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Not dead, but interactive cinema

A few months ago, I was invited to a documentary premiere, which was stage ­ managed by my friend Bartek. I was very surprised, because Bartek is not a professional director and a premiere was planned to take a place in the one of the most famous Cracow arts cinema ­ Mikro Cinema. I couldn't miss this event, so I took couple of my friends and we went on Lea street, at the premiere night.

The whole cinema hall was full and after movie, people initialised discussion based on film topic – art therapy and a doctor, who helped many of them. After that, I realized that arts cinemas not only perform entertainment function (as opposed to multiplex) but also help small communities to unite.

What is more, that type of cinemas open doors for young artists, who can presents their firsts movies and projects to real audience.

I was very curious, how it works in truth, so I asked Bartek, how he organized the whole event in Mikro Cinema. It emerged that, exist two ways to create own premiere in this movie house: - to foot the bill (about 100, 200 zł) - set entrance tickets

Bartek choose the second options, and the tickets for his movie, was available in cinema box – office for 5 zł.

I think, that is very important and optimistic, that nowadays we can still find places like arts cinema, where profit motive is not the most important thing and real art or development matters :).

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Mikro Cinema

This is our short photo report from Mikro Cinema

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What are the art cinemas?

There are cinemas where people can find some other features of cinema. Do you want to know why it is worthwhile going to the such type of cinema?

Source: https://flic.kr/p/icgHJK

These are 10 important reasons:

Repertoire is more ambitious, 

Films have high artistic value,

The atmosphere of the place is more pleasant

In spite of the small screens films are being shown in the best quality,

Tickets are cheaper than in the ordinary, big cinemas,

Before the films the time of ads is short

They have an interesting location in Cracow, near Main Square

Exists a possibility of creating of the debating clubs

They are created interesting promotions

People aren't focusing on eating the popcorn and drinking cola

In Cracow we have the great art cinemas, get to know them:

Agrafka Cinema, Krowoderska 8

Ars Cinema, św. Tomasza 11

Kijów – Centrum Cinema, al. Z. Krasińskiego 34

Kika Cinema, Ignacego Krasickiego 18

Mikro Cinema, J. Lea 5

Pod Baranami Cinema, Rynek Główny 27

Paradox Cinema, Krupnicza 38

Sfinks Cinema, os. Górali 5

We really recommend cinemas of this type!

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Do the art cinemas in Ukraine?

…and if so, what are they?

The first art cinemas in Ukraine appeared in the mid-twentieth century and enjoyed great popularity, but with the arrival from the West Multiplexes number of their visitors has significantly dropped. A new life art cinemas receive in Ukraine only a few years ago.

Source: https://flic.kr/p/6c8kQd

Where do they work?

A popular venue for the art cinemas - houses of culture, clubs and art centers. In addition, the art cinemas frequently organized in the industrial cities in the buildings of enterprises that are no longer used in accordance with its intended purpose. Some studio cinemas are located in the old, compact cinemas transferred in private use. In particular – in Odessa, where, by the way, takes place the famous Odessa Film Festival.

Who is most often go to the art cinemas?

Attendance of art cinemas in Ukraine is smaller than in Poland because of a poor repertoire and the lack of entertainment infrastructure in the buildings. In Ukraine, art cinemas are especially preferred by lovers of cinematic art in the old-style and representatives of the intellectuals. Because these cinemas often offer movies for an affordable price, in them go to school and university students.

What is doing to attract more viewers?

Most often to attract new visitors in the art cinemas are held exclusive programs, retrospectives, meetings with prominent people. Management of such screens also cooperates with international organizations such as the British Council, the French Consulate, the Manhattan Short Film Studio etc. This allows for the cycles “New British Cinema”, “New German Cinema”, “Spanish Cinema Line”, “Week of Italian Cinema”, “Asia-Kino”. Another feature of Ukrainian studio theater - the frequent screenings the classics of world cinema and films of regional independent directors.

