Blogs vs. Wikis

According to Wikipedia “Ward Cunningham, the developer of the first wiki software, WikiWikiWeb, originally described it as ‘the simplest online database that could possibly work.’" Wikis allow you to edit web pages. Wikis are ideal when you want to present facts. Wiki’s are also great collaboration tools.

Marget Locher's Aricle “More On How to build Your own Wikipedia” touches on some of the benefits of wikis. Locher states that wikis “can help people improve their process and get projects done faster.” She also states wiki’s “Don’t require a lot of personnel support to them and many of the tools are free.” Noam Cohen’s article “An Internal Wiki That’s Not Classified” discusses the United States Embassy in Rome use of the wiki tool. The Embassy uses Diplopedia. One of the benefits of this tool is “the ease in finding information.” We see that wiki’s can be more green, less expensive and a great organization tool.

Blogs on the contrary, are very similar to journals. They are usually written by one person and allow others to comment on the blog post. Blogs can be personal or professional. Blogs are updated on a regular basis, however wiki’s are updated constantly by multiple users.

Both blogs and wikis can help improve communication and collaboration between individuals. They both allow users to provide feedback. However, Wikis can expand at a faster rate then blogs. There is really no right or wrong when it comes to Blogs and Wiki’s. I think it really a preference , both provide benefits. Wiki’s can be more collaborative. Each web page is edit by several users. At the same time blogs can be very informative. Blogs and wiki’s help improve communication, collaboration, creativity convergence and community. Ultimately the choice of which tool is more effective is based on preference.

Old vs. New

Old media and new media can be distinguish in many ways. Newspapers, radios, Television, books, and postal mail are all examples of old media. Old media tools are slower then new media technologies. Old media is limited. A lot of new media technologies like email, blogs, video conferencing and webinars allow people to communicate with people in several locations at once. New Media allows information to travel faster. It has allowed people to communicate in new and creative ways. Everyone can share their opinions through blogs and other social networking sites. Overall new media has allowed information to be provided instantly. It has broken down geographical barriers and enhanced communication.

New Media in Corporate Communications

For my term paper I would like to look at new media in the corporate world. Specifically the effects new media has on the way business is done and how people communicate. I will look at new media communication tools such as email, webex, webniars, blogs, instant messaging and twitter. I will examine how companies utilize these tools help improve their business.

What is New Media?!?!

We are now experiencing communication changes like never before. The internet has open doors for people to communicate more openly, more rapidly, and in ways never imagined in the past. We are now in a generation that is reliant on all things digital. The internet has led to the development of several new media outlets. New media includes the internet, blogs, wiki’s, and social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Myspace.

There are many new media technologies. The most important factor of new media is the internet. It has revolutionized they way people communicate. It allows people to communicate and interact with others quickly. It also provides a bit of anonymity, so people are saying more things that wouldn't be said face to face. A good example of this is in the New York Times article "Wal-Mart Tastemakers Write Unfiltered Blog" By Michael Barbaro. Barbaro’s article discusses Wal-mart's "Checkout Blog" which provides reviews of some of Wal-marts merchandise. This blog tool has allowed shoppers to communicate in real time. They also get feedback on products from several different people. They can also respond to the information provided. Barboro’s article states “Wal-Mart says the Web site helps buyers solicit quick feedback from consumers on the merchandise — and shows a softer side of the giant company.” Information is being delivered in real time by real people; which makes all the difference.

Old media such as newspapers, magazines, and even telephones are constantly being enhanced by new media. Newspaper and magazines would take a day or so to be updated, new media such as blogs and online magazine are updated in real time that is what separates new media form old media. The New York Times article “Brooklyn Blog Helps Lead to Drug Raid” by Michael Wilson talks about the Brooklyn blog that lead to a drug bust. Residents within the community commented on a blog post; which helped law enforcement arrest several people. The New York Police Department uses old media such as telephone when they want people to come forward about crime. They blog allowed residents to come forth while remaining some what anonymous.

New media is enhancing and changing the way people communicate. It has drastically change they way people work, learn and the way people spend their down time. New Media has also change the way we look at privacy. As new media continues to grow we can expect many changes in everyday life.