Spectrum of Thoughts

 Lionel Chin is a co-founder of RippleWerks. He is well-known in the media industry. He has worked with many clients from celebrities to bloggers. RippleWerks offers a high quality, top notch design in Web, Blog, Print and Corporate ID development. 

Screenshot taken from http://www.ripplewerkz.com/

Who are they?

Our mantras, which are encapsulated in our work, are quality, efficiency and value.

Our dedicated team puts their heart and soul into each project, ensuring a laser-like attention to detail and high levels of customization for each and every client, and are always ready to offer clients expert support and service at any stage of project development and beyond.

1) 5 key points that he mentioned during his presentation.

1. Good relations with clients
2. Have a good portfolio to show to your clients what you can do 
3. Brainstorm some ideas which can be useful to your next project 
4. Take up some freelance job for experience
5. Put some effort in your work, it may cost you a fortune  

2) 3 things that have inspired me from this lecture.

1. His works were very impressive based on the design interface and web composition.
2. Different clients he work with were ranging from top businessmen, restauraneur, networking services to professional photographers.
3. Not forgetting, the process of making a good quality website to meet the needs of every clients.

3) What I think is useful to have a guest speaker to share their expertise, experience and “Tips & Tricks” of the trade?

I think it is useful  for our prior knowledge to know more about the media industry. For those who like to pursue in the media industry such as web designer, programmer, fimmaker and other related  jobs. They might like to consider these options as their career.

The important think that I gained from the lecture was to know the difference between the workforce and school work.  It is a lot more than what I thought it will be. School projects are to train us with the fundamentals of using media tools and prepare us for the future. You’ll never know that someday you might be one of the top designers .

Other than that, I like to listen to their views which can prepare me in the future. What I’m suppose to expect before reaching my goal? What are my top priorities? Who are the people I’m working for? etc. These are the questions that I need to think deeply. Besides talking about the allowance you get as a web designer, there are more things than just think about the money. 

Firstly it’s about taking pride in your work. Accept feedbacks even though some may hurt you. It just to show how humble we are and how we can change those words into motivation. The bitterness in life are your strength to move on.

Secondly, there are always a lot of thinking and ideas to be done. Through those process, you tend to relate them to your daily lives and pay a good attention on the things around us. Our lives are our  inspiration in whatever we do. There is nothing you can relate to other than yourself. Family and friends are your inspiration because they influence you every day. They are your top list in your life and they make an impact to your creation.

Lastly, the experience working with clients and colleagues are the most challenging obstacle that I have to face. Unlike doing projects with your group members and present it to your lecture. You have to be well-prepared to face the consequences. Your project would not just end there. If the clients hate it, means that you have to redo it until your client is satisfied with your work. That is the workforce.  Face it, prepare for the worse.

I guess there’s always a lighter note on the other side.

                                                                                                                                                                                             Image taken from; http://www.nhb.gov.sg/NAS/index.htm  

 Image was shown at the entrance of the National Archive of Singapore.

1) Background 

What actually is archives?  

Firstly, ‘archives’ means a place where a large number of records are been stored which provides information on the past events of a country. 

Who exactly are they?

The National Archives of Singapore is a collective organisation that stores all the historical memories of our nation. This allows current and future generation of Singapore to explore, do research and cultivate the different cultures and heritage of our nation throughout the years. Appreciate how our ancestors strive to be where we are now.

What do they do ?

The NAS manages public records and gave advice to government agencies on how to manage the records. They store and retain the quality of these records from government files, private memoirs, historical maps and photographs to oral history interviews and audio-visual materials. NAS are responsible for the collection and preservation of the records which date back to early 19th century.

 What kind of services are they providing?

NAS conserve the rights of citizen by producing evidence in regards to government actions. It is a research centre for those who seek information about the country history. Also, it is platform for educational programmes and exhibitions to the public who share the common interest of learning more about the nation history. 

List of things they provided:

1. Records Management and Preservation;  manages the  records for public use and preserve them in climate-controlled conditions.
2. Providing Access;   collection of research materials can be access through online.
3. Sharing Knowledge;  expertise share their knowledge to the community through consultation and training on using archival resources, records management and oral history methodology. Also a guided tour will be given to the public on archival work.
4. Archives Conservation Services;  conserve services for papers records such as anoxic treatment, deacidification, leafcasting, mechanical cleaning, manual repair, tissue mounting, encapsulation and high value (rare) book binding using archival method. Also, recommend the type of treatment(s) required and provide an estimation of the charges based on the physical condition of the records as well as offering advice on proper storage and handling methods.

