I'll just say it right off the bat, this was the most engaging piece
I read in this book. Admittedly it's always easier to read pieces that are personalize, but Brenda Laurel writes in such a way that I feel as though I am having my own inner monologue.
The intro to this piece stated that this article would be personalized, but that it would neatly tie in many of the ideas that had already been discussed in this book. While very different from any other article, it does allude to the main concept that seems to be an ongoing theme throughout the entire book, what is new media doing to us as people with senses, emotions, and memories.
While in Disneyland Brenda suddenly remembers the anticipation she and others felt in the 60's and 70's for the oncoming future. What it would bring, how it would change us. Now all those hopes and dreams have lost their glimmer as the future has already come and gone, and its not the space age travel we dreamed of. In fact space travel has lost all its flavor for most, and now the questions on everybody's minds are not when we all be able to travel to other planets, but when will the new Mac computer or I-phone come out.
To be honest I lose my sense of new media value when I read this piece because I'm so caught up in the memories she brings forth. I am suddenly lost in my own adventures...or miseries from trips to the Magic Kingdom and Disneyworld. By the way...I absolutely love EPCOT...all the good food is there.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Monday, November 12, 2007
"The Condition of Virtuality"
The first thing I must say about this essay is when I read it all I could think was, "I'm in over my head." It took me three tries just to get the article started. Katherine Hayles goes so deep in this essay at times its hard not to get lost. There were some interesting points she brought up though that I think I at least have a very basic understanding. She defines Virtuality as "the cultural perception that material objects are interpenetrated by information patterns." She explains that Virtuality itself along with its definition is a duality; the conveying of materialistic content in a purely informational medium/pattern, or in this case computers. Its somewhat difficult to grasp at first, but after some contemplation one can begin in a superficial way to grasp the idea.
She then dives into the much explored idea of humans only being informational patterns, and therefore transferrable to computers. She presents this idea through the works of others but then admits how horrible this concept really is, as it would disregard the human ability to emote. Even more disturbing in connection to this idea is the theory that information is completely separate from meaning...leading one to the idea that humans have no meaning and could be accurately represented through binary codes on the computer. Later though she states that the main reason why this concept of re-embodiment of humans is so disturbing is simply because they will be embodied into computers, if they were embodied back into their own bodies and immortalized it would not be so shocking. I don't know if I can agree with this assesment, personally the idea of living forever on this planet in any way or form is very daunting.
Another interesting concept she touches on: how Virtuality relates to postmodernism. Within this concept a very provocative question comes up. In postmodernism possession was a main concern; however, in Virtuality possession no longer holds wait, access does. She says that this shift if priorities will most likely alter the plots of literature, and I wonder myself how it will all play out.
Hayles goes on to discuss books and their interplay with computers and how they affect one another. Computers visualize books as ancient archaic materials connected with desire. This gives books a very physical nature. Again I must draw a line. Books do have a physical nature, however I still do not connect them purely with the physical as they cause people to escape physical realms and enter into the world of their imaginations. She is correct however in her assessment that no matter what Virtuality has and will change books and literature.
Lastly the most interesting of her points, I thought, was her discussion of the spaciality of virtual writing. She compares the ease and flow a user may feel in going from hypertexts to hypertext to the feeling an experienced tennis player has with her racquet, as though it is an extension of her arm. I can somewhat see where this goes. The links are extensions of eachother, and are very easy to navigate making the user feel at ease and comfortable with the medium.
Katherine Hayes compels her readers to dive deep into thought about the usage of virtuality and what it really means...to the point where it really makes my head hurt.
She then dives into the much explored idea of humans only being informational patterns, and therefore transferrable to computers. She presents this idea through the works of others but then admits how horrible this concept really is, as it would disregard the human ability to emote. Even more disturbing in connection to this idea is the theory that information is completely separate from meaning...leading one to the idea that humans have no meaning and could be accurately represented through binary codes on the computer. Later though she states that the main reason why this concept of re-embodiment of humans is so disturbing is simply because they will be embodied into computers, if they were embodied back into their own bodies and immortalized it would not be so shocking. I don't know if I can agree with this assesment, personally the idea of living forever on this planet in any way or form is very daunting.
Another interesting concept she touches on: how Virtuality relates to postmodernism. Within this concept a very provocative question comes up. In postmodernism possession was a main concern; however, in Virtuality possession no longer holds wait, access does. She says that this shift if priorities will most likely alter the plots of literature, and I wonder myself how it will all play out.
Hayles goes on to discuss books and their interplay with computers and how they affect one another. Computers visualize books as ancient archaic materials connected with desire. This gives books a very physical nature. Again I must draw a line. Books do have a physical nature, however I still do not connect them purely with the physical as they cause people to escape physical realms and enter into the world of their imaginations. She is correct however in her assessment that no matter what Virtuality has and will change books and literature.
Lastly the most interesting of her points, I thought, was her discussion of the spaciality of virtual writing. She compares the ease and flow a user may feel in going from hypertexts to hypertext to the feeling an experienced tennis player has with her racquet, as though it is an extension of her arm. I can somewhat see where this goes. The links are extensions of eachother, and are very easy to navigate making the user feel at ease and comfortable with the medium.
Katherine Hayes compels her readers to dive deep into thought about the usage of virtuality and what it really means...to the point where it really makes my head hurt.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
The Ethical Life of the Digital Aesthetic
Gigliotti with her essays raises the question of ethics in concern with digital media. She opens up with the question of pornography; a relatively easy understood question that nearly everyone is familiar with. Analyzing the different solutions and theories about what should be done, she comes up with her own path. She does not believe that programs that block children from porn should be used, because she thinks that if we want our future generation to be able to think for themselves then they must at least have the chance to respond on their own to these issues. This seems like a fairly intelligent solution; however, I don't think a lot of parents would go for it.
Out of the porn issue she moves into the question of the digital aesthetic joining with the art world. She explicates that originally the art world resisted the joining of digital media. Recently though, the arts have taken advantage of the Internet primarily because of how much money the realize is in the Internet, especially considering how little funding is out there for the arts. But then the question of ethics comes in again. Gigliotti asks what are people primarily concerned with: teaching, consuming, or making.
