CUNY York College – Digital Storytelling
After completing the setup for my domain and installing WordPress, I must say the process was not as hard as I initially thought. Granted, I watched the class recording whole I did so. However, I’m excited for what lies ahead.
As a person who already has/had a website with a given theme to it, coming up with a new name for it wasn’t relatively challenging.
One and Two were previous names for the website in the exact order they’re placed in. I want my website to be a mix of my portfolio and my blog. As a future author, I don’t wish for people to view me as being “greater” than “the everyday person.” I’m just a dude who chose to walk the path of writing because I like myths, cultures, and humanity. Anyone else could have done the same if they wanted to. Regardless, I feel that portfolios and the like give off this feeling of prestige that robs people of viewing me as a person. I want to discuss my thoughts with people. I want people to know that I’m a person with opinions and beliefs, not just a guy who writes for a living. That may sound contradictory at first, but it makes sense. Trust me. We’re going on a tangent so let’s move on.
“TheGamerTree.com” was meant to represent a place where a lot was held, like how a tree holds a lot (animals, branches, nuts, fruits, flowers, water, etc.). At first, I just wanted a place to discuss ideas for games I liked. But then, I realized I had more I wanted to talk about than just video games. So then “TheWanderer’sKeep.com” was born. The wanderer aspect of the name came from what I had described before. It gives off this sympathetic atmosphere, no? A person who wanders about the world searching for purpose, resources, and people. The keep aspect came from the idea of this Wanderer bringing a guest into their home and showing the guest the relics they’ve acquired from their travels. A man sitting in his robe on a comfy chair with a warm fire burning beside him was what I was trying to go for when thinking of a name. And I think I’ve done a good job portraying that in all of the names listed above.
I’m proud to have taken this class to better my skills as a website maker and owner. Hopefully, I’ll be able to make good use of them. I can’t say if I have a favorite website. I only web surf when I have a question, but if it’s for entertainment, Youtube.
Hours pass by whenever I’m on this app. The myriad of things I’ve learned are thanks to this site. Well, outside of school, obviously.
I finally registered my domain! Following Professor Ryan’s instructions, I was able to smoothly complete the registration.
It was not difficult at all as I thought it would be. Reclaim hosting took me step by step to complete the basic registration process. I took notes of the username and password that I created. I was nervous because I thought creating a website must be very difficult. Now I have it, it’s there! I cannot wait to start blogging.
I chose my final domain name among a few which I considered last week. This week, following professor Ryan’s tutorial I registered that domain for free using reclaim hosting. I downloaded WordPress on my laptop, which will help me to customize and administrate my site. The entire time I was excited still I paid full attention to our professor’s tutorial because I did not want to miss any important part of the process. He went through the steps about how to upload images as my site icon, background image, how to create a logo, etc; but I am not sure which images to put there yet. So, for now I left it as it is. I do not think I want a site title, so I checked off the display of a title for my site. The WP administration gives me access to make necessary edit to my site and after our last session, I know how to access my domain.
Now it’s out there in the internet world! 🙂 But I am going to take my time customizing it. I have started to think how to customize it. Any suggestions for site icons are welcome!
I have been thinking about things that I like to do, which would be writing, taking photos and drawing. So for my potential domain names I thought about the things in connection to my likes. For the first one possible domain I would like to make a website where I express my views on any piece of news I find interesting and/or is not getting as much media attention as I think it deserves. For my following three possible domains I think it would be versatile because they aren’t too specific but they do relate to my name. And the rest of the possible domains could be for either a website where I could share my photos or drawing. Also I could talk about some of the tools we have used in class to people who may be interested in knowing how to use most free creative pages.
Possible domain names
1) AHReacts.com
2) Aleajandrah.us
3) AHernandez.com
4) Aahz.us
5) AHArt.com
6) AlejandraCreativity.com
7) ArtAleH.org
I’m excited to start a website, although I have used WordPress my domain name was very bad because I did not know how the website worked. I was embarrassed because the domain was very long and CT 101 has shown me that it could easily be done. I’m also excited to share both my thoughts and work with others that may have the same interests as me.
