danielleholback

[danielleholback]

Research and Investigation Skills Development: Mastery Journal

Research and Investigation Skills Development (RIS) was the most challenging course in my journalism degree program thus far, which is an exceptional facet. In the beginning, I did not expect to learn a magnitude of useful information in a short period of time, but I was pleasantly surprised. I believe that the information I have acquired in RIS will enable me to experience continual growth in my Master’s program and professional career.

There were three goals I wanted to achieve in Research and Investigation Skills Development. First and foremost, I wanted to learn more about adequately finding public records and including sources in my articles. Because I majored in English and Creative Writing, I learned more about MLA and APA format than anything else. Prior to RIS, I did not know that in order to thoroughly show the sources of all my information, I must include active hyperlinks – even if I am mentioning a location. I find that this method is more useful when writing an article because it allows my readers to instantly assess the information provided in the text. Moreover, it gives the reader the chance to learn about the information in depth.

Secondly, I wanted to learn more about creating infographics. The bulk of the information I learned about infographics came from watching tutorials and researching what good and bad infographics looked like. Essentially, good infographics are functional. They are insightful (easily informs the audience on information they may not have been privy of). Lastly, they are visually pleasing and large enough for readers to see. Learning how to create infographics are helpful to me because it allows my readers to convey information easily. According to Forbes, “Infographics are still one of the best ways to turn dull information into shareable content. While the concept of infographics is nothing new, how they are created, shared and used for online marketing and branding continues to change.”

Finally, I wanted to become better at conducting effective interviews and writing effective articles. Before RIS, I simply conducted interviews and published the transcript. In RIS, I learned how to weave my interviewee’s quotes into my story. Finally, I learned that in order to have an effective interview, I must “…know the questions you’re going to ask and why you’re going to ask them,” which requires adequate preparation. This information was helpful to me because it allows me to learn more about my subjects and conduct interviews that flow and are conversational. I believe that interviews I properly prep for render exceptional articles.

           All in all, the knowledge I have acquired in RIS will enable me to become a competent journalist that readers and professionals alike can rely on to provide useful and trustworthy information.

[danielleholback]

Legal Aspects of Media: Mastery Journal

Legal Aspects of Media has been a really interesting course. I did not have a lot of prior knowledge about the legalities of media before this class began. Granted, I was aware of fair use, plagiarism, public domain, and copyright, but I soon learned that the legal aspects of media is vast. Although I learned a lot about deceptive advertising, intrusion, defamation, and copyright, my favorite assignment was the publication. My major is New Media Journalism, which explains why I enjoyed this assignment the most. I love writing articles and interviewing people; it is something I have been doing since high school. I have improved at both interviewing and writing articles since starting this program; I am certain that my knowledge will grow even more by the time I graduate. I believe that I have found my niche (human rights) and I am excited about exploring it further through my publications.

The course topic that is the most helpful for me as a communications professional is defamation – which leads into the next question regarding handling potential legal issues in the communications industry. I have read several cases regarding defamation and I noticed how a lot of said cases could have been avoided if the reporter or journalist would have focused more on the facts and conducted thorough research. Journalists do not have room for speculation. The problem with many journalists today is that they are more focused on “breaking news” than accuracy. Everyone wants the lead story, but no one wants to do the research. This mindset only leads to disaster. Defamation lawsuits can get messy and they could possibly end a journalist’s career.

My plan is to continue learning about defamation even after this course is completed; I understand how imperative this could be for my career. My goal is be a competent journalist through and through.

[danielleholback]

WIM Timeline Goal: Mastery Journal Entry

My “Writing for Interactive Media” (WIM) goal was to learn how use my niche in multiple ways. I believe that this class enabled me to find my voice. I was able to tell one story multiple ways. Most importantly, I learned how to take “a piece of the cake” and make it into a dynamic story. Initially, I had difficulty focusing on one thing and making it the overall story. I had a plethora of ideas I wanted to explore and I wanted to do it all at once. What I found is that focusing on the whole “cake” prohibited me from developing a single story idea. Not to mention, it was overwhelming trying to tell multiple stories at once. With the help of my professor and classmates, I was able to hone in on my storytelling skills.

