Jarrod's COM 300 Blog

Final Blog

2006-05-30T10:54:00.000-07:00

I’ve enjoyed learning about many topics and concepts in new media explored this quarter, many of which I had never been exposed to nor considered. If I had to choose only one topic for additional research it would have to be to further explore the economic principles and theories relating to new technology. I would like to further examine the concepts and theories put forth by Marshall McLuhan, Lev Manovich, and Rogers that were discussed in class. I believe a coherent understanding of these theories would prove to be a tremendous asset in a competitive business environment dealing with new technologies.

The most important thing I learned about new media this quarter is the concept of the global congregation of ideas and sharing of information in cyberspace. I never truly appreciated the potential that exists on the Internet as it is currently structured and regulated. Before taking this class my idea of social networks on the Internet consisted of hearing about dating sites, Facebook, and My space. All of which in my mind equaled hooking up. After taking this class, I see that because of social networks in cyberspace real grassroots movements are made possible with the potential to make a difference on any number of advocacy issues, civil rights issues, political movements, or consumer movements. No longer is communication constrained within the traditional one-to-many model, but now many- to-one communication has enabled to anyone with access to the Internet.

The topic I found least interesting in the class was that of IP communications. Very simply becasue I had experience with the technology and did not gleen any new insights because of class discussions or readings.

Week 9 Readings

2006-05-22T16:48:00.000-07:00

I think the idea of VoIP is pretty cool. I just downloaded Yahoo's new IM messageer this quarter to be able to talk with a TA for help on a project, and this service is bundled with the new version. I was surprised, that there is a fee for computer to computer through Yahoo, when you can get this for free through other services. I'm not sure if this is a smart business model for them to use. Consumers Eyes may go elsewhere to take advantage of the freeware.
I was surprised to learn that phone companies are already routing many long distance phone calls through an IP gateway. It seems that with the advantages of VoIP this infrastructure will eventually replace the traditional phone system, but as the article suggests I think this is at a least a decade away.
We actually tried Vonage for a while when it first came out and switched back to the land line. For the reasons given in the article that this technology is still trying to compensate for, namely:
quality of the calls, home security, lack of 911 services. I think Vonage had some work around for the 911, if I remember correctly, however all the cons summed up equaled a switch back to the land line. When these issues are resolved however, it makes sense that this will eventually become the dominant infrastructure.

Group Discussion Leader Abstract and PPT Link

2006-05-19T15:55:00.000-07:00

Wireless Commons provides a grassroots approach to universal access. This approach is prone to be negatively effected by participants who are not acting responsibly towards the community. There are some technological steps that can be taken to help slow the process. Unfortunately, given that it is a social problem technical solutions may only help postpone inevitable demise of these wireless infastructures.

For the Power Point to this presentation go here.

Reading Week 8

2006-05-15T16:14:00.000-07:00

Cyberspace as a public space is increasingly dependent upon accessibility standards as Wireless technology promises to be the affordable structure that will deliver universal access to poor and rural areas. The premise of this article is that rural universal access can be attained through wireless infrastructures based upon certain criterions’ being met that ensures for a business model that makes universal access is profitable. The article proposes that services provided through the network that benefit the community is essential to generate revenue. Likewise, community policy makers must accord laws and regulations as drivers of development not as sources of government revenue. Finally, as we the cost of technologies drives down the per line costs, subscriber fees, and related equipment considerations widespread universal wireless access is likely to be adopted. Several case studies illustrate success in the implementation of the outlined criteria. Positive impact on the communities looked at is enormous with little financial burden. It is useful as pointed out to take into consideration that the business models illustrated by the case studies may be similar or dissimilar to typical rural areas based on varying standards of measurements and considerations.

?’s

1. In June 2003, the 802.11g standard was ratified. The article does not describe this standard. Have you heard and if so what do you know about the 802.11g standard?

2. When you use wireless networks do you feel safe or do you have reservations about security and performing certain transactions? After reading this article do you still feel the same or different?

3. South Africa was discussed and the use of UAP licenses as a means to promote universal access in that country. What do you think should be done in the USA to promote universal access particularly in poor and rural areas?

Class Exercise 5/11

2006-05-11T11:49:00.000-07:00

Cantwell Site:

First Impression- I like the home page the choice of rotating images at the top set a tone of concern and or appreciation for workers and the enviornment while one image links this with a photograph of Maria. The color palet is soothing and puts me in a relaxed state while entertaining the messages of the site. Spacing and design of images is easy on the eye and inviting. The whole page is visible without having to scroll.
The interior pages are similar with the exception of the "about" node. I think that there is to much information thrown into this section, there is no orginization for quick access to data.