Some of my favorite websites are The New York Times, NPR, Twitter and Instagram. Both the newspapers mentioned are very informative and focus on important topics, which is good for gaining information and awareness. Twitter is used for news, posting opinions/thoughts and sharing photos which I think is great because there isn’t just one thing to do or look at. Instagram is used to share memories and random photos which don’t always have to have a meaning which I like.
I was inspired to create a page where I could share all my memories from my trips to Mexico since I went there for winter break and summer of this year. I love taking photos of the landscape, sunsets, sunrises and family. Although it’s with a simple Canon camera the moment of when I took the photo will always stay with me. My mmm.page is very colorful and shows what I like to do when I’m in Mexico for vacation.
It was difficult to get mmm.page working on my laptop so the first week I was working with it on my phone which was even more challenging. But I got help from Professor Seslow and finally could open the page on my laptop. It was then pretty easy to add photos but sometimes it would take forever to upload which frustrated me since I wanted to keep adding photos and editing them. But the page was easy to manage and learning how to use was also easy. Overall liked the tools the website provided and I am really excited to have finally create my page in the website. Hopefully I get some good feedback!
I liked that the background was one single color because that would make my photos stand out more. I would have liked to put in more photos but it was limited. I also added two gifs from GIPHY which I think was a good idea because it would attract attention from the viewers.
So we’re up to the part where we create a website and I’m just like 
The moment I’ve been dreading BUT ONLY BECAUSE I AM SCARED *sheds a tear*.
The first step before I even start anything is creating a domain. As google stated, a domain is supposed to be something unique or easy-to- remember…. so I’m going to attempt to be “unique” even though I am THEE most basic person ever, #simplicity.
2. www.herstrory.com
3. www.jidac.com
4. www.jidastyles.com
5. www.slayherstyle.com
Above are some examples that I brainstormed ideas for my potential domain. Essentially, these names are all trying to tell a story through a picture. I have two ideas as to what I would want to represent my “digital self.”
STYLE INSPO (WEST & EAST)
I would like to blog about the latest fashion trends and curate outfits. Each day would highlight a different product to style. For example, “How to style a leather jacket,” and then follow up with a bunch of inspo outfits that have been worn by influencers, celebrity , *cough cough* ME.
I got this idea from my favorite stylist on instagram, styledbyflorencia.
HOME DECOR DESIGN
OR I would like to blog about home decor! Yes, I’m like the grandma that loves going to Home Goods or Target and spending an hour in the store window shopping.
My favorite home blogger, Nabela Noor Home inspired me for this idea. I don’t live in a spacious home, but I am all about making use with what I have. In my spare time, I scroll through home decor pages on Instagram and just fantasize about how I would design and decorate my future home AND I AM SURE EVERYONE DOES THIS ON THEIR SPARE TIME.
50 SHADES OF NUDES? YES, PLEASE!
Yes, I said it. I LOVE neutral colors. The color palettes are very versatile for EVERY. SINGLE. SEASON. So I already knew that the colors will neutral. Maybe I will add random pops of color (slim chance, but willing to step out of my comfort zone).
Although there are many sites that are all about style inspo for clothes and home decor, these are two of many things that excite me the most.
When it cokes to fashion, I always struggled with what to wear growing up in a South Asian as well as faith following household. But I finally mastered it. I aspire to to create modest fashion for those who are like me, which makes it unique in my perspective. I am excited but also nervous to have this kind of ownership.
Assignment # 7 Domain Names
FEELS BLEU
SARA’S KITCHEN
CREATIVE WRITING WITH SARA
SARA’S BOUTIQUE
SARAMILANINC.
SARAMILANINC
I haven’t completely decided on what specific genre or concept I want to use for my website. I had a list of names and ideas I would be interested in writing about because I’m passionate about all of them. Feels bleu is just a brand name I created myself just in case I didn’t want to use my real name or if my full name isn’t available. But it will most likely be a newsletter style blog where I journal and write about things I read about emotions I have been feeling and want to express. Similar to a podcast where there’s a different topic each week and I go into detail and write about it formally. Perhaps I saw a theater play I want to talk to you guys about. Or I read a book that I thought was great or not so great. Sara Kitchen is inspired by my passion for cooking. There’s something about cooking specifically that brings me so much joy. This will be a blog style website. Where I have recipes, recommendations for restaurants, and recipe ideas that include seasonable items in your supermarkets currently and how to use them in your dishes. Furthermore, It began to get colder and I had an amazing recipe for chicken noodle soup that will knock any cold way!!
