There are Clouds in my Coffee

McCloud’s fears of digital application to comics seem real. I say, "comics are just another form of communication and art, waiting to adapt.” As with the last of the cannibalistic tribes of Papua New Guinea, comics, in their present, static form, are becoming outmoded.  The terrestrial map that took the pains to drag us along is morphing, becoming smaller. Do we need a map? Maybe accepting the fact that the terrain is flexible, constantly moving, and fluid means comics begin to change. We have to think of all mediums in the digital format and how that will influence or change them. Taking the comic, rolling it up, and swatting the annoying fly is no different than comics going digital. We will draw them in the digital format, roll them up and morph them into flies, but they still need to be swatted from time to time. I feel McCloud is worried as his landscape is changing and the ink will come alive (scottmccloud.com). Yeah! We need new flyswatters, and change the folds of terrain to continue captivating us.  Technology will wait for no one. Despite how the contextual format changes, the artist still maintains how far the ink runs! We need to push the boundaries to the point there where they are no longer needed. Comics, static as they are, have always held our imaginations without parameters. As kids, we envision scaling the high-rise, capturing the mighty villains in hopes of seeking truth and justice, and pondering when the next Bat signal will illuminate the night skies. Looking to the future, maybe symbolism will take the place of the cues that textually lay amongst the borders. On the other hand, maybe there will be a new verbal form, a new language, or a presence that guides us through this continuum. We shall evolve! Therefore, shall comics evolve? But how? Is the monitor the focal point in which we view? Maybe the monitor will evolve to disappear! Maybe we have been looking through this restrictive portal because it has four sides and can hold information. Maybe Pandora is suffering from the theory of elasticity, and will begin eroding the walls that we helped her establish! Was that Pandora’s ability all along? Is that why we write about her evils, clinging to our safe, yet allusive walls? Pandora has been flirting with humanity for centuries, tempting them to fall, fail, or maybe just try. I think comics will always find their feet, become accustomed to the terrain, and continue to hold a mystical power over us, despite where they draw themselves. Yes, my tense is transitive! So, how do I know such information? Foss, Foss, and Trapp (My Favorite) bring about the age-old argument of the unknown. The Greek showed distrust for the Sophist because he spoke of new, and startling concepts. He even appealed to the emotional and vulnerable side of man (Foss, et al). Sound familiar? Were the Sophists just another version of a Pandora seductress? Is the digital realm cloaked in an allusive Pandora-like membrane in which we fail to recognize? We have been here before, peering into the restrictive portal, waiting for the instructions. I like to think history will not always repeat itself and we will actually move beyond the boundaries that give us comfort. The best part of the digital realm is everyone has to learn! To question! To keep trying! Pandora will always be waiting to take away the panels, un-color the pens, and poke fun at our insecurities. Nevertheless, fear not! Foss, Foss, and Trapp ease our fears with the notion that rhetoric will save our bacon! We will have the use of symbols and a mode to approach such crazy discourses in the face of the digital world (Foss, et al)

Cited Works

Foss, Sonja. Contemporary Perspectives on Rhetoric. Waveland Press Inc., 2002. PDF

Fournier, Steven. "What Is A Taste of Rhetoric." A Taste of Rhetoric. Web. 26 Aug. 2010.

"Scottmccloud.com - Understanding Comics." Scott McCloud | Journal. 2003. Web. 16 Nov. 2010. .

What about Eve? Blog #6

I struggle with Lanham and some of his theories. However, if I say communication is defined by words and means of expression, then what about the meaning of intent? Do we discard the purpose? The clarity, brevity, and sincerity of communication are not so easily understood (sometimes by design). Does the electronic book emulate the same context as the hardbound style? I do take a personal offense to calling books, “Stuff.” Nevertheless, Lanham has a point in that what the messages (stuff) convey does not meet well with the digital form of expression (138). If I am to understand Lanham, the “stuff” is affecting the conveyance of the message. Lanham suggests since the invention of printing, the presumption of “stuff-based” humane communication is reinforced. I feel since the beginning of time, society has created the “stuff” to enhance the message. How can we strip away any form of “stuff?” “Go ask Eve!” As for brevity (the politicians could practice this), Lanham discusses how this C-B-S model is not useful in conveying communication (137). I think the author of War & Peace might agree. There is no “sanitized” way to convey or transmit a meaning. Contextually, it would be down right scary to “put it out there” for all to read. That might affect the sincerity and the context! Back to calling things, “stuff.” Lanham suggests that the “stuffy’ old book will share the stage with the electronic version. He states, “The new spaces for words will be competitive and self-conscious” according to Lanham (145). I agree that the new medium is in fact competitive and is inclusive. Like all shifts with technology and the “orality” factor, there is no way to predict the outcomes. The model of communication is outmoded; as with some of the fears, that technology is going to rot our children’s minds. As with Eve, everything is interdependent. Words and language will always question the medium. 

Cited Works

Lanham. "DTC|English 355: Schedule." Paul Muhlhauser, Ph,Doctor. 2010. Web. 19 Oct.

2010. .

Welcome To Golekia

Golekia-Embedded Everywhere!

By 2050 (prediction), the English language will make its first and last appearance in print. Technology will transform language, lifting it off the page and going viral with the world as its medium. Text, mediums, contextual framework, and any sense of form will change. No longer encased, trapped, or contained, the new “Golekia” language will be a “presence.” Technology will rapidly “jump” hypertext off the page, no longer seeking the archival safety of a hard drive, embedding, or containment. Golekia will liberate the world with free-flowing information. Interfaces will no longer be needed, as our world will become the contextual framework for words.

  The theory of printed language dying is not a far-fetched concept. Looking back to our history, man has pushed language across every medium thanks to the technology within technology. Now, moving even faster, technology is preparing the print-bound world to end! Imagine the end of putting the pen to the paper, and pushing. Keyboards and text messaging will be rendered useless. This is evident as people are surfing, reading, and integrating information at such speeds, their brains show physiological changes. Digitalism no longer exists in a codified environment. Kalmbach (Professional Writing as Technologically Situated Action) suggests that as text flows off the page to the screen, designers need to anticipate the shape text will dictate (8). Will form or the medium change? He points out that the interaction between text and humans is not solidified in the future (8).  Written language is forced to adapt, suggesting there is ever-present indicators that the semiotic relationship man has with text is evolving faster. Just as Gutenberg’s invention of the press catapulted the rapid evolution of the written word, the medium itself was never meant to linger. In the readings of Burbules (Rhetorics of the Web: Hyper reading and critical literacy), the idea that printed text is limited and can only possess so many words suggests limitations (103). Technology will not adhere to boundaries and neither will future generations.   

Works Cited

Burbules, Nicholas. "Page to Screen: Taking Literary into the Electronic Era." Ed. Llana Snyder. Oct. 2001. Web. 28 Sept. 2010. .

Kalmbach, James. "Publishing Before Computers." 2002. Web. 28 Sept. 2010

http://www.paulmuhlhauser.org/355/Readings/Kalmbach.pdf.

Blog#4 The Tropes Are Coming!

