Jan 28 Reading Assignments

Bloggers: an army of irregulars, by Paul Reynolds

Explain in your own words how Reynolds thinks that blogs are most useful. What do they do well, and what do they do poorly? Is Reynolds fair in his criticism?

Blogs are most useful because they have given the power to the people to hold others accountable for what they say or do. Bloggers have been able to point out when mistakes or false accusations have been made and action has resulted because of this. However, they have been known to criticize and attack in an almost ruthless manner. Yes, I believe he is fair in his criticism because he looks at both ends of the spectrum. If bloggers did not criticize and attack, then they might not have been able to point out some mistakes that have been made.

Why bosses blog - and why it's cheesy, by Stephen Evans

Why does Evans think that many corporate blogs are, in his words, "regulation corporate speak"? What's wrong with that?

It seems to be very easy for executives and employees to side with their products and services; in addition, take shots at their competitors. The difficulty with that is there might be legal consequences for some of things that are said due to contracts that employees have signed.

Michael Crow's blog

Look through President Crow's blog and see if you can find instances of Evans' "regulation corporate speak" or times when Crow is being more personal. Quote him in your reply. Which do you find more effective? Why?

President Crow seems to use “regulation corporate speak” throughout the blogs. He states, “If adopted, they would take ASU back to the per student state investment levels it had in 1989.” He speaks of the policy surrounding the budget cuts. He is trying to be more personnel when he starts out with, “I am deeply concerned for the future of Arizona State University.” I believe a man in his position needs to be talented at providing facts about what is currently going on, while trying to reach the audience on a personnel level. Only then can he garner the appreciation he wants from his audience.

GM's Official Blog, "FastLane"

Again keeping Evans' article in mind, how would you describe the usefulness of this blog? Who might find it interesting? In other words, who is the blog's intended audience?

This blog is useful because a large automobile corporation is trying to provide cars that environmentally efficient. Even though cars have been a huge factor in polluting our environment, electric cars can help clean up the mess. The intended audience would be anyone that is in the market for an automobile, especially and electric car. Even GM’s competition or people who a concerned for the environment.

SYNNEX CEO's blog

Again keeping Evans' article in mind, how would you describe the usefulness of this blog? Who might find it interesting? In other words, who is the blog's intended audience?

The blog is useful because it is providing tips from different authors of effective strategies for becoming a better employer and employee. Setting goals and priorities would make for a more effective employee and working environment. This audience would employers and employees who are looking to make their jobs more manageable and even profitable.