Louise Masin Sattler

Would I be posting on social media if I only still had my Kodak 110 camera?

Published on July 26, 2017November 13, 2017 by LouiseSattler1 Comment

Remember the Kodak’s 110 Camera? It was my treasure. It was so skinny and it could fit in to my Levi jeans without any problem! Ah… those were the days. When all you had was 24 chances for taking photos and carefully chose the time and place. Would you save them for your upcoming trip or use them all on your child’s birthday party?

“Back in the days” we weren’t photographing every single movement of a child, every car at the auto show or every play at a sporting event. Instead we were involved in real conversations and enjoying life without the need to view it through a lens. There were some occasions when once in a while a person might snap a photo without you knowing. (Case in point, the photo of me below taken in the 1970’s). But, overall a photograph was usually formal and well thought out, after all you were restricted by the number of photos on your camera film. For me – that was 24. Plain and simple.

“A good photograph is one that communicates a fact, touches the heart and leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it. It is, in a word, effective.” ~Irving Penn

Confession 1. I was guilty of using more than my share of Kodak film with 24 exposures. But times have changed. Currently I am THAT PERSON who is busy snapping away with my iPhone and digital camera. Why not!? I no longer have limited chances of “getting it right”. I can hone my photography skills until my battery dies!

But, why am I taking photo after photo after photo?

Maybe it is because I am worried I won’t remember conversations or special moments in later years? And it is true that I have “self-designated” myself as the “chronicler” of family moments? Obviously, I have an addiction to photography and all technology associated with it? Or perhaps the real reason is simply I like the story that a photo is able to tell. A photo can speak volumes. A photo can convey in a way that words may fail.

For example, without one single typed or spoken word I bet you can imagine a story behind the photo I posted below. So much to view and possibilities.

“There is one thing the photograph must contain, the humanity of the moment.”

~Robert Frank

Confession 2. When you work within the social media milieu you snap a lot of photos. Why? Well for starters, images can be focus of a social post. And, interesting images that are taken at cool venues make for high engaging posts If you are working for a brand then you know that high engagement equals happy clients.

Being a social correspondent on a red carpet can be fun, but in all honesty, there are a lot of challenges with getting the right photo at the right time during these high intensity events. There are exceptions, however. Such as this photo of pop artist/ singer Emii. Taken at the iPain Foundation gala, she posed with ease and the backdrop of the logo balloons was perfect! The venue was rustic and not fancy, but, she posed beautifully and without a blink. This photo was the result. Needless to say it garnered a “few likes” on social media.

In closing, I am glad we have moved beyond the Brownie camera, Kodak 110’s and even the standard camera of not that long ago that used “real film”. I am pretty sure that social media would look a lot differently if it wasn’t for the ability for a photographer or a aficionado of photography to have more than “24 chances”. Dare I even think if social media would not have even been as huge an entity if it weren’t for the digital camera?

What do you think?

Original article Linkedin on my account. Edited for WordPress

Featured Photo taken by me on an iPhone 6 plus of the kids from This Is Us taken at the Celebrity Connected Gifting Suite, 2017.

Reflections and Lessons: #NeverForget is the hashtag – but have we?

Published on September 11, 2016December 12, 2016 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

I write this with a heart that is still so heavy with sadness for those who have lost their loved ones as a result of the terrorist acts on September 11th. Yet, I wonder if others are thinking of today more as “football Sunday” vs. a day of remembrance? Have we forgotten about how we all promised to “come together”, “help each other” and #NeverForget the lessons of September 11, 2001?

I hope not.

As the collateral damage still unfolds as those continue to die – even indirectly. We forget that many brave people (and animals) risked their lives trying to help others. Our First Responders worked tirelessly to help find survivors. Many of those are suffering from Post -traumatic stress disorder and ill health – even 15 years later.

And, directly due to 9/11 we lost scores of brave men and women in combat. Lives forever gone and families forever heartbroken.

