Nmtp04sitihajar's Blog

A television commercial on Samaritans of Singapore. This is how it all happens…

The Samaritans are in constant need of volunteers. During our onsite visit to the organization, we were told that the volunteers come and go. Well, it is called volunteering anyways. I think that people should give a helping hand, especially those who can talk about death freely and can really be depended on. Volunteering will mean missing out on some of our social activities but it’s worth it, isn’t it? Helping people who are distress and making a difference in people’s lives even a little bit.

The thought of volunteering did come to my mind but I don’t think I have the skills to do so. Though those skills can be improved on. Maybe, just maybe, in the future, I will help out. But who knows I’ll be the one calling? Haha.

7 tricks to Viral Marketing.

Viral Marketing is the spreading of a message like a virus, from one to another. For example, word of mouth.

1. Make people feel something – Have an opinion, express ideas, pump people’s excitement
2. Do something unexpected – Shock people; do something out of the ordinary.
3. Do not try to make advertisements (that suck) – Make advertisements that people will remember.
4. Make sequels – After catching people’s attention, do something about it.
5. Allowing sharing, downloading and embedding – It will spread like a virus.
6. Connect with comments – Connect with the audience. Interact with them.
7. Never restrict access – No exclusivity.

Social media is a shift in social interaction by using social media tools which enables people to connect with each other online. There are many examples of social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube, Flickr and more. These tools were created to make interaction easier and faster. Now, sharing information and news is as easy as abc. This is where viral marketing comes in. When an information is shared by A, his friends, B, C and D will get the information and in turn share it with their friends E, F, G, H and so on. From 1 person to a million people.

Top Website

We propose the organization to make use of Facebook as it is the top website as shown in the photo above which means that it is the most used social networking tool compared to the other available tools. Nowadays, many people are into the idea of social networking, which explains why Facebook is the top website. Not only is the website for networking, it has other features too. Facebook allows people to share photos and videos, publish notes, create events, provide links to other websites and more. Other than Facebook, we also recommend YouTube and Twitter which are ranked 5th and 16th respectively.

SOS Website

Samaritans of Singapore is a non-profitable and non-religious organization that befriends and helps give emotional support to the people who are suicidal and also to those who need a listening ear. SOS was established on December 1st, 1969. Its early beginnings were in 1953, The Samaritans was started by Reverend Chad Varad in the United Kingdom. Soon after, Samaritans become an international, non-religious movement providing support to those who are in distress and suicidal people.

The website simply awes us. I think this is the only non-profitable organization that was in the list of organizations we had to choose from which uses flash. It has a very nice interface and also interactive but since it is using flash, no copying and pasting can be done. And the most important thing that they should have isn’t there. That thing would be social media tools.

In my opinion, Singaporeans should be aware of the existence of this organization because it is meant for them. Before doing this project, I had no idea that this organization existed. Even my group members didn’t know too. This shows that SOS has to create more awareness and let people know what the organization is all about. Since technology is now more advanced, we intend to make use of all the useful tools that will help to create more awareness to the people and in the fastest and easiest way.

This organization will help people in a great deal as in life, we will face problems endlessly. Those problems and challenges that we face are only to make ourselves stronger and more resistant because God won’t test us beyond our capabilities. People shouldn’t think of suicide as the best way to end a problem. No. Well technically yes, suicide will put an end to your problems but will only create more problems for your loved ones. Suicide is not even an option. The people around us are there for a reason. Isn’t it better to share and talk about whatever that we’re dealing with with those around us. As the saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved.

The guest speaker is Lionel Chin, 25 years old and a Temasek Polytechnic graduate. He is the co-founder of RippleWerkz and have done a lot of work with a lot of clients.

5 Key Points

• Attitude is an important factor when working in the real world. In the real world, when we’re working, we will surely be dealing with a lot of clients. Working with clients will involve money which means there will be a lot of requirements and they will be very strict about it. They will ask whatever they want the way they want it. If we think now is already tough, what about later? Even tougher. It really pays to have a good attitude.

