The growing technological development and public access to digital media has resulted in everyday computer users being able to quite easily create and publish reasonable content (Kawamoto, 2003:16). Areas such as photography programs and music producing software are becoming increasingly available to the average person due to user friendly tools and decreasing purchasing costs (Thurman, 2008:1). This increase in the access of digital capabilities is allowing ‘amateurs’ to engage in publishing fair standards of digital content which in turn has created many concerns and challenges for the professionally trained and highly skilled person (Kamamoto, 2003:17). This essay will argue that technologies such as mobile phones and blogging on the internet, allows members of the public and everyday computer users to readily participate and play influential roles in the journalistic arena. The concept of ‘citizen journalism’ will be defined and investigated. The digital media’s that provide tools of production which allow citizen journalists to report and publish content will be examined. Finally the issues, challenges and impacts that professional journalists face from the capabilities that digital media’s grant to citizen journalists will be explored.
According to http://www.mediasmart.org.uk/parents-media-glossary.php
‘citizen journalism’ is ‘when members of the public engage in journalism’ The media website provides examples of citizen journalism ‘include providing pictures or film of events to news organisations or reporting events in blogs’. For example, images and video footage can now be readily captured on mobile phones through built in cameras and video recorders. Therefore, anyone who owns a mobile phone with these technological capabilities is able to capture events as they are witnessing them. The increase in the utilization of these ‘personal technology devices’ combined with the applications of the internet, are contributing to the operation and engagement of citizen journalism (Internetrix, 2006:1). This is attributed to the fact that through combining these digital mediums, members of the public are able to provide news institutions with their recorded images or video footage by uploading them online (Bainbridge, 2008:409). Therefore these digital opportunities allow everyday citizens to provide a global reporting of their recorded events (Savageau, 2009:1). As a result of this operation, citizens are producing news content which may otherwise have not been exposed to the public sphere. It is these actions which allow amateurs to engage in the journalistic arena as citizen journalists (Bainbridge, 2008:413).
Bainbridge’s 2008 text states that ‘some of the biggest stories or news images of the past decade have been …published online, by people who are not professional journalists’ (Bainbridge et al, 2008:409). For example, many live recordings of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, the 2005 London bombings and 2001 Twin Tower attacks were provided to the global community by citizens who captured the accounts on their camera phones (Bainbridge et al, 2008:409). Consequently, this digital production and publication of news content by everyday members of society is impacting the methods of public access and consumption of news (Savageau, 2009:2). Influential and breaking news and current affairs is now not only sourced from professional media organizations and journalists-as it was when these digital media opportunities weren’t readily available-but are also being supplied from the average person or ‘citizen journalist’ (Internetrix, 2006:3). Therefore, news is being documented and broken on online formats though the participation of everyday citizens. This powerful reality is illustrated by New Haven Independent editor Paul Bass, stating ‘power of the press now belongs not to those who own one, [a media organization] but to those who own a modem’ (Fanselow, 2008:4). Therefore Bass’s view outlines that contemporary digital mediums, such as the aforementioned portable camera’s and video recorders, combined with the open source abilities of the internet, permit any owner of these technologies-which in today’s society is becoming relatively ubiquitous- to capture, produce and publicize news to an international audience (Savageau, 2009:3). This significant change in the production and dissemination of news content has definitely allowed the world of journalism to transform. See ‘We the Media’ at http://www.authorama.com/we-the-media-1.html for readings on this transformation.
However, it is not just the visually recorded and published content of news that is providing citizens with the opportunity to participate in the journalism profession. Online blogs are also providing the means for everyday people to contribute and play an active and even prominent role in the reporting of news information (Stovall, 2004:30). Bainbridge’s 2008 text defines a blog as an ‘interactive chronological website that contains observation and comment and associated links’. See http://www.net-insight.co.uk/glossary.php for an online definition. In previous times, the technological tools that permitted the act of blogging were exclusively accessible to individuals who understood how to operate the HTML code (Bainbridge et al, 2008:410). In today’s information age, the development and availability of user-friendly and free of charge applications, such as “Blogger.com” make blogging simple for anyone who wants to engage in it (Thurman, 2008:1). Journalist and lecturer at London’s City University, Neil Thurman, states “blogging sites…have helped facilitate a rapid growth in the number and popularity of independently published websites that overlap the space traditionally occupied by the mainstream news media” (Thurman, 2008:2). Therefore, the increasing numbers of ‘citizen journalist’s’ and their actions of blogging news and information is creating s substantial impact on the professional journalism industry (Fanselow, 2008:3).
Unmediated ‘bloggers’ and unqualified ‘citizen journalists’ have created numerous issues and challenges for trained practitioners and their occupational norms (Thurman, 2008:15). For example, ‘censorship and control of information is almost impossible’ as people do not need to adhere to regulations or guidelines in order to post information, chronicles, images or videos (Savageau, 2009:4). As a result many journalists have expressed the belief that these areas of accessible citizen journalism, such as blogging, are destabilizing professional news values. See http://www.glog.nl/wiki/upload/docs/thomas%20j%20johnson.pdf for further reading on this issue. Author of ‘Gatewatching: Collaborative Online News Production’ Dr. Axel Burns, represents this view stating many journalists believe ‘citizen journalism may…undermine professional journalistic ideals of objectivity and impartiality, leading… to the uncontrollable dissemination of unsubstantiated rumours and the publication of highly partisan opinion pieces as 'news' (Bruns, 2008:1-access power point at http://snurb.info/node/830). In turn, grammatical aspects, level of accuracy and fairness in the publications produced by citizen journalists are areas of concern for the conventional news media (Thurman, 2008: 15). Many qualified and professional journalists believe that while citizens can provide substantial public insight and valuable footage for witnessed events, the majority of these everyday people do not have the contacts, knowledge or trained experience to deliver researched objectivity (Savageau, 2009:4).
In summary, digital media’s such as portable cameras and internet applications such as blogging are mediums which are providing increasing accessibility for anyone to actively partake in the recording, scrutinizing and global dissemination of news. These technologies, with the open source capabilities of the internet, are avenues for everyday computer users or amateurs to become citizen journalists and participate in an arena which was once conserved for the qualified journalist (Stovall, 2004:30). Many believe these digital tools for citizen interaction are challenging the journalism industry in areas such as news value, competition, quality and level of professionalism. Despite these increasing concerns and challenges for the professional operation of the journalism arena, many people believe society ‘will always need trained media people to do a professional job of producing news for mass consumption’ (Bainbridge, 2008:410 ). Therefore, although digital media’s are providing access for citizens to produce news content, qualified journalists will continue to deliver professional news information for the online and global community.
Reference List:
Bainbridge et al. 2008, Media & Journalism. New Approaches to Theory and Practice, Oxford, Victoria.
Bruns, A. 2008. Beyond the Pro/Am Schism: Opportunities for Collaboration betw. Professional and Citizen Journalists under a Produsage Framework’. http://snurb.info/node/830. Sited 19th October.
Fanselow, J. 2008. The New Wave of Citizen Journalism. http://www.ncl.org/publications/ncr/97-4/01.08Fanselow.pdf. Sited 20th October.
Internetrix. 2006. Citizen Journalism & the Internet Revolution
http://www.internetrix.net/page/articles/newsletters/2006/august/citizen-journalism/. Sited 17th October.
Kawamoto, K. 2003, Digital Journalism. Emerging Media and the Changing Horizons of Journalism. Rowman & Littlefield Publications, U.S.A
Savageau, J. 2009. FTC Steps in on Citizen Journalism, Internet, and Impacts on the News Industry. http://pacific-tier.com/blog/2009/08/ftc_steps_in_on_citizen_journa_1.html. Sited 20th October.
Stovall, J. 2004, Web Journalism. Practice and Promise of a New Medium. Pearson Education, Inc, Boston.
Thurman, N. 2008. Published in New Media & Society: Forums for citizen journalists? Adoption of user generated content initiatives by online news media. Sage Publications, U.SA. Available at: http://works.bepress.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=neil_thurman
Links:
http://www.mediasmart.org.uk/parents-media-glossary.php
http://www.authorama.com/we-the-media-1.html
http://www.net-insight.co.uk/glossary.php
http://snurb.info/node/830
http://www.glog.nl/wiki/upload/docs/thomas%20j%20johnson.pdf
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Essay Progress
So I thought it would be appropriate to blog my progress for our essay. From my previous posting, I advised I was going to persue question number two. After several hours of research...I found many creidble sources on what cyberspace is (and its concept) however was finding it quite difficult to answer part b of the question (being is it still relevant to contemporary society). Therefore after feeling quite bamboozled and getting a lack of reliable sources to persue this area..I have decided that I will switch to my original pondering of question 3. I looked into this question again (about the internet allowing providing the 'tools of production' for everyday computer users to produce content of a fair standard)and found the idea of amateurs vs proffesionals/highly skilled people producing digital content, easier to understand, research and devlop a strong arguement which I could relate to. I am going to persue the idea of citizen journalists (especially in the creative area of blogging) vs professional journalists online, and how the internet has provided every day people with the ability to have their work published, recognized and participate in the journalistic arena.
Back to square one and the research process!