A Pigment of My Imagination
To date, I have a good handle on C.R.A.P., or maybe an idea of how to apply the principles. My thoughts about C.R.A.P. were limited until I started reading about “C.R.A.P.” principles in Robin Williams book, Non-Designer’s Design & Type Books (13). Understanding the acronym is easy, but spreading the C.R.A.P. around by design is another. I struggle with the learning curve for good C.R.A.P. in design, and hope I get better at spreading the C.R.A.P.
My last project had firm, solid C.R.A.P. principles, but I failed to hold true to the C.R.A.P. rules. Had I applied the visual images of the C.R.A.P. long enough; my audience might have been won over to my C.R.A.P. persuasion. However, I assumed that my C.R.A.P. images could stand-alone. According to Charles Hill (The Psychology of Rhetorical Images), long-term persuasion messages needed to draw a parallel with the relationship with long-term strategies (36). I created my presentation based on visual effects over content, oh C.R.A.P! I failed to take into consideration how the effects of my flashy C.R.A.P. would possibly be short lived. Hill goes on to state, “an emotional appeal will often result in a new conviction or acceptance of a controversial claim only as long as the triggered emotions last” (39). Had I applied that strategy with my C.R.A.P. principles, my presentation would have been more effective. Surely, this meant my content was not well thought out C.R.A.P.
If I have learned anything, it is that C.R.A.P. principles need to share a relationship with any space, medium, or form. One thing I truly missed was the immediate verbal context. According to Birdsell and Groarke (Toward the Theory of Visual Argument), the verbal context acts as an interpreter to the images (6). I learned that without the proper context to back up my images, my presentation doesn’t mean C.R.A.P!
Identity Theft!
I chose to Google “Google” to see what this entity is all about. The commonality of “Google” has seeped into our everyday lives. The mighty entity falls under the trope of identity. The link, http://www.google.org, is fascinating. Their identity is rather clever, a sort of “hypostasized” world if you will. Following the links, one can look to “Google Flu Trends,” or “Google Power Meter.” If you’re not sick of the “third person” analogies, just keep clicking! The term Google is a world with a world of Google! What? According to Ilana Snyder (Page to Screen), identity trope pushes connectivity across domains, cultures, associations, and through people as well (115). It is as if Goggle has multiple personalities! They cast this incredible net of unity by naming everything Google. Google is a household name, possibly in every country that has the Internet. When you surf Google Trends, do you get trends or Googlized [sic] trends? I think I made up the word Googlized! [sic]. Google could really identify with most of Snyder’s tropes as they have normalized the contextual framework of the web.
Google is not the only troped-up [sic] entity out on the web. Chevy Trucks rocks the term “hyperbole” with their official website (http://www.chevy.com). After turning my calendar to “Truck Month,” I found there really is a “thirteenth” month. Chevy has “cornered” the market on truck sales through their allusive tactics. Does truck month fall after the new tax year? Clicking on the link (Read Our Stories), one would think they are all related at Chevy! This passage came from their story section, “Some "toys" used to abuse parts are highly technical: machines that mimic vibration or glorified refrigerators and microwaves to test how parts react to extremes.” What? How can anyone mimic vibrations like a “glorified refrigerator?” Their stories follow the same rhetoric as the advertisements, and one would deduce they make the stuff up! I really wish someone would invent a “Homework Free Zone” at the end of “Truck Month” so I can follow the “Google Trends” and have more time to work on my “Glorified Refrigerator.”
Works Cited

Birdsell, David, and Leo Groarke. “Toward a Theory of Visual
Argument.” Paul Muhlhauser, Ph,Doctor. 1996. Web 17 Sept. 2010.
http://www.paulmuhlhauser.org/355/Readings/birdandgroar.pdf

Google.org - Google Technology-Driven Philanthropy. 2010. Web. 30 Sept. 2010. .
Hill, Charles. "The Psychology of Rhetorical Images." Paul Muhlhauser, Ph,Doctor. 2004. Web 11 Sept. 2010. .

“Our Stories." 2010 Cars, SUVs, Trucks, Crossovers & Vans | Chevrolet. 2010. Web. 30 Sept. 2010. .

Snyder, Ilana. Page To Screen. Paul Muhlhauser, Ph,Doctor. 2001. Web 24 Sept. 2010. www.paulmuhlhauser.org/475/Readings/Burbules.pdf

Williams, Robin. The Non-designer's Design & Type Books: Design
and Typographic Principle for the Visual Novice; Two Award-winning, Best-selling Books on Design and Type. Berkeley, CA: Peachpit, 2008. Print.

Blog#3-DSM ΙV-Affect Transfer Disorder

One of the best uses of “affect transfer” in advertisement I found comes from the Web Media Brands website. On this site, students from the University of Texas (Advertising Program) designed an Orion Telescope ad.  The students took a symbolic moment in history and exploited it through a series of images. 

  The intent is clear: Orion sells the best lenses and telescopes. The viewer’s eyes are immediately pulled through the images. Looking at the moon with the viewing power of 200x, the image looks original. At the viewing power of 400x, the viewers see an iconic image of America’s first successful moonwalk, the American flag.  Finally, at 800x viewing power, the horrifying reality of the American flag having been produced in China.

  The image is manipulative and invokes many emotions.  However, viewers might form mental images (based on fear) that China was truly the first nation to make their mark on the moon (Hill 6). In addition, viewers might feel betrayed at concept that America has been outsourcing jobs longer than previously thought. Will the image of the American flag conjure up the idea of Orion Telescopes? According to Charles Hill (The Psychology of Rhetorical Images), advertisers want to “Transform” the consumer (7). The idea is to push consumers to purchase their products without thinking. Hill indicates buying “their product” will eventually become instinctive (7).

  Despite what the intentions of Orion or the students from the University of Texas, the image is thought provoking. According to Charles Hill (The Psychology of Rhetorical Images), exploiting images and emotions in advertisement creates relationships (6). The purpose is to persuade viewers to buy their telescopes with effective use of associations. Viewers can only contemplate the many questions of: Does Orion make a telescope that can see the moon? Can anyone buy them? Was the American flag used in the Apollo 11 mission really made in China? Does China know about this? What cultural implication does this have? Has America been outsourcing for years? Is this real? 

   One thing is for sure; the affect transfer process is now complete. As a viewer, I have been consumed with questions since viewing this photo.  I may not buy an Orion telescope, but my thoughts are surrounded by the power of the message and the product. Lastly, Orion drives the point home with the iconic cultural acceptance that their product is American made!

Works Cited

Chump, Matt, and Nancy Jeng. Orion Telescopes: Moon | Ads of the World. Digital image. Ads of the World | Creative Advertising Archive & Community. WebMediaBrands Inc, 2010. Web. 13 Sept. 2010. <http://adsoftheworld.com/media/print/orion_telescopes_moon?size=_original>

.

Hill, Charles. "The Psychology of Rhetorical Images." Defining Visual Rhetorics. Ed. Charles A. Hill and Marguerite Helmers. London: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2004. 25-40.

            <http://www.paulmuhlhauser.org/355/Schedule.html>.

Figure 1 http://adsoftheworld.com/media/print/orion_telescopes_moon?size=_original

Off The Grid

Teachers will soon be returning to higher education; not for continuing educational requirements, but pursuing another career. California is setting a new precedent in the field of education. The “Value-added” model is controversial in evaluating teachers performance on the elementary school level. Teachers will be evaluated solely based on their students standardized test scores in English and Mathematics. I take issue with the constraints of the evaluations and what is not considered.

After working with the impoverished in the field of social services, this is a disturbing trend. The educational system is intertwined with many variables such as poverty, mental health, domestic violence, learning abilities, social status, intercity schools, and money. Teachers today have to be a parent, social worker, a big brother (or sister), a counselor, and be able to wear many hats to educate. The educational system is colliding with a certain populace at a crucial point. It is painting a canvas that is defining and critical to the future of education. Good or bad, the message is clear: The education system is not working.

So whom do you blame? What is the cause? Can children successfully pass standardized testing if they have not eaten prior to the testing? Can one do math homework at a homeless shelter or in the back of a car? Does the educational institution have enough books? Can one drink the water? Are the classrooms overcrowded? What are the social implications? The questions continue to flow about what is wrong with the educational system with no real clear answer.

Do we fire teachers because their test scores are low? Does that define their skills? Unless teachers cannot pass the academic standards set forth by their institution, the problem is more comprehensive.

California’s “value-added” model is nothing more than a “trial-by-fire” process that assigns blame. As a society, we want and demand answers instantaneously. Never mind that the issue is multifaceted, geographical, and generational. Never mind that the media suggests that California is setting precedence, and instilling fear into any student that aspires to become a teacher.

