Blogging is very new for me. I've always read about blogs in Cosmo Magazine and heard about them from other people, but never felt the need to broadcast my daily life and ponderings for the entire world to read. It's a concept that has never appealed to me, but to millions and millions of people-it works.
I see blogs as a dairy or journal. Many people keep journals of the day's events, worries and hopes for the future in a small little book they keep beside their beds. They might even write down dreams they had the night before or their thoughts about the latest presidential election. The difference between journals and blogs, however, is that blogs are flung out into cyberspace with the click of a button. Then, anyone with access to a computer or cell phone are able to access your habits, thoughts, and dreams.
Why publish these personal ideas for anyone? I think it is because no one wants to feel like they are alone; the only one going through what they are. They need someone else, regardless if they live in a differnt town, state, or continent, to verify their own thoughts and actions. Do people feel similar? Does someone really understand what i've been going through? Bloggers are all looking for the same thing; someone to care enought to read their posts and respond with their own.
For me, blogging is not something I will continue. I'd rather keep my tiny blue journal by my bed and choose who I share them with. But for all those bloggers out there...blog on...blog on
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Social Networks Diagrams: Helpful or a Waste of Time?
I went through a whole range of reactions to the ideas the articles presented about social networks. At first I was annoyed at the idea and thought it was was a waste of time and enegry to say something everyone already knew about. But as I kept reading both articles presented good points and examples to show me some of the benefits of drawing out social networks.
I read two articles about social networking were both published in the Harvard Business review. When I began reading the first article "Poeple who make orgainizations go-or stop" I was put off by the idea of activly drawing out a social network diagram. I thought it was very unnessicary and not nessicarily related to business activites. Since these social netorks are already in place why do you need to identify them? The people involved already know who to go to for specific problem, why spend all the time and money making a pretty little picture to show it? Social networks always have been and will be a part of businesses, and i think it is the responsibilty of the employee with the problem to figure out the solution. Either it means they must go to their boss or their peers to find out how to fix it. Thats the reason WHY you have a boss, someone to make sure you're doing your job correctly, and your peers, people who do that same thing you do!
However, When I got to the section about the Central Connectors my mind began to change. They not only have to deal with their own work, but also troubleshoot for anyone else who comes to them. Even though the company doesn't detail this duty in their job description, most people wouldn't just turn away a peer when they have a problem. I wouldn't! They must balance their own duties and how much they help others. After reading about that I began to think that because some companies are now able to see the social networks and understand how people interact, they are more understanding to those who work becomes harder and work load increases because they must still do their own jobs and still help others. I also thought the idea about giving some people incentives (prizes/bonuses) was a good idea.
The second article I read, "A practical guide to social networks" built on the first one. In this article I had already begun to change my mind about social networks in the workplace and began thinking that maybe, in SOME companies, drawing a diagram and understanding how they work might be beneficial. As i kept reading the article gave me examples of situations when specific social networks are benefical. Some companies must react quickly to situations and need to have a social network in place.
I'm glad I read both of the articles because I went into them with one opinion and came out with an idea of certain situations where drawing social networks are a good idea.
I read two articles about social networking were both published in the Harvard Business review. When I began reading the first article "Poeple who make orgainizations go-or stop" I was put off by the idea of activly drawing out a social network diagram. I thought it was very unnessicary and not nessicarily related to business activites. Since these social netorks are already in place why do you need to identify them? The people involved already know who to go to for specific problem, why spend all the time and money making a pretty little picture to show it? Social networks always have been and will be a part of businesses, and i think it is the responsibilty of the employee with the problem to figure out the solution. Either it means they must go to their boss or their peers to find out how to fix it. Thats the reason WHY you have a boss, someone to make sure you're doing your job correctly, and your peers, people who do that same thing you do!
However, When I got to the section about the Central Connectors my mind began to change. They not only have to deal with their own work, but also troubleshoot for anyone else who comes to them. Even though the company doesn't detail this duty in their job description, most people wouldn't just turn away a peer when they have a problem. I wouldn't! They must balance their own duties and how much they help others. After reading about that I began to think that because some companies are now able to see the social networks and understand how people interact, they are more understanding to those who work becomes harder and work load increases because they must still do their own jobs and still help others. I also thought the idea about giving some people incentives (prizes/bonuses) was a good idea.
The second article I read, "A practical guide to social networks" built on the first one. In this article I had already begun to change my mind about social networks in the workplace and began thinking that maybe, in SOME companies, drawing a diagram and understanding how they work might be beneficial. As i kept reading the article gave me examples of situations when specific social networks are benefical. Some companies must react quickly to situations and need to have a social network in place.
I'm glad I read both of the articles because I went into them with one opinion and came out with an idea of certain situations where drawing social networks are a good idea.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Day One
Hello! Welcome to my thoughts. I will be blogging my reactions, thoughts, and opinions for class for the semester. Just so you know, "On my honor, all posts on this blog are my own". Ok, well now that that is taken care of I can move on to the next part of this assignment. Don't worry, there will be lots more later.
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