The Blog

Vlogging – good idea or bad?

For a long time I’ve wanted to start a YouTube channel. I am addicted to iPhone cases and I always watch videos of unboxings and reviews of cases to see what is new and exciting. I also like it when people turn the camera around and talk to people. Vlogging, for me, would be a fun way to talk about tech and anything else happening, and also allow me to engage in conversations with people all over the world.

I’ve already posted saying that I love gadgets. I really really like cell phones and I would love nothing more than to be able to review and give people an educated opinion on which mobile OS I like, and which one could suit their needs. Unfortunately iOS is not the be all, end all mobile operating system. I also don’t have the personal bank roll to be able to afford 3 smartphones.

I’m not begging anyone for review products, I just know that I can do a good job of reviewing and discussing technology for nerds and the regular person. I also could give amazing recommendations on cases!

I think I’ll start doing this. I’ll let you know when I get going.

iOS vs. Android vs. Windows Phone pt. 1

I should start with the fact that I AM NOT a great writer. I use way too many commas and I write how I speak, well…I write how I think I would say each sentence. To me it all makes sense, but to a normal person reading this it might not. I am sorry in advance.

For the sake of this article, I am just discussing the major points of each OS as I see it. If you want to talk in fine detail, leave a comment or contact me on here or twitter.

Enough bickering, let’s get to the meat of this bad boy.

I love gadgets and I really love mobile phone gadgets. Why? I have no idea. I think it’s because they are constantly changing, and the three major players are fighting to the death which make things very interesting. I have been an iOS user since mid 2007 starting with the original iPhone. I then moved on to the iPhone 3GS and eventually to the iPhone 4. I now am using an AT&T Galaxy S II Skyrocket running Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread. I have never used Windows Phone, but I have read and seen a lot about it. (Side note: I’m dying to tryout a Windows Phone. If you can hook me up with one, PLEASE get in contact with me.)

Ok. iOS vs. Android vs. Windows Phone. Which is better? Which sucks completely? Is one better than the other? Why or why not?

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Purell :30 ad

This is an ad Ted Makarewicz and I made for Visual Storytelling. We had to film a :30 spot for Purell using no dialog and up to three cards. We told the story of the dollar emphasizing the fact that you don’t know where it’s been.

Purell Ad

Innovation Challenge Winner!

We won! Team Brandslam, a group of Non-MBA students just claimed the title of “Worlds Most Innovative MBA Team.” It has been an absolutely incredible experience and I am very thankful to have one. I’m happy that our team was able to shine some light on the Brandcenter and show that what we are learning is extremely valuable and that we can answer the same problems that MBA’s do, but we can do it better.

Innovation Challenge Finalist!

Team Brandslam – Jen Clinehens, Cody Pate, Katlyn Williams, and me, Ryan Dowling have made it to the final three of the Innovation Challenge. We will be celebrating at the New York Stock Exchange in January.

I really hope we win, but just making the top three and besting upwards of 180+ other teams feels great. We are already winners, we just don’t know if we’re #1 yet.

It’s already over?

It’s honestly hard to believe that my first semester at the Brandcenter is over. It really seems like I’ve been going non-stop for a month, pretty surreal. It was a good one though. I met a lot of awesome people, and did a lot of awesome things. I can’t wait to see what happens in the Spring.

Until then, I’ll be relaxing. I sure as hell deserve some of that.

Wire-framing Mobile Site

I made a screen cast of me wire-framing a mobile website for a project. I thought it was fun so I decided I might as well put it on here. Hope you enjoy.

View Video

Hi. Hello. Good Day.

Truth be told, I’ve tried to start blogs in the past and they have all failed, except the Xanga I made in high school…let’s not go there. I’m not the best writer, or really any good at writing at all. I use A LOT of commas when I should use other punctuation, but whatever, as long as I get the point across, right?

I’m guessing if you’re reading this you’re thinking to yourself, “who is this guy anyway?” Well, my name is Ryan and I am a Creative Technology student at the VCU Brandcenter in Richmond, VA. I listen to music from the 50’s & 60’s with a little rap and disco thrown in (I know, pretty weird taste, but it rocks). I am into tattoos, old cars, video games, bourbon, and I have an undying fascination with skulls.

I’m definitely giving it my all when it comes to this blog. I’m going to try and update at least once or twice a week about whatever is or is not happening with me. (Don’t quote me on that) If people start to actually read it then that is awesome, if not, at least I’ve got a place to vent (I’ll try to do as little as possible of that).

So Long. Farewell. Alvederzein. Good-bye.