Teachers take notice! Your name is now published online and America is watching! Go back to school and learn new skills. Start a charter school or learn how to adapt to being under-employed. Join the Army, start a business, get a paper route because academia in America is a dying art!

Blog #2 DTC "Hosed"

Hosed

By Lorena Swift

     Miraculously, not all women are blessed with the ability to accessorize. Some might assume that all women can choose color coordinates or select appropriate accessories. Understanding the fundamentals of dressing woman-like would prove arduous for a tomboy like me.

     My story begins preparing for the company regalia in the summer of 2002. Driving towards the regalia, I felt overwhelmed with the probability of having to wear a formal dress! At 5’10”, attempting to wear high heels and a dress was terrifying. Never attending a company dinner in my life, and I assumed a magazine photo would provide me with the necessary “womanly” guidelines.

     Pulling up to the hotel, I became startled; employees were carrying garment and travel bags. I pulled towards the end of the lot, hiding my “hefty-bag” garment carrier. After checking in to the Hilton, I gleaned my glamour magazine for an appropriate guide to accessorizing. I became horrified when all the ladies were wearing dark stockings.

     I needed a plan! I ran through the lobby, jetting out towards the grocery across the boulevard. They had a large selection of hose! I grabbed the Legg’s brand egg and headed back for my transformation to a formal woman. Consulting the magazine, I followed the instructions carefully. The article suggested putting on the hose first, and then dressing at the last moment, avoiding wrinkles. I pondered the slogan, “One size fits all.” Oddly, a small pigmy would have trouble pulling these hose over their hips. The instructions stated, “Roll up each leg and slide over the foot.” I scrunched up the hose, pulling eagerly. I felt a sense of excitement as I entertained the possibility of being “frilly.” That was pre-empted by the run in my hose. My fingernails carved up the hose. “Oh Lord,” I gasped, as the pantyhose stopped abruptly. I stood in the mirror; attempting to overcome this apparatus, I was attempting to pull up. The magazine showed slender; size five models with long legs. I was determined to overcome this obstacle, as the company dinner was a grand affair. With a wiggle and reversal of physics, I managed to pull the hose over my hips. Looking in the mirror, I was faced with what is known in the woman’s world as the “Pigs in a blanket” manifestation. Walking towards the bathroom to retrieve my dress, I was reminded of Steve Martin in the “Jerk.” I looked as if I was having a seizure as the hose twisted, constricting my movements. I had to devise a plan! I put on my dress and it appeared to adequately cover my “compressed” thighs. I strapped on my heels and stood erect. I was easily over six foot and felt like a “linebacker.” I practiced my stride across the room in short, controlled movements. My hose felt tighter as I attempted some control in my walk. Finally, I estimated the ballroom entrance was about fifty feet from the elevators. My goal, walk to my table using slow but elegant strides. As I entered the elevator, I felt a “rope-like” burning down one leg. I looked down and my hose had unraveled. “Just get to the table,” I thought as the elevator opened. There they stood, the boss with all the war council members. I exited the elevator and recited the “slow-glide” instructions from the magazine. “Step forward, using elegance and controlled movements.” My hose began the horrifying act of unraveling completely! As I “glided” across the floor, my movements became erratic! I stumbled in front the mirrored doors picturing Steve Martin. In his movie “The Jerk,” he ran like the village idiot through a parking lot elated his name was published in a simple phone book. I began to lose my balance as I attempted tighten my legs. Frantically, my hips began to gyrate. My boss watched in amazement as I seized and contorted myself into the elevators. By now, my hose had imploded and shreds of nylon trailed down the hall. “Control top pantyhose my eye,” I yelled as I fumbled for my key. Employees gawked as I anxiously opened the door. Entering the room, my hose burst and the nightmare was over. Tears strolled down my face as I peeled off the remainder of hose. I lay back on the bed wondering what to tell my colleagues. I envisioned Steve Martin imitations carrying on at the open bar. As I pulled off my dress, my eyes diverted to the magazine. In bold text, the message could not have been clearer: Beauty takes practice! I thought back to Charles Hill’s article on The Psychology of Rhetorical Images. His readings reminded me of “my” physical presence and how I filled the audiences “field of consciousness” (Hill 29). According to Hill, the goal of any rhetor is to give enough presence to “crowd out” any other influences (Hill 29). Well, I certainly gave enough physical presence to forever influence my audience that night. A lesson learned, and I will always remember that beauty and presence takes practice.

     Packing up my “frilly” dress, I flash backed to the evening’s events. I had never attempted or practiced wearing formal clothing or hose. I had learned a very important lesson that night: Practice makes perfect! Driving home, I laughed as I thought of Steve Martin running across the parking lot. As I neared home, I pulled into the video store and rented the movie, “The Jerk.” I thought of my colleagues, my performance, and my hose malfunction. Laughing, I walked out, movie in hand, having persevered over tragedy.

The question how "Amplification through simplification" is interesting. If I simplify my story will anyone grasp the meaning? I will assume the next blog will require me to shorten, comically reduce my actions, and still get the moral of the story across. I am thinking how to shorten my story without losing the character and flow.It will be perplexing!
  

"The Psychology of Rhetorical Images." Defining Visual Rhetorics. Ed. Charles A. Hill and Marguerite Helmers. London: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2004. 25-40.

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Blog #1: Foss, Foss, and Trapp

I find a rhetoric definition ambiguous in that there are so many accepted versions. After reading Foss, Foss, and Trapp, there are other connotations beyond the obvious negative definitions (1). They indicate that humans create their own sense of reality with the use of symbols (Foss, Foss, and Trapp 2). I think of language as a tool rather than a symbol. I rarely think of language as symbols because I read, write, and speak the stuff every day.
When I think of rhetoric, I think of the formalized and or negative connotations. From a young age, my father believed that politicians debated in a rhetorical format. He argued with the television during elections to no avail. I was quite young when he screamed at news commentators when Nixon was in the running for president. I did not associate (because of age) that the television was not human or that he needed another human to have a verbal argument. The thought creates questions whether the concept of how rhetoric is used in different mediums today. Given that we debate, argue, and convey across many mediums, do all the definitions apply? Do we need more?
My other daily experiences with rhetoric come from the national news. The news entities often state they bring an unbiased version of the “truth.” As it would happen, I find the daily news driven by someone’s agenda. For example, I do not think I ever heard a commentator state, “The Dow Jones fell sharply today” without supposition or conjecture. Most news comes with negative connotations and is biased. I would love it if the commentators read the news as factual. “The Dow and the S&P 500 fell 30 points, and we do not know why,” the anchor reported! Nevertheless, I think because society needs a reason for everything (my opinion), rhetoric will always be associated with negativity.
My Google searches led me to the following links: http://www.presidentialrhetoric.com/ and http://stevefournier01.tripod.com/. Both sites explore rhetoric from both theory and political concepts.
Cited Works

Foss, Sonja. Contemporary Perspectives on Rhetoric. Waveland Press Inc., 2002. PDF
Fournier, Steven. "What Is A Taste of Rhetoric." A Taste of Rhetoric. Web. 26 Aug. 2010.

Obama, Barack. "Race to the Top: Remarks on Education to the National Urban League."
www.PresidentialRhetoric.com. 29 July 2010. Web. 26 Aug. 2010.

Summer is done in!

The more things you do, the more you can do.
Lucille Ball

Triumphs and Suzuki

Update: Suzuki has been put on the bench..Working on the Triumph motor...1966 Bonneville...Has seen better days...Stator looks fried but she will run...Soon...Baby Harley is going up forsale...Too many projects...I need parts for my 1972 Honda 250 XL?

Suzuki Summer!

I am working on a 1967 Suzuki K15 Hillbilly! The bike was in a box and is now on the bench! I am struggling with the wiring harness as it has seen better days, it kind of looks like string! The engine is getting bored 1 over and I picked Rally Red for the paint…Update to come on the specifications and progress!

