you haven’t paid much attention to how Lady Gaga looks, she most likely always wears something out of the ordinary, things that will get you saying either “WTF” or “Wow, now that’s something you don’t see everyday”.  Gaga’s strategy not only touches upon doing things away from the norm, but she is representative of all those that are seen as different in society, especially in her latest album “Born This Way”, where the overall theme of the album is to empower everyone to basically be happy for who they are.

The strategy to relate to people, especially in the current era that we live in, can certainly impact many important influencers in a way that will get them to talk about you through social media. When you gather enough life-long fans, that relationship will always remain there. This is what makes Gaga’s social media strategies so powerful is because she is one of the most independent, interesting (however strange) looking people out there that has the ability to capture, relate, and almost lead a generation of independent-hungry people out there that want to be different too.

The statements that Lady Gaga showcases in her attitude, songs, and fashion overall inspires other people to do the same and that is why she has no issues developing such a large fan base. Everyone simple loves what she does and what she represents. How a website is successful is quite dependent on it’s users and because Gaga is known world-wide, it makes it that much easier to create a personal website dedicated to her and her “Little Monsters”. There is absolute certainty that there will be people out there who would be more than willing to join a site such as Lady Gaga because she is just that famous! Well, other than fame, there are a lot of interesting things to talk about when it comes to Mother Monster, so having a social site herself would be no issue. Without people and without something to talk about, there wouldn’t be a social site in the first place. 

Mother Monster, you are definitely something to talk about. Paws up! (Since we're her Little Monsters, we don't have hands). 

My Multimedia Resume

So, after writing a little bit about Multimedia Resume, whether or not they are the way of the future, and of course listing the do's and don'ts, I've decided to create my own!
 Take a look at my multimedia resume! The theme as you can see if technology!

Multimedia Resumes a big hit?!

 When applying for a job, there are always things to consider:

1.     Preparing a resume

2.     Applying for a job

3.     If I get a job, I need to do an interview

4.     Fill out some more paperwork

Of course, this is just a short summary of a long process, but the point being is the one at the very top: preparing a resume.  Now, there are many interesting and creative ways you can create a resume that best suits the job you are applying for. While many individuals prefer creating their resume using the old-fashion way; words on a white piece of paper (typed of course), lines spaced out correctly, checking margins, bolding out important key words, and making some words bigger than others, there is one way that actually has some potential in the field of social media. We (and by “we” I mean those who actually get what these resumes are) like to call this sort of resume “Multimedia Resumes”. Below are some examples of these types and how they are effective:

As many would say, “Pictures are worth a thousand words”, but in this case it means that Hagan Blount is actually willing to walk around publicizing on a nicely printed sign that he is unemployed and willing to “Tweet for Food”, something we can easily just tweet about on our own Twitter and perhaps someone will be willing to fall pity to us, therefore donating some money for food.

How is this resume effective? The simply answer is that it has many many BIG in-your-face words or rather headings that make you want to read more. Not to mention the pretty pictures and large numbers. The guy likes blue and it certainly shows.

Taking a look at this second multimedia resume, the guy (Joe Kelso) seems to be screaming in agonizing pain or perhaps he is screaming that he has many skills, all the while a rope is torturing him to confess it out loud.

From the oh-so blood red font to another in-your-face big lettering and catchy phrase at the bottom; “He was safely locked up—But now he’s out!”, this resume captivates the essence of a man REALLY, I mean REALLY looking for a job. He sure has something to offer, this being that he has “Job Experience” AND “Education” as it’s notably larger than the other fonts. Simple and sweet to the point, the man just wants a job and in it’s horror, this resume painstakingly announces it all with fine mighty details.

Don’t they look spectacular? Well aside from their attractive qualities, it doesn’t seem like multimedia resumes are the way of the future as not many jobs are actually going to care how creative you are in styling your resumes. Although, for some places, especially the technology or media field, might find it tasteful and see that you gave a valiant effort in impressing them.

