Nice Tie Resuming Verse

Get Dressed and Get Hired

Tying a tie properly may tie you to your next employer. A properly tied tie is essential to a good first impression. With the recent outcry regarding athletes wearing flip-flops to the White House, it’s apparent that a review of socially acceptable fashion rules is needed.

Gone are the days of Leave It To Beaver and other such shows which often depicted the strong leader of the family proudly donning a suit and tie for his daily job and any other social occasion. Today’s impressionable society takes more cues from the Internet than from Nick at Nite.

Formal Friday night dinners are a thing of the past and many churches have relaxed their dressing expectations, so it’s possible that a young man could get through college without ever having to tie a tie. Even if they went to a formal dance they may have worn a clip-on bow tie.

Many young men graduating from college don’t get hired because of the way they present themselves. They have a general disregard in how they dress for their interviews and when it’s time to knock the socks off of a potential employer, the focal point of their suit is out of focus.

A professional appearance can be as important as a complete resume. Prospective employers look for consistency in a potential employee. Even the most polished resume does not coordinate with an applicant in a t-shirt and jeans. Wearing a suit without a tie is like avoiding a handshake or leaving your name off an application. If an applicant wants to set themselves apart from others, they’ll take the extra steps to present the complete package.

A poorly knotted tie projects sloppiness and reflects poorly on one’s abilities. Take the time to learn the proper way to tie ties because you’re worth it and your professional career may depend on it!

Terrance Farley is the webmaster of http://www.1st-in-how-to-tie-a-tie.com.


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Gaming Industry Writing Serenade

Related Themes: Essay, Essay Writing, Writing Job, Writing Short Story, Freelance Writing, Freelance Writing Job, Internet Job, Writing Job Description, Work At Home, Extra Income, Technical Writing Job, Poetry Contest, Short Story Contest, Songwriting, Songwriting Contest, Writing Lesson, Writing Software, KEYWORD, Writing Skill, Writing Fiction, Writing Contest, Effective Writing

Worked on an interesting project for
The sickly sweet smell of lost touch as you leave.
Iron potatoes on the gravy floor
For, I think, cold cousin of leaf.

Writing for the Gaming Industry

Several months ago, I worked on an interesting project for a client looking to break into writing music for the video game industry. As the project progressed, I found myself fascinated with the art of interactive entertainment, and began to take "side notes" on what it takes to write for the gaming industry. I made a host of wonderful contacts and learned a great deal about how tough --- and rewarding -- it can be to become a part of the development of some of the most mainstream and high-tech forms of entertainment today. (One out of every three American households has a video game system and the fastest growing market for video games is in Europe. ) There are also many opportunities for freelancers to "break in" to the gaming industry through offline and "lower-tech" mediums.

Honing Your Skills: What It Takes to Make It

A common misconception about working within the video game industry is that workers are usually young, immature, and inexperienced. While this may have been true in the early days of Nintendo, the technology, interactivity, and the average age of "gamers" (the people that play the games) have matured at an incredible rate. The Playstation 2 has a host of games that are rated "M" for mature; the target demographic for these games are men -- and women -- over the age of 17. As gamers age, the complexity of both the plot and the theatric elements tend to resemble short skits along the lines of "Godfather," leaving the days of Super Mario Brothers long lost in the dust.

One skill that is crucial, besides writing ability, to success in the game industry is passion. If you don't enjoy games or are unfamiliar with the latest technology, then you'll find the gaming world unfriendly. If you want to learn more about video games, buy or rent a console and a few game magazines. Don't try to break into this industry if you're simply looking for work; most video game writers take the jobs , first and foremost, because they enjoy the work. A beginner's pay is, at best, enough to pay some bills. The "real money" comes with success and hard work , i.e. LATER!

Fantasy writers, science fiction writers, and scriptwriters all have an advantage in the gaming industry. Writers play many different roles in video game development, including:
* Plot, Setting, and Character Development: Writers typically write the setting, character sketches, and general plot based on the game developer's idea. Many science fiction and fantasy writers have found success in video game development because of their ability to create new and complex worlds. Every word in the development of games should be chosen carefully and specifically. In-depth description is crucial for game designers -- writers need to be able to describe every element to allow the graphic designers be able to portray them accurately. In addition, the game manual should be able to guide the reader through the "How -to's" as well as the plot. The manual typically is created by the initial development writer.
* Storyboards and Scripts: Depending on the game type, most have "cinematic" sequences that move the game along as the player progresses. ?A typical storyboard includes a rough sketch of each screen or level (done by the graphics department).?. (How will they look, act, move, and sound?? What, if any, interaction will each character have with other characters in the world?)?A brief explanation of every action should appear on each panel of the storyboard.