Back to square one and the research process!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Week 12
Soo...after Steven Stockwell's lecture on Virtual Philosophy last week, along with Jules taking our tute in which we were were informed of his shoe purchasing addiction lol (which had resulted in what sounds like a very large collection of nike's) we are now in week 12-meaning the essay is due this friday!
The topic I have chosen is question number two:
'The idea of the internet as cyberspace has been part of our contemporary culture for some time, particularly in the popular medium of film. But is this concept of cyberspace still relevant to our contemporary society? Discuss with reference to your own experience of contemporary media.'
I chose this question as firsty I found it to be the most interesting and intriguing as it is relevant to today's society and I'm able to relate to the topic through my own experiences with modern media forms.
Well i best get researching!
The topic I have chosen is question number two:
'The idea of the internet as cyberspace has been part of our contemporary culture for some time, particularly in the popular medium of film. But is this concept of cyberspace still relevant to our contemporary society? Discuss with reference to your own experience of contemporary media.'
I chose this question as firsty I found it to be the most interesting and intriguing as it is relevant to today's society and I'm able to relate to the topic through my own experiences with modern media forms.
Well i best get researching!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Week 10-Gaming
This week's lecture content was regarding gaming.
Recommended readings have been posted on the learning at gu website and I shall ponder through these in the upcoming days. The lecture information informed us that the gaming world is actually a serious business industry and one which someone can make a great fortune in. Many people I know are addicted to the game 'farmville' on facebook..I'd have to say my preferenace in the more old fashion games of tetris, solitare, pacman and mahjong. Smae goes for playsation's, as I don't think you can go past Super Nintendo's Mario Cart and battle games. I think gaming provides many people with an escape from the everyday demands of life such as work and study..and allows people to tune out of the strains of academic work for a while. Although when games start to go beyong a leisurely activity or fun ever now and then, and begin to take over ones life (such as my brother with shooting games, where he will risk missing dinner to keep his high score) can then become a bit of a worry. I'm sure many people find gaming addicitive, spending there weekends in video arcades and computer rooms. I think games are a great form of entertaning but really shouldn't occupy the majorities of one's day where subordination of more important things in life, such as social interaction and study commitments occur. Gaming addicts have the potential to isolate themselves from society, restricting themselves from meeting new friends and engaging in conversational communication.
Never the less, wii sports, tetris and mario world are games which I'm glad have been made in order to provide me with sometiems much needed stufy breaks, escapes from the demands of the world and a bit of entertaining fun.
I'm sure the people who were involved with the technological boom of today's gaming world are laughing straight to the bank!
Recommended readings have been posted on the learning at gu website and I shall ponder through these in the upcoming days. The lecture information informed us that the gaming world is actually a serious business industry and one which someone can make a great fortune in. Many people I know are addicted to the game 'farmville' on facebook..I'd have to say my preferenace in the more old fashion games of tetris, solitare, pacman and mahjong. Smae goes for playsation's, as I don't think you can go past Super Nintendo's Mario Cart and battle games. I think gaming provides many people with an escape from the everyday demands of life such as work and study..and allows people to tune out of the strains of academic work for a while. Although when games start to go beyong a leisurely activity or fun ever now and then, and begin to take over ones life (such as my brother with shooting games, where he will risk missing dinner to keep his high score) can then become a bit of a worry. I'm sure many people find gaming addicitive, spending there weekends in video arcades and computer rooms. I think games are a great form of entertaning but really shouldn't occupy the majorities of one's day where subordination of more important things in life, such as social interaction and study commitments occur. Gaming addicts have the potential to isolate themselves from society, restricting themselves from meeting new friends and engaging in conversational communication.
Never the less, wii sports, tetris and mario world are games which I'm glad have been made in order to provide me with sometiems much needed stufy breaks, escapes from the demands of the world and a bit of entertaining fun.
I'm sure the people who were involved with the technological boom of today's gaming world are laughing straight to the bank!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Week Nine 'Art' Task
For week Nine's tute task, we were asked to create a piece of art, or we take a picture of something we'd made previously and then scan/upload it into our blog. I've never really made much art in my life, purely because I'm really bad at being artistic or creative-I'd say drawing a stick figure is as arty as I get lol. I would love to be able to sketch, paint or be good at any arts & crafts, but although I try-unfortunately I wasn't born with the arty gene. So when it came to this tute task, I was definitely pondering what on earth I could come up with. Last year (when I have a few personal things going on and was feeling a bit down for a while) I made a collage of images/words of things I enjoy/like in life that make me happy. Pictures/words of travel, destinations, and things that are special and enjoyable to my life (e.g. friends, family, home, beach etc) were put togehter into a photo frame, which I've hung in my room so when I'm feeling down or pondering things-it reminds me of all the things that make me happy. Anyway although it isn't a masterpiece but it's probably the closest thing to art I've made and meant something to me at the time I was putting it together. I guess it felt a bit like self reflection. Well here's the image below:
Lecture Discussions
Hello there fellow blogers,
After I wasn't able to make Jason's week five lecture, week seven was the first time I had been introduced to this lively American character. After providing us with his knowledge and expert advice on technology, in specific to downloads (with much of this information being completely foreign and new to me)he again took this week's lecture (week 9) to inform us on operating/interacting with software. To re-cap the information and understandings I gathered from his week 7 lecture on downloading, see the dot points below:
Mini Nova: This is able to download Microsoft and adobe files (something which is said to normally cost thousands of dollars to purchase legitamtely).
-Jason advised Microsoft operates under a code
-Portableapps.com, provides free dowloads.
-When you try to delete a file off your hard drive, it hasn't actually been properly erased. Instead you have only delted files name and not the actual file.
-But there is a way you can erase the whole file so it no longer exists on the hard drive.
-"Eraser portable" is a program which can be dowloaded from portableapps.com (mentioned above) and it fully erases these unwanted files from the hard drive.
-An application called 'openoffice.org' is fomred by volunteer workers and provides all that Microsoft office does..but it is free of charge. The only down fall is that because this software does not operate to automatically update itself, this means it has no protection against viruses.
-We were quickly informed of 'blender portable', a site where 3D animations can be downloaded
-Another site which provides software for free public consumption is Sourceforge.net
-However, many of these softwares are not automatically ready for Mac computers
-On a further note re Mac's (which i had no idea about)is that Macs actually can get viruses, but they're pretty small and isn't many of them-definitely on a much smaller level the what PC's can get.
-Additioanlly, we were introduced to the concept of 'Micro-charging'. What i took from this is that micro-charging is where people create applications and then charge a small fee to each person that downloads and uses these applications. In the long run if we can download applications that will save money, whilst providing these people with a small profit then this benefits everyone
-Finally something that we don't normally think much about too much is that the majoriy of things are driven by software- examples being air conditioning systems, cars and so forth. In our everyday lives we don't think twice about how or why a light turns out, the ice maker works or how we can flick the TV on with a remote, we all just used to wanting these things quickly and expecting them as part of our daily routine.
These ideas led us into Jason's week 9 lecture.
This lecture (which he advised would be his last lecture to us for the semester) guided us through the steps you should think about when learning/understanding a new program.
Adobe flash was used as the guiding example, and although he advised many of us may find the content pretty basic-it is important to undersand the simple steps and founding ideas of operation in order to apply the process when using other programs.
Jason advised of the following information when trying to learn a new program:
1: Find out what it is that needs to be done and discover the best software to do it.
2: Make sure you have searched around for different software.
3: Once you've decided on a progam you now need to start finding out how to operate it.
4: It's important to remember you won't be able to learn everything striaght away. This is because good software is meant to have 'deep levels'that you learn over time. Therefore it can take years in order to be able to know and understand all of the tools/aspects.
5: Make sure you don't approach the program being scared. By Playing with it you'll most likely be able to do simple things.
6: Therefore by starting with the simple functions you are already familar with, you'll generaly find you can already use about 20% of tools/features through knowledge from using other softwares.
7: You MUST continually save your work so you don't end up screwed. Jason quoted "Save your work damnit!". You shouldn't ever save on top of the same file. Therefore through multiple saving/different versions under seperately named files you will have far less risk of loosing you work. Remember to name the file something you'll be able to recognise and recall.
8: You can definitely try search the help area for your questions, but Jason said the help section normally "sucks". Alot of them are made for advanced users of the software and are always much help to first time users.
9: Try not to get caught up with one problem, go onto something else or navigate in other areas. You can search google for tutorials that explain the software's functions (but never pay for any of them, keep searching until you find a free site).
10: If you become a member of online forums, you'll be able to find discussions where people have posted answers to many common questions (which may help you with your queries).
11: If you need futher help, you can use tutorial books or videos-but again, don't buy them!
12: You really shouldn't need to take a learning course for the software (Jason advised, dont!)because you can source al the information on the web for free.
13: A downside to learning a new software is that because it may take considerable time, in this time a new update of the software may come out and you'll have to learn these new functions as well.
14: Finally, software is 'all about content'.If you're able to make something that you felt was pretty simple to do, then this generally means alot people will be able to as well. In order to avoid making cliche things (e.g picture changes in photoshop) it is important to keep searching, trying new things and doing some in depth research.
Therefore the key is to keep trying, searching and practising and you will find what you need!