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Culture shock: Czech Republic

If you are a resident of the Slavic countries, be careful when you visit the Czech Republic. Their language is similar only outwardly! It can be a big culture shock for you! For the first time I visited Czech Republic when I was 14. It was the Scout Camp, where children from Poland and the Czech Republic met. None of the Poles did not know the Czech language. Between us there were many misunderstandings. We thought that we understand our hosts! They thought the same… When we wanted to go to the store, they laughed, because the Polish word for ‘shop’ (‘sklep’) in Czech means ‘cellar’. One day we wanted to be polite and appreciate their meals. In polish we said: ‘Obiad pięknie pachnie!’ (‘Dinner smelled so good!’). They understood us exactly the opposite, because in Czech our sentence sounded: ‘Dinner stank!’. If resident of the Czech Republic will tell you that you're ‘chytry’, don’t worry! In polish language it means ‘crafty’, but in czech it is a compliment. They want to tell you that you are very wise. And remember, if you dream of fresh bread for breakfast, in the czech shop order ‘čerstvý’ (in polish it means ‘stale’) bread.

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Culture shock: Arab

Having lived in Middle East for 4 years and now currently living in the Poland, I could probably understand the variation and underlying reaction to these variations. Arabs are more emotional in their outlook towards life. They express that in work, in relationships and their overall choices. Many earlier comments expose that aspect. For e.g. In Arab world hospitality and guest entertainment is considered respectful. Inviting one to a family is a true honor. However, the first shock is when a friendly and well meaning colleague does not reciprocate in the west or a friendly approach is not responded in the expected fashion.

There is a lot of difference between upbringing of a boy and a girl. Girls often represent family honor and codify grace and dignity, which is manifested in the way they are raised. When the Arab boys come across western girls who are more independent, opinionated and self determining there is a strong resentment to those behaviors.

I would close it with an example: In the Arab world its rather impolite to start a business conversation without some warm up talk particularly around families. In Poland (just an example) - the conversation is expected to be precise rather too much of warm up talk is annoying. That comes across as a culture shock both ways.

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Culture shock: Budapest

Budapest is a beautiful city which is the capital of Hungary. It is situated north of Polish. There are many magnificent monuments, including Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion which offer the panoramic taking in the magnificent view. But what most surprised me in Budapest, their incredible Parliament. It's huge and beautiful, fully preserved in the Gothic style.

Even more surprised me the Hungarian language. Given the small distance between Poland, I expect some similarities between our languages. It turned out that without the English language I can not understand any words.

Budapest in addition to delicious food (among others, langosz and traditional hungarian goulash) serenaded me also an interesting view of yellow taxi. Every taxi in Budapest as well as in New York, is intensely yellow. Automobile brand is different, but color is the same.

I also did not expect so nice adopted by the Hungarians. Almost every one of them when to hear that I am polish he was very nice. One of them let me in a place that was closed, so I could take pictures, because this place was the best view. Budapest at night is the most beautiful sight I've ever seen. Illuminated bridges extending over the wide Danube, illuminated monuments and relatively low-lying area makes you feel like in a fairy tale.

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Culture shock: Jordan

Do any of you have experience travelling to Jordan? I did. And it was my culture shock! So to start, I want to introduce you a little with Jordan. And actually, it is a smaaall country with a population numbering about 10 million. It lies in the center of the Middle East, sharing its northern border with Syria, eastern border with Iraq, it's southern and eastern borders with Saudi Arabia, and western border with the Jordan River, the Dead Sea, and Israel. I can say for sure that Jordan (and the Middle East) is a completely different world for European. Not only is it halfway around the world from home, but things here are run differently: religion, tradition, culture, architecture, nature, food, and generally their lifestyle! Jordan has barren deserts, fertile valleys, and colorful rock and sand mountains, in short a new fantastic point of view!

I had the opportunity to explore an extraordinary desert experience at a Bedouin Campsite in Wadi Rum with my parents. Wadi Rum is known like a desert valley in southern Jordan. Among the valleys there is a desert landscape of sand, mountain and stones. Anyone can see a desert, but how many people accept to spend the night in a Bedouin camp, enjoying the atmosphere under a million stars? ;) It turned into one of my favorite parts of the trip, as we truly felt as though we were in a completely different time and world! Whether it was the old guys sitting by the fire, the vast night sky or the traditional meal, it was unlike anything I’d experienced before. Being out there with no internet or modern distractions was something I’ll never forget. Accurately, it is a place that stains your hair in red and pervade your shoes full of sand, but leaves you happy at the end of the day.

