Hi Bill,
I Just wanted to let you know that this half of my journal reads backwards from the bottom of the page. You will see that at the bottom of the page is the introduction, and week 16 is displayed at the top of the page. Hope you Enjoy.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Week 16
Monday 11-30
Jefferson Goolsby, professor of New media here at UMaine, came in to speak to us today. He stressed to us that we live in a world of fluidity and that we must take advantage of this train of thought by being more flexible, adaptable, and migratory.
We spoke to Jeff about how we had been learning a lot about collaboration and the importance of being able to work well in groups. His response to this was something that is always stressed in my CMJ courses. He stressed the importance of a partner that will challenge you. It makes sense. If everyone gets along and no one disagrees then no one is being pushed to be better.
On a fun note, towards the end of his talk he told us not to take our 20's too seriously. It is an extremely hard thing to do. We that our in our 20's have no perspective to look back on but listening to people like Jeff really helps put everything into place.
Wednesday 12-2
Owen Smith came in to speak to class again today. But this was different. It was not his usual faculty position of informing us about our paths through the program. Today he simply told us of his life through his artwork. he showed us all the different phases he went through as he grew up and experimented with all sorts of mediums. the concept that i took away from Owen's passion for art is that art can be whatever you want it to be. All art is, is a form of expression. It just takes an idea and a passion to create any form of art a person can think of.
Friday 12-4
And here it is... the very last journal entry for the semester. It has been quite the semester and I can say with knowledge and confidence that this class offered more insight and reflection than any other introductory level class I have ever experienced.
An important "wrap-up" concept we talked over was "show the people your view". We talked about expressing our ideas through our creativity. As designers, artists and creators of any sort, it is imperative to success that we make our audience feel what we feel.
If we can figure out how to consistently reach human emotions throughout our careers, we will be successful in creating whatever it is we will need to.
Thanks for the semester Bill. Taking a class like this gave me just what I needed in terms of getting my feet wet into the waters of the ever challenging and vast field of New Media.
Readings
"Living in Exponential Times"- I had seen this video a few times before and it is just as staggering every time. It really gives us Americans perspective on just how far behind we may be. It is my feeling that we as Americans have this attitude that we are the biggest, the strongest, the smartest, and the best.... It is simply not the case.
Not only does this video stagger me in terms of national comparison, it is staggering in terms of global consumption and exponential growth as well. Although it may be extremely alarming and startling to see these facts and numbers, it is also nice to see just because it gives you perspective on how you see the world. So often people can get stuck in their little bubble. This forces you to see the bigger picture.
Jefferson Goolsby, professor of New media here at UMaine, came in to speak to us today. He stressed to us that we live in a world of fluidity and that we must take advantage of this train of thought by being more flexible, adaptable, and migratory.
We spoke to Jeff about how we had been learning a lot about collaboration and the importance of being able to work well in groups. His response to this was something that is always stressed in my CMJ courses. He stressed the importance of a partner that will challenge you. It makes sense. If everyone gets along and no one disagrees then no one is being pushed to be better.
On a fun note, towards the end of his talk he told us not to take our 20's too seriously. It is an extremely hard thing to do. We that our in our 20's have no perspective to look back on but listening to people like Jeff really helps put everything into place.
Wednesday 12-2
Owen Smith came in to speak to class again today. But this was different. It was not his usual faculty position of informing us about our paths through the program. Today he simply told us of his life through his artwork. he showed us all the different phases he went through as he grew up and experimented with all sorts of mediums. the concept that i took away from Owen's passion for art is that art can be whatever you want it to be. All art is, is a form of expression. It just takes an idea and a passion to create any form of art a person can think of.
Friday 12-4
And here it is... the very last journal entry for the semester. It has been quite the semester and I can say with knowledge and confidence that this class offered more insight and reflection than any other introductory level class I have ever experienced.
