Social Media are Becoming More Visual

Text is still very important, but a lot of text can get overwhelming quickly. The Internet is becoming very visual. Humans process visuals much more quickly than text, so visuals can do some heavy lifting as you work on your website, newsletter or social media platforms. Working with visuals can be fun. Some ways to construct your visuals are below. 

Canva

Canva is the top choice to design visuals. Canva is available online and also as an app for iPad. The best part is that it is free and easy to use. It is a workhorse, offering a variety of content types. From pre-sized social media images and header templates to marketing materials, documents, presentations, invitations, ebooks, resumes and ads, you’ll find almost everything you need. Great tutorials are available for all levels.

Photography

When you think about visuals, photography is the first thing that comes to mind. Sites like Pixabay provide free, high quality images. Three examples from Pixabay are shown below and also in our header.

Quote Graphics

Occasionally, a newsletter, website or Facebook page needs a quote to add emphasis. Three online free services make this easy. Quozio, behappy.me and Recite are easy to use and produce eye-catching results. 

In addition, there are a number of excellent apps available to make your quote graphics: WordSwag, InstaQuote, PicLab, and Paint Paper Studio.

Infographics

Information graphics or infographics are graphic visual representations of information, data, or knowledge intended to present information quickly and clearly. Venngage and Pictochart are two online infographic creators.
 

Screen Shots

If a member has a question about doing something, why not take a screenshot to answer via social media or website? Screen shots can explain, exemplify, or demonstrate something. Screen shots are easy on both the Mac and Windows and cost nothing. Below are three screenshots. Two are from web pages and one from an email program on a computer. Notice the annotations. 

Are you ready to add visuals to your social media, website or newsletter? You will enjoy working with them, and your members will enjoy seeing them. Try one approach. Then try another. Let us know how you did. What was your favorite?

 
  
 

Safety First

To keep in touch with your DKG friends, you love Facebook and post photos and comments daily. You also send and respond to emails. Online, you bought that cute figurine for your sister. You logged into your bank/credit union and checked your balances. Maintaining safety in the cyber world is important and relatively easy if you apply some basic strategies.

Here are are few tips to make your time on the Internet more secure.

• Emails: If you get an email from a friend, but it looks a little strange and has a link to click, DON’T CLICK IT!  At the very least, it will grab all of your contacts from your address book and send them emails that look like they are coming from you. Or, at its worst, your click allows malware to download to your computer. The malware may steal all of your personal information or hold your computer for ransom.
• Your email at DKG Headquarters - why it is so important: If we want to communicate well with members via e-blasts, etc., having correct emails in the system is imperative--and that is not the case at this point. Almost 1/2 of our members do not have emails in the system. Based on bounce backs, a large number of those addresses are incorrect. Let's see what we can do to help correct this!
• Privacy and security settings exist for a reason: Every social network has privacy and security settings. Take the time to investigate them. You can control who sees what you post. But don’t do this just one time!  Because social networks are constantly changing these settings, it is appropriate to revisit the settings several times a year. While you are checking these, look at the security settings on your browser.
• Keep personal info personal: Be cautious about how much personal information you provide on social networking sites. The more information you post, the easier it may be for a hacker or someone else to use that information to steal your identity, access your data, or commit other crimes such as stalking.
• Keep all software current: Having the latest updates for your security software, web browser, and the operating system create a first line defense against viruses, malware, and other online threats.
• Passwords: You must have a unique and random password for each and every account. Don’t reuse passwords!  If one account is hacked, your other accounts are far less likely to get hacked if you have varied passwords. You can generate a random password based on feelings, mood, the weather, and even with the help of a password manager. A strong password could be a sentence that is at least 12 characters long. Focus on positive sentences or phrases that you like to think about and are easy to remember (for example, “I love country music.”). On many sites, you can even use spaces!
• Invest in a password manager: This is a must for all those unique passwords. No one can possibly remember them all. PC Magazine recently rated some password managers for the Windows environment.You have probably heard about a few of the: DashLane, RoboForm, or LastPass. Find the ratings HERE. Mac users have an excellent choice as well. 1Password is a favorite. DashLane and LastPass are also available. Find information HERE.
• Utilize the services of a two-step verification process where possible: The two-factor authentication method is offered by internet services such as social media platforms and email portals. Google and Apple do a great job with this! This process of verification blocks out third parties from logging into your account even if they manage to steal your password.
• Protect your computer: Most computer systems come with a firewall. Make sure it is activated. Install and update your antivirus and antispyware software. Here are recent ratings of antivirus protection from PC Magazine.  A note here: in the past users of Apple computers felt quite safe and rarely installed security. Although most harmful viruses and malware are still directed at Windows computers, Apple owners are seeing an increase. Sophos is a free download and is highly regarded for protection of an Apple computer. Info Here
• Banks, Credit Unions, Investments Firms and Credit Cards: Create a different email address for each bank, etc. and DON’T use that email address for anything else. Google makes it easy to set up multiple Gmail accounts. This article from Techverse shows different ways to do it.
• Secure Sites: One sure way to buy online with confidence is to look for https (notice the “s”) in the site address and a closed lock. Also, use PayPal or similar services when possible. See graphic below.

