Civic Engagement

Marissa, the author and creator of the blog Food in Jars, talked to our class, along with another Food Writering class, to discuss the importance of writing online - focusing on blogs. She made some very interesting points about engaging with people online, and how someone can form their own reputation online, focusing on their favorite hobby or past time.

A lot of what Marissa was talking about was relevant to the project Chris and I are working on - the restaurant Avril. Christian, the owner of Avril, needs a little.. okay a lot.. of help with his social media. Starting with a Facebook. Although it is shocking as to how social media - something so simple such as creating a fan page for your company on Facebook as well as a Twitter account can improve the company, it must be done.



As Clara Shih explains in her book, The Facebook Era, "However, most people wouldn't feel entirely comfortable calling the list of contacts in their phone book. Fortunately, as we talked about in the previous chapter, online social networks have created a new set of interaction modes and relationship types, such as Facebook friends and Linkedin connections, that make it less invasive, more comfortable, and easier to ask favors of your network" (72). Christian may feel uncomfortable going through his phone book, calling his friends and telling them about his 'upcoming deals' for his restaurant. That is exactly where Facebook and other social media outlets come into play. Shih's novel explains the importance, as well as vital ways, to incorporate Facebook and other Social Media aspects into personal life as well as into a company.