Long-Form Writing Sample

SO ELON MUSK PURCHASED TWITTER…NOW WHAT?

https://nereus-worldwide.com/so-elon-musk-purchased-twitternow-what/

November 23, 2022

So a couple of weeks ago, Elon Musk finally moved forward with his long-threatened promised purchase of Twitter. But so far, it’s been really difficult understanding exactly what this means. What does it mean for Twitter? What does it mean for the larger social media community? Specifically, what does it mean for how our clients communicate with their audiences via social media? Twitter is an essential platform for sharing promotional material and event updates in real-time and reliable fashion. So now what?

As expected, there’s already been a lot of change up in Twitter’s management. Musk took quick action to fire top executives under the auspice of creating a liberated platform, claiming that there will be “fewer limits on what content users can post.” Recently, Twitter has had issues with becoming a free-for-all for spam bots, something that Musk has claimed to want to rid from the platform. But what is confusing users is that he has not revealed exactly how any of this will be done. And true to form, his methods are a bit mysterious, if not downright cryptic. Musk claims he is not in it for the money, as evidenced by this tweet, but rather to “help humanity” by promoting free speech and vowing to get rid of fake accounts. Again, how? And what does it mean for the users?

Getting rid of fake accounts while doing away with permanent platform bans is a thin line to toe. If the new mission is to rid the platform of toxic content and misinformation while promoting free speech, what are the chances that honest accounts will bear at least a portion of the brunt? There could feasibly be an overwhelming amount of false content, creating a digital environment of skepticism and disregard for any account a user isn’t directly familiar with. Conversely, it could create new opportunities for established businesses to connect with new audiences as wary users begin to rely more and more on trusted brands.

For seasoned PR pros, promoting things like event activities, specification announcements, and member services, we have always taken measures to ensure that client accounts don’t get confused with “spam bots.” An environment of mistrust is not good for companies and organizations trying to reach new target audiences. So while this shift in ownership and policies is likely to cause some challenges – at least in the short term – it is also a great time for us all to embrace long-standing communication best practices and do our part to rebuild a platform where established voices can be trusted.

Understanding that our clients will have questions about how to move forward, the Nereus team will continue to monitor the situation and make strategic recommendations for appropriate social engagement. If you have questions, please reach out to us at info@nereus-worldwide.com. 

Happy tweeting! 

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5 simple ways to be more sustainable

Many of us have goals to be more sustainable. In fact, 95% of CU Boulder students want to lower their carbon footprint (according to a 2020 campus sustainability survey). But sometimes it can be challenging to know where to start. It is possible to make positive impacts with even the smallest actions. While a concept like Zero Waste might feel intimidating, it really is about taking incremental steps to live a more sustainable lifestyle and it’s easier than you might think.

If you’re looking to be more sustainable this year, consider joining the Sustainable Buffs Community and join other like-minded students in your efforts. Joining the Sustainable Buffs Community subscribes you to sustainable lifestyle emails and is the first step in becoming a more sustainable Buff.  Here are five things you can do to be more sustainable.

Limit your food waste

A great deal of energy is used in transporting and storing food for consumption. When you can, it’s generally better to eat food that is local and seasonal. Not only will this have reduced your carbon footprint, but it will also be fresh.

About a third of all food grown in the U.S. will be thrown away or wasted, which is a huge toll on our carbon footprint that could be reduced. When eating at dining halls on campus, take only what you need and remember that you can go back for more. When eating food from home, try to prioritize eating perishable food first and plan meals around what you have, buying ingredients to complete meals. Consider using an app like Mealime or Paprika to help you with meal planning.

Eat more plant based meals

Even one day a week of plant-based meals has an impact! According to Project Drawdown, eating plant-based meals is the third most effective way to reduce carbon emissions globally out of the top 100 solutions.