Also the reason to visit Jordan is without a doubt the most well known Petra and the Dead Sea. As you already know, the Dead Sea is the saltiest body of water on Earth. It’s also the lowest point on Earth. There is so much salt, that nothing can live in the water, hence the name, the Dead Sea. In addition, because of its extremely high salt content when you get in the water you actually float! No country has ever surprised me as much as this one did! All in all, this adventure left us feeling very proud of ourselves and accomplished for challenging our culture shock.

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Manipulation in advertising

“If you tell the truth you don’t have to remember anything” //Mark Twain

Source: https://pixabay.com/pl/baner-nag%C5%82%C3%B3wek-directory-k%C5%82amstwo-1188502/

 The purpose of any advertising is to convince consumers to buy products or use some services. Unfortunately, advertising uses manipulation too often.  There is a very thin line between advertising and lying. In this article, we are going to introduce manipulative techniques in advertising. Manipulation techniques have been described by a social psychology professors Matthijs van Leeuwen, Rick van Baaren and a visual design art director Marc Andrews. We are going to present some of their ideas.

 1.     Anthropomorphism refers to giving human qualities to objects. By calling in us different emotions advertisers focus our attention on their product. Two good examples include M&M or Duracell.

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeepersmedia/12091064146

2.     Social proof. Popular websities and social media platforms such as Facebook are also used by the advertisers. A great amount of people who like a particular product, will attract even more new consumers. The reason for such a tendency is that we subconsciously believe in statistics and “follow” what other people have chosen before.

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jurgenappelo/10867592824

 3. Trustworthines refers to the fact that we subconsciously assume that some people look more credible than others. Every face we see in advertising is carefully selected. The choice is based on a number of criteria, such as to engender trust or first impression. The most important thing is that the person in the ad arouses confidence.

Source: http://www.wired.com/2014/06/5-hidden-visual-tricks-advertisers-use-to-sell-you/

4. Reverse psychology is a technique which persuades people to do what they want by pretending “not to want it”, or “want something else”. It is a paradox but when you tell someone not to read something, what usually happens is that the person automatically does it.

Source: Develop our own

 5. Sex appeal. Nowadays one of the most common technique which increases the trade of many products uses some sexual overtone. It stimulates our sensenses and advertised products become more attractive.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezQJGzV64Rw

 6. Misleading visuals. Products in adverts differ a lot from reality. Product photos are the result of long work of photographers and stylists of food. For example, motor oil is used as a syrup or honey. Specialist very often replace milk with glue or shampoo. Another trick is to improve the look of fruit and vegetables by hairspray. Thanks to that they appear fresh. Another very interesting method is the way of shooting ice cream. Actually, mashed potatoes pretend ice cream scoops better… Just compare the two photos of burgers.

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/18174596@N04/6681352607

  7. Psychological refund-guarantee technique. Guarantee system is a very important part of every shop.The guarantee means that no matter what a customer does, he or she cannot lose. It implies that a product is high quality, even if it’s not.

Source: https://pixabay.com/pl/marki-biznesu-gwarancja-logo-157839/

 Still such ads and many other “lying” ads will still influence our lives on the daily basis. Using manipulation in advertising is effective and is becoming an increasingly widespread phenomen. It is time for the customer to be more intelligent and take the decision wisely using the tools available.

The ideal solution is ethical advertising that goes in accordance with generally accepted standards. However, the expansion of the competition makes that manipulation in advertising occur too often. The only aim is to make profit.

A significant number of people are interested in manipulation technique. In today’s world this issue is more and more popular. We can find a lot of publication, fanpages and websites ilustrating different examples of manipulation.