Also, as an oddity to many we have hit a juncture where there are now college aged people who have only a “faint memory” of the events that unfolded on September 11, 2001. Their only recollection are the stories passed down to them from those who “remember when…” or memories of media images they saw when young. Some are even saying that 9/11 is now more “historical” than “relevant” news.

How can the events of September 11th be “historical” when for many it still feels like yesterday?

And ….

… there is another observation I have made and feel compelled to write about – one that hits me in the pit of my stomach. We are making making of the same mistakes – again! We have not learned the lessons of our ancestors or even one generation ago. We are in a place that may be all too familiar for those who experienced the Holocaust or Cold War. Our educational curve is going downward instead of upward when it comes to learning from the past about how minds can be “twisted” during times of economic and emotional turmoil. Adolph Hitler banked on people wanting – needing – more and different. He placed blame on niche groups. This scenario is happening again- NOW – like a Greek tragedy only with different people at the helm.

Related: A comparison of the Holocaust and 9/11 (ChicagoNow.com)

Sadly, many are forgetting. We aren’t living up to the pledges and promises we made on the days, weeks and months following Sept 11th. In social media “hashtag” terms our ability to honor the fallen and learn from the past may seem like we will #NeverForget but in many ways the reality is we are leaning towards an #EpicFail, as too many are still suffering and we are not as cohesive a nation or world as we once had promised, had hoped.

In my humble opinion, we must honor all who lost their lives and those we still grieve as a result of September 11th by being POSITIVE agents of change. So please, make a difference so that our children and children’s children have half a chance to live a life in the land of free because we remember the brave.

Thank you.

Meeting Professional WWE Women’s Wrestler- Lisa Marie Varon

Published on July 13, 2016 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

It is the most unlikely of pairings! A social media correspondent expecting to just snap a few photos at an ESPY gift suite and a professional woman’s wrestler. But, somehow we bonded over a few laughs, high fives and realizing that life is good after your 30’s (and for me a bit beyond that.) Lisa Marie Varon is a class act. I instantly thought she was fun, funny and truly engaging.

Not every celebrity who walks the red carpet wants to have a conversation – but Lisa Marie was much more considerate than many. We chatted for a long time! After I returned home from helping at the Celebrity Connected event, I did a little research on Ms. Varon. Or shall I say “Victoria” / “Tara”.

As a woman’s professional wrestler she earned several titles, including twice winning the WWE Woman’s Championship. Her resume includes bodybuilder, fitness competitor and entrepreneur. Make no mistake- the WWE enterprise is BIG BUSINESS – with over 650 million fans on social media alone! Learn more here.

I also discovered that Lisa Marie (who was named after THE Lisa Marie Presley) – continues to put fitness first. Despite having more than her share of bumps and bruises in her lifetime, she keeps healthy – I am sure part of her regimen is laughing daily. AND she is a professional speaker – another thing we have in common!

Enjoy the photos of Lisa Marie and I at the ESPY Celebrity Connected Gift Suite. She also is media savvy and tweets as @RealLisaMarie. She has a few more followers than me – but no biggie!!

Lisa Marie, so glad we met!

Media contacts for Lisa Marie can be made here. BookLisaNow@gmail.com

Lisa Marie wrestler — Lisa Marie Varon and Louise Masin Sattler

Untitled — No bloggers were hurt in this photo… haha!

Writing Your First Blog

Published on March 24, 2016July 7, 2019 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

You have heard about “blogging” and maybe even attempted to start your own without any guidance. Yet if your experience is like many people I know, before you knew it frustration settled in and you gave up! No need to give up entirely – let me help by offering you a step by step “short- course” on writing your first blog posts!

Step 1: Use a solid blogging platform. Whether it be WordPress (my first choice), Google Blogger or even Linkedin – find a place to express your thoughts.

