Ideas for Blog Assignments featured in our WCTE presentation

Another Blog Assignment:

Reviewing real-world journalism

Source: Fast & Company Magazine; INC magazine

Assignment: review one of the articles on “the next big thing” – discuss its potential impact on the economy

Student examples:

Bridget: Scarves that didn't make it

Leslie Singer had an ambition to start her own designer accessory line, but despite her determination, something went wrong. Big companies and stores said since she was new, they couldn't take the risk of buying large quantities of scarves from her because they weren't sure they would sell. They also wanted her to redesign her collection to match that year's trends, for example, in green or leopard print, but she felt that compromised her vision. Singer was successful, however, with smaller boutiques. Simply getting small orders of no more than a couple dozen scarves at a time, though, wasn't enough. She did learn her lesson, however, by admitting that she failed to do her homework on large-volume fashion retail. She never looked at the retailer side, how they buy, how they decide, etc. Maybe if she tries a different approach, and gains the appropriate funds, she can try again and be more successful.

Jack: Subscription underwear?

Man Packs is a company that has a monthly subscription for underwear. This idea is catching the attention of entrepreneurs, investors, and mass media companies such as Maxim and The New York Times. The question everyone is asking about this company is, "Will it have a large effect on the economy of The United States?" The idea of a subscription for underwear is very refreshing and clever. However I do not believe this will turn around the American economy. I believe this due to Man Packs financial set-up. At the moment, Man Packs does not have enough money to get their brand out and set up attention grabbing ad campaigns. Without ads people will not have reclamation of Man Packs. I also believe this product will not succeed in the American Economy because Man Packs target is men who do not buy underwear regularly. Men paying every month for something they do not feel they need would not make sense from an economic stance. Even if Man Packs did impact the economy, it would surely tank. I make this prediction because after a few months the subscribers would feel they had too much underwear, causing them to cancel.
Man Packs is an original idea that could make a few people wealthy but will not work in the economy right now. Maybe if Man Packs started a diaper subscription they could make more money due to the greater need and demand with a baby. Typically men do not like to waste money on things they do not need, so until men feel they need new pairs of underwear per month, Man Packs will not make an effect on the American Economy.

And another:

CREATE real world journalism!

Create a blog post reviewing student’s month of tracking the stock market

How did your stocks perform? How did they gain or lose over time? Were your investments wise? And if you had $5000 of real money to invest, how would you invest it now, stocks or savings?

Student examples: 

Carolyn's NYSE worthy observations

My stock portfolio made a capital gain altogether. My stocks, consisting of Ebay, Verizon, Apple, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Taco Bell all increased in value since the date they were purchased. The stocks made a total growth of $751.02 in four weeks and increased in value.

Two of my best performing stocks were Apple and Chipotle Mexican Grill. These two stocks increased in value the most. Apple showed a growth of $249.36 and Chipotle Mexican Grill increased in value by $141.50. These two stocks grew the most in four weeks and never decreased in value under my watch.

In my opinion, my $10,000 investment was a wise decision. All of my stocks increased in value and I made a total of $751.02. I think that the stocks that were invested in were a good choice because they seem to be stable companies worth investing in.
If I had $5,000 and I could either put the entire amount in my savings account, or invest it into the stock market, I would invest it into the stock market. The stock market can make you money and it usually takes money to make money, even though it involves risk. I think that if I invest my money well and wisely, in the end it will hopefully be worth it and a capital gain will occur.