After I wasn't able to make Jason's week five lecture, week seven was the first time I had been introduced to this lively American character. After providing us with his knowledge and expert advice on technology, in specific to downloads (with much of this information being completely foreign and new to me)he again took this week's lecture (week 9) to inform us on operating/interacting with software. To re-cap the information and understandings I gathered from his week 7 lecture on downloading, see the dot points below:
Mini Nova: This is able to download Microsoft and adobe files (something which is said to normally cost thousands of dollars to purchase legitamtely).
-Jason advised Microsoft operates under a code
-Portableapps.com, provides free dowloads.
-When you try to delete a file off your hard drive, it hasn't actually been properly erased. Instead you have only delted files name and not the actual file.
-But there is a way you can erase the whole file so it no longer exists on the hard drive.
-"Eraser portable" is a program which can be dowloaded from portableapps.com (mentioned above) and it fully erases these unwanted files from the hard drive.
-An application called 'openoffice.org' is fomred by volunteer workers and provides all that Microsoft office does..but it is free of charge. The only down fall is that because this software does not operate to automatically update itself, this means it has no protection against viruses.
-We were quickly informed of 'blender portable', a site where 3D animations can be downloaded
-Another site which provides software for free public consumption is Sourceforge.net
-However, many of these softwares are not automatically ready for Mac computers
-On a further note re Mac's (which i had no idea about)is that Macs actually can get viruses, but they're pretty small and isn't many of them-definitely on a much smaller level the what PC's can get.
-Additioanlly, we were introduced to the concept of 'Micro-charging'. What i took from this is that micro-charging is where people create applications and then charge a small fee to each person that downloads and uses these applications. In the long run if we can download applications that will save money, whilst providing these people with a small profit then this benefits everyone
-Finally something that we don't normally think much about too much is that the majoriy of things are driven by software- examples being air conditioning systems, cars and so forth. In our everyday lives we don't think twice about how or why a light turns out, the ice maker works or how we can flick the TV on with a remote, we all just used to wanting these things quickly and expecting them as part of our daily routine.
These ideas led us into Jason's week 9 lecture.
This lecture (which he advised would be his last lecture to us for the semester) guided us through the steps you should think about when learning/understanding a new program.
Adobe flash was used as the guiding example, and although he advised many of us may find the content pretty basic-it is important to undersand the simple steps and founding ideas of operation in order to apply the process when using other programs.
Jason advised of the following information when trying to learn a new program:
1: Find out what it is that needs to be done and discover the best software to do it.
2: Make sure you have searched around for different software.
3: Once you've decided on a progam you now need to start finding out how to operate it.
4: It's important to remember you won't be able to learn everything striaght away. This is because good software is meant to have 'deep levels'that you learn over time. Therefore it can take years in order to be able to know and understand all of the tools/aspects.
5: Make sure you don't approach the program being scared. By Playing with it you'll most likely be able to do simple things.
6: Therefore by starting with the simple functions you are already familar with, you'll generaly find you can already use about 20% of tools/features through knowledge from using other softwares.
7: You MUST continually save your work so you don't end up screwed. Jason quoted "Save your work damnit!". You shouldn't ever save on top of the same file. Therefore through multiple saving/different versions under seperately named files you will have far less risk of loosing you work. Remember to name the file something you'll be able to recognise and recall.
8: You can definitely try search the help area for your questions, but Jason said the help section normally "sucks". Alot of them are made for advanced users of the software and are always much help to first time users.
9: Try not to get caught up with one problem, go onto something else or navigate in other areas. You can search google for tutorials that explain the software's functions (but never pay for any of them, keep searching until you find a free site).
10: If you become a member of online forums, you'll be able to find discussions where people have posted answers to many common questions (which may help you with your queries).
11: If you need futher help, you can use tutorial books or videos-but again, don't buy them!
12: You really shouldn't need to take a learning course for the software (Jason advised, dont!)because you can source al the information on the web for free.
13: A downside to learning a new software is that because it may take considerable time, in this time a new update of the software may come out and you'll have to learn these new functions as well.
14: Finally, software is 'all about content'.If you're able to make something that you felt was pretty simple to do, then this generally means alot people will be able to as well. In order to avoid making cliche things (e.g picture changes in photoshop) it is important to keep searching, trying new things and doing some in depth research.
Therefore the key is to keep trying, searching and practising and you will find what you need!
Downloading Gimp Portable
From the discussion from the previous post re both of Jason's lectures (on freeware apps and operating new software) this information linked to the tute task of : Dowloading one of the freeware apps that Jason outlined.
The lecture content was relatable and helpful as firstly I was provided with the names and functions of numerous free dowloading applications, and the following lecture gave insight for approaching a new program.
I chose to dowload 'GIMP' portable, from portableapps.com. The software is described as 'image editing on the go' As a package for image editing, the site advises 'you can take your images with you and do your editing on the go'.
Sited at: http://portableapps.com/apps/graphics_pictures/gimp_portable
After I downloaded the program, I had a play around with the features using the original image below-I thought it was nice and sweet:)
Then playing around with a few shading/smudging/shadow tools, I came up with the terrible transformation below. I know it's far from a masterpiece so please try and contain your laughter-but it's the best I could come up with for my first time haha.
The lecture content was relatable and helpful as firstly I was provided with the names and functions of numerous free dowloading applications, and the following lecture gave insight for approaching a new program.
I chose to dowload 'GIMP' portable, from portableapps.com. The software is described as 'image editing on the go' As a package for image editing, the site advises 'you can take your images with you and do your editing on the go'.
Sited at: http://portableapps.com/apps/graphics_pictures/gimp_portable
After I downloaded the program, I had a play around with the features using the original image below-I thought it was nice and sweet:)
Then playing around with a few shading/smudging/shadow tools, I came up with the terrible transformation below. I know it's far from a masterpiece so please try and contain your laughter-but it's the best I could come up with for my first time haha.
Week 8 Democracy
From Stephen Stockwell's week 8 lecture on Democracy within the internet, we were asked to blog our thoughts about the theory and practice of politics.
Firstly, Stockwell provided us with a wide rang of information and in depth content regarding politics within the internet. The readings introduced us to 'cyber politics' meaning 'the politics of the internet' along with eDemocracy. refering to 'the internet's intervention in and contribution to real world politicss that exists predominantly off the internet'. These two concepts granted us a foundation for the practice of liberal democracy and politics which occup the internet. Although I don't have a substantial knowledge or understanding of the ins and outs of how our Nation's government operates (to be honest I would have to say I'm quite ignorant on this topic) - a few of the subjects I'm currently studying (such as news + poltics and sociology) have provided me with a small degree of background information and understanding of basic principles to approach this lecture with.
Therefore, generally speaking I believe that practice of politics is present in pretty much all of our every day social, personal and business activites and relationships. This is based on the idea that politics involves 'negotiation, power, conflict, choice, sharing, decision making and allocation of resources' (Williams, P, 2009 Lecture).
Marriage is a god examlpe of how the above factors create not only a personal but the operation of a politcal relationship. Harold Lasswell stated potlics is "who gets what, when and how". With these principles in mind, our Nation's government operates under a democratic regime and attempts to 'negotiate' excercise 'power' and authority, 'decision making' and 'allocation of resources' in a fair and societal influenced manner. We are granted the freedom of speech and right to vote, in order to participate in this influence. Our Nation's political operation is founding on the theory and practicing principles that citizens are equal members of society and obtain the right to freedom of speech, press, religion and so forth. Roussea (1712-88) believed democracy is a "social construct [where] citized & state [are] working together for common good via people's general will" (Williams, 2009). I believe our Nation's theory and practice of poltics (which allows public election, contribution and comment) allows us as citizens to live in a failry free and equal society and am very grateful for the government we have in comparison to countries who are ruled under a totalitarian or militant regime. Love our countries freedom!
Moving on, we were then provided with the corresponding tutorial tasks:
What opportunities can you find for political participation via the internet. How many of the following can you achieve while sticking to your political beliefs?
• Sign an e-petition.
I came across the 'Care 2 Petitionsite', a petition set up for 'save our trees' (attempting to 'drastically reduce the number of trees' that are being cut down).
The address is: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/152186462
My pet hate is when people waste paper!! Throwing out perfectly clean pages after doing one little scribble is destroying nature!!
Anyway, through supporting this cause I signed the petition and recieved the following confirmation:
"Thank you, chloe!
You signed this petition at:
4:52 AM PDT, Oct 5, 2009".
• Respond to a professional blogger at a major news site.
I found a site called the 'Blog Herald'-a news site specifically set up for professional blogging on hard news issues.
I then saw a blog post named 'China's Censorship Equilibrium'.
It was posted 14/09/09 and written by Rick Martin.
