Jumping head on into the cold water i.e. social media

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Just a small excerpt of the social media jungle

So, it's been a while since I last posted - actually it's been almost exactly 2 years. Oh boy, so much to catch up on - where to start...

Well, for now, I'd like to dedicate this entry to my newest challenge: I was recruited to be social media manager of a company, even though I have never done anything like that.

During my studies at AUC, we looked into the most important social media tools for journalists: facebook and twitter. I was taught the importance of virality and surveying your audience.

At the end of the day, my knowledge turned out to be quite helpful, when the revolution in Egypt was aggravated, accelerated and created by a social media tsunami. So yeah, I got the point, as to why social media are important for journalists.

However, now that I've sold my soul and am working PR and Social Media management for an e-commerce company in the tourism industry, the picture seems to be quite different. Don't get me wrong: I love my job, but it's a challenge - right now.

Hence, I am starting to get acquainted with the commercial use of social media. As far as I've learned, the key of commercial use of social media is to not appear commercial. First and foremost a company has to provide a service to the fans by offering information that meets the fans' needs.

But wait: Which fans? My biggest challenge right now is the attempt of trying to gain more traffic, likes and virality on our facebook, twitter and Google+ sites, of which we have about 20 each. So, if you have a good idea, how to generate a large audience without giving away freebies, let me know.

Also, what's that thing with Google+? I'm sure, I'd be much more into it if I lived in the States but somehow the Google+ wave has not really reached Germany, yet. Even though, apparently it is one of the best tools companies can to get better rankings on search engine results. But, no matter how often I watch that introduction video to Google+, I just do not understand how EXACTLY this is supposed to work... Call me stupid. And why is it not connected to twitter or facebook? This just makes everything so much more time consuming.

For our company, not do I only have the daily task to take care of facebook posts (- luckily facebook forwards all posts to twitter) but I also have to check all of our Google+ accounts. Since there is no way of pre-dating a google+-post, the mandatory activity gets lost in the rumble of all other things.

So, to all social media wizzes out there, if you have any advice on how to get started properly, please let me know. I'm open to constructive criticism and helpful advice.

Oh, and while your at it: Here's a link to one of the facebook pages that I will manage: Travanto - Ferienwohnungen & Ferienhäuser (it's in German btw).- of course, you may like it... if you want.. of course ;)

Winter - Moviemania 2010

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As always, I've been keeping myself entertained this winter by watching a lot of movies. Somehow, I was really lucky this season and most of my reommended movies got more than 3 out of 5 stars.

Ok.. ok.. I have to be honest with you. I did start watching a lot of really bad movies and I just didn't have the stamina to finish them.. which is why they're not on the list.

So, here's my list of movies you HAVE to watch when you have the time (or when you're procrastinating - I'm all for that - We NEED that last-minute-deadline-pressure).

You will notice, that some of the movies are featuring the same actors and might have a certain indie style to them. Sure, that's a matter of taste and I'd be happy to receive your comments on my humble critiques.




**** “Heartless” (2009) with Jim Sturgess - Faustian story - great soundtrack - little bit of horror - but mainly good drama

*** “Crossing Over” (2009) independent drama about US immigrants feat. Harrisson Ford, Jim Sturgess, Ashley Judd - nicely done but hate the morality in the plot - tries to teach you a lesson - and of course the US is portrayed as this very reasonable country, which makes mistakes sometimes but it’s for their own good - doesn’t really follow up with what happens to people after they’ve been deported

***** “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” (2010) with the guy from superbad- nice transformation of a comic with a more or less boring story - the acting of main character carries the movie- fun to watch- beautiful cinematography

**** “Fifty Dead Men Walking" (2008) real story about IRA tout who is on the run until today, played by one of my fav’s Jim Sturgess - language kinda hard to understand - but love the rough portrayal of Irish working class in the 80ies - love the cinematography

***** “21” (2008) again my favourite actor right now, Jim Sturgess in a lead role - not a boring action movie - instead a story well told