Final presentations 475

Brent Rust-Online activities change us
Brent had some interesting ideas about online communities and how we don’t portray our real selves. His point about the older generation being different because of cultural issues is correct. And the younger generations have moved from guarding to let it all hang out is also a good point. I am not sure about businesses still being run by traditional models as thing change so fast. I do think there are many new innovated small businesses that are owned by the younger generations. But I do think he has a good point about the over sharing and transparency. I would ask what has changed and transparency is so prevalent these days. I think he did a great job in presenting all the issues surrounding security, masquerading as others, and sexting. On location awareness, I find that issue somewhat disturbing. He made a good point that by responding to marketing ads through mobile technology, they know your whereabouts. I am not sure if that is what really bothers me or is it that they can manipulate the medium. Culturally, I would also point to what is lost from the shift. Great presentation!

Cynthia-Race and ethnicity-Representations in cyberspace
This was the most interesting topic I found today. That cyberspace gives unrepresented groups more choice about representation through the medium than anywhere else. Cynthia is on target with the lack of minority representation in the media. I remember all the actors in old westerns who played Indians! Most, if not all were white people painted up to represent Indians. I feel her argument is very clear on this because there are so many examples of racism in media today. What I would like to see is her final paper on why this is so important. The need for representation is always rooted in culture. I think society cannot progress without inclusion. Also, what impact does this have on our culture? I would ask what change would bring and how does that affect the predominantly white media. Great topic!

Neil Fastabend- Advantage of smart phones-Narrowing the digital divide
I like how his presentation focuses on developing countries and how mobile phones are narrowing the divide. His stats are interesting showing how many people rely on mobile technology. I wonder how long it will be before the naysayers give up the dependency issue and just accept the technology. I like he presented it as a hybrid space. It clearly delineates the difference of how society views space. His example of the guy who organized for the food shortage is a good support for the paper, a new use for the technology. Good focus on mobility and great presentation! I like the prompt to type!

Josh Cook-Internet Activism\Why is it necessary?
It is necessary in the real world for communication technology and this new trend in shaping political agendas. It is used for fundraising, lobbying, forming protest such as the WTO. But it has a dark side as well. The WTO protesters took over private property and basically held the police at bay for several hours. It could have turned rather violent. But that is no different than any other political activists who have a propensity for violence. I like the examples of the 2008 presidential election—Obama used social media to help him win the campaign. That is an excellent support for the paper. I like the issues of how online spaces are being used for activism for rescue efforts-Katrina and Indian Ocean. The importance of the medium I think is how it works for collaboration and what makes it different. I think you’re on the right track! Good job!

Presentations-04/27/2010

Dan Anderson-Video games and communities
I am always amazed at the number of video gamers (Xbox live-20 million users). The notion we can play across digital mediums with anyone and anywhere is changing how we communicate. I like the approach that the enhancement in online environments is driven by sharing and the goings-on in the medium, not race or gender. I find it interesting that out of the gaming presentations, learning principles and networking online are correlated as positive. I hope more people realize that gaming is entrenched in learning and has endless potential to teach skills. I think his presentation is focused in Gee which is good. I think the opposition should be well defined as there are so many myths and connotations that are associated with gaming. All which are easy to gain permanency in peoples attitudes. I think Julie’s suggestion to elaborate on the theorists will help bolster the argument. Great presentation!

Mike Payne-Cyber crimes/real vs. virtual
I like that he started the class of with a practical example. I think it is out of the ordinary that cyber crime is thought of as worse than physical crime. It is not a correlation I am used to making. I thought the presentation was filled with a ton of facts and statistics but I had trouble with the so what? It is natural for people to be outraged by crime but it is everywhere. So what makes cyber crime worse? I think is probable to think if we move our lives to the electronic allure that crime will follow. I think it would be beneficial to take the personal experience out of the argument and focus on why this space is more significant than the other. I like some of the ideas he had on how to prevent theft and other crimes but how does that change us? Good presentation!

Lee Kidd-You Tube and perpetuating hate
I struggled somewhat with this concept as there were so many paths to chase. I agree with Maurice to on one thing, the project is trying to prove too much. I think there is an argument in all the research but again, taking personal conviction out of the argument and focusing on the facts of why You Tube is wrong for hate or political slander. I think he has a good foundation to build off of but there are too many issues that cloud the argument. With all the platforms for hate, You Tube is just another medium. I would ask why it grabs the spot light and what about the medium that makes it so significant? I also believe one can’t make people behave (hate mongers) but I think there is something to argument about the medium. Finally, as a big fan of the 1st amendment, that would be a good place for opposition. I like the idea of putting You Tube on trial as a matter of speech, and I think he has plenty of research to focus an argument on the medium being used for other than customary issues. Good job at fielding questions and taking some different perspectives. Good presentation!

Angel Almaraz-Bridging the digital divide through games
I like the concept of integrating learning into gaming through technology and making games more interactive. I think the argument is sound in Gee and using the critical learning, probing, and self-knowledge principals. The challenge is digital literacy and catching up to technology for some. But I find the proposal interesting in that traditional learning styles are so deep-rooted in the K1-12 system it will be interesting on how progressive schools are willing to be. She had great examples by First Lego League and how they promote math and science. I think the opposition should have a game designed for them so they can learn the benefits of gaming. I really liked the proposal and think the argument is strong!

Derrick Nelson-Bridging the gap-Mobile phone Technology
Derrick gave a fast and comprehensive presentation on mobile technology that makes one think. I like the idea that the technology breaks away from the tethered computer desktop and is revolutionizing information and communications. His argument is solid in McCann, Rheingold, and Carvin so I think he will have no trouble making a stand. I know he has a ton of research but is there statistics on how effective mobile technology is for closing the gap? So, great presentation and I learned a lot!

Kristen De La Rosa-Program Hope
I like the proposal on promoting-Access/ Knowledge, and safely on the internet. Also, I think it is a good point on how currently it is a masculine environment. I think Kristen laid out her strategies well and looks at literacy/learning to use tools/and acknowledges the lack of existing programs. It is great that it brings in field experts to learn presentations online and helps to bridge education/over sharing/ theft/ and resists cyber bullying. What a well thought out argument! Involving public schools/Parent nights/volunteer based/Raise public awareness is so needed! I think it faces huge hurdles at Kristen pointed out with the lack of volunteers/support/not available in every school/Access/no perfection in program/ and kids who slip through cracks. Great job!

Presentations-Week 04/19/10-04/23/10

Mark Milton-Online Enabled Environmental Activism and Computer-mediated communications.
Mark’s proposed that cyberspace gives online communities the ability to become more aware of current environmental issues and provide a new platform for activism. I thought his idea was interesting in that Ecosnoop is a new form of “Watch Dog” entity that uses a digital platform to promote environmentalism. This is not a new idea but a re-invented concept of activism. The EPA, USFW, Green Peace, and many other watch dog’s now have a new platform in which to advocate. Mark indicated the use of electronic lobbying; live web casts, unofficial websites, email, online communities, and eliminates dependence on mainstream media. I would suggest exploring how Ecosnoop works, why it works, and how it given transparency to the global issue of environmental contamination and exploitation. It would be interesting to know what, if any, Ecosnoop has control over. I think the presentation was good and Mark brought something educational to the class.

Sara Fuentes-Presenting yourself differently
I thought her presentation was good and she had a lot of information for her paper. Looking at the virtual extensions of self compared to meat space is interesting in that we get to take a critical view of ourselves. In meat space we don’t carry the big mirror around and compare ourselves nor look at our portrayal of self. I think exploring representation of self in both spaces is important for her paper but I would explore why it is so different. Is our exposure more important in the VR space? I like the fact that Sara is targeting student opinions as well. Practical data brings validity to the argument. I think Sara did a good job with her presentation and research.

