Blogs seem to be relatively easy to navigate around. The titles of each of your discussions are placed at one side of the web page. Therefore you can pick and choose what you wish to read. However i don't really consider Blogging as an online conversation,unless it's with yourself!! I know people may comment by disagreeing or asking questions on your blog but in my opinion it doesn't really compare within an online conversation such as MSN or facebook provides.
I do express myself in the same way as i would in real life. Although am finding it difficult to know whether to be either completely informal as i would on similar websites or to keep a formal tone in my writing. This shows the difference between if you write how you speak, or not. Also the difference between meat-space in seminars and blogging.
I don't think it compares to face-to-face seminars, as i think its possible to learn more and ask more questions when in a face-to-face situation. The interaction isn't the same, as i think because it takes longer as your restricted in how many people views and opinions you are willing to look at.
I don't think there is authority between different bloggers! Everyone is entitled to there opinion, so you feel ok about expressing it.
I personally don't have the skills to be called an 'advantage user', am still learned and media literacy to be a user. Hopefully though as i get to grips with the course, I'll become better with the whole idea of blogging.
Friday, 30 January 2009
Topic 2 Forums
Web forums are used to communicate with other members in your group, and replaces the usual face-to-face conversations that would take place during group meetings. They are a way of saving time,and helping in addressing specific points of disagreement or confusion. However forums can also be problematic as they do not provide instant messaging, therefore the response rate isn't as fast and you may not get the answer you were looking for therefore it may take longer to achieve your goal than simply having meat space time would do instantly.
The messages/comments made on forums can be seen by anyone else using the forum therefore people are more aware of what they personally write and discuss. However i think the biggest advantage of forums is quite often they are used to discuss similar subjects, therefore if someone in your group doesn't know the answer to a question, other people may be able to provide you with information or help.
Livingstone address the question about learning new communication skills in order to keep up with new media. A very relevant question when using forums. Without seeing and meeting face-to-face with people, opinions, strong views and thoughts on particular subjects are lost in forums unless you can communicate these with good writing skills. With lack of body-language and peoples expressions in which meat-space provides instantly and amongst a group of people is harder to achieve in simply and separate comments made on a forum.
I am personally finding forums and blogging a new experience therefore at times harder to understand quite what is required. There doesn't seem to be an authoritative figure in these forums. As between tutors and students, the comments tend to use informal language and blend in with the others.
The messages/comments made on forums can be seen by anyone else using the forum therefore people are more aware of what they personally write and discuss. However i think the biggest advantage of forums is quite often they are used to discuss similar subjects, therefore if someone in your group doesn't know the answer to a question, other people may be able to provide you with information or help.
Livingstone address the question about learning new communication skills in order to keep up with new media. A very relevant question when using forums. Without seeing and meeting face-to-face with people, opinions, strong views and thoughts on particular subjects are lost in forums unless you can communicate these with good writing skills. With lack of body-language and peoples expressions in which meat-space provides instantly and amongst a group of people is harder to achieve in simply and separate comments made on a forum.
I am personally finding forums and blogging a new experience therefore at times harder to understand quite what is required. There doesn't seem to be an authoritative figure in these forums. As between tutors and students, the comments tend to use informal language and blend in with the others.
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Topic one Week 2
A)With Windows Vista replacing XP and Office 2007 replacing Office 2003, (and so on), what is ‘upgrade culture’ all about?
The 'upgrade culture' of society seems to have taken over from what is really important, such as what society needs to survive (resources- food, water, fuel), resulting as a generation gripped by the next best thing.
Many businesses will argue their products are more beneficial and better than their previous version, and it seems to work. People these days won't settle for second best, even if that means paying more for a new mobile phone with all the gadgets, that you have know idea how to use or are not remotely interested in using. The same goes for new versions of Windows and Office, your needs may only consist of Microsoft word and the internet, instead you buy the upgraded version to keep up with your peers because it has lots of other programs and photoshops on it that are seen as essential future equipment. And nine out of ten times people don't even need them.
I think that businesses can see upgrades (often objects or programs similar to what you already own but with an added feature) as way of exploiting consumerism and encouraging profit.
