a slice of me!, a set on Flickr.
Putting my tools into practice here is my first attempt at flickr! Hollie xx
Wednesday 22 February 2012
Tuesday 21 February 2012
Chapter 4: A platform is a stage aka Task 1b
A few weeks ago if someone had said to me what is web 2.0? I would have looked at them with a blank expression and to be honest with no interest in developing my knowledge further. However as I commit to developing my professional practice and study the professional communication technologies reader I have realised I am not as out of touch as I first thought which feels me with a little sense of pride! I am a victim of the addictive nature of facebook, I have always used wikipedia when researching and look at me now I have my own blog! Working within the competitive performing world I think I have become accustomed to the mentality of putting myself in a box of the things I can and cannot do. Through studying web 2.0 I am breaking out of that box and realising that there is no right or wrong answer and I am therefore embodying the confidence to explore the world that the web has to offer.
In the reader, web 2.0 is described as being made up of a series of platforms. I find it interesting that it is described in this way. To me a platform is in close relation to a stage. Somewhere you can express feelings and thoughts, share passion and stories in a limitless world of creativity. But it is also somewhere where you put yourself in a vulnerable position to be scrutinised and judged by strangers. I think this is a good summary about my attitude towards web 2.0. For me to understand how web 2.0 can help in my own practice I am going to broaden my horizons and research the advantages and disadvantages further in order to develop my own opinions and ideas on how I can use web 2.0 effectively.
Web 2.0 is described as opening up the opportunity for the reader and creator to interact and in turn the reader becoming the creator. I love the idea of sitting down with a book and then actually having a face-to-face conversation with friends about it but I think that the limitless creativity that web 2.0 provides is truly amazing. Now my world is not limited to my friends who may have a similar opinions, literally anyone in the world can share ideas and opinions that I can use to develop my practice. Tim O'Reily's 'meme' is a strong image for me on the world that web 2.0 opens up to it's users. The idea that it is an 'attitude not a technology' assures the accessible nature of the platforms and their ability to create an approachable attitude rather that an intimidating technology. 'Attitude' is key as this is where the reader and creator relationship builds from and I look forward to exploring this further.
I think that as a society we are so used to being told what to do that the limitless nature can become a little intimidating. In reference to the platform I know most about facebook, this has almost become a slice of our lives that we never shared in such a public way before web 2.0. On meeting new people it is always asked 'are you on facebook?' You proceed to add this almost stranger as a friend and they can now access a slice of your world. I understand that as a user I am in control of how much I share but as a society I feel this sharing mentality is almost expected. I am not a highly skilled web user and sometimes I feel I do not know enough to protect myself in this open space. I know children as young as 12 on facebook and if I don't feel I can protect myself where does this leave them. The power of media on young people really scares me and opening up the ability to share and comment has left the most vulnerable in a horrible place. Even as a 24 year old woman I have been witness to scornful conversations about photos and relationships that would not have been shared in this way before web 2.0. My strong opinion in wanting children to remain children and build relationships with friends in a natural way leaves me asking is this new way that we communicate really better? I just think it is important to be very aware of how we use it and I think I need to apply this caution to my practice. This Baz Lurhmann track always brings home the effect media can have on human nature:
I recently read an article in a magazine with actress Drew Barrymore. These following questions stood out to me:
Do you think the film industry has changed since you started out?
Social media has changed everything. It's a very fast, consuming world out there. I know that and want nothing to do with it.
So you don't facebook or tweet?
No.I do for work, but not for personal stuff.
This develops a strong theory for me of personal vs professional. I think it is about finding that balance so that I am using web 2.0 platforms to my benefit and not letting it take control. My techno phobia stands in the way of my web experience sometimes and I find myself dismissing ideas before trying them using excuses such as I don't have the time, patience or interest. This attitude I find myself conveying is frustrating and something I feel I am slowly but surely beginning to address. This links into the 'architectures of participation' that web 2.0 provides. The excuses I listed are the same components that Hamilton (2000) refers to as barriers that when broken down lead to increase in participation. For me I think these excuses are in my head and once I let go of them they do not actually exist within web 2.0 as it is made so accessible. 'Participation' is a key element that is crucial to the development of my professional practice. As a society we participate through so many media levels, we like to be a part of the story and ultimately the public has so much power now that we determine the outcome. From voting on x factor to public protests, we participate to get results. This participation opens up a huge community for us to work within. Our communities used to be made up of our neighbours and family but web 2.0 creates a worldwide community and the power of it is immense. Feenberg & Bakardjieva (2004) inspired this idea of a vast collective community that can empower change.
www.justgiving.com has used this power to help over 13 million people raise £770 million for over 9,000 charities in 10 years. People often link to their just giving pages through facebook, twitter etc.
