Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Lab 14
Tasty Treats, is an edible fruit gourmet company that has recently just opened their doors to the public. A nice young couple started the company with an idea in mind to have their product of gourmet fruit assembled in a decorative style that is pleasing to the eye, to be sold over the Internet. By using this e-commerce system, the consumer then can have the product delivered fresh within the local area, without leaving the comfort of their home.
There is a problem; the couple that is running the business hasn’t a clue on how to properly decide which software package would best suit their online store of Tasty Treats. They have however, been able to narrow down three options of software packages that are legal to use for operating an online store: Zen Cart, PrestaShop, and osCommerce. To help them better decide, they have chosen five features that are included in each of the three software packages that are essential in a online business. The features are; the over all look and feel of the website that is easy to set up and operate by the owner as well as easy to use for the consumer, payment methods, inventory, customer care and shipping.
When a customer first looks at a webpage it is important for the consumer to understand how the webpage operates as well as how easy the site is to manage for the owners. First, I will discuss the benefits of using the software ecommerce application of Zen Cart. The Zen Cart software is designed to make online shopping easy for the customer as well as easy for the storeowners to manage and keep track of their webpage. Switching the setting of ones choice in the Admin area can easily control the store webpage layout. From there one can choose where you would like a side column to be placed and the width and length of the box, which side boxes you want to appear on the page, and enable/disable links in various places. Product attributes can also be added, for example, check boxes, and drop down list are just some of the attributes that come with the Zen Cart software. On the software product Prestashop, this web application is great because it has a managing system within the application, that the owners can keep track of inventory, orders, shipping, and customers. Prestashop software can be easily used where one can create a personalized online store, to which a variety of functions can be added. Which is very useful for a business like Tasty Treats to allow more functions to be able to better market their product. Finally, osCommerce web application can be easily set up and customized to meet the many specific needs of the business. Using osCommerce application will support dynamic images so that the owners of the Tasty Treats can display pictures of their decorative food product. However, one can only display one image per product. There are not very many web features that will allow the web operator to personalize their webpage the way one would see fit using osCommerce.
In order for Tasty Treats to operate successful the business needs money. An online business will operate more successfully with a variety of payment modules so that all who want the product will be able to purchase it. Each Linux ecommerce web applications have payment modules that differ from each other. Zen Cart offers the fewest variety of payment methods. Zen Cart uses Paypal, and other merchant services as means for payment to the Tasty Treats for their business. Prestashop uses an unlimited use of payment methods. One can pay by using payment by banking wire, google checkout module; there is even the option for the customer to decide to use cash. This system is called Cash-On-Delivery (COD) for those who do not feel comfortable paying for a product online with their credit card, or would rather see the quality upon paying for it. Prestashop also offers preconfigured Paypal system. In osCommerce the application offers automatic setup of e-commerce payment systems: Authorize.com, 2checkout.com, ChronoPay.com, and a list of several other payment systems. There is an option for one to pay off line (manual) credit card payments, and online payment processing. The automatic setup feature of payment system, maybe a great function to have on the Tasty Treats webpage, or for those who are unsure about how to properly set-up a payment system. However, Prestashop offers an unlimited use of payment methods, compared to the other applications that only offer a number of payment systems.
Keeping track of the Tasty Treats inventory is key to running a successful business. The Tasty Treats business need to know what they have and don’t have to keep the customers informed about what products are available. Zen Cart offers a low stock notification to the administrator when the inventory is getting low. As I stated earlier, Prestashop offers a “back office” tool to manage the online business such as inventory. OsCommerce software, however, does not offer any tracking systems for inventory. Having the extra help from ones online web page of tracking inventory, may help the Tasty Treats business run more efficiently.
Once you are aware of your inventory, the owners can now better take care of the customers, because customer care is the number one must important aspect to keep a business operating. Zen Cart offers the customers to write product reviews, receive newsletters and product notification systems for the customer. Prestashop offers special deals (price reductions, gift vouchers), and has a loyal customer program, and customer product reviews. Prestashop offers a wide range of features to keep the customer happy and coming back for more of the product, compared to the other web applications. OsCommerce web application again, does not offer features to provide customer care.
