Fight the meanies. Protect your reputation.

Ever came across offensive remarks about others, or even those that are directed to you?

Given the technology today (and even more so after the birth of social media), it is not hard to see such defamatory remarks circulating around the Internet.

The source of it? Well it may just be a childish and impulsive moment-of-anger thing, or it may be more that it meets to the eye – (psst!!! watch out for your business competitor!).

So, with the cyber-bullies so harsh and aggressive, what should we do to protect our online reputation then?

Fret not, managing your online reputation may actually be just as simple as these 3 steps:

1) Manage your profile/ privacy settings well. (Please DO NOT divulge too much personal information online, like your mobile no. or even bank account no. etc…) You wouldn’t want to attract those malicious prying eyes do you?

2) Regular Monitoring - so that you can “fish out” those nasty remarks and have them settled before the whole world reads it.

3) “Crowding it out” (or ‘pushing’ that embarrassing party photo down the search ranks). Essence of it is to “BURY” all the ugly stuff down the search engine.

- (***hint***) Use your name to  register your own website (ie. domain or blog) so that it comes out first on the list of the search engine results.

-(***Hint Hint***) Or simply Piggy-back off websites whose pages rank high in Google such as social networking sites (eg. Facebook, Twitter etc) You’ll just have to post comments or your basic profile on it)

Right, so we know how to protect our reputation online. Now, MAKE SURE that we aren’t the CYBER-BULLIES ourselves!!! =D

Remember, always practice good online etiquette by:

■Being responsible to what we write.
■Respect others and their privacy
■Do not post offensive, defamatory and untrue remarks about others
■ Don’t divulge too much personal information.
■THINK BEFORE YOU WRITE/TYPE!!!

Hope this helps!!! Protect yourself from the malicious meanies.

Cam

My secret dream job.

Recently, I've been having a strong thought in my mind that I wanna be a well-acclaimed novelist. It just popped out in my mind out of nowhere and seriously, it has been stuck in my mind now for days.

Thus, I started to do more research on Harry Potter, and realised how complicated and perfect the storyline was laid and developed. I'd always seen it as a kiddy but enjoyable read, but now, I see it as an inspiration.

It is quite unexpected actually, since that wasn't even one of the options on my list of dream occupations that I had since young. But well, there's it. My new goal in life :)

Well, I know this dream seems far, but afterall, hadn't our elders and lecturers told us to DREAM BIG, and Live our dreams?

hahah I hope I'll be able to publish my own novel one day. Wish me luck!! =D

tata,
Cam (who has found a new direction in life)

PS: J.K Rowling is one GREAT woman. I look up to her :)

As ironic as it may seem from my previous post, somehow I still feel insecured, lost and confused. What should I do to get out of all these nonsense?.....

Thoughts for the day

1)Do not be afraid to fail. Persevere, and you'll come out stronger.

2)What appears to be ill fortune at one point could end up benefiting you in the future.

These two lines happen to hit my mind today. Hope to share it with my friends :)

Our Performance caught on RazorTV!!! ^^

http://www.razor.tv/site/servlet/segment/main/entertainment/48430.html

My Transformation

I was reflecting on past memories when I realised how much I've transformed.

I used to be the one always hiding at a corner; afraid of even raising my hand to ask questions in class....

I used to stutter whenever someone unfamiliar talks to me; even unable to maintain a mutual eye-contact with them...

However, ever since my family especially my sis encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and pursue my passion - performing on stage in front of an audience, I realised I found a NEW me.

Never would I have thought that I'll be able to sing and dance confidently in front of a large audience....needless to say even hosting performances and competitions.


I sometimes ask myself," Is this really who I am?", "Do I really like what I'm doing now?".

And I can now confidently answer "YES" =D

I feel an immense sense of satisfaction whenever I do well on stage; when my performances are well-received by the audience. I feel glad and appreciative when people like what my sis and I are doing. I feel encouraged whenever my family and friends go down to show their support for us during our performances. I feel lucky and loved whenever my TRUE friends (you know who you are) are there for me whenever I am down; even bearing with my random annoying nonsense/moodswings/tight schedule - (I feel especially guilty for causing inconveniences during project meet-ups since they are always accommadating to my schedule). I am really grateful to have these angels with me =D =D =D

Recently after a performance, a couple of little girls approached my sis and I and told us that they want to be like us when they grow up. When they held my hands and smiled at me, I wanted to cry...I was so touched that I was lost for words. ---(Ok this may sound dramatic like the recent Jack Neo controversy) But anyways, yeah that was what I really felt at that point of time.

