social media

Here’s to the ordinary.

Uncategorized

I haven’t written in a while. I’d like to say it’s because I haven’t had time or that I’ve been so busy with this or with that. The truth is I haven’t written because I can’t think of anything to say. Or at least anything the world might want to read.

Yesterday was my fourth anniversary of being on WordPress, making it the fifth anniversary of me being a blogger. This blog began as an assignment for my Intro to Creative class. It was supposed to be a creativity blog and I had to make a certain number of posts during that semester. The posts could be about anything, so long as it was “creative.”

When the course was over, I kept the blog up and it eventually became the home of my portfolio, resume, and side projects. Suddenly, the online outlet for my thoughts, observations, and ideas, became a marketing tool for everything Haley. And the innocence behind my writing got lost along the way.

Now I feel this pressure to write stuff that people want to read, so I create content that I hope is engaging and interesting and relevant. But that’s not what writing should be about. I don’t want my focus to be getting internet famous or having a huge fan following or becoming a lifestyle blog that people check compulsively.

I want to make content that gives people an honest look into my world. I know that might only interest a handful of people and it might not go viral or show up in people’s news feeds, but I’d rather share my life as it is than create something artificial for others to enjoy. For my fifth anniversary I want to get back to why I started writing in the first place. And if that means I need to say nothing extraordinary for a while, then I’m okay with that.

So, here’s to the start of something ordinary. I’m ready for it.

Walk The Talk

Rant

If you haven’t guessed yet, I’m a words person. Words are more powerful than people realize. I mean, we’re the only mammals with language abilities—that’s amazing, people! But over the past year I’ve realized something that has altered my opinion of words: words mean absolutely nothing if not backed up by actions. Yes, this is a simple concept. But people seem to have forgotten that it’s necessary to support what you say with complimentary actions. You can’t just say you’re a writer if you never pick up a pen. And you can’t say you’re an athlete if you don’t go on the field. I’m sick of hearing people say that they’re pro-whatever, when they don’t actively support it. Or that they subscribe to a certain belief system, but you couldn’t tell from their lifestyle.

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Our society is full of wannabes and empty-statements. 140-character long identities that don’t last more than a second. We spend so much time cultivating our Pinterest boards and building our Facebook persona and tweeting our Buzzfeed quiz results, but we fail to live our lives in a way that really means something. We live in a world where it is more accepted to boast your personality type than your personal beliefs.

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It’s time that we as a society find our voice, and not one that is an echo of someone else’s. I don’t care if we agree on everything or can’t agree on anything. But I will respect you if your life reflects what you claim in your sociopolitical Facebook posts. If you think everyone deserves love, then show everyone love. If you think we need better care for the poor, then start sharing your own finances. If you think that health care is an issue, then start caring about the health of the people down the street. Don’t just stand up for what you believe in. Do something about it.

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It has been said that actions speak louder than words. But they do more than that. They don’t just change the black and white to color; they bring them to life in high-definition. Actions substantiate words; they give them power.

So stop saying things that you aren’t willing to live. Your words are more than just audible reflections of your thoughts. They should be reflections of what you do now and promises of what you will do in the future.

Oh, Myspace.

Everyday

I used to have a Myspace — like every millennial in the early 2000s. It took me a while to jump on the Myspace bandwagon because I was a prepubescent hipster and didn’t want to abandon my Xanga for some “fad.” But I eventually did. One of the things that I most remember about Myspace, other than the fight-inducing “Top Friends” feature, was the ever-present and often “TMI” Myspace survey. To pay homage to a long forgotten past and to relive a bit of nostalgia, I have included a Myspace survey below (answers are current, though questions are not).

Survey Retrieved from MyspaceBulletins.Com (because it still exists).

What is your favorite Kool-Aid flavor?
Red. Yes, it’s a flavor. Shut up.

Do you have a wireless keyboard and mouse?
Yes. It’s connected to my fancy MacBook Pro in my office cubicle.

Last sporting event you watched on tv or in person?
The Cowboys game on Thanksgiving.

Who makes the best fudge?
My Nana, Helen Gatewood-Kenny.

Do you like it when toothpaste bubbles in your mouth?
Toothpaste bubbles? Thankfully I’ve never had to experience this horror. Am I using it correctly?

Do you believe that the world is gonna end at 2012?
Yes. I actually don’t exist right now. I’m typing from a computer that I implanted my psyche into.

How many songs are on your iPod or MP3 Player?
I have one iPod nano dedicated to my 900 Broadway Show Tunes.

