Making My First Blog

I have read my fair share of blogs over the years but have never really given much thought as to what makes a good blog or what makes one appealing to me.  I have subscribed to many blogs and found them very enjoyable to frequent as well as informative, but still never gave much thought to why I chose that particular blog over another.  Before this course I hadn’t a reason for developing a blog, nor the desire to create one for the simple fact that I felt no one wanted to hear what I had to say.  With that being said, this course required I create one so I first had to come up with a theme that was worth posting.  The topic I finally decided on was the process of my recent move from North Dakota to Dubuque, Iowa.  The concept I decided on was to showcase the homes I looked at for potential purchase and comment about the good and bad of each.

 Before I began publishing my messages to the blog, or perhaps even before I began designing the blog itself I had to first think about the core message, the purpose and determine the target audience and then begin the design process from there.  An added twist to the process was to integrate what I have learned over the time spent here at Ashford studying communications.  By simply designing from the audience’s perspective and the core elements required by this course I had a greater chance of drawing in more interest from my fellow students and hopes of meeting the mark set by my instructor.  If the reader finds the design, layout, background and color appealing they are more eager to read and subscribe to the blog.

After researching the internet for examples of good blogs and inadequate blogs I read an article written by Michael Martin called 7 Elements to make your blog look great. This article itself was a post on Michael Martin’s Blog.  Martin is a freelance web designer that specializes in designing and customizing blogs for his clients.  Based on my research I have found that there are several key elements that are required in order to ensure a well designed blog is both visually appealing and functionally effective.  Structure, form and functionality are crucial to attract and retain viewers to a blob site.  Structure and grid-based design are the corner-stones of a well laid out blog. (Martin, 2010).  Without a pre-conceived structure my blog might be perceived as cluttered and unorganized, difficult to follow causing poor viewer satisfaction. 

Focusing on the small details will yield dividends in the grand scheme of the overall design and functionality of a blog.  If I could anticipate the wants and needs of the viewers entering my site and ensuring accurate and credible content I would give the reader the confidence that this is a well thought out and reputable site.  Clarity and emphasis can be an asset when designing and developing a blog by strategically routing the attention of views to key elements, text or graphics.  Emphasizing one area to ensure it stands out against a vague background is an example of such tactic.  By following these important techniques I believe I have focused attention to pertinent elements I want my target audience to notice first and when interested find additional information.

References

Blogger.com (2011). Retrieved from the internet on April 4, 2011 from http://www.blogger.com/choose-ad-location.g?blogID=472526159031089621

Martin, M. (2010). Problogdesign.com. Retrieved from the internet on April 4, 2011 from http://www.problogdesign.com/design/7-elements-to-make-your-blog-look-great/

A Closer Look at Technical Writing

 

Making a Jalapeño Cheddar Cheese Burger on the George Foreman® Grill.

I.         The jalapeno cheddar cheese burger is a half pound of 93% lean ground beef infused with a quarter cup finely diced hot jalapeno peppers, a quarter cup finely cubed cheddar cheese, a pinch of salt and pepper, topped with crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes served on a toasted bun.

a.   This is a quick and easy meal anyone can prepare and enjoy given five minutes of prep time and nine minutes of cooking time.

b.   This recipe calls for a trusty George Foreman® grill, a spatula, a grease catcher, a potholder, Pam® non-stick cooking spray, a timer, proper utensils, a half-pound refrigerated 93% lean ground beef, ¼ cup finely diced jalapenos, ¼ cup finely cubed cheddar cheese, salt and pepper, and 1 sliced bun of your choosing. 

II.        You are going to need a source of heat to properly cook your meal; for this recipe you are encouraged to use the George Foreman® Model GR10B electric smokeless grill. The grill uses a standard two prong polarized plug that only plugs into the standard 120V receptacle that is typical in most U.S. homes.

a.   Prior to using your grill for the first time, wipe the grill plates with a clean damp cloth to remove any foreign debris.

b.   Once you have cleaned both surfaces of the grill you will want to find a stable flat surface approximately waist high with enough room to place the grill, utensils, and food ingredients.

                        i.   NOTE:  This location must be within 24 inches of an electrical outlet or you will require an extension cord.

c.   Now that you have found a safe and convenient location go ahead and lightly spray some Pam® non-stick cooking spray on both surfaces and close the lid. With the grease catcher in place plug the grill into the electrical outlet and begin to preheat the unit. The George Foreman® Model GR10B has a preset preheat temperature setting that will take approximately 5 minutes to achieve once plugged in. Note you will see the red indicator light on the top of the unit light up.