Looking back at what I've done, meeting different kinds of people, experiencing many new experiences, I've really learnt much and grown up.

I feel blessed, loved and valued; and I really appreciate those who really care about me.

I love what I'm doing. I love the new me.

Sincerely,
Camellia

PS: I sound like an old woman now reminiscing...hahaha

DI 11.1 - National Museum Field Trip (More pics)

The automated "swinging" chandeliers....

DI 11 - National Museum Field Trip

For the last lesson of DI, we went to the National museum. There, we viewed the intricate Renaissance- inspired architectural designs of the well-loved museum that dated back from Queen Victoria's regime.

There was the famous Dome, the Corinthian pillar as well as the newly renovated features such as the glass roof and the swinging chandeliers.

We've learnt about the museum's history, as well as the architectural design of the building in the past and the newly-renovated one in 2006.

Besides that, we also went for an exhibition called "The Bag" which features the paper bags used by companies such as Bata in the 1960s-1980s... cute to see how the bag designs had transformed till now :)

And last but not least, guess what!!! We got a bonus trip to the "Quest for Immortality" exhibition!!! Yes!!! It's the one featuring all the historic egyptian artefacts from the Pyramids!!! the one that I've always wanted to visit!!!

Can't wait to show yall the pics I've taken - there's a problem with blogger now...have to wait till tonight to be able to post somemore pictures :(

and with that....I've come to the end of my last post for DI....

tata,
Cam cam

PS: How time flies.....

DI 10 - Reflections on DI

This week would be the last lesson for DI. Whilst preparing for my sketchbook submission, I was amazed at how much we've learnt/done/practiced during DI.

Be it illustrating a product mascot, designing ads/poster/T-shirt or even going for field trips, we've tried it all and learnt so much.

Never thought that I could draw; Now, I actually enjoy drawing/designing, and even sketching random designs every now and then just for fun.

Never even have the thought that I would be doing something related to Design; and now, I'm actually doing it!!!

Before I took on this module (Design and Illustration), I had this misconception that design was only for those who had an incredible talent in drawing. Me, on the other hand, will never be able to produce any decent design since I've never done well in Art and Craft class in primary and secondary school.

However, ever since I took the first step in trying it out, I came to realise that Design is not that "foreign" afterall. In our everyday life, from the posters to the advertisement we came across on the streets/train etc or even just the furniture we use, involves a design. And by choosing what we like, and what we don't, already involves our sense of aesthetic preferences and tells about our personal style and taste.

Design not only involves drawing, it also involves many other things like visual appeal, colour coordination and most importantly, bringing out the message we want to convey to our audience through our work.

Of course it helps if you had an inborn talent in drawing; However, it is not impossible for people like me who are not that talented in the area of aesthetic design to produce a decent design too.

I guess it takes practice. Although my design isn't that outstanding and nice as compared to others, I'm glad and contented that at the very least, I can confidently tell myself that I'm definitely improving.

Btw, just got back my marks for the Ad Design that I did for the Nanyang Optical Ad. Marks weren't that fantastic, but it exceeded what I've expected earlier. Ms Nga said that I was one of the students in class who have shown the most improvements, based on the earlier designs I did at the start of the Semester haha :) Well, at least I have improved right? heehee :P

Yeap, so that's about it. Will blog on my final post for DI after I return from the National Museum field trip by the end of this week (hopefully).

Tata,
Cam :)

DI 9 - Threadless Tee Design

Ms Nga told us to submit a T-shirt design each for Threadless. Below is the checklist she gave us to check through before submitting.