Step 2- For newbies write an outline. Simple paper and pen will be your first “tools” to use. Write a series of topics that you are passionate about on the top of the paper. Love dogs? Great! What do you love about dogs? Perhaps you want to blog about adopting from a shelter or rescue and the experience you had adding a puppy to your family via a local animal shelter?

Once you have settled on a topic then start writing down your primary thoughts. Let’s use the adoption of a dog as basis for our “model blog template”. I would perhaps write the following as my outline for my blog:

1- You always wanted to adopt a dog, but waited until the time was right as a dog is part of your family for many years.

2. The problems with overpopulation in shelters of unwanted dogs. (I would add an link of some evidence citing this fact, maybe from a reputable source such as the ASPCA.org)

3. Add your own research on finding a family friendly breed and/or how to integrate a new dog in to your family home. (Use a different source than the ASPCA.org -so it doesn’t look like you just read on kind of website. Remember do not plagiarize. QUOTE any and all facts that are directly copied. Give credit to all sources.)

4. Description of your search for the dog and how you finally found “Fluffy”.

5. A bit about “Fluffy” and his / her backstory. (Fluffy was abandoned, given up by owners, sickly, cute as pie, etc.)

6. Now be sure to add some links such as from more dog friendly sites about their advice on adopting a dog from a shelter. OR perhaps a personal story about growing up with a pet.

7. Lastly, close the blog with last thoughts, pearls of wisdom and of course, an update on how Fluffy and the family are doing.

Side note: Check out my own dog-adoption story here (and a template for writing, too!)

Back to my steps...

Step 3: When you have completed the actual writing of your article be sure to include the following components for finalizing your blog:

>ADD photos or images (such as an infographic). Use great apps such as Pic Collage or website like RELAY to give your post a visual boost! Important: Put your name on the photo that is YOURS. Be sure to give credit where it is due. DO NOT just “lift” photos from a Google Search in to your blog. Trust me – Getty Images will know that you did that. They are notorious on seeking out people who post their images and “fining” them a ridiculous amount of money. I like to use budget friendly photo sites such as PIXABAY or PEXELS.

My Story on Red Keyboard Button. — **An image can be a powerful addition to the written word in your blog.**

USE the spell and grammar check available on your blog platform. Write like an adult not like a third grader. And please, be positive – not negative in your first blogs. If you want to be controversial that is fine. But, hone your blogging skills first.

>Add CATEGORY and TAGS to your post. Categories should be the general gist, such as Dogs or Dog Adoption. Tags should be sub-categories to get peoples attention like: Dog Adoption, Adopt Don’t Shop, (the breed) like German Shepherd, Mixed Breed dogs, Family dog, etc. Both help with optimization of people finding your post in an online search.

>Check it for SEO readability if you have an SEO package added to your blog.

Be sure to SHARE it on popular social media sites such as TWITTER, FACEBOOK, TUMBLR or LINKEDIN. Use a hashtag such as #DogRescue #DogAdoption #GermanShepherdMix

Do not panic if you feel that it wasn’t well received. Thousands or even millions of blogs are written each week so there are some that gain traction and others that … well… go unnoticed.

There are a zillion more things I can tell you about writing a blog. But, I fear that may overwhelm blogging newbies and scare you from even trying! So, with that – enjoy the process and remember – write what interests YOU!

Am I too old for social media? Survey for those who dare to answer

Published on March 22, 2016March 22, 2016 by LouiseSattler4 Comments

Am I too old for social media? I am getting the sense that my “mature” demographic is not necessarily the one desired by brands, unless it is for medical equipment or pharmaceuticals. Maybe I am just having a bit of “post- birthday blues”. But, in all seriousness, lately, I have had more than one overt signal that I am too old to be a viable media specialist. I won’t lie – that stings a wee bit.

But, here is the real grit to this blog… I have some secrets that perhaps some brands who have rejected me (and my fellow “mature friends”) may be surprised to discover!

