Google Docs Advance Scholastic Achievement

Google Docs has revolutionized the way that people write. It allows many users to edit the same report or paper at the same time. The Internet allows real time access to the document from anywhere in the world. There is so much potential in this type of technology, which hasn't even been explored. I've had the opportunity to use this technology and love it. It makes it easier to make sure the document is more cohesive and the overall voice flows. However, there are some things of which I'm not impressed. After the document is completed, it is necessary to use another program to format it. The formating tools on Google Docs is not user friendly and sometimes doesn't even change when the button is pressed. Another disadvantage is the refresh rate; when many people are editing the document at the same time, it glitches. These are the only major disadvantages that I have come across. In the end this communicative technology is a great benefit to the scholastic and business worlds.

Blog Top Ten

Distinguishing which blogs are better than others is very difficult because there are so many criteria from which to judge. Blogs come in many different styles and varieties that no one blog is the best, but the following is a list of my ten favorite blogs.

1. Between the Hedges - Because I'm a nerd, the first one is a finance blog. I love finance and I'm going to be working with hedge funds, so this is a given.

2. DanRadciffe.co.uk - This blog is for all of those die hard Harry Potter fans, and yes I'm one of them. Has great news on upcoming events, films, and press releases on Harry Potter.

3. Cook and Eat - Hungry? Then try this blog. Vaste collection of recipes and photos for anyone to try. This blog is great for food enthusiasts and the casual chef.

4. Channel Donovan McNabb - Football fans enjoy Donovan McNabb's personal blog on football. Also has links to NBA, MLB, and other athelete blogs. Great way to keep up-to-date on all the sports news.

5. Jim's Chocolate Mission - Calling all chocolate addicts! If you can't help but find yourself always with a chocolate craving, then check out Jim's Chocolate Mission. The best in chocolate is found in this blog. Chocolate products are rated according to taste, aroma, texture, sustenance, and presentation. Better watch out for death by chocolate!

6. 06blog.it - This Italian blog describes anything and everything about Rome. I traveled to Italy in 2008 and fell in love with Rome. Even though this blog is in Italian, it's fun to read and see what's happening in my favorite city. Luckily I speak French and can understand Italian a little bit.

7. Derelictlondon.com - Yes, it's another blog about a city, but it's great to keep posted on world news. I like this blog because I'm going to London in July and can't wait to visit the many historical sites. This blog has some great pictures and news about London.

8. Imaginerding.com - Disney fanatics may find that "It's a Small World After All" with this blog. Imaginerding has fund Disney updates and links to Disney websites. Great for families and people of all ages.

9. Autoblog - I love automobiles! This may because I studied engineering for a couple of years, but I love reading about newest lines of cars and seeing the new models roll out. Autoblog also talks about the auto industry in general and what's happening with the different automakers.

10. The Brainy Gamer - Since I've grown up with Atari and Nintendo, I couldn't help but to list a gaming blog. The Brainy Gamer has good reviews on the latest games. It markets thoughful conversations in an area where most have vulgar language. Nice to see others think the same way that I do.

Top Ten Corporate Blogs

Corporate blogs are becoming more important in the business world. The following is a list of ten of the most influencial corporate blogs based on their design and effectiveness.

1. Google - Google's blog design is very basic, but because it is a huge Internet giant, its blogs are very popular. Many readers are able to stay in tune to general updates on researching tools and tips. It also has information on new Google products, technology, and culture.

2. LinkedIn - This blog links 50 million professionals worldwide, which is an offer that can't be missed. Users and readers have ready access to professionals and news about current job postings that makes this blog prestigious.

3. Whole Foods - Probably the best blog that uses colors and pictures together effectively. Whole Foods interacts successfully with their customers and clients.

4. Ebay - Ebay's blog is colorful and its design and construction are professionally done. Readers are able to follow current popular auctions along with news about the company. Has much the same design as Ebay's website which doesn't detract from the brand or reputation of the company.

5. Wal-Mart - Much like the success of the Retail Giant, Wal-Mart's blog boasts the same reputation. This blog informs customers of upcoming product releases and sales. Readers are also able to follow product problems and concerns making this blog one of the best.

