The Silverscreen from the Secretariat’s POV

Last October 10, 2009, we were finally able to stage the Silverscreen: Showcasing 25 Years of Organizational Communication. It was held at the Angelo King International Center (CSB Hotel).

The Silverscreen Premiere

Angelo King International Center

DAC faculty

Tribute to Prof. Vaquer and Dr. Sarile

Class 2009

Class 2010

Compared to those people who were only thinking of what dress to wear or what their hair should look like, such were not part of my worries until Oct. 10 itself.  Why? Because I don’t have any spare room in my head to fit those worries.  I am the Secretariat Head for the event, and of course, taking into account that this is Orcom’s 25th year, as much as possible, I wanted many Orcom alumni and faculty to be a part of this memorable celebration.

To make things easier, the planning and execution of the event was made a class project for our Debate and Argumentation class. We were required to get two alumni contacts each. I very much supported the idea because it was really hard convincing alumni from all 21 classes (Class 1988 to 2009) to attend the event. However, I was not expecting to be bombarded with texts and emails from various people in the batch asking me for possible alumni that they can contact. And I thought Secretariat tasks are easy.

For this, I’d like to take this chance to again thank my Secretariat members: Nancy Ortega, Jona Atienza, Ayessa Parayno, Robert Osorio, Grace Gaddi, Arven Eusebio, Tahmee Ruiz, JP Cosio, and Kamil Binuya. They not only used their personal credits to contact alumni, they also helped us come up with an existing updated Orcom Directory.

And also, I’d like to say sorry to those people who got irritated or felt guilty with my rants online. Haha

From an estimated count of 150+ expected attendees, only 117 people attended, and 73 of which are students. The alumni from earlier batches failed to attend considering that the event was postponed twice. I don’t know what was wrong with typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng that their landfall were both expected to be Saturday. The failure to attend of some alumni depresses me but it’s understandable. Still, the event could have been more memorable if almost everybody were there. And of course, this is impossible.

Overall, I can still say that our effort paid off, considering the number of people who gave such wonderful compliments. Besides, a total of 117 attendees is still acceptable considering the prior events (i.e. Ondoy and Pepeng).

Also, the Silverscreen was extra memorable because we were able to generate a total of 20,000 pesos that will be used to buy goods for Ondoy and Pepeng victims. As for those who failed to attend, their advance payments were considered part of the donations. So actually, their absence resulted to something good and charitable.

YAY for the Orcom community!

It’s difficult not to love Orcom

I have weird preferences over many things, one of which are my choice of books. Actually, I don’t have any preference at all. I read everything, be it a classic and boring novel to a funny comic series. However, the only books that I find worth buying and keeping are those whose themes are related to law, politics, criminal investigations, and the like. And trust me, this fascination didn’t start upon the introduction of Elle Woods in my life.

This is also the reason why I think I wanted to become a lawyer someday–a corporate lawyer. Ryo wanted to become a criminal lawyer. Yeah,  so Ryo, right? That is why when I was a HS senior, my dream course was Legal Management. I learned that if I take Legal Management as my pre-law, it’s possible that I can have my proper for only two years. So instead of 8 years of studying, I can already land on my dream profession in 6 years. For this, my choice of school was San Beda because UP is not offering Legal Management.

Aside from Legal Management, Accounting is another pre-law course where in one can take law proper for only two years. Everybody knows that I hate numbers, moreover computations and formulas.

Anyway, when I learned that I didn’t pass the UPCAT, it wasn’t hard to move one because I know that my parents will have no other choice but to enroll me in San Beda where my dream course is being offered. Little did I know that there is such a thing as “Appeal for Reconsideration.”  My cousin, Bettina Sandiego, is a former Orcom student who transferred to UP Diliman. She recommended that I choose OrCom for my first choice. I gave in because during that time, I know that getting into UP through this process is not a sure ball.

Much to my surprise, I got in and landed in Orcom without knowing what this course is all about. Goodbye San Beda! Goodbye Legal Management! Hello UP! Hello Orcom!

It was during a career orientation when we were Freshmen that I found out that Orcom is a potential pre-law. But still, this means that I will have to take another four years for my proper. That was a sad fact, but if I really do want to become a corporate lawyer, another four years is not enough to discourage me.

What the problem was is that IT’S DIFFICULT NOT TO LOVE ORCOM. With the many possibilities that it provides us for career growth, the path to corporate law became blurry, and the path to Corporate Communications or Public Relations are much clearer. Trust me, this is not a bad thing at all. It may have confused me but a brighter side to this confusion is that I improved. The fact that I’m not caged to a single path or career in the future makes me feel so flexible like I can be a master of whatever career path I actually choose.