One of the major things I learned in the WIM course is the meaning of newsworthy. In the article by Dan Sinker entitled “Oh My God, Don’t Make Things for Everyone,” I learned that what I write may not be for everyone. Sinker wrote, “Everyone isn’t an audience. Everyone is a byproduct of an incredibly successful thing that was made for a far more specific bunch of people. Don’t make something for Everyone.” I struggled with this for a long time because I felt that in order for something to be deemed “newsworthy,” everyone had to find it interesting. I was wrong. I am actually glad I was wrong. I now know that it is important to cater to my audience and their beliefs and interests.

All in all, this course was great. I feel like I made a lot of connections with my classmates and I am looking forward to my next course. Every week, I learn something new. Every week, I become more competent. I plan to use the skills I have learned in WIM professionally. I will continue to include these journalistic skills in my lesson plans as an English II teacher. 

[danielleholback]

NMC Timeline Goal: Mastery Journal Entry

My NMC timeline goal was to find my voice and my purpose as a writer and journalist. Through the New Media and Communications course, I was able to narrow down my audience; what I wanted to talk about; who I wanted to impact; and how I wanted to tell my stories. Although I did well with finding my voice, I believe that there is still room for improvement. Because I am interested in a multitude of subjects—ranging from pop culture to law and politics—it is difficult to say in a few words what I would like to discuss. At the same time, I learned in this course that competent journalists are multifaceted and versatile. According to Clark (2014), “… at heart, journalists are a type of author, the work existing on a spectrum that extends from the civic to the literary. Competent journalists exhibit versatility in this area, demonstrating the capacity to write in different genres and from different media – long or short, fast or slow – for a variety of audiences and platforms” (Language and Storytelling section, para. 2). Although it is still my desire to narrow down my audience, purpose and subject matter, I know that being a versatile journalist is favorable and will work to my advantage. My goal is to provide news for everyone, to be inclusive.

All in all, I fairly enjoyed the New Media and Communications course. I was able to learn about myself as a storyteller and journalist. The worksheets helped me to narrow down my audience and purpose. Moreover, I was able to answer the questions “who,” “what,” “where,” when,” “why,” and “how.” Not only will I use this information in my personal life, but I will incorporate it into my professional life. More specifically, I will include these journalistic skills in my lesson plans as a teacher.

                                                        Reference

Clark, R. (2014). The Pyramid of Journalism Competence: what journalists need to know. Retrieved from https://www.poynter.org/news/pyramid-journalism-competence-what-journalists-need-know

[danielleholback]

I am a Writer

Danielle T. Holback

[danielleholback]

Mastery Journal Assignment - Effective Branding

1. Nike has an effective branding method not only because they provide quality products, but their slogan, “Just Do It,” encourages people to be active. Thus, they appeal to professional athletes as well as everyday people who desire to become active, while looking stylish doing so.

2. McDonald’s has an effective branding method because they embrace uniformity. In other words, every McDonald’s is recognizable because they are built similarly. Moreover, McDonald’s listens to the needs and wants of their consumers. Although McDonald’s has a traditional menu, they make sure to add seasonal items that are appealing to consumers in certain areas of the world.  

3. Apple has an effective branding method because they appeal to the consumer’s emotions. They strive to be humanistic and innovative at all times. Moreover, Apple products are made to be intuitive (and less complex), which enables consumers to operate them effectively. Apple also has a reputation for providing high-quality products that are beautifully designed. Because Apple is innovative, they remain ahead of the competition.

[danielleholback]

Mastery Journal Assignment: Storytelling and Storyboarding for Animation

Aubrey Bryden is an 8-year-old African-American girl who is learning about Black History Month. Unfortunately, Aubrey’s least favorite subject is history. Moreover, she believes that black history begins and ends with slavery and segregation. Her Black History Month assignment is due in less than twenty-four hours. Instead of completing the assignment, Aubrey falls asleep at her desk. Little does Aubrey know, she is about to embark on a journey that she’ll never forget. With the help of Zora Neale Hurston as her tour guide, Aubrey explores black history first-hand, inspiring her to make history of her own one day.