III.       In the meantime while your grill is preheating let’s get started on the food preparation. Go into the refrigerator and grab the 93% lean ground beef, jalapenos, and cheddar cheese. Place your items on surface beside the grill. Grab the salt and pepper, mixing bowl and plate and bring them to your work area.

a.   Start by removing the ½ pound 93% lean ground beef from its wrapping and place in the mixing bowl.

b.   Next add the ¼ cup finely diced jalapenos and ¼ cup finely cubed cheddar cheese in the mixing bowl. Add salt and pepper to your desired taste.

c.   Begin to mix the contents with a large fork or by hand until you achieve a consistent mixture throughout the ground beef.

d.   Once you have achieved a good mixture begin to patty the mixture by patting back and forth from one hand to the next rotating with each pat to ensure a symmetrical shape is formed, approx. four inches in diameter and ¼ inch thick.

IV.       Place your perfectly formed burger on the preparation plate and quickly wash your hands. By now the pre-heat light is illuminated on the grill and you are now ready to begin cooking your patty.

a.   Carefully open the grill top with a potholder.

                          i. NOTE:  Open the grill top to its fullest position to ensure the top does not fall forward.

b.   Using your spatula, pick up the patty from the preparation plate and steady the patty with your free hand, gently placing the patty on the center of the bottom grill surface.

c.   Gently set the grill top down on top of the patty using the potholder.

                         i.   NOTE:  Do not press down on the grill top. This grill is designed to cook from both surfaces.

                         ii.   NOTE: Ensure the grease catcher is properly placed in the front of the grill to catch all the grease run-off from the cooking process.

                         iii.  NOTE: Ensure you set your timer to 9 minutes to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

V.        While your Jalapeno cheddar cheese burger is cooking, now is a good time to dispose of any trash and place used utensils in the sink and prepare to enjoy your meal.

a.   Go to the refrigerator and remove your garnishing items such as sliced tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, mayonnaise, catsup, mustard, or anything you like.

b.   Grab a clean plate and utensils and your choice of bun, and drink and wait for the timer to go off.

c.   Once the timer goes off quickly and safely unplug the grill by firmly grabbing the plug and pulls outward.

d.   Carefully open the grill top using a potholder to the fullest position.

e.   Using the spatula remove your patty from the bottom grill and place it on your bun and fix to your liking.

     

As you can see this was a very simple recipe that was quick and easy to make leaving little to clean-up and lots to enjoy.  

Delivering Bad News Tactfully and Effectively

“You are a department manager in a mid-sized company that provides technology support services.  You have ten employees who are required to maintain a high level of technical expertise and deliver excellent customer service.  One of your employees, who has been with the company for two years, is performing at a substandard level and you have received numerous complaints from customers and coworkers.  In addition, this employee has displayed confrontational behavior which has created a hostile environment.  You must now meet with this employee and deliver an ultimatum regarding the need for immediate improvement or dismissal.”

      One of the strategies I would use is to initially call a meeting with the ten workers and layout the framework or roadmap that will enable each employee to understand what is required of them and give them a checklist of sorts to use to ensure they are performing to their fullest potential.  I would also discuss my expectations of this group and provide them an avenue to route their concerns and questions to help mitigate conflict.  I would open up a discussion forum to help build teamwork and synergy through peer input to help set mitigate any individual shortcomings; a type of script or outline the team members could visualize to create a clearer picture of the project as a whole. This approach will serve two purposes; one purpose would remind all employees the high level of expectations I demand and refocus their efforts to ensure they are working at this level. Secondly, this approach will allow the individual that is producing at a substandard level the opportunity to improve in a “group” environment and reassure them they are still part of the team.

      Next, I would bring in the individual who has been performing at the substandard level and counsel them one on one. I would first put myself in their shoes and give them the opportunity to explain themselves and why they have been performing at this degraded level. I would ask them how their family life and if they are having any problems at home. I would inquire about their financial health and try to find the stressor that is causing the poor work performance. I would ask them to explain in their own words what they believe their scope of work to be and ask them to honestly assess their performance. At this point I would define the true expectations this company has on its employees and if needed go into detail of the scope of work each employee is responsible for to ensure the employee understands these expectations. By taking this approach I am giving the employee a sense of ownership in their future and the ability to “buy in” to the team concept. Depending on the reaction from the employee I would adjust my technique whether they reject or refute my criticisms or acknowledge change is needed. Acknowledgement allows both parties to build the empathy needed for the motivation of a synergistic solution to the problem.  The acknowledgement acts as feedback to the other party and it demonstrates that one understands (without necessarily agreeing with) the other party's position. (Borisoff and Victor, 1998). 

      I would anticipate the employee would feel less attacked if they were part of the group counseling and this would give them a calming state of mind thinking others may be in the same boat. They would be relaxed coming into the one on one meeting ready to discuss their productivity. I would also anticipate some hesitation and apprehension to being confronted on the lack of productivity; however, with allowing them to evaluate themselves they may find they have room to grow. This will give them the perception they are self-correcting their attitude rather than a lecture from a superior and demand in a change of attitude.  