Shipping can be a hassle but with the options provided by each of the web applications, Tasty Treats can choose which shipping function best works for you. Zen Cart’s shipping options include, multiple carriers supported, including for pickup, free delivery in an area, and most major couriers and postal services. Zen Cart provides a shipping estimator that allows for the customer to be informed of their shipping cost prior to checkout. Prestashop controls the shipping of the Tasty Treats product by the “back-office” and has free shipping offers. OsCommerce has many shipping options compared to the other web applications, including by weight, price, or destination. Real time shipping quote integration with UPS, USPS, and FedEx. OsCommerce also includes zone-based shipping options as well as free shipping options as part of the customers order totals module.
Tasty Treats can now make a better decision on which web application they would like to use for their online business. I would suggest Prestashop to be chosen because of the many functions the web application could provide and take the Tasty Treats business to operate at the level of the owner’s desire. All of the five features that are essential in running an online business are provided through the Prestashop web application.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Lab 11


http://www.flickr.com/photos/dailyinvention/ / CC BY 2.0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/phrenzee/ / CC BY 2.0
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Lab 10
- Days 2 Disaster by Gary Lester (New)
- Boom Boom Pow by Black Eyed Peas (Old)
- My Heart, Your Hands by Dommin (Old)
Lab 9
- Lady Antebellum (Country)- Similar Recommended Artists: Zach Brown Band, Sugarland, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, & Keith Urban.
- Beyonce (Modern R&B Styling)- Similar Recommended Artist: Ciara, Destiny's Child, Rihanna, Cherish, & Alicia Keys
- Britney Spears (Pop)- Similar Recommended Artist: Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lopez, Nelly Furtado, & Ashlee Simpson.
- Thomas Mars, vocalist in the band Phoenix, (Alternative Rock) From France - Similar Recommended Artists: Phantom Planet, Keane, Jupiter One, The Virgins, & Goldspot.
- Bob Marley (Reggae) from Jamaica- Similar Recommended Artists: Wailing Souls, Dennis Brown, Steel Pulse, Ziggy Marley, & Stephen Marley.
- Gilberto Gil (Bossa Nova / Jazz), from Brazil- Similar Recommended Artists: Joao Gilberto, Jorge Ben Jor, Djavan, Antonio Carlos Jobim, & Chico Buraque.
- Lady Antebellum (Country)- Similar Recommended Artists: Kellie Pickler, Sugarland, Gloriana, Jason Aldean, & Miranda Lambert.
- Beyonce (R&B)- Similar Recommended Artists: Destiny's Child, Kelly Rowland, Ciara, Rihanna, & The Pussycat Dolls.
- Britney Spears (Pop)- Similar Recommended Artists: The Pussycat Dolls, Ashley Tisdale, Paris Hilton, Lindsey Lohan, & Kesha.
- Thomas Mars, vocalist in the Phoenix, (Alternative Rock) from France- Similar Recommended Artists: Passion Pit, Whitest Boys Alive, Vampire Weekend, Ra Ra Riot, & Kings of Convenience.
- Bob Marley (Reggae) from Jamaica- Similar Recommended Artist: Ziggy Marley, Bob Marley & the Wailers, Peter Tosh, & Damian Marley.
- Gilberto Gil (mpb, Bossa Nova, Tropicalia) from Brazil- Similar Recommended Artist: Caetano Veloso, Gal Costa, Jards Macale', Luiz Melodia, & Tom Ze'.
- Lady Antebellum (Country)- Similar Recommended Artist: Trace Adkins, Gloriana, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, & Miranda Lambert.
- Beyonce (R&B) - Similar Recommended Artists: Destiny's Child, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Ciara, & Alicia Keys.
- Britney Spears (Pop)- Similar Recommended Artists: Black Eyed Peas, Jordin Sparks, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, & Pink.
