Running the class social media accounts forced me to use social media in ways I don’t normally use it. I use Twitter, my favorite social app, quite often. Ninety percent of my Twitter use is for my work covering Longhorn sports. I mostly live tweet games and press conferences. The other 10 percent is retweeting sports related things.
Taking over the class accounts required some creativity, especially on Instagram. While I have an Insta account, I’ve only posted on it twice in four years. I tried to take pictures of things I was doing and relate them to class content, so I hope that wasn’t boring. Unfortunately, the assignment didn’t encourage me to use Instagram any more than I already do.
On Twitter, attempted — not sure how successful I was — to use humor. I’m a big fan of GIFs, so of course I had to include some of those. Since all my normal followers follow me for my Longhorn reporting, I don’t have much room to be creative and tweet non-sports things. It was fun to switch it up on the class account. I was also very proud of myself for finding that dandelion/Frozen GIF — how timely!
Overall, Spotify highlighted my brief time as the media curator. I really enjoyed putting together a “life” playlist. I tried to think back to when I was in middle school — that’s when I started following music — and go chronologically through my favorite songs. It was nostalgic to pick through some songs I haven’t heard in years. Additionally, it was interesting to note how my music tastes changed over time. However, I decided I should cut it down so the playlist isn’t too long.
Aside from figuring out what to do on Instagram, the most challenging part of the assignment was remembering to post consistently. I found myself forgetting to post something I was doing, then remembering it later and thinking “that would’ve been a good one.”
I now look forward to seeing what other media curators put together in the future.
Hi, Ezra,
You are my kind of music people, if 113 songs “isn’t too long”! =D One of my favorite aspects of the media week assignment is glimpsing both individual and class personality. This class is definitely going for the playlists! Cool!! I’ve experimented with a couple of prompts for the playlist, but I like the result best when students come up with something that clearly reflects what they were in middle school, high school, and now. As you say, music can be pretty nostalgic.
I was really into your gifs this week / Twitter updates in general! It was easy to tell you are very comfortable expressing yourself cogently and cleverly in 140 characters. I think we should have an Ezra #gifgames event later this semester. Even though I like to provoke my students about Frozen every semester, I’d totally forgotten about Olaf blowing dandelions! Masterstroke! Plus, the Diane from Black-ish gif was great!
Thanks for leading us through a fun week!
Ezra,
Love the music. I’m glad that I’m not the only one who went above and beyond on the spotify playlist. If I could only figure out how to share it with the class! The gif game was also extremely strong.
Zach
Ezra,
I really enjoyed the GIFs on your tweets they were super creative and funny, and inspired me to use some this week as curator. I also liked how you tied your Instagram photos to class topics and discussions. It made it way more fun!
Ali
Ezra,
I try to track changes in my music style by creating a new playlist every 3 months, I love how over years one can see how their tastes change! I think I also reminds you of memories you associate with that time period, which I think is pretty cool/nostalgic.
Michael
Ezra!
I can totally relate to you when it comes to Instagram! I’m not much of twitter fan but I thought your comments were so creative and funny! The Frozen GIF was totally on point!
On a side note, the other day I was looking through the Daily Texan from who knows when and I turn the page and there you are! Your picture in a little square!! I said, “aaaah he is in my rhetoric class” hahah just thought it was cool!
-Ana 🙂
Ha. Glad you found that. I spent a lot of time with the Texan in my day.
Ezra,
Love the music, lots of hit throwbacks! I also liked your tweet about class being outside. That would be sweet.
I also agree that Instagram can be difficult. Its hard to know whats worthy of a post ya feel. Anyways, nice job man, I enjoyed your tweets.
Sanjeet
Hi Ezra!
First i have to say i love your gifs. On my iPhone i have the gif keyboard downloaded and i think its such a fun new way to respond. I remember the first time i heard the word gif last year and i had no idea what someone was talking about. I also think its really cool how you do the longhorn reporting. I would love to follow you on that. That’s such a good way to stay involved. Also your playlist is pretty cool… some major throwbacks in there that i can relate to.
-AL
Ezra,
First of all, your Spotify playlist absolutely killed it. I’m a huge fan of 90s rock and rap and you hit the nail right on the head in those two genres. I also use my twitter for primarily sports purposes and agree that its been tough to transition other types of tweets. I would love to get your twitter handle to follow your live tweeting.
– Jack
Thanks for the kind words, Jack! Glad you liked the playlist. I’m sure we have pretty similar music tastes.
My handle is @SiegelEzra. Let me know yours
Hi Ezra,
I love your Spotify playlist! There is so much diversity in your music so it is really fun to listen to all of the different songs. I enjoyed getting to hear all of the throwbacks that I had forgot about. Also, I loved how you incorporated GIF’s and found them all very fun. I just started using GIF’s more now that you can access them through the new Apple software keyboard. They are so fun and add so much to conversations!
-Meg
Ezra,
Your Spotify playlist would definitely make for fine music to listen to during a long flight! I love the diverse set of songs in the playlist. I really think it is a very creative way of displaying how one’s music tastes change overtime. Your generous use of GIF’s has also convinced me to incorporate GIF’s the next time I post on Twitter (which would probably be a long time from now…)
– Shannon
Ezra,
I love your spotify playlist! And yes, I totally agree that it is very interesting to see how your music taste has changed over the years. There is so much diversity in your playlist and I enjoyed listening to music I haven’t heard in a long time! It brought back so many memories of the past. It was nostalgic. This has definitely gave me some inspiration on what to do when it’s my turn to be the curator!
Tiffany
Ezra,
You’re spotify playlist is super long but its completely awesome! It’s something I’ll have to listen to on my next long road trip. I like the selections and the fact that songs are on it that I haven’t heard for a long time. Thanks for gifting us with this!
-Ebony