npfannen

[npfannen]

As long as the posts are class appropriate, bring the drama!!!! I want this project to be fun - the critical thinking work is in the alignment between post, and how/where fans reply, and how/where the company replies. The fan posts should be the really fun part!

Dr P Check-in Post:

This week, there are only a couple more things to do till the course is done. Working on the “Favorite Show” cancellation posts made me realize something when it comes to audiences. Like how tricky it is to match the tone for an angry fan audience. How dramatic should the fan language be while sounding realistic and not off-brand? I also have questions about writing for the studio, such as how formal or apologetic the tone should be if we’re trying to calm fans down, but also stand by the decision. Please let me know your guidance on finding that tone balance. Thank you! @npfannen

[npfannen]

All 5-7 fan posts should be responses to the cancellation. I want to see variety and creativity, but cohesion in response.

For the Fan replies - this really depends on your platform. That means everyone will have a slightly different approach depending on the show genre + platform.

Check in Post

These may be silly questions; I may just be reading things wrong and second-guessing myself, but I'm a little confused about whether all 5-7 angry fan posts are in response to the scenario (the show being canceled) or about both that and other things that have happened in the show? Also, the reply posts to the angry fan posts essentially "retweets" or individual new content posts from the Favorite show page?

@npfannen

[npfannen]

All of these are right and wrong.....it really depends on the show, and the fans. Fans of certain genres will want different responses. I'm watching ER right now (I am so surprised by some of these older story lines). I know it ends - and it feels like the response would have been "We told all the stories we could" or "we developed the characters to fulfillment and are happy to leave the doctors, nurses, and support staff to their important work" (more creative and celebratory).

The same tone won't work for a show cancelled with a cliffhanger......

Use YOUR show details to help you determine the appropriate tone for your fans!

Dr. P Check-in

What questions do you have about writing to angry fans of Favorite Show?

I’ve been thinking about how we’re supposed to respond to fans when they’re mad at the show. Are we calming them down or just defending what happened? Is the goal to explain creative choices or protect the studio’s image? Should the tone be playful or super serious? I don’t want it to come off as fake-apologetic, but I also don’t want to escalate things. What’s the right balance between being honest and being strategic? @npfannen

[npfannen]

Summer classes are a bit rough because the timeline is short. You got this!!! Remember, growth mindset goes a long way to helping you be a successful student :).

dr. p check in

To start off, I don't have any questions as of right now. However, I am feeling slightly overwhelmed this week. I'm just hoping that I pass this class before I start my next one on Monday.

@npfannen

[npfannen]

How can I tell if content is performing well because of the writing/content itself or because of post timing, platform being used, or even the image being used?

****Everyone write a research question to narrow the focus and deal with just one (1) of these elements. Do NOT introduce too many variables. You picked one!!!!!

You can then offer conclusions on how that one variable impacted user engagement (remember 'performing' ignores that the data is the result of human engagement and action. Bring the audience into your discussion - they are human beings). In your conclusion you can suggest that further research can/should be done to assess other variables - you are only offering conclusions on one piece of the puzzle. That's all we have time for!!!!

How much does appealing to an algorithm effect a posters content strategy?

I don't know what 'appealing to an algorithm' means.....if we use class key words, content creators need to understand the context they are posting in. The context includes the algorithm, but also the tools like titles, hashtags, thumbnails, bios, account details, and so much more. In general, a creator needs to use a combination of these tools to reach their audience, and build an audience that works with the algorithm, but that also works with the community. For instance, TikTok as the FYP - and many creators include variations of the #FYP tag on their content. But if the substance of the content is more 'new followers' they run the risk of alienating their existing followers. Including the #FYP uses the tools as expected to achieve possible content goals - but has impacts on the people watching the content. Fewer/more likes will impact whether the algorithm circulates the content, not including the #FYP will impact how and where the algorithm circulates the content. BUT, the substance of the content will impact real people.......so there is no one right answer to this question.

I also think AI is upending Search Engine Optimization - especially since an AI answer is now a leading answer to most googled things. If you're asking this question related to SEO, I think we're in a time of flux, watching to see how algorithms (which are proprietary, so hidden black boxes that users and creators are guessing at) adjust or don't to genAI. How genAI impacts what users do is also an unknown - we haven't been working with it for that long.

Check In Post

Questions about content strategy....

How can I tell if content is performing well because of the writing/content itself or because of post timing, platform being used, or even the image being used?