Opportunities for Interaction- The opportunities I see for interaction on this site are through volunteering, or through the contact us link. It is a huge mistake that this website does not offer a way to build community through forums or blogging or links to one or both.

Finding Info on Issues- It was difficult to find a particular position aside from enviornmental issues that are plastered throughout the site. In order to find particular issues you have to weed through the excessively long about section. This is poorly designed. There should be a positions section as is seen in her opponets website. Conincidentally I never found anything about the issue I was looking for.

McGavick Site:

First Impression: I like that the home page is encompassed without having to scroll, given this fact I don't see the necessity for mirrored links when both are visible it is annoying. I do not like the design and color pallete, it is to busy and loud my eye does not know where to settle. The main picture is decent but the other two pictures are irritating, he looks fake, as if he is obviously posing, plus there is no need for three pictures of him in such a small surface area. I like that there are links to multimedia as well as updated news briefs. These add a sense of timeliness and credibility.

Opportunities for Interaction: This site is excellent for opportunities to interact. McGavick has a blog diary with an opportunity for comments. Although, it seems readily accessible to offer comments by adding an email, a quick run through did show very many comments left on the posts 3 was the most I saw posted.

Finding Info on Issue: This is another area where this site excelled, issues were readily available and organized in a fashion that allowed easy access (although I did not find my issue of interest on this site either).

Week seven EC

2006-05-08T15:14:00.000-07:00

Extra Credit

One observation I found interesting was the use of technology by the two parties across two separate elections; democrats using Linux and republicans using Microsoft hmm..? I think I find this especially intriguing in light of our in class discussions regarding the open source movements and the ideals that this movement represents, contrasted with companies such as Microsoft who want to lock the code and the diametrically opposing ideals these views represent. I also found the detailed account of the layout and navigational patterns of the websites extremely interesting. I am currently in a principles of web design class so all points made were extremely relevant to my current project. I was surprised to see that such major design and navigational issues were present. With the importance of the Internet as a medium of communication and the amount of money that is spent in a presidential election, one would think that the parties would hire competent persons to design and maintain the sites.

I would venture to guess that we will indeed see an improvement in web site usability in coming elections. The Internet as a political tool to engage and create community is surely being noticed by the strategizers of both parties.

Week 7 Readings

2006-05-08T14:53:00.000-07:00

I would find it interesting to see the data that was compiled in the Journal of Online Behavior updated. I think an updated study would prove the researchers hypothesis that traditional sources, and especially newspapers and magazines, are beginning to be less utilized as the primary source of political knowledge. It would be my guess that from 1999 to the present the internet has indeed began transitioning into becoming more of a substitute rather than a supplement of the newspaper and magazine.

The Organization man article illustrates how the Internet is the ultimate organizing tool. Pointing to Joe Trippi’s use of Internet Blogs and chat rooms as an ultimate example of the power and organizing ability this technology holds for engaging and energizing political movements. I found it interesting and logical for this to be an exciting way for the political parties to have supporters come to them and in the process create a sense of community and commitment that might not otherwise have been possible. The example of the “Wave community” was useful in illustrating the two important transferable characteristics of creating community, first the emotional investment participants make by interacting with each other and second the sense of connection and consequent loyalty to the community and its ideals and objectives.

?’s

Do you think that there has been a substantial move since the study of online behavior was conducted back in 1999?
Do you think people who do not have internet access are at a disadvantage in terms of political knowledge?
Do you see the use of the Internet as discussed in the Organization Man having signifigant impacts on the upcoming presidential elections? Have you seen examples of these tactics already being employed?

2006-05-04T12:51:00.000-07:00

In Class Exercise 4, May 2006

BBC.com Has 19RSS feeds with various sections including: news front page, politics, world, UK, England, science, education, technology, entertainment, have your say, magazine, week at a glance...
and 7 RSS Video Feeds with various sections including: headlines, world, entertainment, health, sci-tech, Scotland, UK.
The site sponsors a BBC blog network where you can find and talk to bloggers. In additions, the site sponsors a forum called have your say that I would qualify as a blog. It appears to be real time, is date and time stamped and people can comment on a posted comment.

Seattletimes.com has 46 RSS feeds falling under the following categories: Seattletimes.com, business and technology, columnists, entertainment and the arts, health, living, local news, nation and world, opinion, politics, real estate, sports, travel and outdoors, additional feeds.
The site does sponsor blogs on a variety of subjects from business to food.