For some affordable and healthy ideas, check out Meatless Monday recipes. If you’re on campus, all dining centers have vegetarian and vegan options. Use Nutrislice to filter menus to show vegetarian/vegan options. There are also plenty of imitation meat options like black bean burgers at The Alley @ Farrand. You can also use milk alternatives in things like your coffee and cereal. Give almond or oat milk a try!

Recycle and compost

At CU Boulder, recycling and composting are convenient and great for our environment. There are bins and posters all around campus to help make it easy. You can review the campus recycling and composting guides to learn more about how to determine what is recyclable or compostable. If you live in one of the residence halls, check out this video on how to recycle.

Leave your car at home

Choosing an alternative to driving is not only good for the environment, but can also save you money. Between gas, parking, insurance, maintenance and repairs, cars can be expensive. All students get a free RTD pass and can ride public transportation in the Boulder and Denver area.  If you plan on taking the bus, use the Transit App for up-to-date bus routes.

If biking is more your speed, you can register your bike with the Environmental Center and take advantage of free maintenance services at the bike stations. If you don’t own a bike, Boulder BCycle has free memberships for CU Boulder students, and there are several stations on campus where electric pedal-assist bikes can be checked out, making getting around even easier.

Reduce your plastic

Most single-use plastic items have a reusable alternative. These include water bottles, travel mugs, shopping bags and snack bags. Try to find something to replace disposable plastics with a reusable option, like bringing a refillable water bottle to campus. There are bottle filling stations all over campus. Consider buying a bamboo toothbrush over a plastic one.

Reusable items can help keep plastic out of landfills. Consider investing in quality reusable items you look forward to using every day.

Side Box:

What is a carbon footprint?

A carbon footprint is how we quantify the impact of our lifestyles on the environment and is important in considering our personal impact on global warming. This is measured by the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels. You can use an online calculator like TerraPass or the United Nations calculator to get an idea of your carbon footprint today.

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How to get local produce this summer

Getting seasonal and local food is a great way to save money, eat healthy and support your local economy. Here are some tips for finding local food and produce this summer.

Visit a farmers market

Farmers come to markets with whatever is ripe and ready in their fields at the time. You’ll likely find different produce depending on when and where you go. Many markets also feature cheeses, breads, salsas, jams and more. No matter where you are, a farmers market is a great way to score delicious, affordable and local food. 

The Boulder County Farmers Markets currently offer curbside pickup and delivery where available. You can also attend markets in person on Wednesday evenings or Saturdays if you’re in the Boulder area. Most farmers markets happen regularly on specified days of the week. Vendors and items available may differ depending on the day you visit. View a full list of Colorado farmers markets.

Join a CSA program

Community supported agriculture (CSA) programs are a great option for those who don’t have space to grow their own food. Joining a CSA program helps support a local farm, and you get to enjoy the harvest. Think of it as a subscription to local produce. You pay a fee, usually monthly or annual, and each week you get straight-from-farm seasonal produce. 

Many CSA programs will accommodate dietary restrictions and quantities. Some include not only vegetables, but meat, dairy, eggs and other farm-grown food like honey. CSA programs are a great way to try new foods and add variety to your diet. Check out available CSA programs in Colorado.

Use a community garden

A community garden isn’t just about growing food—it’s about engaging directly with your community. Community gardens can help you meet neighbors, practice a hobby and learn about growing your own food.  

Community gardens can operate in a variety of ways, and it’s best to ask if you are interested in participating in a community garden near your residence. If you live in the Boulder area, there are resources available for finding available community gardens and supporting events, and volunteers are often needed. If you aren’t in Colorado, search the American Community Gardening Association (ACGA) for a garden near you.

Grow food at home

Whether you've gardened before or are looking to get started, consider growing food at home. Gardening doesn’t have to mean raised produce beds and constant maintenance. Regardless of your experience level or where you live, this is a great time to grow your own food. 