To be honest, at the beginning of this piece I felt it was fairly clear, but then as the essay moved on I lost my grasp of what the author was really saying. It wasn't till closer to the last few pages of this essay that I began to understand it again. Still wondering what happened...
Out of the porn issue she moves into the question of the digital aesthetic joining with the art world. She explicates that originally the art world resisted the joining of digital media. Recently though, the arts have taken advantage of the Internet primarily because of how much money the realize is in the Internet, especially considering how little funding is out there for the arts. But then the question of ethics comes in again. Gigliotti asks what are people primarily concerned with: teaching, consuming, or making.
To be honest, at the beginning of this piece I felt it was fairly clear, but then as the essay moved on I lost my grasp of what the author was really saying. It wasn't till closer to the last few pages of this essay that I began to understand it again. Still wondering what happened...
The Cyberspace Dialectic
Micheal Heim describes the cyberspace dialects as the converging of the thesis, that cyberspace is the absolute future of mankind, with the antithesis, the realist believes that we should completely destroy all technology. Inevitably with these assumptions people can get carried away, like the unabomber. His actions were an unfortunate backlash to the Internet and other new media. Fortunately there are other people, who although they follow the unabomber's beliefs, they react against technology with essays and articles instead of bombs.
What Heim hopes for is a path in between these polar opposites: idealists, and realists. Heim explains that there does not seem to be a synthesis appearing any time soon; however, a middle path can be made with his term virtual realism. Virtual realism is the path in which people must not associate cyberspace with a world without a sky where "reality disappears", nor should people see cyberspace as just a tool.
This concept seems sound enough...although idealistic in its own right. Cyberspace is a fairly new concept though, so it is inevitable that people are going to take extreme reactions to it in the beginning. Because it is so new I think it will be some time before people are willing to take the middle path of virtual realism, and until then people like Micheal Heim must be patient.
What Heim hopes for is a path in between these polar opposites: idealists, and realists. Heim explains that there does not seem to be a synthesis appearing any time soon; however, a middle path can be made with his term virtual realism. Virtual realism is the path in which people must not associate cyberspace with a world without a sky where "reality disappears", nor should people see cyberspace as just a tool.
This concept seems sound enough...although idealistic in its own right. Cyberspace is a fairly new concept though, so it is inevitable that people are going to take extreme reactions to it in the beginning. Because it is so new I think it will be some time before people are willing to take the middle path of virtual realism, and until then people like Micheal Heim must be patient.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Unfinished Business
Right Lunenfeld asserts that the "business of computers is always unfinished." As much as people cringe at the word "unfinished" we cannot forget how "sexy", as Lunenfeld puts it, and provacative unfinished can be. Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, JFK, and Lincoln are just a few people who were killed or died in their prime and are now forever idealized by the populace because they did not have the opportunity to expose all their talents...to realize all their dreams. In the case of computers and new media unfinished doesn't relate to unrealized work so much as the fact that the computer keeps changing itself and keeps upgrading.
Peter breaks his essay into three sections: unfinished spaces, unfinished stories, and unfinished time. As he discusses spaces one discovers that new media continually transforms architecture; thus, it is always unfinished and always changing. Video walls, flat screens, etc. are all invading our living spaces and changing the environment around us. When he moves on to unfinished stories the essay really becomes interesting. Already with the rise of new media people are experimenting with new ways to tell stories, such as the use of hypertext. Movies and the new media that is involved in creating them also tell stories, and change over time. On another note many stories, like the American comics, truly are unfinished and will never be finished. The story is ongoing, and even when it seems complete, like new media people will find a way to reinvent the story to tell it again in a different way. Eventually the author moves to unfinished time. Here he touches on the subject of time and mortality, exploring the much theorized concept that perhaps one day man will find a way to encase our consciences into the cyber-world so that man may escape death.
I don't know about putting my "mind" into cyberspace, since death is part of the process of life and I do plan on getting to that point someday; however, for the most part I found this essay intriguing. The reading was not too difficult, although tiring at times. I particularly the bits on narratives. Its true mankind will always take classic stories that have been told millions of times and try to find new ways to tell them again making stories unfinished. The whole concept that new media, and computers in general are unfinished seems right on the mark. New media is always "new", thus it is always changing and adapting, so inevitably it is unfinished because no one will ever be complacent with a product, the product will always be updated.
Peter breaks his essay into three sections: unfinished spaces, unfinished stories, and unfinished time. As he discusses spaces one discovers that new media continually transforms architecture; thus, it is always unfinished and always changing. Video walls, flat screens, etc. are all invading our living spaces and changing the environment around us. When he moves on to unfinished stories the essay really becomes interesting. Already with the rise of new media people are experimenting with new ways to tell stories, such as the use of hypertext. Movies and the new media that is involved in creating them also tell stories, and change over time. On another note many stories, like the American comics, truly are unfinished and will never be finished. The story is ongoing, and even when it seems complete, like new media people will find a way to reinvent the story to tell it again in a different way. Eventually the author moves to unfinished time. Here he touches on the subject of time and mortality, exploring the much theorized concept that perhaps one day man will find a way to encase our consciences into the cyber-world so that man may escape death.
I don't know about putting my "mind" into cyberspace, since death is part of the process of life and I do plan on getting to that point someday; however, for the most part I found this essay intriguing. The reading was not too difficult, although tiring at times. I particularly the bits on narratives. Its true mankind will always take classic stories that have been told millions of times and try to find new ways to tell them again making stories unfinished. The whole concept that new media, and computers in general are unfinished seems right on the mark. New media is always "new", thus it is always changing and adapting, so inevitably it is unfinished because no one will ever be complacent with a product, the product will always be updated.