If this all sounds like Greek to you, you can find out more about the video game-making process at: http://www.howstuffworks.com/3do2.htm

For how-to's on writing storyboards and scripts for games, an absolutely essential resource is Paul Garrand`s Writing for Multimedia and the Web, available at bookstores, and of course, Amazon.com.

Getting Started, Getting Connected

Most game writers don't simply "jump into" the field without industry experience. Many of them start out as fans that write ABOUT the game industry. You'll want to network as much as possible with the game development field -- you can do this by finding out about trade shows and association meetings. "I cannot stress how important it is to go to these and network! Bring samples of your work and collect as many business cards as possible!" says Sarah Stocker, a full-time writer for Stormfront Studios. Be sure to follow up with work samples and thank you letters. She also notes that smaller publishing houses are more receptive to newcomers; it is important to keep in touch. (http://www.Gamasutra.com is a resource that lists trade events)

Many writers start "small" in their quest for work, usually by writing articles and reviews for gaming-related publications. Most game magazines hire freelancers for reviews of games and expect thoughtful, knowledgeable reviews. Normally reviewers are asked to send in a sample game review. You should treat video game magazines as you would any other magazine; get a copy and study what they publish! (Did I mention that video game reviewers normally get scores of FREE games -- they make great presents!)

Video game reviews normally take up at least one page. (If the game is good, if not, then reviewers don`t bother!) and include: Game Name, System, Developer and Publisher, Release Date, Age Rating (ESRB, RASC, SEGA)Overview, Plusses , Minuses, Graphics, Play Control, Game Design, Satisfaction, Challenge qoutient, Sound, Originality, Replay Value, Overall review score

You can find writer's guidelines through Writer's Digest or by performing web searches for "Video Game Magazines". (Web searches are more up-to-date and will yield better results!)

Many writers also break into video game writing through writing game guides and RPG books. (Remember Dungeons and Dragons?) Burning Void has an excellent page about writing for role playing game markets and many resources to help writers find a niche in the RPG Industry.

What it's Like to Freelance Write for the RPG Industry
http://www.burningvoid.com/users/heather/roleplaying/resources.html

Getting the Job

Many small video game publishers and PC game publishers actually post their writer's guidelines on their website and typically require a sample script with character development. (Usually 8-15 pages long -- by the time you get to this point, you'll want to be sure you're serious. A well-crafted script reads like a story and the characters are easy to visualize.) While small game publishers are more open to newcomers, they also tend to be unable to pay up-front -- which means royalties, or a lack thereof, for writers. Of course, the experience is valuable, and you'll have a game to pass on to your nieces and nephews with your name in the credits! You'll also have something to put on your resume when you apply for a writing job at a "big" game development company.

Competition is stiff, but with experience often comes success, and you can have a lot of fun along the way if you decide to give it a try!

Here are a few places that post video game writing jobs regularly:
* Help Wanted at Game Developers. net http://www.gamedev.net/community/forums/forum.asp?forum_id=8
* Game Jobs http://www.gamejobs.com/classic/
* Database of Game Development Companies (US & UK) http://www.dperry.com/comp-dir.htm
* Add yourself to the RPG Industry Directory http://www.rpg.net/directory/index.phtml?Add=1

Good luck and good game -writing! Many thanks to Sarah Stocker of Stormfront Studios and the PR Department at Sony of North America for their help with this article.

Melissa Brewer is a full-time freelance writer and author of The Writer's Online Survival Guide, available at http://www.webwritingbuzz.com. She hosts a website for professional freelance writers and she publishes a free weekly newsletter, The Web Writing Buzz, featuring articles on freelancing, writing jobs and publishing news from around the web.

Computer Techs e-Learning Poem

Distance Learning and e-Learning for Computer Techs

Just a few decades ago, distance learning existed only in the imaginations of science fiction writers. Of course, computers were as big as a house and only those same science fiction writers wove stories of a world in which computers were commonplace.

While technology has not taken the strides some predicted and we Earthlings didn't colonize the moon by the year 2000, there are many who probably never expected that most people log onto the Internet on a regular basis.

The great advances in technology have created a couple of new situations. As with any new gadget, there has to be someone who can work on it. When cars first hit the scene, those who could understand the workings of a gas engine were in great demand.

Even more demanding was the need for training to stay abreast of the development of the automobile. The same is true today of the computer technology.

But the techs of today have a great advantage that wasn't available when auto mechanics were trying to learn. They have computers and access to instant communication through computer networks.

That means that the very subject they need to learn more about is instrumental in keeping them up-to-date in their field. Like those who are already busy with adult responsibilities, computer techs have limited time for training, classes and certifications.

But they have a definite need for those things, many on a continuous basis. Distance learning and elearning can be the answer.

While it's always been possible to learn without being in a classroom, the opportunities to do so were limited by a number of factors. One of the biggest problems with learning outside the classroom has always been the fact that students didn't have an opportunity to actively participate.

