Img1822
Originally uploaded by Stacey "solo" Wilson
Wow I am learning too much!!!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Flickr
I have just uploaded some photo's of myself at work and couldn't believe how simple it was. I wasn't previously aware of this website but was amazed at what a good resource it is for us as performers. I always want people to comment on my photo's with positives and negatives, I like the fact its not just your friends commenting on them (as they can be biased) it can be any outsider. I feel finding the perfect headshot that will show you in a positive light can be tricky but an important aspect of our career as this is what can form first impressions between yourself and the employer.
To view my flickr photos please go to the following web link:-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceywilson/
To view my flickr photos please go to the following web link:-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceywilson/
More thought....
Reading my above work I have realised I can continue my findings further. I was originally planning on posting a second blog highlighting the cons of "Professional Communication Technologies". However, I have realised that having researched indepth through firstly re-reading the Readers we have been provided with and secondly accessing other students blogs I feel I have a greater ream of thoughts to process.
I would like to start with my opening statements that "We don't realise just how much we rely on this incredible tool on a day-to-day basis. Nowadays in our line of work we would struggle drastically without this necessary source. When the internet was first created nobody could imagine how this remarkable invention would sculpt our lives, both professionally and personally." Well this is very accurate but unfortunately shows the growing partition of "real" life and "virtual" life. As many of you are more than aware, the Performing Arts industry employs people of all ethnicities, ages and backgrounds. We are still in a society where internet access isn't readily available 24/7 for everyone and that those who rely on public services- such as the local library- may lose out on online submission deadlines if they cannot get to a computer in time. So is this discrimination?
This then leads onto the subject of those who do have round-the-clock internet access. I pose the question "Is a dependence being created in which people are reliant on the internet?"
Case scenario 1: People who originally would conduct their weekly shop in a supermarket have now chosen to instead enjoy the luxury of online shopping. Sure, there are many benefits of this- saving petrol, not having to take the kids out, being less tempted to add 'extras' toyour basket- but there are many negatives too. Those who don't engage in much social activity are diminishing their chances of meeting new people and interacting with others. They can't be 100% sure that produce delivered will match their own expectations and also they limit the options of venturing out and trying diffrent products. a) new items and b) alternative proprieters.
Case scenario 2: Youtube and alternative methods of creative resourcing. As I have previously mentioned, Youtube is an excellent website for inspiration and sourcing different topics of interest. Many dancers find posts of dance classes online and download these for personal use, whether it is for teaching purposes or as audition material. This is great for occasional use but the downside for this is that dancers and teachers alike can become complacent with their own training and progession, although they try to keep up with the times, if you are not in a "live" class the emotive content and atmoshphere can be lost in translation.
Case scenario 3: Friendships. Most people own a Facbook account or something of a similar ilk presenting a new calibre of friendships. We rely on being able to quickly post a message as a form of communtication and let this overshadow actually meeting up face to face. This is great for long distance relationships but is gradually causing existing unions to dramatically waver.
There is of course the issue of privacy when using Facebook as we can't always control who views what. This links in the problems of casting agents and employers as effectively they have the ability to see all aspects of your online profile which projects your private life. This then creates the issue of being able to limit damage control.
Plagerism is something that comes in many forms. Hackers can steal our identity which contains details of professional credits, personal information and work such as what I'm typing now! We can't determine what will happen to our posts after we have submitted them virtually and leave an option for people to take advantage of our vunerability. You don't have to think in depth anymore if you so please- for example, so many highschool children have the opportunity to access previous years work and pass it off as their own.
The internet may also contribute to the recession in a longer timespan. If websurfers can receive free internet connection and locate illegal or morally questionable material then who is paying the costs?
I would like to start with my opening statements that "We don't realise just how much we rely on this incredible tool on a day-to-day basis. Nowadays in our line of work we would struggle drastically without this necessary source. When the internet was first created nobody could imagine how this remarkable invention would sculpt our lives, both professionally and personally." Well this is very accurate but unfortunately shows the growing partition of "real" life and "virtual" life. As many of you are more than aware, the Performing Arts industry employs people of all ethnicities, ages and backgrounds. We are still in a society where internet access isn't readily available 24/7 for everyone and that those who rely on public services- such as the local library- may lose out on online submission deadlines if they cannot get to a computer in time. So is this discrimination?