• Social Media tools should be fully utilised in advertising. Nowadays, almost everyone is using Facebook, Twitter, etc. Since the tools are already here, why not make use of it? These tools can be used even when on the go. For iPhone or blackberry users, they can access their Facebook and Twitter account even in the bus, the train or wherever. When a person finds a website interesting and wants to share it, they will surely use Social Media tools to do so. The only thing we need now is money. If money is there, advertising will not be a problem.

• Freelancing and working under an employer varies widely. Being a freelancer does not mean that the person have all the skills that is required for them to do certain jobs. A freelancer will have one or a few areas that he is skilled at. For an employee, he has to has all the skills required for clients will ask for anything as they wish and by hook or by crook, the employee will have to do it.

• Creating a static webpage or a website based content management system (CMS). Doing a static webpage will mean that only the person who created the website will be able to add content and change the website here and there. Whereas for websites using CMS, the owner of the website can change the content on his own without having to have another person do it for him which much easier.

• It is good for us to fill up our portfolio. When we are looking for jobs, they will ask to see our portfolio. That is how they will determine whether we are qualified or not to be hired. A person with a lot of portfolio and good ones too will be seeked after by companies. The portfolio will show whether the person’s work is good or bad and what kind of work can he do.

3 things that have inspired me

First. The ppt slides did manage to inspire me quite a bit. When he showed the websites and explained each one of them, I was thinking to myself, “Maybe I could do the same thing too.”. Do a website, a good one. One that has a lot of traffic. One that people will recommend to their friends or colleagues to visit. One that will be bookmarked by visitors. By showing the few successful websites, it inspired me to make one too. Somehow, I feel more inspired to learn more about New Media so as to achieve the level of success that they have now or perhaps an even higher level of success. Who knows.

Second. A freelancer. Working as a freelancer does not seem to be that bad at all. My thoughts on doing freelancing is that it is an unstable job as we are working on our own and no commitment to an employer. Freelancing has its pros and cons. For now, the way I see it, freelancing would be a better choice since I am still schooling. If I were to commit to an employer, it would definitely affect my studies. In my opinion, freelancing is almost the same as a hobby. It is like doing something that we enjoy doing without having any commitments except datelines.

Third. The speaker. After listening to him talk, it made me feel more enthusiastic to excel in my studies. I would like to open my own company, just like him. Maybe I will start off as a freelancer so as to fill up my portfolio then maybe when I have earned enough and have learnt a lot, I will open up my own company.

My opinion on the usefulness of having a guest speaker share his expertise, experience and “tips and tricks” of the trade.

I believe that having a guest speaker is very useful and beneficial. For the guest speaker to get to where he has to gotten to now, he must have faced a lot of hardships and gone through a lot of experiences. He will share with us what he does, how he gets there, what are the things that we should take note of and etc. He will even let us in on the “tips and tricks” of the trade also. By doing so, he is doing us a favour. A huge favour, as a matter of fact. Who knows, when it was his time, he did not have anyone sharing any “tips and tricks” with him. Whatever that he shares with us must be important things that will make our working life less harder. Since he is a successful man now, those “tips and tricks” must have helped him.

His experiences will let us get a picture of how the working life will be like later on. This way, we will be more prepared and will not be surprised when unexpected or bad things happen to us. By sharing his story with us, we can know which areas we are supposed to work on if we are still lacking or haven’t instil in ourselves yet. Attitude is important. By listening to his opinions and advices, it will make us think about the future. It will make us want to be successful, just like the speaker. It will definitely stimulate our thinking.

Inviting guest speakers to share with us their expertise and experiences will help us understand a lot more. This is all to prepare us for the later part of our lives which is the most important one. In a way, we will feel enthusiastic to work hard now so as to have an easier life later on.

NAS Website

Background of organisation

Who are they?

The National Archives of Singapore (NAS) caters to materials that contain information related to our country. In other words, it contains the memories of our nation and history. The NAS is the record keeper of our nation. Its role is a big role, a very important role, as it houses all the records of our nation for our nation to learn and explore. Singapore’s histories are not meant to be kept in the dark, they show what our nation has become as of now and how we become as one.

What do they do?