If a student simply reads text and takes a test to discover whether he retained the knowledge, he's likely to get something from the course. A student who is allowed to talk to others, ask questions and observe the questions of other students is much more likely to gain the knowledge.

Even elearning (typically in the form of online courses) offers the opportunity to do interactive activities and students usually get feedback along the way to help them stay on track.

Distance learning and elearning are no longer fictional ideas, but have become a reality that is opening doors to many who would otherwise have missed an opportunity. And by offering technical training to those who work closely with computers, the distance learning and elearning options will likely continue to grow.

John Tipton dropped out of school early, and worked boring jobs for 20 years. Then he discovered 'distance learning' and finally got the education he missed. After lots of different courses at lots of different schools, Peter shares his experience in this series of useful articles. Find out why distance learning lets anyone go back to school. Discover what you need to look for in a distance learning program, and what you should avoid. Click
http://www.distance-learning-exclusive.com.

Employee Motivation Verse

Recession-Proofing Employee Motivation

As we hear more predictions of an economy showing signs of weakening, managers around the country are asking a couple of key questions: Are we prepared for a recession reminiscent of the early 1990s? Did we learn enough from experiences nearly a decade ago to improve how we perform in 2001? The answer: probably.

While the financial experts monitor and project the extent of an economic slowdown, little doubt remains that the early years of this decade will likely feature layoffs and restructuring across every industry. These staff reductions, or even the anticipation of them, can have a dramatic influence on employee motivation and productivity. Recognizing the warning signs of declining motivation and overall morale can allow managers to respond quickly with intervention strategies aimed at propping up declining productivity.

According to Brian Dailey, a business consultant to the staffing industry in Oklahoma City, there are many warning signs of declining employee motivation that can be expected during recessionary economic times. Some of these include: increased sick days as employees interview for other jobs, increased employee use of Internet time to surf job boards and send out resumes, fewer requests for long vacations, and greater interest among employees regarding company sales or financial strength.

Dailey suggests that while employee motivation may lag for a time, some incidental benefits to employers may include less tardiness and improved work habits as employees position themselves to survive potential staff reductions. Few employees will want to be perceived as marginal performers if the possibility of recession and restructuring looms in the near future.

The real challenge for managers is to develop strategies aimed at protecting employee motivation, despite the fear and concern normally attributed to tough economic times. Dr. Larry Craft, developer of the Craft Personality Questionnaire -- a tool that measures personality and motivation for pre-employment selection systems, understands the impact of uncertainty on employee productivity. According to Dr. Craft, companies looking to reduce expenses by slashing personnel need to take a hard look at the impact on current and future employees before choosing a course of action. "Future employees will tend to look for companies that offer consistency and will likely shy away from jobs in the long run where the potential for turnover is the highest." A company that receives media attention for staff reductions may find that candidates are few and far between when economic times allow for hiring increases.

Dr. Craft agrees however that most companies find it difficult to consider the impact on hiring it will undertake after a recession when the numbers suggest the need for staff reduction in the near term. His best advice is to understand the unique personalities of current employees and open the lines of communication early to avoid many of the problems associated with rumors and false claims.

Thousands of companies have used Dr. Craft's various testing services to do just that in the last two decades, and many find that the resulting productivity requires fewer staff reductions during tougher economic times. Rick Daughtrey, a consultant with CraftSystems(800.228.5866) of Bradenton, Florida, suggests that "it's really a matter of investing the time and resources on the right people and then cultivating them along the way, therefore reducing the need for cutbacks because the right people can typically pay for themselves over the long run."

Managers must learn to assess how they respond to good and bad economic times. Too many companies over-hire in good times and quickly look to downsizing as a temporary fix to slowing demand for their services. It has long been acknowledged that employees are a company's most valuable assets, but many are slow to recognize the full impact of these tough decisions on the motivation of surviving employees. A carefully thought out plan can go a long way in preventing the potential nightmare associated with cutting expenses while attempting to maintain productivity.

Finally, the biggest threat to employee motivation may be a shift in focus to self- preservation rather than team performance. What once was a finely tuned machine may break down as the individual parts become more concerned with whether they can meet their own goals, while failing to recognize that the team's performance may be their greatest hope for individual survival. The lessons learned from the early 1990s are simple: seek expert advice in selecting the right employees for jobs, teach managers to incorporate an understanding of personality and motivation into their communication, develop a game plan that utilizes cross-training to add flexibility to existing staff, and if you must downsize, do it wisely and do it rarely.

For additional information on measuring personality and motivation, go to www.craftsystems.com or www.daileyconsulting.prodigybiz.com. Dr. Douglas Waldo.

Courtesy ARA Content, http://www.aracontent.com.


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