Sunday, May 31, 2020

Engage Your Audience with Long-Form Digital Content

If you're in business or marketing, you've likely grappled with the question of how to create long-form digital content. Duplicating your print strategy may seem like the easiest answer—if so, this post will show you how you're missing out. Here at Lucidpress, we've learned a bit about long-form digital content creation, as well as what does and doesn't work. Here's how you can have a positive experience in making the switch to native-digital documents. Related: 5 examples that prove you should invest in long-form content marketing now Use modern software for modern projects Even people who don't understand the backend of technology want products that work for them. There's a large market you can engage using interactive documents that are native to the web. A PDF may be online, but it might not offer all the opportunities that another platform can. Online software lets you tell your story in a magical way. Transport your audience to your event with immersive image galleries. Link to the product you're selling with one click. Cloud-based layout editors like Lucidpress are ideal platforms for creating digital magazines, newsletters, and product brochures. Here's why: Increase control. Make it easy for your readers to scroll through your document. You have control over image galleries, links and layout. Save time. Instead of coding a time-consuming HTML newsletter, simply send your readers a link to your multipage doc. This medium is versatile—you can promote your brand with digital magazines on many social media platforms. Have more fun! Not only is the experience seamless for end users, but content creators love making long-form documents with cloud-based software tools. They're easy to learn and highly collaborative. Choose an editor & templates that just work Sure, you probably have a blog or website for your business. But unless you're a professional designer, it's difficult to create something that truly resonates with your audience. When you make the transition to digital magazines, the experience is going to be cleaner and more fun for your visitors to interact with. Using a software program that comes with professional-grade templates takes the guesswork out of making a modern, intuitive digital magazine. With user-friendly tools, the editing experience won't have you banging your head against the keyboard. What you see on the canvas is what your readers will get. Find layouts that aren't grandfathered into the 21st century We've all encountered documents that clearly weren't designed for a digital medium. As anyone who has tried to read a three-column PDF on a smartphone knows, it's not enough to throw up a print document and expect it to work for mobile users. Adopting print conventions in the digital sphere leads to poorly laid-out webpages and cluttered design. [Click to tweet ] It doesn't take long for readers to suffer from information overload. Create content with mobile viewers in mind. Start with digital templates that are sized to be perfect for viewing on iPads and mobile devices. Native-digital design means that your viewers stay in your document longer and take away a better brand impression. Unlike a static page, they can take immediate action by clicking links to your site. Going digital means one less step to money in your pocket through increased sales and subscribers. Select typefaces & images that resonate Does it feel like other people have a better starting point than you? When you're breaking into a market, you want to replace expensive software with an all-in-one solution. Unless you're a professional graphic designer, you may be stumped by which fonts to use in your advertising. Pick a design program whose fonts aren't stuck in the 1990s. Although you're likely targeting a digital market, almost every business needs print materials. It can be difficult to meet both needs at once. Maybe you've downloaded a great-looking image online, but it looks grainy in your brochure. Maybe the serif font you've been using for handouts isn't as easy to read on a screen. Different mediums call for different approaches—try using templates that are customized for specific use cases (for example, digital yearbooks or print posters). Designing for your end-product means that the final result not only looks better, but that your brand will be consistently represented no matter where it's encountered. And as we already know from our own research, brand consistency is worth its weight in gold. Engage your audience with a radically different approach to marketing Ultimately, all your work is for nothing if people click away from your document. It's difficult to engage customers with an approach that mimics the print universe or Web 1.0. If you've ever browsed a Pinterest board, you know that digital media can be uniquely engrossing, as you scroll through page after page of beautiful, social, interactive images. When it comes to managing a brand strategy for a savvy mobile audience, you have to find a tool that's modern. The interactive elements in Lucidpress are a natural fit for professionals looking to be at the forefront of digital marketing. When you use image galleries, scrolling text and videos, your audience will find that they can't tear themselves away. Learn how Lucidpress can streamline your brand's content marketing and keep your whole team on the same page.