If this information is overwhelming, try one suggestion at a time. Start with your passwords and go from there. STAY SAFE!

“Private” graphic from Pixabay rated CC0

Netiquette Expanded

Perception 
Your communication can reflect positively or negatively on you.  Avoiding mistakes by following simple rules will help lead to professional results and avoid embarrassing situations. Building on the ten rules from last week’s post, today’s post will provide more details and suggestions. You should be mindful of your netiquette when writing emails, posting on discussion forums, commenting on Facebook or Twitter, or posting photos. Netiquette governs every aspect of your internet experience.

Spelling and Grammar

Always use proper grammar and correct spelling. Poor grammar and misspelled words are unprofessional and reflect poorly on you and your message. A suggestion is to type your message or information into a word processor such as MS Word, apply the spell and grammar checker, make changes, then copy and paste the text to your communication source. Take the time to ensure your audience does not have to read a poorly written message with typos.

The “You” Attitude

When communicating within the DKG world, avoid using "me" or "I" with your message. Your messages should be about the reader or the organization and not the writer. Talk about the other person and use the word "you" and "your" in your message. There are exceptions to this rule, such as in online classrooms and Web sites; however, professional writing requires the "you" attitude at all times while sending emails, memos, and letters.

Write Concisely

Get to the point. Follow the concept of concise writing and do not ramble on with unnecessary words. Only write what is necessary so your audience can quickly read your message and move on. People have many other emails and websites to read, and if you write senseless words leading to a long email or electronic message, people might click out early and move on to their next reading.

Proofread

Always proofread your message! You do not have the opportunity to use body language while communicating over the Internet, and people may misinterpret your message if you do not write with good tone. Do not write messages that are confrontational, rude, or All Caps (WHICH MEANS YOU ARE SHOUTING!). A good suggestion is to read aloud your message to ensure it is a polite and courteous communication for your audience.

Use Good Tone

Good tone is critical with electronic writing. The wrong words can leave a bad impression and upset the reader--especially with emails and in online classrooms. It is easy to sound bossy and unprofessional with persuasive messages, and because most situations are asynchronous, you do not have the opportunity to respond immediately or allow the audience to see body language or hear the tone of your voice. Always check your writing to ensure it is polite and neutral regarding requests and conveying information. An email with good tone can accomplish much more than one that is overbearing and with the "me" attitude. Remember, the "you" attitude is a good way to convey your messages with good tone.

Double Check Email Address

With email programs, it is easy to send a message to the wrong email address. Your unkind remarks may get to the wrong person. Before clicking the send button, always check the email address of the recipient. In a similar vein, do not “Reply to All” unless it is absolutely necessary.