 If you want to expand your knowledge, we will give you some additional sources:

Source: Matthijs van Leeuwen, Rick van Baaren and Marc Andrews Hidden Persuasion: 33 Psychological Influence Techniques in Advertising.

https://www.facebook.com/niezgodnosc.produktu.z.opisem/?fref=ts

https://malleryk.wordpress.com/writing-portfolio/academic-writing-sample/

http://distractify.com/old-school/2013/11/17/ways-advertisers-manipulate-us-into-buying-their-products-1197620541

Do you have any experience or know some examples of manipulation in advertising? Tell us about it...

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How to be successful during job interview

As you know job interview is really stressful, so appropriate preparation can make you win out. Job interview can be a mystery, but you can find success if you follow some job interview strategies.

Tips: how to get your dream job

Know the job specification

Research the company

Know your interviewers

Know how to toot your own horn

Know how to show off your materials

How to prepare for a job interview:

a)     Get some information about the company

One of the best job interview strategies that most candidates ignore is to study the current events of the company.  Knowing the subject can make us noticed before the committee recruitment and let them think that we are really interested in the post and the company itself. This strategy will definitely help your job interview.

b)    Know your resume

As a candidate, you should be very familiar with your CV. It should be clear and honest - obviously you cannot put false information. Knowing your CV and experience is crucial, keep that in mind! Do not only say you are great at team working. Prove it by adding: “I obtained it through…”.

c)     Display your skills with concrete examples

When it comes to discussing our skills we  have to use concrete examples to demonstrate our skills to the interviewer.

d)    Be yourself

A common mistake many candidates make is not being themselves. They feel that they need to fit, but sometimes it goes wrong. You will be surprised how easy it is to detect insincerity during an interview.

How important is body language

As you know body language is very important in the job interview. You cannot even realize how it can help you.  Your body language is giving off important signals about what kind of employee you would be.  Even if spoken answers picture your intelligence, during job interviews your body language may be saying exactly the opposite.

Right position is important, When the interviewer offers you a seat at the start of the job interview, sit upright, but relax in your chair. It makes that  you are both interested and involved. If you do not know what to do with your hands, put them on your knee or on the table. But remember! Do not having your hands above neck or fiddling with your hair. You may cross your arms but it could suggests a closed and defensive attitude. The best solution is to clasp your hands loosely around waist level you look that you have nothing to hide.

If the interviewer is talking and you want to show that you are actively listening, you need to instigate direct eye contact and maintain it. Avoid staring aggressively. A gaze that lasts longer than 7  to 10 seconds can cause discomfort.  Looking down sometimes mean that you are not interested in interview or you are very stressful.

Best to avoid

Before you go into your interview, you should prepare some questions you think you could be asked. It makes you feel more confident about your answers and you will not be so stressed. Always be on time for your interview. Make sure to have the right directions and to foresee possible traffic. Always tell the truth about your past job history and anything that is asked at your job interview. If you lie, it will be a matter of time before the employer finds out.

Nothing will make you look worse than talking badly about a former boss or place of employment. If you talk badly about your previous employer, your chances are lower. Nobody likes gossip. Plus - you never know who knows who, so it is better to keep your personal businesses in private. During the interview you should listen to question carefully, so you do not give any inappropriate answer.

Remember about formal clothes. Additionally, do not wear any perfume or smoke a cigarette right before your interview.

Business colours

During job interview it may be useful to choose the colours that you are wearing. You should remember about your formal clothes and rules of dress code, but psychology of colours can help you to achieve your business goals too.

If you have an important interview in company, where dress code is strictly observed, you have to know style of this company. If it is a business connected with banking or sales you have to choose clothes in based blue colours.  These hues (for example navy blue, azure, gray-blue) will make you look proffessional, trustworthy, credability. For sure you immediately arouse trust with your future employer.

Whereas, if it is a company, where the boss is a woman (or your future clients will be women) you should choose at least one element of clothing in magenta. This colour is the most feminine of the whole palette and ladies love to wear it. Magenta means playful, but also creativity, so it is a good colour to be chosen.

The third colour, which you can choose for your interview is black. As you probably know, black is the most elegant and sophisticated colour, which means professionalism and willingness to perform assigned tasks. It is also minimalist colour that allows your interlocutor to focus on you, not on your clothes.

