The Nook Color

The Nook color device is a 7 inch touch screen that requires WiFi to read and download books, also is capable of surfing the web.  The device is priced at $249, which is previously $100 more than last year’s model.  You can buy the Nook Color at Barnes and Noble’s and upon purchase you can download books through their library database.  The Nook Color has some new function that include a color touch screen and an app that allows users to share what their reading.  This device runs on the Android 2.1 operating system and by next year they expect to update to the 2.2 that will allow you to play flash videos.  There are over 2 million books you can download and that is not all because you have access to magazines and other types of readings.  The Nook has covered all areas when it comes to web sharing with friends including sharing what you are reading. 

The Samsung Galaxy

The Samsung galaxy Tab is the iPads first real competitor and is basically a device which is similar to a laptop and can carry out most of the same tasks.  The Tab can be used for browsing the web, emails, and many others.  The typical cost of the Galaxy Tab is $400-$600 and they vary depending on a contract and cellular device.  Similar to the iPad the Tab uses Google’s Android operating system, but one thing that differs is the size of the two.  The iPad is about two inches bigger than the Tab and when you are dealing with something like this the size is remarkably different when you compare them.  The Tab has a base model that matches up with the iPad and they are both equipped with 16 gigabytes.  The hardware varies because there is a model that has a removable card so depending on that you can have more gigabytes.     The size as I mentioned before is notably different and the iPad is 2.7 inches bigger than the Galaxy Tab.  In all reality the size difference is half of Apples product and is something that will negatively affect the sale of this product.  The Tab’s battery life was outlasted by almost double the time of the iPad.  The Tab lasted six hours, 50 minutes, while the iPad lasted 11 hours, 28 minutes.  Overall these two competitors are about even, but the tester went with the Apple product for a number of reasons.  He also left of saying that it will be a competitor because of the pricing, but in the end the consumer will make the decision.

Describe how a cell phone works so a 12 year old could understand it?

A cell phone is a communication device that lets you talk to someone no matter how far away they are.  You can store information in this device even send messages by typing somewhat like a computer.  Every cell phone has a number and by dialing a specific number that determines who you want to talk to.  They can be used for a number of things, whether it’s to call someone, look up information, or even send a text message.  There are many types of cell phones and they all work in different ways, but all of them have a keyboard that allows you to type numbers and letters.  They have different phones for different kind of people and depending on what you looking for in a phone.  Some people, like parents would like a simple phone mainly used for calling.  Where on the other hand kids wants a phone that does it all including internet, texting, and many others.  The main reason for having a cell phone is to be able to communicate with someone no matter where you are. 

What are the main issues in spectrum allocation?

The main issues in spectrum alloacation are that no matte how secure you think a conversation may be there is no place safe enough.  In today’s society there are so many things that allow people to intercept a phone call and this is becoming a problem.  The only way someone should be recorded is if they are under legal investigation and nothing else.  With spectrum allocation automatically if we use a cordless phone our privacy is thrown right out the window.  Even if we speak in public there are machine that can hear your voice from further away and be listening in on your conversation.  Today we see this more and more and this is not the case of nosy neighbors, but more of people you don’t want listening for your own benefit.  Nosy neighbors should not be listening either, but we are talking more serious conditions where people are listening in order to plot against you.  Spectrum allocation is becoming more violated because the ease of how people can encrypt pieces of your calls if not the entire thing.

What has been the main impact of the Telecom Act?

The Telecom act changed was proposed to change and hopefully help ownership rules that applied.  By changing these rules they wanted to let the free market overcome ownership rules that were previously applied by the FCC.  Their idea was that competition and new technology advances would itself change the market and drive down prices.    The Supreme Court’s ruling now allowed competing broadband providers access to their respective networks.  Due to this cable companies will have to jack up prices and rates on television and may eventually be forced to subsidize their existence in the phone business.  As consumers we have the choice of who we pay for the services because there are a variety of different companies.  We can keep anything in mind when picking a particular company and most would have money in mind.  There are a number of different things that this act has impacted by changing some rules and it is something society had to change with.  It was not necessarily a bad thing for consumers because we now have options when we pick a carrier.  This Act was proposed for a reason and like all decisions they have consequences that come with them.

Imagine you are a PR practitioner hired to promote X. What steps and tools would you use and why?