*****“Easy A” (2010)- even if set in high school, interesting plot and fast paced and cynic dialogues - witty - exactly what I like

****“Hard Candy” (2005) Ellen Page, one of my personal favourites - interesting cinematography - no medium shots, all wides and close-ups - disturbing plot, yet very capturing acting

***“Smart people” (2008) I underestimated Dennis Quaid, who actually turned out to be a good actor, loved the dark cynic dialogues and the establishment of characters

***“Peacock” (2010) - again with Ellen Page, my new actress heroine - psychological thriller that makes you wonder, what kind of people there are in the world. great for people who are interested in psychology

*****“Whip it” (2009) - Ellen Page- so much fun to watch - great slice of subculture - completely underestimated

*** “Passengers” (2008) - Ann Hathaway and Patrick Wilson - it’s a bit foreseeable but yet nicely done

***** “Monsters” (2010) Five stars for this scifi movie - when I read the plot, and stumbled upon the word “aliens”, I wasn’t really excited about this movie- but the cinematography and acting is great- actors aren’t that well known- atmosphere of the movie is similar to “Sin Nombre” - yes, the aliens look like big octopus but they’re kinda cute

*** “Despicable Me” (2010) - very cute and funny, loved it- again a great animation with lovable heroes (yes, Vector is funny, too) - gotta love Steve Carell

**** “Salt” (2010) - very entertaining- full of action and of course a gorgeous Angelina Jolie - one of my favorite German actors, August Diehl

**** “Moon” (2009) - pretty awesome sci-fi indie movie - completely carried by Sam Rockwell- Nicely done, Mr. Rockwell!

***** “The Trosky” (2010) - very funny if you know a little bit about Trotsky (don’t worry, they don’t tell the story up to his death) - a teenager thinks, he’s Leon Trotsky’s reincarnation and relives the stages of Trosky’s life with a lot of self confidence and a great portion of humor

**** Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist (2008) - I just gotta admit, I might have had a little thing for Michael Cera since “Superbad” and “Juno” - this is a beautifully innocent and funny movie for all indie music lovers who have lived through teenage insecurity. AND this movie is funny!,

AUC in the Seventies

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The Caravan of the week after the Oct. 6 war in 1973.

AUC in the Seventies: Audio documentary
Length: 15:50

The Seventies stand for the Hippie movement, the music, the fashion, international politics and a change in the way people were thinking.the most significant symbols were the Beatles, bell bottom pants, tight shirts, mini skirts, the Vietnam War, student activism and free love. But how was the Middle East experiencing that time? What was Egypt, the opinion leading nation of the region going through. I went back to the Seventies and took a look at one of the most significant institutions of Egypt: The American University in Cairo. Interviewees include Mahmoud El Lozy, Samia Mehrez and Louis Greiss. Tune in and find out, what exactly campus life was like in the 70s and how students dealt with the '73 war.

Job Hunting

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Since I'm graduating this semester, I need to find a job.
As if this isn't already hard enough in our current economic situation, I need to find a job in Germany, where there are about three million unemployed. Three million!! Oph!!

Now what is it that makes me different? How can I ensure that I'm not going to join this vicious circle of unemployment?

Another thing that just recently came to my knowledge is that those years at AUC and a bachelor in broadcast media journalism do not necessarily qualify me for a regular full-time job as a reporter, journalist or editor.

No, in Germany they have this system of the so-called "Volontariat," which is basically a 2-year-long apprenticeship in my field.

So, here I go searching for an apprenticeship in Germany: Writing CVs and advertising for myself. Something, I am not used to at all.

But here's the deal: I AM qualified! I have work experience and -to be honest- the Mass Communication department at AUC is not as bad as some may think. I am trained. Ready to go and kick it.

And now I'm just hoping that somebody will give me a chance, despite studying at an American University (Many Germans think that's basically worthless), despite my foreign name and despite being a girl.