B)According to Lister et al., some commentators stress the ‘newness’ of new media, but others (such as Kevin Robins) can be seen to be saying that nothing fundamental has changed, because new media technology is another product of capitalism, and therefore will fit into and serve a pre-existing capitalist society and culture, rather than transform it in any fundamental sense. Any thoughts? Can we critique this position?
"Robins’ main argument was that such media industries have traditionally figured in imagined national communities, and because this imagined community is so forceful, it closes off new possibilities in our understanding of transnational media." I think that his argument against the newness of technology is quite a pessimistic view of a growing society. However, i think because developed countries have constant growth and new media technology's are developed frequently people may take things for granted and as simply as something else to use or buy.
On the other hand there is strength in Lister et al argument, with the money and technology spent on developing "New Media" whilst in time it will be blend in to a capitalist society it may be also serve to benefit society in such a way people recognize it.
C)Are new media a source of ‘progress’ in the sense that they enhance things we do in spheres of social activity – business, education, shopping, democracy etc? Could we say that such a proposition involves an ‘ideology of progress’?
Yes I definitely think new media is a source of progress. They have served to enhance the everyday activities in society life. People can work faster and more efficiency through the use of this new media, businesses benefit by being able to communicate with their public's, and get their messages across far easier and more effectively than the use of tradition methods. Internet, part of this new media, helps people to further their education quicker and easier but also allows people to get on with their daily lives, such as work but educate themselves at night. I personally believe that the internet plays a huge role in helping me at university, as not only can I communicate with my peers and lecturers almost instantly, the internet provides me with the material and information needed for my course. Of course someone could argue you could gain this information from just using books but sure the internet even saves me time and money by telling me where i find these books and whether they'll be any good to me anyway.
Its definitely an ideology of process for society.
Lecture 2 Notes and references to Lister et al
A few Bullets Notes on aspects of the lecture notes:
Personally between the choice of whether or not technology can be seen as a force for change in society which is outside society’s control and therefore similar to a ‘force of nature’ and the point of view that technology is merely the product of societies -with all the historical and political contingency that suggests. I believe that the truth lies heavily with the fact that technology is a product of society, it is certainly a force of change and rather something that can be controlled. I think the argument of “socio-determinism” (technology as the outcome of social forces such as capitalistic profit and dominant social groups’ control of resources, distribution and marketing.) is one of great strength and could be easily argued as a sole factor in the development New media.
In reference to Lister et al' s ' New textual Experiences' such as new kinds of genre, entertainment, pleasure and patterns of media consumption (computer games, hypertexts) and also the ability of immersion in virtual environments are good examples of the development of technology and the role it plays in society.
I found Everett Rogers argument, being able to respond to messages, being involved in feedback processes, is itself not significant as a basis to claim that new media are distinctive, quite intriguing. Suggesting that this form of interactivity is not significant if compared to the tradition face to face or telephone communication, as these forms of communication are lot more affective and produce better results.
Lister states that interactivity at an ideological level is one of a key 'added value' meaning it is a more powerful sense of user engagement with media texts than old media that merely offered passive consumption. I think this draws on the ideas of “socio-determinism” (technology as the outcome of social forces such as capitalistic profit and dominant social groups’ control of resources, distribution and marketing.) again. As the market continues to offer endless possibilities and allow individuals to make more lifestyle choices. Feeding into this method of maximizing consumer choice.
I quite liked the reference to websites being like magazines. Stating the Web may be like a big chain of interlinked magazine, may help to give further understanding of the Internet.
Livingstone refers to the, multimedia text, hypertextuality, anarchy and synchronous communication involved in using the Internet helping to add argument of how interactive the Internet is as part as of this generations New media. This involves the availability of instant chat and also emails.
Choice Hypertext further argues my opinion for the Internet being a great opportunity to learn and educate yourself. As hyperlink often provide you with the choice to go to another website to give meaning or more information on a particular word or subject.