Introduction/ The Real and the Ideal
The Intro to this entire book begins by explaining that its introduction will differ from most intros to new media literature. Lunenfield identifies his reasons for naming the intro "Screen Grabs", which the ability to capture and print everything on the computer screen. The only issue with this fast and effective way of capturing information is that one must go through all the unnecessary things that were also captured on the screen. In a way I suppose New Media is like a "screen grab". The Internet has made all our lives so much easier, but at the same time how much more time do we sit sifting through junk just because we have the Internet. Lunenfield also touches on the name of the book The Digital Dialect. He begins by giving the different views on dialectic starting with Socrates going to Marx. Dialectic: A thesis is opposed to an antithesis which then creates a synthesis. I'm not sure if New Media has met its antithesis, but it continues to synthesize itself and transform into something similar to the original and yet wholly new and advanced.
In "The Real and the Ideal" the author identifies the first dialectic as the contrasting of the real and the ideal. In later essays authors delve more deeply into this battle between the real and the ideal. This small opening also alludes to some of the essays that follow. The author introduces his essay and the concept of the "unfinished" within new media, seems it never seems to be finished.
In "The Real and the Ideal" the author identifies the first dialectic as the contrasting of the real and the ideal. In later essays authors delve more deeply into this battle between the real and the ideal. This small opening also alludes to some of the essays that follow. The author introduces his essay and the concept of the "unfinished" within new media, seems it never seems to be finished.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Breaking and Entering: Art and the Video Game
Cory Arcangel had an installation titled Breaking and Entering: Art and the Video Game. As I looked through the photographs of his different compositions I could not help but wonder what exactly it all meant. Maybe I just don't have the depth it takes to understand his works, but in all honestly they leave me baffled. The only thought that came to mind was perhaps a reflection upon how medias like video games have literally broken into our homes today and in some ways even keep families apart. That could be one possibility considering his other exhibition grouped with Breaking and Entering was The Young Art Fair. One can see how children get sucked into video games and become alienated from the family around them.
Glossary 2
Working Glossary of New Media Terms
web video: short video clips that maybe downloaded onto and viewed over the web.
viral video: Typically amusing online videos that generate tremendous buzz and circulation, thanks to viewers who use email, blogs and web forums to send the links or the files themselves to friends and colleagues. Many viral videos are amateurish consumer-generated media, but several companies have also cashed in on this phenomenon and won some free publicity.
user-driven video: Video created by ordinary people who use blogs, web forums and media-sharing portals to post original creative works and commentary.
web-based VOD: Video content—most commonly feature films—which subscribers can request at any time of their choosing, and view from beginning to end and can be accessed online.
broadband television: A high-speed internet connection. Broadband connections available to home users through DSL and cable provide sufficient bandwidth for most new media applications and can all be viewed an used on a TV screen.
vcasts: Type of podcast that features video content. Content providers create XML syndication links from which podcast clients automatically download videos for onboard playback or for transfer to portable video players. Subscribers can then play back this video on demand.
vlogs: Type of blog that features video content instead of photography or simple text. Due to video’s greater bandwidth load, vloggers keep their videos fairly brief—or should they choose to spotlight lengthier content, they simply link to the file in another location.
video podcasts: Video content distributed regularly via XML syndication feeds—such as RSS or Atom—that subscribers download automatically to podcast clients. Subscribers can play back podcasts directly from the client, or transfer them for future viewing onto iPods and similar portable media devices.
mobisodes: Video content edited and encoded to play on a wireless phone or PDA. A mobile episode is typically short in duration—often an abridged version of movies or TV shows that function as promotional trailers.
Webisodes: An episode of a television show that airs initially as an Internet download or stream as opposed to first airing on broadcast or cable television.
Diavlogs: A video blog in which two people participate.
custom interactive video: Analyzes recorded video from a video camera to identify camera and object motion in the recorded video. Keyframes representative of clips of the recorded video are displayed on a user interface that allows a user to manipulate an order of the keyframes. Editing rules are then applied to the keyframes to intelligently splice together portions of the representative clips into a final output video.
embedded video ads: Advertisements that appear in an online video, such as something off of youtube.
mashups: A web application that combines data from more than one source into a single integrated tool, thereby creating a new and distinct web service that was not originally envisaged by either source.
web video: short video clips that maybe downloaded onto and viewed over the web.
viral video: Typically amusing online videos that generate tremendous buzz and circulation, thanks to viewers who use email, blogs and web forums to send the links or the files themselves to friends and colleagues. Many viral videos are amateurish consumer-generated media, but several companies have also cashed in on this phenomenon and won some free publicity.
user-driven video: Video created by ordinary people who use blogs, web forums and media-sharing portals to post original creative works and commentary.
web-based VOD: Video content—most commonly feature films—which subscribers can request at any time of their choosing, and view from beginning to end and can be accessed online.
broadband television: A high-speed internet connection. Broadband connections available to home users through DSL and cable provide sufficient bandwidth for most new media applications and can all be viewed an used on a TV screen.
vcasts: Type of podcast that features video content. Content providers create XML syndication links from which podcast clients automatically download videos for onboard playback or for transfer to portable video players. Subscribers can then play back this video on demand.
vlogs: Type of blog that features video content instead of photography or simple text. Due to video’s greater bandwidth load, vloggers keep their videos fairly brief—or should they choose to spotlight lengthier content, they simply link to the file in another location.
video podcasts: Video content distributed regularly via XML syndication feeds—such as RSS or Atom—that subscribers download automatically to podcast clients. Subscribers can play back podcasts directly from the client, or transfer them for future viewing onto iPods and similar portable media devices.
mobisodes: Video content edited and encoded to play on a wireless phone or PDA. A mobile episode is typically short in duration—often an abridged version of movies or TV shows that function as promotional trailers.
Webisodes: An episode of a television show that airs initially as an Internet download or stream as opposed to first airing on broadcast or cable television.
Diavlogs: A video blog in which two people participate.
custom interactive video: Analyzes recorded video from a video camera to identify camera and object motion in the recorded video. Keyframes representative of clips of the recorded video are displayed on a user interface that allows a user to manipulate an order of the keyframes. Editing rules are then applied to the keyframes to intelligently splice together portions of the representative clips into a final output video.
embedded video ads: Advertisements that appear in an online video, such as something off of youtube.
mashups: A web application that combines data from more than one source into a single integrated tool, thereby creating a new and distinct web service that was not originally envisaged by either source.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Strange and Interesting Websites
While surfing the net you can come across a number of oddities, these are just a few of the ones I came across.