The process of experimenting on one’s skills and abilities is not the only thing that made me love Orcom. There are the people, the Orcom people.

Freshmen Years, Lantern Parade

Orcom Class 2010 Christmas Party '08

Having such wonderful yet equally smart people around you can only happen when you are in Orcom-UPM. Be it online or offline, the presence of Orcom lingers. Besides, what I experienced in Orcom is not an isolation case between Orcom majors. The fact that entering the alien world of Orcom was more of a shared experience made the exploration or journey more fun because it’s being done together.

So to summarize, it’s difficult not to love Orcom because it allowed me to realize my potentials in lots of other career paths. And most especially, socialization never stops.

Another four years in law school is nothing.  After more than three years in the Orcom program, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Besides, Ryo promised that we’ll go to law school together. And I just love spending time with my fellow Orcommates, especially Ryo! HAHA

UPTV online.

UPTV is the unofficial channel of the University of the Philippines, made possible by OneBatch, a group of Broadcast Communication students from the College of Mass Communication in the University of the Philippines Diliman.

UPTV. Iba. Orig. Astig.

I have a grade school friend who’s taking up Broad Comm in UPD and he was promoting this in his plurks and tweets. Since they’ve been helping me promote my communications blog too, I figured I’ll help them too.

I was really awed by how creative they were coming up with a UPTV. It was like a real TV channel, only that of course, you have to click a PLAY button to watch the posted videos. What was more interesting is that even the videos are self-made. It’s not an easy job coming up with seven different themes or programs, with various episodes each.

Programs

1. Kolehiyo

Features real stories and experiences of people who encountered the unknown and unseen creatures on earth that dwells in the UP Diliman campus. Hence, if you are a fan of ghost stories, you’ll surely like this one.

2. U-Gag

UP’s version of Wow Mali or Yari Ka segment of the Bitoy’s Funniest Videos. The only difference is that the setting is in UP Diliman, and all the victims and apprentices are all UP students.

3. Extended Play

An online musicamentary that features the unsigned UP bands.

4. FAQs

A comedy narrative that follows the undergoing of three Freshmen as they immerse into the UP way of life. This is some kind of survival guide to UP, but of course, since the production team are from UP Diliman, most of the tips are more applicable to UP Diliman students.

Still, if you’re curious how things are done in UPD, watch this!

5. Crashers

A travel show, only that the places being featured are not probable tourist spots but various universities in the Metro. Here, they have a team of Crashers that crashes into one university per week and there, they feature the culture of that institution through segments like Crash Diet (campus food), Crash Talk (campus trivia and jargons), and Crash Site (campus tambayans).

6. Experimental shorts

A short film that deals with the various issues in society using unorthodox filming techniques and experimental treatment. Yeah, it’s a bit hard to explain. Watching it will definitely help! HAHA

7. St. Philip’s Highschool

A satirical narrative on the Philippines’ political arena on a highschool setting. Here, various political figures are living their highschool life as classmates.

Since they’re using YouTube as a medium for their videos, you may experience buffering problems. Still, when the content of what you are watching is really good and interesting, a little amount of waiting wouldn’t hurt, right?! Another plus feature is that all the features are in one page so opening new tabs is unnecessary.

Don’t forget to also leave a comment!

Comments section

Thank you guys!

Let’s spread the word!

Here’s a link to UPTV online: http://www.wix.com/onebatch/uptv

The joys of Internet.

Oh come on! I know you can relate!

This was an image that I reblogged some time this week. I just made a Tumblr account last week and as much as I hate spammers, I think  I have become one myself.

I have a total of ten different online accounts–Facebook,  Twitter,  Plurk, Blogger,  YouTube,  Friendster, two Multiply (personal and that of LMS) accounts, WordPress (of course!), and the latest addition yet already “overly used” account **drum rolls** Tumblr.

Don’t ask me about my email address because I have four–two in Gmail, and another two in Ymail. For instant messaging, I also do Skype, Chikka, and Yahoo Messenger, of course.

All these basically have the same features–profile customization, security or privacy settings, networking, photo and video uploading, and the search box. Some are simply better than the rest.

1. Facebook

Facebook

Unlike Friendster, Facebook implements a better privacy feature. Also, it is easier to decide whether to confirm or ignore a contact invite because you can readily see if you have any mutual friend/s. In Friendster, it’s necessary to open first the profile of that person trying to add you as contact.