However… you might want to stick to these Do’s and Don’ts when creating resumes in general (also added tips on creating multimedia resumes):

DOs:

All Resumes:

- Be sure to be clear in your objectives, make sure the company knows what you have to offer and what you aspire to do

- Provide as much work experience as you can, if possible relevant ones so that companies can see that you are an asset to the company

- List your skills, however simple you may think it is, not many people would know how to write awesome blogs like the one you’re reading

Multimedia Resumes:

- Add wow-factor photos to draw the attention of your viewers in

- Colorize your fonts to match the theme of your resume

- Use big, bold words to accentuate important

DON’Ts

- Turn your resumes into a thesis paper, resumes are meant to be as short and a summary of who you are and not your life story (like I once volunteered for an hour, that just looks simply horrifying)

- Print out one copy and think you’re finished, make sure you save your resume on your computer, on a flash drive, on your email, on a website (most handy!), or a few places that you can easily access (you never know when you’ll need it!)

- Forget your contact information (THIS IS IMPORTANT!!), otherwise your employer won’t know how to tell you that you’ve been hired or a potential employee, hence missing out on a great opportunity

Multimedia Resumes:

- Make it seem like you’re turning in a paper, turn in a masterpiece

- Use the same old layout of resumes, make it pop!

- Forget visuals!!!

Now that I’ve expressed my finer thoughts on multimedia resumes and resumes in general, here’s what I’ll be doing since it’s 3am in the morning:

Pinterest vs Video/Photo Sites

I don’t know about you, but I have always loved YouTube, a video site that practically has any kind of music, events, and anything you can film with a video camera or even a video you created on your own.

Another site that I use most often to upload photos is Photobucket, a site that I’ve been quite loyal to for many years (since 2005 to be exact, long huh?).

So how do similar sites like Pinterest, another video/photo content sharing service become so popular to fans as well? After some investigation into my own preferences and that of others, I’ll further compare and contrast the features of Pinterest to that of YouTube and another photo site such as Flickr. I’ll be listing the similarities in a list, while I’ll contrast the differences of the sites individually.

Similarities:

- Upload photos, videos, and links

- Browse or discover other things people have put online

- Comment on other people’s sites

Overall, the basic functionalities of these sites are that you can upload, share, and discover the things that people have uploaded themselves.

Differences:

Pinterest:

- Has a “pin board”

- Layout features everything you’ve “pinned” up

- Easy for people to follow you

- No need to write blogs/messages, just simply put up things you like on your board

- Launched in 2010

YouTube:

- Mostly a video-sharing website

- Top popular website, well-known and used internationally

- Big social impact, people are “discovered” through this site, some become famous

- Owned by Google (also widely known, search engine most popular)

- Launched in 2005

Flickr:

- One of the best online photo sharing management and application

- Can control public viewing of materials

- Owned by Yahoo (has less visitors than Google)

- Launched in 2004

For more information on these sites, please visit the following wiki pages:

Pinterest: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinterest

YouTube: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YouTube

Flickr: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flickr

These sites are very much different. Seemingly, however, Pinterest has managed to pick up many users and fans. The reason? Not a difficult one… I can conclude that it is purely preference and what a user wants to accomplish through using a site. Although there are striking similarities and a wide range of differences across these services, each and every one of them does its own thing. Pinterest, with its engaging pin board and easy-to-share content, allures and encourages users to express what they love. This being the ultimately reason for its success; the site as a whole is a way of expression and way to share with public who someone is based on their likings.

I mean who doesn’t want to be able to express their love for art and dogs? :)

Nike Air Jordans

Ever heard of Jordans?

Boy: “Man dude I totally wanna get them Jordan airs this weekend!”

Boy’s friend: “Dude, yeah! Those are freshhhh!”

For those who don’t know what Jordans are or in the official term, “Air Jordans”, this is what some of them look like:

You may have seen them on your guy friends, on some girls, and even in stores while you were looking for shoes without noticing they were even there. In social media, you probably have seen some of your friends post new shoes that they waited all night for and finally wanted to show them off.

To start off, this brand of Nike shoes has been popularized since 1985 and many of today’s NBA basketball players have been seen to advertise their well-known brand.

