3 Easy Ways to Make & Get GIFs for Social Media: About .gif Files

Recently, it dawned on me that although GIF sharing has become a wildly popular activity in social media due to the sheer fun of it, still plenty of people don't use GIFs, mostly because they can't. Or, this is what they seem to think. I may not have noticed otherwise, but being a moderator of a busy Facebook group brings a keener eye than usual to motivations of users in response threads.

Bantering commenters, many using GIFs, move quickly. Occasionally, a user becomes frustrated by the challenge of keeping up, especially when they're not familiar with some of the activities happening, such as GIF posting. After helping a few people get the hang of using GIFs to express emotions, reactions, and other communication via fun imagery, it became clear that everybody wants to know how to use GIFs, no matter how indifferent I'd assumed people might be about the absurd interplay. 

So if you want to know how to get GIFs, I'll show you my favorite, easy ways to make your own or find them from existing libraries.

GIFs remain one of those techy things that plenty of people simply have no experience using despite being regular internet users. The super-short, looped video images are often used as commentary–usually funny, but not always. Several of the social platforms have incorporated GIF functions in menus for users to easily find great samples for use right then and there at their moment of need. There are GIFs for exclamations, meme GIFs, statement GIFs . . . the list goes on. Once you start using them for fun, you'll find all kinds of uses for them.

Without further ado, here are the easiest methods I've settled on for obtaining my GIF files:

1. Playola invites users to make their own GIFs from existing content, which is great for entertainment fans or political aficionados. I like Playola because it's also a sound mixer. You may've noticed that many GIF files don't feature any sound, but Playola absolutely can, if you like. Visit Playola.co and make your first GIF file now! They'll render several formats for you choose from and download. Be sure to take a video link with you (YouTube video URLs work), or upload a video of your own.
2. Giphy invites direct contact and would love to talk with users about how "GIPHY Studios is making all the GIFs", FYI. If you'd like a GIF professionally made for your brand, then they may be a good way to go, judging by their collections of portfolio samples here. Click on their logo at top left of the site to get to their main page, where users can search their library of freebie GIF downloads. Want to make your own? They even let you upload multiple images for GIF slideshows.
3. Tenor - As far as I've seen, Tenor isn't a production tool but does offer a clean UX design for searches as well as being supremely sharable across devices including mobile. Tenor proudly advertises that they are the "#1 downloaded and used GIF-sharing app on both iOS and Android". Just take a look at all Tenor's "reaction" GIFs for an idea of how easy it is to find great shares. 

Of course, you can always download random GIFs found as you make your way around the Internet. I've listed three of the primary GIF options, because any time I needed them was a rush scenario and I simply picked from the top-ranked results via search to find these. They've made me happy! So, if you're using a great GIF site or app not listed here that you really love, I'd like to know about it.

If you're completely new to GIFs, don't sweat it. A person doesn't need to know a lot of information they'd typically never bother with in order to make and use GIFs on these sites. I've provided basic information here that will lead to specific instructions at each site. If you find yourself stalled on some aspect of the process on one of these sites, then reach out and I'll walk you through it via chat.

For those who want know more about the history GIF files, continue reading below: 

Being an easily portable file due to small size and quick-load application, the bitmap-based Graphics Interchange Format file was developed fairly early during the Internet age by CompuServe, the first major commercial internet provider in the United States. GIF files were an improvement on their prior RLE files, which only functioned in black and white. 

Still, limited color capacity and low resolution meant that GIFs as preferred online media wouldn't last, yet they remain in popular use today due to their utilitarian appeal in basic logo design where the GIF file's lossless compression renders nice, clean lines with little or no pixelation along edges.

Other uses have included video games, where GIF files are be used to add functional design and artistry without demanding much software overhead. Atari, Nintendo, and Sega are popular brands that use GIF technology.

Language: How to Say "GIF"

Finally, etymology of the acronym has a 'nutty' history that perfectly illustrates the malleable nature of language. If you haven't had the discussion yet, be ready for it. GIF may be pronounced with either a soft or hard 'G', so don't let anyone tell you otherwise. 

The file creators originally used the soft consonant pronunciation, so speaking of GIF sounded like speaking of the popular peanut butter brand if one didn't know any better and overheard the term. According to Steve Wilhite, the maker credited with invention of the GIF file, the pronunciation is proper as follows, and recorded in official record:

The GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), pronounced "JIF", was designed by CompuServe and the official specification released in June of 1987.

It's said, too, that CompuServe employees would say "Choosy developers choose GIF", in reference to the brand as well as correct pronunciation of the file name.