Most of you have probably seen or heard of Homestarrunner.com but I could not resist the chance to write about it. Its a pretty funny site. Within the site you can email the cartoon characters that reside within it, view cartoons, view characters' reactions to your emails, play games, and go to an online store. The humor is somewhat odd, but if you're still somewhat young at heart you will enjoy it. My favorite character on the website is Strong Bad. Usually every week they post a new cartoon and emails are answered on a fairly regular basis, a couple times a week.
Another site I came across was mefeedia.com. This website primarily focuses on displaying artistic videos. There are also online tv shows that do not appear on tv within this site. Members can go and watch these shows and videos and rate them. The site also keeps a running log of the most recent actions of its members.
Lastly, somehow in my wanderings I came across a website that photographs mattresses once people have thrown them out, streetmattress.com. One man runs the site and takes the photographs. After he uploads them to his website he comments on them and why he took them. Viewers can go in and categorize the photos in a drop down window that appears under the picture. I just thought this was a completely random site.
Most of you have probably seen or heard of Homestarrunner.com but I could not resist the chance to write about it. Its a pretty funny site. Within the site you can email the cartoon characters that reside within it, view cartoons, view characters' reactions to your emails, play games, and go to an online store. The humor is somewhat odd, but if you're still somewhat young at heart you will enjoy it. My favorite character on the website is Strong Bad. Usually every week they post a new cartoon and emails are answered on a fairly regular basis, a couple times a week.
Another site I came across was mefeedia.com. This website primarily focuses on displaying artistic videos. There are also online tv shows that do not appear on tv within this site. Members can go and watch these shows and videos and rate them. The site also keeps a running log of the most recent actions of its members.
Lastly, somehow in my wanderings I came across a website that photographs mattresses once people have thrown them out, streetmattress.com. One man runs the site and takes the photographs. After he uploads them to his website he comments on them and why he took them. Viewers can go in and categorize the photos in a drop down window that appears under the picture. I just thought this was a completely random site.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Tropisms
Probably the most unique site I've ever seen, Tropisms seems unlike anything else. What I didn't realize in class was that not only does the site have videos, but it also has written commentary. I truly appreciate the corroboration of written word and video...I just think it adds depth to the site as a whole.
I understand that the whole site is a commentary on current life around the world, and that they purposely try to guide you to some conclusions without coming right out to say what that conclusion should be. However, I still wonder at times what messages they're really trying to get across.
I understand that the whole site is a commentary on current life around the world, and that they purposely try to guide you to some conclusions without coming right out to say what that conclusion should be. However, I still wonder at times what messages they're really trying to get across.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Digitize Me
Although dated through its continual references of films produced in the early to mid 90's, I found Manovich's essay "What is Digital Cinema" very provocative...and extremely true. Despite some long and arduous passages in which Manovich spews forth endless digital and cinematic dialogue, I enjoyed reading this essay, and for the most part understood nearly everything he discussed (a rarity while reading about digital media).
One of the most interesting points that I found while reading had to do with the amount of labor used in cinema as it has evolved. In the beginning to create moving images, producers and artists hand painted and drew each frame. Then with the evolution of the camera manual labor was cut down as images were recorded. However, now with the age of digital cinema directors and producers find themselves back to the point in which they labor and "paint" each frame. It seems now that digital cinema has evolved and advanced people must put more labor into producing a film. Of course this labor is optional, but because of advancement people realize the possibilities they can reach with each frame to create an overall more meaningful and cohesive product- interesting. Manovich discussed the use of loops in detail...and it seems that the evolution of cinema yet again demonstrates loops in terms of man's physical involvement with creating a film.
One of the most interesting points that I found while reading had to do with the amount of labor used in cinema as it has evolved. In the beginning to create moving images, producers and artists hand painted and drew each frame. Then with the evolution of the camera manual labor was cut down as images were recorded. However, now with the age of digital cinema directors and producers find themselves back to the point in which they labor and "paint" each frame. It seems now that digital cinema has evolved and advanced people must put more labor into producing a film. Of course this labor is optional, but because of advancement people realize the possibilities they can reach with each frame to create an overall more meaningful and cohesive product- interesting. Manovich discussed the use of loops in detail...and it seems that the evolution of cinema yet again demonstrates loops in terms of man's physical involvement with creating a film.
Monday, October 8, 2007
The Medium Is the Memory
Florian Brody praises digital media in his essay "The Medium Is the Memory". He states that unlike other mediums such as film and video, digital media has the potential to replace books. He asserts that lovers of books do not truly digest and analyze the contents of books, but actually replay lovely phrases in their minds instead of taking away the story. He claims that the book is strictly connected with the body, because we think of it as a physical thing- information stuck between two covers. Electronic text however, brings text back to our mind, something that has not been done since before the printing press.
As I read through these elegant phrases and metaphors, my mind absolutely revolts. Yes, I am an English Major, so I do have a love for books, literature, etc. However, I do not think that the book is purely physical. When I curl up with my book in bed or on the couch, my mind drifts away to whatever distant time and lands I am reading about. The words on each page guide my mind to create their own visual version inside my head of whatever it is I am reading. At each turn of the page my mind advances more into each story. When I read a book my body is stagnant, but my mind careens with thoughts and visions. When I read a play or a piece of literature on my computer I am constantly blinking away the irritation in my eyes, having to exit out of pop ups that show me some program that has updated itself. On the computer there is a barrage of all kinds of digital updates, advertisements, and virus scans, that cause my mind to reel away from what I am reading. So, no Florian, digital media will never replace books, or become the new book. It may be an alternative at times to books when one cannot find the book he is looking for at the store- but he will never find someone curled up in front of the fireplace reading a fantasy, mystery, or romance novel on a computer.