Saturday, May 16, 2020

The Most Liberal States The Worst Places for Conservatives

Our list of the most conservative states to live and work featured states favorable to people who enjoy greater liberties, educational choice, right-to-work status, and religious freedom. These states often had more regulations and higher taxes. While were not suggesting that conservatives should or should not stake their claims in these liberal bastions, its a good bet that a strong sense of humor—and a lot of patience—will be a requirement for setting up residence. California Where does one start with California? The state that once elected Ronald Reagan as Governor and voted for him as President has become one of the premier destinations for testing out liberal ideas. Often perceived as a safe-haven for undocumented aliens, California prohibits the use of e-verify unless mandated by federal law. From being forced to paint your roof white to city bans on plastic bags, California also has a regulation for pretty much every environmental concern you might imagine—and probably some you cant. The economic downside to what some might term liberal overreach is that the states out-of-control bureaucracy and outlandish taxpayer-paid pension packages have in the past steered multiple cities into bankruptcy and left the state as a whole teetering on the brink of financial ruin. Residents also enjoy the fourth highest individual tax burden in the country. Vermont Sixty-seven percent of Vermont voters chose Barack Obama in 2012, and cast 71% of their votes for self-described Democratic Socialist U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders in 2016. While conservative states typically have right-to-work laws, Vermont went the opposite direction and passed a fair share law that forces non-union workers to pay union dues. The state also has some of the highest corporate, individual, and property tax rates in the nation. Ironically, Vermont does get high marks on Second Amendment and gun rights issues. Without no major city center in the state, Vermont doesnt have to deal with the crime, violence, or gangs that most states do. As a result, it usually gets high marks from gun-rights advocates as being Second Amendment friendly. New York Every two years, researchers associated with George Mason University release a ranking of personal and economic freedoms. New York ranked dead last on the list after factoring in all the freedom categories including levels of taxation, gun rights, right-to-work status, government debt/spending, personal and business regulations, criminal laws, and sin freedoms/regulations on tobacco, alcohol, and gambling. Not surprisingly, the rest of the states on this list shared bottom honors with New York, while the most conservative states landed near the top of the freedom chart. Rhode Island In 2013, Rhode Island was ranked the third worst state to make a living by MoneyRates, and had the fourth highest unemployment rate in the country at 8.9%. The state opposes expanded school choice options, choosing instead to protect public education. In 2013, gay marriage was legalized. Rhode Island is also big on sin taxes, ranking second in their willingness to tax anything they can find an excuse to tax. Maryland Maryland is one of the fastest growing liberal states. A 2013 article in The Washington Post noted that the governor and his allies have imposed tax increases, repealed the death penalty, and approved a system to provide more than $1 billion in subsidies to a potential offshore wind farm. In addition, the state has legalized gay marriage, pushed for major gun restrictions, and started allowing illegal aliens to collect some government benefits. Its always easier to make a state more liberal than it is to make one more conservative. Its easier to pass new laws and regulations than it is to stop them. Its especially difficult to end laws when they either pay out generously to certain voting constituencies or provide cash flow to grease the wheels of government spending. In 2014, however, Maryland actually elected a Republican Governor, so perhaps there is some hope for conservatives yet.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Cell Phones in the Classroom Policy, Advantages, ...