The NAS houses information ranging from documents, government files, private memoirs, photographs, audio-visual materials, historical maps and more. Not only do NAS stores them but NAS also restores those that have deteriorated and preserve them for years to come. NAS is definitely the place to go to for information on Singapore’s culture, heritage or whatever that we need.

What type of services do they provide?

Records Management and Preservation. NAS restores old documents, books, photographs and whatever material that has been damaged to its previous state. After the material is brand new, it is stored is the best way of preservation. Unlike the documents and books that are stored in bulks and take up a lot of space, images and videos are scanned and output onto microfilms for preservation in climate-controlled conditions so that it will last longer for the future generations.

Providing Access. All the information are accessible and can be obtained by those who need it. NAS offers public access to their collections through their Archives Reference Room. However, accessing the information has been made easier. They do not have to travel all the way to NAS to obtain it. A website is created online at www.a20.com.sg. Thank you, technology.

Sharing Knowledge. NAS shares expertise with the community through consultation and training and conducts regular seminars on using archival resources, records management and oral history methodology to raise public awareness on archival work. NAS also provides internships and courses on archives and records management for students in partnership with our local universities so as to let them have a hands on experience. Also, NAS provides guided tour for the public on how archiving is done.

Archives Conservation Services. They provides professional conservation services for paper records such as anoxic treatment, deacidification, leafcasting, mechanical cleaning, manual repair, tissue mounting, encapsulation and high value (rare) book binding using archival method. Any documents or books that have been severely damaged can be restored to its old state with their services. Not only do they restore them but they will recommend the type of treatment(s) required and methods to preserving them in the best possible way.

Do they use any Social Media and Web 2.0 technologies for public communication and education?

Access to archives online

As a matter of fact, they do. Information on Singapore’s history will be greatly needed by those who are doing research, references or knowledge on our nation. Obtaining it will require them to take the train or the bus all the way to the building which is the long way to go. What is the use of technology if we do not use it? Which is why a website is created to make obtaining the needed information a whole lot easier and faster. However, if they need a hard copy of the information, they will still have to head down to the place for it. The website offers an online exhibition without us having us to even leave our seats. There is even a game for those who visit the website, in which the top scorer will stand a chance to win an Xbox 360! Not only is it informative but it is also interactive, entertaining and fun. On the contrary, NAS do not use that much of Social media. Maybe they should make use of Social Media as it is the 21st century and technology is on the rise. Making everything just a click away is a good way to educate the public as access to the information is quick and easy. In other words, life made easier.

“When man is serene, the pulse of the heart flows and connects, just as pearls are joined together or like a string of red jade, then one can talk about a healthy heart.” The Yellow Emperor’s Canon of Internal Medicine, 2500 B.C.

Singapore Heart Foundation

First things first. I will briefly let you in on what the SHF is about. Their mission is to promote heart health, prevent and reduce disability and death due to cardiovascular diseases and stroke. In short, the organistion promotes good health. Their vision is to be a leading heart health movement in the region and a household name in Singapore through educating and motivating the public, assisting those affected and supporting community-based research to better understand the landscape of heart disease in Singapore. SHF was established in 1970 and has grown into a reputable organisation with local and international links.

Their core values
Honesty and Integrity
Enthusiasm and Passion
Accountability and Transparency
Research and Innovation
Teamwork and Collaboration
Sharing and Caring

SHF Website

I bet most people know and have heard of SHF. Be it on television or newspaper or magazine or heard it on the radio or  from someone. I remember getting to know about it through television. After taking a look at the website, I find it a very good and informative website. They have statistics, polls, a list of their programmes, heart facts, press releases, publications, annual report and more. SHF also has a twitter and youtube account and not forgetting a page and a group on Facebook.

Facebook Group

Twitter

Youtube

It may seem that SHF is fully utilising the Social Media that is available but it looks like the public are not responding much to it. When I visited their Facebook page, they had only 2 fans. This goes to show that people are not fully aware of this organisation. However, from what I see on the their website, they had a lot of press releases. For SHF, they have a wide media coverage. Ranging from television, radio, newspapers, magazines and the Internet. There are have also pasted health reminders at food courts such as Banquet but not all food courts or stalls have them. Maybe they could have the same thing to be done in all food courts and stalls. It is something small but even small things can make a huge difference.