- Thomas Mars, vocalist from the band Phoenix, (alternative rock), from France- Similar Recommended Artists: The xx, Vampire Weekend, Passion Pit, Fever Ray, & Animal Collective.
- Bob Marley (Reggae) from Jamaica- Similar Recommended Artist: Sly Robbie, The Untouchables, Lee Scratch Perry, Rita Marley, & U Roy.
- Gilberto Gil (Jazz) from Brazil- Similar Recommended Artists: Caetano Veloso, Jorge Ben, Gal Costa, Os Mutantes, & Nara Leao'.
- Lady Antebellum (Country)- Similar Recommended Artists: Rascal Flats, Sugarland, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, & Miranda Lambert
- Beyonce (R&B)- Similar Recommended Artists: Ciara, Destiny's Child, Michelle Williams, Kelly Rowland, Rihanna, & The Pussycat Dolls.
- Britney Spears (Pop)- Similar Recommended Artists: Paris Hilton, Lindsey Lohan, Lady Gaga, Ashley Tisdale, & Kesha.
- Thomas Mars, vocalist from the band Phoenix, (Alternative Rock) from France- Similar Recommended Artists: Kings of Convenience, Miike Snow, Ra Ra Riot, Friendly Fries, & Vampire Weekend.
- Bob Marley (Reggae) from Jamaica- Similar Recommended Artists: Ziggy Marley, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Peter Tosh, Damian Marley, & Ky-Mani Marley.
- Gilberto Gil (Jazz /Latin) from Brazil- Similar Recommended Artist: Space Boy, Tropicalia Ou Panis et Circencis, Bwana Trio, Ed Maciel e Orquestra, & Gal Costa.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Lab 8
Friday, February 12, 2010
Lab Exercise 7
Watch it on Academic Earth
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Lab 6: Survey
| What Type | When | Where | Why |
| Broadcast-1 | Morning-2 | Home/Apartment-10 | Entertainment-7 |
| Cable-5 | Afternoon-1 | Office-0 | Information-0 |
| Satellite-3 | Evening-5 | Public Area-0 | Relaxation-2 |
| Mobile TV-0 | Weekends-2 | ||
| No Tv-1 |
LAB 5: Sources
| Web Link | ||||||||||||||||||
| http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tvlistings/ZCSGrid.dostnNum=20360&channel=5 | ||||||||||||||||||
| http://www.tvguide.com/Listings/default.aspx | ||||||||||||||||||
| http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tv/csi-ny/EP00679714?newEps MSO Satellite
| ||||||||||||||||||
LAB 5
| M.S.O (N.Y.C) (Broadcast) | Program Name | Time | Price |
| Fox | House | 8:00p.m. e.s.t | $29.99 |
| WNBC | The Office | 9:00p.m. e.s.t | $29.99 |
| CBS | CSI: NY | 10:00p.m. e.s.t | $29.99 |
| M.S.O (N.Y.C) (Satellite) | Program Name | Channel | Price |
| Direct TV | ESPN: Classic Sports | 208 | $59.99 |
| Direct TV | MTV | 331 | $29.99 |
| Direct TV | BET | 329 | $29.99 |
| Direct TV | Telemundo | 406 | $29.99 |
| Cellular Company (N.Y.C) | Video/TV Coverage | ||
| AT&T | Available | ||
| Verison | Available/Mobile Broadband | ||
| Sprint | Available/Mobile Broadband: Basic TV |
Monday, February 8, 2010
Lab 4: Trade & Scholarly Journals
Media Week
Crupi, A. (2010). 2010 Forecast. Cable TV. Media Week, 20 (1), 8-8. Retrieved from Communication & Mass Media Complete database.
Moses, L. (2009). Covering Cost. Media Week, 19 (44), 4. Retrieved from Communication & Mass Media Complete database.
Broadcasting & Cable
Eggerton, J. (2008). Fast Track. Broadcasting & Cable, 138 (36), 29. Retrieved from Communication & Mass Media Complete database.
Albiniak, P. (2010). Cash Could Be King Again. Broadcasting & Cable, 140 (1), 1. Retrieved from Communications & Mass Media Complete database.