Can you swear inside your house?
I’m 23. I can swear anywhere I want.

Have you ever had a pet goldfish?
No. But I recently lost my pet Betta fish, Hamlet. He was almost two years old. He probably died because I didn’t feed him while I was out of town. Or because the food I was feeding him was also two-years old.

When did you last eat waffles?
Um… 4 years ago? Someone get me a waffle.

What is the most overrated thing in your opinion?
Twerking. And Aeropostale.

What color is your bed comforter?
It’s a floral print – dark pink, light pink, green, yellow, and cream.

Does being in love make you gain weight?
This question makes me uncomfortable. And hungry,

Dumbest person you know? and why?
I don’t associate with dumb people. Kidding. But really.

Do your parents have home videos of you as a kid?
Yes. Several DVDs worth. It’s like I’m famous or something.

How old is your oldest cousin?
23.

If you HAD to get a tattoo, where and what would it be?
I would get a freckle tattooed on my freckle.

Do you think Obama has tried drugs?
I know he’s tried drugs. I read his autobiography.

What color is your bra or boxers?
Nude. This question also makes me uncomfortable.

What is your favorite radio station?
KLTY in Dallas, the station for 60s, 70s, and 80s music. Houston seems to think it doesn’t need an oldies station, which is mega lame.

What brand is your refrigerator?
Old.

How many people do you know that are pregnant?
Too many.

Do you have a picture with your middle finger up?
Yes. Accompanied by my other four fingers.

What is the best thing to happen to you this year so far?
I met someone special.

Do you read a newspaper daily?
Does Twitter count?

Anything you’re really afraid of?
Failure. Abandonment. And disappointing people.

Do you like your peanut butter crunchy or creamy?
Creamy. Though I can do both.

What is the scariest movie you’ve ever seen?
Gravity. No lie.

Have you ever ridden a skateboard?
If “fallen off a skateboard” counts as riding one.

Do you drink enough water on a daily basis?
Probably not. But I pee enough to make me think I do.

Would you burn the American flag for a million dollars?
No. Because I wouldn’t go to prison if you paid me a million dollars.

The main thing you can’t leave your house without?
My iPhone.

When was the last time you read a book?
I’m currently on track to read one book a month for all of 2013.

Where did you get that shirt you’re wearing?
Hand-me-down from my Step Mom.

Do you play pranks on April Fools Day?
My mom’s birthday is April Fools Day. So yes. Obviously.

 

YouTube thinks I’m weird.

Advertising, Everyday

The Internet is a wonderfully complex organism. It thinks. It responds. It knows what you are looking for in a potential mate. But most importantly, it likes to recommend things for you.

In this era of smart technology, I’ve come to expect a lot from social media websites. I expect them to know what brands I like, what politics I preach, and what Twitter followers I’d most likely follow. This expectation crosses all social media platforms. And I feel like most have a fairly accurate opinion of who I am – except for YouTube.

Below is a screenshot of some of YouTube’s recommendations for me this morning:

youtuberesults1. One of my current Broadway obsessions is the musical adaptation of Matilda. Kids rocking out like Spring Awakening? Good work, YouTube.

My Nerd Points: 20

2. I’m subscribed to Emma Blackery’s channels (she’s one of the many YouTubers I follow from across the Pond). Two points: YouTube.

My Punk Points: 10

3. I have no clue what this is. But it disturbs me. And is Emo Dad an actual web series? And why am I being recommended the finale of this show? Minus one point: YouTube.

My Emo Points: 5

4. Now I’m trying to think of what I have watched in the past that might make YouTube think I’m one of “those” people who are in the REAL Apocalypse Shelter market. Wait. Am I one of “those” people? Excuse me while I have an identity crisis. Minus one point: me.

My Gun Toter Points: 25

5. Apparently YouTube thinks I’m dying to know what’s next in the world of Soaps. My question: is the girl in the picture “the bold” or “the beautiful?” I am now intrigued. Minus one point: me.

My Cat Lady Points: 15

6. Everything about the title of this video confuses me … First up on #TableTalk: what happens to you when you die? And after you’ve given yourself a complex, let’s talk about your dating life.

My Cat Lady Points: 25

7. I don’t think I want to watch The Dirty Old Greek Man do anything. Unless it’s a deleted scene from My Big Fat Greek Wedding, because I’m on that like dirty old clothes on a greek man.