As I read through these elegant phrases and metaphors, my mind absolutely revolts. Yes, I am an English Major, so I do have a love for books, literature, etc. However, I do not think that the book is purely physical. When I curl up with my book in bed or on the couch, my mind drifts away to whatever distant time and lands I am reading about. The words on each page guide my mind to create their own visual version inside my head of whatever it is I am reading. At each turn of the page my mind advances more into each story. When I read a book my body is stagnant, but my mind careens with thoughts and visions. When I read a play or a piece of literature on my computer I am constantly blinking away the irritation in my eyes, having to exit out of pop ups that show me some program that has updated itself. On the computer there is a barrage of all kinds of digital updates, advertisements, and virus scans, that cause my mind to reel away from what I am reading. So, no Florian, digital media will never replace books, or become the new book. It may be an alternative at times to books when one cannot find the book he is looking for at the store- but he will never find someone curled up in front of the fireplace reading a fantasy, mystery, or romance novel on a computer.
New Haven Independent Juxtaposed to...
While looking at the New Haven Independent one cannot help but be astounded by all the local news articles. In fact it is hard to find a news article that really effects people outside the New Haven circle. The site is rich with photos and is easily navigable. When compared with some other "hyperlocal" journalistic sites, the New Haven Independent seems to be at the top of the standards.
Sandiego.com is also easy to navigate through. Though it does have some fairly international news it does have some soft and hard news that primarily targets people of the San Diego area. Unlike the New Haven Independent, Sandiego News seems to have some advertisements. Although they may be sponsors, they look relatively like advertisements for San Diego hotels and resorts.
The Huffingtonpost.com has an entire side panel of the first page that is dedicated to bloggers. There appears to be no local news stories, all the news is international...and hard news. One can navigate easily through the site. Rich with photos, Huffington Post appears very visually pleasing and even has a few videos. However, its lack of local and soft new stories is disconcerting for the hyperlocal journalism world.
Of all the sites, the New Haven Independent definately makes local news its top priority.
Sandiego.com is also easy to navigate through. Though it does have some fairly international news it does have some soft and hard news that primarily targets people of the San Diego area. Unlike the New Haven Independent, Sandiego News seems to have some advertisements. Although they may be sponsors, they look relatively like advertisements for San Diego hotels and resorts.
The Huffingtonpost.com has an entire side panel of the first page that is dedicated to bloggers. There appears to be no local news stories, all the news is international...and hard news. One can navigate easily through the site. Rich with photos, Huffington Post appears very visually pleasing and even has a few videos. However, its lack of local and soft new stories is disconcerting for the hyperlocal journalism world.
Of all the sites, the New Haven Independent definately makes local news its top priority.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Hypertext as Collage-Writing
Reading this article I get all kinds of ideas. In some ways it scares me slightly because I am an English major and I thrive on words...and would never want to permanently replace them. However, overall this idea of Hypertext as Collage-Writing is absolutely brilliant. All kinds of light bulbs and fires are going off in my brain...this could be the most creative way of writing both non-fiction and fictional pieces. Using hypertext could open all new doors to ways of telling a story...satisfying people of both the written world and visual world. All I can say is, "Cool!"
Cybernation to Interaction
ERkki Huhtamo discusses the evolution of automation and machinery as well as humanities reaction to each. Again, we are talking about alienating people from "doing" from senses. In the 1970's the idea of auto-pilot came out. People were comfortable with this idea as long as there was still an actual flesh and blood pilot there to monitor. The word "automatic" had bad connotations at that time; people immediately connected "automatic" or "automation" with only machine...no human interaction. In reality people feared they were being replace by machines; however, the case with "automation" is that people simply have a new role of monitoring and decision-making. One can almost see this fear played out in the movie "The Matrix" where the machines actually take over earth and recreate a new reality in the minds of people.
This new concept of interactivity seems to have a much friendlier affect on people. Everyone can groove to the concept of someone clicking away at a computer interacting with programs and giving commands. In reality all of these programs have self-automation aspects to them. I guess over time people have become more comfortable with the idea of "automation" simply because of a change in word play...interactivity. It reassures everyone that no matter what they will have a role to play in the future, and for most people that's all they really care about.
This new concept of interactivity seems to have a much friendlier affect on people. Everyone can groove to the concept of someone clicking away at a computer interacting with programs and giving commands. In reality all of these programs have self-automation aspects to them. I guess over time people have become more comfortable with the idea of "automation" simply because of a change in word play...interactivity. It reassures everyone that no matter what they will have a role to play in the future, and for most people that's all they really care about.
Replacing Place
In Mitchell's essay "Replacing Place" he asserts that online communities will soon take over and replace coffee shops and college quads. Although his essay is dated, he makes a valid point. Every day online communities are growing and spreading across the nation. Online communities allow people from New York to mingle and mix with people from India or Serbia if they so desire; eliminating the feeling of distance between nations and peoples. However; I do not believe that online communities will ever fully eliminate "places" such as coffee shops. Although people are enamored with online communities, it is human nature to desire physical touch and smell. We cannot deny our senses, so it is inevitable that we will continue to meet in places like coffee shops, and continue to satisfy our senses.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Hyperlocal Journalism
Q's for Alan Appel:
I noticed that your site was one of the non-profit websites. Since you don't necessarily have a reliable flow of incoming money coming to your production, do you find it difficult to keep the few writers that you have on staff?
As I surfed your website the past few days I noticed that not everyday do you have different stories, in fact from yesterday to today on the opening page there was only one new story; so do you and the other writers just post a new story whenever you get tips and finds that you think really appeal to your audience...do you not feel the pressure of constantly posting new items since you're not a traditional news source?
Lastly, when I was reading Citizen Media, some of the comments you and the writer made had to do with being disheartened with the traditional newsroom. What was so disenchanting about the traditional newsroom, and what is it about hyperlocal journalism that has reinvigorated your journalistic interests.
I noticed that your site was one of the non-profit websites. Since you don't necessarily have a reliable flow of incoming money coming to your production, do you find it difficult to keep the few writers that you have on staff?
As I surfed your website the past few days I noticed that not everyday do you have different stories, in fact from yesterday to today on the opening page there was only one new story; so do you and the other writers just post a new story whenever you get tips and finds that you think really appeal to your audience...do you not feel the pressure of constantly posting new items since you're not a traditional news source?