IEEE Communications Magazine
Cacheda, A. R., CastaƱo, F. J., CastiƱeira, F. J. (2009). The Future of 4G Mobile Networks in Spain. IEEE Communications Magazine, 47 (12), 3. Retrieved from Communication & Mass Media Complete database.
Alencar, M. S. (2008). Status of the Telecommunication Market in Brazil. IEEE Communications Magazine, 46 (12), 4. Retrieved from Communication & Mass Media Complete database.
Museum of Broadcast Communications Encyclopedia of Radio
Gomery, D. (2004). Ownership, Mergers, and Acquisitions. Museum of Broadcast Communications Encyclopedia of Radio, 3(1), 4. Retrieved from Communication & Mass Media Complete database.
Buzzard, K. S., Sterling, C. H. (2004). A.C. Nielsen Company. Museum of Broadcast Communications Encyclopedia of Radio, 1 (2), 1-2. Retrieved from Communication of Mass Media Complete database.
SCHOLARLY JOURNALS
Journal of Popular Film & Television
Forman, M. (2003). The Case of Popular Music. Journal of Popular Film & Television, 31 (1), 5-12. Retrieved from Communication of Mass Media Complete database.
Marling, W. (2008). Mobile Phones as Narrative Tropes. Journal of Popular Film & Television, 36 (1), 7. Retrieved from Communication of Mass Media Complete database.
Convergence: The Journal of Research into New Media Technologies
Wilson, J. (2006). 3G to Web 2.0? Can Mobile Telephony Become an Architecture of Participation? Convergence: The Journal of Research into New Media Technologie, 12 (2), 14. Retrieved from Communication of Mass Media Complete database.
Thomas, S. (2009). When Geeks Go Camping: Finding California in Cyberspace. Convergence: The Journal of Research into New Media Technologies, 15 (1), 18. Retrieved from Communication of Mass Media Complete database.
Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media
Potter, R.F. (2009). Double the Units: How Increasing the Number of Advertisements while Keeping the Overall Duration of Commercial Breaks Constant Affects Radio Listeners. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 53 (4), 15. Retrieved from Communication of Mass Media Complete database.
Hall, A. (2009). Perceptions of the Authenticity of Reality Programs and Their Relationships to Audience Involvement, Enjoyment, and Perceived Learning. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 53 (4), 515-531. Retrieved from Communication of Mass Media Complete database.
Communication Review
Chris, C. (2006). Can You Repeat That? Patterns of Media Ownership and the “Repurposing” Trend. Communication Review,
9 (1), 63-84. Retrieved from Communication of Mass Media Complete database.
Dalton, C. M., (2008). Spying with Maps: Surveillance Technologies and the Future of Privacy. Communication Review, 11 (2), 192-194. Retrieved from Communication of Mass Media Complete database.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Lab Exercise 3
1. Digital Publishing: "Thoughts on the Future of Publishing": Source: Business Source Complete (Ebscohost)
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=7&hid=6&sid=357630ac-ea7a-4e97-b8f2-46d682d76d37%40sessionmgr4&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=a9h&AN=45553772
The article discusses the changes in the newspaper industry which amid the transition to digital publishing. As a result of the economic situation newspapers are changing from printing the news to making it digital.
2. "Children's Media Policy." Source: Business Source Complete (EBSCOhost) :
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=14&hid=6&sid=357630ac-ea7a-4e97-b8f2-46d682d76d37%40sessionmgr4&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=a9h&AN=31703745
The article addresses the need "to balance media industries contributions to the health development of America's children against the consequences of excessive and age-inappropriate media exposure."
3. Cable: Source: ProQuest:"Bills for Time Warner, DirectTV Customers to Increase":
http://lib -ezproxy .tamu .edu:2048/login ?url=http://proquest .umi .com/pqdweb ?did=1939175771 &sid=2&Fmt=3 &clientId=2945 &RQT=309 &VName=PQD
4. Video Games: "Popular Demand." Business Source Complete
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=20&hid=6&sid=357630ac-ea7a-4e97-b8f2-46d682d76d37%40sessionmgr4&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=a9h&AN=47678714
The Article "Popular Demand" discusses the success of Nintendo's game's which took off in the early 1980's. Since then the company has released several game systems that have become very popular. Including the best seller the Wii, which has moved Ninetendo into the fitness market.
