Okay, this week is a bit of a potpourri week in terms of technology. Depending on your current technology setup, you may or may not be able to do some of these tech assignments.
Assignment #1
Set-up a Google+ account, or design your “Circles”.
Some have praised the ability to start over in social media on Google+. It still is in beta form, but it is likely to take off. Circles are the new feature on Google+ allowing you to really limit who sees your information and how you interact. At a bare minimum, start to think about which Circles you might have.
If you want an invite, message me (pm@pmaurer.com) with your first and last name and your email address. I’ll do my best to send you one.
One note: Google+ has requested that businesses and organizations wait to set up their business accounts. I’m using Google+ just for personal reasons right now, so it’s going to be unlikely that you’ll see any posts by me quite yet as I’ll keep them limited to my Circles of Family and close friends. When they open it up to businesses, I’ll be sure to post something.
Assignment #2
Evaluate great web videos.
We’re heading more and more to internet videos as a major means of promotion. People fastforward through commercials on their DVR, but will watch a viral advertisement.
Your challenge? Try to find 3-4 of the best promotional videos on the web. I’m not talking funny cat videos or something that might end up on Tosh.0.
I’m talking about something that promotes an upcoming event or product. Obviously, many of these videos are done by professionals, so we won’t have the same production values, but we can look at the elements.This NIKE video is a perfect example.
Now think about what elements you could replicate. The use of quotes. The driving music track (be sure to use legal music on YouTube otherwise it can be removed from the site). The multiple shots. Focusing on only one aspect of a scene rather than the bigger picture.
Think about how you would storyboard your own mini-advertisement.
What would you do to recruit new members? To promote Homecoming or a service project? To get people to participate in a donation drive? To get people more spirited?
Post your thoughts on the discussion board.
Assignment #3
Make a great web video.
If you have the means and a reason, make a great web video this week, or at least begin the process. What shots do you need? Other than these Summer School videos I’ve put up, most of my videos have at least 3-4 cutaway or “B roll” shots to break up my longer segments. I also work to limit the length. My Consider This videos are all in the 2-3 minute range.
If you’re able to complete one this week, please post it on my page.