People Watching Addicts: Beware

I have to admit: I love to people watch. This is one thing that helps get me through work somedays. When I'm standing at a 3-hour college fair without much interest , I can still find a way to enjoy myself. How? I find it fascinating to watch how the 16-18 year-olds interact with each other, carry themselves, dress, and make decisions. Maybe it's weird, but I think it's fascinating. I think this is also the reason we like reality tv-we love to watch each other!

When I first got on Twitter, I was one of those who didn't really get it. But, I was invited by a friend so I signed up. I signed in for a few times and then pretty much left it dormant for a few months. About four months ago I decided to give it another try, and it seemed  completely different than the first time I signed in! I didn't realize that there were businesses promoting deals, celebrities, and news outlets broadcasting on Twitter.

And then, I realized, it was a new venue for people watching. It kind of became a nice little break in my day to check up on where people were and what they were doing. Maybe they would even post a Twitpic!

I suppose Twitter isn't necessarily adding to my intellect or making me a more cultured person, but it sure is fun! It's a guilty pleasure that I'm okay with indulging. Perhaps on of the guiltiest tweets I follow: Bachelor Spoilers. Sad, I know, but I am Bachelor obsessed and I have given up the resistance.

Twitter Ads

I just came across this interesting article on how businesses can effectively take advantage of Twitter's new advertising opportunities. I think allowing ads on Twitter is interesting in general, especially because to me Twitter pretty much seems to be a place where companies already advertise about themselves through tweets. I know this wasn't the original purpose of Twitter-but that's honestly what I associate with it now. I wonder if this will change the way people/businesses tweet?

College Costs-You Get What You Pay For!

Working in admission at a private-university (which is located pretty much down the street from a public university), I am locked in a fundamental struggle over money.  Drury costs and is always going to cost more than Missouri State-period. One facet of the battle is trying to get potential families to understand why there is a difference in that price tag-which, lately, has definitely been an uphill battle. It has really shocked me that students really just seem to be looking for the bottom line on costs-they don't seem to be taking into account the academic values of attending a small, private university. They seem to think it's all the same.

I recently came across a website called "College Confidential". I always think these college prep websites are interesting, mostly because a lot of time I disagree with some of the things they say about getting in to college. But I did find this article on college price tags that caught my eye, and after I read it I felt vindicated! It extolls the value of deciding on a college based on what you are looking for-not price. Basically, find your fit first, then work out the money details. I agree whole-heartedly.

This College Confidential website is actually a really great tool for high schools students. Not only does it have tons of articles on pretty much any college admission related subject, it also has forums, chats, and a section where you can "Ask the Dean".  I think this is a great way to reach out to the tech-savvy Millenialls. Also, searching YouTube, I found several college admission "tips" videos. I also think this one is pretty much right on:

A Little Bit Addicted...

I have to confess that following makeup, beauty, and fashion trends is definitely a guilty pleasure of mine. When I began to Google some of these subjects about 6 months ago I was very surprised to see that most of the results were returned as blogs and YouTube "how-to" videos.  This was my introduction to actually habitually following these media outlets. The best aspect, I think, is the YouTube reviews and how-tos. This is the YouTube-r I follow the most frequently-partly because I love her accent.