This power can be abused as the priminister addresses in regards to last years London Riots. Speaking in the recalled House of Commons, Mr Cameron said: 'Everyone watching these horrific actions will be stuck by how they were organised via social media. Free flow of information can be used for good. But it can also be used for ill.'
http://www.metro.co.uk/tech/872080-uk-riots-david-cameron-hints-at-social-media-shutdown#ixzz1n1iaZRXS
This immensity is overwhelming but in order to understand it's power fully I need to participate in the world of web 2.0 to get my own results.
I like Valtysson's (2010) use of the term prosumer. I feel this theory is relevant in my professional practice as a performer. We have to constantly put ourselves out there and producer ourselves but it is so important to consume from those around us otherwise we do not know where to place ourselves when producing. The importance of networking in the performing world has always been addressed. It is not what you know it is who you know and the prosumer idea works to develop this relationship through web 2.0. I have always found the idea of imposing myself on someone in order to get a job a horrible thought and I am really not good at it. Web 2.0 breaks down the idea of imposing and opens up the idea that people can choose to access my work if I put it out there. It is still such a competitive world but you do not have to be a VIP anymore in order to get your work seen.
In summary the reader in professional communication technology has definately inspired me to look into my web 2.0 practice. It brings it's ups and downs and I aim to research this further in order to build my practice in to something I know I am in control of and using to my advantage. A stage that I am proud to stand on and be confident that I know my track.
Hollie xx
In the reader, web 2.0 is described as being made up of a series of platforms. I find it interesting that it is described in this way. To me a platform is in close relation to a stage. Somewhere you can express feelings and thoughts, share passion and stories in a limitless world of creativity. But it is also somewhere where you put yourself in a vulnerable position to be scrutinised and judged by strangers. I think this is a good summary about my attitude towards web 2.0. For me to understand how web 2.0 can help in my own practice I am going to broaden my horizons and research the advantages and disadvantages further in order to develop my own opinions and ideas on how I can use web 2.0 effectively.
Web 2.0 is described as opening up the opportunity for the reader and creator to interact and in turn the reader becoming the creator. I love the idea of sitting down with a book and then actually having a face-to-face conversation with friends about it but I think that the limitless creativity that web 2.0 provides is truly amazing. Now my world is not limited to my friends who may have a similar opinions, literally anyone in the world can share ideas and opinions that I can use to develop my practice. Tim O'Reily's 'meme' is a strong image for me on the world that web 2.0 opens up to it's users. The idea that it is an 'attitude not a technology' assures the accessible nature of the platforms and their ability to create an approachable attitude rather that an intimidating technology. 'Attitude' is key as this is where the reader and creator relationship builds from and I look forward to exploring this further.
I think that as a society we are so used to being told what to do that the limitless nature can become a little intimidating. In reference to the platform I know most about facebook, this has almost become a slice of our lives that we never shared in such a public way before web 2.0. On meeting new people it is always asked 'are you on facebook?' You proceed to add this almost stranger as a friend and they can now access a slice of your world. I understand that as a user I am in control of how much I share but as a society I feel this sharing mentality is almost expected. I am not a highly skilled web user and sometimes I feel I do not know enough to protect myself in this open space. I know children as young as 12 on facebook and if I don't feel I can protect myself where does this leave them. The power of media on young people really scares me and opening up the ability to share and comment has left the most vulnerable in a horrible place. Even as a 24 year old woman I have been witness to scornful conversations about photos and relationships that would not have been shared in this way before web 2.0. My strong opinion in wanting children to remain children and build relationships with friends in a natural way leaves me asking is this new way that we communicate really better? I just think it is important to be very aware of how we use it and I think I need to apply this caution to my practice. This Baz Lurhmann track always brings home the effect media can have on human nature:
I recently read an article in a magazine with actress Drew Barrymore. These following questions stood out to me:
Do you think the film industry has changed since you started out?