Doing a search for "Steven Colbert", yields 3,104 results. If you change the search parameter to truthiness 87 results and if you change to funny stuff the searh yields 3,104. Far more results would have probably been available if Stephen Colberts name was spelled correctly!

Searching for keywords related to my project yields 83,000 results. When I try the tag button, I don't see how many results I have but it too looks like a lot. Under tags however, I am presented with a links navigation are at the bottom of the page that was not present under normal search and additional related tags. Choosing the blogs finder tab dramatically limits the results and lists by authority, whereas the previous two searches were sorted by how recently they had been posted.

A search for blogcritics.org yields 11,336 results. When you place the syntax in "" the search is dramatically reduced to 74. This tells me that the more specific you are with your search parameters will narrow the number of results. A search on Google for blogcritics.org syntax yields 23,900 results. Google has more links this is most likely because there database is bigger and not restricted to the blogosphere.

Week 6 Readings

2006-05-01T15:05:00.000-07:00

Week 6

The first chapter of We the Media, was a good refresher article on the history of media. One comparison I had never seen made before was that of talk radio being a precursor to blogging. This makes perfect sense; talk radio is the first real example in the history of mass media where we see the basic structure of one- to-many communication model changing. Talk radio, with certain limitations, allowed for a, many-to- many model. . Then of course with the Internet the model was completely thrown upside down, now we have a medium that can be anything we want it to be; one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-many. Another point I had never seen made before was that Berners-Lee purposely patented Hypertext Markup Language so that the world would have an extensible foundation on which his new innovation could be built. I also found the analogy of the raising of the community barn intriguing. Working collectively with an open source philosophy, correcting each other’s mistakes, enlightening others, passing on knowledge, are all encouraging ideals that add hope for a productful use of this new medium.

I think the main implication for traditional media from blogging technology lies within the ability of alternate views, agendas, and input to be easily exposed to the masses. In my opinion this ability to question stories cranked out by established media (or lack thereof), and the exposure of framing and agenda setting made by gate keepers of traditional media is what is turning traditional media upside down. It seems as though news agencies must be aware of this as well, as can be seen by the adaptation, with many now incorporating blogging as a normal fixture in their websites.

The article on NPR’s use of podcasting was interesting. I just recently I came across podcasting on the BBC. I think is also a fairly new feature for them as well, either that or I just noticed it since I have been hearing about it as of late. http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/podcasts/

?’s
1. What do you think would be different about the Internet had Berners-Lee patented Hypertext Markup Language?
2. Do you feel that news in the realm of the Internet, from non-traditional news agencies is having a sizeable effect on the mass population of the U.S.? Or would you say that the effect is limited to a “cult” following?
3. Do you think that with podcasting we are seeing something reminiscent of the dot-com boom?

Extra Credit 4/23

2006-04-24T16:54:00.000-07:00

How interesting an unfortunate that like any community, the virtual global community has evolved to a point where policing, norms and rules have created barriers that are constraining individual freedoms. Of course as the author points out it is necessary. Slashdot’s approach seems reasonable. I think it is and should be of up most concern, who is watching the watchers. It must be ensured that those involved in monitoring others are not pushing an alternate agenda in doing so. Its good to know that there are people aware and addressing just such issues. It is according to the article though, a complex issue where sometimes software rather than enabling as was the original design, disables the group by encouraging tangents.

1. Do you think that there truly is no censorship on the Internet?

2. Would you consider Slashdot’s measures for dealing with offensive and irrelevant material, censorship?

2006-04-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

Readings for Week 5

Scholars should most certainly study the open source software movement. With the advent of the Internet, Busch’s prediction of a global community has become something of a reality. Though some would argue that there are limitations and we are not truly a “global” community, for all extents and purposes we are. Despite not all citizens of all countries having Internet access, the reach of the Internet is truly global and this community only promises to expand as more users connect. As such, this virtual global community is in a developmental stage, as is evident with the current open source software movement. This evolving community is still defining and negotiating the rules, systems, and protocols it uses to communicate and distribute information and messages amongst its members. How exciting for Communication scholars to study this new global community from amongst others, a cultural studies perspective.

In addition, never before have we had such a true melting pot of ideas. I found it fascinating in the article of the second superpower, to learn just how much power the Internet holds. I never really appreciated until reading in this article and the context provided, the true potential the Internet holds for average citizens to collectively become a power worthy of making real global changes, and challenging those that currently hold the power. One concern I would have however, is how if this second power gains an international voice would avoid having some system therefore enacted, which would result in the problems discussed; namely those of someone ultimately holding an official decision making position? How would we regulate the same problems we see in the U.S. government, with special interests influencing policy?