Address:
http://www.blogherald.com/2009/09/14/chinas-censorship-equilibrium/
In summary, the blog article was basically putting he idea forward that in China, when the government feels society is in unrest-the government has shown a pattern to block/censor sites which encourage public opinion and free speech. Sites such as youtube, facebook, myspace, twitter and so forth (so therefore, especially social networking sites) are block from public consumption. Rick Martin continues to blog that these are often controlled in times of political scandal etc. but sometimes are then later unblocked. Therefore, he believes that government censorships of sites which allow free public discussion, are often blocked in accordance to what is going on in society. This idea is captured in his first opening sentences:
"For as long as I’ve been paying attention Chinese internet censorship has always seems to fluctuate around an equilibrium, typically dependent on the social climate. When there are times of unrest unflattering to China’s global ‘face,’ or even times when there is merely the threat of unrest...websites get blocked. When all is relatively well in society, all is well on the internet" (Martin.2009:1).
My response and confirmation of my post is below:
By Chloe posted on October 6, 2009 at 12:15 am
Hi Rick,
I came across your blog post ‘China’s Censorship Equilibrium’ and I found it very interesting. Your theory that many social networking sites (or pages which invite social discussion and free speech) are often blocked by the Chineese government in times of societal unrest, was definitely a great debate for me to ponder. In Austrlia we wouldn’t think twice of sites like facebook, myspace and twitter ever being censored by our National leaders. Free speech is part of our every day culture and I guess now from reading this blog, something we take for granted. China’s attempt to sporadically censor public opinion online cetainly does not relate to the large majory of today’s global democratic principles. I can’t imagine the public outrage if facebook or twitter were restriced from Austrlian citizens. Thank you for your food for thought on China’s political actions not only in society, but online.
You can view my reponse, along with Rick's article at:
Address:
http://www.blogherald.com/2009/09/14/chinas-censorship-equilibrium/
• What is Barak Obama up to today?
I went straight to the President's twitter site, with his last post (uploaded Sept. 25th) encouraging citizens to help pass health reform.
Address: http://twitter.com/BARACKOBAMA
I then typed in this direct question into google search-provided with the site:
Address: http://www.whatisbarackdoing.com/
This gave more updated information (frm 10/2) but again advised of Obama pushing 'the health reform urgent for the economy'.
• Find out who your local, state and federal representatives are.
Local Representative: Mayor-Ron Clarke
State Representative: Premier Anna Bligh
Federal Representative: Prime Minister Kevin Rudd
Look up the Queensland or Australian hansard to find the last time your local member spoke in parliament.
After searching the QLD hansard website:
Address: http://parlinfo.parliament.qld.gov.au/ISYSHanSimp.htm
You are able to do a QLD parliament document search.
I typed in Ron Clarke, and it advised me his latest speech was on the 15/9/09. The document advised Mr.Clarke was speaking in the 'first session of the 53rd Parliament'
-Off the political note, I remember a few weeks ago Mr. Clarke was in the media as his daughter had passed away. Very sad for their family.
What do you think of the Australian Government's plans to censor the internet (the so-called "Clean Feed")???
When I came to this question, I thought it best if i searched exactly what the so-called 'clean feed' was refering to. When typing 'clean feed' into google, I was provided with the following site:
Address: http://nocleanfeed.com/
Basically, the site informed that our government is trying to 'push forward' a make internet sercive providers (ISPs) censor the Austrlian internet. This action will apparently signifcantly slow down out internet access. Austrlia's Communications Minister, Stephen Conroy, is apparently trying to force us with this 'filter', even though the large majority of our public, ISP's, the Media, experts in censorship and even our state governments are strongly against this action.
My thoughts:
I can see positive and negative sides to the arguement.
On a positive note, I understand that the government is trying to do what is best for younger children by helping protect them from the dangers of the net. Also they are attempting to censor illegal activity (child sexual abuse, pedophiles, porn, voielenc etc.)These issues I agree with and see are being done for the greater good.
On the other hand, the 'clean feed' action wil restrict adults from making personal choices about what content they want to view. This issue raises the theory of our democractic principle-freedom of speech. Will sites be filtered that restrict Austrlian citizen to participate in their democractic rights of freedom of speech? If so, we may be viewed as joining the Chineese bandwago (similar to the ideas discussed from the blog previously investigated). Therefore, if we are implementing the democratric theory of freedom of speech in society but not re online practise-then this indeed is a contradiction. Additionally, the technology is approximated to cost 44 million to implement-a heavy fee for us as tax payers. Along with the financial issue, the filter is also predicated to slow down our internet speed by around 30%. Overall, I can really only see one sole benefit-being the protction of young children from abusive material on the internet. But with the finanical, technological and political restrictions, I believe the bad could definitely outweight the good and don't necessarily agree with censorship having a relatable place in a democratic society where individual choice and freedom is encouraged.(Although I do believe that these freedoms should not be abused by producing harmful, abusive and illegal activity online).
To learn more re the 'clean feed' plans visit:
Address: http://nocleanfeed.com/learn.html>
Firstly, Stockwell provided us with a wide rang of information and in depth content regarding politics within the internet. The readings introduced us to 'cyber politics' meaning 'the politics of the internet' along with eDemocracy. refering to 'the internet's intervention in and contribution to real world politicss that exists predominantly off the internet'. These two concepts granted us a foundation for the practice of liberal democracy and politics which occup the internet. Although I don't have a substantial knowledge or understanding of the ins and outs of how our Nation's government operates (to be honest I would have to say I'm quite ignorant on this topic) - a few of the subjects I'm currently studying (such as news + poltics and sociology) have provided me with a small degree of background information and understanding of basic principles to approach this lecture with.
Therefore, generally speaking I believe that practice of politics is present in pretty much all of our every day social, personal and business activites and relationships. This is based on the idea that politics involves 'negotiation, power, conflict, choice, sharing, decision making and allocation of resources' (Williams, P, 2009 Lecture).
Marriage is a god examlpe of how the above factors create not only a personal but the operation of a politcal relationship. Harold Lasswell stated potlics is "who gets what, when and how". With these principles in mind, our Nation's government operates under a democratic regime and attempts to 'negotiate' excercise 'power' and authority, 'decision making' and 'allocation of resources' in a fair and societal influenced manner. We are granted the freedom of speech and right to vote, in order to participate in this influence. Our Nation's political operation is founding on the theory and practicing principles that citizens are equal members of society and obtain the right to freedom of speech, press, religion and so forth. Roussea (1712-88) believed democracy is a "social construct [where] citized & state [are] working together for common good via people's general will" (Williams, 2009). I believe our Nation's theory and practice of poltics (which allows public election, contribution and comment) allows us as citizens to live in a failry free and equal society and am very grateful for the government we have in comparison to countries who are ruled under a totalitarian or militant regime. Love our countries freedom!
Moving on, we were then provided with the corresponding tutorial tasks:
What opportunities can you find for political participation via the internet. How many of the following can you achieve while sticking to your political beliefs?
• Sign an e-petition.
I came across the 'Care 2 Petitionsite', a petition set up for 'save our trees' (attempting to 'drastically reduce the number of trees' that are being cut down).
The address is: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/152186462
My pet hate is when people waste paper!! Throwing out perfectly clean pages after doing one little scribble is destroying nature!!
Anyway, through supporting this cause I signed the petition and recieved the following confirmation:
"Thank you, chloe!
You signed this petition at:
4:52 AM PDT, Oct 5, 2009".
• Respond to a professional blogger at a major news site.
I found a site called the 'Blog Herald'-a news site specifically set up for professional blogging on hard news issues.
I then saw a blog post named 'China's Censorship Equilibrium'.
It was posted 14/09/09 and written by Rick Martin.
Address:
http://www.blogherald.com/2009/09/14/chinas-censorship-equilibrium/
In summary, the blog article was basically putting he idea forward that in China, when the government feels society is in unrest-the government has shown a pattern to block/censor sites which encourage public opinion and free speech. Sites such as youtube, facebook, myspace, twitter and so forth (so therefore, especially social networking sites) are block from public consumption. Rick Martin continues to blog that these are often controlled in times of political scandal etc. but sometimes are then later unblocked. Therefore, he believes that government censorships of sites which allow free public discussion, are often blocked in accordance to what is going on in society. This idea is captured in his first opening sentences:
"For as long as I’ve been paying attention Chinese internet censorship has always seems to fluctuate around an equilibrium, typically dependent on the social climate. When there are times of unrest unflattering to China’s global ‘face,’ or even times when there is merely the threat of unrest...websites get blocked. When all is relatively well in society, all is well on the internet" (Martin.2009:1).
My response and confirmation of my post is below:
By Chloe posted on October 6, 2009 at 12:15 am
Hi Rick,
I came across your blog post ‘China’s Censorship Equilibrium’ and I found it very interesting. Your theory that many social networking sites (or pages which invite social discussion and free speech) are often blocked by the Chineese government in times of societal unrest, was definitely a great debate for me to ponder. In Austrlia we wouldn’t think twice of sites like facebook, myspace and twitter ever being censored by our National leaders. Free speech is part of our every day culture and I guess now from reading this blog, something we take for granted. China’s attempt to sporadically censor public opinion online cetainly does not relate to the large majory of today’s global democratic principles. I can’t imagine the public outrage if facebook or twitter were restriced from Austrlian citizens. Thank you for your food for thought on China’s political actions not only in society, but online.
You can view my reponse, along with Rick's article at:
Address:
http://www.blogherald.com/2009/09/14/chinas-censorship-equilibrium/
• What is Barak Obama up to today?
