Let’s Take A Moment…

As I have been blogging now for around three weeks, I though it would be appropriate to reflect on how this blog has been going for me (aka part of my assignment is to reflect on my blog).

Not to toot my own horn or anything but I have been very pleased with how my blogging has been. I should let you all know that when I found out I had to blog I was not a happy camper. I was out of my comfort zone and I felt like there was a reason that I had not gotten in to blogging before this assignment and I preferred to keep it that way.

Then, during my Net Comm class, three ‘pro’ bloggers came in and talked about there blogging history, as well introducing me to the many different niches and world of blogging. I thought to myself, “Okay, sweet, I can write about whatever I want and just express myself. That is not too bad for a final assessment.”

It was not until after this presentation that we found out that we could blog about whatever we wanted BUT there were six specific posts that we had to talk about involving niches, comments and other topics that I would never talk about unless I was in class in which I had to. Once again, I was not excited about this assignment. As class went on we were encouraged to blog at least once a week either writing a introduction, something random or even one of our assignments.

For about two weeks I felt that I had writer’s block when writing these posts. How in the world could I have writer’s block on a blog that are my own thoughts about whatever I want? I knew if I were to commit to this assignment that there was plenty for me to write about as I really did like the idea behind my blog.

This assignment has been a blessing in disguise for me in more ways than one. Blogging has become a part of my daily life whether I am checking to see if I have any comments/ how many views per day as well as when I have experienced something during the day, I immediately think to blog about it.

I am not the biggest fan of academic writing, I personally think that citing sources is the most ridiculous way to write a paper as you are just using a bunch of other people’s words with some sort of attempt to form your own brief ideas. I also dislike how academic writing does not even express the writer but is used as a way to please your professors and the university that you go to.

This blog has given me the opportunity to show what I can write in regards to my own thoughts, what I consider the most authentic piece a writing an author can have.

Although I did not always understand the topics that were discussed in Net Communications, I overall got a lot out of this class. Being a Communication major back in the states, I thought it would only right to take a Comm class while I was here. As I have learned, the two Comm majors are completely different but I cannot believe I am saying this I am glad that I took this course.

I came to Australia lost in so many ways with no outlet onto how to express my personal confusion. This blog was not only been a reflection of all the things I have adapted to in Australia, but also a personal achievement, as I wanted to help Americans traveling to Australia which I think I have done.

Since I am heading back to the states soon, slowly this blog may die down with advice as I am no longer going to be in Australia to learn more that I did not already know. That being said, I do not want this to be the end of this blog. There are many things that I wish I had known while going through the study abroad process and that is the direction I would like to this blog in the future.

If this blog can no longer help normal travelers planning to come to Australia, I can always help American study abroad students who have to go through a long, complicated process in order to study abroad in Australia.

I will now be taking a two week break from this blog as it is time for judgment day aka my grade to be finalized. I will be back but thank you again for all of the comments you have written as well participating in this blogging journey with me.

I think it is only appropriate that we help my teacher with his decision on my grade so remember… every vote counts!

It’s Not Always Rainbows and Butterflies

Okay, so although Australia is an amazing place and I have loved every aspect of it, there are some people here who do not like the fact that I am from the USA.

Today while running past two Australian’s, I all of sudden heard one of the yell “F$@# the USA”. My first thought was “I am impressed that he knows I am American, maybe it is because of how long my shorts are”. Then I realized that my shirt said USA on it and he must have read it and expressed his opinion. While he may have thought I probably did not hear him because I had head phones in, the fact is that it took me awhile to register what he said and how he knew where I was from. What he did not know is that my headphones are busted so although I get a little sound out of them, I can still hear what is going on around me.

This has been my fourth encounter where an Australian has said something about not liking America, Americans or something about the war. While I completely understand that not everyone is going to like where I am from or who I am because of where I am from, I just never really expected people to be vocal about it. When people says things, I try to ignore it or when they straight up mention the war, I don’t argue anything because everyone has their own thoughts of the war and to be honest I don’t enough information to argue with anyone.

The point is is that no matter where you travel, there are going to people who are not going to like you for you or because where you come from, which I understand. Some people here will love the fact that you are from the states and be curious to know more.

It is more rare than common for any hostility, but just be aware that if this is your first time out of the USA bubble like it was for me, be ready for people not to like you because of where you are from.

FOR WOMEN ONLY…MEN KEEP OUT!

Okay so seriously…If you are guy, you probably will not want to read this. It will have NO use for you and most of you probably will not want to know this so I suggest YOU DO NOT READ THIS!

……Seriously I wouldn’t if I were you……..

