Alice Williams

Stories By Alice Williams

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  News

  News By Alice Williams

  5 Ways to be a Successful Blogger in a Rural Area

  Blogging has become big business—just a few years ago, bloggers were simply individuals with a hobby they wanted to share, and now they have the potential to earn hundreds of thousands of dollars. While most of us conjure up images of successful bloggers going to exclusive parties, working in offices with a prime location and a team to help them, there are plenty of bloggers that live in small towns with no staff. You don't have to live by the beach in Los Angeles or have connections to all the coolest parties. Here are five tips to get started as an amazing blogger in the middle of nowhere. 1. Make Full Use of Free Blogging Services Online It's easier than ever to start a blog—simply sign up for a free blog on sites such as Wordpress, Weebly and Wix. There's no need to know HTML, CSS or anything like that as most free blog sites have made their platform intuitive and incredibly easy to use. Be sure to add free plugins to make the experience better for your readers. A few recommended ones to install would be the Google Analytics for Wordpress plugin as well as plugins for your social media networks. 2. Take the time to figure out who your audience is Successful blogs know their readers and what their interests are. As such, this allows them to have a clear focus and to strategically plan content that will cater to their interests. Loyal readers come back to a blog again and again because they come to trust and find genuine use for the articles. Be sure to find and engage with your target audience on social media and to keep up a rapport with them. Did you know that 86 - 90% of people will make a choice about a service or product depending on online reviews? The same goes for your blog! If you earn yourself a bad reputation online, your website traffic and social media following can suffer as a result. 3. Be Authentic and Genuine Whether you love writing about healthy food but aren't a registered dietitian, or adore beauty but have never been trained professionally, the key is to be authentic. Your readers will forgive you if you don't have specific qualifications—blog readers want genuine content that helps them. While it might seem strange to be writing about city street style when living in rural Iowa, you can focus on how to stay stylish in the Midwest to ensure you aren't alienating your target audience. In fact, one of the highest earning fashion bloggers hails from Utah, and her success is credited towards showing modest fashion that appeals to states in the Midwest. Instead of prioritizing content on trending topics or content that might go viral, be sure to create content that makes sense to your readers. 4. Don't be Scared to Work With the Local Community Networking is a key skill as a blogger—whether you're in a big city or a tiny rural town. The best way to get your name out into the community is to work with others in the area. If you've started a fashion blog, go and introduce yourself to the people who own the clothing stores in your area. While there may not be any big events in the community just yet, you can discuss the possibility of throwing events in conjunction with local business owners, once they've gotten to know you better. In addition to bettering your connection to your community, it can aid you in finding someone to help you out with the blog. You might meet a student photographer who can help you take photos, make friends with a writer who can help you edit your content—the possibilities are endless. 5. Use Tech Tools to Cut Down on Time Blogging well takes time but don't let that intimidate you. Make use of inexpensive tech tools that can help you drastically cut down on time by managing and automating a range of tasks. Marketing and promotion of your content is essential for driving traffic to your blog and getting it seen. There are a range of tech tools that can take care of this whilst letting you charge on with content creation and strategy. Apps and software such as Hootsuite, Buffer and SproutSocial allow you to schedule social media posts and alerts you when someone mentions your blog or leaves you a comment. Social media drives 31% of all referrals traffic and should not be overlooked. Additionally, email applications such as MailChimp and Constant Contact let you easily make newsletters where you can share updates, your latest content and other news with your readers Living in a rural area doesn't need to be limiting your blogging dreams. In our modern and connected society, it is possible to undertake this exciting endeavor no matter where your zipcode may be.

