Batman

The bulk of this semester seems to be surfacing around a ton of group work. Right now I’m a part of four different groups for different classes. I have a group for producing a radio intro, a group for our magazine project, a group for creating a radio drama, and a group that has to shoot our very own infomercial. As soon as one group project ends, another begins. 

One of the strengths I claim to have on my resume and during interviews, is that I work well with others and that I have a strong ability to problem solve, which I hold to be true…most of the time.

I feel that when a group I’m apart of is faced with a problem or some sort of roadblock, that I can usually find a way to get us out of the jam, or at least contribute a list of ideas to help along the problem solving process. However, with all of the group work we’ve been doing this month, this doesn’t appear to be the case, at least not as often as I’d like it to be. 

Why?

It’s easy to come up with solutions to a problem that’s prevalent in a group, but what do you do when you’re the only person who recognizes something as problematic?  I don’t want to be rude and push a “solution” to a problem no one believes to be there, but at the same time, I want to I don’t to be penalized for an issue that could have been avoided early on.

In public relations we learn the importance of detecting potential problems before they turn into real issues down the road. So I’m not sure if I’m using my PR brain, if I’m over analyzing things, or if I just want to jump at the chance to be a hero. Batman, not Superman….blue, yellow, and red don’t mix but damn, I look good in black.  

Undressed Survey

Hello Folks!

Some fellow CreCommers and I are creating a magaine called Undressed. 

Undressed explores the fresh, the fearless and the frisky sides of sexuality in Winnipeg. Right now we're conducting a survey to learn more about our target market and what they'd be looking for in this type of magazine.

If you could take 30 seconds to fill out our survey that would be fantastic: http://apps.facebook.com/my-surveys/d53z0trq

A steamier survey is soon to follow...

Thanks guys and dolls!

Bloggin Madness

Alright folks, Charmaine is changing her blog once again. My problem is I have so many different interests and it’s hard trying to have one area of focus. In September I had to start a blog as a part of my public relations class. We were asked to choose a topic and focus our blog around it. I sat there for at least half an hour trying to think about what my topic should be, and decided that a blog dedicated to starting my own clothing line (something I’ve wanted to do just for kicks) would do for the time being. After I had a few mishaps with my sewing machine, I switched my focus to craft-like things in general. Don’t get me wrong, I would still love to work on designing clothes as a hobby, and I’m definitely going to keep crafting. But because I’m learning and doing SO many different and interesting things within the Creative Communications program at Red River, I figured it was time to create an outlet where I can share what I’ve learned, what I’m still learning, and what I’ve accomplished so far. I’ll also be talking about and examining the different communications strategies/techniques used out there strike my interest. 

Thanks for sticking with me throughout my blogging journey ladies and gents. Comments and new followers are always welcome.

P.S. If you're still interested in crafting, designing clothes as a hobby, or any other shenanigans I may be up to, check out my other blog: What Can I Say?

PR Moment- Tampon Shortage

A couple of months ago, Johnson & Johnson had a shortage of O.B. tampons across Canada and the United States and consumers were not pleased. There are a lot of people out there who when they find a product they like, they always stick to that brand and refuse to try anything new. A lot of people started selling thier boxes of O.B. tampons on ebay and other buying and selling sites, and boxes of tampons were purchased for as much as...wait for it...$90! I don't know about you, but when I have to $10 on a box of tampons I start thinking about all of the other things I'd rather be spending my money on.

The thing I find the most interesting about this whole scenario, is how the company chose to handle this problem. They issued a bunch of coupons to consumers to recieve free boxes of tampons when they are back on the shelves, but the thing that interested me is they way they formed their apology. If you follow this link http://obtampons.ca/apology , it will take you to a page where they ask you to type in your first name. Then a few seconds later, a video of a man playing piano starts to play, and he sings and spells out your name (in clever red roses) in a heartfelt apology. It's quite impressive I must say. Johnson & Johnson, you are something crafty!

Picture Perfect

     Some of you may think getting accepted into to the Creative Communications program at Red River College was as simple as filling out an application. My fellow CreCommers will vouch for me when I say the application process was not in any way, a quick and easy task.

     One of the process components was to submit a photo essay. The photographs needed to be taken ourselves, and had to be linked by a central theme. I was nervous at first because I in no way consider myself to be a professional photographer, but I do love to take pictures; just look at my 50 million photo albums on Facebook. 

     My photographic style usually resembles that of paparazzi-like shots, aka, not a real style at all. I had no idea what my theme was going to be, but I knew exactly who I wanted to photograph…Michal and Christine. These two girls are ridiculously cute and photograph BEAUTIFULLY….I knew I had to include them. Here are my favourite pictures from “Charmaine’s Fabulous Photo Shoot”…

Christine

Michal

     I guarantee it was the faces of these beautiful young women who got me into college. Sure, perhaps I had a little something to do with it too. I was and am still really thankful to Michal and Christine for being so quick to help me out. Next semester everyone in first-year CreComm is going to working in groups to create our very own magazines. Whatever my magazine topic turns out to be (I’m really really REALLY hoping I don’t get a gamer magazine), I hope these ladies will lend me their cute little faces once again. 

      I’m really hoping I get a more professional camera for Christmas! I would love to spend more time taking photos and learning how to get different and interesting shots. I’ll leave that gift up to you mom!

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Favourites

A lot of you probably watched the VS fashion show on Tuesday, or at least you should have. It was FANTABULOUS! The whole show was put together beautifully and had huge entertainment value, even if you aren't a Victoria's Secret shopper. Show performers included Maroon 5, Kanye West, Jay-z, and my ultime favourite, Nicki Minaj!

Fun Facts

• Over 300 pounds of glitter was used throughout the show
• Out of the 38 angels who walked the runway, 15 of them were brand new
• Lead singer of Maroon 5, Adam Levine, is currently dating one of the angels, Anna Vyalitsyna

Here were two of my favourite moments of the show:

I LOVE Nicki Minaj, and the whole Club Pink line was absolutely my favourite of the show! Most of the half sweaters were some of my favourite pieces, along with the half pink graffitied leather jacket.

I've liked Kanye West and Jay-Z separately, but wasn't sure if I'd like them together...I do. The song they're performing for the first time  is from their new Welcome to the Throne album. Kanye West also performed at the show last year.

I'm already anticipating how amazing the show will be in 2012!

Victoria's Secret Anticipation

The Annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show starts in 3 minutes....So excited :D