First, my friends have influence and affluence. They aren’t starting out millennials – they are people who have actually sweated day and night for every dollar in their bank account and stock in their portfolio. And, they have a heap of both!

They bring with them a rich history of the decades which translates to creativity. They don’t need to invent what they “think is retro” – they only need to pull some photos from their drawers or record albums from their attics. They lived the generations now reflected in the Goldbergs or Mad Men. They are boomers and proud of it!

My colleagues, family and friends are well- educated, have a thirst for continued learning, travel, sports and entertainment and a plethora of other interests. In other words – they like to earn and spend money to make their lives more interesting and enriched.

My inner-circle are smart, clever, creative and have wisdom that could fill Wikipedia. Most of all, many of them have raised children to be decent, hard working and self-sufficient citizens. This avalanche of smarts and buying power should be attractive to companies – right?

“But you are not a millennial, Louise!”

Brands want millennials – they are the future-

Ouch! I know that I am not a millennial. Thank goodness! I don’t have college debt, worries about healthcare nor building my future on hopes and dreams of becoming the next Youtube sensation. And, in all fairness – not every millennial is what I just described. In fact, my own kids and most of their friends are amazing humans who are working very hard to create their own paths and ensure for the security of their own futures. They are passionate and fabulous. They also have buying power – thanks to their parents putting them through expensive college educations that allowed them these opportunities.

What am I looking for?

I would love to learn if I am too old for social media? I know I have skills and influence. There are plenty of metric companies that tell me so! But, the real question is why do I feel that there are missed opportunities for people like me – simply based on age?!

And, doesn’t integrity and a desire to make a difference in this world count for something?

I don’t associate with nor care about those who put their own interests before those of the greater good. In other words, I believe that #SocialGood should be the theme song that runs throughout the social media world vs. #WhatHaveYouDoneforMElately?

So, here comes the survey… (answer in the comment section)

Do baby-boomers, like me, have a place in social media campaigns?

1) YES

2) NO

3) OTHER… here is why__________

For those who wish (or dare I say have the courage) to engage with mature social media specialists, please connect with me via this blog or 411 voices, a consortium of people of many demographics dedicated to social good and helping brands.. Thanks!

Should I write the post or not?

Published on January 15, 2016January 15, 2016 by LouiseSattler2 Comments

Recently, I have become a bit agitated by events going on around me. Our political arena seems to be topsy-turvy. Some people in my sphere are not making the best of choices and seem to be posting their very strong opinions and photos carelessly and without regard to whether or not they are experts in a field or being sensitive to the feelings of others. Some things are just not making sense.

I have started and stopped a variety of blog posts on these various situations and keep deleting them. I have wanted to yell via my Twitter feed – “Stop posting negative political posts!” Or… “That is online bullying!” Or…” You are NOT an expert in this field – don’t make blanket statements about medical treatments that are standard and customary!”

That begs the question – should you post or blog everything you want to say or not?

I decided to NOT post for now all the random and intense thoughts that are flowing through my brain. For one, the post would actually be an e-book. Instead I will just give resources on what is considered standard practice or words of wisdom for bloggers and those in social media.

For those who feel they need to post without a filter I suggest reading about possible repercussions to ones’ career in this New York Times article. Rafael Gomez, the author, makes a good point when he queries about whether a person would post a photo that they used in social media on the wall of their office cubicle? If the answer is – NO – then you should proceed with caution about what you upload on your Twitter, Instagram or Facebook stream. (And note, this is especially the case of college students who think the photo of them on Spring Break is funny – but prospective employers may not share their sense of humor.)

Don’t think that your rant about the President, key officials or even your boss will go unnoticed? Your negative post could result in loss of job, a trip to the police station or a visit from an agency with three letters in their acronym. Your comment will and should be taken seriously. So that purported innocent comment that you will back-pedal about by saying, “I was only kidding” – can potentially be THE mistake of your life. Read more here.