I am positive, that that somebody who's willing to hire me, will not regret it. Because I know I'm good at what I do - I'm just really bad at advertising for myself.

Promo for upcoming radio documentary "70s at AUC"

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Audio Promo:

Producer and narration: Jasmin Bauomy
Music: "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix
SOT: Mahmoud El Lozy, AUC graduate 1976, Theater instructor at the AUC





What Jimmy Hendrix was for students in the West, Abdelhalim Hafez was for students at the American University in Cairo. But what else was different back in the Seventies? And what was the same? Tune into my podcast on worldrandoms.blogspot.com starting December 6. Or attend the listening sessions at AUC's new campus in New Cairo December 6. and 9. from 10-11 a.m. The sessions will be held in the BEC building, Room C114.

Listening Journal - The Hugging Guru

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Amma, the Hugging Guru doing her job in Paris.
But what is it in her hug that is so special?

This very entertaining documentary of the BBC Asian Network was produced by Perminder Khatkar and narrated by Ameet Chana. It is almost 25 minutes long, which initially seems to be a long time to talk about a person who simply gives hugs to people.

Amma, is a 56 year old Guru who travels the world and hugs people. Over the last 30 years she has hugged more than 30 million people and collects about ten million Pounds a year.

The documentary is basically divided into three parts. In the first part Chana goes to get a hug from Amma, the Hugging Guru. He interviews others who are standing in line and asks them about their expectations.

The second part of the piece covers a short interview with Amma. However, it's a bit unfortunate that the translation completely covers what Amma has to say. There is only a very short soundup of her talking before the translation takes over. Amma's own answer cannot even be heard in the background.

In the third part, Chana covers the criticisms that are directed towards Amma and interviews people who have doubts about her motives.

"The Hugging Guru" was particularly interesting because of the nature of the subject. On the other hand, the way the documentary is produced also doesn't leave you bored. Lots and lots of soundbites are scattered throughout the documentary and the Chana's language paints a very good picture of what is happening. You can literally see what is going on before your inner eye. Also, the fact that this is not an observing piece but instead the reporter is involved in the process and shares his opinions and experiences throughout, is what keeps your attention.

I was surprised about the good quality of the narration and the soundbites. The sound is clean and clear and it almost doesn't seem like the reporter is standing in a crowded stadium. I also liked that the reporter uses very casual language. His voice however is nothing special and his British accent can be annoying sometimes.

The length of the documentary is ok. It's not necessarily too long and it does keep your attention, but I also think, this could have been done in a shorter amount of time.

I loved the piece. It starts off on a humorous note and covers the subject of Amma from every angle. It has all the facts, criticisms and is emotionally compelling as well. All in all, this is very well done. But, in my opinion, the music transitions are sometimes a little bit abrupt and the type of music sometimes distracts you from the actual topic at hand. Other than that: Definitely a "have to listen to."

To listen: http://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/documentaries/thehuggingguru.shtml

Flashmob Obsession

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This week, I became obsessed with the idea of flashmobs. Flashmobs are gatherings, where people meet at a certain time at a certain place, suddenly break out into some crazy action for five minutes and then leave again as if nothing has happened.

People did flashmobs in remembrance of Michael Jackson and other occasions. However, usually, people just do it for fun.

It is a very "Western" thing to do and has absolutely no purpose except for having fun and confusing people and give them something to talk about.

But why hasn't it happened in Cairo yet? I mean, this is a large city with a large population of young people and it would be a great way to irritate the oppressive government here, even if it's just for a couple of minutes.

What if, coincidentally 500 people would meet up on Tahrir Square and suddenly freeze in their motions for five minutes. Would police come and arrest you? Would you get beaten up?

As I'm wondering, I decided to organize one myself - but I have to admit that I'm too chicken to do it in a public place. However, it simply irritates me how good the government has done its job of intimidating people, that even I get freaked out.

It is indeed sad, if you think about it.