Social media has changed everything. It's a very fast, consuming world out there. I know that and want nothing to do with it.
So you don't facebook or tweet?
No.I do for work, but not for personal stuff.
This develops a strong theory for me of personal vs professional. I think it is about finding that balance so that I am using web 2.0 platforms to my benefit and not letting it take control. My techno phobia stands in the way of my web experience sometimes and I find myself dismissing ideas before trying them using excuses such as I don't have the time, patience or interest. This attitude I find myself conveying is frustrating and something I feel I am slowly but surely beginning to address. This links into the 'architectures of participation' that web 2.0 provides. The excuses I listed are the same components that Hamilton (2000) refers to as barriers that when broken down lead to increase in participation. For me I think these excuses are in my head and once I let go of them they do not actually exist within web 2.0 as it is made so accessible. 'Participation' is a key element that is crucial to the development of my professional practice. As a society we participate through so many media levels, we like to be a part of the story and ultimately the public has so much power now that we determine the outcome. From voting on x factor to public protests, we participate to get results. This participation opens up a huge community for us to work within. Our communities used to be made up of our neighbours and family but web 2.0 creates a worldwide community and the power of it is immense. Feenberg & Bakardjieva (2004) inspired this idea of a vast collective community that can empower change.
www.justgiving.com has used this power to help over 13 million people raise £770 million for over 9,000 charities in 10 years. People often link to their just giving pages through facebook, twitter etc.
This power can be abused as the priminister addresses in regards to last years London Riots. Speaking in the recalled House of Commons, Mr Cameron said: 'Everyone watching these horrific actions will be stuck by how they were organised via social media. Free flow of information can be used for good. But it can also be used for ill.'
http://www.metro.co.uk/tech/872080-uk-riots-david-cameron-hints-at-social-media-shutdown#ixzz1n1iaZRXS
This immensity is overwhelming but in order to understand it's power fully I need to participate in the world of web 2.0 to get my own results.
I like Valtysson's (2010) use of the term prosumer. I feel this theory is relevant in my professional practice as a performer. We have to constantly put ourselves out there and producer ourselves but it is so important to consume from those around us otherwise we do not know where to place ourselves when producing. The importance of networking in the performing world has always been addressed. It is not what you know it is who you know and the prosumer idea works to develop this relationship through web 2.0. I have always found the idea of imposing myself on someone in order to get a job a horrible thought and I am really not good at it. Web 2.0 breaks down the idea of imposing and opens up the idea that people can choose to access my work if I put it out there. It is still such a competitive world but you do not have to be a VIP anymore in order to get your work seen.
In summary the reader in professional communication technology has definately inspired me to look into my web 2.0 practice. It brings it's ups and downs and I aim to research this further in order to build my practice in to something I know I am in control of and using to my advantage. A stage that I am proud to stand on and be confident that I know my track.
Hollie xx
Thursday 16 February 2012
Chapter 3: This is me continued...
A CV is so powerful and I think that this is where the stigma attached to it lies. I believe that we all avoid updating our CV because we know it's power and how important it is to get it right. We spend the majority of our lives working so I have always had a goal to find the right job that I enjoy and a CV holds the key to finding that so no wonder it is scary. I have been doing a bit more research to develop my key to the dream job offer.
Firstly I have adapted my blog profile to include more detail about work I have done. I want it to be personable and professional at the same time. Let me know how you think I have done on getting this balance.
After looking at other blogs I particularly like how Ahmet Ahmet has created a CV that shouts about his teaching work but still includes his performing experience. I think this style would work well for me and I will look to create something similar. It is also very clear and to the point which I think mine is lacking. Thanks Ahmet.
I noticed that Paula Nottingham had recommended some links on her blog so I took a look.
www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/actorcv.htm
This page looks at a performers CV. The key elements that are relevant to my progression in this area are as follows:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/business
This is relevant to my current teaching CV. One particular element of the mentioned structure stood out to me as I feel I need to work on it. The profile, which is the first thing a potential employer will read. I quote the above page "A personal profile sells yourself and your qualities, it should be tailored towards the job you are applying for." I feel I can spend some time here to make sure I am selling myself to maximum capability. It spoke of the importance of keeping your CV positive throughout and keeping all the information relevant. It is easy to get lost somewhere in the middle and I do have a tendency to waffle on so I will work on making it to the point. It is also looks at the importance of tailoring your CV to each and every job you apply for. I make small changes but I feel this is something I can progress further.