Ladies, this is definitely something I wished I would have knew before coming to Australia because I would have stocked up before heading over here. So here it goes…

The tampons that they sell here in Australia have NO applicator! They look like bullets and there is not extra push to get that sucker in. Honestly, I was shocked when I got here as I kept looking and looking for my good ole Playtex brand and it was nowhere to be found! There are probably about 6 different tampon brands here and probably 20 different pads options.

I apologize for not investigating and asking people if they prefer pads but I thought that could be an uncomfortable situation  for everyone in that discussion. Below is a picture of what the tampons here look like, remind you that so as slippery and smooth they may look, that is just the wrapper.

This is not the facial expression I had when I discovered these tampon bullets!

Though I have just dealt with the awkwardness of the whole situation, my roommate had her mom send her some tampons with the applicator as it is what we have been used to for however long.

In the end it is your choice when you are packing if you want to bring some for your trip. It all depends if you don’t mind ‘doing the deed’ on your own once a month while being over here.

And for the guys who read through this…can’t say you were not warned.

When The Timing is Right, I Will Lose My Commenting Virginity

So there is this guy, Geert Lovink, who wrote this HUGE manuscript called “Zero Comments: Kernels of Critical Internet Culture” about some stuff that is probably very important and interesting.

ANYWAYS, on page 36 of his manuscript, he looks at the culture around people who leave comments on blogs. He brings up some important points including one that made me forgive all the lovely people who read this blog and do not leave comments. Quoted directly from Lovink’s manuscript, “The original posting of the blog owner is not equal to the answer of respondents. Users are guests, not equal partners, let alone antagonists” (36).

I have no right to get saddened when I post something and people don’ comment. Who am I to judge? As someone like myself who takes a peak at blogs and does not say anything, I know exaclty how it is. I do not even blog everyday so how should I expect people to leave comments everyday.

The fact that people have commented (shout out to all 4 or 5 of you!) on my posts makes me feel like a kid on Christmas. Each morning I check my email to see if I have one from WordPress notifying me of  a new comment. Before getting my first comment I literally felt like I was talking to myself on here. Although it is nice to reflect on the tips I have picked up in Australia, I could have easily just written it in a diary and it would have been the same result.

Taking a look at other blogs in my niche, I have come to a conclusion that people who are in the traveling niche are some the happiest people. Now maybe I have just been lucky in my comments as well as I have looked at blog comments that have been positive, but I think that blogs that are trying to help people are not going to get as many angry or confrontational comments because in the end, we are just trying to help. People do not seem to take the time to comment to say something like…”YOUR ADAPTER PICTURE WASN’T PRETTY ENOUGH” or something very unnecessary.

I had a guest speaker from a ‘professional’ blogger (yep I forgot to get her autograph…FAIL) in my Net Comm class who showed us one of her posts where she bashed critiqued a band. The comments she received were  in the hundreds and they were some of the harshest words I have ever read. I think entertainment gossip has the potential to get more uproar out of people but I am impressed that people would comment at all.

Lovink also talks about in his manuscript that instead of people writing comments, people who read posts will then blog about those posts, making it safer for the original writer not to see it. He looks at it as “I blogged you”. I, personally, would feel honored if someone blogged me (unless it is something nasty) but Lovink is exactly right, I would have NO CLUE that someone wrote about me. Leaving a comment is a way to tell the author hey this is what I think. Blogging about a blog, I think, is just more a cop-out and kind of like talking behind someone’s back which my parents always told me wasn’t nice!

Along with that, I am very glad that people to make comments because, at least for, it motivates bloggers to write more. I have the feeling that you are being heard even if it is for an audience of 12…yes 12 people viewed my page once and for me that is AWESOME!

For those who comment on my page, I will accept your comment. To be honest I think it is interesting that creators of blogs even have a choice to approve comments or not, as people are just stating their own opinions. That being said, I love pointers or questions about possible subjects I could give advice on, but I don’t like mean people. Saying nasty things is easy to do when you hide behind a keyboard and computer screen but it is not necessary. My fellow niche travel bloggers and I are only here to HELP so no need to bully!

I have yet to respond to any comments or comment on other blogs in my niche partially because I am still taking this whole blog thing in all together. My participation in any discussion is writing on my own blog and that’s about it. I am glad that people appreciate or enjoy reading what I have posted, as I have enjoyed writing. I think if I were to respond with a simple thanks (I really am thankful for the comments btw), I would break the norm of typical blogging. People seem to respond to comments on their blog when people have had a question or maybe need a clarification, but not to write a simple thank you. I think that is someone how some may distinguish these blogs with things like Twitter or Facebook.

It may be because I am a blog virgin, but I choose to wait for the right moment in order to make my first comment with that blog post that I feel like I love.

Getting Hooked Up in Australia

Besides the sweet tips I am hooking you up with on here of course.