Keep File Sizes Small

People do not want to wait for long downloads. Even with today's high-speed connections, large file sizes are annoying and will cause the person downloading the message to abort. If you know your file size is large, be sure to convert the file to a PDF format prior to attaching the file. Always convert long documents, large graphics, and pictures to PDF format to ensure the file size is reasonable and downloads quickly--especially for those who do not have fast connection speeds. If you do not want to convert pictures to PDF, optimize them using Photoshop or another image program.

Internet Messages are Permanent

Make sure everything your post on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) is appropriate. Your rude remarks live forever. Be careful what you write! Sometimes it is best to keep thoughts to yourself because the Internet is a permanent record of what you send. You cannot retract or delete messages or posts (in most cases), so if you do not want your message read by the wrong people, you probably should communicate your message using another media and avoid sending it electronically. Anyone--from your grandmother to a colleague to a boss--can see what you post.

Be Respectful

Respond to other people's messages promptly, and if they ask for a return acknowledgment or receipt of an email, give it to them! Be polite, friendly, and professional at all times. Many of these rules imply respect for the reader; the Internet is a permanent message and reflects on you as a person. Use these rules to your advantage by thinking about your message and who reads it. The Internet can be a great tool for building a good reputation and respect from your peers.

Be Professional at All Times

Avoid getting into arguments in chat rooms, online classrooms, or with emails. This happens often and is a result of the ease of sending a message while upset or out of spite or revenge. Because the other person is not present, people often use the power of electronic writing to vent or lash out at each other. If you become upset at a person, do not respond electronically until you have had time to put the issue into perspective. Remember, electronic messages are permanent. Do not put yourself in a position with an unprofessional message you may regret later. It may come back to haunt you! Remember that people will have different opinions than yours.

Good Rules for Email

Use clear and precise subjects. Utilize formal letter-writing formats. Keep your messages concise. Include your name and contact information in all communication. NEVER give out any personal information via email.

Summary

The number one reason people go to the World Wide Web is to read. Therefore, following simple rules for electronic writing is critical to a well-received message. You can make a positive or negative impression on those who read your electronic communication. The choice is yours. While communicating electronically, people often never meet each other in person, and this may be the only way you are perceived. Use good writing skills and follow these rules to make a lasting positive impression, and you will gain respect and people will look forward to reading your messages. And remember, it is just as easy to create a poor impression if you do not follow rules, so take the time to communicate effectively over the Internet. You will be glad you did later!

Photo is from Pixabay CC0

Netiquette

In 1994, Virginia Shea developed her Core Rules of Netiquette. These ten rules have stood the test of time and are considered the definitive guidelines of etiquette for the World Wide Web (now commonly called the Net or Internet). When you communicate in a virtual world, these rules apply. This week, we introduce the basics. Next week, we will look with more detail so that your writing will improve and convince the audience that your message to your DKG membership is legitimate and worthwhile reading.

Rule 1: Remember the Human

When communicating electronically, whether through email, instant message, discussion post, text, or some other method, practice the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Remember, your written words are read by real people, all deserving respectful communication. Before you press "send" or "submit," ask yourself, "Would I be okay with this if someone else had written it?"

Rule 2: Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life

While it can be argued that standards of behavior may be different in the virtual world, they certainly should not be lower. You should do your best to act within the laws and ethical manners of society whenever you inhabit "cyberspace." Would you behave rudely to someone face-to-face? On most occasions, no. Neither should you behave that way in the virtual world.

Rule 3: Know where you are in cyberspace

"Netiquette varies from domain to domain" (Shea, 1994). Depending on where you are in the virtual world, the same written communication that may be acceptable in one area might be considered inappropriate in another. What you text to a friend may not be appropriate in an email to a classmate or colleague. Can you think of another example?