I think the ideals promoted in the GNU article are ambitious, despite the fact that I personally agree with them. I really liked the analogy provided on page 10 about the race, we would certainly accomplish more as a society if we were competing without fighting. I wonder how applicable these ideals truly are today? Since we have already established a system based on monetary compensation and holding information for such would it be that easy to change an already existing system that many who influence policy makers are benefiting from. Perhaps so as the second world power rises?

As the clue train article points out, as consumers are now becoming wise to corporation ploys and insincerity, corporations will be forced to adjust and change there business model. I found the theses quite enlightening. I even felt empowered after reading through the list. It reminds me of a program I was watching where the CEO of Starbucks commented, that now days, informed consumers are deciding who to do business with based on different standards than ten years ago; consumers now consider a businesses ethics and sense of community.

In summarization of the three articles, no wonder why countries like China are seeking to limit their citizens access to the Internet. How scary too that the U.S. under the disguise of protection against terrorism is attempting to do the same.

?’s
1. In regards to the second superpower, as this movement grows how can we ensure that special interests do not infiltrate and influence the collective?
2. Do you think this may have already happened?
3. Have you ever heard of corporations employing people to work in chat rooms and blogging, posing as a regular consumer to put forth ideas that benefit and support the special interests of companies or politicians?
4. Do you agree with the GNU article that most programmers would still program if they were not compensated according to the current systems and standards?

4-17 Reading

2006-04-17T17:04:00.000-07:00

Blog Comment 4/17

I found the article, Being Analog by Don Norman to be very weakly argued and based on hasty conclusions. From the very beginning of the article I found myself questioning the assumptions and claims of the author and his credibility. For example, on page two Norman claims that, we excel at perception, often having to interpret beyond the information available. He further goes on to say that this ability to put together a sensible, coherent image of the world in the face of limited evidence allows us to anticipate and predict events, the better to cope with an ambiguous, ever changing-world. What Norman ignores is the fact that, perception, the very thing he is arguing makes us superior in our ability to deal efficiently in an ambiguous world can also be argued is to be blamed for many of the huge problems we face in this world. Humans do not operate on facts, logic, accuracy, and precision alone, as Norman manages to so eloquently point to throughout his 29 pages of circular reasoning. Because humans pepper their construction of reality, and events based on there core beliefs, values, needs, and desires, reality is different for each person. There is no true consistency. As a result, human reasoning and actions are based largely upon erroneous emotional triggers that do not necessarily reflect what may actually be reality, the true facts outside of these elements. Of course I could ramble on and on and get more and more deep with philosophical theory, but the point is many would argue that this illogical reaction and approach is the cause of many humans greatest shames and catastrophes, wars would be one place to start. On page three, “why do accuracy and precision matter? In our natural world, the don’t.” Are you kidding me? If I am building a house or simpler yet hunting, accuracy and precision don’t matter? Again on page four, “ Animals don’t require precis measurements and high accuracy to function” Yeah the ones that starved. For me the rest of the article was dreadfully long and full of places that I disagree and argue with. The only one thing I noted agreeing with was on page eighteen, that yes, humans know what to attend to and what to ignore. Great! I don’t feel this article changed my view of the relationship between man and machine at all.

Discussion ?’s

The author on page 21 uses the example of the Navy, to justify his point on procedure and methods. He claims his point is valid because there are remarkably few mishaps, and if the Navy were to follow formal procedures the result would very likely be an increase in accident rate. Do you think the author is making a strong case for his claim? Do you think it is possible, especially in light of all the mishaps being leaked about the Iraq War that would have otherwise been covered up, that instead of few mishaps it is possible that it’s more like few publicly released mishaps?

Do you agree with the author that there is an ever-increasing difficulty in learning technology? Haven’t developers of technology and software done a good job of using intuitive design and metaphors to make technology easier to use and understand?

COM 300 Week 3 Readings

2006-04-10T17:03:00.000-07:00

What’s interesting is that I have heard plenty of times the phrase information overload, but I have never really been exposed to any deeper contemplation of the phrase or pondered what that really meant. I was aware that different search engines used different strategies to retrieve information but I was unaware of the vast differences as described in Information Overload, Retrieval Strategies and Internet User empowerment. Though the information is clearly dated. I wonder if there are any other advancements, aside form Google’s algorithms and retrieval strategies? I could completely relate to the article written by Mark Nelson. My last two papers the majority of my time was spent weeding through useless information. In addition, I would often get sidetracked by intriguing information that really had nothing to do with my project. I would concur that success today now hinges on having the ability to locate, analyze, and use information skillfully and appropriately. Prior to reading this article I thought my searching skill were better than average, and that they may be, but I can see now just how valuable honing these skills are in today’s age of “information overload”

Discussion Questions

1) Were you aware of the “deep web” or “invisible web” before reading the article by Dr. Carlson? What exactly does it mean that we have so much information that we can’t even index it?
2) Do you feel that you are able to get the most effective accurate information you are seeking most of the time? Do you experience symptoms of information overload?