Despite not having much response in the cyber world, I think SHF is doing a good job in raising awareness on heart health. They have done so through all possible means available. However, I think they should include some of the old ways too. Perhaps they can place brochures in letterboxes or just give them out to the public so as to remind them and let them know the importance of heart health. A healthy body is a healthy mind.

Since communication is a vital part of our everyday life, it is important for us to know the communication process so as to communicate effectively.

According to the Shannon-Weaver model, there are six elements in communication which are as shown below.

Source —> Encoder —> Message —> Channel —> Decoder —> Receiver

Despite knowing and understanding the communication process, a problem may encounter.

“Is the message received same as the message sent?” – Barry, D.

Physical noise, semantic noise and the state of mind of the messenger can be considered as the interference. Another contributing factor is also the channel which is the medium used to convey the message. It can be face to face, through emails, text messaging etc.

For every message that has been sent, there will be a response to it. Basically, it is a continuous cycle. Without any feedback, the communication would not be very interesting. Feedback is the heartbeat of communication.

First article: Average Internet User Now Spends 68 Hours Per Month Online

Second article: Three Screen Report: Media Consumption and Multi-tasking Continue to Increase Across TV, Internet, and Mobile | Nielsen Wire.

Third article: Time Spent Viewing Video Online Up 25% per Viewer | Nielsen Wire.

Image source: http://emergentculturetestsite.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/hour-glass.jpg

Before the world was introduced to the Internet, people relied more on television, radio and newspapers for the latest news or entertainment. Nowadays, almost everything can be found on the Internet. Internet can provide whatever the television, radio and newspaper provides. It is often said that since the birth of Internet, people have pushed aside the other mediums. In other words, they prefer using the Internet to the rest. Catching up on the latest news and happenings, watching dramas and even listening to the radio or music online. Does this mean that the Internet has caused people to stop using the other mediums? It is possible.

The first article mostly talks about the Internet usage. From the name of the article, it has already stated that an average internet user now spends 68 hours per month online. In a month, there is an estimated 720 hours if I take 30 days to be the number of days in a month. So about 10.5% of our time in a single month is spent using the Internet. Be it for work, school or entertainment purposes. Any time being spent online is counted. The remaining 90% are the other things which have no relation to the Internet like going out, sleeping, watching television and etc. Looking at the features of the Internet, it definitely catches more attention than any other since it provides a lot more than any other medium.

Inclusive of the 68 hours using the Internet is watching videos online. Nowadays, most people do not watch television as much as they used to. They prefer watching videos online since they can watch it at any time and catch up on any dramas that they missed. They only have to google the desired drama or movie and press play. It is that simple. The only downturn is that the loading time can be very slow, the video quality is bad or the link is broken. One of the highly visited website is YouTube which is the number one website used to watch videos online. This is taken from the third article which shows that most people use YouTube for videos. People of different ages, races, and culture from different countries must have heard of it as YouTube is known worldwide. Not only is it easy to use, it is also free of charge and only requires people to sign up to start uploading videos and such.

Image source: http://www.youtube.com/

Eventhough only 10.5% are for internet usage, based on the second article which is done solely on the US, the table shows that television usage is still higher than internet usage despite having more people watching online. Though it is only done on the US, it still shows that the television is not being replaced by the Internet. Therefore the Internet still has not beaten the television as it is still ranked one compared to using the Internet. The Internet is just an addition to the platform and not a replacement. Alongside watching videos online, watching videos on mobile phones have also increased in number. In a way, watching videos online and on mobile phones depends on the user himself. If the user wishes to watch the video, he can just load it and watch it on an instance. Unlike the television, which has a timing that has been set for every program.

In conclusion, new media is just another form of medium which is better improved and usually feeds more of the user’s needs. In my opinion, the Internet usage will definitely increase even more as more and more features of the Internet are being introduced further. Presently, a family of four may be at home watching television. In the future, instead of the television, maybe they will sit around the computer. Technology will be better improved and there will be a live broadcast of television shows on the Internet. Will there even be anymore television in the future? Nothing is impossible.