[danielleholback]

Mastery Discussion: Gamification and Media Convergence

Here are three examples of gamification:

The first example is Wal-Mart’s "Pathways." At Wal-Mart, every new employee has six months to complete training called "CPLs" and "Pathways." If employees complete their CPLs and Pathways before the six months are up, they will receive a $1 raise. Wal-Mart makes the training experience interesting by implementing gamification. The Pathways are not only educational, but they are fun and interactive.

Wal-Mart uses themes such as Spin the Wheel, Family Feud, Jeopardy, etc. to keep the employee entertained as well as informed. Moreover, implementing gamification ensures that Wal-Mart associated are alert when completing their training.

The second example of gamification is McDonald’s Monopoly Game. This popular restaurant successfully increased their sales by providing customers with Monopoly tickets every time they bought a certain item. Customers can use the tickets to earn a space on the game board. Customers are required to collect tickets of the same color in order to be eligible to win a prize.

Finally, Cracker Jack is an example of gamification. A long time ago, Cracker Jack lovers could find a toy prize waiting for them at the bottom of the popcorn bag. Nowadays, Cracker Jack toy prizes are replaced with QR codes. In order to redeem a prize, Cracker Jack customers are required to download the Blippar app and scan the sticker with the QR code on it. There are a few baseball-themed activities/games found on the app. The customer has to choose one activity. The overall goal is to provide customers with a fun, interactive experience.

[danielleholback]

Mastery Journal Assignment (ESW)

Episodic and Serial Writing was by far my favorite class in the Creative Writing program at Full Sail University; I was able to truly explore my creative side without feeling boxed in or confused. I enjoyed implementing my ideas on a project that was someone else’s creative property. Before writing my script for “No Good Deeds,” I thought I wanted to pursue film full-time. I was convinced that writing for film would be my only interest because of my past experiences. For instance, I interned at a production company and worked on a film short. I wrote my first film script this year. Furthermore, I spend countless hours watching films and analyzing certain aspects about them (i.e. structure, format, dialog, action, etc.). I just knew that one day I would pursue film full-time.

After exploring the “No Good Deeds” web series, I developed a love for situational comedy. I always knew that I would write a sitcom, but I didn’t think I’d want to pursue it full-time. Now that I have written my first comedic script, I could definitely see myself doing this for a living. Not only was it fun to explore my comedic side, it was also fun to work with my peers. The feedback/criticism I received only improved my script. Now that I’ve witnessed my potential, my goal is to be a part of a writing staff for an episodic series.

Upon graduating, I plan to relocate. I am debating on whether I should move to California or Atlanta, GA. I would like to work at Tyler Perry Studios; I believe that I would be a great fit there. In the meantime, I want to conduct more research on situational comedy. Moreover, I want to write a few spec scripts and possibly submit them to different production companies. I believe that I have something special to offer. I enjoy thinking outside the box and I am not afraid to push the envelope. I am looking forward to developing my craft. Moreover, I am looking forward to being one of the best creative writers of my generation.

November 20, 2016

[danielleholback]

From Flintlock to Caplock: Why I Made the Switch

By: John Elmore (Former Slave Owner)

I never thought I could love something or someone more than I love my wife, Emily. That was until I entered the war back in 1861 and handled my first caplock rifle musket, the 1855 Springfield. Back when I was a kid, my Papa taught me how to use the good old-fashioned flintlock rifle. It took about two-hundred years to load those rascals up with black powder. By the time I got the thing loaded, my target made its way home just in time for supper. Papa cherished the flintlock. If only he knew that greater was just a few of decades around the corner, he’d saved his hard earned money. 