Others may not like this restricting feature of Facebook but actually, it’s what I like most about this SNS. I think the purpose behind this is that what Facebook wants is that people share an online experience with people that they already knew–whether it’s a close friend or a friend of a friend.

The applications such as the quizzes, trivia, quote finders, and games are equally interesting and fun. Currently, aside from trying to maintain a spot in the Topblogs top 20, I’ve also been trying to increase my rank in Cafe World.

For someone who wants everything colorful, I think what’s lacking in Facebook is that you can’t customize your profile. Not that it’s a bad thing for Facebook because with the variety of applications that they offer, having a uniform layout and setup is an advantage for them.

2. Friendster

Friendster

My Friendster account is 5 years old (and I wouldn’t have known this fact if I hadn’t checked my Friendster profile saying I was a member since July 2004.) This was my first SNS account.

I used to like Friendster because it was where everyone was. We just changed residence then and I lost my SIM card so this was the only means for me to be in touch with my elementary friends.  It’s funny thinking about those times when I would ask people to make me a “testi” and in return, I’ll make one for them too. HAHAHA

Now, all I do with Friendster is to check the upcoming birthdays. For this reason, Friendster is most reliable because everyone I know has a Friendster account, be it active or inactive.

Despite the evident change in people’s taste or interest (which I think is the reason behind the shift or transfer of the audience to other SNS), I don’t think Friendster is dying. I know a lot of pre-teens who are still signing onto their Friendster accounts, actively answering surveys in the Bulletin, leaving testimonials of course, and changing their shoutouts and layouts every now and then. However, Friendster is not thriving either because the new and improved Friendster is actually a make-up of bits of ideas from other SNS like Facebook and Twitter.

3. Plurk

Plurk

Of all my SNS accounts, Plurk was something I joined to due to the bandwagon.  The higher your karma points is, the more flexible and interesting Plurk becomes because new features becomes available for your use. Unfortunately, I didn’t know that trying to achieve Plurk Nirvana was that tedious. What makes Plurk unique is that it makes you curious “what’s new?” everytime you advance to a higher level of karma points. As time progresses, “what’s new?” becomes “what now?”. Once a plurker achieved the highest possible karma points, what can Plurk still offer?

Three things I love most about Plurk are: (a) the emoticons, especially the dancing bananas; (b) the verb change feature (is, likes, thinks, wishes, etc.); and (c) the “mark all as read” option because sometimes, you just can’t read all those plurks and comment on each. What I usually do is I choose the interesting ones and mark all the others as read. HAHA

However, when it’s the same thing over and over again, you can’t help but lose interest. The appeal through aesthetics doesn’t really last, at least for someone like me. Unlike Facebook which always has something new to offer, Plurk before and now is as ease.

While trying to search which came first between Plurk and Twitter, I saw this article that explains the origin of “Plurk” as a term.

• People + Lurk = Plurk
• Play + Work: Play-Work.
• Peace, Love, Unity, Respect, Karma
• Verb potential: “Oh I googled this -> Oh I plurked it”

Source:http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/plurk_unique_or_just_another_t.php

4. Multiply

LMS Multiply

Multiply (personal)

I had my Multiply account back in Freshman years. So yes, that was the only time I started blogging. Aside from its blog feature, I also like it that I can label my contacts based on my relationship with them because it makes choosing or selecting the readers and viewers of my blogs, photos, and videos easier.

I don’t upload much photos then because unlike Friendster where I can select all the photos at once before I click the Upload button, Multiply requires you to click those pictures one at a time. Now, Multiply (just like Friendster) redesigned their system, but then again, it wasn’t all that unique. Still I must say that Multiply TODAY is better. They now have a chat feature. Also, the current set-up is easier to operate. The Multiply Autouploader really uploads automatically. HAHA. It made photo and video uploading effortless.

5. Blogger

Blogger

Unlike other children who hesitates to tell stories to their parents, I was always like reporting what happened to me from the time I left the house until the time I got home. I was just too talkative. My dad told me to maintain a journal when I was in grade school. He didn’t say the reason but probably because he got tired of listening to me. Anyway,  I think that was the time when I lessened the storytelling habit. I will just leave my diary besides my bed and if they’re curious what happened to my day, they’re free to read it.

Of course, things changed when I grew up and matured. My journal is now locked in a very secret place not even a rodent can find. HAHA. I just made a Blogger account last last month, and my blog posts are already thrice the number of my commblogs I posted. This Blogger account serves as my online diary.