If I were a Public relations practitioner hired to promote Concordia College there are certain steps I would take in order to achieve my goal and gaining the public’s eye. In order to know who I am targeting and dealing with I would have to research and know background on whom I am trying to reach out to.   Once I have done my research I would put out my message through various media channels including television, radio, and the internet.   Another step I would take is planning events to show the public hands on what Concordia College is about and let the experience it for themselves.   Once I have scheduled events and did my best to advertise the college through various ways I would then wait for feedback.  Next I would determine whether my message was interpreted in the way I meant for those to understand.  If so I would have felt as if I reached my audience that I wanted to reach, also did all I could to gain the public’s interest in the College.  When hired to promote anything whether it is a college, business, or even a specific product you must gain the peoples trust in whom you are selling to.  You want to make them believe in what you are promoting.  If you are successful in this they will back you and contribute in the way you want them to.  You now will have a mutual relationship here between the seller and the buyer where you both can benefit from doing business.

What are the four models of public relations?

           There are four models of public relations and they include the press publicity model, public information model, two-way asymmetric model, and symmetric model.  The press publicity model is the practice of a one-way communication telling the public anything to get them to jump on board and back their product.  The public information model is also one-way communication because you are sending out various messages through different media channels not every knowing if our message reached them.  Two-way asymmetric is the most popular PR channel used today and it is sending out a message and then researching to see if your message got across to the public.  The last model is Two-way symmetric is to research the public and find out how they get their information.  Also to see if the public and your company have a future together and if one can benefit from another.  All these models are ways to get across to their audience and finding out how to reach them significantly and impact them in a way where they will now be customer to you and your company.

What are the key elements to successful public relations?

      Public relations has a few aspects of being successful and doing what it takes to get the attention of the people you are trying to reach.  First you need a background on the individuals you are trying to reach and without an adequate background you cannot reach them successfully.   Without enough research on those you are trying to reach and promote your product you cannot do your job the right way.  Second you must have a strategic plan in order to achieve and handle all your tasks.  Your plan must include a written action chart with room for change in your plan and timetables/deadlines in order to meet your requirements in a timely fashion.  Third you must gain control of public support whither it’s getting those to buy products or invest in stock, but overall you want thee public’s approval.  On the other hand if it is a non-profit organization you are going to want donations in the form of money or even material, but either way you want to have the public behind you because they are the ones that are going to make or break you.

What are some of the specialties or functions of PR?

           Public relations have many specialties whether it has to do with gaining press coverage or helping manage issues within their field of work.  Some specialties that I read about were promoting and selling, which entails providing pieces of work so others can view their work and possible gain business due to their liking.  Also Public relations handles community relations and by doing this they can gain the communities approval.  If the community gets involved and happen to enjoy what you are promoting it helps get the general public to hop on board.  Special events go hand in hand with community relations because once you have got the community  on your side it is Public relations now has to arrange tours, ribbon cutting ceremonies, and open housed for the public.   The last thing that jumped out to me about public relations specialties was lobbying which includes working with legislative aides to help get the government looking at them with a positive attitude.  Also this helps them gain power by having more government relations efforts.

1.)    While visiting Mashable.com I was interested in all the social media marketing advertisements and articles that they offered.  I found this interesting because all these relate to popular web browsing sights and even new things that can be debated about.  For example, Could Facebook replace your email inbox?  This is something that many would be interested in reading and even commenting on.  Mashable.com gives those insights to things that they might not have been aware of and some things could even affect them personally.  This social media marketing channel can be a source of information for some and even somewhere to go to just have fun reading about ongoing events that are occurring in today’s society.  Another thing that I enjoyed about this webpage is the setup because not only one thing is focused on, but everything is shown and you choose what you want to further read into.  Each article has a brief summary and then if you are persuaded to know more you will further read about the subject by clicking into it.  This page is something that I will now use when surfing the web because I enjoy reading about things that are currently going on in the world especially pertaining to media.

In the time that Ned Sublette came to visit Concordia he seemed to have caught everyone’s attention, but what caught my attention was the diverse style of music that he emerged together.   As he talked about his travels it was no surprise to me what he has achieved just by expressing where he has been and what he has seen.   Also, it is interesting that his career has to do with music, but does not limit himself to expanding his interest’s, including writing in his pastime.  He also made it clear that he does not expect to make a living off writing books, but it is something he does because he enjoys it.  I agree that with all his knowledge and travels he is doing others a favor by sharing his experiences.  As I took further interest in Ned’s adventures I also discovered that he is known for his photography and his photos in Cuba.  His achievements cannot be categorized with one specific career choice because he does it all, including founding a record company called Qbadisc, which releases Cuban music in the United States.  It is not limited to only one type of music, as well as Latin music, which is produced through this record company.  During his visit he also compared his co-produced radio show “Afropop worldwide” and how it differs from speaking live, whether it is in an interview or a talk show he takes part in.  He says that when he is live he has to be quick with what he says while at the same time making sure he is presentable because he is being watched.  Whereas on the radio he is not visible and cannot be seen so it is much more laid back.  I enjoyed Ned’s visit and feel like I’ve learned a lot from him sharing his experiences and achievements.