Lastly, when I was reading Citizen Media, some of the comments you and the writer made had to do with being disheartened with the traditional newsroom. What was so disenchanting about the traditional newsroom, and what is it about hyperlocal journalism that has reinvigorated your journalistic interests.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Burmese Monks Across the Information Highway
Monday September 24, 2007
Burmese Monks Protest and March to try to Over Throw Burmese Govt.
In the New York Times in the "world" section there appeared an article about Buddhist monks in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, and the protests and marches that are occurring there right now. In The Times that article online contained two photographs of the protesters and also a map of where the protesters had walked through. The writer also used a quote from the British Ambassador to Myanmar. The Times also offered some possible options for the situation at hand, and the reactions of other countries such as the U.S. and China. Overall the entire article seemed to sympathize with the monks and people of Myanmar rather than the govt, the Junta.
Looking at the same story of the BBC News online I found some similarities. The BBC also had pictures of the monks; however, their pictures were close up and showed in detail the faces of a few monks making the whole situation more personal. The story opened with a quote from the minister of religion, which grabs the eye of the reader. Their version of the story also went into more detail about the march itself, the feeling it had, where it went and ended, how the people interacted with each other. The article as a whole made the whole situation seem closer to home. Again the BBC like The Times sided with the protesters. A last note, the BBC uses Burma instead of Myanmar.
Townhall.com also covered this story. Townhall tends to be a conservative site. The writer for this story focused a lot on the history of all the events of this story. The other sites also referred to what had happened in the past that relate to events occurring there now; however, this site goes into more detail. Another interesting note is that like the other sites it sides with the protesters, but it goes to greater lengths to make the Junta, the govt., appear more sinister.
CSNEWS.com also uses Burma instead of Myanmar. Another conservative website, it discusses the actions of George Bush and his wife, saying that they were working to move against the Junta and support the protesters. It's not surprising that a conservative website should work hard to make the Bush administration look like humanitarians.
CNN was the last website I checked out that had the Myanmar monks story. CNN, like The Times, and the BBC also had pictures. CNN also looks at the details of the march, where it is going, and the role of the Opposing Democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Of all the websites, the BBC, seemed to be the most personalized. It was the only website that made me really look at the humanitarian side of this story; whereas, the other websites focused primarily on the details of political scene of the whole situation. Its intriguing though that the BBC appears to be the most personalized, since it is internationally read and a very large corporation. It is not too surprising that all these sites tend to swing with the sides of the protesters, since the history of the Burma govt...or military govt, has been quite violent.
Burmese Monks Protest and March to try to Over Throw Burmese Govt.
In the New York Times in the "world" section there appeared an article about Buddhist monks in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, and the protests and marches that are occurring there right now. In The Times that article online contained two photographs of the protesters and also a map of where the protesters had walked through. The writer also used a quote from the British Ambassador to Myanmar. The Times also offered some possible options for the situation at hand, and the reactions of other countries such as the U.S. and China. Overall the entire article seemed to sympathize with the monks and people of Myanmar rather than the govt, the Junta.
Looking at the same story of the BBC News online I found some similarities. The BBC also had pictures of the monks; however, their pictures were close up and showed in detail the faces of a few monks making the whole situation more personal. The story opened with a quote from the minister of religion, which grabs the eye of the reader. Their version of the story also went into more detail about the march itself, the feeling it had, where it went and ended, how the people interacted with each other. The article as a whole made the whole situation seem closer to home. Again the BBC like The Times sided with the protesters. A last note, the BBC uses Burma instead of Myanmar.
Townhall.com also covered this story. Townhall tends to be a conservative site. The writer for this story focused a lot on the history of all the events of this story. The other sites also referred to what had happened in the past that relate to events occurring there now; however, this site goes into more detail. Another interesting note is that like the other sites it sides with the protesters, but it goes to greater lengths to make the Junta, the govt., appear more sinister.
CSNEWS.com also uses Burma instead of Myanmar. Another conservative website, it discusses the actions of George Bush and his wife, saying that they were working to move against the Junta and support the protesters. It's not surprising that a conservative website should work hard to make the Bush administration look like humanitarians.
CNN was the last website I checked out that had the Myanmar monks story. CNN, like The Times, and the BBC also had pictures. CNN also looks at the details of the march, where it is going, and the role of the Opposing Democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Of all the websites, the BBC, seemed to be the most personalized. It was the only website that made me really look at the humanitarian side of this story; whereas, the other websites focused primarily on the details of political scene of the whole situation. Its intriguing though that the BBC appears to be the most personalized, since it is internationally read and a very large corporation. It is not too surprising that all these sites tend to swing with the sides of the protesters, since the history of the Burma govt...or military govt, has been quite violent.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Iraq on Paper vs. Iraq Online
Browsing through the newspaper, I was immediately drawn to articles that flashed out on the front page. On Monday September 10, 2007 The New York Times issued an article titled "Delay Decision on Major Cut Petraeus Says." The article was not accompanied by any photo, so one cannot help but think that visually this was not a very stimulating article. The article continued onto page A8, where there also was no photograph. The graphic designer placed the article on page A8 on the lower half of the page to the right. On the front page the article runs at the top to the farthest right. Now this must be significant since people read from left to right; keeping this in mind I have to conclude that since the article was consistently placed to the right with no photograph, maybe this was not considered as important as some of the other articles.
Online the same article appeared on the opening page, but it also had no photograph. Of course when I clicked on the article the site took me to a page that contained only that article.
Tuesday September 11 I found the article that continued the one issued on Monday; this one was entitled "Petraeus Warns Against Quick Pullback in Iraq." This time the article seemed to be front an center, especially because it contained a fairly large photo that took up a substantial part of the front page. The rest of the article continued on page A18 and took up the entire top half of the page. Online the article was also place on the opening page and contained the same photograph. However, when I clicked on the article and went to its own separate page I saw that it had a video. When I played the video, which contained a speech from General Petraeus, I realized that someone could just play the video without having to read the article and still be able to get the gist of what was going on.