Rule 4: Respect other people's time and bandwidth

Electronic communication takes time: time to read and time in which to respond. Most people today lead busy lives, just as you do, and don't have time to read or respond to frivolous emails or discussion posts. As a virtual world communicator, it is your responsibility to make sure that the time spent reading your words isn't wasted. Make your written communication meaningful and to the point, without extraneous text or superfluous graphics or attachments that may take forever to download.

Rule 5: Make yourself look good online

One of the best things about the virtual world is the lack of judgment associated with your physical appearance, sound of your voice, or the clothes you wear (unless you post a video of yourself singing Karaoke in a clown outfit.) You will, however, be judged by the quality of your writing, so keep the following tips in mind:

• Always check for spelling and grammar errors.

• Know what you're talking about and state it clearly.

• Be pleasant and polite.

Rule 6: Share expert knowledge

The Internet offers its users many benefits; one is the ease with which information can be shared or accessed and, in fact, this "information sharing" capability is one of the reasons the Internet was founded. So in the spirit of the Internet's "founding fathers," share what you know! When you post a question and receive intelligent answers, share the results with others. Are you an expert at something? Post resources and references about your subject matter. Recently expanded your knowledge about a subject that might be of interest to others? Share that as well.

Rule 7: Help keep flame wars under control

What is meant by "flaming" and "flame wars?" "Flaming is what people do when they express a strongly held opinion without holding back any emotion" (Shea, 1994). As an example, think of the kinds of passionate comments you might read on a sports blog. Although "flaming" is not necessarily forbidden in virtual communication, "flame wars"--when two or three people exchange angry posts between one another--must be controlled or the camaraderie of the group could be compromised. Don't feed the flames; extinguish them by guiding the discussion back to a more productive direction.

Rule 8: Respect other people's privacy

Depending on what you are reading in the virtual world, be it an online class discussion forum, Facebook page, or an email, you may be exposed to some private or personal information that needs to be handled with care. Perhaps someone is sharing some medical news about a loved one or discussing a situation at work. What do you think would happen if this information "got into the wrong hands?" Embarrassment? Hurt feelings? Loss of a job? Just as you expect others to respect your privacy, so should you respect the privacy of others. Be sure to err on the side of caution when deciding to discuss or not to discuss virtual communication.

Rule 9: Don't abuse your power

Just as in face-to-face situations, there are people in cyberspace who have more "power" than others. They have more expertise in technology or they have years of experience in a particular skill or subject matter. Maybe it's you who possesses all of this knowledge and power! Just remember: knowing more than others do or having more power than others may have does not give you the right to take advantage of anyone. Think of Rule 1: Remember the human.

Rule 10: Be forgiving of other people's mistakes

Not everyone has the same amount of experience working in the virtual world. And not everyone knows the rules of netiquette. At some point, you will see a stupid question, read an unnecessarily long response, or encounter misspelled words; when this happens, practice kindness and forgiveness as you would hope someone would do if you had committed the same offense. If it's a minor "offense," you might want to let it slide. If you feel compelled to respond to a mistake, do so in a private email rather than a public forum.

Adapted from The Core Rules of Netiquette: Shea, V. (1994). Core rules of netiquette. Netiquette (Online ed., pp. 32-45). San Francisco: Albion Books.

Photo from Pixabay CC0

An International Scholarship Can Change a Member’s Life 

At this time the International Scholarship Committee wants to remind all members of the annual international scholarship application deadline, which is February 1. There are 30 scholarships that may be awarded. The scholarship award for an advanced degree candidate is $6,000; for doctoral degree candidates, it is $10,000.  We encourage members to start preparing their applications now.

Criteria and the interactive scholarship application are available on the Forms link at the top of the homepage of the Society website at www.dkg.org. On the website, click on Forms and then click on Applications.

Please feel free to contact your regional representative on the International Scholarship Committee for help. These scholarships have and will continue to change the lives of our members!

Image from Wikimedia Commons; labeled for reuse with modifications.