Recently read: Ruth Rendell’s Portobello

Rendell is a long established master of the British thriller, whether writing as Barbara Vine, as herself in the Inspector Wexford series, or her dark psychological works such as this one. In this suspenseful work, a well-meaning and prosperous middle aged man discovers a cash filled envelope lying in the street near Portobello Road. He posts an ad for the owner, despite the misgivings of many of his friends as well as his fiancée. Thus a series of events are unleashed that reveals secrets, sickness and sorrow. As are all Rendell’s books, this is a must read.

Week 9, Reflection

Reflect on your blogging experience for this class by re-reading the weekly assignments and articles, and the responses posted by your classmates. What did you like the most and what did you like the least? What did you learn from reading other people’s postings?

Week 8, Happy Thanksgiving

Take the week off from blogging and enjoy the holiday. I will post the final blogging assignment on December 1.

Week 7, It’s not just about your resume and cover letter anymore

Read this article on digital information at
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/worklife/10/12/cb.digital.trail.job.search/index.html?iref=werecommend

Follow the article’s instructions to see what you turn up about yourself on the Internet. When I do this, my personal blog and this blog, my book on Amazon, and my Linked-In spot come up, along with the other thousands of Erica Hansons in the world, most of whom seem fairly respectable.

While you do not have to tell us what exactly you found or provide links to those embarrassing photos, do write about your reaction to both the article and what you found when you searched your name on the Internet (if anything).

Week 6, Characteristics of a good boss

In business, you can think of a work unit as being the team and the boss as being the team leader. Even business owners and freelancers have bosses. A business owner has a boss when he or she works with a client to provide the service, item or benefit. An example would be an independent carpenter. A good boss for the carpenter would be a homeowner who clearly communicates what is needed and does not change the project halfway. A freelancer (whether a writer, graphic designer, temporary staff, or other professional) works for project leaders. My editor at the Dunn County News is a good boss because she gives me clear instructions and then lets me complete the assignment on my own. She also appreciates the work I do for her and is generous in praising my writing. For example, she told me once how much she appreciates that she doesn't need to edit or rewrite my articles.


Read this article on http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/worklife/11/09/good.boss.advice.cb/index.html Describe a boss or leader you’ve had who is a good boss. Give an example that illustrates what specific quality made him or her a good boss.

Week 5, Ensuring your email messages are professional

Read this article on email characteristics identified as pet peeves by a career planning consultant at http://stress.about.com/od/officepolitics/a/emailpeeves.htm The link should take you directly to the article. If it takes you to a list of articles, click on the one titled “Simplify your workday: 27 email pet peeves.”

After reading the two page article, what are your thoughts? What is your pet peeve about emails? Which one listed do you see the most? Have any emails you’ve received recently (or sent) been particularly unprofessional? If so, describe them.

Week 4, The Grammar Vigilante

Kate McCulley became so incensed about the grammatical errors she saw around her that she started a blog documenting not only the errors, but also the corrections. Visit her blog at http://thegrammarvandal.wordpress.com/ and read at least two of her entries. Then, look around this week and be alert to grammar errors.

Write your reaction to what she is doing and your reaction to her examples. Describe at least one grammar error you found, tell us where you found it (e.g. Eau Claire Leader-Telegram, a web site, an email, here on the campus at Globe, wherever), and what the correct usage would be.