Introduction Electronic devices, particularly cellular phones have become a mainstay in our society. Cell phones and other forms of hand-held digital technology have made their way into the classroom and has become a common accessory among high school and middle school students. By the time a student is in middle school, it is likely that they already own a cell phone and carry it with them wherever they go (Lucking, Edwin Mervyn, 2010). As the technological capabilities of these hand held devices increase and the upsurge of their popularity continues, educators race to establish protocol for their use at school (Charles, 2012). These policies range from very loose guidelines to zero tolerance. As educators seek to†¦show more content†¦The nature of the â€Å"digital native† suggests that the cellular devices are already in the classroom. Research indicates that students are savvier than their teachers at using mobile technology and considering that t he cell phone has become the technology tool of choice, using it for academic purposes is one way for the â€Å"digital immigrant† to meet the needs of the today’s student (Irina, 2012). â€Å" Each year, the computing power of these mobile devices grows, the library of apps and software they can run expands, and the networks that tie them together get wider and faster† (Lucking, Edwin Mervyn, 2010). The popularity of the cell phone and its wide range of uses almost guarantee that it will become a classroom mainstay along with computers, whiteboards, and the internet (Lucking, Edwin Mervyn, 2010). Opening the classroom to the use of this type of technology also leaves all of the capabilities of the device at the disposal of those who use them. Considering that the capabilities of these devices can lead to activities deemed inappropriate for the classroom, it has become necessary to establish policies regarding their use. Existing Policy One of the more difficult rules to negotiate in schools is that of appropriate use of technological devices, particularly mobile devices such asShow MoreRelatedShould Cell Phone Use Be Allowed in Schools?986 Words   |  4 Pagesdebate and discussion has been student cell phone use. Are they helpful or useless? Should they be allowed or not? No school has really found the answer to these questions yet. Many believe that phones are just too distracting for students, but on the contrary, cellphones are beneficial to students if not the entire school when used in agreement with the school’s technology policies, assuming these policies are well-thought-out. It has been shown that with cell phones, schools can increase communicationRead MoreCell Phones Should Be Allowed in Schools Essay examples824 Words   |  4 Pagesbecause cell phones were not popular in schools then. When it comes to cell phones, some people think they should not be permitted in schools, and other people think they should be permitted in schools. I agree with the latter opinion for the following reasons: Cell phones are an efficient way to communicate when emergencies occur in school; cell phones can be a great tool for learning during school hours; and the current prohibitive rules on cell phones are merely fruitless efforts. Cell phones shouldRead MoreThe Importance Of Cell Phones And Driving1053 Words   |  5 Pagesuse of cell phones that they are no more conscious of what is going on around them. â€Å"Studies found out that more than 90 percent of students admit to using their devices for non-class activities during class times.† During class hours, students are busy texting on their phones while the class is going on. This has led to lack of concentration towards students therefore leading to poor academic performance. Also, â€Å"Sexting†- the act of sending or receiving explicit pictures by cell phones is moreRead MoreThe Impact Of Technology In Education1533 Words   |  7 PagesStudents are coming to school with computers in the form of phones, tablets, or laptops in their pockets and backpacks. Some schools are leading the charge with BYOD (bring your own device) or BYOT (bring your own technology) initiatives. However, there are still districts, schools, and teachers who will not allow technology into their classrooms. Many schools and teachers want to avoid the potential problems, so they adopt a no phone policy, while other schools are trying to integrate technologyRead MoreTechnology in Life775 Words   |  3 PagesSo we have to start the plan right now. Last point, Technology has effected human to good way. Because technology has advantages more than disadvantage. advantages for future technology in Oman to provide noun Oman ,to make their work easier in a shorter time, its clear to understand more in work, its very fast to work on many things and they don’t need books but disadvantages its needs strong a lot of electricity ,if it has a small problem then it makes the more situation negative effects forRead MoreSocial Media Influences On Education And Teenagers969 Words   |  4 Pageslife and it exists everywhere in our lives. For example, checking the cell phone is the first thing that most people will do in the morning, after they open their eyes. It is their morning routine to look over their social networks on their phones repeatedly, such as Instagrams, Facebook, Twitter and so on. Social media gives human beings so many conveniences and enjoyments, however, everything has advantages and disadvantages and social media is no exception. In this research paper, I will mainlyRead MoreCell Phone And Its Effect On The Classroom1761 Words   |  8 PagesCorban Schrock Cell Phones In School Technology is advancing in the twenty first century, one of these being a powerful handheld devices is called a cell phone. Even though cell phones have been addressed by school policy, Cell phones have become almost required in everyday adult life and important for communication and other obtainable things from a cellular device. Students should be able to use these powerful devices for learning and necessary communication and should not be completely held downRead MoreTechnology Advantages And Disadvantages1707 Words   |  7 Pagessomeone how you feel about them. Technology has changed the way we communicate with one another, how we organize information, also the way we think. Technology is becoming more powerful and easier to use. Although, technology does have its advantages and disadvantages, but as with many groundbreaking inventions, they can fundamentally change our lives, for better or worse. Access to the ARPANET (internet) was expanded in 1981 when the National Science Foundation funded the Computer Science Network.Read MoreEssay on Are Teens too Dependent on Technology?1632 Words   |  7 Pagesher right and left. â€Å"Aarg!† How can she get anything done! It is impossible to complete any tasks from start to finish without the smart phone begging for attention. Does this sound familiar? We, especially teenagers, are familiar with this kind of situation. It is a huge distraction that interrupts everything we do. If so, why does not she just turn her phone off? Why cannot she stop herself from focusing on it? Technology has a significant part in social and educational life of teens and itRead MoreTablets vs. Textbooks1698 Words   |  7 Pagestablets can hold thousands of books on one device. Usually, when we are using the paper textbooks, the books actually take up much space of our place. However, if we are using tablets, we can eliminate the need for physical storage of textbooks and classroom materials. It is known that â€Å"The average tablet contains anywhere from 8 to 64 gigabytes (GB) of storage space. On the Amazon Kindle Fire, for instance, 1,000 books take up one GB of space† (Price), which implies that people don’t need to go to the

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

The Asch and Milgram Experiments

A just and fair decision always reflects an objective process, however, not all decisions are fair and just because they have influences and impacts that is actually either conformity or deviance from what majority wants. There are decisions that are pertaining to an individual and his own space only while there are some decisions that require social acceptance and for those decisions there is a perceived pressure to have conformity with the opinions of others according to Asch phenomenon. These opinions may be objective leading to the decisions following the objective path. There is a concept of normative social influence which in general reflects the decisions whether personal or social in nature. This implies that there are many times influences of other people that lead an individual to conform so as to be liked and accepted by those people. An individual needs to be socially accepted and this is his own social need and desire that he fulfils by being susceptible to groups norms. For example, a student would sometimes follow other fellow students to get acceptance as their group member. A student shows obedience behaviour in front of his teacher and performs the way his teacher asks him to as teacher is the authority as confirmed by Milgram Obedience experiment. This may not necessarily be a private acceptance though, but a kind of public acceptance that a susceptible person needs. But when the individual is privately asked to take a decision then he does not show his susceptibility, he takes his own decision that may be showing conformity or devianc e from the group norms. Situational factors influencing others are the following: Physical environment and surroundings such as location, aromas, ambience, sound, lighting and other factors of the space where the decision has to occur. Social surroundings including interactions and characteristics of others who are present at the time of decision making. Time dimension influencing decision Reason behind decision making Moods and conditions of decision maker and people surrounding him/her at the time of ideation of decision or decision making process Knowledge, education, cultural background etc. of decision maker These factors can lengthen, shorten or terminate the decision to be taken. In case of children, attitudes and behaviours can be changed by observing others whereas in case of adults, behaviour generally follows from held attitudes but in order to have a social acceptance; adults change their behaviour according to the social norms.