Blogger’s features are light; it is easy to use and it’s very simple. My Blogger account used to be open for public to view but when we talked about online reputation, I realized that not all my posts may be self-redeeming in the eyes of other people; and of course, I wouldn’t want my future employers to see that. HAHA

6. Twitter

Twitter

I was first a Plurker before a Twitterer. The way I describe Twitter before was “parang Plurk lang.” However, judging by the number of plurk counts and tweets I’ve made, I’m enjoying Twitter more.

Despite Plurk’s etymology, I must say that people lurking is more of a Twitter feature. Also, Twitter is proven to be more useful as it is being used as a platform for news updates, advertising, marketing and promotion by other companies and sometimes, people such as celebrities and bloggers.

Re-tweet (RT) and hashtags are  Twitter’s unique features. I’ve observed this during the height of Typhoon Ondoy’s attack. With re-tweet, it’s much easier to spread the news without owning it. For hashtags, all I have to do is to type #Ondoy on the search box above trending topics and all tweets regarding Ondoy fill the screen.

#Ondoy search results

Another thing that I like about Twitter is that same as Facebook, I can update my status using the first-person point-of-view. In Plurk, most of the time, it’s the third person because of the use of some qualifiers.

There are also a lot of Twitter applications that allows me to tweet even when I’m not on the Twitter Web page. I’ve used Tweetdeck before. Now, I’m using Twhirl, which is basically like Tweetdeck, only made more organized and not space consuming. The only difference is that it’s specific to Twitter, unlike Tweetdeck which allows you to update even your Facebook status.

There are only two problems I see on Twitter: (a) you only get to build relationship with those whom you follow and follows you in return. For celebrities whom you follow, or for strangers who follow you, it’s a one-way, linear communication; and (b) it;s hard to maintain or follow the conversation because comments are to be made as separate tweets. Retweeting the ‘tweet’ that you would like to comment on is not really an option since there is a 140-characters limit (just like Plurk), unless of course your comments are basically “HAHA” or “LOL” or “Agree!.”

7. Tumblr

Tumblr

Tumblr is the recent addition to my online accounts. If Plurk has “karma points”, Tumblr has “tumblarity.” If Twitter has “retweet,” Tumblr has “reblog.”

Reblog allows you to easily copy content from other Tumblr users, but of course, credit is given to the original user who uploaded or found the content. Unlike all the other online accounts I have, Tumblr does not allow photo or blog comments so a comment or interpretation of a photoblog may be done through reblogging.

Tumblr basically has the same features as a blog. You can make a blog post, upload photos and videos, and place links. Following Tumblr postings is as easy as following a blog in Blogger. Liking a post is just the same as liking an update in Facebook, only with different icons.

What sets Tumblr apart from the others is that it’s somehow concentrated on the artistic side of people. What’s even nicer is that the more I encounter creative Tumblr posts–whether it’s a picture of a cookie or a Photoshopped image–the more inspired  I strive to become creative myself.

—

If you think I haven’t been updating all these accounts, you’re wrong. #7 in my 2009 New Year’s Resolution says that I have to “regularly update all online accounts.” Actually, even if this is not in my resolution,  nothing would have changed. I didn’t even know I had that in my NYR until last week when I sorted out some files in my desktop.

Also, updating each of those online accounts is not very stressful and confusing at all due to some applications that allow you to post status updates in only one account, and it will be automatically posted in some of your other accounts. For this, I’m using Plurk. If I simply want to greet everyone “good morning,” I will just have to post that to my Plurk page and it will be copied to my Facebook and Twitter page. This helps build consistency over ones thoughts online. But of course, Plurk allows its users to toggle this option. I just have to include !TW at the end of my plurk if I don’t want it to appear in my Twitter page; !FB is the code for Facebook.

—

Bottom-line:

So what really is the joy of having 10 online accounts (not that I’m encouraging anyone to be online as much as I do)??? Maybe it’s the limitless possibilities for human interaction.

With all those accounts, I get to reestablish relationships in a whole new environment, and the fact that whatever it is that’s happening online continues offline doesn’t make these relationships virtual (i.e. of course if we will not count the relationship I have with the celebrities I follow in Twitter.) at all.

The ability to publish content, whether it’s a must-know information or just ranting, without restriction is actually just a plus factor for me. The other bonus features of course will be the various applications that make the online experience easier and more fun.

LMS goes to Multiply

Hi everyone!