The colour, which you should avoid during job interview is red. This colour is perfect for bosses, but not for employees. Red entails power, authority and control. It is also linked with strong feelings, like anger and jelousy. If you come dressed in red, your future boss might feel threatened and anxious. Red can awake negative emotions, so it is better if you leave such clothes on another occasion.

Summing up, being successful during job interview is not so difficult. Keep in mind several rules: get to know some information about the company, know your CV, display your skills with concrete examples, be yourself and of course think about your body language during job interview.

Good luck!

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You don’t need money to be a superstar

If the Internet had begun in the last century, we would have seen Instagram photos of The Beatles, selfies by Elvis Presley or fast Snap made by Marylin Monroe. It is interesting how many followers they would has had. Anyway, being famous nowadays is much easier than even 100 years before - and musicians know about that. And make good use of it.

 The Internet was change of human relation, the meaning of marketing or even shopping - you can do everything without going out from home. But the Internet also make an opportunity to show our art to plenty of a people, without any money. What are the possibilities?

  Livestream on Facebook

 Livestream - so videos in real time - as a free application came to Facebook in 2016. It is not a new idea - the first application went to Facebook in 2010, but it wasn’t famous then. As we can see - world is changin, and even if something wasn’t popular before, still have chance for having a success. Application is not that popular now, but it’s getting more and more famous.

Livestream gives an opportunity to make on-line, stream videos - so we are making a movie and our fans can see that in real time. Amazing, isn’t it?

How can it help brands? Very easly - they can make a concert and make a stream of that. More and more bands do that - for example Modestep, UK’s band, every Monday play a livestream concert. After that we can also see the video on YouTube.

The Internet is a good space for musicians who don't fit into the mainstream. They can completely for free promote their music and built fan base online. A good example is Steven Paul Taylor who makes quirky and weird music without commercial potential. Inspite of this he has a lot of fans who found his music on the Internet. Thanks to his online fame he travells the world and plays concerts.

Additionally Internet is also a good space for fresh artists who are just starting their career. For example Polish rapper Taco Hemingway realised his first EP on his website for free of charge  downland. After  the success of it, he became well known in the business and started giving concerts  at the biggest Polish festivals. Encouraged by the good feedback he released his second EP also for free. Now he signed contract with record label, which only confirm the idea of free music being equally or more successfull as music made with money background.

Internet competition? Take part in the initiative like Hot16Challange!

For doing Ice Bucket Callange you needed only camera or Smartphone, internet and ... a bucket of cold water.  In this one you must show your possibilities which are the most significant. Or maybe something else - maybe you will create a new idea like this? It’s magnificent suggestion, just trust me.

#Hot16Challenge consisted of recording stanzas consisting of 16 verses. And everything on a single breath! In 2014 in Poland this idea created one of rappers – Solar. In a flash, this concept spread throughout the country and interested in a large number of viewers. If you doing it perfect, fans will love you. And again – all you need is Smartphone, Internet access and a little bit of skills of course ;) The scale of that challenge is already impressive but could be more if you will participate!

  Normally we don't think about how complex the Internet is and how it affects our culture and other aspects of our everyday life. If you are a musician who is just starting out, many of the traditional paths to making money are not accessible. It shouldn’t be up to the industry to decide who should succeed. It’s up to fans! And the Internet is a really good space for you!

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Street Art Project- Interview with Michał Pałasz

Interview with Michał Pałasz, PhD at Jagiellonian University, Institute of Culture. Culture manager, art lover, co-founder of Cracow’s Museum of Erotism. We talk about his feels about street art and its significance, let’s check it!

 Malwina: What do you think about graffiti?

Michał Pałasz: In general?

M: Yes.

MP: I like graffiti, but I think there are more esthetic ways of presenting art in public space than graffiti. Graffiti is like… more a movement than art. It doesn’t have to be esthetic, it doesn’t have to be deep in meaning, it just has to say that “I’m here and this is my sign!”

M: Okay. What do you think about comparing graffiti to vandalism?

MP: It’s different, because vandalism has different aim. As I said before, graffiti is to say “Hello world, I am here and I am a person, look at me!” and vandalism is offensive, contrary to graffiti.