Personally between the choice of whether or not technology can be seen as a force for change in society which is outside society’s control and therefore similar to a ‘force of nature’ and the point of view that technology is merely the product of societies -with all the historical and political contingency that suggests. I believe that the truth lies heavily with the fact that technology is a product of society, it is certainly a force of change and rather something that can be controlled. I think the argument of “socio-determinism” (technology as the outcome of social forces such as capitalistic profit and dominant social groups’ control of resources, distribution and marketing.) is one of great strength and could be easily argued as a sole factor in the development New media.
In reference to Lister et al' s ' New textual Experiences' such as new kinds of genre, entertainment, pleasure and patterns of media consumption (computer games, hypertexts) and also the ability of immersion in virtual environments are good examples of the development of technology and the role it plays in society.
I found Everett Rogers argument, being able to respond to messages, being involved in feedback processes, is itself not significant as a basis to claim that new media are distinctive, quite intriguing. Suggesting that this form of interactivity is not significant if compared to the tradition face to face or telephone communication, as these forms of communication are lot more affective and produce better results.
Lister states that interactivity at an ideological level is one of a key 'added value' meaning it is a more powerful sense of user engagement with media texts than old media that merely offered passive consumption. I think this draws on the ideas of “socio-determinism” (technology as the outcome of social forces such as capitalistic profit and dominant social groups’ control of resources, distribution and marketing.) again. As the market continues to offer endless possibilities and allow individuals to make more lifestyle choices. Feeding into this method of maximizing consumer choice.
I quite liked the reference to websites being like magazines. Stating the Web may be like a big chain of interlinked magazine, may help to give further understanding of the Internet.
Livingstone refers to the, multimedia text, hypertextuality, anarchy and synchronous communication involved in using the Internet helping to add argument of how interactive the Internet is as part as of this generations New media. This involves the availability of instant chat and also emails.
Choice Hypertext further argues my opinion for the Internet being a great opportunity to learn and educate yourself. As hyperlink often provide you with the choice to go to another website to give meaning or more information on a particular word or subject.
Monday, 26 January 2009
What kind of things have been said about the Internet and the impact it is having on society? From hype and utopian dreaming to moral panics?
The introduction of the Internet was a huge phenomenon. It was allowing access to a whole new world of information and communication. However as the years have went on, the internet has attracted more and more negative attention. Described as dangerous and easily misused. The internet allows access to any type of information and quite often there isnt sufficent restrictions therefore any age group can access it. This has opened up the opportunity for children to access inappropiate material such as pornography and also the frighting prospect of paedophilia to take place.
However whilst the negatives of the internet is often broadcast, people forget the great opportunities that internet can give, provided its in the right hands. I think the advantages of the internet far outweigh the disadvantages. The chance of quick and easy communciation and also being able to access information beyond your belief giving people the opportunity to learn and educate themselves.
However whilst the negatives of the internet is often broadcast, people forget the great opportunities that internet can give, provided its in the right hands. I think the advantages of the internet far outweigh the disadvantages. The chance of quick and easy communciation and also being able to access information beyond your belief giving people the opportunity to learn and educate themselves.
How might his views seem to people today? What is radio ‘good for’ in your opinion?
His views today may seem slightly outdated, as many people are disillusion with the effects and impact that visual media such as Television, internet and papers. However radio is still a very popular medium used as means of getting across messages and advertisements to listeners today. It is proven that the radio is more sucessful in communicating than television, and infact that the average person spends more time listening to the radio than they do watching TV. Therefore it is still a very powerful medium to communicate a message or viewpoint.
Today's Radio is mainly associated with entertainment and lively interaction between radio presenters and listeners.
Today's Radio is mainly associated with entertainment and lively interaction between radio presenters and listeners.
How is Goebbel’s view of radio linked to a political ideology? Why does he identify certain kind of communications potential in the medium?
In Goebbels speech he places heavy emphasies on the wastage of power of radio on distracting "the masses from the difficulties of our national and social life through games and entertainment"
He understood the radio to have "great and intellectual and spiritual impact on the masses" therefore felt it would be a great way to communicate the views and opinions of the Nazis.
Goebbels reference to the rise of the Nazis as the "German Revolution" and how it would not have been possible without the radio demonstartes his strong believe in the power of this form of communication. He states, “radio is the most influential and important intermediary between a spiritual movement and the nation”. He understood the medium of radio's impact could significant influence the masses into joining the rise to power.