How much does appealing to an algorithm effect a posters content strategy?

@npfannen

[npfannen]

How to Write Guide:

This should be written for the content creators you're following. Based on your data, you are offering them 1-3 tips/tricks for more successful strategy. Use language, images, colors, fonts, design that sets the tone for that busy group.

It should include sample content, but it needs to have clear, strong, implementable ideas, and a clear purpose for why the content creator should 'read' it.

For the Analysis:

Google slides. Most of these projects end up being 30-80 slides long. Canva just can't carry the weight of the essay pieces.

During this week, I will be working on the content analysis project. I am nervous because there are a lot of steps, and I don't want to miss anything. My biggest question so far is about the "How to Write Guide". I would like to have more direction with the format and tone you want. I'd like to know if it should be more manual instruction-based or just the regular blog post we have been doing. Then, moving on to the analysis and guide, do you recommend Google Slides or Canva? I am following your expectations. @npfannen

[npfannen]

How can I tell the difference between content that performed well because of a good strategy and content that performed well by accident or just because the creator is famous?

****part of this is answered by consistency over time. In this class we're collecting 20-30 posts, which gives us a bit of time period. In the real world (as a job), or for a thesis, more posts over more time would help address this better.

So, when you graph 20 posts - you're seeing maybe 2 weeks of data. how high are the highs? How low are the lows? Additionally, is there consistency and what does that look like?

If my posts see 20, 30, 20, 45, 150, 20, 30, 20, 30, 30......The high is obviously 150 - but that's an outlier. The more realistic high, that tells me the content and strategic decisions 'worked' would be the 45 because it's closer to the consistency. The repeating 20 and 30 is a good sign (sure to make money I would realistically need much higher numbers........but this is easier as an example). That consistency shows approaches there are consistently reaching audience members.

In a larger, longer project, I would recommend going back further in the data to see if there is steady, slow growth in engagement over time. That would then answer the "famous or good strategy" part. Because we are using lower numbers so this project is doable - that is a very difficult question to answer in this assignment. But, a remix of the method and practice here can help answer a whole lot of questions :)

Dr P Check-in Post

I’ve been thinking about how content strategy isn’t just about making good content but making good decisions about why, how, when, and where content is posted. I get now that high numbers (likes, views) don’t automatically mean a post was strategic. Sometimes people just get lucky, or the timing works by chance. So, my question is: How can I tell the difference between content that performed well because of a good strategy and content that performed well by accident or just because the creator is famous?

I’m trying to analyze patterns across thumbnails, but it’s sometimes hard to separate strategy from popularity. I’m hoping my data will help, but I want to make sure I’m not missing the deeper analysis. What else should I look at to make that clearer?

[npfannen]

are people building a strategy around what they think will work, or are they just adjusting based on what gets engagement later?

****Both. I think most content creators that build at least a small following start because they were already following creators. Early content creators were building on a long history of Web 2.0 content creation by users - with a slightly new twist. No one creates in isolation - writing, ideas, culture, and language don't exist in isolation.

Then, once a creator creates and shares - they will also continuously adjust - over and over again. Trends change, goals change/shift, audiences have different needs at different times of the year, audiences have different availability at different times of the year - all of this means content is adjusting, even slightly, based on audience reaction AND cultural changes.

And if a post doesn’t do well, how do you even know if it was the timing, the audience, or just the content itself?

****Constant research looking at timing, audience, content, hashtags, titles AND other content as variables. Essentially, the project in Module 4 exists in the real world for content creators, businesses, nonprofits, educators, educational institutions, healthcare, and so much more!

Dr P Check-in Post

"What questions do you have about content strategy that you would like me to answer?"

I’m still trying to figure out how much of content strategy is planned ahead versus figured out as you go. Like, are people building a strategy around what they think will work, or are they just adjusting based on what gets engagement later? And if a post doesn’t do well, how do you even know if it was the timing, the audience, or just the content itself? I’d like to understand how content creators make decisions when so many variables are involved. @npfannen

[npfannen]

Your method section needs to include all the steps. I should be able to read the method, follow each of your steps, and create the exact same data set (my numbers might differ slightly because some will have more likes, etc.). Really really detailed.

You will have opportunities to revise and add more!!! This is not a high stakes grade once assignment, this is still learning!!! Keep asking questions like this to help yourself build as a writer.