I went straight to the President's twitter site, with his last post (uploaded Sept. 25th) encouraging citizens to help pass health reform.
Address: http://twitter.com/BARACKOBAMA
I then typed in this direct question into google search-provided with the site:
Address: http://www.whatisbarackdoing.com/
This gave more updated information (frm 10/2) but again advised of Obama pushing 'the health reform urgent for the economy'.
• Find out who your local, state and federal representatives are.
Local Representative: Mayor-Ron Clarke
State Representative: Premier Anna Bligh
Federal Representative: Prime Minister Kevin Rudd
Look up the Queensland or Australian hansard to find the last time your local member spoke in parliament.
After searching the QLD hansard website:
Address: http://parlinfo.parliament.qld.gov.au/ISYSHanSimp.htm
You are able to do a QLD parliament document search.
I typed in Ron Clarke, and it advised me his latest speech was on the 15/9/09. The document advised Mr.Clarke was speaking in the 'first session of the 53rd Parliament'
-Off the political note, I remember a few weeks ago Mr. Clarke was in the media as his daughter had passed away. Very sad for their family.
What do you think of the Australian Government's plans to censor the internet (the so-called "Clean Feed")???
When I came to this question, I thought it best if i searched exactly what the so-called 'clean feed' was refering to. When typing 'clean feed' into google, I was provided with the following site:
Address: http://nocleanfeed.com/
Basically, the site informed that our government is trying to 'push forward' a make internet sercive providers (ISPs) censor the Austrlian internet. This action will apparently signifcantly slow down out internet access. Austrlia's Communications Minister, Stephen Conroy, is apparently trying to force us with this 'filter', even though the large majority of our public, ISP's, the Media, experts in censorship and even our state governments are strongly against this action.
My thoughts:
I can see positive and negative sides to the arguement.
On a positive note, I understand that the government is trying to do what is best for younger children by helping protect them from the dangers of the net. Also they are attempting to censor illegal activity (child sexual abuse, pedophiles, porn, voielenc etc.)These issues I agree with and see are being done for the greater good.
On the other hand, the 'clean feed' action wil restrict adults from making personal choices about what content they want to view. This issue raises the theory of our democractic principle-freedom of speech. Will sites be filtered that restrict Austrlian citizen to participate in their democractic rights of freedom of speech? If so, we may be viewed as joining the Chineese bandwago (similar to the ideas discussed from the blog previously investigated). Therefore, if we are implementing the democratric theory of freedom of speech in society but not re online practise-then this indeed is a contradiction. Additionally, the technology is approximated to cost 44 million to implement-a heavy fee for us as tax payers. Along with the financial issue, the filter is also predicated to slow down our internet speed by around 30%. Overall, I can really only see one sole benefit-being the protction of young children from abusive material on the internet. But with the finanical, technological and political restrictions, I believe the bad could definitely outweight the good and don't necessarily agree with censorship having a relatable place in a democratic society where individual choice and freedom is encouraged.(Although I do believe that these freedoms should not be abused by producing harmful, abusive and illegal activity online).
To learn more re the 'clean feed' plans visit:
Address: http://nocleanfeed.com/learn.html>
Monday, September 21, 2009
Strawberry Swing
I wanted to do a seperate post for a film clip which Lauren showed us in our tutorial.The song is called 'Stawberry Swing'by Coldplay and we were advised to look it up on youtube for its spectacular use of artwork. The entire clip was a marvelous, impressive piece of art-which would've taken great thought, effort and certainly time. I love Coldplay's music anyway, but I had never seen the clip before and it was definitely captivating and outstanding, escpecially when comparing it to the large majority of meaningless music videos that are out there at the moment.
Here is the video for your enjoyment:
Here is the video for your enjoyment:
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Consumption and Production
Hi all,
Firstly, uni is definitely starting to become very busy! The upcoming hectic work load is already bringing on the realities of soon to be increased stress leves, caffeine consumption for all night cram sessions (for people who are victims of the evil habit of procrastination like me ha) leading to severe sleep deprivation and finally the social calander will unfortunately become subortinated. The joys of uni life-although we really can't complain when we are rewarded with a lovely 4month break at the end of this semester:) Anyway enough of that, onto things related with new com.
Once again I really enjoyed last week's (week 6) lecture, with the topic being 'consumption and production'. From studying the subject 'intro to screen analysis' last sem, this made the lecture content easy to understand and follow. With most of us in today's society being avid mobile phone users, this also made the content engaging and relatable. Additionally, i also studied 'styles and generes of journalism' last sem so the idea of 'citizen journalists' or where members of the public capture news footage/images on their mobile phones and provide news web sites (lecture example was 'ireport.com') and sometimes news channels with this material. Therefore, the lecture as a whole was advocating the point that citizens of society consume content (that is generaly professionally produced) and can then go on to become involved in the process of producing their own material for community consumption. So the cycle goes from consumer, producer back to consumer. The example for 'mash-ups, re-genres & re-cuts' (being 'thetrailermash.com site) where films such as The Shining and Marry Poppins had their geners (e.g horror to romance, children to horror) completely re-produced by consumers for public consumption were really entertaining, clever and gave us a good laugh.
Here is the example of Marry Poppins being edited as horror film:
Finally we had an example of a short film that was made entirely from mobile phone footage and I though it was not just a really insightful film (due to the strong messages) but you wouldn't have thought it to be produced from a small phone camera. The fast edited clips were put together really well, I was quite impressed!
Here is the film below. Reference: Tropfest NY Winner: 'Mankind is no island'
Firstly, uni is definitely starting to become very busy! The upcoming hectic work load is already bringing on the realities of soon to be increased stress leves, caffeine consumption for all night cram sessions (for people who are victims of the evil habit of procrastination like me ha) leading to severe sleep deprivation and finally the social calander will unfortunately become subortinated. The joys of uni life-although we really can't complain when we are rewarded with a lovely 4month break at the end of this semester:) Anyway enough of that, onto things related with new com.
Once again I really enjoyed last week's (week 6) lecture, with the topic being 'consumption and production'. From studying the subject 'intro to screen analysis' last sem, this made the lecture content easy to understand and follow. With most of us in today's society being avid mobile phone users, this also made the content engaging and relatable. Additionally, i also studied 'styles and generes of journalism' last sem so the idea of 'citizen journalists' or where members of the public capture news footage/images on their mobile phones and provide news web sites (lecture example was 'ireport.com') and sometimes news channels with this material. Therefore, the lecture as a whole was advocating the point that citizens of society consume content (that is generaly professionally produced) and can then go on to become involved in the process of producing their own material for community consumption. So the cycle goes from consumer, producer back to consumer. The example for 'mash-ups, re-genres & re-cuts' (being 'thetrailermash.com site) where films such as The Shining and Marry Poppins had their geners (e.g horror to romance, children to horror) completely re-produced by consumers for public consumption were really entertaining, clever and gave us a good laugh.
Here is the example of Marry Poppins being edited as horror film:
Finally we had an example of a short film that was made entirely from mobile phone footage and I though it was not just a really insightful film (due to the strong messages) but you wouldn't have thought it to be produced from a small phone camera. The fast edited clips were put together really well, I was quite impressed!
Here is the film below. Reference: Tropfest NY Winner: 'Mankind is no island'
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Short Films
For Week 5/6 tutorial task, we were asked to find 3 short films (under 10mins)on the internet and embed them into our blog. Drawing knowledge from previous lectures, we also needed to provide an explanation as to why we chose these particular films.
Title:'Finite'. Directed by Eric Hyland and Dusty Culbertson.
"When a relationship is forced to change, how does one come to terms with the past and reconcile? Ultimately, relationships like life simply exist, persist, and endure for a limited period of time"
(source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6VTsuoBk3M).
I came across this film from searching top short films in google and found the above summary intrigueing. Alot of us can relate to love, loosing someone special, a broken heart or trying to let go of the past and move on into the future. I felt this short film represented these common life experiences and human feelings in a very emotional and engaging way.
The 8:52second piece conveys it's emotion through elements such as the soft song that play's the entire way through, continual close ups (showing the detailed/deep emotion and expression of the character's) flashbacks (illustrating the character reminising on past times and longing/hoping it could still be that way in the present) long shots (which display the beach location where memories took place) alterations of slow to fast pace takes (represeting change in emotion from past to present) along with scenes fading in to one another (presenting a thoughtful feeling). All of these editing decisions helped present an overall touching sense to this short film. I found 'finite' conveyed a strong sense of the emotions of love, loss and longing.
As the famous saying goes, 'it's better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all'.
Title:'Finite'. Directed by Eric Hyland and Dusty Culbertson.
"When a relationship is forced to change, how does one come to terms with the past and reconcile? Ultimately, relationships like life simply exist, persist, and endure for a limited period of time"
(source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6VTsuoBk3M).
I came across this film from searching top short films in google and found the above summary intrigueing. Alot of us can relate to love, loosing someone special, a broken heart or trying to let go of the past and move on into the future. I felt this short film represented these common life experiences and human feelings in a very emotional and engaging way.