6. GM - GM's blog posts is very powerful because this company has a major impact on the American automobile market. GM's future is now the concern of many American citzitens because it was their tax dollars that saved this company.

7. Bank of America - For those who like to keep track of recent financial news, Bank of America's blogs keeps users current on future decisions of this company. Bank of America was one of the few financial institutions that survived the financial crisis and therefore many look to this company for hope.

8. McDonald's - As one of the world's largest corporations, McDonald's influence is expanding. As they continue to expand into new countries, customers like to be updated on McDonald's new menue choices, their values, and the "happenings" of what's going on in the world.

9. Amazon - As another Internet Giant, Amazon makes a huge success with their blog. Countless links to various topics, posts on different subjects, and link to Amazon's Website make this an effective blog. The overall design of the blog is much like their Website making it easy to recognize.

10. Cisco - The blog is very professional and easy to navigate. The asthetic design makes it pleasing to the eye and the posts are written by experts. Cisco's blog keeps readers up-to-date on current techonolical advances and financial news that may affect the market.


Work Cited
http://www.blogtrepreneur.com/2009/02/19/ten-corporate-blogs-worth-reading/

Blogs Rule Business

Websites are no longer the controlling factor in successful business. Only a couple decades ago, we were all impressed that we could post a basic text document on the web. This was how most websites were. Now we have websites that are very interactive and have many more features than just plain text. Users can interact and even change the format of the website according to their preferences. Blogs are doing much the same thing. People are now in control of everything with blogs. Blogging sites such as Blogger.com and Blogsome.com offer free blog sites for anyone who wants one.

Jeremiah Owyang, partner of the Customer Strategy Altimeter Group, said "Many web marketers are under the impression that the battles are only fought within Google search results and on the corporate domain. In reality, marketing has spread to many other areas where conversations occur: social networks, rating sites, chat rooms, and even blogs." (Owyang, 2007) Owyang says that companies now have to worry about other conversational areas; one of these being blogs. The companies have to do so because the customer is now in command of just about everything. Companies were the ones that used to be in charge, but now as communication becomes faster and easier, customers are changing the way we think business. This major change has been fueled by the evolution of blogs. One is instantly connected to an expert's opionion or thousands of customer ratings on products. Companies now have to worry more about an effective blog instead of an effective website.


Works Cited

Owyang, J. (2007, May 29). Web Strategy: How To Evolve Your Irrelevant Corporate Website. Retrieved September 28, 2009, from Web-Strategist.com: http://www.web-strategist.com/blog/2007/05/29/web-strategy-how-to-evolve-your-irrelevant-corporate-website/

Business Strategy transformed by Blogs

Blogs are very new to me and I was even a little skeptical about them; I guess that may partly because I've never used them. However, as I have now had the time to take a brief introductory course on blogs, I think that they are a very important tool for communication. On May 2, 2005, BusinessWeek published an article all about blogging and the effects of it on business. The authors, Stephen Baker and Heather Green, said, "you cannot afford to close your eyes to them[blogs], because they're simply the most explosive outbreak in the information world since the Internet itself. And they're going to shake up just about every business. Given the changes barreling down upon us, blogs are not a business elective. They're a prerequisite." (Baker & Green, 2005) I totally agree and would say that businesses need to be aware of what is out there.

Blogs can be a very helpful tool in improving customer satisfcation, product quality, and just a great forum for discussion. On the other hand, if companies aren't too careful about bloggers who attack their company, they may be faced with a huge problem. Again Baker and Green state, "companies have to learn to track what blogs are talking about, pinpoint influential bloggers, and figure out how to buttonhole them, privately and publicly." (Baker & Green, 2005) More and more companies are now finding that they need to have professionals monitoring and directing these blogs. In conclusion, blogs are changing the way we communicate in business. We need to know what people are saying and how to effectively communicate back.

Works Cited
Baker, S., & Green, H. (2005, May 2). Blogs will Change Your Business. BusinessWeek , p. Cover Story.