Thing 1: Getting started

Welcome to 13 Things for writers. This project will provide you an overview of how you, as a writer, can make the best use of Web 2.0. Some of you have a good idea (you're probably tweeting about it right now!), but you're looking for some new insights. Some of you would rather go check your facebook than actually create something on the web.  That's OK.  There will be something for everyone here.

Throughout this project, I hope you gain a better understanding of how Web 2.0--the social web--is changing the way we write. 

As a Gen Y writer, you are expected to have a good handle on how Web 2.0 works. Author Marc Prensky ("Digital Natives/Digital Immigrants") calls you a "digital native"--you were practically born with a cell phone in your hand, and you learned keyboarding when people of my generation were learning cursive. 

However, I've found that while many "digital natives" are great users of Web 2.0--you have facebook accounts and shop online--you're not necessarily in the drivers' seat. What about you? Do you keep a blog? Do you have a Twitter or Delicious account? Have you participated in the creation of a Wiki?

 Maybe you have, and maybe you haven't, but one thing is sure: when you graduate, employers will expect you to be savvy about digital communication of all kinds. This project will help you reach toward that goal--and develop your own digital footprint.  It will also give you a chance to play around with tools on the web that writers of all kinds can use--either socially, or on their own.

Now that we've got some background and insight, let's get started.  You're going to complete this project over the course of several weeks, and record your reflections--and links to your online projects--on a blog. So your first step is to build your blog.

THING 1: Building Your BlogYou'll use your blog to record your discoveries as you progress through the 13 Things. I recommend you use Blogger*, a popular free online blog hosting service that is easy to use.


Creating a blog using Blogger is easy:

• Create a gmail account. Unfortunately, the Coe email address won't work to set up a blog. But that's OK. You'll need another address once you graduate anyway--to send out employment materials, etc. You can set up a gmail account right on the blogger site. Keep in mind that you probably don't want to send out resumes from an account called "hotmama@gmail.com." How embarrassing. Use your first and last name, or something similar.
• Set up your blog. Just follow the instructions. The "Display Name" is your name on the blog. You can use your first name, or an alias.  Keep in mind you might want to share this blog with potential employers--to show off your mad digital skills.
• Name your blog. Blogger will tell you if the name is available.
• Select your template.  This is very similar to selecting a template in Google Sites.

Once you've created your blog here are two important things to know:

• To add posts: the interface you will use to add posts, edit or change the set-up of your blog is "blogger.com," accessed at http://www.blogger.com. Be sure to email yourself your login and password.
• To view your blog: To read the blog, use the "blogspot.com" address. Be sure to email yourself your blog address.

Once you have your blog set up:

Create a post called "Thing One" (you can also give it a subtitle if you want). Address these two questions:

1) So far, how have you been using Web 2.0?  Have you created any content for Web 2.0? Are you active on social media (besides facebook)?

2) What interests you about Web 2.0--what would you like to learn about? 

Finally:  Tell me where you are!  Add a comment to this blog that has YOUR blog's URL.  Just copy and paste it in.