Cassie Lane-SM sites in the classroom/ Elementary ed. Major
Argument-Woogiworld and A Really different place should be used by teachers to enhance learning, in different content areas. Also draw students who normally are not engaged. I like the goals of these models in that kids lack many of the fundamentals. I think both sites are a good comparison to internet learning and I especially like that the learning components of government. I think it is a good proposal and I would look for collaborative sites that show outcomes from internet learning tools. I would also focus on Julie’s suggestion to state why these sites are good models and focusing on the teacher perspective. For the opposing I wonder if their argument against has to do with the demographics (age of opposing) or just a change in traditional models. Good presentation!

Dena Lacey-Social Media-Cyber Bullying
Social Media lacks privacy settings and is complicated with legal issues, copyright infringements, defamation of characters, and cyber bullying. Dena stated that regulation and enforcement is the biggest obstacle to overcome on a global scale. Whose job is it to police or regulate privacy issues? Governing body? Collaborative responsibility? She supports her argument with a broad scope though. The focus is on the Communications Decency Act-Amends federal code-Section 230, Megan Myers Cyber bullying act, Digital Millennium Copyright Act, and Phoebe Price case. Her argument is that there is no one to govern or enforce cyber bullying. I like where she is headed but I would focus on one issue and work with that. To play Devil’s advocate-I would say the first amendment protects the very essence of free speech. How is cyber bullying any different that promoting or expressing who or what you are? Of course it is wrong to bully anyone! But if we are to believe that: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances (Wikipedia), then how can anyone enact a governmental agency to protect against what is published or said on the net? Will a cyber law or entity enacted to prohibit bullying infringe upon or protect anyone’s rights? I think your argument will have to be real clear to convince the reader that enforcement should include a governmental entity. The first amendment is a good opposing argument in itself. I would take the stand to argue my point, and if it upsets the first amendment folks, then I think it would be a successful argument! Some interesting thoughts: http://www.edjurist.com/blog/some-preliminary-thoughts-on-cyber-bullying-and-the-first-am.html Good presentation!

Michelle Assink-Interfaces and designs are helping seamless transition to the virtual space.
Human Computer interaction-I found this interesting in that we do treat our machines with a humanistic approach. The implications on our culture is fascinating. Showing the emotional involvement and how it begins to blur the boundaries between the physical and virtual worlds will give credence to the argument. The examples of Second life and the interface that transform things to 3D are good. I think the cultural implications and how interfaces are being used is a good focal point. Good presentation!

Brittany Bogenreif-Mobile location-based advertising
Direct Marketing-The changes in how marketing is approached through mobile technology is interesting. The shift from the traditional snail mail, catalogs, kiosks, mailings and coupon advertisements to mobile locations-phones, internet, using GPS technology shows how profound the change has become. I think Brittany is on the right path with the focus on digital platforms and why location based interaction is revolutionary. I found very useful stuff in this study by IBM for marketing strategies and here is the link: ftp://public.dhe.ibm.com/common/ssi/pm/xb/n/gbe03189usen/GBE03189USEN.PDF

Mark Belben-Argument-World of Warcraft
Blizzard? Allow players to have more access. I found this an interesting topic as I have not played but have watched my nephew. So with limited understanding of the topic I found Blizzard’s changes WWC to make game appeal appealing. The game pushes the learning curve-Forcing players to rely on 3rd party sites. Well, I can see how important the issue is by Mark’s enthusiasm. I think he is on the right track and not knowing enough about the game, I can only say Good Presentation! I think you’re well prepared and informed.

Chris-Digital Divide fragmentation will grow in cyberspace.
Community fragmentation-Perpetuates the digital divide because rigidity of concepts, communities don’t intermingle, and isolation in the electronic village. I like the exploration of the divide being different by the way technology. I never thought of infrastructure of technology changing the divide so much as creating a bigger hole. I don’t think the Utopia will ever happen, and the tools developed in the future shed a different light on how they will affect cultures are fascinating. I wonder if the divide is closable after a certain point, and what does that mean for technology. Great presentation!

Presentations-Round 2

Katie Shaw-Digital divides in low-income schools
I thought Katie’s presentation was interesting in that many program implementations often focus mainly on the students. Incorporating the administration is a good start! I think the technology aspect needs to be understood from the top down otherwise the administrators might lack the vision it is going to take. I feel the education system is long overdue in supporting teacher’s and technology. Your project is taking a concerted approach in addressing the divide. The use of visual feedback (charts) is a good progression towards fostering support long term. I also like the idea of using conference time for families as well. Often making the family connection gives great insight to the child’s learning environment. I think it would be interesting to see outcomes of a program like this with intercity kids. Great presentation!

Beau Yancy-Gaming - What your mother warned U about
I thought this was a good subject to approach as there is so much misinformation and fear about gaming. The fact some kids or adults have seizures does not mean the gaming community as a whole is affected. If gaming led to depression every kid would be on Prozac! Technology feeds off gaming community is a good point and I think there is not enough awareness on how gaming impacts culture. I think society often confuses technology and gaming have no commonality and will always be separate entities. I like the surgery technology visuals and the military drones. I think it makes the connection that gaming is more than “play.” I think a good point to give emphasis is gaming has many facets and is evolutionary with the faster technology. Also, your point that gaming is no longer a pastime and its many applications in today’s technology is good. Great presentation!

James-Gaming
I thought your approach was interesting because people often do not think about the processes of gaming and learning together. I especially like the exploration into Braille and showing the patterning the brain does to work through strategies. I never thought about 3-D images in the brain and how we map images. Most of us just accept the autopilot process. Your point on representation and imagery becoming stronger through gaming is fascinating. And creating a new era of kids is interesting as well. Kids seem smarter every generation and I think you make a good point in the cultural changes it will have. Learning capacity and comprehension will give good support for your paper and I think you’re on to a great topic! Good job!

Hans- Social networks bridging the chasm
Well I think the sunglasses added the special effects! I like you’re looking at Silva and showing how social networks are more legitimate for schools and working environments. The 3 C’s is a good concept! I like your concept of content-Value correlated to content-Broadens content through connections. Create-Public spaces must be preserved in virtual reality. It made me think of how space is used and consumed. Also proposing that these will interact and bridging the gap of the “chasm” is a good support. Your argument that people interact and utilize content changes culture is interesting. I think a good point you made about connecting across borders. I think digital platforms are only going to get more complicated for some to migrate to, and the future of social media will help bridge that gap. Do you think social media plays a big role in bridging the gap of the divide for challenge (disabled) kids? I thought of this while you were presenting about how social media has opened doors to inclusion for all levels of interaction. Great job!

Spencer Towne- Games impact teens and young adults-Military
What roles do they play?
I liked your approach to how allusive gaming is in giving teens a false impression of actual combat. Often the military glorifies combat and gaming is a seductive tool. I think you have plenty of opposition in that the younger generation has an unrealistic view of the military at times. I think focusing on the tactics and how they build bad habits, enticement, and induce PTSD is good. I like that your contrasting the physical vs. virtual and the effects of both. I would definitely look at studies of social media in recruitment as a support. I would be interested to see if game simulations change the outcomes of real training. I like that you’re exploring the environmental aspects and how gaming creates desensitization. Do you feel gaming has any positive aspects to training? Good topic and presentation!