The 8:52second piece conveys it's emotion through elements such as the soft song that play's the entire way through, continual close ups (showing the detailed/deep emotion and expression of the character's) flashbacks (illustrating the character reminising on past times and longing/hoping it could still be that way in the present) long shots (which display the beach location where memories took place) alterations of slow to fast pace takes (represeting change in emotion from past to present) along with scenes fading in to one another (presenting a thoughtful feeling). All of these editing decisions helped present an overall touching sense to this short film. I found 'finite' conveyed a strong sense of the emotions of love, loss and longing.
As the famous saying goes, 'it's better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all'.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6VTsuoBk3M
Categor
I chose this film as I found it original and attention grabbing. The sequence of events (story line) was made more interesting and thrilling by how the fast paced action was filmed and edited. The fast paced music, (which would speed up during more intense action scenes, with the faster beating of drums)a hand held camera effect, (giving the chase scenes where the actors were running, a more realistic effect) and slow motion shots were just a few of the editing techniques which contributed to heightening the interest, suspence and overall entertaining effect of the film. Also it was interesting how when the main actor turned a corner his shirt would change and showed a new person chasing him. I thought this was a clever effect. This short film was a completely different genre from 'finite'.
Title: 'Ten Minutes'. Director: Ahmed Imamovic.
"This short film, as its title indicates lasts only 10 minutes, but it tells a much longer story which unravels only in our imagination upon seeing the end of the film. While 10 minutes in someone's life mean nothing, they can be fatal in another: a boy and his loving family, tragedy in a war-torn city, death and destruction. All in just ten minutes. The film follows two simultaneous story lines: one set in Rome, and one in Sarajevo, in 1994, the worst time of the war in Bosnia...Was not by chance that it won the award for the best European short film in 2002. 10 minutes for me is definitely one of the most moving and powerful films about wartime Sarajevo". (Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppAn0LNU_V8).
I found the above summary drew me to this film, firstly because it was completely different from the first two films (although it's emotional appeal did correlate with 'finite', although in a completely different context) and also for the issues it represented. It is crazy how one's life can be completely changed in the small period of ten minutes. Wedding proposals, birth, death, relationship break ups, winning the loto..these are all life changing events which can take place in a small window of time.
The film showed how in one scenario a man is waiting for his photo's to be developed in a 10min time slot and then within these minutes a child's life is forever changed when his family is killed in his war torn nation.
An upbeat song was playing in the scenes where the man was getting his photos developed, this shifted to slow mustic and dark lighting with the scenes where the young boy was in. Wide shots were utilised to present a clear image of the location/surroundings of the war torn town and fast shots were implented in the action scenes. Again all of these editing choices helped to convey a powerful image and construction.
Overall I found the film delivered a strong message which made you realise how you never know what is around the corner, to not take life for granted as things can change at any moment and also made me realise how lucky we are to live in a safe country where events like this are foreign to us.
Persona, google maps/sketches & site interactions
Week 6 task was to interact with numerous websites which were posted in the nct blog. The first website was regarding persona. The image below, is apparently my persona produced by this site. By typing in your full name, the program collects all the information in the internet that is associated with your name. It segments the information into categories, e.g sport, fashion etc. and shows how much of each category is linked with your name. I'd never heard of this program before, but it amazed me how it collects every piece of information that has every been uploaded to the internet (connected with your name). Very interesting!
We were then asked to create our own google map from our google account. We were to place landmarks on the map for things like places we wish to travel etc. My map (shown below) outlines all the areas I have lived..displaying six location moves in total. By clicking on the snapshot image below, a full size version of my map will display all of the places I have lived, with a little discrption at each marking point. This was the first time I had made a google map, so it was fun to learn.
View Places I have lived in a larger map
The next website was "sketchcast", similar to paint..where you use the drawing tools to sketch an image..but this program records your sketching movements and plays it back in a video format. You can also incorporate voice into the playing movie. Below is my sad attempt at drawing a flower (clearly I am no artist) but I gave it a go nonethless.
From all the various sites posted for this week's task, we had to interact with five of them. The five web site that I chose are outlined below:
This site: http://www.polyvore.com/is an interacitve program where users can view fashions from countless designers. Shoes, bags, pants, dresses, jewlerrey etc. are available in large numbers and varied styles and once the user locates pieces of their choose, they are able to put together an outfit from the different catergory's. This can then be purchased, embeded into a blog and made public for other viewers using the site. I had never heard of this page before, and searching through the large variety of fashion and accessories was good fun! Below is an outfit i selected from the site's range. I published my choices and then embeded into my blog.
The next site http://www.archive.org/index.php is a website which operates as an archiving system (it is not comercial, definings its operation as 'non-profit') which acts as an online library, filing sites or 'cultural arifacts' in a digital manner. The site offers free of charge use for 'reseachers, historians, scholars' and all of society. Therefore this site performs as an online database where users can search for historical information, sources etc. It is great that it is available for free use and consumption, and can be used to locate diverse areas of archived knowledge.
Although it is a known taboo! to never use wikipedia as a source in academic work, it has been used as a link to gather general/background info. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_social_networking_websites.. This wikipedia info provides an extensive list of different social networking sites that are available on the net. The site advises to 'note the list is not exhaustive, and is limited to some notable, well-known sites'. I found this hard to fathom as when i copy and pasted the table of named sites into a word document, the list extended over more than 8 pages. Clearly I could not paste such a long list into my blog, but the length of it illustrated that if the site had only mentioned the main networking sites and did not cover all that are available online, then the full extent of networks available is a eye opening number! Therefore the use of social networking sites is hihgly popular, with the significant number available proving this.
Following on from wikipedia's list of networking sites,http://blog.compete.com/2009/02/09/facebook-myspace-twitter-social-network/ is a blog post written by Andy Kazeniac this year titled 'Social Networks: Facebook Takes Over Top Spot, Twitter Climbs'. The post discuss's the 'social networking giants' i.e facebook and myspace. Kazeniac advises of facebook's 5th birthday and is growing popularity, succeeding it to take the number 1 spot amoung the top 25 networking sites. The sites have been ranked according to the greatest number of monthly visits. Facebook lead, followed by Myspace then twitter. As I'd say most of us are, i'm an avid facebook user..i deleted my myspace account last year, but i can remember when myspace was definitely more popular. Wonder when the tables will turn and facebook will be subordinated to the growing popularity of twitter? Below is the table from this site, outlining the top 25 social networks.
And finally,http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/index2.php. is a website which operates as a service for providing information on emergency's and disasters happening around the world. The website provides maps which present different icons, represting different issues across global, local or national locations. For example, the icons may stand for an airplane incident, earthquake, flood, Tsunami, plague, tornado, terror attack, snow avalanche and many more. The service is a great source to find out what is happening in the world and where! (People are able to indentify natural disasters etc. and perhaps becoming preperared in their area or cancel a trip to this location). Below is an example of a map that website displayed.
We were then asked to create our own google map from our google account. We were to place landmarks on the map for things like places we wish to travel etc. My map (shown below) outlines all the areas I have lived..displaying six location moves in total. By clicking on the snapshot image below, a full size version of my map will display all of the places I have lived, with a little discrption at each marking point. This was the first time I had made a google map, so it was fun to learn.
View Places I have lived in a larger map
The next website was "sketchcast", similar to paint..where you use the drawing tools to sketch an image..but this program records your sketching movements and plays it back in a video format. You can also incorporate voice into the playing movie. Below is my sad attempt at drawing a flower (clearly I am no artist) but I gave it a go nonethless.
From all the various sites posted for this week's task, we had to interact with five of them. The five web site that I chose are outlined below:
This site: http://www.polyvore.com/is an interacitve program where users can view fashions from countless designers. Shoes, bags, pants, dresses, jewlerrey etc. are available in large numbers and varied styles and once the user locates pieces of their choose, they are able to put together an outfit from the different catergory's. This can then be purchased, embeded into a blog and made public for other viewers using the site. I had never heard of this page before, and searching through the large variety of fashion and accessories was good fun! Below is an outfit i selected from the site's range. I published my choices and then embeded into my blog.
The next site http://www.archive.org/index.php is a website which operates as an archiving system (it is not comercial, definings its operation as 'non-profit') which acts as an online library, filing sites or 'cultural arifacts' in a digital manner. The site offers free of charge use for 'reseachers, historians, scholars' and all of society. Therefore this site performs as an online database where users can search for historical information, sources etc. It is great that it is available for free use and consumption, and can be used to locate diverse areas of archived knowledge.
Although it is a known taboo! to never use wikipedia as a source in academic work, it has been used as a link to gather general/background info. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_social_networking_websites.. This wikipedia info provides an extensive list of different social networking sites that are available on the net. The site advises to 'note the list is not exhaustive, and is limited to some notable, well-known sites'. I found this hard to fathom as when i copy and pasted the table of named sites into a word document, the list extended over more than 8 pages. Clearly I could not paste such a long list into my blog, but the length of it illustrated that if the site had only mentioned the main networking sites and did not cover all that are available online, then the full extent of networks available is a eye opening number! Therefore the use of social networking sites is hihgly popular, with the significant number available proving this.