I also found this page which I thought had some really great tips so take a look.
http://career-advice.monster.co.uk/cvs-applications/careers.aspx
It had a great video that makes the tips more accessible. It is business based but I feel it is still relevant to creative and education industries. I particularly like the last thing mentioned "your only limitation is your own creativity."
I also had the idea to use my resources around me to help me develop my CV. I have some friends who work in recruitment and look at CV's everyday. I thought it would be beneficial to ask them a few questions that I would like to know. Here is what I have so far:
Hollie x
Firstly I have adapted my blog profile to include more detail about work I have done. I want it to be personable and professional at the same time. Let me know how you think I have done on getting this balance.
After looking at other blogs I particularly like how Ahmet Ahmet has created a CV that shouts about his teaching work but still includes his performing experience. I think this style would work well for me and I will look to create something similar. It is also very clear and to the point which I think mine is lacking. Thanks Ahmet.
I noticed that Paula Nottingham had recommended some links on her blog so I took a look.
www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/actorcv.htm
This page looks at a performers CV. The key elements that are relevant to my progression in this area are as follows:
- Include spotlight and equity number - can create an online link.
- Include links to reviews and examples of work.
- Include a skills section.
- Make sure CV is only one page.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/business
This is relevant to my current teaching CV. One particular element of the mentioned structure stood out to me as I feel I need to work on it. The profile, which is the first thing a potential employer will read. I quote the above page "A personal profile sells yourself and your qualities, it should be tailored towards the job you are applying for." I feel I can spend some time here to make sure I am selling myself to maximum capability. It spoke of the importance of keeping your CV positive throughout and keeping all the information relevant. It is easy to get lost somewhere in the middle and I do have a tendency to waffle on so I will work on making it to the point. It is also looks at the importance of tailoring your CV to each and every job you apply for. I make small changes but I feel this is something I can progress further.
I also found this page which I thought had some really great tips so take a look.
http://career-advice.monster.co.uk/cvs-applications/careers.aspx
It had a great video that makes the tips more accessible. It is business based but I feel it is still relevant to creative and education industries. I particularly like the last thing mentioned "your only limitation is your own creativity."
I also had the idea to use my resources around me to help me develop my CV. I have some friends who work in recruitment and look at CV's everyday. I thought it would be beneficial to ask them a few questions that I would like to know. Here is what I have so far:
- What makes a CV instantly stand out so you continue to read?
- What makes you instantly discard a CV?
- Should you always include all your experience even if you do not feel it is relevant to the particular job (if you choose not to it may lead to career gaps on CV) ?
- If you are following multiple career paths should you keep these CV's separate?
- If you practised the same skills in different jobs should you repeat them or not?
- Do your clients search potential employees within social networking platforms eg. facebook, twitter, blogs?
- Do your clients often ask for hard copy CV's or is it all done online?
- Are clients starting to use video CV's at all?
- Do you have any brief tips/biggest mistakes to share?
Hollie x
Wednesday 15 February 2012
Chapter 3: This is me! aka Task 1a
It is so difficult to sum ourselves up in a document and stand out to potential employers. Sometimes I want to knock on an employers door and say "hiya this is me!" at least that way they have to listen. It can be so discouraging to send a piece of paper that can be thrown away two minutes later or in this case a document that can be deleted or sometimes not even opened. By looking at my CV in detail and developing my professional practice in this area I hope to be able to say "this is me" in the best way possible opening as many opportunities as possible. As a starting point I have uploaded three different CV's that I currently use when applying for new roles. I aim to combine these in some way to create an online, accessible, amazing overview of me.
This is my current CV that I use for performing opportunities. It is under Hollie Anne Cartwright as this is my stage name:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rFZjfcN5indGMx4AzS3QKqOW7UOexPfapm_3F-ZfQ8o/edit
This is my current CV that I use for teaching opportunities:
This is a personal statement that I have created as when applying for teaching jobs sometimes it is asked for in this format:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D12muEvRZlGzysgIxE_1EuLkn5TVLg7qzbRd6o37ZQY/edit
I hope these links work. Please view these documents and let me know what you think. Thanks.