Creative writing with Sara, will be a blog style website as well, this is where I am going to post poems, short stories, and scripted plays. This is one of my favorite ideas, because I get to flex that writing mussel. It’s important as a journalism major to keep practicing.
Sara boutique will be a blog style website that focuses on curating looks from affordable eco-friendly stylish brands. I think clothing brands should focus on sustainability. They should care about the consumer and make their clothing inclusive for the people purchasing their clothes. Brands should be mindful of the products they are selling and the impact it has on the environment. By using better materials and resources effectively, with minimal waste. In Addition, the brand should care about the planet and be advocates for climate change. Last year in my business 150 course, my professor talked about CSR which is corporate social responsibility which is a form of international private business self-regulation which aims to contribute to societal goals of a philanthropic, activist, or charitable nature by engaging in or supporting volunteering or ethically-oriented practices. This is very common in big powerhouse companies like Microsoft,Coca Cola. In addition, I think every business no matter how big or small should follow these guidelines, especially in the fashion industry which is one of the most wasteful industries, and it really doesn’t have to be.
Lastly, there is Sara Milani Inc, which is just my first name and my middle name because I’m positive Sara Martinez is already taken. Number 6 and 7 will be the same, they are just written differently. Sara Milani Inc is a personal brand where i can just do everything i’m passionate about so i essentially am writing about all the four things i mentioned. Each week will just be a different genre but it will still be everything I’m passionate about.
I’m very excited about this project, you can probably tell because I’m already creating ideas to write about in my newsletter/ blog. Some of the newsletter im using for inspirations is www.chrissyrutherford.com Rutherford is brand consultant, and was a magazine editor at harper’s bazaar. I am subscribed to her newsletter where she talks about her experiences. This week’s newsletter was about trigger warnings: specifically alcohol/ drug abuse, eating disorders, sexual assault. Her writing is very informative and gives such an open perspective on the topics.
Please comment what theme you would like to see from me !!!
“The Journey Begins!”
**Please read through this blog post carefully as it contains a lot of important information related to the next phase of our semester**
The Full Process Video Recording is below:
Passcode: 8?n8h%+x
*The needed individual Coupon Code for the domain name and web hosting set up will be e-mailed to you – be sure to check your York e-mail to get the code. The code can only be applied and used 1 time.
Assignment #8 Details – Lets follow along as prof. Ryan shares the process in our zoom session on 11/2. After setting up your domain, hosting and wordpress please then publish a blog post about the experience of registering your own domain, and setting up your web hosting account. Was is fun? Difficult? What did you expect in advance? Share your sentiments and feel free to add visual imagery to support your expressions.
Forward we go –>
Last week we began talking about Domain Names and what role they play in creating a digital identity on the web (and as a part of this class.) If you missed that post – please check out our course schedule page under week #8 – as it has context and will help make this next step a bit smoother.
This week we are going to get started!
We are going to register a domain name and also set up web hosting, which will allow you to put files up online and will be discoverable through your new domain name! We are going to use a form of ‘shared hosting’ where you get a portion of a server – think of it as having an apartment in a building. With this shared hosting you will be able to do a lot of things including installing your own instance of WordPress (remember, this is NOT wordpress.com but the open source version of wordpress.org) so you can start building your website for your domain name.
We use a company called Reclaim Hosting, with which we have a contract with – you will enter a coupon code and start your account for free.
*The coupon code will be e-emailed to everyone – if you do not receive that e-mail – please let me know.
We chose this hosting company because they have a lot of experience working with students just like you, that are likely getting their first domain name and web hosting account. You will be creating an account just like you would with any online vendor with which you want to purchase something. it’s not a ‘CUNY’ account, we’re just giving you the coupon code to pay for the year’s service. The service will last for 1 full year.