An important "wrap-up" concept we talked over was "show the people your view". We talked about expressing our ideas through our creativity. As designers, artists and creators of any sort, it is imperative to success that we make our audience feel what we feel.
If we can figure out how to consistently reach human emotions throughout our careers, we will be successful in creating whatever it is we will need to.
Thanks for the semester Bill. Taking a class like this gave me just what I needed in terms of getting my feet wet into the waters of the ever challenging and vast field of New Media.
Readings
"Living in Exponential Times"- I had seen this video a few times before and it is just as staggering every time. It really gives us Americans perspective on just how far behind we may be. It is my feeling that we as Americans have this attitude that we are the biggest, the strongest, the smartest, and the best.... It is simply not the case.
Not only does this video stagger me in terms of national comparison, it is staggering in terms of global consumption and exponential growth as well. Although it may be extremely alarming and startling to see these facts and numbers, it is also nice to see just because it gives you perspective on how you see the world. So often people can get stuck in their little bubble. This forces you to see the bigger picture.
Week 15
Monday 11-23
Today was our only class of the week before we left for Thanksgiving break. We used it as a review day for what we had discussed thus far in the preexisting weeks.
Maine topics we covered included:
Editing can be seen as an art form
How can architecture effect the future of New Media?
Technological advancements are fundamentally a non-green system
Today was our only class of the week before we left for Thanksgiving break. We used it as a review day for what we had discussed thus far in the preexisting weeks.
Maine topics we covered included:
- importance of using skills in applicable communication projects
- editing to tell stories
- man with the movie camera
- Grillo
- Blais
Editing can be seen as an art form
How can architecture effect the future of New Media?
Technological advancements are fundamentally a non-green system
Week 14
Monday 11-16
So now that we have discussed the word, the image, and sound, it is only natural that we next discussed video and television. We started this talk with a historical look at important television events such as "All in the Family", Nixon's "Checkers" Speech, Kennedy vs Nixon Debate, OJ Simpson car chase, and 9-11,
In all these instances, television gave the public something they had never seen before. All in the Family deflated cultural backgrounds using satire and over the top comedy. In terms of politics, it put a personality with the candidates. No longer could you become president of this country unless you were personable, likable, and charismatic. OJ gave us the ability to become obsessed with instant news and reality TV. The coverage of 9-11 galvanized attitudes of patriotism and created sympathy for the US all over the world.
Wednesday 11-18
For the next two classes we watched a video titled, "The Cutting Edge". This film brought to light the impact of the editor on the film industry. They labeled this character as the unsung hero behind the world of film and video.
The one quote i most took away from the first half of this film is "wouldn't you like to edit your own life?" It is a bizarre concept that really requires some reflection. the process of editing really does have that power. In film, the editor has the power to play god, to emphasize whatever they want, to make people feel whatever they want them to feel. It is a power that I'm sure, only people of the profession could properly understand.
Friday 11-20
The second half of this video focused on the responsibility of the editor. They must focus on the emotional response of the film by separating the scenes and disassociating from the direction of the film.
In this sense it must be extremely difficult to do what they do. Emphasized in this portion was the notion that it is just as important to know when not to cut as it is to know when to cut. Without the editing that we see today, there is no way films could be as persuasive, as emotional, and as powerful as they have become.
Readings
"Open Source as a Model for business is Elusive"- According to this article there is only one real successful open source company that exists today. And then why is it that this one company did not cash in on their opportunity to monopolize the opensource network? Well that's a complicated issue, but Red Hat certainly had the opportunity, and did not react fast enough before they could not keep up with the bidding wars of the larger companies.
It is an unfortunate truth of business, but it is most certainly a truth. Open Source cannot dominate the market like a major corporation can. It is simple economics.
"The Fall and Rise of Media"- The message throughout this article has exemplified a main theme that we have discussed continuous times throughout class and in my CMJ classes as well. The idea that journalism as a whole is a dying breed is one that is not only realistic but down right horrifyingly apparent.