M: Is there something do you like most in street art?  MP: Yes, doing it! It’s the best aspect of street art, making it. Because it’s social event – you don’t do street art alone, never. Okay, maybe you do, if you’re Banksy. Except him, almost everyone works in groups. Of course there’s always one ‘star’ who makes a project and then the helpers, but then the helpers become artists as well. Besides, organizing street art is very pleasant task as well.

M: Maybe there’s something you don’t like about street art especially?

MP: Yes, I don’t like institutionalized street art. If, for example a city has an anniversary like 8 hundred years of Cracow or anything, then there is a commission for artists to make a mural that says that Cracow is great… another example – Podgórze district and Cracow were connected together hundred years ago and there was a commission from the city to make a mural that represents that event. So it’s commercial project, very safe and non-critical project so it’s not art. It’s more like advertising and very safe type of it, not controversial. It has to be nice for the politics and nice for the public so it’s decorative and represents  very low artistic level of creativity.

M: What do you think about when you think about street art?

MP: Different things. It’s not only murals, it’s not only graffiti, because installations also are street art, making installations in public spaces or street theatre is street art as well. So it’s very wide notion… It’s not only narrowed to graffiti. So when I think ‘street art’ I think: mystery, freedom, and freedom of expression, controversy, and transgressing the limits… yes, I like it.

M: And what do you think, what is the relation between fine arts and street art?

MP: In contemporary world, if you’re good street artist and get recognition in the art world and then you stop being street artist, because you start to paint on canvas because it’s easier to sell. So… the real street art doesn’t have a real commercial side. It has no profits actually. Banksy… okay, he had no profits but now he has some… It’s difficult question. Street art is art, that’s for sure, and is street art a business art? I think sometimes, but I like it more when street art is not a business.

M: Does street art in Cracow have an impact on city’s culture?

MP: Difficult question as well, because we as a city, as Cracow, we don’t have a public politic for street art. For example Łódź has one and it’s decorative, it has to be nice for the public. And Katowice has one also – there’s a public policy for street art and it has to be critical – like you look at the painting on the wall and it’s disturbing for you, you start thinking about it. And in Cracow it’s like a hotchpotch, like puzzles, so you can’t really say about street art in Cracow because every work is different. But I think even so it has an impact, because people for example like to go on street art walks to get to know this kind of art. And it makes people move and think as well sometimes. It has an impact definitely.

M: What are your favorite pieces of street art in Cracow?

MP: My wife’s murals (laughing). No, really… my favorite, I’m not original, is blue mural near the riverside, near the Drukarnia club, there’s this big bell, you know this mural? Also white and yellow, so pop’s colors. It’s a bell at the same time as it’s tube for talking loud to people down there so this one it’s the best for sure. I really like my wife’s murals because they are sort of abstracts and they have two bottoms. So you look and you see one thing and you see the other staff that it’s really about in the mean time. So they’re not direct. And they’re not recognizing reality as bad, they’re not criticizing reality, but they show something other than what you see on the first glimpse.

M: What does street art symbolize? What’s the message?

MP: It depends on artist I think. But for sure if I had to choose one sentence to make a statement, it will be maybe… ‘The public space is ours. Let’s make it more beautiful, let’s take over it. The public space is ours, the citizens, not the rulers of the city”.

M: Thank you very much!

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Share your story…

A few weeks ago a special guest - Professor Yannis Gabriel* visited us at the Jagiellonian University. He had the lecture for students and teachers and he was talking about the power of stories in life and management. He focused on leaders who care about their employees. The leaders who always offer support and share emotions. Moreover, the leaders who are accessible (present when needed). The lecture was not only a very interesting experience, especially for us - students of management. This meeting inspired us to think more about the idea of storytelling.

 The main idea of ​​storytelling is the authentication of our words by anecdotes. It is a popular method used in leadership, sales and presentations. We can also use it when we want to convince someone to our opinion. Arguments inspire counterarguments, but if you tell the story nobody will be able to say “no, it couldn’t happen.” Why this method is becoming more and more popular? Because tales are illustrative, easily memorable and evoke emotions. People don’t trust, don’t listen, don’t believe and don’t remember. Unless you are telling a story…

 Yannis Gabriel and his lecture moved us to think about our stories. Moreover, we asked to write stories our teachers from the Jagiellonian University. You can read them in the comments. And now, we have a task for each of you. Yes, you can share your story, too. We truly encourage you, because we are sure that every story makes the invaluable experience.