If you are not a physician, lawyer, accountant, etc. then you shouldn’t be dispelling advice. Sure, you can tell your opinion, but I would steer clear of giving hard and fast professional advice. And this is why – social media litigation is becoming a business. Yes, what is said, posted, tweeted, pinned, etc. on social media has become a legal entity of its’ own. So, for those who are stepping out of your profession and stepping in to one that you don’t have certification/ licensure – be ready – as you are setting yourself up for potentially a lot of “woe”. New technology means new laws. Read more about liability and social media here.

I will conclude by saying – just because you have a thought doesn’t mean it needs to leave your head. Be smart. Be safe. Be kind.

Thanks!

~Louise

Price is Right + #SocialTV …Part One: Pre-game strategies

Published on January 11, 2016 by LouiseSattler1 Comment

It all started with an email asking if I wanted VIP tickets to the Price is Right and to participate in their upcoming Social Media Week! Sounded fun. Why not!? That was about a month ago and now I am addicted to watching the show and “studying” for the “just in case” I get picked as a contestant during tomorrow’s taping. I looked and looked for help on how to “prepare” and found very little advice except from a fun blogger who did win.

Read Aurora’s Blog on her experience on the Price is Right

What I have learned so far on my own won’t be very exciting to report – yet. Yes, they like to give away a lot of cars and there seems to be required jumping and screaming involved by every chosen contestant. And, that the more “over the top your personality is” then the more likely you are to be chosen.

Sneakers and t-shirts decorated with Price of Right references appear to be the outfit of choice, so I took to decorating a few shirts for my teammates (Hubby and a couple of friends) with a hashtag #TeamDrew ( a reference to host Drew Carey). I also ordered a second shirt with my Twitter handle @LouiseASL and #411Voices as the hashtag- but not sure that it will be allowed. So, I too may adorn a #TeamDrew tomorrow during the taping. I also bought a few obnoxious head bands and one crown. Apparently those with decorative headbands or crowns get chosen as contestants, or so it seems! So I have plenty of selection for our team, including the bright red and sparkly headband to the right

To date, hubby and I have watched over a dozen episodes. Trying to be more aware of the games and techniques used by those obviously more seasoned at this game than the two of us. I must give kudos to the Price is Right procurement team as the trip to Space Camp had me jumping for joy – as if I won it!

I also have found myself wandering up and down the supermarket aisle with much more care than ever. What is the price of baby food these days? Ketchup? Pancake mix? I always buy on sale, but those prices are not helpful when it comes to guessing correctly for this show! In other words, if you are a thrifty shopper you may be handicapped from winning … A brand new car!

I plan on chronicling my adventure, from a ‘social media – educational perspective’. It will be a bit tricky to take photos, as my beloved social media tool of choice, aka my iPhone, apparently is prohibited for use and needs to be handed over to security before entering the studio.

Stay tuned for at least a Part Two – which will either be the next chapter or the “we didn’t get picked as contestants” blog. Either way- I promise to make it educational and entertaining. Wish us luck! Gotta go… I need to make one last trip to the grocery store to learn the price of paper goods!

Which blog posts were the most popular and favorite of 2015?

Published on December 22, 2015December 22, 2015 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

Today a question by a blogger was posed on WORDPRESS – “What was your favorite post that you wrote in 2015?” That is a tricky question. The posts I enjoyed writing or felt had the most “impact” were within the “social good or philanthropy”. But, interestingly the post that had the most direct readership (from WordPress directly vs. a “third party”) was a fashion blog – a topic I rarely discuss.

So – which blogs made the list with readers and which were my favorites here on Where Learning Meets Laughter?

WORDPRESS READERS FAVORITES:

Most popular: A Perfect Fit Every Time – Meet Fitlogic! #Giveaway

Lesson learned here: a giveaway helps a blog to be read

Close “runner- ups”:

A Letter to Teachers with Students who have ADD/ ADHD also was very well received. (and similar blogs about learning disabilities were nearly as popular.) I also must admit these blogs were on my “favorite” list, too!