**You do not need to pay for anything, so please reach out if you have questions – [email protected]
With that said, you will need to provide a name, address, and phone number to create your account at reclaim hosting.
1. Lets go to the Reclaim Hosting Sign-Up Page <— to get started with the domain name selection process.
2. First you will need to pick your domain name, make sure that it is available and make your selection to proceed. (I suggest sticking with the .com or .net extensions)
3. On the next page, check off the ‘add ID protection box’
4. On the next page you should see two items in your cart and a price of $45 with ID protection, you will then enter the needed information for your account and provided coupon code and validate it. (you will NOT be charged for this, its already included in the course.)
5. After applying the coupon code Your total will now be $0.
6. You should now fill in your personal information, and select the “payment by mail option”. (again, you will not be charged anything.)
7. Complete the order and check your email for your account information and a verification of your e-mail, e-mail. With your new account information, log-on to Reclaiming Hosting. You must verify your e-mail by clicking on the link they provide.
8. YOU ARE NOW ALL SET AND READY TO START WORKING WITH YOUR NEW DOMAIN NAME AND WEB HOSTING ACCOUNT!
9. Its now TIME TO INSTALL WORDPRESS. – You will soon refer to the video below (coming after class on 11/2) and follow the step by step guide to install wordpress correctly.
The Full Process Video Recording is below:
Passcode: 8?n8h%+x
Coupon codes for the set up will be e-mail from blackboard – be sure to check your York e-mail to get the code.
I never thought of Domains I would use for my own website. This is all new to me and it has challenged me to think creatively of what would be the best options for me. I definitely have an idea of what I would post on the website though. It’s just the challenging part of thinking of a good domain and choosing which domain fits me the best. These are what I have came up with so far:
SlickRickEA.com – “SlickRickEA” is my Instagram handle and it originated from my liking of the name “Slick Rick” which proceeded to becoming aware of the rapper himself. The name always stood out to me more than any other names and I continued using it as a username for most sites. I feel like using this as a Domain is a good option because it’s easier to remember and its a common username for me.
Eadkins.com – This really doesn’t have any creativity to it. It’s just a basic domain using my first initial and full last name which is the same format for my login for this school’s app.
AdkinsElijah.com – Another generic and basic name that just has my last name first and my first name last.
EAnews.com – This name is tricky because my initials can be mistaken for the gaming business “EA sports”, but I like it due to me being a Journalist and it goes into my plans for the website.
Writing&Sharing.org – Another Journalistic title domain that is self explanatory.
EAPassions.com – A domain that focuses on what I am passionate about.
In terms of what my website will be about, I plan on it focusing on everything and in Journalism format. I feel like I can use the website to post my blogs on stories I have covered and will write about. There is always a story in the world and my plan is to write about it. I feel like sticking to just one beat will be tiresome and not as interesting as switching up the categories and giving the reader a much more diverse layout.
I am excited for what’s to come in creating this website because it’ll be a first for me, but it’ll be another tool that I can use in the future. It will probably inspire me to create other websites that focuses on other things such as opinions, sports, or even my favorite website YouTube. There are many creative websites out there such as Giphy and the New York Times which I adore because one site allows you to create your own Gifs while the other informs you of the important news within the world. The point of the websites I have listed are to entertain the reader, but all 3 are unique from each other just with a common theme. All 3 are also tools that can help the reader. Youtube helps with understanding the internet and giving people the opportunity to have a career. Giphy helps with creating your own gif and sharing it with others to potentially getting it popularized. The New York Times helps with learning how Journalism works and how to indulge their audience into their articles.
Kikisnaturalhairjourney.com – I’ll reveal how I grew my natural hair to waist length in four years. I’ll share why I began my natural hair adventure and why I took off all of my relaxed hair. I will also provide advice on how to grow long, thick, and healthy natural hair.
Kiarashomedecor.com – I would provide housekeeping ideas and methods. I will also give folks suggestions on how to jazz up their homes to make them warmer and more welcoming, as well as recommend home décor and furniture.