Image was shown that the articles were being submerged in water to ensure that the articles are clean before going to the next process.   

                                                                                            

Image was shown after the articles were been dried. 

 Image shows the end of product.

Image shows the old books were being lamenated in new covers.

2) Do they use any Social Media & Web 2.0 technologies for public communication & education?

Well yes, they do. They have an online website where you can access the archives instantly. What they called is  a 2 o. It is to meet the demands of IT users and to encourage more people to utilise the information quick and easy. It is a platform where the old meets the new.

 Also they have an online exhibitions for those who wants a quick infomation on the various exhibits in Singapore without leaving your doorsteps. The purpose of doing so is to enhance interactive multimedia versions of NAS past, current and future exhibitions for education.

Screenshot taken from: http://www.a2o.com.sg/a2o/public/html/ 

They provide newsletter every year on various history updates and the happenings in the nation. However, they did not provide any rss feed, probably because they do not have frequent updates for us to know about.

One thing that  interest me the most was the game they have online. It is an educational game whereby we have to answer numerous questions in the least number of turns and shortest time taken will stand to win exciting prizes.

 Screenshot taken from; http://syonanrace.s1942.org.sg/

I have decided to choose City Harvest Community Services Association as my choice.

Image taken from: http://www.facebook.com/chcsa?v=feed&story_fbid=143299458853

Let me give you a brief history on the organisation.

“City Harvest Community Services Association (CHCSA) was established in March 1996. Championing the merits of active social care within our society, CHCSA has continually endeavoured to express the ethos of faith and hope in the human spirit through practical demonstrations of love to the community at large. This extends especially to those who are less fortunate, regardless of their race, language and religion.

CHCSA passionately believes in a culture of loving others fervently. With that, as of 31 December 2008, we have a dedicated group of 8 full-time staff and 842 volunteers who work toward fulfilling the vision of making a difference in our society. In 2008 alone, CHCSA provided 20,932 services to 15,239 unique individuals of which 6,314 were assisted on a regular basis.” “

   Source: http://www.chcsa.org.sg/about_chcsa.htm 

Screenshot taken from: http://www.chcsa.org.sg/

List of things that they have in the website.

1.  A brief history of them and their services for the needy.
2. Statistic on the services provided for the various groups.
3. Other works that involved the community.  
4. Events calendar for that period of year.
5. Provides photo gallery and videos.
6. Their involvement in the tsunami operation.
7. Contact details were provided.

Well there are everything that you need to know about them. How to get yourself register for blood donation, upcoming events and to get you started as a volunteer. However, I think there are much to be improve to increase the awareness.

How to increase the awareness of the organisation in the society?

Firstly, I think they should tell the viewers on their website that they have a facebook and twitter accounts so that more people will get updated with their events and use youtube for sharing their videos online to encourage more viewers to support their events. With facebook, they can really share their thoughts and show how people can contribute to the organisation as part of doing a good deed.

CHCSA in facebook & twitter

Screenshot taken from: http://www.facebook.com/chcsa?v=feed&story_fbid=143299458853

Screenshot taken from; http://twitter.com/search?q=chcsa

Secondly, they should work hand in hand with Mediacorp because I think they should make a documentary on the life stories of staffs and volunteers who have work together to show their passion and love towards humanity. I think it is the best way to spread the awareness that there is such an organisation who are willing to help those who need them. With all the awards that they have gained, why not show to the rest of Singaporeans how they are dedicated and their willingness to help one another no matter what background you came from.

Lastly, they should make an online forum to the viewers who would like to share their thoughts and opinions on upcoming events and how they can help the organisation. This forum will form new friendships and everyone can relate to each other the importance of caring to the community. That will be great to know new people , interact one another and finally get to meet them in person during the event.

In conclusion, I do hope that the organisation are working hard to make themselves acknowledge by the locals even though not many of us know about them because mainly we either do not bother to check on them or there are too many organisations that are doing the same thing which is helping those in need. Through these writings, I have learned that there are such organisations and now I know a few of them too.