He understood the radio to have "great and intellectual and spiritual impact on the masses" therefore felt it would be a great way to communicate the views and opinions of the Nazis.
Goebbels reference to the rise of the Nazis as the "German Revolution" and how it would not have been possible without the radio demonstartes his strong believe in the power of this form of communication. He states, “radio is the most influential and important intermediary between a spiritual movement and the nation”. He understood the medium of radio's impact could significant influence the masses into joining the rise to power.
Websites
Websites is the term used to explain what the internet is made up of. The World Wide Web (www) consists of millions of websites containing information on all most anything you could ask. It is also a way for companies to advertise and encourage customers to use their services.
They are a collection of webpages, images, videos or other digital assets that is hosted on one or more web servers, usually accessible via the internet.
Website are huge part of todays world and part of the progress that is continually made in media.
They are a collection of webpages, images, videos or other digital assets that is hosted on one or more web servers, usually accessible via the internet.
Website are huge part of todays world and part of the progress that is continually made in media.
MUDs + MOOs
MUDS & MOOs are a form of communcative devices.
A MUD (Multiple User Dimension) is a computer program which users can log into and explore. Each user takes control of a computerized persona / avatar / incarnation / character. You can walk around, chat with other characters, solve puzzles, and create your very own rooms, descriptions and items. MUDs are usually more social in orientation. The players on these types of MUDs tend to chat, meet friends, make jokes, and discuss various topics.
MOOsMOO is an acronym for Multi-user-dungeon Object Oriented. MOOs are fully interactive societies in which you can role play, or project your real self, as you wish. Its most common use is as a multi-participant, virtual reality adventure game with players from all over the world. You can interact with the people there, but you can also build a home, create pets and other objects, and code / program new items.
A MUD (Multiple User Dimension) is a computer program which users can log into and explore. Each user takes control of a computerized persona / avatar / incarnation / character. You can walk around, chat with other characters, solve puzzles, and create your very own rooms, descriptions and items. MUDs are usually more social in orientation. The players on these types of MUDs tend to chat, meet friends, make jokes, and discuss various topics.
MOOsMOO is an acronym for Multi-user-dungeon Object Oriented. MOOs are fully interactive societies in which you can role play, or project your real self, as you wish. Its most common use is as a multi-participant, virtual reality adventure game with players from all over the world. You can interact with the people there, but you can also build a home, create pets and other objects, and code / program new items.
IRC’s, chat rooms, Messenger Services
IRC's - Internet Relay Chat is a form of real-time internet chat, it is mainly designed for group communcation in discussion forms called channels. However there is also the availablity of one-to-one communcation via private messaging. Unlike chat-rooms there are operators and admins that control the channels.
Chat Rooms are are a popular form of communcation on the internet. It is a text-based message service for groups of people to send instant messages to and from each other. Further developments in chat rooms is also the availablity of audio and visual use, which allows to users to interact with each other alot more personally. There are many different types of chat-rooms from meeting friends to dating chat rooms. However over the last couple years chat-rooms have become an controversial subject, as often suggestions of safety and inapropriate use of chat-rooms has caused many people and perhaps more so parents to have negative attachment to the subject.
Messenger Services are simular to chat rooms in terms of instant chat but are mostly used in one-to-one conversations. They also tend to be conversations between friends and people that the users know as oppose to strangers and tend to mainly be used by the younger generation.
I use a Messenger Service called MSN, quite a popular service used by many of my friends. MSN allows you the choice of who you add to your list of friends and privacy settings therefore it is a relatively safe service. I havent much experience with the use of chatrooms and IRC's.
Chat Rooms are are a popular form of communcation on the internet. It is a text-based message service for groups of people to send instant messages to and from each other. Further developments in chat rooms is also the availablity of audio and visual use, which allows to users to interact with each other alot more personally. There are many different types of chat-rooms from meeting friends to dating chat rooms. However over the last couple years chat-rooms have become an controversial subject, as often suggestions of safety and inapropriate use of chat-rooms has caused many people and perhaps more so parents to have negative attachment to the subject.