Time moves on and language develops. Overall, language adapts to conditions through various measures of convenience. It's plain easier to say GIF with a hard G. This is part reason for the evolution of the term. Newbies saw GIF, and naturally pronounced it from the easy, back portion of the tongue in natural utterance. Despite occasional corrections of know-it-all computer science students, the hard G has won over the soft one, largely to to the phenomenon known as palatalization. In this case, a consonant has been palatalized by a vowel. 

Today, one would be more challenged than in the past to find dictionary reference that suggests using the soft "JIF" pronunciation. While some reference sources continue offer it as an alternate, others leave it out completely, opting for the evolved hard G pronunciation.

The funniest thing about this type of language evolution (the term evolution, by the way, does not necessarily indicate improvement) is that it often flies in the face of academic language principles and common teaching and language learning. According to English pronunciation rules, the G in GIF should receive the soft "JIF" pronunciation (probably why the inventors called it as they did). But, popularity is already winning over the rule. Still, there are traditionalists who remain loyal to the original.

Flashplay & Commentary on Corporate Culture (as affected by market trading)

Inspired by real events! Elon Musk's funding tweet ruffled feathers and stocks soared as buyers engaged based on tweeted funding claim. Details with linked sources are offered below today's #flashplay, which follows:

Scene speaks to the difference between misguided blunders committed by those with no financial power [leverage] and those with it. 

INT. CORPORATE OFFICE - AFTERNOON

Person behind desk speaks to person seated in front, facing. Door is closed.

Management: I get it: it's difficult to know what not to do at times, especially under direction!

Joe: Yes, sir. 

Management: We're going to have to let you go.

Facing person, Joe, leaves. Management leaves the office.

INT. CORPORATE ELEVATOR - AFTERNOON

Joe has just left the building. Management meets ownership by chance after boarding elevator. 

Ownership: Just think, I'd have to fire you, if you weren't already set with cash!

Management: Yes, sir. 

THE END

Let us know how you like our little play! Motivation behind it was stirred by nothing more than a perception of one of the latest Twitter-user faux pas, detailed below:

In the dicey realms of trade and law, Elon's tweet about funding and business intent is apparently a potential business debacle. But Musk offered reasoning that would seem to allay any legal claims at least, when he explained that his method (public disclosure) was more important than the action . . . which itself is under investigation.

If you read the content of that last link, then you're aware that it's been noticed and reported that Musk has a history of preemptive, unrealistic business claims. Yet, who isn't guilty of this kind of out-loud positive thinking? Especially in the lower ranks of life (as that of our employee-actor above, Joe) encouragement abounds for go-getters to proclaim their most positive goals and ongoing interests. Consider it a potential trap.

Like Joe, Elon continues daily in his work to meet worthy goals, with an occasional public affirmation. Possibly intended to motivate his own mindset of certainty, one might consider an innocent intent to sway outcome via that invisible plane of community thought-stream on which many rely. You know the basic mantra . . . a conglomeration of the many popular motivational speakers:

Want the success? Be positive. Proclaim your intent and the world will answer.

As such, one might say that any perceived inferences in Musk's tweet are morally sound. Ethically, however, opinion may differ, as Matthew DeBord suggests at Business Insider Opinion.

The progressive state under which the United States claims superiority in egalitarianism requires that ethics are sound in business (many are affected by actions of business entities) and politics. This means it's not up to you or me, nor Elon, or our morals, to effect an outcome here based on our perceptions of this event. Rather, our predecessors made certain that representative, governmental regulatory standards ensure the community vision as well as individual rights which include pursuit of happiness.

As stakeholders—employees and community members alike—everyone has a strong interest in business events, and should work at any opportunity to ensure support for our public sector ethics organizations as well as promotion of greater private-sector ethics organization overall.

Currently, ethics teams continue to evaluate the funding tweet fiasco. 

Already, despite some rationally-convincing reassurances and mitigation from Musk, major firms today announced backtracks on trade values for Tesla stock due to a persistent lack of confidence in Musk's claims . . . proving that the jumpy nature of trading is no match for premature speculation, no matter the fiber of it. In strong inference to this article linked above via CNBC, the best practice would be to trade based "on fundamentals alone", leaving speculation to the world of dreams in which it lives. This effort alone could be positively life-changing for many. Imagine the trickle-down of limited ability to create or destroy value based on a whim and a guess.

Let's also appreciate Musk's acknowledgement that every employee is considered a stakeholder in business, a concept with broad implications and a fact often unrealized. That he should be concerned about every last one is an expectation of ethics-based best practices in running the most successful business.