Presentations: Day one Argumentative Paper

Sheila: Gender Roles & Social Media
I liked the comparison between the different sites but was intrigued with the Star Dolls site. The fact people actually pay to look virtually better tells me vanity has made the transformation successfully to VR. I thought your presentation was well constructed with the focus of how gender presents or is perpetrated upon users. I wonder if gender is so innate that it can’t help but rear itself no matter the forum. Club Penguin is interesting in that attempting to establish a genderless sight seems to equate to perpetrating gender upon the user anyway. Giving the option of not having gender seems to invoke the need to find it through other means. I think exploring how the different genders “find” each other in the genderless arena is fascinating! Good presentation!
Maurice: Mobility & Agriculture
I found this presentation interesting as the farmer breathes the ebb & flow of life more so than most. I like how one piece of technology can rule the fields. I think you have good supportive resources and have thought through your project well. One thing that might be interesting is to see how local farmers in our region utilize technology, and do they value it versus the traditional ways that farmers have relied on for hundreds of years. I think some of the class suggestions on how they monitor soil and irrigation through technology would enhance your presentation. James made a good comment on how certain crops demanded higher levels of technology. That might be worth exploring as well. Great job!
Corrinda: Educating through gaming
I thought your presentation and research project is awesome! It is interesting how video games are so integrated with learning strategies, and many people cannot grasp that concept. I like that you’re turning this into a lesson plan, difficult! The memory game was a great interactive component and I particularly liked where the class began shouting out help for Dena in her quest for matching dinosaurs. That showed support that gaming incorporates learning and it takes cognitive processing skills. I think it would be good to incorporate studies of traditional learning modalities to newer strategies for contrast. I like that your comparing Gee to Gardner, that will give continuity to your paper. Great job!
Kathy: Politics & Social Media
I like your general concept of how Obama used social media to gain presidency over McCain. I think showing the strategies of how he used the internet to communicate his message is good. I was somewhat confused on your argument regarding traditional methods vs. the internet technology. I think Julie’s question regarding “So what?” is important in that what is so special in the process he used. That would be a great focal point. I think you have good sources and can derive and fine tune your argument further. I also like your statement on how politics have become a marketing campaign but how has that changed? Your background on Dean is supportive. I think you have a good start to your paper. Good job!

Shirky-Epilogue

Shirky-Epilogue

I particularly liked Shirky’s Epilogue in addressing or re-emphasizing the use of social media tools in the wake of crisis. The effectiveness and rapid ability to cross boundaries that were once closed in a sense are changing with social media applications. With the example of the Sichuan quake in 2008, leaving so any dead or unaccounted, information rapidly changed the way rescue efforts were carried out. The ability to have such instant reporting and updates created a collective group that enhanced the coordination efforts. But as I continue to read all the authors from this course, I find a common theme Shirky addresses, Transparency. With the schools and buildings that collapsed and killed children, the tragedy brought to light the corrupt building practices, lack of oversight, and the countries failure to provide adequate housing for its citizens. Social Media is the new tool that allows for unveiling or exposing atrocities, violations, and illegal acts by official entities. It should be training or learning tool for those who wish to skirt the law, social media is providing an enhanced tool for mankind. But it is more than that… It is how we come together today in groups to take collective action. We have changed how we live and engage through the use of social media. Groups that would have never possibly realized their potential or even met now create this awesome power.     

Internet Activism-Blog #10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_7qrj1Fr-I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQL8QfyzcMs

My recent research for 375 class has enlightened me to how powerful internet activism can be. I was researching copyright laws and intellectual property rights when I came across a compelling situation concerning the Nestle Company. They are one of the largest food manufactures in the world.


The Nestle Company is currently under a political social media war for their threats made towards Greenpeace, consumers, and outrageous behaviors from their PR department. Greenpeace has consistently put pressure on the chocolate bar giant to eliminate the use of palm oil in their food manufacturing, namely KitKat production. Greenpeace has declared that the production of palm oil causes deforestation of the rainforests. Then the environmental group Greenpeace made a parody video connecting Nestle to deforestation and destroying the habitats for orangutans. Nestle countered with a request to have the video pulled from You Tube (They agreed!); then engaged in a “whizzing” dispute with Greenpeace, and eventually with consumers via Facebook. Nestle cited that they have the right to protect their intellectual property and that it was copyright infringement to alter their logos. Consumers became enraged with Nestle and responded through their Facebook account. The video was posted on You Tube and now has gone viral due to Nestlé’s claim of copyright infringement. You Tube has removed the video but many video sharing sites have reproduced the material. Now there is another parody video of Nestle employees discussing copyright infringement. Another parody was produced incorporating the logo of Nestle KitKat bar, replacing the name with the word “Killer.” Nestlé’s Facebook page has approximately 93,000 friends and growing daily. Most are consumers outraged at the negative behaviors of Nestle. Nestlé’s behavior has snubbed thousands of consumers who are threatening boycotts of their products.

The corporate responses came in the form of threats and mocking consumers, making matters worse. At one point, Nestle posted the following quotes on Facebook saying, “To repeat: we welcome your comments, but please don’t post using an altered version of any of our logos as your profile pic – they will be deleted.”

When bloggers and consumers left advice for Nestle on how to embrace social media, they went on to say mockingly, “Thanks for the lesson in manners. Consider yourself embraced. But it’s our page, we set the rules, it was ever thus. You have freedom of speech and expression. Here, there are some rules we set. As in almost any other forum. It’s to keep things clear.”

And they went on with comments such as, “Oh please… it’s like we’re censoring everything to allow only positive comments.”

The PR did not stop there, and went on to correct grammar of the consumers comments, inciting a flurry of political demonstrations. This is when the social media political firestorm transitioned over to the physical world.

Nestle has retracted (at 90 MPH) their statements and apologized to consumers for their less than appropriate behaviors. The fallout from this incident will likely remain an issue as it demonstrates how internet activism can effectively bring global transparency to corporate America and its subsidiaries. Furthermore, Nestlé’s responses and behaviors will likely become a training video for corporate America’s social media departments on what does not work!
Do you think Nestle was correct in their claim of copyright infringement? Could this firestorm of internet activism been prevented? Thoughts?

April Fools?

"Some things Man was never meant to know. For everything else, there's Google."

Final Project-Censorship

My final project argues how internet censorship in China negatively affects the flow of two-way information. More specifically, when information is censored, is gives rise to political activism and human rights atrocities. The significance of political activism brings awareness concerning human rights of others, making it a global issue. As China continues to block social media sites such as Google, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and MySpace, dissidents seek out alternative and better technology, bringing awareness to social inequalities in their country. This is evident in China’s massive demonstrations through social media networks. In addition, many citizens have suffered fines, jail sentences, and persecution for not complying with the rules of the Golden Shield policy. My support for this argument comes from the international concept of human rights applies to everyone. I plan to show specific examples of violations such as examples Liu Xiaobo’s incarceration over the last eleven years and of harsh sentences and inhumane treatment of activists in China. China continues to send the message to the world that any denigration will be stopped and or permanently eradicated. I will show that information is negatively affected through censorship by demonstrating the need for two-way communication, global awareness, and improved technology.

Works Cited

Berleur, J., Markku I. Nurminen, and John Impagliazzo. Social Informatics: an Information Society for All? : in Remembrance of Rob Kling : Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Human Choice and Computers (HCC7), IFIP TC 9, Maribor, Slovenia, September 21-23, 2006. New York: Springer, 2006. Print. This book chapter discusses socio-technical censorship practices, the impact of the regulators of information, and understanding information flow on the internet. This information is constructive in it shows the dynamics of censorship and the technology of filtering.


Clayton, Richard, Stephen J. Murdoch, and Robert Watson. "Ignoring the Great Firewall of China." (2006). University of Cambridge, July 2006. Web. 20 Mar. 2010. . The journal article shows the technological tools China relies on for blocking servers and the side effects of denial of service. It shows that China's firewall is not impervious to technological loopholes and through the use of encryption applications. The information is significant in understanding the flow of information.

"Flatter World and Thicker Walls? Blogs, Censorship and Civic Discourse in China." Public Choice 132 (2008): 31-46. Rebecca MacKinnon, 9 Aug. 2007. Web. 21 Mar. 2010. . MacKinnon journal article discusses the impact of internet censorship in China and the actors involved. She reiterates that Western views sometimes have a negative impact in that they focus only on interactions with authorities, not necessarily the political change or discussions. This article shows how blogging and the exchange of information bring increased human rights awareness and the influence of political trends.