Messenger Services are simular to chat rooms in terms of instant chat but are mostly used in one-to-one conversations. They also tend to be conversations between friends and people that the users know as oppose to strangers and tend to mainly be used by the younger generation.
I use a Messenger Service called MSN, quite a popular service used by many of my friends. MSN allows you the choice of who you add to your list of friends and privacy settings therefore it is a relatively safe service. I havent much experience with the use of chatrooms and IRC's.
Usenet and Bulletin board systems
Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) were based on widely available personal computers, and spread rapidly.
Usenet and Bulletin board systems are types of forums where one or two particular subjects are up for discussion. It allows people to communcate through 'threads' and comment on each others thoughts, all the comments are openly shared with everyone. People participating in an Internet forum can build bonds with each other and interest groups will easily form around a topic's discussion, subjects dealt within or around sections in the forum.
I personally have not ever used BBS before so have no experience of them.
Usenet and Bulletin board systems are types of forums where one or two particular subjects are up for discussion. It allows people to communcate through 'threads' and comment on each others thoughts, all the comments are openly shared with everyone. People participating in an Internet forum can build bonds with each other and interest groups will easily form around a topic's discussion, subjects dealt within or around sections in the forum.
I personally have not ever used BBS before so have no experience of them.
Email??
Email!!! The cheap and quick way to say a lot or a little no matter the distance!
Email is used through out the world both formally and informally. I personally find email a great way of contacting family and friends at home. However this digital phenomenon has an added stigma attached alongside it. Lister comments on the intimacy and personal touch of a letter is long gone, apart from the severe downfall in the use of the Postal System such as The Royal Mail, but the almost instantaneous system of Email that has caused what Lister refers to as, "the internet based practice of 'flaming - argumentive hostile and insulting exchanges" (pg 19)which has been incouraged through the rapid system which is Email.
Email is an attactive feature to many as it saves people sitting down and spending a lengthy time writing a letter, then making the effort to buy stamps and then the further effort to find a post box.
I use emails alot through casual chats with friends and family at home but find it also useful to be able to send more formal emails to tutors and places of work with perhaps quick work based questions.
Email is used through out the world both formally and informally. I personally find email a great way of contacting family and friends at home. However this digital phenomenon has an added stigma attached alongside it. Lister comments on the intimacy and personal touch of a letter is long gone, apart from the severe downfall in the use of the Postal System such as The Royal Mail, but the almost instantaneous system of Email that has caused what Lister refers to as, "the internet based practice of 'flaming - argumentive hostile and insulting exchanges" (pg 19)which has been incouraged through the rapid system which is Email.
Email is an attactive feature to many as it saves people sitting down and spending a lengthy time writing a letter, then making the effort to buy stamps and then the further effort to find a post box.
I use emails alot through casual chats with friends and family at home but find it also useful to be able to send more formal emails to tutors and places of work with perhaps quick work based questions.
Task 1: New Media, Reading Lister et al
Lister et al asks 'What is New media?' a broadly used term, which many forget to question carefully. The "widespread currency" (pg 9) of this term asks us to define what is new about Media, and has the changes affected now and what may capture "our imaginations" (pg9) in the future.
One of the major changes in Media and has helped to give the name of 'New Media' is the use of technological advancements in different areas of the media. It is through the development of such things as the internet, the constant progression of mobile phones and the very popular use of MP3 players and Ipods that I believe to be the New Media of my generation.
Radio, Television and Music seem to be the main developments at the currant moment and time but how long can things continue to develop? Is there a limit to what New Media is or will it continue to be a loose phrase that will be associated with the next big thing?
One of the major changes in Media and has helped to give the name of 'New Media' is the use of technological advancements in different areas of the media. It is through the development of such things as the internet, the constant progression of mobile phones and the very popular use of MP3 players and Ipods that I believe to be the New Media of my generation.
Radio, Television and Music seem to be the main developments at the currant moment and time but how long can things continue to develop? Is there a limit to what New Media is or will it continue to be a loose phrase that will be associated with the next big thing?
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