• Started with a brief to myself
• Visualised the image
• Contains my personal standpoint
• Contains a personal style
• Is clear in communicating the intended message/messages
• Surprises audience

So, with that in mind, I drew many rough sketches of random designs. After soughting for advice from friends as well as Ms Nga (and got laughed at for my silly designs), I finally decided to settle on the "I have a Time-watch", you have a "Time-belt" one. (Although, I liked the "my belly" one too haha :))

Have a look,
Haha, I know it's not that fantastic a design. But yeah, it's supposed to be a "silly" shirt that catches attention. (does it? I hope it does)

Proof of Submission:



Anyway, I had LOTSA fun coming out with nonsensical designs for the T-shirts!!! =D

Tata,
Cam Cam :)

Anyone who knows any current Sec 4E/5N students who are taking the O' Levels this year?

Singapore Polytechnic's Diploma in Media and Communications (DMC) will be having an event on 6 Feb, 1.30pm- 4pm.

The event aims to introduce more about the course, DMC, through exciting games and activities.

Students will have a first-hand experience in trying out what it feels like to be a Journalist, Film Director, Public Relations Practioner or even an Advertising Personnel.

If you aspire to be one of the above-mentioned/ hope to have a first-hand experience of the real industry or even just curious about how it feels like to be a Polytechnic student, don't miss this chance!!!

If interested, pls contact me directly through my FB profile page or my email,
camellialim@hotmail.com for more details ASAP!!! First come first serve basis. URGENT!!!

Thanks,
Camellia (who needs help badly :"( )

PS: Goodies bags and refreshments provided. Prizes to be won!!!

DI 8 - Using Sketches to show concept

Alright...time to hand up my assignment again heehee....

Anyways, I've read this article called - as the title suggests - "Using Sketches to show concept".

To summarise the whole article:

1. It suggests people to use sketches to show the concept that they are trying to bring across.

• Doing this saves hours of misdirected work + efficiently and quickly communicates an idea to members of the creative team.
• A rough sketch not only brings your concept across to others, it also sends out messages that tells what kind of person you are and your attitude towards your work/concept.
• It can show your thought/design process (how you came up with your idea/ final concept)
• Impress/differentiate yourself from the rest by using the traditional way (ironic as it may sound) - in this era where you can easily plonk in a design/picture/idea downloaded somewhere from the internet, TRADITIONAL hand-drawn sketches that came originally from your brain is PRICELESS.
• To emphasize the previous point again : UNIQUE AND PERSONAL solutions is key!!! =D
• And last but not least, a well-documented design process = good grades in your degree.

2. As essential and useful it is for a skill in public speaking, rapid visualization also helps in getting your ideas across. Another similarity between the two - It can be developed with practice. (As what the old saying goes "Practice makes perfect" =D)

After reading this, I finally understand why ms nga made us do so much more work like showing our design development process... Although VERY reluctant and lazy, I'll try to do more of it then :)

Here are the resolutions I came up with after reading this article:

1. practice, Practice, PRACTICE!!! (FYI, I meant practice how to efficiently express my ideas and concept through my sketches)
2. Be confident in myself (as well as in my drawings/sketches/drawing abilities) - try not to show that I'm self-concious about sketching.
3. My sketchbook = my portfolio. Ensure that it is appropraite and impressive.
4. Keep experimenting through sketching (along with my usual brainstorming/research etc.)
5. do, Do, DO!!!

Yeap and thats 'bout it :D

Tata and have a nice day!!! (while I go and ENJOY doing my assignments. Busy week ahead. tsk tsk)

PS: Here's a tip adapted from the same article: To draw a line that looks the straightest possible, make the beginning strong and ending strong and crisp, and let the middle of the line fade out a little. The eye and mind will conceptualize it to be straighter than anything else you can draw with a pencil. =D

Camellia tea oil

Just done a research on cooking oils for Advertising Project - we have to do a $100,000 campaign to promote PSC Topseller's Soyalite cooking oil.......

Anyway, came across an interesting website that states all information on the different types of cooking oils; was surprised to know that there is an oil called "Camellia Tea Oil" and that it is the healthiest type of oil (I've always thought it was grapeseed oil). haha


Also, went around school asking Secondary school students who are taking the O'levels to come for our Events Management and Promotions module CA - an event to promote our media and communications course along with Jia Qi (the "asiam fish") and Yin Qing (the "dumpling foot"). Couldn't understand why they seemed like they were a little scared of me...do I look that scary? I'm sure I was quite polite though...haha anyway got quite a good number of their contacts already...hope they'll come to our event :)

and ya, leg's still painful :(

so long,
tata!!!