FINALLY. Joining My Generation Thanks to my Class Computer Mediated Communications

1. Which service are you using?

Of the three options our class was offered I chose to use Blogger.

Why?

From the three services we were allowed to use (Blogger, Cicada, and WordPress) Blogger seemed like the best option for me, because it appears to be a happy medium between Cicada and Wordpress. Cicada seemed dry and over simplified. Wordpress seemed too complex and overwhelming for a computer novice, like myself. Blogger arose as a the happy compromise between the two; it offered some creative licence but not the extent that I felt lost without guidance.

2. How hard was it to set up a blog?

Setting up the blog was easy as pie. My 98 year old Nana could probably set up a blog.

If you had difficulties, what were they?

The difficulties that seemed to arise where when I attempted to make my blog attractive and enticing (ie: adding pictures, and changing my personal settings and profile) each blog seems to have its own language. For example, to return to the main menu on Blogger one clicks on the "Dashboard" icon. It takes awhile to figure out and comprehend these terms. Much like facebook that uses terms such as 'tag' and 'like' to represent different actions on the site these terms don't make much sense beyond the context of the website.

3. Did you notice the opportunities for social interaction? (alternately, are you afraid that you'll be talking to the void?)

I do see the opportunities for social interaction, for example specifically with the "followers" option on Blogger. However, I just can't imagine anyone following me, so I do fear I'll be talking to the void.

4. Given your current experience, do you think that you will use this technology after the class is over?

Probably not. I find it somewhat intimidating that so much information about myself is not available for others to see. My age, where I go to school... I had a lot of personal qualms about how much information I should put in my blog. The irony is that I feel in order to make a blog more interesting and attractive to outside viewers is to make it an intimate experience. The blogs I am most attracted to (for example, my favorite blog is one be music artist Lily Allen) are no holds bar views into someone's personal thoughts. That just isn't for me.

Also, I feel as if I would be able to manage my time well enough to keep up with posting information.