      During the one on one counseling I would typically employ a blend of three different techniques and adjust this blend according to their reaction and acceptance. I would first try to use Ingratiation which uses impression management, good will and a form of flattery to encourage the employee to buy into my course of action. I favor this practice because this helps build the employee into an eventual leader through working for the team and by understanding what is needed for success. If this practice falls on deaf ears or resistance I quickly and decisively turn to Assertiveness.  With this practice I employ the direct and forceful approach to influence the employee’s behavior.  Finally, if the employee still refuses to accept the course of action I have presented them and they still have not modified their behavior I employ the Sanctions practice.  This practice uses consequences in the form of suspension or termination. Conflict management is an ongoing procedure.  It entails continual communication and supervision.  "Conflict-handling behavior is not a static procedure; rather it is a process that requires flexibility and constant evaluation to truly be productive and effective" (Borisoff and Victor, 1998). 

References

Borisoff, D., and D. A. Victor.  1998.  Conflict management:  A communication skills approach, 2nd ed.  Boston:  Allyn and Bacon.

The Four Types of Media - Radway

Collaboration Sites

Collaboration Sites such as Microsoft SharePoint and other file sharing sites provide a forum to post, share, create and distribute common collaborative works and documents.  Extensively used by many companies and organizations these collaboration sites provide a common, easily accessible place to share ideas and synchronize documents with co-workers within the building and around the world.  Developed in 2007 and updated with greater features in 2010, Microsoft SharePoint is a single source web-share collaboration site that combines virtually every communications medium a typical office might utilize to build synergy and strengthen communications capabilities.

SharePoint enables all users within the organization the ability to merge the site calendars with their individual Outlook calendars for ease of scheduling, reminders and important meetings and teleconferences.  The calendar not only links to documents stored in libraries managed by separate departments, but also connects to a workflow that alerts the responsible individuals that a compliance element (i.e., policy, license, permit, inspection) is due for review or update. (Solomon, 2010). 

SharePoint serves as a file share system that has greater uptime reliability and far more storage capability and virtually eliminates redundant data entries by locking the data if someone else is using it.  Additionally, any change made to posted information generates an automatic notification to a predetermined distribution list.  Everyone that accesses the site is the primary audience in one way or another; whether they are obtaining a document to contribute to, or retrieve the document for review and approval.

Social Media/Social Networks

 

Social media sites such as Facebook, Myspace, Twitter and Flickr are all examples of social media sites that are extremely popular and growing every day.  These sites are used to publish personal as well as professional bits, blogs and posts from users that can be used for fun, research, business or entertainment.  The platform enables its users to interact in many forms from instant messaging to video diaries.  As we take a closer look at Facebook; which by the way is the world’s largest social networking site with over 600 million users, we find that there is over 25 billion pieces of content such as video and sound bites, news stories, blogs, photos and posts shared on a monthly basis. (Brown, 2011).  

Users can access this forum from the comfort of their home, work, and now pretty much any mobile device they own.  Technologies such as the smart phone, iPhone and iPad instantly connect the user to their media platform and within an instant can blog, post or share whatever is on their minds.  Additionally, they can instantly be connected to cutting edge news and information by “friending” a known site profile. Typical to any social media site the greater the number of friends or followers the more connected you are to the mainstream pulse of society and capture trends and news that much faster.  New trends are arising where news organizations and businesses are encouraging users to “friend” their group site giving exclusive feeds, news clips and discounts just by joining their site; which by the way is free of charge.

Personal/Professional Email

Electronic mail or email has become a staple of the modern communications age. Used for entertainment, information distribution and simple communication email has revolutionized the way we interact in our personal lives as well as in the work place. Email is the process of sending and receiving digital messages transmitted across an internet connection, broadband network or intranet configuration.  Today more than ever, email has become a necessity in the fast paced global market.  Accessible from a laptop, Personal Digital assistant (PDA), smart phone, blackberry or pc tablet, personal and professional email enables the user to send and receive emails on the go.  

Unique features that are beneficial to electronic email are the ability to track and store messages sent and received; this feature comes in very handy when things go bad and one is forced to support their position.  Another unique feature is the ability to write one message and simultaneously send the message to as many recipients as needed. Additionally, someone can personalize their messages with auto signatures that provide their name, position, address, phone numbers, fax numbers and anything else pertinent. Adding more personalization, the author can add colored text, fonts, sizes and background images or watermarks.  

Local/National News Media

 

Local and National news media, primarily a one sided form of communication is used for general distribution of information and news happening locally and around the world.  Typical messages are designed to be current or “happening now” and are usually less than 24 hours old and if they are they are considered a follow-up story.  Radio and television programming provide a platform that reporters and news commentators use to provide a public service by reporting current news, sports and community events.  Both local and national news media have turned to e-news as another way of providing their stories.  