Many of my professors in CMJ have since stressed the importance of being diverse in our talents. this is actually one of the main reasons why i have branched out to the field of new media here in my senior year. I do not want to get stuck behind saying what if. I want to be the one who makes decisions for myself.
"Free Speech and the Internet. Wikipedia Runs Afoul of German Legal System"- I am split on my feelings in this argument. On one side, the freedom of speech means a freedom of speech. We should have every right to print whatever it is we feel fit as long as it falls within the boundaries of our journalistic code of ethics.
And this story most certainly would.
But on the other side of the debate I can see how future publications of their names relating to the crimes could and would result in unwarranted and unfair punishment.
To this end I could also argue the point that these two men waived their rights to this privilege upon the slaying of another man's life.
As a student involved in the mainstream media, I would have to say I, above all else, will fight to protect the liberty of free speech.
So now that we have discussed the word, the image, and sound, it is only natural that we next discussed video and television. We started this talk with a historical look at important television events such as "All in the Family", Nixon's "Checkers" Speech, Kennedy vs Nixon Debate, OJ Simpson car chase, and 9-11,
In all these instances, television gave the public something they had never seen before. All in the Family deflated cultural backgrounds using satire and over the top comedy. In terms of politics, it put a personality with the candidates. No longer could you become president of this country unless you were personable, likable, and charismatic. OJ gave us the ability to become obsessed with instant news and reality TV. The coverage of 9-11 galvanized attitudes of patriotism and created sympathy for the US all over the world.
Wednesday 11-18
For the next two classes we watched a video titled, "The Cutting Edge". This film brought to light the impact of the editor on the film industry. They labeled this character as the unsung hero behind the world of film and video.
The one quote i most took away from the first half of this film is "wouldn't you like to edit your own life?" It is a bizarre concept that really requires some reflection. the process of editing really does have that power. In film, the editor has the power to play god, to emphasize whatever they want, to make people feel whatever they want them to feel. It is a power that I'm sure, only people of the profession could properly understand.
Friday 11-20
The second half of this video focused on the responsibility of the editor. They must focus on the emotional response of the film by separating the scenes and disassociating from the direction of the film.
In this sense it must be extremely difficult to do what they do. Emphasized in this portion was the notion that it is just as important to know when not to cut as it is to know when to cut. Without the editing that we see today, there is no way films could be as persuasive, as emotional, and as powerful as they have become.
Readings
"Open Source as a Model for business is Elusive"- According to this article there is only one real successful open source company that exists today. And then why is it that this one company did not cash in on their opportunity to monopolize the opensource network? Well that's a complicated issue, but Red Hat certainly had the opportunity, and did not react fast enough before they could not keep up with the bidding wars of the larger companies.
It is an unfortunate truth of business, but it is most certainly a truth. Open Source cannot dominate the market like a major corporation can. It is simple economics.
"The Fall and Rise of Media"- The message throughout this article has exemplified a main theme that we have discussed continuous times throughout class and in my CMJ classes as well. The idea that journalism as a whole is a dying breed is one that is not only realistic but down right horrifyingly apparent.
Many of my professors in CMJ have since stressed the importance of being diverse in our talents. this is actually one of the main reasons why i have branched out to the field of new media here in my senior year. I do not want to get stuck behind saying what if. I want to be the one who makes decisions for myself.
"Free Speech and the Internet. Wikipedia Runs Afoul of German Legal System"- I am split on my feelings in this argument. On one side, the freedom of speech means a freedom of speech. We should have every right to print whatever it is we feel fit as long as it falls within the boundaries of our journalistic code of ethics.
And this story most certainly would.
But on the other side of the debate I can see how future publications of their names relating to the crimes could and would result in unwarranted and unfair punishment.
To this end I could also argue the point that these two men waived their rights to this privilege upon the slaying of another man's life.
As a student involved in the mainstream media, I would have to say I, above all else, will fight to protect the liberty of free speech.