Kiarasmoviereviews.com– I enjoy watching movies and television shows, and when I fall in love with one, I tell my family and friends to watch it, and I watch it a million times till I get bored of it. I also enjoy convincing others to view movies and giving them my honest evaluation. I also like film criticism and informing others that watching the film would be a waste of time.
Kiarastravelguide.com – I like traveling and will provide honest assessments of locations, restaurants, and amusement parks that I have visited. I will also provide travel advice to make your trip safer and more convenient.
Fashiontipsbykiki.com – I’ll be presenting outfits inspired by some of my favorite celebs. Giving fashion advice to let people feel more at ease with their bodies and clothing of choice. I’ll be presenting a catalog of low-cost trendy clothing together with promo coupons. I will also be styling and combining the most recent fashion trends. I wish to create this website to provide fashion advice and educate others on how to put together outfits.
KiaraGapour.com– This will be an excellent domain name for the website I will develop since it is unique because it is my official name, and I doubt it will be taken. I plan to share my life experiences with followers and keep them up to date with daily journals.
AskKiki.com– I’ll be telling readers about my life experiences. Readers are welcome to ask me questions regarding my life. Alternatively, they might seek my counsel to assist them in making a tough decision.
I’m looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life as a website owner. I want my website to be an inviting platform where I can share my knowledge and expertise with others.
My favorite websites:
It was an exciting task thinking about the domain name for my own website! I came up with a few and they are not taken yet (I checked on a domain checker).
sajanisufian.com = This could be my very unique web address because it consists of my first and last name only. There’s no better and unique identity then one’s name, so definitely can be considered as MY domain name.
heruniverse.blog = I believe we all get to explore the mysterious universe inside our minds. Countless thoughts, imaginations and what not! Since we are far from imagining how broad this universe is, I’d like to think that I can visit it in my mind. Hence, this domain name could be a great choice because as I know, I will be pouring my mind out on my website.
sajanisdigitaldiary.com = If I want I can use my website as my digital diary. I will probably be publishing daily blogposts. For example, If I am excited or nervous about a particular exam or an assignment, I’ll share that I feel that way and write a small paragraph on it.
sajanisjournal.com = I will share my certain observations, perceptions, opinions on my website. If this is the domain I choose at the end, the readers of my website should understand how Sajani thinks about certain things.
typingmymind.blog = I will be typing my mind. This term synchronizes with what someone who loves to write would be thinking when they are about to create their own website/blog. I will post creative stories written by me. This domain sounded funny even to myself but I still think it’s different and accurate considering what I will be posting on my website.
I invented all the possible domain names above keeping in mind the theme, concept of my likeness of writing.
There are not so many websites that I use on a daily basis. Among the few, YouTube is my most favorite.
I love using YouTube because honestly in simple words it makes my life so much easier. By listening to my favorite music, watching movies I spend a lot of “me-time”. I even use YouTube for better explanations of a reading text from a class, some tutorials for a specific project, etc. It’s content is what we need it for.
Before hearing Professor Ryan talk about domains in class I never gave it much thought. Honestly, it’s something I wasn’t even aware of that was available to the general public. I am excited to create a domain for myself and be able to register it.
Five Potential Domain Names:
erickaherrera: It’s simple and professional
eeh: This is an abbreviation of my name, Ericka Elizabeth Herrera
Eche: Another play on my name. Ericka Elizabeth Herrera Compoverde. I also like that it means to increase and everlasting.
erickughh: This is my Instagram handle and it would be nice to have the same handles throughout all platforms. It’s easier for people to connect with you.
erickanyc: I love venturing out in the city and I think it would be cool to blog about my outings and adventures.
I have a couple of hobbies that I would like my blog to be about. It includes plants and exploring the city. I also love interior design. I think it would be best if I had a life-style type of blog so that I can express interest to all my hobbies.
This is my favorite plant blog. It’s very informative and provides a lot of care tips for a variety of plants.
This my favorite fashion blog. I love the aesthetic of it and the layout of the page. It always draws you in.
I am excited to create my own website! It sounds like fun to be able to personalize every way you want to. I’m scared that my skills aren’t good enough and I will be not be content with what I create. However, it will be my first time doing this so I will not be too hard on myself.