That Musk bothers to sportively mention an employee's stake in working for a company should affect the perspective of any of us . . . any global citizen, should they have interest in border-jumping, leapfrogging businesses that take advantage of lowest regulatory standards and labor costs in the interest of exorbitant profit. Outlining the troubles this general paradigm of operation has caused is far too extensive for the aim of this piece. Yet the mention highlights Musk's dedication to business and community by maintaining operations in demanding quarters. Musk's stated support in media for the interests of every employee should bolster public confidence.

Unfortunately, the reality is that such efforts at realizing the community promise of business regulation are seldom acknowledged strongly enough or in great enough number to have an impact politically, hence a growing lack of economic and social opportunity at various rungs on the ladder of wealth. This means that certain communities undoubtedly, unnecessarily continue to suffer under duress of corporate interests . . . which are motivated by uninvolved majority shareholders more than ever before.

Corporate vs. Shareholding Culture vs. Community Reality

According to a quad-authored article in the New York Times, "Tesla has become the most valuable American car company, [but] has yet to turn an annual profit since its founding in 2003."

In general, regardless of significant progress by union forces during the recent industrial age, in our 'brave new world', such a state of business has often meant reincorporation, possibly liquidation . . . without any approval by, or notice to, certain stakeholders. After all, a "valuable" company that can pay its employees and maintain business still isn't meeting more exorbitant expectations when additional profits aren't realized . . . profits expected by majority shareholders, primarily. One can hardly blame them. They're simply taking what they can, and doing so in many cases under personal moral code.

If you're back to thinking about Joe, who surely would be long gone by now as a result of such lackluster financial performance topped with excessive, unapproved social broadcasting about his intentions with company, then you're not alone. 

So, what can be done to level the playing field in the interest of community confidence . . . that of the commonwealth, so to speak. The answer involves being open to the idea that politics exist in the spaces around almost every action or need. Possibly our greatest value as a society of diverse, relational communities is in each member's ability to recognize potential issues as they arise, such as these in business and trading recently.

For example, one broad view is that only certain stakeholders are affected most negatively, in effect each at greater risk of losing their stake in companies and communities with little option for redress. These are conditions that can be improved; but, only through greater awareness and personal accountability on everyone's part by following, supporting measures of organization and enacting legislation that protects the interests of everyone in our communities. To do so only supports leaders like Musk, whose primary intent is always rooted in betterment.

In addition, to observe those sensitive to the dissecting probes of ethics watchdogs twist legitimate public interest into some abstract, naive concept like picking on the companies, it simply becomes incumbent on the observer to responsibly suggest finding other things to rail against than accountability.

Introducing Movie Theater Must-See Entertainment: Weekend 2018 August 10

Cinema Hall via Derks24 and Pixabay

Don't miss first dibs on some of the most sophisticated current-event scopes going today in entertainment.

Books, movies, etc. have long been a primary source of social education among people. Although some (Hollywood-haters in mind) may not like to admit it, our best efforts at social awareness take place in literature, art, and theater.

Who can forget such works as "War and Peace", "Brave New World", "Uncle Tom's Cabin" . . . a few historical examples of the written experiences and concerns of authors. These titles essentially translate into social awareness, made easily accessible to a wide array of peoples through writing and (ultimately) adaptation in various forms. The sum result: a kind of education that is nearly impossible to relay to the masses otherwise.

Remember your local theater for engaging, no-harm, no-foul social events!

Consider how convenient it is to involve an entire family or other group in a reading, or movie premiere, for example. We're hard-pressed to find reason for missing out on such amusements when we have the opportunity, and stress that there is no reasonable call to avoid or demean entertainment in the name of politics, as happens today (if we're to believe what we see in social media from frustrated would-be consumers who metaphorically spit on the efforts of those in the business).

Sure, we can wait . . . watch movies after their prime in the relative comfort of our homes. Lessons needn't be lost in time. Yet, may surrender a certain value if we always do it this way. Much of the thrill and social impact of these experiences in the public forum cannot be matched. Think of some of the most fun outings you've ever had:

• date movies
• Sunday matinees
• friends' fun outings
• family events
• solo cinema
• coworking meetups

All of us can recall wonderful times we've experienced at the theater. Movies aren't just for groups, either. One of the best ways to pass a dull, hot Saturday afternoon is at the movies, whether or not we can find a friendly mate to go with us.