My Possible Unabomber Points: 10

I’m not sure if it’s me or them, but the folks at YouTube HQ must think I’m weird. That or a cat-owning, show-tune-singing doomsday-prepper. But then again, is it possible they me better than I know myself? Maybe I need to stop questioning their recommendations and start watching them. For all I know I’ll like Emo Dad. But probably not.

Haley Takes SXSW

Advertising, Everyday, Travel

Tomorrow afternoon I’m driving to Austin for the SXSW Interactive Festival. Many of you already know this because I either haven’t stopped talking about it or you stalk me on Twitter. Or both.

For those who don’t know what SXSW is, here is a brief synopsis: it’s awesome. But in all seriousness, it’s one of the largest festivals of its kind. Spanning several weeks, SXSW is broken up into several sections, namely Music, Film, and Interactive. Most people are familiar with the music and film aspect, but I will be attending the Interactive portion of the festival.

SXSW Interactive focuses on interactive media and emerging technology. The website explains further that “the event features five days of compelling presentations from the brightest minds in emerging technology, scores of exciting networking events hosted by industry leaders and an unbeatable line-up of special programs showcasing the best new websites, video games and startup ideas the community has to offer. From hands-on training to big-picture analysis of the future, SXSW Interactive has become the place to experience a preview of what is unfolding in the world of technology.” Cool, huh?

So why am I going? My agency is sending me and four others to the festival in order to learn more about upcoming media and new technology that so that we can gain a better understanding of where our industry is going and the opportunities for where we could take it in the future. So, over the next 5 days I’ll basically be in creative nerd-land listening to some of the brightest minds in the media world. And that is just the place for a young advertiser.

In classic Haley-style, I considered blogging my trip just like I have my other travels in the past (see: Scotland and London). However, I also realized that I’m going to be crazy busy and people may not necessarily be interested in my day-to-day laundry list of activities. Thus, I’ll mostly be logging my trip through my Twitter account. If you’re interested in following my adventure, you can get live coverage by clicking here.

Other than seminars and workshops, I’ll also be getting a lot of free swag, enjoying free parties and food, meeting some cool, like-minded people, and catching up with several old friends who will be attending as well.

Overall, I’m super pumped. Can you tell?

Social Fasting

Advertising

The first project for my Social Media Marketing course was to go without any form of social media for 24 hours. I groaned when I read the assignment, thinking about everything I’d miss out on by not checking my Facebook or Twitter. Thoughout the day we were supposed to keep a log  describing if and when we were faced with the temptation to use social media and how we reacted. Our professor said that it was okay if we cheated, but we had to log why we did and what we felt. Of course, being the professor-pleaser that I am, I vowed to go cold-turkey – that lasted about 3 mintues.

I began at 10 am by sending out warnings to my Facebook friends and Twitter followers that I was going on a 24-hour hiatus – as if the world would stop without me. Immediately, I found the need to access facebook on my iPhone to locate the phone number of a person I was supposed to be meeting to work on a project. It blew my mind that it took only that long to realize how much I depended on social media for day-to-day activities. Then, I felt compelled to tweet about my inability to locate my partner’s contact info and the insecurity I felt waiting outside the cafeteria alone (I overcame that desire). During the day, I faced similar situations: the desire to tweet about the fact I was fasting, the guilt of leaving my words with friends opponents hanging, the frustration of hardly being to check my phone without an alert from Mashable popping up.

I’m ashamed to say that the first half of my day was consumed with thoughts of the social interactions I was missing by giving up social media. At one point my sister even shoved her phone in my face saying “did you see this tweet?” and I had to remind her that no, I had not.

Then something happened. I got bored. Normally when I get bored I’ll surf the internet and check my various social media outlets. But that day I decided to hunker down and finish reading that book I’d been meaning to. And that’s when I discovered the value of this fast – I wasn’t distracted. There wasn’t the pesky thought in the back of my brain urging me to constantly connect or the need to check to see if anyone had reached out to me, waiting for messages and notifications and distant interactions, because, well, I couldn’t. It was just me and my book. I was alone. I finally realized the simply truth about the impact of social media on my generation: we are never alone.

Although I have gone back to using all my social media outlets, I have definitely gained an understanding of how social media alone has and will continue to change our world. It makes a small world even smaller and yet distances us from eachother in a way that no other medium has. We can connect with anyone, anywhere, at anytime, all from the safety of seclusion. We may be surrounded by connections, but we have disconnected ourselves from what really matters.

Social media shouldn’t constitute the entirety of our social experiences. It should act as a tool to engage, not the only means of doing so.