One thing that REALLY confused me before coming here were adapters and converters to use with my stuff over in Australia. People were telling me I needed both and I was just getting the most RANDOM information.  So here is what you need to know:

Australia was a voltage of 220 Volts which is higher than the US. For things like your computer, camera charger as well as maybe your phone charger you should be alright with just a adapter. I finally learned this when calling my computer company asking if my computer would be okay or if it would explode when I plugged it in here. If you check on your computer charger on the side shown below, it tells you between how many volts your charger can hold. If you check all your gadgets it will tell you on the big battery pack if it can take Australian voltage without any problems!

The voltage can be found right on that box looking thing

As far as what adapter you need…the one below is the exact one and I was able to still fit a 3 pronged US plug in to this with the bottom prong just hanging out not plugged in to anything:

You plug in the left image in to the Aussie wall and your US plug into the image on the right (this is the same adapter just the 2 sides of it)

As far as a converter…yeah definitely did not use one and have not heard of really anyone using one here. They are suppose to be used to convert your US voltage products into different voltages for whatever country you are in. I played it safe and baught things like a hair dryer and straightener when I got here because I did not want my stuff to fry my hair or explode. My one friend brought her Chi straightener and has had no problems with just using a adapter but my other friends fried her hair and had to buy a straightener over here.

Consider how much you are packing and if you can afford to just buy some cheap stuff here. If not I would maybe invest in a converter just to give it a shot? They are not that expensive on Ebay. I would also advise to get 2 adapters because it is nice to be charging 2 things at a time!

Q: What is the significance of niche blogging in the era of the ‘long tail’? A: Huh?

If you read the title of this and were thinking what in the world….don’t worry…so was I at first. After taking Net Communications (yep another shout out), I can now explain what this means and I plan to do just that…with comparing my blog to a few others that a somewhat similar to mine.

I think it is first important to know what a niche is before anything. Although I still struggle to grasp the whole concept behind a niche, my roommate said she had learned about niches in her science class. That explained a lot since I hate science and itch every time something science related is even mentioned.

A niche, according to what I have learned and understand, is a product that is on the market in specific categories. For example, the niche for this is a niche travelers who use the internet. People who will most likely look at this blog, beside my family, are people who are traveling to Australia and are looking for helpful information before they make the 20 or more hour flight over here.

Someone who wants to know how to make some delicious chocolate chip cookies would probably find the niche of cooking or baking. There all different type of niches but it all depends what you are looking for on the internet. In my class my teacher said for niche marketing you need two things: 1. A computer 2. An Internet Connection.

So that’s a niche in nutshell, and now for the long tail…no it is not describing the length of an animals tail, although I wish it was because that would be SO much easier to explain! No one can put what a long tail is it better than my Net Communication notes that I took. So this ones for you Net Comm! To define the Long Tail: Our culture and economy is increasingly shifting away from a focus of relatively small number of ‘hits’ at the head of the demand curve and towards a huge number of niches. Below is what a long tail looks like:

The right is the long tail while the left are the few that dominate (Thank Wikipedia for the Image!)

So to answer the question asked earlier, the significance in niche blogging is that more people are more likely to look at your blog in the era of long tail since niches are the ‘in’ thing right now.

When originally making this blog I thought maybe there would be a lot of blogs similar to mine and that I would have heaps (how Australian of me) to compare mine to, but I was wrong (in a sense). I was able to find sites that involved people telling about their travels in Australia, but talking more to their friends than helping a general public with tips with all the random things that may be helpful knowing. I was able to find two great sites that I thought had a similar niche to mine.

The first one that is in my niche is called Travel Australia which is very professional looking and very organized. You can tell that these posts are done by people who know what’s going on all over Australia (aka people who live here and want tourists to come her more the $money$). The target audience are people who want to know the popular places to go and have the money to travel to all the places that you would want to go in Australia. I may cover the little things about being Australia while they discuss the bigger, more luxurious things. You can tell that there is encouragement to travel everywhere as the site offers a place to look up flights directly on the home page.

It is hard to tell how often that the “Staff Writers” make posts as there as SO many posts to choose from. The site is organized but it may be a little bit more difficult to find EXACTLY what you are looking for because there is so much there. It is also obvious that these people are “Staff Writers” when writing, as the posts are not about personal experiences but more like a sale pitch for each thing they write about. This blog is great for those who are looking for specific details on several places in Australia but they are missing the little details that I enjoy highlighting.

The second site that has my niche is called whyGO Australia. This one, although a bit similar to above, has more basic information that could be useful to people coming to Australia like weather conditions and activities to do for free in places. I feel like this site looks to benefit travelers more than the other one does. The interesting thing about this site is that although it looks professionally done, the writer use their own names or a nickname, which makes me respect their opinions more because it is a thought and not necessarily a promotion.

