WikiWho? WikiWhat? WikiHow?

If you tend to be a curios person, as soon as you were of age to use the Internet you may have quickly found a love for Wiki's. Wikipedia, "The Free Encyclopedia" has been extremely helpful in many people's life in defining things they may not otherwise know, as well as creating interest in topics by providing several sources and subcategories. Though many may not be familiar yet with WikiHow, it is beyond exciting to indulge in the thousands of "How-To's" and have the opportunity to create your own. The big question is, what are you good at, and what hasn't been covered by WikiHow's thousands of contributors?

If you know how to pinch a penny, you may be well seasoned in Do It Yourself crafts. A creative, inexpensive gift to make friends and family are DIY Pallet Coasters. These mini-skids are perfect for any home, and you can customize them with stain, paint, and wood burning. The materials cost under $5 to obtain. All you need are: pop-sickle sticks and hot glue. Stain or paint is optional. This craft is quick, easy, and not on WikiHow!

Cutting fruit may seem like an easy task, but there are many techniques and strategies. One fruit cutting technique that is not on WikiHow is a Honeydew Melon. A provided step-by-step instruction on an efficient way to cut and chunk Honeydew Melon is practical and useful for users on WikiHow.

Last but not least, many people have siblings, younger or older. Writing an article about setting examples for a younger sibling to follow is an article that will help older siblings set a positive example for their younger sibling. There have been times and occasions where younger siblings have asked siblings things over their parents, because siblings are often easier to approach than a parent, and you are closer in age to your sibling than you are to your parents. You must be open-minded,, courteous, and most of all, loving. You must choose choices that you know they will see and reflect on. You must set a great example you’re your younger sibling to follow, and desire to teach others to do the same.

Creating a WikiHow is an enormous learning experience for those who are not familiar with creating a Wiki. Being able to contribute to the world from the comfort of your own home is revolutionary. An exciting part of creating a WikiHow page is that after writing about either your topic, may it be a DIY project, cutting fruit, or setting an example, Web 2.0 will forever be changed by your contribution to WikiHow.

Positive changes in Social Media

Photo: brafton.com

Leaving an away message on AOL Instant Messenger used to be the one of the most simple and instant ways to update those on your "friends list" with what you were up to. A simple, "With the girls, text it!" “Away message” on AIM was enough to let your friends know what you were doing. There would be no updates until you were finished and back on your desktop computer.

Now a days, "being with the girls" is documented by Snap Chats, Tweets, Facebook Updates, and Instagram posts directly from your cell phone. So many people are wondering, is this instant and constant update in our lives positive or negative?

It all depends on the user.

Social media is only as intrusive as you let it be. The responsibility of the user plays a crucial role in how social media affects one's friendships, professional relationships, and life. If you choose to update your 600 Facebook friends with your exact location and plans for the evening, that is your risk to take. On the other hand, the check-in feature can be a quick easy way to document memories with loved ones, and places you have been or are planning to go can be a fun conversation starter with your fellow users.

Privacy settings play a huge role on how "invasive" social media can be. With options to be seen by the public, your friends, or only you on many social media sites, you really are in control.

Social media has helped shape and cultivate many support groups, charity events, and fundraisers. Being able to participate in an event by donating or writing a message from the comfort of your own home is revolutionary. I would like to shine light on an extremely positive fundraiser I had personal online success with. In 2007 my uncle died tragically and unexpectedly. Facebook assisted in spreading the word of a fundraising event just after his passing. Without the use of Facebook, the hundreds of online donations would not have been made. Without the sharing of the post, these strangers from different states perhaps would not have heard my uncle's story. I am thankful for the ease and simplicity of sharing stories and getting feedback through social media.
Social media will continue to grow in the future, providing more instantaneous updates on our lives. Just a few years ago we were leaving away messages at our desktop. Now, I can talk with you face to face with the click of a button while out for coffee. I see the path of social media twisting and turning it's way even deeper into our lives whether we choose to accept it or not. More and more people are signing up with social accounts to stay connected with friends, colleagues, loved ones, and sometimes people we have never met. Being responsible and having online etiquette is essential for the safety of anyone using online accounts. I hope social media is continued to be used         in a positive way.