Facebook and other social media sites provide yet another forum for these broadcasters to send out their messages.  Additionally, the larger national corporations use blogs and video podcasts for the consumer on the go.  National news media corporations such as CNN have crossed into interactive “two way” news media through a relatively new feature called iReport.  iReport is a user-generated section of CNN.com that allows users to tell their stories, offer an opinion or to say what’s important to them. (CNN.com).  The unique function of the iReport tool is virtually anyone with a camera, computer and an opinion can create a report and submit their blog to the iReport website. This gives viewers as well as professional reports the instant “ground truth” of a situation or tragedy.  Additionally, submissions are not proofed, fact-checked, edited or screened; which can also lead to misinformation.

References

Brown D., (2011). Danny Brown Social Media Marketing Blog. Retrieved from http://dannybrown.me/2010/07/03/cool-facts-about-social-media/

CNN.com (2010). iReport. Retrieved from: http://ireport.cnn.com/

Microsoft Corporation, Microsoft Office. (2011). SharePoint Server 2007 training courses: A roadmap to SharePoint 2007 Training. Retrieved from the Microsoft website: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/SharePoint-server-2007-training-courses-HA010235858.aspx

Solomon, M. Migrating your users-not just your data. KM World. Vol. 19, Iss. 9; pp. 18-19. Retrieved from http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=2158020801&sid=1&Fmt=3&clientId=74379&RQT=309&VName=PQD

A Weekend Spent House Hunting

This home has some potential; however the owner just put it on the market today but didn’t prepare the home for showing. Built in 1980 this 3 bedroom, 2 bath split foyer has a nice, clean design but shows its age. The seller needs to replace many of the carpets and add fresh paint if they hope to get the asking price. I like the neighborhood because of all the many families with children and the proximity to the golf course. One thing I really like about this property is the large back yard that has a built in half court, lit basketball court and a multi-level covered deck that runs the length of the house. This home also has a fully insulated 2 car garage. The down side here is the kitchen is pretty small and outdated.

This home is a close second on our list of finalists but here again the one major drawback is the current owners smoke in the home. My fear is we will have to replace all the carpets and repaint the house to get rid of the smell. With that being said this is a great home. Built in 1980 this 3 bedroom 3 bath split foyer home is very nice and fully remodeled. Just like our top pick this is a great neighborhood full of children about the same age as our boys. Another great plus I like is that it is located right beside the local golf course; what could be better than waking up and heading out on the links as the morning sun burns off the dew on the greens.

House Hunting in Full Effect

I have looked at this property twice and it is the front runner of our choices. Built in 2003 this home is a full two story home with finished basement and two car garage. Close to 3000 square feet this home is a very spacious 4 bedroom 3 bath open floor plan design. One of the reasons I like this home is the neighborhood; like they say…Location, Location, Location. It is located on a private drive full of children the same age of my boys with a great big hill perfect for sledding down when the snow starts to fall. Best of all it is only 20 minutes of open highway to my office; who could ask for a better commute.  

This house has some potential but it also lacks things we want. Built in 2003 this home is quite a bit smaller than the house above. This is a 3 bedroom 2 bath split foyer home. Total square footage is nearly half the size of the big house above. Only coming in at 1750 square feet this home lacks the space we need or want. Two major deficiencies are the one car garage and only 2 bedrooms on the main floor with the master down stairs. Equal to the size the price is nearly half that of the big one above so I was willing to overlook some of our “wants” but the deal breaker is the fact the family smokes in the house and I am sure we would have a tough time getting rid of the smell; not to mention any decisions I make the wife gets to trump. So we continue our journey.

Out with the Old, In with the New

My home was in Mandan, North Dakota for the past seven years until Congress enacted the Base Realignment and Closure Act and I was told my Battalion was being inactivated and I had to find a new home.  I was offered an S3 position with the 389^th Engineer Battalion located in Dubuque, Iowa so back in December I went down to visit with the Battalion. I accepted the position and had an assignment date of January 12^th.  I have been living down in Dubuque now for close to 60 days but my wife and kids are still up in North Dakota until the boys finish school. The picture above is our home we just put on the market. Thankfully, North Dakota hasn't felt the real estate crunch because the house was only on the market for 10 days and we had 15 viewings and one solid offer. We close at the end of the month so now the pressure is on to find a home down in the Dubuque area.

Like I said before, I have been living here in Dubuque but not in this house (pictured above). I am living out of a hotel while I find a home for us to live in. The picture above is house #1. It was built in 2003 and would be perfect for my family. I have already been through the house and things look promising. The home is in a little community called Maquoketa; population around 6000 people but they have a very good school system. My commute will be close to 30 minutes to my office which is all highway; something I prefer. I am scheduled to revisit this property Saturday morning so after that I will post more pictures. I also have four other homes I will be looking at over the weekend so I will provide an update on each of those as well.