To give you all a glimpse of what the Orcom community is up to, I decided to make a Multiply account where I can upload all photos and videos (both past and present) of various activities, events, and projects we’ve had for the past years (since I can’t insert all photos in one post).

Because I don’t know how to do page-links, I simply placed the link on the page for Photos and Videos.

If you happen to know how to do page links, please teach me so I’ll stop ranting about how unfriendly WordPress is. HAHA

BTW, Little Miss Straightbangs is very happy to be on the TOP 20 of the Topblogs.ph list for three consecutive weeks now. So, for all those who cared enough to click the links I posted in my SNS accounts, and to those who helped me promote my communication blog through their respective sites, thanks a lot!

<3 <3 <3

Bebot gels (feat. Ping)meet Bikoy!

For SP133: Argumentation and Debate class, we were tasked to do an interview on the topic role of communication in lobbying. We were the last group to present, and so we wanted something new to come out of our interview.

The group decided to narrow down the topic into lobbying through blogging.

We subdivided into two groups: one for reporting and the other for the interview. Bebot gels (Paula Batalla , Nash Albacea, and Jena Lariza) and Ping (formally known as Joanna Armendez) volunteered for the interview part.

Why? Because we don’t want to read the readings and report in class. Hoho!

Anyway, we were very lucky to get an appointment with Victor Villanueva, also known as “Bikoy,” the first Filipino male blogger, Airah Cadiogan, and Cong. Mong Palatino, all of whom are from Kabataan Partylist.

I shall post our video interview when I already have a copy ;p

Note: The interview with Mr. Mong Palatino was set on another date.

Ms. Airah Cadiogan and Mr. Victor Villanueva

The interview with Sir Bikoy and Ms. Airah took place last September 11, 2009 at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall.

As mentioned earlier, we wanted to spice up the interview and so we decided to use a “cheerdance” theme. When we arrived at Shangri-La, our interviewees were still not there so we decided to video our webcast-ish interview introduction. Nash was our official video person because it’s her videocam and she’s not feeling very well at the time. We were very excited and nervous that we kept laughing and laughing in front of the camera; and when we ran out of things to say, we chanted a letter per letter BIKOY cheer. We were surprised and embarrassed at the same time when a man in a lime green shirt approached us and asked us if we were the students from UP Manila. Yes, it was Mr. Victor Villanueva. He was already there before we arrived.

Here are some relevant insights from the interview:

- 5 simple steps in lobbying: (1) identify the issue, (2) know how you will defend your issue (3) identify the people you have to talk to, (4) organize an activity, and (5) follow-up. “An instance of lobbying is not enough. It has to be sustained.”

- Blogging is an effective way of encouraging your targeted audience to join your cause or advocacy. However, it is only a tool. Complementary activities must be done.

- Many of the youth today thinks that when they joined a group or cause they were invited to join through SNS, they are already helping in bringing about the desired change. “It is not advisable for youth to be online activists.”

Ping, (Me), Ms. Airah, "Bikoy", Nash, Jena

Mr. Victor Villanueva, who always has a camera with him, took a picture of us and told us that he’ll make a blog about our interview topic and he’ll place our picture there. Again, we were delighted. We will be placed in the blog of the 1st Filipino male blogger. Haha

Nash and I checks his blog from time to time. Haha

Here’s a link to his blog:

http://www.bikoy.net/archives/2009/09/14/lobbying-through-blogging/

Bebot gels did great that day, I think. Minus the traffic and LRT rides, it would have been perfect.

Why?

One: After the interview, we went to SM Manila to watch Greenwich’s Grand Gig, where Ace Acosta’s band, “Rapid Pagongs”, will be performing. But actually, a more powerful force that brought us there ,despite the traffic and rain, was the fact that John Lloyd Cruz will be there.

Two: We Rock!

Kung Ikaw ang Presidente ng Pilipinas, ano ang gagawin mo?

PHASE 1: PLANNING

We met ONLINE through YM to convene about the theme of our video. Because it has to be viral in just ONE WEEK, we have to think of something that is up-to-date, appealing to our generation (because the youth are really the ones who spend much time surfing the Net and watching videos online), and can be easily done/produced.

The very first criteria we set: NOT ELECTION-RELATED.

This past month, we’ve all been caught up with issues on youth vote, 2010 elections, etc., and so we decided that we’ll avoid ideas that will lead to that topic again. We taught of topics like UAAP, Tips on How to Save Money, How to Work and Study at the same time and many, many more. However, we have no idea how we will go about those topics.