COM 300 Week 2 Readings

2006-04-10T17:02:00.000-07:00

Technologies of the Third Mediamorphosis-
I found this article to be an interesting refresher on history of the Internet and computers. I also learned some new information I had not currently been aware of. I found it thought provoking to learn that as far back as the 1804, the innovations that would precluded the development of digital language was born. I also found it to be curiously engaging that, often when we are in the time and space of inventions and new technologies we are constricted by limiting perceptions. Such as was the case of the invention of the telephone, no one not even Alexandar Graham Bell, who invented the phone could see outside of the current structure of coders and decoders handling messages. We are constantly in awe of the strides and advancements of ever evolving quickly changing technology, in part based upon the ability to access and share information that the very technology has made possible It makes me wonder however, if we are experiencing any constricts now? Or is this a thing of the past? Has our ability to access and share information put us past this phase? Curious. I also found it intriguing how the article refers t o the way new technologies and mediums have affected humans perceptions of reality. Such as the invention of electricity and the light, transforming day into night or the invention of film and TV that have the ability to shape perceptions of reality. Then later in the article the point is made that electric speed tends to abolish time and space in human awareness. How is the Internet and digital technology effecting the human experience? It’s amazing if you ponder the concept, just how immensely the Internet and digital technology is affecting the very perception of human beings are having. The real weight of this lies within the fact that this is occurring on a global scale. Reality and perception at one level or another is being effected on a global scale, by 1’s and 0’s. What does this mean?

Networks of Remediation-

I found myself disagreeing with the author’s assertion that the mode of financing for American television is not the cause of what it has become. I would argue that indeed it has. Look at the BBC and the structure and content provided by a system that is publicly funded based on taxes. Despite the same technology being employed, the resulting program content, and procedures regarding framing of news stories and agenda setting set forth by gate keepers vary greatly. I found the ideas of a new political frontier lying beyond our monitors based on our ability to easily and freely communicate political will, perplexing. I had really never thought about it. It reminds me of the point brought about in the previous article, regarding the power of the Internet to reach opinion makers. This in a political context makes sense and makes this idea very powerful.

As We May think-

This article really made me think about the technology we now take for granted. The power we now have with all of this information so easily at our hands. Sadly, I can remember when we had libraries with index cards. For the younger generation, who knows no different, I wonder how much they can really appreciate the power and potential at their fingertips. I remember when I was a kid and having to do reports and the limitations imposed as a result of lack of information availability. Even so this appreciation easily fades away when you get used to having the new technology available. I found the concluding thought, “ presumably man’s spirit should be elevated if he can better review his shady past and analyze more completely and objectively his present problems” to be very powerful and worthy of consideration.
It is amazing how closely the “Memex” was to today’s computer. I would predict in the year 2045 that we will have augmented virtual reality devices that will make us a real part of the Internet. Namely, I would predict a device that taps into the vision via laser, and gives a panoramic virtual interface, the likes of Terminator, but much more advanced.

Discussion Questions:

1) Technologies of the Third Mediamorphosis draws the distinction from the content originally shared on the internet, mainly important scientific data and scholarly thoughts to today’s content. It claims an anarchistic mood has evolved, sharing uncensored discussions and content. Do you think this is a bad thing? Should the Internet be policed? Is it possible? What do you make of the Patriot Act, and the government’s making an attempt to regulate certain content? Do you think the Internet will evolve in the future away from its current state and back to more scholarly and scientific data? Why or Why not?

2) According to Networks of Remediation, every new medium has to find its economic place by replacing or supplementing what is already available and popular acceptance. The Internet and digital technology however, is unlike any other medium we have ever experienced it is able utilize all other mediums under one umbrella. Do you think this makes the authors assertion any less viable? What do you foresee happening to other mediums? Will the Internet and technology eliminate or supplement previous mediums?

3) What do you think about the way the web is mainly used currently, for entertainment and social interactions? Do you think the Internet should be used for more scholarly and educational purposes that will help evolve humanity? Or are you content with the way we are currently using technologies and computers?

Test

2006-04-04T13:27:00.000-07:00

This is a TEST!