Along this vein, we bring you all the first installment of our "Movie Theater Must-See" titles. Every month, we'll highlight our top three movie picks showing in theaters.

Top 3 "Must-See" Movies for August:

1. BlackkKlansman
2. Sicario: Day of the Soldado
3. Mama Mia! Here We Go Again

BlackkKlansman is the story of an African-American law official's infiltration into the modern (1978) KKK organization. Read more about it, via NPR.

Sicario: Day of the Soldado highlights problems associable to the long-standing drug war, it's detrimental effects, and takes place along the U.S.–Mexico border. Learn about the Sicario franchise and how director Stefan Sollima managed direction of the latest installment.

Mama Mia! Here We Go Again is the follow-up musical that presents us with a history of Sophie's mom's relationships with three men who would become mystery-father candidates for the eventual daughter's wedding.

These titles essentially translate into social awareness, made easily accessible

Social awareness entertainment can be fictional or based on a true story. That a presentation is "fiction" doesn't necessarily make a story an imaginary concoction of falsehood.

Half the fun and enlightenment is in the aftereffect: patrons leave a theater affected, and want to enhance the takeaway with some more research into the background and circumstances of the story. On dates, they take leave and chat about the ramifications. Afterward, families often work to learn more about a film . . . whether metaphorical or true.

So, pick a date—and maybe make one—for the movies this weekend . . . or next . . . and make it a habit! Let us know if you have any other movie suggestions that fall under the umbrella of social awareness.


RELATED READING:

At The Movies (How about watching a movie with your animal pal?)
Using Movies to Raise Cultural Awareness (in Class)
Social Awareness (peer samples)

Ebook Review: The 5 P Approach to Copy that Crushes It

This 43-page ebook by Copyblogger introduces a set of core concepts behind their copywriting methodology and absolutely "crushed it" for me.

I've written copy for several years (a few, if we want to pare things down to actual working time) and found "The 5 P Approach" to be a real stroke of luck in the confirmation domain of my psyche. Recently, I'd changed approach in some of my 'pretargeting' efforts in a way that involves more exposure risk than I'd been willing to take before, or believed would be smart.

Unfortunately, fear of alienating half a population can freeze you into some tight spaces, and I appreciate being redirected . . . back again to a more familiar mindset. I'd been veering off track in a way that wasn't necessary.

Like an unexpected, karmic answer, Copyblogger confirmed my decision when I hadn't realized I was looking for that support . . . which in turn confirms that I have a lot of work to do yet in realizing some of my best goals.

The 5 P Approach: Something for Everyone

An experienced or schooled marketer will find the comforting familiarity of industry-speak and fresh tips while, perhaps, also a refreshed point of view.

All readers will enjoy the digestible, entertaining case studies presented. After all, who doesn't love the best and most memorable ads! For many of us, half the fun of Superbowl is in watching the first-aired, fun advertisements.

Anyone new to the world of marketing, or sales, absolutely can consider this book a reasonable investment of the short time it takes to receive the message.

Writing Prompt - 3 Ways to Save the World: What Would You Do?

Imagine that you've received a call for a meeting, in which it's expected that you will offer three serious suggestions intended to improve the world.

PD Image via Lisa Fotios at Pexels

One of your suggestions would be chosen, and you have no option for an order of importance pick—the influencer(s) who invited you make the final decisions. You may offer reasoning that could influence their pick!

When you're done with your writing, post it, and feel free to link it in comments.

Vaccination Talk Peaks in August: Debate Continues

Have you noticed an increasingly urgent banter about vaccines over the last week?

August is observed as National Immunization Awareness Month, and greater-than-usual attention is given in media to issues of disease prevention and inoculation, especially due to the re-emergence of a number of vaccine-preventable diseases ranging in severity from bubonic plague to flu.

Why Vaccinate?

Vaccines are substances that introduce an antigen, aka toxin, into an individual's immune system in order to develop an adaptive immunity intended to protect not only their health, but that of their entire community from graver sickness. Generally, vaccinations offer significantly greater odds of avoiding death and disability by serious illness.

To avoid dangerous negative impacts on entire communities or large swaths, it's necessary that a certain ratio of inhabitants be immunized against disease. Community immunity protects everyone, but before that's possible, everyone who medically can must be treated. Opting out in large numbers puts the larger community at risk, especially any who are of infirm health already, even temporarily. This risk includes those close to us—friends and family!

Learn more about community immunity.

Due to a relatively small number of complications (allergy, rarely) resisters have ignited a firestorm of controversy around immunization.