This then leads onto the subject of those who do have round-the-clock internet access. I pose the question "Is a dependence being created in which people are reliant on the internet?"
Case scenario 1: People who originally would conduct their weekly shop in a supermarket have now chosen to instead enjoy the luxury of online shopping. Sure, there are many benefits of this- saving petrol, not having to take the kids out, being less tempted to add 'extras' toyour basket- but there are many negatives too. Those who don't engage in much social activity are diminishing their chances of meeting new people and interacting with others. They can't be 100% sure that produce delivered will match their own expectations and also they limit the options of venturing out and trying diffrent products. a) new items and b) alternative proprieters.
Case scenario 2: Youtube and alternative methods of creative resourcing. As I have previously mentioned, Youtube is an excellent website for inspiration and sourcing different topics of interest. Many dancers find posts of dance classes online and download these for personal use, whether it is for teaching purposes or as audition material. This is great for occasional use but the downside for this is that dancers and teachers alike can become complacent with their own training and progession, although they try to keep up with the times, if you are not in a "live" class the emotive content and atmoshphere can be lost in translation.
Case scenario 3: Friendships. Most people own a Facbook account or something of a similar ilk presenting a new calibre of friendships. We rely on being able to quickly post a message as a form of communtication and let this overshadow actually meeting up face to face. This is great for long distance relationships but is gradually causing existing unions to dramatically waver.
There is of course the issue of privacy when using Facebook as we can't always control who views what. This links in the problems of casting agents and employers as effectively they have the ability to see all aspects of your online profile which projects your private life. This then creates the issue of being able to limit damage control.
Plagerism is something that comes in many forms. Hackers can steal our identity which contains details of professional credits, personal information and work such as what I'm typing now! We can't determine what will happen to our posts after we have submitted them virtually and leave an option for people to take advantage of our vunerability. You don't have to think in depth anymore if you so please- for example, so many highschool children have the opportunity to access previous years work and pass it off as their own.
The internet may also contribute to the recession in a longer timespan. If websurfers can receive free internet connection and locate illegal or morally questionable material then who is paying the costs?
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
The use of Professional communication technologies in the industry
People can't quite comprehend how amazing the World Wide Web truly is. We don't realise just how much we rely on this incredible tool on a day-to-day basis. Nowadays in our line of work we would struggle drastically without this necessary source. When the internet was first created nobody could imagine how this remarkable invention would sculpt our lives, both professionally and personally.
Google, for example, is the number one website for collecting numerous types of information. Originally, like many other search engines, it started with a very simple concept but has expanded into a multi functioning "virtual aquarium"! One instance of how I might take advantage of its services is for "Googling" clients for my business. Usually I search for my desired information on the general listings before perusing the images section and then finally locating my findings using Google maps. Infact, I'm now a proud owner of another creation- my very own Google gmail account, due to this BAPP course!
The direction I have taken as a dancer has me away all over the world, meaning that to keep abreast of current affairs within the network of Performing Arts I need to be immediately accessible. The internet allows this through various forms of communicative technologies. The web 2.0 tools I use to enable me to reach maximum potential are social networking sites such as Facebook, E-mail accounts and specified websites for performers which include- but are not limited to- Dancers Pro, Star Now and Spotlight. I think it is important for me to raise the subject of a publication called "The Stage". It originally started as a weekly newspaper but due to the growing demand of online resourcing it was forced to re-evaluate its position by joining the net as a web 1.0 site. To contend with its contemporaries I can imagine it evolving into a web 2.0 format as this seems to be the growing trend.
Another very valuable creation was the recent formation of Youtube, in 2005. It is almost like the video version of Google! I often find myself gathering inspiration from other dancers and choreographers which aids my teaching and performing skills in means not readily available not so long ago. A problem arose when I needed to clarify a section of the GCSE Dance Set Study and Youtube provided me with the solution.
The BAPP community can be accessed worldwide with the brillant support network easily reachable. I may be in Japan and have missed several lectures including the induction but do not feel this has disabled my progress as I have 24 hour access to resources. It is comforting to do a course like this and not feel
alone.