Following on from wikipedia's list of networking sites,http://blog.compete.com/2009/02/09/facebook-myspace-twitter-social-network/ is a blog post written by Andy Kazeniac this year titled 'Social Networks: Facebook Takes Over Top Spot, Twitter Climbs'. The post discuss's the 'social networking giants' i.e facebook and myspace. Kazeniac advises of facebook's 5th birthday and is growing popularity, succeeding it to take the number 1 spot amoung the top 25 networking sites. The sites have been ranked according to the greatest number of monthly visits. Facebook lead, followed by Myspace then twitter. As I'd say most of us are, i'm an avid facebook user..i deleted my myspace account last year, but i can remember when myspace was definitely more popular. Wonder when the tables will turn and facebook will be subordinated to the growing popularity of twitter? Below is the table from this site, outlining the top 25 social networks.
And finally,http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/index2.php. is a website which operates as a service for providing information on emergency's and disasters happening around the world. The website provides maps which present different icons, represting different issues across global, local or national locations. For example, the icons may stand for an airplane incident, earthquake, flood, Tsunami, plague, tornado, terror attack, snow avalanche and many more. The service is a great source to find out what is happening in the world and where! (People are able to indentify natural disasters etc. and perhaps becoming preperared in their area or cancel a trip to this location). Below is an example of a map that website displayed.
Back again...
Well, last week's tute involved us being able to complete any outstanding weekly tasks as the first round of assesment was due last Friday. I had already completed all the required criteria, so I was set to get into the week 5/6 task of finding short films (under 10mins) on the internet and embedding them into my blog, however due to feeling unwell I had to leave class early. Now that I feel fully recovered from the flu like symptoms..I best be off on my quest to find some interesting short films and complete this weeks homework (being a written paragrah on what my essay topic and idea's are). See you at tomorrow's tute...:)
Well, last week's tute involved us being able to complete any outstanding weekly tasks as the first round of assesment was due last Friday. I had already completed all the required criteria, so I was set to get into the week 5/6 task of finding short films (under 10mins) on the internet and embedding them into my blog, however due to feeling unwell I had to leave class early. Now that I feel fully recovered from the flu like symptoms..I best be off on my quest to find some interesting short films and complete this weeks homework (being a written paragrah on what my essay topic and idea's are). See you at tomorrow's tute...:)
P.S. Below is a image of Burleigh Beach taken by my favourite photograher Sean Scott. Thought I would include it as our winter weather has been amazing these past couple of weeks, and with living at Burleigh myself, this picture sums up just how perfect and enjoyable our local beach's have been!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Hi again, The gold coast weather was perfect this weekend!! It amazes me that we're still in winter!! The endless days of perfect sunshine feel as though we're already in summer. So i've been very happy being able to soak up the glorious rays at Burleigh beach:) Anyway, back to the task at hand. Last tute involved Lauren returning back from holiday and to take over our tutes again. So now I'm thinking she probably wish's she could return to her leave after i most likely annoyed her with my copious amounts of questions due to me still being quite computer inept in regards to working my way around the apple and blogging tools. Never the less I did learn how to directly paste a utube video onto my page and that if you don't allocate your pictures you are uploading to be 'centred' your blog will pretty much resemble a mess of sporadically placed images, or worse result in them dissappearing! Frustrating lol. Week four's lecture involved a chronological overview (time-line) of how films moved from the big screen to the small screen. And yes, after refering to my post from last week, I am proud to say my attendance and punctuality were in check this week! The lecture also included a rather random but very amusing and funny snippet from an online video called (if my memory serves my correctly) "Troops". It was made in 1997 and was a take of Starwars, but it was really well made for the time it was produced. The additional example of BMW's short films (with Guy Ritchie producing it and Madonna playing the lead role) showed how technology in films has advanced over time (to branch into the internet) and was also highly entertaining on the humour front. So i though last week's lecture was actually really interesting and engaging. Anyway best get back to updating the weekly tasks. Talk soon:)
After watching Nicholas Spark's movie 'Nights in Rodanthe' (it was released this year and stars amazing performances from Richard Gear and Diane Lane, the film was made from Spark's novel and is one of the many movies which has been produced from his stories. Other examples are 'Message in a Bottle' and 'The Notebook') I wanted to use this film for our task of explaining the who,what, where, when, why and how in film shots. I absolutely loved this movie, Nicholas Sparks is my favourite author and his novels and films always make me cry at their beautiful stories. If you haven't read any of his books or watched his films such as The Notebook, I highly recommend!!
Below are the image shots I found which explain the who, what, where, when, why and how.
WHO: Close Up Shot-Shows character in detail (facial deatures)
WHAT:
Mid Shot.
Shows the character's performing in action
WHERE: Long Shot.
Shown at start of scene to present location
Also known as establishing shot.
WHEN: Wide Shot. This image shows when as you can see the dark of the night through the windows and the fact they're eating dinner indicates this scene is at night time.
WHY: Big Close Up
Reveals more about character's and actions. Show's their passion as to why they're falling in love
HOW: Series of Close Up's and Medium Close Up's
Explains events that are happenning.
Below are the image shots I found which explain the who, what, where, when, why and how.
WHO: Close Up Shot-Shows character in detail (facial deatures)
WHAT:
Mid Shot.
Shows the character's performing in action
WHERE: Long Shot.
Shown at start of scene to present location
Also known as establishing shot.
WHEN: Wide Shot. This image shows when as you can see the dark of the night through the windows and the fact they're eating dinner indicates this scene is at night time.
WHY: Big Close Up
Reveals more about character's and actions. Show's their passion as to why they're falling in love
HOW: Series of Close Up's and Medium Close Up's
Explains events that are happenning.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Week Four's tutorial task asked us to find answers to the following q's
(without using google).
1. What is the weight of the world's biggest pumpkin? How long did it take to grow?
1. What is the weight of the world's biggest pumpkin? How long did it take to grow?
According to this site, Mr. Joe Jutras who is from North Scituate, Rhode Island, took a 1689 pound pumpkin to the 'Topsfield Fair GPC weigh-off in Topsfield, Ma' on the 29/09/07. This weight out-did the previous world record by a large 187 pounds. This particular site did not provide the information as to how long the pumpkin took to grow, however i found the second world record and that pumpkin took approximately 5months.
Reference: PumpkinNook-Premier Star Co. (2007) 'World Record Giant Pumpkin'
<http://www.pumpkinnook.com/giants/record.htm.pumpkinnook.com/giants/record.htm>
I found a site called '123 people' and it provides phone numbers, email and home address's for celebritires. You could try and reach her from these details or contact her on her facebook/myspace site.
The sites link is http://www.123people.fr/s/lilly+allen
3. What is the length of a giraffe's tongue?
A giraffe's togue is approximately 18 inches in length but can stretch even further when feeding.
Reference:
'http://www.bio.davidson.edu/people/vecase/Behavior/Spring2002/Kawwass/giraffe.htm
4. How would you define the word 'glycomics'? In your own words, what does it really mean ? What does the term 'seagull manager' refer to?
Firstly, before searching this online, i'm afraid to admit i'm actually not sure what glycomics means. After finding a definition on reference.com i now believe glycomics is the study of of glycomes which is the whole substance of sugars.
Reference.com (2009) 'Glycomics'. http://www.reference.com/browse/Glycomics
I discovered the term 'seagull manager' is a slang word which refers to a manger who is very critical, who acts by arriving to the work enviornment, criticizing emplyees harshly and the leaves. Basically a boss who flies in, creates a disturbance and then leaves after creating the mess.
Link: http://uk.encarta.msn.com/dictionary_1481585101/seagull_manager.html
5. What was David Cronenberg's first feature film? Which of his films Had 'Blondie' in it?
His first feature film he produced was called 'Stereo' and was in 1969. Debra Harry played 'Blondie' in his 1983 thriller 'Videodrome' .
Reference 1.
Taylor, A. (2003). 'Films of David Cronenberg'.http://www.close-upfilm.com/features/retrospectivearchive/davidcronenberg.htm
Referecnce 2.
Lugosi, B. (2005)'Videodrome' http://www.girlsgunsandghouls.com/videodrome.html
6. When was the original 'Hacker's Manifesto' written?
It was written on January 8, 1986 by an author named 'The Mentor'
7. Why do phone numbers in Hollywood films start with '555'?
Hollywood was encouraged to promote 555 numbers in their films in order to try and prevent true subscribers being hasseled by public members trying the numbers said on the screen.
Reference: Cuccia, M.(issue27).'Code 555'http://www.telephonecollecting.org/code.htm
8. What is the cheapest form of travel from the Gold Coast to Sydney?
Aifaresflight.com. au offer the cheapset flights i could find on the net at the moment, starting from $98
Link: http://www.airfaresflights.com.au/flights/Sydney/Gold_Coast-OOL/
9. What song was top of the Australian Pop Charts this week in 1965?
'Shaking all over' by Normie Rowe and the Playboys.
Reference: Milesago. (1995). 'Normie Rowe'. http://www.milesago.com/Artists/rowe.htm
10. Which Brisbane band includes Stephen Stockwell on keyboards and vocals?
Brisbane punk band the Black Assasins.