Dr P check in

what assignment questions do you have that will help you complete the assignment successfully? This is a multi part assignment that spans two weeks - how can I help you be successful?

My question is how specific does my methods section need to be? I feel that I did not do too much to collect my data, but also feel that I will get points off for the methods section. I appreciate that the deadlines for this project are over a 2 week span, and I feel that I am able to accomplish each section confidently.

@npfannen

[npfannen]

I was just wondering if there is an area that most students forget about or don't put enough information about?

***Students often forget to set aside the goal of content creation is steady user engagement, not a viral post. A viral post is a blip - it will NOT pay the bills. Steady user engagement will result in a fairly steady paycheck (with numbers impacting amount, obviously).

Second, students often forget to bring audience analysis and audience culture into the analysis. You're not just analyzing numbers, you are analyzing the work of people. Someone, somewhere, found that content, spent time with it (short or long - doesn't really matter), and took an action because they felt the content deserved it. These numbers are the real time, effort, work, meaning making, understanding, and access of real people. Bring the audience into the analysis!

Another question that I have is about recording data on a video in the data. Would you like a screenshot? Or would you prefer that I do link and/or a synopsis of the video?

It depends on the platform......so I would recommend including a screenshot - always helpful.

You will need to record when you collected all the data - the start and end times of the collection process.

Depending on the platform, it should share some information that allows you to know and record (literally type 05/30/2025) the date the video was posted.

Then, IF and only IF it matters for your research question - I would also add a brief description/synopsis of the video. This really really depends on your RQ. For students using categories, they would record a category not synopsis. For students looking at video length, the synopsis doesn't matter - just date and number of likes with video length.

Everyone will have a different approach to their data - use your research question!!!!

Week 3 Check- in Post

What assignment questions do you have that will help you complete the assignment successfully? This is a multi-part assignment that spans two weeks - how can I help you be successful? 

As I work through the analysis portion of the project, I have some questions about analyzing the data I will collect. When it comes to the analysis portion of the project, I was just wondering if there is an area that most students forget about or don't put enough information about? Another question that I have is about recording data on a video in the data. Would you like a screenshot? Or would you prefer that I do link and/or a synopsis of the video? These should be the only questions that I have at the moment, but it anything else pops up I will make sure to reach out for clarification.

@npfannen

[npfannen]

First question - different platforms have VERY different discourse community standards. A content creator would need a trial and error plan. Additionally, they would need to routinely assess their own data over time (like our Module 4 work), and, they would need to follow other similar creators on that platform for ideas about what audiences are engaging with. Research cannot solely focus on the individual's engagement, but must also explore the broader community.

Second question - there is a Nintendo streamer who demonstrates this so well - Mr A Game. Yes, UX can include accessibility, but it also includes the setting the content is released in, regular attention by the creator to how those settings impact user accessibility over time, and extensive research within the platform and amongst creators to understand platform changes over time. So Mr A Game streams Nintendo content for children - very happy, fun to watch, age appropriate content. However, as an Australian streamer, his settings don't always translate globally. He is constantly working through the steps I outlined here - and streaming/posting videos discussing what he's working on to increase the UX of his content (while he plays Zelda......). The goal is for creators to understand this is an ever changing process. Creating, editing, and sharing content is only one small part of the work it takes to be a creator. So much research is involved. So much.

Third question - my motto is no one has all the answers for web content, if they do, they're selling you something. There is no answer to your question. For some content, 2 is appropriate. For other content, 25 is appropriate. For some content - including a hashtag could change settings impacting your second question. So, it depends. It's all about research - creators need to research again and again and again and again. The Module 4 project is designed to help you see just some of the work that goes into understanding web writing - and hashtags are just one possible variable to look at.

Check In Post 4 - May 29th

What questions do you have about content strategy that you would like me to answer? This will be the theory at the heart of your Content Analysis Project - ask any and all questions to help you develop strong analysis in your work.

Some questions that I have are based on the reading from the book. First, what happens if a content creator is "successful" on one platform and has trouble navigating on how to keep that same "success" on other platforms whether it be not having knowledge of the specific platform, having brain fog on what to create for content, etc? Will they just need to experiment over and over again until they find what works for them? Second, how will content creators know what to edit/go back on for the sake of the UX? Based on my knowledge of UX, it needs to accessible to a wide range of people in terms of accessibility and usability. How will a content creator know if something is not accessible unless users explain the situation? If users can't say or ask questions, what would they do then? Third, how many hashtags are considered too much? I see posts all over social media that may include maybe two to five hashtags, while others include as much as a quarter of the post's space because of the number of hashtags used. How much is considered too little? How much is too much? I think that is all of my questions as of now. Thank you for your help!

