With the birth of the internet, many were speculative on its power and capabilities, how efficient it would be and how it would actualize into society.  As it has expanded into one of the most powerful resources on the planet for information, the internet has posed a threat to journalist havens such as newspapers and magazines.
There have been predictions by newspaper Nostradami of an Armageddon of print media.  The eventual destruction of newspapers will come first, followed swiftly by magazines.  The process has already begun with many major, but secondary, newspapers already shutting their doors and leaving in most cases only one major newspaper left in the city.  Many newspapers are attempting to adapt to the online environment before it’s too late, while others are trying to adapt their schemes on the streets to keep the trucks rolling.
As with any media that has been around long enough (newspapers over 150 years), it’s only a matter of time before they die and are either resurrected like a phoenix into something new, or left  as ash in the wake of the new and better.  Many feel the nostalgia of newspapers and their importance in political and economic journalism are too strong for the black and white medium to be put to sleep.  Needless to say, it is a new age, and the newspaper is currently on the decline.  Adaptation, especially in media and marketing, it is imperative to survive.

Logos are a very misunderstood piece of advertising.  What comes across as a simple, harmless little design element is actually one of the most dominant and important objects in any company’s layout.  A logo defines a business and therein creates a persona that is viewed by the public.  The key to any great logo, and by far the most complicated part, is making a logo simple, but creative, straight forward, but a great representation of the company.
The logo has to describe the business in a single image that can be repeated easily over and over again in several different sizes, and, in most cases, be cost efficient.  By keeping imagery creative but minimalistic, and colors limited, a logo can become the defining feature for any business.  An unforgettable logo helps set a business apart in a sea of businesses.  Standing out is important, but standing out in a positive way would be even better!  Creating a logo that brings a smile that is not followed by laughter would be a step up that any company would like to take.

Although this website is not relatively new, the design and layout is still great eye candy.  Implementing 3D graphics into a website layout seamlessly, Billy Bussey created a very inspirational website for all types of designers.  With the simple construction using complicated elements, billybussey.com has a great introduction (requires Quicktime Player), and even more engaging homepage.  Without further adue, I suggest you view it for yourself.
Website:  http://su.pr/1ZOcFo

Twitter and Facebook have become incredibly popular network sites that allow the user to share their thoughts, feelings, and give personal updates at will.  Through this communication-friendly feature provided by the online networks, simple emotional responses are seen by all.  When the public is so easily exposed to one’s opinions, the person becomes exposed to the critique and opinions of others, and sometimes in extreme cases.
Several individuals have found themselves in court due to their complaints towards certain businesses.  Tweets have come across the wrong eyes, bringing about court dates and appearances.  In one example, a man complained about food he had received from a restaurant that will remained unnamed.  The food had a foreign object in it that did not belong (a dead organism with six legs), and the customer felt the need to spread the word on a Twitter feed.  The business owner heard word of the tweet and filed suit against the unhappy customer for slander.  The end result of the case is unknown to this humble writer, but the situation is not the first, and won’t be the last.
The point of this blog is to merely state that it is important to be careful with the words we share online.  Negative words are often unnecessary and only cause trouble for anyone involved.  Watch your words, and, with an idealistic thought, try to start a trend of being positive towards the good experiences, instead of spreading the bad news.

When going into the graphic design business for yourself or trying to get a job at a firm, it is important you present yourself in a proper manner, even from a financial standpoint.  A common misconception is that cheap is better, that if you are selling yourself for less than the competitor, you have the greater value.  This is not necessarily true, and it also immediately distances you from the potential client or employer.  Graphic design companies, and those companies looking for graphic design work, know a great deal about the prices expected, they understand they will need to spend some money on marketing.  So if you show up with the cheapest price, way below their budget, it is an immediate deterrent from the quality you supposedly have.
Basically when it comes down to it, don’t sell yourself short.  Know what you’re worth and sell yourself at that level.  Back yourself with your portfolio, stand tall with your creative, and offer a reasonable price.  If they suggest a lower one, take a look at the numbers with them, explain the value, the significance in the hours spent, and you’ll show the client you know what you’re doing, even from the numbers side.
Having said that, it is possible to exaggerate your worth, both in employment and clientele.  The key word used before was reasonable, be reasonable, respectable, but also respectful.  Your fresh out of college, a great portfolio, and you were offered a job at a big-time firm downtown.  Instead of jumping at the opportunity, you lay back and ask for more of a starting salary.  If they don’t walk away immediately, you must be a designing god!  Asking for more salary at the beginning, even after being hired, is a sure-fire way to be fired.  Accept what you are offered, and earn your keep.  The perfect example is Michael Crabtree, by holding out because he thought he deserved more, earned him less, if not nothing at this point (NFL example, search Michael Crabtree and 49ers, it’s sure to come up).