Friday September 14 the article continued, but this time titled "Bush Says Success Allows Gradual Troop Cuts." The article appeared on the front page again with a large photograph. The rest of the article continued on page A8 where it was placed at the top of the page and also had another photograph of the White House. Online this article appeared on the opening page with a photograph as well. When clicking on the article I saw that the photograph was not exactly the same one from the front page of the paper. They were both of President Bush; however, they were from different angles. Online there was no second picture of the White House, but there was a video in which one could listen to a portion of Bush's address.
Considering the differences between the way this article appeared on paper and online I have come to a few conclusions. As the week progressed the paper from of The New York Times seemed to give this developing story more importance and weight as it gave it larger photos later in the week. Also its placement at the top of the continuing pages made it seem more important as well. However, online this article has its own sense of importance as well. Like every article online, when clicked on the site brings you to a page that is devoted entirely to the one story, which makes each story seem essential and important in its own right. Also the later addition of videos to this story also made it seem more it important, but it also made it more accessible. People who do not enjoy reading as much could simply click on the video and still know what the article tended to say; whereas, with the print version one has to read in order to know what the story says. Overall I would say that the online version of The New York Times in this case seemed to make the article seem even more important, because of the videos and the personalized page dedicated solely to the article.
Online the same article appeared on the opening page, but it also had no photograph. Of course when I clicked on the article the site took me to a page that contained only that article.
Tuesday September 11 I found the article that continued the one issued on Monday; this one was entitled "Petraeus Warns Against Quick Pullback in Iraq." This time the article seemed to be front an center, especially because it contained a fairly large photo that took up a substantial part of the front page. The rest of the article continued on page A18 and took up the entire top half of the page. Online the article was also place on the opening page and contained the same photograph. However, when I clicked on the article and went to its own separate page I saw that it had a video. When I played the video, which contained a speech from General Petraeus, I realized that someone could just play the video without having to read the article and still be able to get the gist of what was going on.
Friday September 14 the article continued, but this time titled "Bush Says Success Allows Gradual Troop Cuts." The article appeared on the front page again with a large photograph. The rest of the article continued on page A8 where it was placed at the top of the page and also had another photograph of the White House. Online this article appeared on the opening page with a photograph as well. When clicking on the article I saw that the photograph was not exactly the same one from the front page of the paper. They were both of President Bush; however, they were from different angles. Online there was no second picture of the White House, but there was a video in which one could listen to a portion of Bush's address.
Considering the differences between the way this article appeared on paper and online I have come to a few conclusions. As the week progressed the paper from of The New York Times seemed to give this developing story more importance and weight as it gave it larger photos later in the week. Also its placement at the top of the continuing pages made it seem more important as well. However, online this article has its own sense of importance as well. Like every article online, when clicked on the site brings you to a page that is devoted entirely to the one story, which makes each story seem essential and important in its own right. Also the later addition of videos to this story also made it seem more it important, but it also made it more accessible. People who do not enjoy reading as much could simply click on the video and still know what the article tended to say; whereas, with the print version one has to read in order to know what the story says. Overall I would say that the online version of The New York Times in this case seemed to make the article seem even more important, because of the videos and the personalized page dedicated solely to the article.
Monday, September 10, 2007
The Form
The Form:
The New York Times currently stands as the epitome of American Journalism. Nationwide people refer to The New York Times to learn about current events. In the last decade however, the face of The New York Times has evolved as it has moved steadily to the Internet. Now not only are people reaching for the newspaper with their morning coffee, they are browsing the Internet for news when they first get to work in the morning. Inevitably each kind of media has its own style that guides its readers in different ways. Each media has its advantages and disadvantages that I would now like to discuss.
When glancing at the newspaper I discover that the front page, which is of course the first thing any reader sees, contains mostly international news as well as depressing articles. Typically each day on the front page there is one article that has a large photo that takes up the top center of the page. Immediately my eyes are drawn to this photo and inevitably I find myself looking for the article that is related to the photo. It seems that the print version of The New York Times gears its readers toward international news, since those are the articles that dominate the front page. At the bottom of the page there are small blurbs that refer to articles that appear on later pages in the newspaper. However, these blurbs do not draw the eye the way large picture does on the top center of the front page.
While visiting The New York Times website I discover that on the primary page there are also international articles, however other categories such as business and art appear more accessible online. The categories appear on the left side of the screen and although it seems small, it is much easier to simply click on a category to find an article than it is to sift through a pound or two of paper. Like the newspaper, online also typically has a large picture on the opening page, which draws the attention of readers. However, The New York Times online contains more pictures in general, most likely because Internet does not limit writers and photographers to a confined amount of space the way print does. The increased amount of photos can be aesthetically pleasing especially to those who need visuals in order to learn or grasp concepts.
To each form of media there are advantages and disadvantages. I find that the newspaper is easier on my eyes since it does not produce its own light like a computer does. On the other hand I do not like having stacks of paper take up space in my room, and with the Internet I can access any date or article without taking up any space in my room. While I’m walking about campus I would much rather have a newspaper with me, so that I can pull it out at any time to browse through it for articles. On campus I do not find it convenient to carry my computer around with me, and looking online in the library is not as convenient as the paper either. With the paper I can multitask; eat breakfast or lunch while I’m in the commons. So in the end it is hard to pick one form of media over another; however, I do think it would be an enormous mistake to complete devoid the world of print news, since it still has many advantages.
The New York Times currently stands as the epitome of American Journalism. Nationwide people refer to The New York Times to learn about current events. In the last decade however, the face of The New York Times has evolved as it has moved steadily to the Internet. Now not only are people reaching for the newspaper with their morning coffee, they are browsing the Internet for news when they first get to work in the morning. Inevitably each kind of media has its own style that guides its readers in different ways. Each media has its advantages and disadvantages that I would now like to discuss.