Link: http://live-wirez.gu.edu.au/Staff/Stephen/default.html
From the week three tutorial task we were asked to find explanations for the following terms:
VLS/WS LS MLS MS MCU CU BCU ECU
VLS/WS LS MLS MS MCU CU BCU ECU
VLS: Very Long shot. This is a shot where the character or figure is show at a distance so that the location (geographics) are show to the viewer. Therefore the figure and surroundings are ncluded in the shot.
WS: Wide Shot. This is the widest used shot in order to present the viewer with a full screen image of location/area. It doesn't normally include a singled-out character, perhaps just a crowd or nopeople at all. It mainly focus's on establishing the geographical aspects.
LS: Long Shot. This shot presents a full head to toe image of the character. Therefore the person is shown in the foreground. It does show some of the location, however mainly focus's on what the figure is doing and how they look.
MLS: Medium Long Shot. Presents the figure from the knees upward. This shot focus's on establishing the character's body language.
MS: Mid Shot: Shows the figure from above the waist, therefore concentrating on a closer look at the person and their expressions-only presenting a small amount of scenery. Generally used for 'standard dialogue'.
MCU: Medium Close Up. This shot shows the person from the chest up, therefore focusing more closely on facial expressions (however does not get uncomfortably close). The MCU is also used for standard dialogoue.
CU: Close Up. This shows the person just up from the shoulders. It is a more emotionally intense shot than the MCU as it strongly focus's on facial emotions and 'non-verbal' reactions.
BCU: Big Close Up. This shot only shows the person's face, from around the chin to the top of the forehead. The intensity of facial expressions are zoomed in on even further than the CU. It aims to show the thought process of a character.
ECU: Extreme Close Up. This is the most intense shot as it zooms in on only one feature, e.g the lips or eye.
Although researching these terms refreshed my meory of their definitions, having studied the subject screen analysis last semester did help in developing my understanding of these screen terms.
Below is the link and reference details for the site that I sourced these defintions from:
Author Unkonw. 2008. 'Shot Sizes'
The images were sourced from searching google image.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Hellooo,
After spending last week's tute frantically trying to figuire out how to get my four uploaded images and explanatory text (task for week two/three-to represent convergent technologies) to line up with one another and not look like a mess has exploded on my page, my posts were deprived of attention. Thankfully with help from jules, the end of the tute resulted in my page no longer looking like my messy room haha. Clearly this new experience of blogging and uploading various files/links/images is taking me a little while to get a hang of, but with each tutue i'm starting to feel more confident with working my way around the originally unkown apple domain. I will also be honest and say that due to sleep deprivation i didn't make it to last week's 8am lecture (perhaps i should not have admitted that to Lauren and Jules who will be reading this haha) but from reviewing the lectures notes, i best be off to complete the various weekly tasks. I wonder what new experiences jules will throw at us tomorrow in our blogging progress! P.s, i'll be setting the alarm nice and loud this thursday morning in order to ensure my lecture attendance! Bye for now... :)
After spending last week's tute frantically trying to figuire out how to get my four uploaded images and explanatory text (task for week two/three-to represent convergent technologies) to line up with one another and not look like a mess has exploded on my page, my posts were deprived of attention. Thankfully with help from jules, the end of the tute resulted in my page no longer looking like my messy room haha. Clearly this new experience of blogging and uploading various files/links/images is taking me a little while to get a hang of, but with each tutue i'm starting to feel more confident with working my way around the originally unkown apple domain. I will also be honest and say that due to sleep deprivation i didn't make it to last week's 8am lecture (perhaps i should not have admitted that to Lauren and Jules who will be reading this haha) but from reviewing the lectures notes, i best be off to complete the various weekly tasks. I wonder what new experiences jules will throw at us tomorrow in our blogging progress! P.s, i'll be setting the alarm nice and loud this thursday morning in order to ensure my lecture attendance! Bye for now... :)
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Hello again,due to having internet troubles at home, and being busy with the work and uni schedule (and to be honest a weekend filled with not a great deal of study.. as I'm sure most of us can relate to with it being the first weekend back from the stress free holidays) I am now a tad behind with posting a second blog from week 1. Anyway... as I'm sure it'll be the same with the majority of new com tech students, and probably the lecturer's would agree as well-the 8am lecture is not an enjoyable time frame. There is definitely not a large sleep in to be had when having to leave an hour prior to the lecture from living at the other end of the coast. Also you would think at this time of morning, finding a park wouldn't be to tricky... not the case! Despite cutting the sleep cycle short, this lecture was one of the few i managed to not day dream, text or scribble in ha ha.. The content was easy to follow, relatable, interesting and the lecturer cracked a few funny jokes at his limited spelling ability. Anyway.. the alarm will be set bright and early for tomorrow's dawn lecture. Best get back to searching for some convergent technology images for this tute.. being week two. (See below for content)
Firstly, it is important to define what exactly 'convergence' means:
The follwing site http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=convergence states:
'convergence is the occurrence of two or more things coming together'.
Therefore, this definition can be related to our focus of technological convergence, where varied technologies come together to perform simultaneous tasks.
Source: The Trustees of Princet on University, 2009. 'Word Net' 'http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=convergence.. Last update: July 9, 2009
Now that technolgical convergence has been defined, the following pictures have been uploaded as an examples.The first picture is an example of a convergent technology that is also used as a means of communication. The web cam enables people to see each other and communicate on the internet via a camera. This can be viewed at:
http://www.techshout.com/gaming/2007/02/new-psp-camera-go-cam-unveiled-by-sony/
The second image is a second example of a communication method (the iphone) that is also an example of a convergent technology. The iphone works as a phone, has the ability to access the internet and email, it also acts as an ipod where songs can be downloaded to be played through itunes, along with numerous applications where weather, stocks, games and u- tube videos can be utilized. The following link presents images and information on the iphone: http://www.apple.com/iphone/
The third image illustrates a shoe and electric technology converging together, in order for the shoe to be able to light up. It is called the 'electric light shoe' and the image shows how the shoe is being charged up to glow. The image and information on the product was sited from:
http://cubeme.com/blog/2008/01/18/electric-light-shoe-by-freedom-of-creation/
Finally the last image shows how two technologies have converged into the one product, that being a hair curler and hair straightener. The image and information on the products features can be found at: http://www.ioffer.com/i/InStyler-Rotating-Hair-Straightener--113823913
Now that the images have been uploaded in their original form, another task we were assigned was to take one of the pictures and alter it through cropping, change in colour, size etc.
An original version of the chosen image-the iphone (the last uploaded picture) along with the altered images (with 3 examples, 1 being a crop and the second two displaying colour changes in background + saturation) are illustrated below.
Moving away from simply uploading still frames, this next task requires us to upload two utube videos, one displaying convergent technology and the other can be anything we wish.
The utubue video i chose to exemplify a convergent technology, is one which displays a car driving on land..then transfers into a speed boat which drives into the water. The two technologies of a road verhicle and a boat have merged together so that the product can be used for two purposes, land and sea.
The second video, which could be anything of my preferance, is an advertisment for corona beer, showing a couple having a quiet drink whilst overlooking the beach in summer time.
The add states "from where you'd rather be" and is somehwere i normally day dream of being whilst studying, being in uni lectures or slaving away at work. Pretty much i just enjoy summer, the beach and a refreshing drink on a hot day.
Can't imagine anything better or where else you'd rather be!
The final task for the week two tute, is in response to the week's lecture
(timeline of the computer and internet)
The lecture content was 'a short history of computing and the internet'. We were provided with a timeline of how the technology of the computer and internet first began, progressed over time, and came to be what it is today.
Below is my own personal summary of the information that i found vital and interesting from this lecture in regards to these two technologies.
Firstly, i had no idea that the begingings of devleoping computer technology came from the minds of Charles Babbage (born 1791), Ada Byron, Lady Lovelace (daugher to renowned poet Lord Byron) and then the more serious development came from Alan Turing (born 1912)-Turing aided in devising the first operating computer, called 'The Bombe' and this was utilised to crack confidential Germain codes during the war. None of these names or historical events were familiar to me before this lecture (clearly showing my ignorance) but the background information on how these minds began evolving computer technology gave me an insight into the foundations of how the first usage of the computer came to be.
To summaries the vital developments of the 20th century, it was IBM who first produced computers comercially in the 1950's. Although the first personal computer (PC) wasn't released until 1975. However, large computer was just the beginning of the technology(as it didn't operate a language) it was around these years that Bill Gates began to develop writing a computer language(called BASIC) which he would market through the small company he created in his garage called Microsoft. This information was very interesting to me as I've only ever known Bill Gates as one of the world's richest through the giant Microsoft Company. So it's fascinating to think he created his wealth and success after dropping out of college and starting up his own company in his house garage.
Whilst all this was happening, two men names Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, got together to form their own small company, called Apple (which is widely used and recognised today). From forming this company, Steve Jobs was estimated to worth over $100 million at the age of 25.
The final pieces of information which I found highly interesting and also was completely unaware of, was the fact that the internet and the web aren't the same thing. So I learnt that the World Wide Web (web) is only one part or use within the larger internet. Here I was thinking before this lecture, that the two were the same thing.
Overall I definitely gained alot more knowledge and understanding of how the computer came from a technology which was first used to decoded messages in the war, to today's position where using computers and the internet are part of our every day lives, with some of us not knowing where we'd be without them.
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