Week 13
Monday 11-9
Today we took the next step in talking about the advancement of photography. With new technologies, comes new skepticism and controversy. Photo manipulation and photo ethics are no different.
This powerful tool can shape culture in a way that was previously unheard of. The female body image is a perfectly disgusting example of this extremely dangerous practice. Culture has this distorted image of what true beauty really is. Is it even humanly possible to look like the women we see through the media? The simple answer is no. Not even these women look as "perfect" as they appear.
National Geographic experienced a different harm in photo manipulation. After it was revealed that they altered one of their covers, readers lost trust in the entire magazine as a whole. In business, trust is everything, and if your customers lose trust and faith in your business, you are going to have a hard time succeeding.
Wednesday 11-11
Today we were graced with the presence of Michael Grillo. He laid out the opinion that new media is relative and he used his knowledge of art history to prove this point. Whenever there was a limitation or inadequacy in the culture of current art, new media would be used to enhance the profession and continue pushing forward.
The second key point he mentioned is that it is not just the intended consequences that make new media what it is... it is often the unintended consequences of our imaginations that shape culture in ways we never could have imagined.
Take for instance the internet. In no way could they have predicted it to be taken the direction it has come.
Friday 11-13
To finish off this week, we focused on sound. It is amazing to think of something as simple as sound having such an impact of our world. Imagine what it would be like to not have the bits and pieces of sound clips we have from the past.... imagine what it would be like to have sound bites from ancient times... When thought of this way, one can really understand the importance of this technology.
Even more than the word and image, sound conveys personality, and it is that personality that we do not know of the ancient Romans, of the Egyptians, the pilgrims...
When sound first became used as entertainment it allowed for people to escape their lives and their troubles. they could live in imagination more easily than ever before.
Readings
"Google Chrome Cloud Computing"- I'm not sure how I feel about the future in cloud computing. I guess it is just me being resistant to something I am comfortable with. i like the idea of my stuff being mine and i don't quite trust the Internet enough to rely on them for all of my file storage.
Often I have found that the Internet and WIFI are down here in Orono Maine. If I need an important file, I don't want to have to rely on this unreliable medium.
but I will not deny that it is a trend and that the future lies in it's hands. With picture storage, and file storage via email being relied on so frequently it is only inevitable that more is to come.
"Online Wiki Mapping"- this story reminds me of just about every other medium that has come and gone. Upon first implementation, only the professionals know how to access and use the technology.... but as information leaks and technological advancements are made, they become more available for the general public.
You name it, photography, film, the web, music... nearly everything that exists today is better off in the hands of the general public. We are smart, we are passionate, we care. it is not about money for us. We do it because we love to do it. that is the difference. That is why I too am a supporter of civic journalism and citizen media. Competition breeds excellence and it shows when one group is making products for the profit, and one is doing it for the love of the game... so to speak.
Today we took the next step in talking about the advancement of photography. With new technologies, comes new skepticism and controversy. Photo manipulation and photo ethics are no different.
This powerful tool can shape culture in a way that was previously unheard of. The female body image is a perfectly disgusting example of this extremely dangerous practice. Culture has this distorted image of what true beauty really is. Is it even humanly possible to look like the women we see through the media? The simple answer is no. Not even these women look as "perfect" as they appear.
National Geographic experienced a different harm in photo manipulation. After it was revealed that they altered one of their covers, readers lost trust in the entire magazine as a whole. In business, trust is everything, and if your customers lose trust and faith in your business, you are going to have a hard time succeeding.
Wednesday 11-11
Today we were graced with the presence of Michael Grillo. He laid out the opinion that new media is relative and he used his knowledge of art history to prove this point. Whenever there was a limitation or inadequacy in the culture of current art, new media would be used to enhance the profession and continue pushing forward.
The second key point he mentioned is that it is not just the intended consequences that make new media what it is... it is often the unintended consequences of our imaginations that shape culture in ways we never could have imagined.
Take for instance the internet. In no way could they have predicted it to be taken the direction it has come.