@npfannen

[npfannen]

You can use reels - most stories disappear too quickly with no data shared.....usually. I would advise you use the type of posts that answer your research question AND show you the data that helps you answer your RQ.

Yes, you need to review 20-30 posts per account, with the same number for each. This may throw your timeline off depending on frequency of posting. If one posts less - be sure to discuss that in your analysis!

Dr. P check-in week 3

For this assignment, are we looking just at regular posts? If our hypothesis permits, can we use the posts from their stories and/or reels? Do we need to review the same number of posts per account? I have already noticed that one of the people I am observing posts significantly less than the others, so I might have less recent material than the other two.

@npfannen

[npfannen]

This is a conundrum!!!!

On one hand, I do feel like I am leading you all through a mis-use of the tumblr space. We are artificially creating community together, for a class, using these affordances differently than many other tumblr users.

On the other hand, I really appreciate the protections against selling your work to AI that tumblr provides. There are so few tools that won't sell your writing, but tumblr allows you to make those decisions. I want you to feel empowered.

So yes, we are an odd community, for odd reasons.

Additionally, tumblr, like all digital platforms, takes work. It's a lot of work to create and share these posts. It's a lot of work to find posts and respond. You're practicing content strategy, while researching content strategy. Use your skills in these various ways to support your analysis!

Original content 3- Who are we as users of Tumblr?

I feel like we are phony Tumblr users. It's an interesting platform for class assignments. Don't get me wrong, I like it. I just think that this platform is more used for those who want to connect with their fandoms and find people who are interested in the same things they are. In a way, we are doing the same thing, but our "fandom" is our Web Writing course. Before taking this class, I hadn't thought of Tumblr since maybe 2014, so it's interesting to see this platform make such a comeback.

[npfannen]

I provided feedback in the assignment. Please let me know if you have follow-up questions!!! I want you to start the project with a testable research question.

Dr. P Check-in post

What questions do you have about data driven web writing that you would like me to answer?

My research question is, "To what extent does perceived authenticity in web writing influence an audience of women’s engagement and growth? What types of data are most useful to research and analyze for my research question? From my practice project, I learned that I want to narrow down my data that will benefit my research question and hypothesis the most.

@npfannen

[npfannen]

For the reflection, you are the audience. You should be reflecting on your learning to help you carry strong skills with you as you move forward.

For the tumblr posts, I am the audience for the Check-ins, your peers are the focus for your original and peer replies. You should vary style between those two. You want your peers to engage with your original posts, so your writing, and images, and approach should appeal to them. You want to focus on your learning to do well in class, so your check-in posts directed to me should focus on you, your learning in this class, and how I can help you do better.

Your D2L assignments are mostly written for an academic audience, specifically, an academic audience researching digital writing. While I am a part of that audience - the focus should be on developing and supporting your findings, centering digital writing, user experience in digital spaces, and how writing shifts to meet audience needs. This is different than the tumblr posts to peers, and than the tumblr posts to me.

Do these different purposes and styles make sense?

Check-in Post

How should content be adjusted for Tumblr posts compared to reflections? Our audience does not change much as the target audience still includes Dr. P. Should writing style remain consistent between D2L and Tumblr or should it change? @npfannen

[npfannen]

Please do take advantage of these posts so you have a fantastic redemption arc!!!!

Thursday Check-in

I don't really have any questions for this class yet. I still remember enough from the last time I took this class to know what we're expected to do. Since this is my redemption arc for passing this class, if I have any questions I'll be sure to include them in future posts.

@npfannen

[npfannen]

Lovely to work with you again!!!!!

Dr. P Check-Post

what do you want to learn about writing from this class? 

Hi Dr. P, my name is Catrina Carlson, great to see you again. I’m currently junior sports administration major with a minor in marketing which will hopefully help me build a career in social media marketing and content creation for professional sports teams and organizations. In this class I would like to learn about writing to communicate to audiences and consumers through various social media and online platforms. Next month I’m starting my third social media internship, and I hope in this class I can better my understanding of web writing and how to successfully post influential marketing content for the betterment of my future organization. 

@npfannen