5.Telephony: Source: CSA ILLUMINA / ProQuest: "Service Delivery Platform Implementing IP Multimedia Subsystem":
http://csaweb107v.csa.com/ids70/view_record.php?id=3&recnum=1&log=from_res&SID=2tvkqr0201381e1umr8g0esus7&mark_id=search%3A3%3A0%2C0%2C10
2.) 5 sources found from the Library Database related to Media Policy:
1. "Media Regulations" Source: Business Source Complete:
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=3&hid=6&sid=d72e93b8-747a-4547-bf74-7aa9bcb9ef9d%40sessionmgr11&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=a9h&AN=47736338
The article discusses the U.S. mass media regulations. The media regulations are affecting television stations, radio stations, and newspapers as of January 2010.
2."FCC taps Web Exec To Study State of Media" Source: Business Source Complete:
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=14&hid=6&sid=d72e93b8-747a-4547-bf74-7aa9bcb9ef9d%40sessionmgr11&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=a9h&AN=45062042
The article discusses the "U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has appointed journalist and internet industry financier Steven Waldman to conduct a review of the agency's mass media policy." Waldman will study the effects technological innovations and the recession on mass media and journalism and will then make policy recommendations.
3."Should Your Library Have a Social Media Policy?" Source: ERIC Processing and Reference Facility:
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
In the article discusses whether a library should have media policy. The article explains why there should be a social media policy, and what the policy should include.
4."The politics of media policy: how political?" Source: Business Source Complete:
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=17&hid=6&sid=d72e93b8-747a-4547-bf74-7aa9bcb9ef9d%40sessionmgr11&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=a9h&AN=44219100
The article discusses the understanding of major media policy issues in a new digital era.
5."Dynamics of power in contemporary media policy-making." Source: Business Source Complete:
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=18&hid=6&sid=d72e93b8-747a-4547-bf74-7aa9bcb9ef9d%40sessionmgr11&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=a9h&AN=23407314
In this article "Dynamics of Power in Contemporary Media Policy Media," discusses the organization and the regulation of the media industries. In the global media environment there has been a considerable change that has shifted the balance of power between public and private interest in the policy making process.
3.) 5 websites with media industry news pages not housed in the library database:
1. "Will An Apple tablet Heat up E-Book War?" Source: www.NPR.org
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1020
In this article, the apple company's latest product which is expected to be a tablet size computer, which will have Amazons' Kindle or Sony's reader. Which could change the way book and newspaper industry view digital publishing.
2."New York Times' To Charge For Web Access In 2011". Source: NPR.org
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1020
In the Article, New York Times is now going to be charging their readers for full access to it's web site. Aimed at drawing more revenue online without advertisers driving away.
3. "Haitians Find Lifeline In Local Radio Station". Source: NPR.org
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122948825
In this article, radio signal in Haiti, 90.5, has been aired around the clock since the earthquake on January 12. Helping listeners post missing persons ads, survival tips and other useful information for those living in Haiti among the destruction.
4. "The Rise And Fall Of The Music Industry" Source: NPR.org
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99312293
The article discusses the rise of the record industry and its digital age collapse.
5. "Media Industry In A Free Fall" Source: NPR.org
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98521172
The article discusses how the internet has transformed the way we now get our information, which hurt print, television and radio revenue. Traditional media outlets were struggling before the financial collapse of our economy, "now the media industry is in a free fall."
Friday, January 22, 2010
blog roll
http://dir.blogflux.com/cat/media.html
http://dir.blogflux.com/weblog/225775.html
http://dir.blogflux.com/weblog/224660.html
http://dir.blogflux.com/weblog/224816.html
http://dir.blogflux.com/weblog/225830.html