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  Gaming

  Gaming By Alice Williams

  10 States Trying the Hardest to Catch 'Em All

  Not a day has passed since Pokémon Go's launch last month without people weighing in on the hype — whether they're die-hard fans who'll walk 10 kilometers in flip-flops to hatch an egg, or critics who don't understand how it feels for a Vaporean to escape. Fueled by nostalgia and a fascination with augmented reality, Pokémon Go has generated incredible user engagement — it has even seen more daily users than Tinder. Pokémon Go has captured the hearts of some North American states more than others. This handy infographic from Internet Service Partners shows which states are the most interested in catching 'em all. In Pokémon-Loving States, Millennials Are All In The creators of Pokémon Go owe a lot of their success to the 18- to 24-year-olds who make up 60% of all Pokémon trainers. This age group is only a portion of the millennial population — which ranges from 18 to 34 years old — and is strongly represented in the states that are most interested in Pokémon Go. Oregon, the state with the most residents on the Pokémon train, has a 44% millennial population. Though the fourth most Pokémon-loving state, West Virginia, has the lowest percentage of millennials on the list, Generation Y still makes up over a fifth of its population. Pokémon Go Is Popular Even Where Activity Is Not Pokémon Go requires players to be physically active to achieve success, so you might expect less active states to avoid the game. However, many users are bucking their states' activity trends. Arkansas is the second least active state in the country, but it came in seventh on this list. West Virginia and Texas are two other states with low activity rates that also made the top 10. In 2013, almost a third of adults in West Virginia reported getting no physical activity — but Pokémon Go may be on track to change that. Barring the top three states on the list, which all rank in the top five for activity rates, a state's lack of activity doesn't seem to hinder the popularity of Pokémon Go. Other Apps Should Take Note Pokémon Go's success highlights the market potential for other app builders who want to draw large numbers of users to their products. The app has tapped into a fairly unexplored niche of app-based games requiring movement and could influence other apps to use similar technology that encourages people to get outside and have fun. Pokémon Go appeals to users' desires to be more active while satisfying their need for stimulation. It helps players escape the stresses of everyday life while also providing physical benefits, social engagement, a sense of community, and a nostalgic feeling of adventure. Interestingly, none of the top 10 states most interested in Pokémon Go have the same most sought-after Pokémon. Could these virtual creatures soon become a matter of state pride?

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  Buying Guides

  Buying Guides By Alice Williams

  The Ultimate Newbie's Guide to Internet Speeds

  Though Internet Service Providers (ISP) advertise their services in terms of Mbps and Gbps, upload and download speeds don't mean much if you don't understand what they do. If you're just setting up your Internet for the first time, keep reading to learn about common Internet activities and how much bandwidth they take. Online Gaming Internet speed is a critical factor in both console and PC gaming. Local multiplayer gaming is less common, and even single-player experiences require upload and download speeds of at least 3 Mbps per gamer. If you're looking to expand your gaming system and aren't sure how much speed you need, take a detailed look at the Internet requirements for gaming. Speed You Need: Look for upload and download speeds of 3–6 Mbps per gamer. Streaming Video Unlike gaming, where you have to keep up to compete, you can stream videos at several different speeds if you don't mind waiting for your movie to buffer. Standard definition video can stream successfully with download speeds of around 3 Mbps per streamer, but HD video streaming requires 5 Mbps download speeds. If you want to stream Ultra HD 4K content, you need download speeds of at least 25 Mbps. Speed You Need: Video on social media requires download speeds of 3–6 Mbps per streamer, while streaming television and movies calls for download speeds of 3–25 Mbps. Streaming Audio If you're an audiophile, you'll be happy to know that streaming audio requires much less bandwidth than streaming video. Most streaming services offer high-quality audio that streams at 320 Kbps — in order to hear this clearly, you'll want download speeds of at least 1.5 Mbps. While this can add up over time if you have a data cap, music won't affect your total bandwidth much. Speed You Need: Whether you're streaming music or podcasts, look for Internet download speeds of 1.5–5 Mbps per streamer. Working from Home If you will use the Internet to work from home, your upload speed will likely be more important than your download speed. If you're often backing up items on the Cloud or sending large files to multiple people, you likely need upload speeds of at least 1 Mbps and download speeds of at least 3 Mbps. If you also need capabilities like videoconferencing, you'll benefit from speeds of at least 15 Mbps. Speed You Need: If your work from home requires minimal online activity, 3 Mbps is fine. Otherwise, look for speeds of 15–20 Mbps. Videoconferencing While there are many websites that offer videoconferencing services, Skype requires only 500 Kbps for high-quality video calls. However, HD videoconferences require at least 1.5 Mbps, and you need speeds of at least 2 Mbps if you want to videoconference with more than one other person. Speed You Need: Depending on the quality you desire and how many people you want to video call, you need Internet speeds of 500 Kbps–8 Mbps. Find Your Perfect Speed With this information, consider your Internet needs and keep the following points in mind to find the best Internet speed for you. Look for ISPs that offer the speeds you need. Consider purchasing an Internet plan that provides one or two Mbps more than you require — this will help provide a buffer if friends or family come to visit. Remember that Internet speeds can fluctuate based on the time of day, type of Internet connection, and your physical location. Read the fine print of your agreement with your ISP to find out the minimum and average speeds it will provide you. Make sure you purchase new equipment to match your new Internet service. If your modem or router is outdated, it may not be able to handle high-speed Internet. After you set up your Internet service, test your speed regularly. If you aren't receiving the speeds your ISP agreed to, follow up with the company to make sure they correct the issue. Consider your Internet use — keeping in mind how many people will use it at once — and use this information to decide on the best ISP and Internet plan for your home. Make sure your hardware can manage these speeds and you'll be well on your way to a great Internet experience, hassle and drama free.