Peerenboom, Randall. "Assessing Human Rights in China: Why the Double Standard." Cornell International Law Journal 38. Escholarship. UCLA Public Law Series, UCLA School of Law, UC Los Angeles, 3 Oct. 2005. Web. 22 Mar. 2010. . Randall Peerenboom article looks to the human right violations in China and points out that China is being held to a higher standard globally that its Western parts. The article explores China's civil rights policy and the causes for constraints. This article provides support through the background and poor records of human rights violations and participants involved.

Qiu, Jack L. "VIRTUAL CENSORSHIP IN CHINA: KEEPING THE GATE BETWEEN THE." International Journal of Communications Law and Policy 4 (1999/2000). CIAO. Columbia University Press, Winter 1999. Web. 19 Mar. 2010. . Jack Linchuan Qiu?s journal article provides background on the regulatory process of China's firewall and the current state of rules it abides by. He goes on to discuss the virtual boundaries established by China and the constraints in virtual space. This is supportive in providing a fundamental background in understanding the implications of censorship

Clay Shirky-Balance of Power

I am amazed at the power of social media and what it will mean for the future. The balance of clout in corporate America and elsewhere is shifting (at times rapidly). The effects of social media and the ability to mass a protest, battle, or give transparency to inequalities is indescribable. Thinking back to the days of Vietnam protests and civil rights protests, the manpower (physically) to amass large crowds was daunting. Shirky points out that collective action differs than individual action in that they are difficult to get started but there is a downside; collective action is harder to halt abruptly. One might think collective action is always a benefit (most of the time), but there is an ugly side of groups turning on corporations with malice intent. Society can bring an institution to their knees with a stroke of a key and a few determined individuals. Learning to use these new tools and harnessing the “power of the people” will be the biggest challenge. People can get involved without ever leaving their homes and maintain an invisible effort for a cause. The idea that most people had to have desire to get involved has changed. The risk of exposure and retaliation has lessened with the advancement of social media. The advantage of consumerism now provides economic strength and is growing stronger every day. Consumers’ realizing they have more clout and the ability to demand accountability is changing how we acquire goods and commodities. We share information and the exchange brings the long-awaited transparency that is overdue. We need to consume, and lessening of the bureaucracy of governmental deterrents and giving a shield to the corporate giants is slowly deteriorating. Technology will only improve, providing better tools and hopefully more accountability and transparency. Society is becoming educated in the power of social media and holds promise for the future. I believe this new medium is one of the significant revolutions for the history books.

Famous women in technology

Rebecca Boone, Ph.D. 1938-1997


Rebecca Boone forged a path for all women in online communities. Having grown up in the South, Boone was candid about her roots, affiliations, and her passion to make online communities a secure place for all women. She made a big impact with her development of Transformations, Women Online Worldwide, and Qworld forums. I admire the fact that growing up southern; she was able to maintain the southern traditions yet own her identity. Courage and vision characterizes her accomplishments as leading the way in the field of science and technology. Developing online communities for women, she also was influential in establishing and promoting opportunities for the gay community online forums. She was a teacher of “How to persevere” despite adversity. She taught online psychology courses and worked diligently as a volunteer. Her forum, Women Online Worldwide, is a reflection of her vision for women to have individuality in the digital world.

Shirky-Collective Action 375

I was particularly interested in Shirky’s thoughts on collective action and institutional challenges. Social media and the internet have opened a “Pandora’s” box of transparency and interaction globally. No longer do geographical barriers prevent the dissemination of information. As Shirky’s analogy puts it, “It is like a disease.” Social tools allows for immediate change in informational flow compared to the old communication technology. Information spreads much like disease in that it thrives off contact. The example of the Catholic Church attempting to “ride out” the storm of abuse issues is a good example of old behaviors that no longer work. The decision making that once was limited to the hierarchy of the church is now exposed as parishioners share information within the organization, bringing a collective cohesiveness. Although society now does this virtually, reaching across the globe instantaneously changes our behaviors. Deciding to get involved often meant an arduous process of locating an organization, making contact (snail mail or telephone), and then taking initiative or action. Today, one can jump on the health care debate (for example), and interact with the White House, advocates, or protest in blogs. The transition from letter writing, demonstrations, and gathering in large numbers has changed dramatically. As Shirky’s chapter six states, “Our behaviors have changed.” But as he points out, social tools do not make collective action, just removes the barriers. We are comfortable with easy access and tools that social media and the internet provides. No longer are we restricted to one way communication and having the ability to be heard or connected has created a new form of action.

Revision-Final Paper

Proposal revision:


Having taken advice from Julie I am revising by proposal, attempting to narrow censorship, China, and the internet. I propose the topic of how censorship and the internet play an active role in political activism despite their differences. Moreover, how they actually can work in concert with one another and give personal representation as well. This is evident within China’s government and the parameters they set for users. Although American views China’s censorship negatively, Chinese users (for the most part) have found a voice within the boundaries established. There are several other countries and specifically users who feel what is happening in China are inherently wrong although users in China work within the system established. I want to explore how both countries differ in internet censorship but share a commonality as they accept the parameters established. I still need feedback from others on narrowing or any advice to give! Thoughts?

Final Paper Proposal 475

My proposal peers into the censorship perpetrated on the user and the implications. I want to explore the needs for “whitelisting” and how will it impinge on ones identity on the net.


If China is an example of suppression of information technology, where will it stop? Collectively, evolution of information and technology will fragment or slow without encompassing the whole (meaning the world). Constraint is power and apparent on social media sites as well. Who decides and why? If we are to say there is freedom then can we bring it to a standstill? Information for all?

Why is this important? I declare suppression of one or all groups leads to revolutions…good or bad we will not progress as a society without inclusion. Censorship is as old as mankind only now we can propagate across all borders, the willingness to control. We have changed the margins in which we can tolerate autonomy and now get to choose. Do you want a stake in this process? Does it matter? I feel globally there should be no boundary of information for the user. Aside from the governmental need to protect our country, military, and national defense, censorship has no place. It has bled over to our VR world, carrying the same behaviors that invoked inequalities on society.

I would welcome ideas to narrow this down or expand on issues.

Ode of midterms

O’ mid past beyond the pale

I seethe from the toiling of purple prose,

The purity of my words, a fable.



Make merry on the hours of darkness

For I dance to a different master’

O’ mid past the beyond the pale.



Scoff again at my lumbering prose

For lonely words does not a friendship make?

Still, my purity of words, a fable.



Quail from the cloud of apprehension

I seek out your rhyme of song

O’ mid past beyond the pale.



It is thoughts that my mind avoids doing

Why does my prose flounder?

You jest the purity of my words, a fable.



Hark not you mischievous sprite of the mid terms

O’ mid past beyond the pale

from the time when the purity of my words, persist in fable.

Shirky-Here comes everybody-Sharing is good!

The point of interest for me in Shirky’s chapter on “Sharing anchors community” was photo sharing and how it has transformed how we see the world. It speaks of transparency and sometimes censorship. As stated on page 26, with the 2006 military coup in Thailand, placing restrictions by governmental authorities seems futile with the convergence technology of cell phones and video/photo capabilities. Someone, somewhere, has the ability and fortitude to capture military unrest, civil disobedience, and or some other action that is news, before we are “allowed” to know. Professional journalists/photographers are quickly taking a backseat globally to technology and the amateur photographer with a camera. There is a down side as information transcends the globe can be taken out of context. But pictures often bring clarity and will speak more effectively in the advent of a crisis. It was most prevalent in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. What we saw was lack of governmental response to a horrific catastrophe. What we heard from our media was “pan-fed” garbage. America and the rest of the world saw firsthand was transparency of FEMA through their inaction, as well as and other agencies. The ability today to aggregate photos and share them globally is putting humanity on the scene long before our faithful news media.