I was not sure when I first heard the professor talk about this assignment. I already used other domains websites to buy one, but they were complicated. Furthermore, I have already think this before, which names I want. And it has been always between victorjota.com or victorjpimentel.com. Is just hard, to find a .com website to be honest.
But everything changed in seconds… After I saw the price in Names.com I could not find a better price for it. I own a couple of domains in godaddy.com And I’m used to buying them in a very expensive price, so when I saw it was only $10 dollars. I immediately put my card and buy the domain. I’ts scary to know a domain can go up at any given moment.
And you can look it right here ‘victorjota.com‘ I always wanted that domain for a long time now. It feels good to know that I finally have it now. Last time I check in godaddy.com, the domain cost over 100 dollars. I placed a temporary redirect link to my website while I configure it.
I’m not totally sure if I should wait a little for the next assignment before doing this. But I do not want to use wordpress because I had a bad experience using it. So I’m thinking maybe create my own website that does the same from scratch and keep all my blog post there. Just maybe, let’s see how the next blogpost is.
Evolving is the word that I describe myself when I ask myself how I’m doing in this class. The skills and the way I have approach the blog post are very different from each post. Every time I learn little by little, a new thing that comes in hand to make a more efficient post. I love how I have learned to transmit my feeling on the blog without limiting myself as much. This is part in part to the skills that have helped me express my thoughts.
I’ll like to talk a bit about the commons’ website. Just because how wonderful it helped me showcase my ideas. It’s a simple way for people with no programming experience to make posts without programming background. Every time that I make a blog post I use a forum that require me to use HTML and CSS, which is very tiring to have to code everything just to make a comment. I see myself both using the visual and the text option while making a blog post. With this tool that commons have gives me makes the developing process way faster than I’m used to.
I think I have been doing pretty strong. I have always submit my assignment on time… Yeah, about that! Did not age so well. But I have always completed them and I love participating in the class as well. Specially with how the professor make the class flow. I don’t think I have any red flags or anything. I love participating, commenting and talking to my classmates on the comments! Wishing there was a thread we could all discuss.
Assignment #1: Baseball Reference!
Assignment #2 Last minute with gif
Most of the things I learned, I had experience with them. But there is something certain I did not know how to make a blog post like I have made them here, I always use a different style. I know, I know, there is one more blog post I own the professor. I made this bet. Not only that, but I’ll make it soon, but right now I have a bunch of midterms. Likewise, I enjoy doing blog post so is not really a problem for me.
Am I a good noodle? Have I accumulated enough gold stars to get the grade that I want or better yet the grade that I deserve. I think I’m doing good in CT101 and I feel like I am flourishing in this new environment.
I believe I am maintaining an A in this class. I always do each assignment to the best of my ability. I always try to read and comprehend each blogpost carefully before jumping into an assignment. Comments from Professor Ryan go from “Good work” to “Great work” to “Excellent work.” Here are all the assignments I have completed:
My favorite takeaway from CT101 so far is the ability to express myself. I’ve learned how to communicate through memes and images while also creating a storyline. Which I believe is essential when you are trying to have a media presence. Your audience has to be engaged and follow your story with ease.
I’ve developed skills such as using photoshop and the ability to make gifs. Giphy has become one of my favorite tools and I even use it outside of class for my personal use. One of my friends even asked me to show them how to use it. I regularly display the usage of gifs on my posts and I also make it a point to hyperlink outside material. Just to add a little bit of spice.
I always comment on classmates posts and read their post thoroughly, what I comment always has some substance and insight. However, I am definitely not commenting on enough people posts. It is something I need to work on, I should put more effort and comment on more peoples post.
Before taking this class I did not know what it was like to have creative freedom in a classroom. Saying that almost feels like a contradiction. I also wasn’t aware of all these websites and tools that are available. I did not know how to use photoshop but this class forced me to dip my feet into it. I was intimidated but I’m glad it’s something I gave a chance.
I definitely see a difference in my creativity from the first blog post compared to my most recent one. I’ve been hyperlinking material more, adding more visuals, making everything more cohesive and flow better. I feel more comfortable being myself allowing my creativity to be more free.