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  Cybersecurity

  Cybersecurity By Alice Williams

  Why Corporate Responsibility for Data Breaches Is Important

  Data breaches are increasingly common, but the U.S. government doesn't think they should be. The Data Security Act of 2015, or H.R.2205, is a bill being proposed that would require retailers to follow the same security standards established by the financial industry. While consumers desire better data practices and timely communication if a security breach occurs, some industry professionals still disagree about the role of corporate responsibility. Retail Industry Opposes Regulation Some of the primary opponents of the Data Security Act of 2015 are retail establishments. The Retail Industry Leaders Association views the bill unfavorably and says it's unfair to expect retailers to follow the same privacy and security regulations as banks and financial institutions. Similarly, the Consumer Federation of America states the bill would do more harm than good. The Federation of State PIRGs, a group that supports consumer interests, says H.R.2205 would eliminate state security laws — some of which are stronger than the proposed federal legislation — and prevent state innovation. However, not all states have security laws in place, and the laws that do exist have varying requirements. This can become complicated when a data breach begins in one state but spreads to others. The National Retail Federation (NRF) says the legislation is red tape that will negatively impact small businesses. The NRF suggests small businesses don't pose the same level of risk as financial institutions and therefore shouldn't be held to the same criteria and regulations. Yet all businesses, regardless of size or industry, are at a growing risk of a data breach. Financial Industry Promotes Shared Responsibility Major players in the financial industry launched the "#StopTheDataBreaches" campaign to support H.R.2205, arguing that retailers, networks, processors, and financial institutions should all share responsibility for data hacks. Right now, financial institutions — not retailers — are being asked to pay out. This is how the Wendy's breach is being handled, and financial institutions are feeling the pressure. The financial industry also recognizes that chip card technology can help fight data breaches, but that focusing on only this method is foolish. Retailers that use chip cards have seen a 26% decrease in counterfeit fraud. However, the retail industry has been slow on this front as well: only 37% of retail companies can process chip cards. Plus, an increasing number of consumers make online purchases. Chip cards don't provide protection for these transactions, which puts consumer information in jeopardy. Consumers need a comprehensive solution that includes the secure transmission and storage of their personal and financial information at both the physical and digital checkout lines. Data Security Sways Consumer Loyalty Many consumers may not be aware of H.R.2205, but they know that data breaches are a risk. As hackers show a shift in interest from financial information to personal information and identity theft, 63% of consumers don't believe retailers are doing enough to protect their data. Consumers share concerns and negative experiences with friends and family. When a consumer's trust is broken, their loyalty goes as well. They may quit shopping at stores that don't secure data, stop shopping online, or switch to using cash in the store. Consumer Expectations of Corporate Responsibility According to consumers, all retailers should take proactive cybersecurity measures, such as keeping up to date on cybersecurity trends. The public wants companies to be transparent about privacy and security practices, particularly those related to sharing and storing personal and financial information. Consumers recognize that a corporate data breach can negatively impact them, and 40% of consumers stop shopping at retailers that have had breaches. Over 90% of consumers expect to be notified within 24 hours of a data breach, and 60% believe a national notification policy could help them feel more secure. Consumers expect retailers to help them protect their information and to notify relevant third parties in the event of a breach. If given the information and tools they need, consumers are willing to take action — they understand that security is a shared obligation. But perhaps most of all, consumers want to be treated as people. They want retailers to care about them more than their wallets. Taking the responsible and ethical approach to managing data breaches — whether or not there is a federally mandated standard — will help retailers win back consumers.