MY PERSONAL FAVORITES

Dear Burlington Times was written in March 2015 as a response to a published letter to the editor titled: “Signing Specialists are a Distraction”, by a Mr. Muccolini. Apparently their reader had taken issue with sign language interpreters who help convey information during public and media events, but “distract” hearing people. (Sigh) After Mr. Mussolini authored his letter to the editor my Signing Families inbox was beyond full with requests to “do something” – so I did.

My response was passionate and very well received. Sadly, Mr. Mussolini or the paper issued a response to my letter to the editor. At least I had the gumption to “do something” – social good triumphed!

Tyler, Justine and Joey

A little fun at the Vanity Fair photo booth with iJustine and

Having a great time at VANITY FAIR event with Tyler Oakley, iJustine, and Joey Graceffa

YouTubers with hearts of gold and mad social media skills!

When you get to spend time at a Vanity Fair event with iJustine, Tyler Oakley and Joey Garceffa it is a day like no other! These YouTube sensations taught me a lot about social media from the eyes of millennials. Have to admit I bow with respect to all as they are accomplished authors on top of having loyal fans and profitable YouTube channels. It was a pleasure to meet them during OSCARS 2015 (actually, I had met Justine prior, but we didn’t have a chance to really connect until last February.) Here is my blog about this fun and funny experience!

Hurricane earthquake disaster damage ruined house

Luna

#SocialGood

When I get an opportunity to promote a #SocialGood cause or company that is dedicated to helping others, it makes my heart sing. Here is a list of many of the social good blogs I penned from 2015. Please take a minute to get to know these fabulous people dedicated to helping others in our communities and worldwide.

#SocialGood blogs

Thanks for reading any or all of my random musings on WHERE LEARNING MEETS LAUGHTER!

And, please share with me your favorite blog posts (here or elsewhere!)

“Then they came for me…”

Published on November 23, 2015November 23, 2015 by LouiseSattler2 Comments

This post may be one of the most controversial posts that I have ever written. But here it goes…

This is a photograph of a poster I purchased at the Holocaust Museum more than a decade ago. “I didn’t speak up … and then they came for me”.

I interpret the words of Pastor Martin Niemoller as an important lesson. We need to be the voice for the voiceless. We should never forget humanity and to help the less fortunate. For if we do… then what?

Yet, I am afraid that many of us might have forgotten, as now we are filling our social media timelines, newspapers, magazines and on – air programming with comments that are often unkind words towards others or filled with vile protests. How can that be when the United States is a human tapestry full of cultural richness? The majority of who are reading this blog can trace via Ancestry.com their roots to a place across the great oceans of this world. And, while most of us were not refugees, we are largely the decedents of immigrants who may have left their homelands due to oppression or in times of war.

I know that my ancestors arrived during what we may call “different times”. Before the 9/11 era. Before the Paris bombings a week ago.

However, the concern a parent has over the welfare of their child is a concept that is timeless. The hunger of a child is just as upsetting and real in 2015 as it was in 1915. A parent who loves their child will stop at nothing to protect them. Mothers and fathers will persevere and risk great danger solely because they are motivated by love and a dream to find for their family a safe harbor where they can raise their family in peace.

So when the refugees from Syria arrive in California I will show my support and greet my new neighbors. I will find a way to bring food and other supplies to help out these families that have traveled so far and experienced so much adversity.

My helping those from Syria also will not mean that I am turning my back on the needs of those who are already in my community. I promise you that. In fact feel free to join our family as we help the FRIENDS MOVEMENT feed the homeless on Thanksgiving Day.

And if you wish – check out these websites that are ways to help refugees from all over the world be safe.

SAVE THE CHILDREN

INTERNATIONAL RESCUE ORG (providing help to those already in California)

Thank you for being a reader of my blog. Happy Thanksgiving to all –