Wikipedia First Edit

Being that the thematic structure of my blog evolves from my experiences on Semester at Sea , it is neccesary to convey my vested interest in the program through observing and editing the content that resides in the Wikipedia article, Semester at Sea. Because Wikipedia operates as an open-source encyclopedia, and therefore permits editing and desired changes, I was able to apply my knowledge and information to better complete the article in full. I know, I know you probablly are thinking to yourself that my blog portrays a sacred shrine to Semester at Sea, but I can confidently assure you that it is merely my appreciation and praise for the program that I have gained from going.
For the first edit, I chose to elaborate and stress the fact that the program is a "floating university" with a maritime campus, an attribute that no other study abroad program can offer. Most significantly, Semester at Sea provides participants with first-hand experiences through the use of the world as a classroom. I thought that this unique characteristic should be included in the introduction of the article. Also, a previous user had noted that the top speed of the M/V Explorer (the ship used for all voyages) was 28 knots. After having toured the bridge of the ship while at sea, I was made aware by the Captain himself, that the correct top speed is not 28 knots, but has the capability to sail at 29.9 knots, making it the fastest passenger vessel in the world. I felt that my changes and additions to the article improved the content and more effectively illustrated the Semester at Sea program as a whole.

Check out my changes to the article by viewing the history.

To Blog or Not to Blog?

That is the question....I say Why Not? Ultimately, the evolution of this blog resulted from my enrollment in BUAD 477: Information Technology Applications in Marketing. However, being that this is my debut as a rookie blogger, I must add that I have previously been exposed to the famed blogosphere world. In late August, I embarked on a 100-day Voyag of Discovery around the world through an extensive study abroad program known as Semester at Sea. Hundreds of my fellow shipmates, eager to communicate with their loved ones and friends left behind in the states, created blogs on their respective experiences while travelling and studying around the world. I never showed much interest in what the others were doing, but little did I know, I am now one of them, one of many many bloggers constantly blogging away. I must say, I am thrilled and impressed with what this brilliantly innovative blogosphere has to offer to someone like myself.
So, that being said, throughout the duration of this semester and beyond I will be maintaining my blog on a weekly basis, commenting on my teammates individual blogs, editing and blogging my actions in Wikipedia, and finally I will manage the other blogs and news for which I am currently subscribed.
After having thought long and hard about what theme to use as the basis for my blogging, I felt that it would be appropriate to blog on my recent participation in Semester at Sea, during the Fall 2005 semester. However, being that I have already circled the globe and therefore have experienced all that I will with regards to the program, I thought it would be better to blog on the current Semester at Sea Voyage that coincidently will be following the exact itinerary as I did during the fall. The Spring Voyage began only a few weeks ago, so I will blog on their respective whereabouts over the next 10 weeks, but will personalize the postings by incorporating my experiences in each of the 10 countries visited and the way this incredible experience changed my life. Hope I didn't bore you all with the lengthy post, but I had a lot to catch up with......Bon Voyage!

Breaking the Ice

Wow! I can't believe this is soooo easy to blog. I can tell this is going to be an interesting class...