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  Google

  Google By Alice Williams

  How Android Is Making Its Mark in Medical and Health Technology

  Mobile devices aren't just changing the way we communicate -- they're currently changing the face of health care, too. Recent developments in smart technology, from phones to home automation, have made it easy for people to track and monitor every aspect of their daily health and fitness routines. In addition, open-source software for Android and Apple devices has made it possible for health care professionals and medical researchers to use technology to help them study everything from asthma to autism. You've probably heard quite a bit about Apple's medical tech accomplishments, but you may not know that Android is quickly catching up in terms of health research and development. As a result of some revolutionary efforts in the field, Android users can and should expect a notable shift toward more comprehensive medical tech integration in the coming years. Android's Big Move When Deborah Estrin, a computer science professor at Cornell Tech and a professor of public health at Weill Cornell Medical College, learned about software that would allow researchers to develop apps to track the health and fitness habits of people across the country, she couldn't wait to get in on the action. However, the initial software was only compatible with Apple products. That left too many people out of the equation for Estrin. "You can't just do research studies on people who can afford iPhones," Estrin told The New York Times. To bridge the gap, she set out to bring the same capabilities to the Android market. Her project, ResearchStack, is an open-source software framework that will provide medical researchers and other health care professionals with a means to develop apps that assist in health research and data collection on Android devices. The system also seeks to make it easier for developers to adapt existing iOS research apps for use on Android. ResearchStack is now public and available for interested developers to begin using. All code is available on Github to help drive community support. Medical Tech Applications Estrin isn't wasting any time in delving into practical medical tech applications. One of the first apps to go live on ResearchStack will be Mole Mapper, an app that's part of a melanoma study at Oregon Health & Science University. Mole Mapper was originally developed by a cancer biologist to help his wife monitor suspect moles between dermatologist visits. After some development, the app now allows users to take pictures of moles, map them onto body zones, and monitor changes over time. The images can also be shared with researchers through the app, once consent is granted. App development on ResearchStack isn't the only way that Android is meeting the demand for medical and health care tech, though. Google Fit is an Android health platform that uses sensors in smartphones and other mobile devices to automatically track physical activity. Everything from walking to biking gets captured, and users can track fitness and weight loss progress with the app. There are also a number of activity trackers, workout guides, nutrition and sleep monitors, and exercise gamification apps available for Android devices. And the best part is, many of these health and fitness apps can be downloaded for free, making them accessible to a wide range of users. What It All Means Technology is making it easier for researchers and health care professionals to expand their knowledge and understanding of disease and dysfunction. Thanks to pioneering advocates like Estrin, health apps and medical research studies are being made available to the broadest number of people possible. And the more use and feedback these inaugural efforts get, the better their development will become. The commitment to bring the latest and greatest health-related technology to Android users will help researchers collect the most data possible and avoid the potential pitfall of a socioeconomic bias based on the type of smart tech a person can afford. When health and wellness technology is available on all platforms, everyone wins. If you're interested in making use of some of this innovative new health tech, search for available health tracking apps on your smartphone to get started.

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  Cybersecurity

  Cybersecurity By Alice Williams

  How-to: Stay secure online

  From Ashley Madison to the IRS, 2015 was the year of high profile hacks. While it can be unnerving to think about large companies and well-known establishments being successfully taken down, don't lose hope just yet. Those who refuse to invest in any form of online security are at the most risk and even deploying one or two security measures can help protect you. Follow this advice to keep yourself secure online. Use A Password Manager Contrary to popular opinion, password managers will not leak your passwords out to nasty hackers waiting to steal your private information. Password managers are applications that store information, such as passwords, for you and encrypt your data by using a master password. Many password managers will generate these master passwords for you so as long as you do not use them anywhere else, your information will stay safe and secure. You benefit from using a password manager because not only do they store all of your passwords in one safe, neat place, they also generate really strong and unique passwords every time you log into a site. This is a big deal because having the same password for every website makes it much easier for hackers to steal your information. Having an application that makes a new one with each website log-in slows down hackers in a big way. Invest In Decent Antivirus Software Yes, that does mean paying for it. I remember my Godfather, who used to work in online security, shake his head at me when I proudly showed him that my new laptop came with free pre-installed anti-virus. Cue spending a small fortune on Kaspersky – which was worth it. Five years later and my laptop is still going strong and has not suffered from any viruses or malware attacks. While antivirus isn't the solution to your hacking fears, there is still a place for it despite some claiming it to be 'dead'. Brian Krebs, renowned cyber crime and internet security writer, notes that "antivirus remains a useful approach to security" which can help find new variations of threats it has come across in the past. Secure Your Mobile Technology Mobile use is ever increasing and hackers have taken notice. Nowadays, we basically store our lives on our phones; including our banking details. After phone makers opened their platforms to third-party developers a few years ago (think Facebook and Instagram), mobile viruses were given an avenue to mobile technology. Safeguard your mobile technology by installing antivirus software for your phone, setting a password or lock code and enabling the 'do not track' feature when you browse the internet. Both the Google chrome and Safari browsers give you this option. Don't Open Weird Emails Or Click On Fishy Links Notice the pun there? Phishing scams are one of the most common ways hackers access your information through email. Some things you can expect from phishing emails are questionable grammar and spelling, strange email addresses that look as if they're from a business, and links with promises of riches after you click them. Any emails from Nigerian princes should be ignored and swiftly deleted. Practicing safe email habits are a simple yet effective way to stay safe from hackers. If you don't recognize an email address and the subject line looks strange, trust your intuition and delete it. It's not worth the risk of having your information stolen. Furthermore, never reveal sensitive data to unknown persons over email. What Else Can I Do? One of the best things that you can do to keep yourself protected online is to keep up to date on the latest cybersecurity news. In addition to keeping informed on new developments in the online security sphere, consider becoming an avid reader of cybersecurity experts, such as Bruce Schneier who has written extensively on the subject. And remember to share your knowledge with others so that they can stay secure online as well!

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