Lyman Great Plains Muzzleloading Rifle Flintlock Wood Stock

On April 10th, a couple of days before the Battle of Fort Sumter at the Charleston Harbor, I was handed my first caplock. Initially, I mistook the caplock for a flintlock, thus, I was a bit worried about loading the gun. To my avail, the times had changed exceedingly. When the caplock was bestowed upon me, I said, “Sergeant Smith sir, I don’t have any black powder for my rifle. I looked for it everywhere sir. I keep finding these little iron, cylinder shape things. I don’t know how to…” Before I could finish my last sentence, everyone in my company burst into laughter. For all they knew, I lived under a rock for the past twenty years. Sergeant Smith answered, “We won’t be using any black powder in this here war Private Elmore. We’re trying to win the war, not die before the trigger touches our fingertips! These Minié balls will do the trick. Load your musket before Christmas comes!”

The 1855 Springfield

In that very moment, it felt as if God himself was handing me the ammunition of life. I loaded my rifle quicker than a hot knife through butter. Before I knew it, I was taking souls left and right. They called me “The Jackrabbit.” Nobody could make a kill faster than me or with greater precision. The moment I touched a caplock rifle, I hit the ground running. If it wasn’t for my leg getting blasted, I would have made more memories with my Springfield. After I got injured and had to leave the war, I replaced a lot of my old rifles with the caplocks. I even bought three or four caplock pistols. I still have some of my old flintlocks lying around the Elmore Plantation for decoration, but my pride and joy, the Springfield, stays right by my side. It brings me comfort knowing that my rifle is there when I wake up every morning. When I’m having a few nightmares, I place two of my Springfields by the door and two by my bed post. When I want to scare a couple of my slaves, I simply aim, pull back on the hammer, and watch the fear dance across their faces. It’s all for fun. I haven’t made a kill in years.

A younger me with my very first Springfield caplock rifle. c.1861

If you are not convinced that caplocks are better than flintlocks, consider these reasons:

1.     Caplocks take less time loading

2.     They are easier to handle (especially for beginners)

3.     They have a faster ignition (Thus, you do not have to worry about the   gun’s sight moving off the center of the target)

4.     They’re weather resistant

5.     More reliable 

6.     And you’ll sleep better at night

Civil War soldiers with caplock rifles and pistols. The caplock rifle (left) is paired with a bayonet. 

[danielleholback]

October 9, 2016-Character Creation and Development

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October 9, 2016 Character Creation & Development

[danielleholback]

Idea #1:

Retail Managers at MAC are responsible for monitoring the various activities in the store, thus, they are required to keep records of inventory, accounting, business activities, etc. As a Retail Makeup Artist, I work with customers firsthand. I could use my creative writing skills to create an analysis of customer satisfaction and activity. For instance, if most customers enter into the store looking for a certain lipstick, foundation or concealer, I would write an analysis about it and encourage my manager to place these items in a more obvious location. Moreover, I will note how often I would have to modify the display (restock the self).

 Idea #2:

One of the ways that I could utilize my creative writing skills to build my resume is by creating a makeup blog. Not only will the blog have visual representation of my makeup work, but it will also consist of seasonal makeup trends, among other tips I’ve discovered over the years. Most importantly, I could give reviews on makeup products at MAC (I will give insight on what product work best for certain skin types, etc.).  

Idea #3:

Since I am a freelance makeup artist at MAC Cosmetics, advertisement is imperative. Hence, I could utilize my creative writing skills to create flyers and business bookmarks.  The idea is to place the business bookmarks in bridal magazines, wedding planning books, prom magazines, modeling, etc. Creative writing and advertisement will enable me to promote both myself and MAC.

(The trigger pictures are listed in the same order as the ideas. Click the photo to see the number associated with the trigger picture).

[danielleholback]

Mastery Journal Assignment (The Art of Storytelling)

Micheal Ealy photo retrieved from http://unapix.com/articles/michael-ealy-ethnicity-nationality-and-parents.html

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Week 4: Here is the link to my Mastery Journey Timeline. 

[danielleholback]

Week 4 Inspiration: As a writer, I understand the validity of Stephen King’s quote. As an English graduate, I’ve explored the ins and outs of literature and writing practices. I still have a long way to go, but now that I know the formula to becoming a better writer, I will go far and beyond. 

[danielleholback]

My Mastery Journey logo (Week 3).