When glancing at the newspaper I discover that the front page, which is of course the first thing any reader sees, contains mostly international news as well as depressing articles. Typically each day on the front page there is one article that has a large photo that takes up the top center of the page. Immediately my eyes are drawn to this photo and inevitably I find myself looking for the article that is related to the photo. It seems that the print version of The New York Times gears its readers toward international news, since those are the articles that dominate the front page. At the bottom of the page there are small blurbs that refer to articles that appear on later pages in the newspaper. However, these blurbs do not draw the eye the way large picture does on the top center of the front page.
While visiting The New York Times website I discover that on the primary page there are also international articles, however other categories such as business and art appear more accessible online. The categories appear on the left side of the screen and although it seems small, it is much easier to simply click on a category to find an article than it is to sift through a pound or two of paper. Like the newspaper, online also typically has a large picture on the opening page, which draws the attention of readers. However, The New York Times online contains more pictures in general, most likely because Internet does not limit writers and photographers to a confined amount of space the way print does. The increased amount of photos can be aesthetically pleasing especially to those who need visuals in order to learn or grasp concepts.
To each form of media there are advantages and disadvantages. I find that the newspaper is easier on my eyes since it does not produce its own light like a computer does. On the other hand I do not like having stacks of paper take up space in my room, and with the Internet I can access any date or article without taking up any space in my room. While I’m walking about campus I would much rather have a newspaper with me, so that I can pull it out at any time to browse through it for articles. On campus I do not find it convenient to carry my computer around with me, and looking online in the library is not as convenient as the paper either. With the paper I can multitask; eat breakfast or lunch while I’m in the commons. So in the end it is hard to pick one form of media over another; however, I do think it would be an enormous mistake to complete devoid the world of print news, since it still has many advantages.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Glossary
1.Videotext- One of the earliest forms of "end-user information systems" it provides information in a computer like format, typically on a television screen. Created in 1983.
2.Viewtron- The First commercial form of videotext. It failed due to what it required of its customers which included: a keyboard to videotext with (which was very costly), a television to display images with, a monthly subscription of $12, and a phone line to send information with (which cost $1 an hour).
3.Online Journalism- Reporting and other journalism distributed via the web. It tends to be formatted differently than print news.
4.Digital Dialectic- A discourse pertaining to new media and the continually changing digital world.
5.Internet- The international computer network of networks that connect government, academic and business institutions.
6.Digital Globalization- Operating around the world via the web. Spreading information and products worldwide via the web that can affect the world culturally.
7.Mediums- The method or object that is used to spread information or products.
8.CD-ROMs- (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) A compact disc format used to store programs and data files. It became popular in the 1990's.
9.Virtual Environment- The environment (what appears) on the web/internet.
10.Infrastructure of Worldwide Networking- The underlying substructure that makes up the web systems that everyone around the world uses.
2.Viewtron- The First commercial form of videotext. It failed due to what it required of its customers which included: a keyboard to videotext with (which was very costly), a television to display images with, a monthly subscription of $12, and a phone line to send information with (which cost $1 an hour).
3.Online Journalism- Reporting and other journalism distributed via the web. It tends to be formatted differently than print news.
4.Digital Dialectic- A discourse pertaining to new media and the continually changing digital world.
5.Internet- The international computer network of networks that connect government, academic and business institutions.
6.Digital Globalization- Operating around the world via the web. Spreading information and products worldwide via the web that can affect the world culturally.
7.Mediums- The method or object that is used to spread information or products.
8.CD-ROMs- (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) A compact disc format used to store programs and data files. It became popular in the 1990's.
9.Virtual Environment- The environment (what appears) on the web/internet.
10.Infrastructure of Worldwide Networking- The underlying substructure that makes up the web systems that everyone around the world uses.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
How We Use It
Born in 1985, new media has virtually been a second mother to me so forgive me David Shedden for not being absolutely shocked to find that new media's only constant is change. Since my own birth the face of this second new media has never stopped changing, whether it was from the original Nintendo to Nintendo DS or from Dial Up with AOL to fast speeds with Cox High Speed Internet. Inevitably as I read Shedden's article and its recounts of “videotext” and “Viewtron” and how they have gone the way of the Do-do bird the term "preaching to the choir" comes to mind. Although it does seem logical to discuss how quickly media seems to change, let's just say it's old news and stick with what is currently really changing how people look at new media... the way we use it and the products it creates.
This topic sparks my interest and I find that this subject is where the true digital dialectic should begin. Bob Stein's article asks the public big questions that make everyone tremble, "Whom does it serve" and "What's it for?" Suddenly people are forced to step back and take a closer look at how the Internet really affects society worldwide. When I browse through the Internet and am bombarded by ads ranging from car companies to makeup companies I can see how the Internet can be used to “digitally globalize” the world into one mass consumer driven western culture. However, as I continue reading Stein's article and remember that new media can also be used to distribute intellectual products over mediums such as CD-ROMs, I am instilled yet again with hope for new media and society. Sites such as “YouTube” are also using new media to spread a new intellectual base to the masses, digitally broadcasting presidential debates, so anyone can watch them at any time of the day, adding a touch of intellectualism to our virtual environment. So now as I take a closer look at the "infrastructure of worldwide networking" and what it can accomplish and remain hopeful that society will take the best features of new media and minimize the features that may cause society to lose its connection with itself.
This topic sparks my interest and I find that this subject is where the true digital dialectic should begin. Bob Stein's article asks the public big questions that make everyone tremble, "Whom does it serve" and "What's it for?" Suddenly people are forced to step back and take a closer look at how the Internet really affects society worldwide. When I browse through the Internet and am bombarded by ads ranging from car companies to makeup companies I can see how the Internet can be used to “digitally globalize” the world into one mass consumer driven western culture. However, as I continue reading Stein's article and remember that new media can also be used to distribute intellectual products over mediums such as CD-ROMs, I am instilled yet again with hope for new media and society. Sites such as “YouTube” are also using new media to spread a new intellectual base to the masses, digitally broadcasting presidential debates, so anyone can watch them at any time of the day, adding a touch of intellectualism to our virtual environment. So now as I take a closer look at the "infrastructure of worldwide networking" and what it can accomplish and remain hopeful that society will take the best features of new media and minimize the features that may cause society to lose its connection with itself.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
