Assignments

Blog

You will create a blog to which you will post your written responses to reading assignments. This is similar to writing a respose paper but you are posting it online instead of turning it in on paper.

Semester Blog Response Topics and Articles

1. Respond to the documentary "Startup.com" (also available in the library)
2. Piracy is Progressive Taxation, and Other Thoughts on the Evolution of Online Distribution - Tim O'Reilly
3. Cory's DRM Talk at Microsoft Research (or PDF) AND DRM sucks redux: Microsoft to nuke MSN Music DRM keys AND Wal-Mart now says they'll keep DRM servers on forever
4. TV viewers' average age hits 50
5. Get Out of My Namespace
6. The Long Tail
7. 1000 True Fans, The Reality of Depending on True Fans, and The Case Against 1000 True Fans, The Problem With 1,000 True Fans

Blog Entry Guidlines

• Title your blog entries with the blog assignment number (and preferably the title of the article to which you're responding)
• Do not just summarize the article.
• You should have formulate a thesis or argument(s) that you support in the blog post.
• Your summary of the article should only be a couple of sentences. Most of the blog entry should expound on the issues raised in the article. (assume that the blog reader has already read the article)
• If you're "stuck" for something to write about try answering these questions like "What happens when the current technologies become 1/10 the size or the price or 10 times faster? How will those changes magnify the issues presented?" For instance, how does the power of a desktop in a laptop (1/10th the size) or a smartphone (1/100th the size) affect how they are used? How does broadband connectivity (50 times fast than dial-up) affect how people use the Internet?
• You are encouraged to link to outside sources to support your arguments.
• Grammar, spelling, clear communication, and well-supported arguments all count.
• Entries should be about 2 double spaces pages (about 500 words) of solid writing and well-supported ideas. Do not attempt to pad lazy thinking by filling your entry with with vauge fluff that says nothing.
• Remember your blog name, login, and password or things will go very badly.
  
• You may want to type your blog entries in a text editor or word processor, in case there is a problem posting to the blog. Safari sometimes has issues pasting rich-text into Blogger, try using Firefox if you are unable to paste text in the Blogger window.
• Always keep a backup copy of your blog entries in case Blogger has a problem or you have trouble posting.
• Blog entries are due before class on the date specified regardless of whether you are having a problem with Blogger. Bring in a paper copy and an electronic copy on disk if you have to.

Creating Your Blog

1. Go to www.blogger.com and create an account (if you have a Google or Gmail account you may be able to sign in with those credentials)
2. When you have the option to choose where your blog will be hosted, choose the blogspot.com option.
3. Name your blog, write a short description, and choose a visual style for the blog. (you can go back and change these later). Your first and last name must appear on the blog.
4. Enter your 1st and last name (or something close) to create a unique URL at blogspot.com for your blog. For example: johnsmith.blogspot.com
5. Post a test entry to your new blog and then publish your blog entry to make sure it works.
6. After you have posted an entry, choose "View Blog (in a new window)". Notice the URL and the appearance. This is how other people see your blog. You should see the test entry that you just made.
7. Copy and paste the complete URL of your blog from the browser (http://yourname.blogspot.com) and email it to me.
8. I will subscribe to your blog with an RSS Reader and see your new blog posts automatically when you publish them.

Posting to Your Blog

1. Go to www.blogger.com and log in. DO NOT create a new account or a new blog for every entry.
2. Write your blog entry (saving frequently as you go) or cut and paste the previously written text from your word processor into the Post window.
3. Publish the Blog.
4. After you have posted an entry, choose "View Blog (in a new window)". You should see the entry that you just made at the top and older entries should appear below. If you don't see the post that you just added, return to the other window (blogger.com) and re-publish the blog.
5. Save a copy of your blog entry in your word processor.
6. You should check your actual public blog page or subscripe to your blog's RSS feed to confirm that your posts are successful.