So, share your story!

  *Yannis Gabriel - He is a Professor of Organizational Theory at the University of Bath. He is also a Visiting Professor at University of Lund. Mr Yiannis has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College London and accomplished post-graduate studies in industrial sociology. He is interested in leadership, management learning, organisational storytelling and narratives, but also psychoanalytic studies of work, and the culture and politics of contemporary consumption. He is the author of nine books and numerous articles as well as the University of London distant learning MBA Leadership module. He regularly leads a blog, which we truly recommend: www.yannisgabriel.com.

  Authors: Marta Białas, Karolina Kastelik, Aleksandra Kucia, Kinga Skiba (gr.18)

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People

Some people come in our life as blessings.  Some come in your life as lessons - Mother Teresa

 “Never give up” - it is easier said than done. Really? We don’t think so. Do you have any doubts?  Especially for you, we collected some information about well known people who definitely never give up. All of them are now very popular, but they wasn't easy. Read on and get some inspiration and motivation from hard- workers and survivors!

 Oprah Winfrey - as a child, she was a victim of sexual abuse and was molested by her cousin and uncle. When she was 14, Oprah gave birth to a child, who died 2 weeks later. She didn’t give up. Oprah finished high school as an honor student. Nowadays she is a very popular media proprietor, talk show host, actress and producer.

 Jim Carrey - When he was 14 his father lost his job and his family hit rough times. They hadn’t got any money, so they moved into a van on a relative’s lawn. Today he is one of the most popular Canadian actresses.

 J. K. Rowling - In 1994 she had gotten a divorce and hadn’t got money to feed her daughter. Her books were rejected dozens of times until Bloomsbury finally gave her a chance and published Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Rowling achieved her goal and the stories about Harry Potter are one of the most popular book series now!

 Nick Vujicic – he was born with a rare disorder, the absence of both arms and legs. During his childhood not only did he struggle physically but also mentally and emotionally. Despite issues with bullying and depression he has come to terms with his disability. Now he is known worldwide. He has published numerous books and presents motivational speeches about living without limits and finding meaning and hope in life.

Irena Eris – a doctor of pharmacy and a successful business woman. Dr Irena Eris Cosmetic Laboratories is the most widely recognized Polish manufacturer of skin care cosmetics. The company image has been built over the last 30 years in a consistent and coherent manner. The enormous success of the brand proves how much women can achieve in business and encourages to take action in fulfilling our dreams.

 Nando Parrado - survived an airplane crash and 72 days in the Andes. On the 60th day after the crash, Parrado and 2 other friends decided to walk through the icy wilderness for help. Knowing that they must search for rescue, the team endured frozen snow, exhaustion and starvation, walking and climbing for 10 days before finding their way to the bottom of the mountain. They were finally helped by a Chilean farmer who called police. His book Miracle in the Andes was published in 2007. He is now a motivational speaker.

 Who inspires you? Let us know in the comments below!

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5 attributes of success in social media

More and more individuals, groups of people or companies would like to have their own profile on social media. Here are five essential steps how to achieve success in social media. Check if you know them all!

1. Strategy

If you want to achieve success in social media, you need to have a thoughtful strategy and be systematic. Good plan is half the battle. You must define the aims clearly, assess in which place you are in social media now, consider which tools you will use and finally plan the schedule of strategic activities.

Source: http://randomagency.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/content.jpg

2. Target group

Social networking sites provide a high-range channels such as TV or radio. One of the most important elements in the process of building a marketing strategy is to define the target, as precisely as possible, in terms of demographic and psychographic. Those measures, along with the use of appropriate tools, will ensure you will reach all those potentially interested in our brand.