More, negative attention to vaccines is heightened in light of additional, unsubstantiated suspicions among subjects regarding links between immunization and autism, when there are none verified; although, it's easy to understand any frustration and fear. Rates of autism are only increasing, despite an increased incidence of declined immunization.

Unfortunately, between religious and personal-belief exemptions, most states allow a significant number of opt-outs: roughly half of states allow "medical and religious" vaccine exemptions.

Adding to the problem, in reference to the map linked above, the other half of states allow "medical and personal belief" exemptions. This latter option would seem to enlarge the pool of those who may opt out of community immunity measures by a consequential landslide, and prompts one to reconsider exemptions of religious privilege–the veracity of which contain the assumptions of any mythology, making the only veritably-reasonable exemption the medical exemption.

Thankfully, personal belief exemptions are being recognized as risky to community health by more people every day and countermeasures are helping to educate many. One avenue of discovery that makes an impact, known as Put Kids First, needs and welcomes vaccine supporters in their efforts to assist the educational and legislative efforts in their home state to support vaccines.

Vaccination/Immunization History

Cowpox circa 2000, Finland

Immunization, or vaccination (previously known as variolation and then vaccination) are general terms for the practice, which has a long history stemming from China and India. "Variolation" [variolae vaccinae = smallpox of the cow] was first used—rather successfully—in England and North America during the 1720s to combat cowpox, a less-severe but zoonotic disease that transferred from cows to humans at milking time. 

In contrast, the closely-related smallpox disease was much more than an unsightly, uncomfortable burden. Smallpox often resulted in death and disablement.

Ultimately, after the discovery of a vaccine for smallpox in 1786, the specifically applicable term vaccination [vaccinae] came to be known generically, addressing the action needed to avoid a growing number of diseases. Today, the terms immunization and vaccination are used interchangeably.

Help stop the spread of misinformation about vaccination . . .

So, don't be caught off guard by all the immunization talk happening this month. Various groups, some of which promote vaccination and others which warn against the practice, work to spread their points of view as far as possible, across as many fields of interest as they're able.


RELATED READING

Reemergence of 5 Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
Common Immunization Questions 
Not Up For Debate: The Science Behind Vaccination

Handmaid's Tale Comparisons Reflect Reality of Modern Politics

Margaret Atwood wrote The Handmaid's Tale in 1984, a near-decade before the Gulf War and during the burgeoning of the worst Wall Street behavior: "Greed is Good" power brokers leveraging operational companies out of business over time, creating a vacuum of wealth that transferred more financial and political power up the proverbial ladder of success and away from those yet at the bottom rung.

That Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale series has experienced widespread popular success in the third millennium and prompted many to comment on its eerie, gut wrenching significance prompts recognition of the unfortunate timing of a toppled U.S. economy (along with it's prior successful, hope-inducing middle class) and how this relates to adversarial politics today and major events described above.

Although the hideous circumstances of modern American politics and the merciless world of The Handmaid's Tale aren't directly associated, it's impossible to deny the ubiquitous instinctual associations conjured which result in a kind of public awareness—a disquiet that begs political response. 

Background of Desperation in Handmaid's Tale

Set in New England in a near future, The Handmaid's Tale introduces a setting of post-reconstruction rule by enforced sectarian divine law. Atwood presents a view of a bygone society that lost sight of its paragons of individualism and equality among people. Common ideals of independence, social progress, and justice are long faded. 

That this fictional society happens to be patriarchal is of some significance, considering its complete lack of women's rights or choice (voting, reproductive freedom, choice in partnering, etc.) after a continuous regression of gender-equalizing measures to an utterly defeated state in which women are subject to the social views of others. Alongside these issues, a strict caste system has developed, complete with uniform classification for the female into four distinct, official grades.

The main substance for correlation between Atwood's fictional story and modern politics lies heavily in recent campaigns aimed particularly away from women's interests, with detrimental results.

Writing for Forbes, Shivaune Field presents us with some background as to Atwood's experiences during the time Handmaid's Tale was written over thirty years ago, and the two observe apt comparisons between the contrasting scenes of Cold War Berlin (where Atwood resided while drafting her novel) during the 1980s, the United States at that time, and the U.S. today. 

Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale reflects a particular type of dystopian society through fiction, while using actual aspects of established social behavior and politics. In mind of real and potential consequences of power struggles in U.S. politics, Atwood tentatively correlates the malevolence of The Handmaid's Tale with the dim reality of modern party politics and social expectation. 

 ***

Read The Handmaid's Tale for Free (limited time) at
Amazon, via Kindle.