Google, for example, is the number one website for collecting numerous types of information. Originally, like many other search engines, it started with a very simple concept but has expanded into a multi functioning "virtual aquarium"! One instance of how I might take advantage of its services is for "Googling" clients for my business. Usually I search for my desired information on the general listings before perusing the images section and then finally locating my findings using Google maps. Infact, I'm now a proud owner of another creation- my very own Google gmail account, due to this BAPP course!
The direction I have taken as a dancer has me away all over the world, meaning that to keep abreast of current affairs within the network of Performing Arts I need to be immediately accessible. The internet allows this through various forms of communicative technologies. The web 2.0 tools I use to enable me to reach maximum potential are social networking sites such as Facebook, E-mail accounts and specified websites for performers which include- but are not limited to- Dancers Pro, Star Now and Spotlight. I think it is important for me to raise the subject of a publication called "The Stage". It originally started as a weekly newspaper but due to the growing demand of online resourcing it was forced to re-evaluate its position by joining the net as a web 1.0 site. To contend with its contemporaries I can imagine it evolving into a web 2.0 format as this seems to be the growing trend.
Another very valuable creation was the recent formation of Youtube, in 2005. It is almost like the video version of Google! I often find myself gathering inspiration from other dancers and choreographers which aids my teaching and performing skills in means not readily available not so long ago. A problem arose when I needed to clarify a section of the GCSE Dance Set Study and Youtube provided me with the solution.
The BAPP community can be accessed worldwide with the brillant support network easily reachable. I may be in Japan and have missed several lectures including the induction but do not feel this has disabled my progress as I have 24 hour access to resources. It is comforting to do a course like this and not feel
alone.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Agreeing with Laura Weir
I have been so intrigued by peoples blogs! It's extremely interesting to meet different people doing the same career but from completely different backgrounds; from our training to the types of jobs we have achieved. I feel like I have learnt so much already and yet we are still in the first stages of the module! I found Laura Weir's comments on "Do web based technologies enhance Professional Practice" very interesting. It was almost like she took the words right out of my mouth.
I had a very similar experience with a company last Christmas where we had to sign a contract stating that no photos in costumes will be taken and posted on the internet. I have mixed opinions in regards to this rule because alot of casting directors or modelling agencies want to see photos with quick, easy access. However for copyright reasons I can see why this could be an issue.
Also, most companies rule that we cannot post footage from their productions onto Youtube or any other internet sites. I feel this can be a problem as, like many of you, I am personally due a new showreel and I am struggling for material. These days casting directors don't want a video of you through their post box!
The other statement that I completely agree with is "Should we have separate social sites- personal and professional?" I work in schools and receive many friends requests from students but it can become uncomfortable and sometimes inappropriate constantly pulling them to one side (I know this sounds silly) saying "Sorry I can't be your friend". Don't get me wrong I adore Facebook and it has brought me alot
of happiness, from finding lost friends to career success, however, occasionly I feel your life is available for the world to view!
I have come to the conclusion that yes Laura, two seperate Facebook accounts would be a very good idea. Most of my messages in my inbox are about castings, promotions or jobs anyway so when I log into my personal account I won't feel like I'm at work!
Refrences
Laura Weir-http://lauraweir2001.blogspot.com/2010_10_01_archive.html
I had a very similar experience with a company last Christmas where we had to sign a contract stating that no photos in costumes will be taken and posted on the internet. I have mixed opinions in regards to this rule because alot of casting directors or modelling agencies want to see photos with quick, easy access. However for copyright reasons I can see why this could be an issue.
Also, most companies rule that we cannot post footage from their productions onto Youtube or any other internet sites. I feel this can be a problem as, like many of you, I am personally due a new showreel and I am struggling for material. These days casting directors don't want a video of you through their post box!
The other statement that I completely agree with is "Should we have separate social sites- personal and professional?" I work in schools and receive many friends requests from students but it can become uncomfortable and sometimes inappropriate constantly pulling them to one side (I know this sounds silly) saying "Sorry I can't be your friend". Don't get me wrong I adore Facebook and it has brought me alot
of happiness, from finding lost friends to career success, however, occasionly I feel your life is available for the world to view!
I have come to the conclusion that yes Laura, two seperate Facebook accounts would be a very good idea. Most of my messages in my inbox are about castings, promotions or jobs anyway so when I log into my personal account I won't feel like I'm at work!
Refrences
Laura Weir-http://lauraweir2001.blogspot.com/2010_10_01_archive.html
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