3. Content

Social media allow you to place different types of media content on one platform.  For example, you could publish content in many different ways – in movies, posts, gifs, ect. Facebook is probably the most popular social networking site, which allows you to show all of those contents in one virtual place. New media also create the possibility to use new measures, like hashtags, to fit content to category. If you create a good hashtag, it becomes popular. Your page will become popular too. In summary, new media create new power, and if you wish to be popular, you should use all of them!

Source: https://pl-pl.facebook.com/f4ep/

4. Time

Time is another „must have” to achieve success in social media. Why? Because posting on Facebook, analyzing results of adverts, benchmarking, preparing graphics, contacting with fans and introducing new features is more time-consuming than you can imagine. It would be great if your boss understood it too. 

Source: https://pixabay.com/pl/biurko-inteligentny-telefon-laptop-1205159/

5. Creativity

Creativity is the key to success in social media as it involves the creation of original and inspiring content. Interesting content attracts the attention of audience, therefore you should look for new inspiration. Develop your out-of-the box thinking skills to create original content (videos, pictures, etc.).

Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/3H0-Yqjo7u/?taken-by=kendalljenner Some sources of inspiration you may find on our Blog. Just read the forthcoming posts.

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Yes! It is easy to say NO!

At the beginning we would like to apologize if our words offend anybody. This is not our intention. Our aim is only to show one important problem in its real colours.

The problem refers to rape culture.

 In a world full of “yesmen” [1] something as simple as a “no” can become somewhat of a taboo.

This can be a symptom of a “happy go lucky” lifestyle that we all aspire to. While it may seem harmless on a basic level, it can easily become dangerous when we let others step over our boundaries and invade our comfort zone… or worse. We must understand that saying “no” does not equal “rude” or “disrespectful”. It is one of our basic rights and we must always feel ready and confident to exercise it. We have decided to see the “elephant in the room[2]” to raise other girls’ awareness connected with this problem of rape culture.

We got inspired by this short film, so spent a few minutes to watch it.  

Project Consent touches upon a very serious subject of a consent. Its goal is to fight with physical abuse culture - a global epidemic in which sexual attack is trivialized. Some examples of rape culture can be seen in popular media, in which the offence is often sexualized. Music videos, commercials and obviously porn are prime examples of the above. When a man slaps a woman on a butt, it does not mean that every girl should allow for such behavior. And most of all when a group of men forces themselves on a girl and she seems to love, it certainly does not mean that every girl likes to be brutalized. However, the most important thing is to learn how to read signs before getting into an awkward or even a criminal situation.

We have formulated some phrases or “signs” (in forms of single warning messages) to help women be more assertive. We also think we can do something together to change this situation! In the comments section, please post your message or a selfie with short form of encouragement. Use the hashtags  #sexeducation #projectconsent to back up the project. Simply answer the question:

“If you could give one piece of advice to prevent sexual abuse, what would you say to your friend?”

We have already started. Now it’s your turn

[1] Yesman – a person who agrees to everything with everyone (employer, leader, friends etc.) in order to please them.

[2] The idiomatic expression applies to an obvious problem or risk no one wants to discuss.

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3 most inspirational books with good stories I have ever read

“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader” – Margaret Fuller

 We are all looking for inspiration in our own way. Sometimes we can see some subjects being more inspiring than others. But in general there is one universal thing that inspires all of us – a good, interesting story. A good book would be a source of an interesting story that might be an inspiration for us.

 Here are 3 most inspirational books with good stories I have ever read.

 1. Martin Eden by Jack London. This novel is, on the one side, an inspiring story of success, and on the other, a story of hard work and problems that come with fame and success. First of all, it is an interesting  "rags to riches" story about young autodidact. You can see the world became darker or even cruel in the Martin's eyes, when he achieved fame and glory.

 2.  The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. This is one of the six books of a trilogy by Douglas Adams. You can see the author’s sense of humor, when deliberately misnaming his book series. This book will change your way of thinking about your life. Only here you'll find "the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything". Just read it.

 3.   "Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!": Adventures of a Curious Character by Ralph Leighton and Richard Feynman. In this book you will find some really interesting stories from one of the most inspiring and fun Nobel Prize-wining physicist of the 21st century. If you are too serious in your life and work, just read this book.