Hollie x
This is my current CV that I use for performing opportunities. It is under Hollie Anne Cartwright as this is my stage name:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rFZjfcN5indGMx4AzS3QKqOW7UOexPfapm_3F-ZfQ8o/edit
This is my current CV that I use for teaching opportunities:
This is a personal statement that I have created as when applying for teaching jobs sometimes it is asked for in this format:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D12muEvRZlGzysgIxE_1EuLkn5TVLg7qzbRd6o37ZQY/edit
I hope these links work. Please view these documents and let me know what you think. Thanks.
Hollie x
Chapter 2: Let go
Professional - A person who is an expert at his or her work.
Communication - The imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions or information.
Technologies - The total knowledge and skills available to any human society.
Put these three definitions together and the next chapter begins. To me this module means broadening my horizons to approach the wonderful world of the web with a new attitude and insight. We all know that the internet has transformed the world but to be honest I do not feel I am moving with it. My competency goes about as far as a facebook update. I am hoping to look back at this blog at the end of module 1 and feel completely different. I find the enormity of it intimidating. You can do quite literally everything on the internet now and it has vastly changed the world in which we live. You can educate yourself on any subject possible or even arrange a riot! I could discuss the benefits and disadvantages of it all day but that is not the point. I know that the web has so much to offer and in exploring all these avenues I know my professional practice will vastly improve. I aim to let go of frustration and the way I label myself as a techno phobe and use my new found knowledge to further my career. I envy those who have the skills and look forward to that being me!
Hollie x
Communication - The imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions or information.
Technologies - The total knowledge and skills available to any human society.
Put these three definitions together and the next chapter begins. To me this module means broadening my horizons to approach the wonderful world of the web with a new attitude and insight. We all know that the internet has transformed the world but to be honest I do not feel I am moving with it. My competency goes about as far as a facebook update. I am hoping to look back at this blog at the end of module 1 and feel completely different. I find the enormity of it intimidating. You can do quite literally everything on the internet now and it has vastly changed the world in which we live. You can educate yourself on any subject possible or even arrange a riot! I could discuss the benefits and disadvantages of it all day but that is not the point. I know that the web has so much to offer and in exploring all these avenues I know my professional practice will vastly improve. I aim to let go of frustration and the way I label myself as a techno phobe and use my new found knowledge to further my career. I envy those who have the skills and look forward to that being me!
Hollie x
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Book 1: Old school turns techno Chapter 1: The dreamer
I have decided to think of my journey on BA Professional Practice like a book. I am very driven by reaching goals constantly making lists and loving the satisfaction of ticking off each achievement. I am finding it hard to grasp the concept of letting go of a destination and seeing what I learn along the way as I develop my professional practice. By seeing it like my own book with a beginning, middle and end it gives me a focus to channel my journey through. I hope each chapter will bring a new insight and development to my story. I am just not sure what is going to happen yet and isn't that the best thing about reading a book! So chapter 1 is meant to engage the reader and make them read on. Of coarse the reader is myself in this case as I am the one who needs to stay focused and engaged with my learning in order to get the fairytale ending. Any other readers I gain along the way are a bonus! I am embarking on this adventure to take control, opening my mind and developing skills to take me down the path that is right for me. I am battling between two paths right now. The instability of a life as a performer and the stability of becoming a Primary School teacher. Both of these paths lead me to a dream and I am definitely a dreamer. I want to fit everything I can into this short life we have and sometimes there is so much I want to do I loose focus. I am hoping that through writing my BAPP book (I like the sound of that) I find my focus so I really can do as much as I can and not just talk about it. So I am already looking forward to the journey this is going to take me on although I am a little nervous too. I can be quite old fashioned - I started to write this blog on a notepad before giving into the convenience of technology how ridiculous. But I am so excited to learn and get my head around web 2.0 tools (sounds scary) as I know that this will help me in my career no matter how frustrated I may get with it. Setting up my blog did not take me as long as I thought though so it is a good start! I look forward to reading everyone's blogs and taking the next steps on this journey. Happy Valentines day!
Hollie x
Hollie x
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