So Flippin’ Awesome

 

  Last semester, the term “Flip cam” seemed to be buzzing everywhere in the Grady PR department. A NY Times article states that the device’s claim to fame is its minimalism.

Flip cameras are close to the size of a digital camera and have a built-in USB port to both charge the device and upload videos. The recorders only have a few buttons, weigh a few ounces and have 1.5-inch screens.  According to Pure Video Technologies’ Web site, “the Flip video camcorders are the world’s first with on-board software to enable editing, organizing, and seamless video uploading to YouTube, MySpace, AOL Video and other video sharing sites.” Since 2007, more than two million cameras have been sold!

At Grady, Flip cams were used to create quick promo videos by fellow classmates. They were taken to the PRSSA national conference in Detroit to document the experience for peers back in Athens. And, I even had my first dabble with a Flip cam when I created this short infomercial for a class project (please excuse the terrible acting—I write for a reason! 🙂 ).

Now, Flip cams have moved up in the world and are producing content for national entertainment!

CNN.com announced last month that a new reality show based on the lives of two freshman congressmen would be filmed with Flip cams. The two men will carry high-definition Flip cameras throughout their experiences and the segments will be uploaded to the Web throughout the year. Below is a sample of the show:

Embedded video from CNN Video 

While, I’m not sure how exciting this drama on Capitol Hill really is, it’s an innovative idea that may spark some other, more appealing ideas. In addition, Pure Digital Technology, the maker of Flip cameras, was recently bought by Cisco. With the new ownership, the Flip cam is expected to become even more mobile than it already is… potentially through the use of wireless Internet connections. With this concept leading the way, I think there are great things in store for the future of the Flip.

The Job Search

Admittedly, the posts have been lacking recently. But, it’s been for a halfway legit reason, I’d say: I’ve begun the job search! 

While I’ve always heard the saying “finding a job is a job in itself,” I never truly understood what it meant- until now. I’ll spare you the lamenting over the hours I’ve spent on the hunt and just share a neat job-searching story with you instead.

Jamie Varon, an avid Twitter user, developed a gutsy, yet incredibly creative campaign to get hired by Twitter. She developed an entire Web site about why the company should hire her. The site was spread virally through Twitter and according to the site, has acquired more than 28,000 hits in just a few days! She boldly states why she wants to work at Twitter and how she would be an asset to the organization. She also blogs about relevant ideas she has for Twitter, such as “4 Ways Twitter Can Make Money.” This out-of-the-box thinking has increased Jamie’s online presence no doubt. Do you think it has increased her chances of getting hired?

Along with many of her followers on Twitter, I think that the ingenuity and drive that she has displayed through this campaign should get her an interview at least. I think a passion for what you are doing is one of the most important attributes an employee can possess, and this girl clearly has passion. 

But, an interesting issue is what, if any, effect her passion and creativity will have on the job search for the rest of us. Do you think that this unique job application will become more common as social media platforms and Web development become more common? Will the standard cover letter and resume ever disappear? 

The traditionalist in me says no. But, I bet most people never thought a thank you note would be sent via e-mail either…

It’s SNOWING like it’s 1993!

It’s snowing- in Georgia! It’s a big deal! It even garnered a blog post to prove to my friends and family in the North that it’s the real deal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pretty trees covered in snow…

 

Scott & I in the snow!

 

 

 

 

 

Chaos in the streets….so glad I live close enough to walk over to friends’ apartments!