More of the brand’s history can be read here on the wiki page:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Jordan

In their social media efforts to advertise the brand, Air Jordans have been featured alongside NBA basketball players during commercial airtime and their most popular logo called the “Jumpman” have been plastered all around. One of their commercials can be seen below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDFqpf-w3WA

Nike has also created a separate website for these “Jumpman” logoed shoes, which displays a variety of colored shoes and apparel one can easily purchase on the site. The most notable features of the site enables customers to “share” shoes that they like onto social media sites such as Facebook, Delicious, Digg, Twitter, and Stumble Upon once you click into one of their items. You may even “Send to a friend” via email or download pictures of the shoes for later purchases.

In my opinion, I think that Nike hopes to achieve exposure of their products via Facebook and Twitter. Nike can use these sites to update their customers, fans, and customers about new products that are on the market, but also can test to see how many responses they receive from a certain product.

In terms of their success, I would measure it as being very well off. I know a lot of people who wear Jordans and purchase the latest ones because of it’s style. In some cases, some of the shoes are limited edition and so many people go crazy to buy the latest trends. Overall, good job Nike! 

Microblogging vs Social Blogs

Social blogs? Microblogging? What the ****!

Yeah, you’re probably wondering why there have been so many new social media terms that keep coming up all of a sudden, of course by now you show know what some of the terms people are using today means… but remember back in the day when the kids around you started using abbreviations you never heard of? I mean one day you’re learning what the term “LOL” means, and the next, in mid conversation, someone says to you that’s SOOOO funny “LMAO”. Whaaa..?

Well anyways, straying off topic there…

Today, I will be talking about the pros and cons of social blogs and microblogging. If for any reason at all you feel like finding out different ways in which you can utilize blogging, this is definitely the perfect “blog” (ironic) for you to read.

Now, what is microblogging? How is it different from social blogs? Is it the same thing?  Well the simple answer could be NO, it’s not, you’re so wrong! But in actuality, there are SOME differences and for the most part, they are ways in which you can blog… depending on how much you really want to write, the sort of functionality, popularity, ECT., that you want to get out of the site. Below I provided a list of pros and cons from both types of social media technology.

Social blogs: Blogger, Xanga, Wordpress

PROS: Long messages, Acts like your own diary online, Can go back and edit content whenever you want

CONS: Inconvenient on mobile devices, Does not display entire messages on feed

Microblogging: Twitter, Tumblr

PROS: Can share thoughts instantaneously with friends, Updates messages on friend’s feeds

CONS: Short messages, Can’t go back and edit messages once posted, Privacy concerns (anyone can view public feed),  Security (sensitive information is displayed)

There you have it! As you can see, both social media technologies have certain kinds of features that the other doesn’t and has advantages that perhaps make it more popular in today’s society. If you want instant comments and responses from your friends and family members, microblogging might be the better choice. But if you want to simply write the story of your life, you may want to consider social blogs.

First Blog

Yay, my first blog! Welcome everyone! :)

It has been soooo long since I've actually found the time to blog about something!! However, I hope my readers won't be disappointed, as I'm going to keep this first one short and simple. I'm hoping to blog longer posts in time.

Today has been such a tiring day! Then again it is Wednesday and what a hectic middle of the day it has been! Hopefully the weather gets a littttttttle bit sunnier so that I don't have to be wrapped up like a present with all these layers and layers of clothing to keep warm.

Btw.. Here's the forecast for the week:

http://www.king5.com/weather/maps?radar=63609937&img=0&c=y&c=n

Yuck... I know! It just seems like it rains like ALL THE TIME!

Hmm, I could've sworn it was already Spring.... buttttt then again it is Seattle. No wonder everyone seems gloom and doom, filling themselves with Starbucks in the morning to stay awake because we have no sunlight to force our eyes to open O_____O... "the light! the light!" -hisses from being a vampire too long-

Anyyyyywhooo, I have a bunch more assignments to do for my classes. Talk about time management, it's already 8pm! After 20 years of practicing, I still can't seem to find the time to do everything in the day! Ah, well... college life!

Feel free to look around! I'll probably post random links/sites/interesting, funny videos or pages I've come across :)

LOL, on the subject of weather changes...