I enjoyed this blog more and I think you would be able to get more general help there if you cannot find what you are looking for in my blog. The writers do not speak necessarily in their own voice but they write to attract a wide audience.  I also was comforted by looking at this blog because not many people comment on their blogs and theirs is a professionally made blog. I do not feel as sad of the lack of comments I have gotten since I just started a solid 3 weeks ago and they have had theirs up for at least a year!

From analyzing these two blogs in my niche I have realized that traveling tips are traveling tips and although I enjoy my tips more, there is a person out there who will look to those blogs as their guide to traveling to Australia. The niche I am in may not be hugely popular but there is enough out there for anyone who wants to know more.

Stacy and Clinton Would Have a Heart Attack…But Would Die in Shopping Mall Heaven!

They are shocked at what they are seeing in Melbourne

Some of you may know exactly who they are but if not…Stacy and Clinton are the fashion gurus on TLC’s show “What Not to Wear” where the two of them find Americans who seem to have no knowledge of style and decide to change these people’s fashion lives for life.

That being said, if Stacy and Clinton were to come to Australia… they would have a heart attack!

If you are traveling to Australia feel free to bring clothing such as any baggy, ugly sweaters that look like they are from the 80s and your old combat boots because you will fit right in!

DAY-TO-DAY STYLE:

I currently am in Melbourne, known as the fashion city of Australia, and anything goes when it comes to fashion. I have seen people dressed as cats, girls at uni with old button ups with sparkly designs tucked in to super retro jeans, men wearing jeans so tight that it is debatable if they are actually painted on and short shorts on EVERYONE!

EXAMPLE: When I go running outside, I wear a pair of old soccer shorts. Although it is possible that people are staring at me because of how ridiculous I look running, I do believe that the looks I get actually are at my shorts as they look like capris to the average length of the shorts here. See below:

What I wear running...if not a longer pair of shorts

These are not only worn on the beach!

UNI STYLE:

If you are planning on going to a University here (always called Uni never college), don’t plan on wearing sweatpants. There was one time I did not feel like getting dressed up for class so I wore sweatpants to class. The results? I earned $1.30 from people thinking I was homeless. Okay okay that was an exaggeration but seriously, people dress up for classes and it is very rare that you see anyone in sweats or even a hoodie so keep that in mind while packing!

ALSO, there is something called Uni style, enter the baggy 80s sweaters I was talking about before. Apparently Uni style is where (mostly) girls can wear spandex with a sweater that is three times too big with the a design …hmm how would you say it….that looks like a sewing machine threw up  and splattered random yarn all over the place. The extra touch to this sexy outfit…half your head shaved with a bob cut. Cue Stacy and Clinton having their major heart attacks.

Now don’t get me wrong…if I could pull that off without people asking if I was living in the past or my mom shunning me until me hair grew out…I would rock it too! Students wear this stuff EVERYDAY, it is their wardrobe. It wasn’t like someone woke up and decided to get dress in the dark one random day, it is a type of STYLE meaning  it is  a “in” thing.

When I asked a student about the style they said that it is mostly found just in Uni students and anywhere beyond the three years of schooling here it is not common for people dress that way. Let’s hope their hair grows back quickly enough in those three years then!

SHOPPING:

Whatever style you rock in states, you can find a store in Melbourne that has exactly what you are looking for!

From Melbourne Central which has 5 floors of stores, restaurants, bars and bowling all in door extending two blocks, to your higher class stores on Collins Street that I dare not to even look at like Dior, Melbourne has every store imaginable. Cue Stacy and Clinton going to Shopping Mall Heaven!

Though there are many stores here do not expect to find many similar stores. There is no Old Navy…no Forever 21…no Abercrombie and Fitch…WAIT yes there is! But here it is called Frat House. Frat House sells the brand Abercrombie and Fitch minus the blasting music playing as you walk around the store, minus smelling like a boy who spilled his cologne ALL over you when you walk outside of the store, as well as having no topless men walking around the store sometimes. SCORE!

And I cannot forget to mention the love of my life (beside Melbourne Central which is a social bubble of anything you could possibly want to do)… Harbour Town Shopping Center in the Docklands! It was love at first site when I went there…so many stores for such low prices. Though it is a bit of a trip on a tram to get there…it is WORTH it! They have so many stores that are outlets from the actual stores OR stores that have constant sales. Oh yeah and that tram I mentioned….you can ride it….FOR FREE! That’s right there is a FREE City Circle tram that not only is FREE but you are also able to see a good amount of the city of Melbourne along the way.

SUMMARY:

Pretty much every style goes if you come to Melbourne. Before selling your mother’s sweaters at a garage sale you may just want to bring them to Australia where not only will you fit in but you may get some compliments. Anything goes here in the fashion world of Melbourne and that is something that Stacy and Clinton will just have to accept.