When you are getting started, it’s easier to grow from starter plants rather than growing from seeds. Check with local grocers and nurseries for a variety of heirloom plants. Whether you’re in Colorado or out of state this summer, do some research on gardening in your climate to find out when you should plant outside. Remember to have fun and share your harvest!

Finding ways to eat locally has many benefits. It supports local farms and reduces carbon footprints by offsetting transportation emissions and packaging waste. Get more tips by reviewing our Sustainable Buffs guides.

Sustainable Buffs is a series brought to you by the Environmental Center. Learn more sustainability tips and ways to get involved at colorado.edu/ecenter.

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5 ways to lower your chances of a nuisance ticket

The most common citation students living off campus get is a nuisance ticket. A nuisance ticket is issued when a residence, including the host and guests, violate Boulder ordinances. A common reason for nuisance tickets is excessive noise. A nuisance ticket may result in a hefty fine and mandatory restorative justice courses. Here are some tips to lower your chances of getting a nuisance ticket at your Boulder residence.

Introduce yourself to neighbors

If you live off campus, introduce yourself to your neighbors and get to know them. Download and fill out these contact cards from Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations (OCH&NR) to share with your neighbors. And be sure to let them know if you plan to host a party in advance. This can give them the option to reach out to you with any concerns or issues before calling the police. 

Register your party

When you register your party with OCH&NR, you are more likely to get a warning if the police are called about your party. Once you’ve registered, the police will call you with a warning if they receive a complaint and you will have 20 minutes to shut things down. And party registration is free! Visit the OCH&NR website to learn how to register your party. 

Registering your party doesn’t guarantee you won’t get a ticket so you also want to take steps to ensure the police don’t get called.

Watch your noise

If the police are called to your residence, it is often because of excessive noise. In the city of Boulder, you may be ticketed for unreasonable noise between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. if it is loud enough to be heard from 100 or more feet away.

Make sure any music or other noise is happening inside the house and not in your yard where it may disturb your neighbors. You can also download a decibel measuring app (check out Decibel X) to see how loud your gathering is. Noise should not exceed 50 decibels.

Clean up your trash

Boulder code enforcement starts early in the morning. Make sure you clean up trash around your residence immediately after any gathering to prevent getting a ticket. Be sure to secure your trash on your property either in bear-proof containers or inside—even leaving a trash bag next to the trash can or dumpster could get you a ticket. Make sure to properly dispose of trash in trash or recycling bins even when not on your property. You can get free trash bags from OCH&NR by stopping by their office in UMC 313.

Invite people you know

A good way to keep a handle on your party or gathering is to only invite people you know. This makes it easier to take responsibility for your party and communicate any issues to your guests. Remember that you are responsible for what happens at your residence. As a host, you can be responsible for guests and their actions, including actions that would warrant a nuisance ticket. 

Reach out to OCH&NR if you have questions about nuisance tickets.

Sidebox:

Common citations

While noise and trash are the most common reasons for citations, make sure you are aware of other Boulder ordinances that can get you a fine: 

• Fireworks: The use and possession of fireworks is illegal in the city of Boulder and Boulder County, in addition to being a significant fire risk in our area. This includes sparklers, snaps, snakes, bottle rockets, roman candles and smoke bombs. Even if you don’t possess or discharge fireworks, you can be held responsible for fireworks used by your roommates or guests.

• Alcohol offenses: You can receive a ticket for serving alcohol to a minor or if guests of your party are drinking alcohol in a public area, like the sidewalk in front of your property.

• Nuisance party: Any gathering of two or more people can be deemed a nuisance for violations that include having a keg in outdoor spaces visible to the public, public or private property damage, brawling and obstructing streets or sidewalks.  

• Outdoor furniture restriction: In the University Hill area, it is prohibited to keep any upholstered indoor furniture, including chairs, couches and mattresses, from being kept or stored outside in any porch, front or side yard, or any back yard not on an alley.

Clean up after pets: Make sure to always clean up after pets on your property, in your neighborhood and in any park or other public space.