Advertisement in Wired April 17, 2008

The ad I chose to critique is a USPS ad in the Feb. 2008 issue of Wired. The ad is a picture of a middle-aged man with a stern face. The caption above the man says, “surprises? i don’t like aurprises. do i look like i like surprises?”

I think the ad is effective mostly because of the man and the face he is making. One thing I think that is a little bit wierd about the ad is that the beginning of the sentences and the word “i” are not capitalized in the ad. That kind of bothered me becasue I am kind of a freak about grammar and punctuation.

I also think the ad is effective because a lot of people are really frustrated by the process of sending packages, and this ad is acknowledging this and vowing to make it better and as hassle-free as possible.

There is nothing really visually arresting in the ad, but it is simple and it works.

Twitter.com April 15, 2008

I just parused the twitter.com site and I found it to be very bizarre and confusing. I really don’t see the point in joining this site because there are a lot more beneficial sites out there that do similar things. I am a member of myspace obviously wordpress as well, and I believe these two sites to be much more useful. The only thing that twitter does that myspace cannot is allow users to post links. Other than the link-posting thing, I see really no use for such a site.

The Roman Candles & Delmag Concert Poster April 2, 2008

The Roman Candles & Delmag Concert Poster

Photojournalist Thomas Dworzak’s lecture March 10, 2008

Last Friday I attended a lecture and presentation by Thomas Dworzak. Mr. Dworzak is the youngest photojournalist employed by Magnum Photos, which is the premier photojournalism agency in the world. Mr. Dworzak’s presentation of photos started out with some of his first work in Chechnya, which is a small territory trying to gain its independence from Russia.

Mr. Dworzak also showed a long slideshow of photos he took while embedded in Iraq with the American Army. He said that while he was over in Iraq, a friend sent him the complete series of M*A*S*H on DVD. Mr. Dworzak realized they many of the themes and dialogue in M*A*S*H was relevant to the war in Iraq today. Mr. Dworzak watched the show with english subtitles, and photographed the screen. These images were used in his slideshow, and were supported by photos he took in Iraq. I thought it was a pretty clever idea, and a great way to show that war has always been hell, and probably will always be.

If you are interested in viewing some of Thomas Dworzak’s photos, his site is: http://www.magnumphotos.com/Archive/C.aspx?VP=XSpecific_MAG.PhotographerDetail_VPage&l1=0&pid=2K7O3R14JP6U&nm=Thomas%20Dworzak

Project 3 Resume March 10, 2008

Darbi’s Resume

This is not my real resume, I just created it for fun!

Comments on the Waxy.org reading February 14, 2008

I have to agree with Eryn about this post.  I read the post a few times and really had no strong feelings about it, and that may be because I do not fully understand the issue.  So what I gathered is that this Wyspianski fellow has been posting bulk links to his business and other articles to get them viewed as much as possible.  I really don’t feel that there is a huge problem with what he did.  From reading the other comments on the blog, people seem to agree that what he did is somehow unethical. I just see it as an aggressive way to promote one’s business, cause, etc…  I guess if there was some kind of law, written or unspoken, then he would be at fault.  It seems to me he is just looking for any available opportunity to do a little bit of PR. 

My thoughts on the reading… February 8, 2008

I do agree with Mindy McAdams that journalism students should have a broad knowledge. Media convergence is very real and if you want to be able to compete with other applicants, then you must have as many skills as possible. Any more, it is very difficult to just focus on one aspect of the media, you must be able to perform in a variety of mediums. I do have to say; however, that it is difficult/challenging to keep up with the evolving field of journalism. Just a few decades ago journalism was limited to print and broadcast. Today, the field has evolved into a different beast, and to be able to compete on a level playing field, a journalism student must have all the necessary skills/knowledge to do so. I guess the more skills you have, the easier you are to employ.

Project #1 February 5, 2008

Project # 2- Google February 4, 2008

So, when I Googled myself, the first four hits were actually about me. The first two hits were my point standings from when I raced Snocross. The third hit was information about my real estate license ( my name, license number, the office where I work, and even my home address). The fourth hit was from ADN, from the hometown section, where I was listed as making the Dean’s List.

A bit about Darbi D February 4, 2008

Hello All!  I am in my last semester at UAA. I will be graduating in May with a degree in Strategic Communications.

I hope to find a job  here in Anchorage, and I plan to start applying for jobs here real soon!

I am a true Alaskan and I enjoy the outdoors. I love being outside, whether it’s summer or winter.

I work at Dynamic Properties as a real estate assistant.  

I have worked there on and off for about six years, but I am totally over it and am ready to move on.

So, that’s a little bit about me!