I use Google in some way, shape, or form everyday.
Even right now, I am blogging only because of Google.
Until this prompt was posted, I had no idea how often I used Google. However, in order to fully answer the question asked in the prompt, I came to the conclusion that I must deeply reflect on how often I use Google on a day to day basis. The result: I use the search engine way more than I thought and probably way more than I should. I found that I would "Google" almost anything and everything; I would search addresses to businesses, I would search for more information on recent news, and even search how to spell basic words. Furthermore, I realized that most of my classes and school activities used g-mail, Blogger, and Google Docs to help us exchange information and communicate effectively.
In short, I have come to the realization that our society is not addicted to the search engine, but rather our society has become too reliant on it. Without Google, we could survive, yet it would be difficult for us to do so. We would have to revert back to our old ways of communication and old ways of gathering information. This might be an issue for our culture today, as we have gotten acclimated to the fast pace tempo the internet offers us.
For our first blog post, SPC 260 was called to closely read an interview conducted by Rebecca Blood. After, we were instructed to write and reflect on our own personal reactions to the interview.
At first, I did a quick scan through each of the interviews, not knowing which one to pick. I was unable to identify interview subjects and had no idea what each interview was even about. Finally, by random, I chose to read the interview with Tiffany B. Brown. Almost immediately after I started reading her interview, I began to regret which link I clicked. I found my mind wandering as I began to think of things like "What time is practice again" or "What should I eat for dinner"? But, as the interview continued, my attention shifted back to the article as Rebecca Blood prompted Tiffany Brown with more interesting questions.
While reading on, I discovered that I was wrong in my initial judgment of this interview. This interview isn't boring or ordinary. In fact, it is quite the opposite. For starters, the format of the interview itself is unique. Rebecca Blood interviews fellow bloggers about blogging. This is an approach to an interview I would have never thought of. In addition, the format also provides readers with a chance to read up on a subject matter that interests them. Instead of reading a step by step instruction guide, this interview provides those who want to know all about blogging with the right answers. For instance, from this interview I learned several new things about creating and running a blog. First, I found that running a blog is a real time commitment. In the interview, Brown with the right inspiration it is easy for her to update her blog multiple times a day. However, in an average week she updates her blog every two to three days. I knew that blogs took patience and time, but I was unaware having a blog is almost like having a second job. Next, I discovered that enabling comments and feedback is pertinent to blog popularity and increase in traffic. Initially, I wasn't fond on the notion of allowing comments, yet this interview allowed me to realize that everyone wants to have a voice and provide their personal opinion or experience with the subject. Allowing members of the community to do so sparks conversation and then brings attention to your blog. Finally, I learned that blogging can lead to opportunity. Gone are the days where blogging is just a hobby, now blogging can to lead to new employment opportunities. Tiffany Brown writes that blogging is a way of self-promotion and I could not agree with this idea more.
Overall, I liked reading this interview. It was rough to get into at the start, but once I continued to read my interest started to grow. I am glad I was introduced to an interview about blogging because it provided me with information and tips I can apply to my own blog and future career.