I suggested that we try a one-question format, where the subjects of the video will be asked only one question. The challenge: think of a question that may generate varying opinions.

We want the comments on our video to be varied but with only one direction. We want our viewers to build conversation about what they see in our video. The resounding question we came up with is: Kung Ikaw ang Presidente ng Pilipinas, ano ang gagawin mo?

Yes, the topic we are avoiding caught up with us.

PHASE 2: PRODUCTION

We divided into three groups; each must do an ambush interview of different students. To make the video get hits instantly, we got the contact information of those we ambushed, so they themselves can share the video to their friends.

PHASE 3: MAKING IT VIRAL!

- We decided to promote the video individually to our own sets of contacts.

- We posted it on our respective blogs and SNS accounts.

- We linked it to our YM status, and asked our friends and cousins to repost the video.

- For easy viewing, we made a domain for it : http://kungikaw.tk .

- We even made use of text messaging to promote the video.

- We contacted First Time Voters Project, and other youth-vote and election-related sites for them to view our video, and repost it, if possible.

I’d be a guilty of lying if I say that I didn’t use ad baculum or who-knows-what fallacy to promote the video (and everybody knows that I never lie! Ha!). I know that we’re supposed to tap our target audience–the Filipino youth voters–into watching and reacting to this video. However, all those online articles saying that for a video to be viral, it has to reach 1000+ hits in less than a week made me really anxious.

I saw the videos of others and it’s really funny that I watched it more than once, probably more than the times I’ve watched our video. OOPS!. I especially like the Fayah and Wanna be a Korean. I mean, it’s not so often that I’ll see Ate Lou dancing (trivia: Park Bom–the 2NE1 member Ate Lou portrayed–is her favorite! Haha) and Jhe was really bubbly and cute on their video. Plus, her faux bangs are perfect that I’ve been urging her to get some real bangs

Phase 4: Results (as to the promotion I did)

I accidentally sent the video to GMA news. I was surprised when they asked for my number and called me asking if I can send them a brief summary about the video. I did. I thought that was the end of that.

Last Tuesday, I received a call from Mariz Umali of GMA News and Public Affairs to tell me that she is in UP Manila and hopes to see me so we can talk about the video. Unluckily, the ever enthusiastic Angel Directo was in UP Diliman at that time. She would have been so excited. Well, she still is even she wasn’t there (Peace Jel!).

I’m sensing this is not going to be a simple interview.  And I was right! Ha! One person was already setting up a camera. Good thing Camille was there so we were both interviewed. Who would have thought that we’ll be ambushed with an interview too?!

I think the short interview was shown in News on Q (QTV11). A clip of the interview was shown in 24 Oras (GMA 7) along with two other youth vote-related actions from UP Diliman, and UST.  Only Ate Ana and Glecy saw it. I didn’t get to see it. Haha.

I think, the Youtube link of our viral video was shown because a video of us was taken while we were playing the it in Ate Jackie’s laptop. (trivia: when we borrowed Ate Jackie’s laptop, Ms. Umali saw her bare back creative shot, which happens to be Ate Jackie’s wallpaper. Orcom people is indeed very much exposed! Haha)

For all those who haven’t watched yet our video, here it is….

Personal reaction from the video:

It’s glad to know that the Filipino youth are not deaf, not blind, and not mute. They heard the issues. They have been vigilant about the misdeeds of the current administration. Most importantly, they have a reaction and that if given the chance to be on that MOST powerful position, they know the right thing to do.

The Comeback

LADY NO MORE GAGA

That was the headline piece on the newspaper shown in Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” music video after she fell off the terrace.

Since I’ve decided to put on this hairstyle, most of my friends labeled me as Lady Gaga or Lady Paula. It seemed like Gaga and Paula are alike terms. It’s not that I don’t like it; it’s pretty much okay. Before, Paula in my vocabulary only means small, because that is what the “Dictionary of Babies Names” book says. However, when Filipinos use the word gaga, they unintentionally make it sound SO not likeable. Also, I’m NOT a fan of Lady Gaga….until lately. I mean, I’ve been humming “Paparazzi” for days. That better means something, right?

The only pleasant meaning of gaga that I found was from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/gaga where it was defined as an informal adjective to describe excitement. If that will be our basis for gaga ’s meaning, then I can say that at first, I was gaga over the idea of doing a communication blog. It’s a different and a new idea. Dismally, as time progresses, I was not able to sustain my excitement and interest until I gradually became a lady no more gaga.