Cyberspace and Societal Norms-Article:Rape in Cyberspace

Julian Dibell writes with intriguing questions concerning the corollary of violence in cyberspace.

The article discusses virtual rape that took place in the digital world of LambdaMOO. As a factious character, Mr. Bungle committed a heinous crime in a community with no boundaries other than implied. His entrance and development of the VR room in which the attack occurred leaves one to question the purpose of the user. There were no doors when the user exu entered and was violently raped with a knife. And the inability by its VR community to stop or control their surroundings is even more complex. Mr. Bungle went on to perpetrate others in a vicious manner and was free to rein hell upon whomever he saw fit. The community, outraged after witnessing one avatar being violently raped by another, mounted a debate on what to for about Mr. Bungle and what, if anything, did they have control over. Not having developed any sort of legal structure and any form of retribution, Mr. Bungle would remain inherently dangerous. They spoke of “virtual castration” and “toad-ing” him through the efforts of the Wizard. With the ability to modify and change, or eliminate Mr. Bungle they carry the ultimate power. The community made several suggestions to the likes of a lynch mob; their message was clear, Mr. Bungle need to be brought to some form of retribution. The Wizard, acting alone, systematically eliminated Mr. Bungles through Toad-ing. The concern is who has the power, who ultimately decides what is violent, to what extent will the community tolerate violence, and should any one entity have that ultimate power. My question would be, “Who will stop the Wizard if he/she becomes a Mr. Bungles?” He was killed off, banished in a sense from ever returning. Then came the most unusual behavior out of the group I saw, when Mr. Bungle returned in another form and walked into the VR room of the very people he violated. The reaction at first was very cautionary but the community eventually allowed him to observe as he was not a threat yet. It reminds me of conditioning. The crime of rape, although heinous, becomes diluted by the very behavior of the community itself. Should he be killed off again? Would he continue with his past behaviors or was he just merely a voyeur, waiting for post-gratification from the community? The women who were subjected to his initial attacks had ongoing mental health issues in their physical presence and ultimately decided he needed to go, as well did the community. But he left behind a virtual presence, an empty room where he was registering as asleep. Oddly enough, his room was visited periodically to see what, if anything was happening. Had he returned? Was his avatar sleeping? Why would anyone return to the scene, a violent virtual hell to look?

My own thoughts on this are communities, virtual or otherwise, share the same commonality, inquisitiveness. We seem to want to know the dirty details maybe to overcome our fears that it can’t ever happen to us. Society has been led down the path of virtual voyeurism where they can look and investigate. Media is like an addiction, revealing human suffering to the level of absurdity. My own experience with this allure of media was during the Gulf War. I was astounded for the first time war could be piped into my living room 24/7, and I could not control how it affected me. I watched for endless hours as people, homes, and countryside’s were destroyed. I was afraid if I turned it off I would not be part of the current events or be well informed. I was addicted to the commentators and the blow by blow descriptions of death and destruction. My life became stressed as I was consumed with this new found media experience. The Vietnam War was censored and only governmental approved versions hit the airwaves. Eventually, I had to turn off the noise box and set boundaries for me. I think the experience is similar to those in the community that witnessed the rape virtually. The fascination with unbelievable new experiences has us chasing virtual ambulances, wanting to witness or understand. I am not sure but it needs some addressing virtually in how we establish communities and whether we allow total access or govern our behaviors and others. Without even thinking, new communities seem to establish VR worlds in which they have exclusive, understood norms carried over from their physical world. Unlike Blue Laws, where they are on the legal books but never enforced, MOO’s seem to lack some hierarchal governmental controls among users, or at least they use to. As always, society learns to establish a sense of order and what is acceptable in life. It is good these things are under scrutiny and how they affect all in the virtual world. Whether cyber crime can be stopped or restrained is anybody’s guess. Who should be responsible?  Why?

Youth, Downloading, and theft Oh My! 375 Tapscott

In the section, “In defense of our future” I found #5 on the question of youth encouraged to steal interesting. Tapscott states that the industry is operating on the old model of ownership and that it makes no sense to sell music under the current formats. One thing that really is not addressed is that industry standards have been derived out of greed for one, that’s apparent but moreover, artists have suffered from the industry giants. Some artists I have heard of had their works ripped off by producers, industry corporate, and by other artists despite ethical protocols. Imagine writing a song, script, or play that went to the top ten, box office hit, or Broadway hit! You would be enraged if someone ripped your stuff. This often leaves them out of royalties and credit for their work product and creative license. This falls along the same lines because downloading music and ripping work product are essentially the same, just different degrees. They share a common thread as one is derived out of the other. . It matters!

So ownership and illegal downloading? Where does the industry stand? I agree with Tapscott on a monthly fee (much like satellite radio) would resolve the issue when it comes to music. That would eliminate the need to borrow or share or pirate if you will. I think it went unconstrained with the beginning of the Internet and music. Going after downloader’s is ludicrous and not economical.
As for cheating and plagiarism and the internet I think it is rampart among many age levels. Not just the youth at college as some might think. Working in different industry, I saw many out right copy others work and pass it off as their own to meet deadlines. There is not real system of checks and balances if the corporate office does not follow up. My English 102 Teacher at CBC had a great system on essay’s and research papers. If she suspected you plagiarized, she used some program that she just typed in your questionable paragraphs and it would usually show up connected to an author or website. I think plagiarism is just as abundant as it ever was but is easier to get caught now. It speaks to character as well. If that is who you are, then it will manifest itself throughout your life anyway, whether you get caught or not. And, if you plagiarize the wrong person, you might get sued! Ouch!

Turkle-Can you hear me now Article Forbes Magazine 475 Blog#6

Sherry Turkle describes a scene from a conference she attended in Japan on robotic technology in 2007. The ballroom was packed with audience members engaged with checking email, downloading, and surfing the net all the while the main speaker being ignored for the most part. At times she indicated the audience would lower their laptop out of “digital courtesy. The networking was what she described as being “tethered “ to one’s virtual identity and that it counted more than a physical presence.


She is referring to the how the internet has provided space for “projection of self.” She goes on to say that people found ways to explore the mundane side of their lives and act out fantasies, have virtual sex, let the inhibited side out to play in a certain manner. One caveat of the instant messaging, multitasking, and cell phone communication world is that we have become a culture that is not making time for uninterrupted thinking. Turkle equates this to living in contradiction with life as we so quickly must acclimate to the technological world. She makes a good point of some unable to discern when it is time to pull back from their screen presence (referring to the Blackberry explosion) despite the demands of technology to maintain connectivity.

When addressing the issue concerning youth, the problem is even more critical. The younger generation has not known the sense of independence and has never had the experience of being alone (regarding connectivity) according to Turkle. Where once adolescents relied on peers for feedback, now do so through instant messaging and through cell phones. She shows a relationship with technological feedback to being reformatted to a small screen and a “flattened out” process. The fact that privacy is a major concern with older generations is not an issue with the younger individuals. Turkle suggests the youth are more concerned with socializing and don’t care if that equate to compromising confidentiality to maintain social presentation. The more exposure and gratification is well worth the latter.

Turkle also refers to “Split attention” as more people are connected while talking, driving, during business meetings, visiting, attending classes, or even during dinner with their families. She states the behavior is now quickly becoming “normalized.” Life has changed immensely as we can have avatars stand in for representation; we order almost everything online, thus avoiding having to take time to shop physically. We engage with synthetic voice-recognition protocols to handle troubleshooting and administrative issues through telecommunications. Turkle states that life in forever linked to objects and we interact.

She addresses the issues of how we interact today with computers, how or what they’re used for, and where we are going in the future. Whether society becomes more alienated from physical presence or that technology will enhance and change how we share the physical and virtual worlds will depend on our relationship with machines.
http://www.forbes.com/free_forbes/2007/0507/176.html