Panel Discussions Archive
The ‘Art’ of Blogging: A Panel Discussion
There was a time when blogging was a bright and shiny new outlet where people would voice their personal opinions on any topic that caught their attention. In a proverbial blink of an eye, blogs became ‘tailored’ to fit particular demographics – politics, travel, etc. Bloggers began to realized they could actually earn income (large or small) from the works they produced. But, there are a great number of bloggers that do not follow the money trail. I wanted to know why. So, I chose a small group of people and asked two simple questions…
‘Why Can’t We Be Friends?’: Social Media – Part Two
Welcome to part two of the ‘tides of social media’ discussion. If you’ve missed Part One – check it out as there are some interesting responses. To revamp, the questions were:
(I am curious how large a role social media plays in your assorted positions as travel bloggers, writers, authors and in your assorted work-related situations.) What do you consider true social media? How do you use it? How often do you use it? Is it effective?
‘Why Can’t We Be Friends?’: Social Media – Part One
The discussions about ‘social media’ ebb and flow much like the tides. Or, possibly more like a recycling project. One week the banter about it is non-stop. The next week, a new topic will be dissected into small pieces. But, talk about social media never fails to reappear when a new app shows up for this or someone’s found a new outlet for that. The discussion cycle starts all over again.
Due to the number of responses, and their length, this will be a two part panel discussion article. Follow along to see what our first 7 (of 13) contributors consider true social media, how they use it, how often they use it and if they feel it is effective.
Oops – Blackout!!
Many of you earn your living through your websites and blogs. Others of you earn enough to finance your travels while a few more (such as myself) work for online businesses. Almost all of us rely on the internet, cell phones and other devices to stay connected. What happens if…
Scenario: A massive solar flare. Numerous communication satellites are blinded or taken out completely which in turn causes a major, if not a total breakdown in the communication systems. You’re on the road. You now have zero access to the things that generate your income, keep you doing your job and/or your staying connected in general.
Decisions, Decisions: What Dictates Yours?
Sadly, we all know the great and glorious country of Beeristan (and related colonies and enclaves) does not exist. Quite a shame actually since it’s the home of free beer, happy peoples and Ninjas are welcomed too. It was an imaginary place created during the 2008 US Presidential election year. Everyone from everywhere, regardless of their nationality, gender, age or religion, were invited to settle in, discuss any topic and enjoy a frothy brew. I recently “revisited” Beeristan and it got me to thinking… (Never a wise move.) How do nationality, gender, age and religion affect our travel decisions? Let’s see what our contributors have to say.
Please Leave Your Comments In The Suggestion Box
No matter where, when, how or why we travel, there is always someone willing to give us unsolicited advice. We may just listen to what is being said to us, depending on our mood. Then again, we may turn a deaf ear because we did not ask for the information or suggestion. It is being given to us whether we like it or not.
I was curious how others respond to receiving such advice and if anything is ever gained after the fact. Keep reading to find out what advice thirteen contributors have gotten, from whom and if anything has “stuck with them” or not. Maybe yes, maybe no.
The Wheat from the Chaff
The Travel Blog Exchange 2010 Conference (TBEX10) may have come and gone (in a blur), but it surely has not been forgotten. By deliberately waiting two weeks before sending out this discussion question, it gave everyone’s mind time to separate the “wheat from the chaff”.
Here’s what attendees had to say…
Like Sands Through The Hourglass…
I’m not as young as I used to be and my style, mode of travel and destinations have changed over time. Not a bad thing – just a different thing. But, I wanted to know how other travelers viewed the passing of time in relation to their own journeys.
Seventeen contributors voiced their opinions on the subject and their answers are extremely interesting. (It’s a bit of a lengthy entry but oh, so worth the time.)
Travel Snobbery Defined
When mulling over the topic in the beginning, the first question seemed to be a “no-brainer” as I personally felt the collective answers would be a resounding “Yes!”. And, as you read through the replies, you will find that proved to be the outcome. It’s in the definitions of “travel snobbery” where things truly became interesting… Is it the backpacker? Is it the cruise ship dweller? Is it anyone, or everyone, who steps over their own threshold to venture somewhere else?
Volunteerism vs. Voluntourism: Are They Synonymous?
A few years ago I joined a travel-related website while researching a trip to Panama. Some of you know will know it as Travellerspoint.com. I have spent quite a bit of my online time over there and one of the common questions posed in the forums deals with volunteerism. “This company charges $X,XXX for a 2 month program. Is that cheap?” or “Is this company on the up & up?” or “Shouldn’t volunteering be free as long as I get there? I’m volunteering, after all.” All good questions. Ones that make me think daily as I remember volunteerism as something you did not pay for, except your transportation to get where you were needed.