———

If you haven’t watched yet the “Paparazzi” music video, here’s a YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZlBjzXjfMU&feature=fvst. I can’t post it because embedding the video was disabled. I actually subscribe to Lady Gaga’s official YouTube channel. Ha!

Reminder: When people address me as Lady Gaga or Lady Paula, it’s just because of my bangs, and no reason at all that is similar to what you will witness on the music video.

————

In the video, Lady Gaga was intentionally pushed off the terrace by her boyfriend when she hit him with a bottle of wine causing her to fall. People then thought that she died. Of course they were wrong because all along, she was in disguise plotting a revenge against her ex-boyfriend. When she succeeded, she revealed herself again.

QUESTION:

So what do Lady Gaga and Little Miss Straight bangs, a.k.a I,  have in common (aside from the perfect straight bangs)???

ANSWER:

It’s on the title—The COMEBACK.

Yes. After 7 long weeks of being stagnant, I decided to once again stick my bangs into what is happening in the world of Organizational Communication and New Social Media. Never worry because unlike Lady Gaga, I’m not back for any plans of revenge, just plans of sustaining my online presence.

The “Paparazzi” music video was only one inspiration for my comeback. The other–Netvibes.

The gaga in me was forced to come out of hideout after seeing all those updates or new posts in Netvibes.

Are you listening?

Just recently, we discussed how organizations must listen to social media.

Below is a blog post that tackles five different ways by which organizations respond online.

If organizations really want to foster a healthy and mutually beneficial relationship with their market, they must first engage them in a genuine conversation. And for that to happen, listening is an imperative.

I’ve been trying to think of a relevant topic for this week’s required blog when I chanced upon this (top) post by Mr. Dave Fleet.

I got this from Dave Fleet’s website.

I’ve been following him on Twitter. And that’s basically how I saw his site:

“davefleet.com: Exploring the Intersection of Communications, Marketing, and New Social Media”

————–

FIVE LEVELS OF SOCIAL MEDIA RESPONSES

You’ve leapt onto the social media bandwagon. You’ve dived headfirst into the murky waters of Twitter. You’ve used a few other cliched sayings along the way, too. Suffice it to say, you’re monitoring what people are saying about you and you’re starting to respond to them.

Maybe you’re using free tools like Google Alerts, Twitter Search and BackType. Maybe you’re using a paid tool like Radian6, Ripple6or Techrigy.

Either way, you’re starting to put together what Marcel Lebrun would call a listening program.

But are you listening? I mean really listening?

I’ve come up with five levels of approach to online listening and responding (not including the option of not engaging at all). In order of growing effectiveness:

LEVEL ONE: OSTRICHING

(Yes, I’m using “ostrich” as a verb. My high-school teachers must hate me.)

This approach, a slight evolution from that which completely ignores online conversations in general, involves monitoring for key words and responding only when people say nice things about you. While this keeps your Twitter stream clear of debate and arguments, it does nothing to engage the people who are hurting or whose needs are not met by your company.

Tip: If you ignore critics, the only place that they go away is in your head. Everywhere else, they get louder.

LEVEL TWO: LAUGHING GAS

“Hey, thanks for your feedback!”

If you’ve just said something nice about a company, or offered something constructive, it might be nice to read a reply like that.

I’ve you’ve just complained publicly about a problem, that’s not the response you want.

Companies taking the laughing gas approach respond as though every mention is a compliment.

They’re not. It just shows that you’re not really listening, and implies that this is just superficial sugar coating.

Don’t do it. No-one will be fooled.

LEVEL THREE: “WE’RE ALWAYS RIGHT”

Companies adopting the “we’re always right” approach appear to listen, but when someone disagrees with them that person is always wrong.

This kind of approach is distinctive due to the large number of arguments the company representatives have with other people – arguments that rarely end in agreement, as the representative never accepts that the other point of view may be valid.

LEVEL FOUR: SUPERFICIAL DEBATE

This approach is the best approach that many companies, where communications may not have a significant voice at the management table, can hope to take.

Companies taking this approach engage with people talking about them online, both positively and critically. They may even engage in debates with those who disagree with them. Many disagreements end in an appeasing message from the representative – something like “thanks – we’ll have a think about how we can improve that” or similar.

If your company is at this stage, you’re in fairly good shape. You’re engaging with your fans and you’re debating with your critics without getting drawn into destructive exchanges.

From what I know, relatively few companies do more than this right now.

LEVEL FIVE: FULLY ENGAGED

Companies adopting a fully-engaged approach follow most of the same practices as those at level four, but with one important distinction: their social media listening and engagement team feeds back into the rest of the organization.

So, when you voice your concerns about a problem, that company is more likely than others to fix it.

Does this mean that every time a customer complains you have to bend over? No. Obviously companies can’t address every single concern that people raise or they’d (a) spend all of their time on tactical changes rather than strategic direction and (b) would go out of business due to ridiculously high costs. However, they can address issues where it is cost effective to do so.

Very few companies adopt this approach. It takes time, a suitable culture and a genuine integration of social media into core functions like R&D and customer service.

Companies that do this include Dell (see IdeaStorm), Seesmic and any of the social media monitoring companies worth their salt.

IN SUMMARY…

True listening – active listening – involves more than just nodding your head at the right time. It means absorbing what people are saying, acting where appropriate, and letting people know when you’ve acted.

If your company falls into levels 1-4, then you have room to grow. That’s ok, I would estimate that 99 per cent of companies are in the same situation. In fact, if you hit level one then you’re still ahead of most companies.

Where do you fall?

http://davefleet.com/2009/06/five-levels-social-media-responses/

Be a jazz band!

“The Wiki Workplace: Unleashing the Power of Us”, Chapter 9 of “Wikinomiks: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything” by Dan Tapscott and Anthony D. Williams.

—

The shift from traditional to wiki workplace, according to Tapscott and Williams, is like the shift from a military  troop to a jazz ensemble. We know that in the military, every move is firm and numbered. Moreover, there’s the presence of a corps commander or batallion officer that provides the command for the privates’ next move or position. In a jazz band, there’s usually no conductor. Or even if there is, the members are diverse. There are those who play the percussion, bass guitar, piano, saxophone, clarinet, and the likes. In addition to that, they are divided into sections like rhythm and melody.

—

We already discussed how communication evolution changed the way people communicate. This also applies to how organizations, specifically business organizations, function today. Not only the culture, but also the very nature of organizations are starting to change.

With the emergence of new social media tools like blogs, wikis, and even video games, organizations have entered the virtual environment, conquered the Net generation, and is now inside the Wiki Workplace.

Below are the following major benefits of collaboration in the wiki workplace:

1. Power and control in organizations are gradually being distributed among the employees.

2. Cohesiveness in spite of existing organizational and even geographical boundaries.

3. Faster innovation yet lower costs

Through collaboration technologies, employees can brainstorm ideas and socialize with each other at the same time. Not only are they provided more autonomy in terms of developing new strategies, they are also given opportunities to participate in the decision-making process and influence the methods and result of the activity.  In addition to that, because the control is shared, employees become more loyal as they become more engaged in the process.

Letting the employees take part in this special and major aspect of the company operation, I think, is very important because in the first place, these people are the one usually in contact with the organization’s target market. Instead of paying an outside group to do a market research, the management can give the task to those employees who work on the front line. It is less costly yet still accurate because these employees get to interact with the consumers more than the management and those hired researchers. Thus, the information they have is firsthand.

Wiki workplace also made collaboration less dependent on boundaries. Because the setting is online, there is more transparency. You can easily tell whether the other employees are online or offline. Since everything is exchanged via the Web, knowledge and information sharing is faster and easier. Not only does this result to faster innovation, it also made the workplace seem smaller no matter how large the organization. Familiarity with each other becomes more personal because of how closely-linked the members of the organization become.

—

I am awed by how wiki workplace leads to trust and success when, in fact, with the large number of participants existing on the Web, it’s very hard to manage, if not unmanageable.  But then, there’s also the end product, which is collective intelligence.

Despite the reality that these are only virtual teams being made, what really matters is that they are all engaged with what they are doing. They are in one community of practice.

There is more trust because people are more transparent. When one is online, you know that he/she is participating or engaging in some kind of online activity. In a traditional workplace where you see people doing the same tasks over and over again—typing, accepting orders, etc, collaborative tasks are mostly done only by the top management. In the wiki workplace, everyone is involved. Even managers and supervisors like Robert Stephens of Geek Squad join from time to time.

Online is less formal. It is also less structured. But sometimes, that is just what is needed. Through active and continuous involvement, the users themselves organize and combine the ideas, giving it a feasible stucture.

—

So there. The managers and supervisors must loosen up. Instead of standing in front of the batallion giving out orders, they should instead join the team, form a jazz band, and produce beautiful music out of the collective efforts and talents of its members.