Friday 11-13
To finish off this week, we focused on sound. It is amazing to think of something as simple as sound having such an impact of our world. Imagine what it would be like to not have the bits and pieces of sound clips we have from the past.... imagine what it would be like to have sound bites from ancient times... When thought of this way, one can really understand the importance of this technology.
Even more than the word and image, sound conveys personality, and it is that personality that we do not know of the ancient Romans, of the Egyptians, the pilgrims...
When sound first became used as entertainment it allowed for people to escape their lives and their troubles. they could live in imagination more easily than ever before.
Readings
"Google Chrome Cloud Computing"- I'm not sure how I feel about the future in cloud computing. I guess it is just me being resistant to something I am comfortable with. i like the idea of my stuff being mine and i don't quite trust the Internet enough to rely on them for all of my file storage.
Often I have found that the Internet and WIFI are down here in Orono Maine. If I need an important file, I don't want to have to rely on this unreliable medium.
but I will not deny that it is a trend and that the future lies in it's hands. With picture storage, and file storage via email being relied on so frequently it is only inevitable that more is to come.
"Online Wiki Mapping"- this story reminds me of just about every other medium that has come and gone. Upon first implementation, only the professionals know how to access and use the technology.... but as information leaks and technological advancements are made, they become more available for the general public.
You name it, photography, film, the web, music... nearly everything that exists today is better off in the hands of the general public. We are smart, we are passionate, we care. it is not about money for us. We do it because we love to do it. that is the difference. That is why I too am a supporter of civic journalism and citizen media. Competition breeds excellence and it shows when one group is making products for the profit, and one is doing it for the love of the game... so to speak.
Week 12
Monday 11-2
Today we continued our discussion on the spoken word. But instead of focusing on Story Corps and the notion of storytelling, we focused on pod casting and the art form we know as documentary. it was emphasized that in order to create a successful documentary one must extend themselves out of their comfort Zone; tap into the experiences and knowledge of their community.
Key points that were emphasized were the ability of the creator to show people doing what makes them newsworthy; and show the impact of their lives on their community.
The last point we stressed as a class was that we are inheriting the power to communicate through new media. Since I am a mass communication major, I have been immersed in the subject of communication my entire college career. And it is definitely true, we have been transformed by our new media. There are so many more expressive and diverse ways we can communicate than even 4 short years ago when I arrived here on campus.
Wednesday 11-4
Today we transformed our discussion from the spoken word to the photograph. As this was your area of specific expertise I was expecting to be shown moments in photography that i had never experienced before.
Although we eventually got to that point, I found the precluding lectures extremely dry and hard to focus on. For the most part we studied past historical advances in the technology behind photography. From camera obscura to camera lucida to the Daguerre Camera to the collodion process and the stereopticon, I struggled to maintain my interest in the subject.
But eventually we made it through the background information and we got to the point of what made photography as powerful as it could be. We talked about how photography was used as a maker of myths, and a righter of wrongs in terms of child labor.
in this way, the media of the time transformed how society functioned. It showed the world it's injustice and unbiased views of the world's corruption and problems.
Friday 11-6
Today was a direct continuation on our discussion about how photography transformed society. Subtopics covered in this discussion included realism, war photography and amateur photography.
Alfred Steiglitz showed the world how no one had even seen before in photographs. his photos focused on the honest and real approach to capturing history. Andre Kertesz continued this vision by not sugarcoating his view of the world. No matter how gruesome or horrible it may be, these photographers showed the world what they saw.
War photography soon had a huge impact on popular opinion. Journalists were allowed to capture the footage from the front lines of the offensive. Without these photographs, the people could only imagine what it was like. This technological advancement helped citizens understand what exactly was happening across the world.
The last topic we covered was amateur photography. Culture had never experienced this before and with the advancement and production of new technologies in the field of photography, it became a big issue in the world of professional photography.
Readings
"The Price of Free"- This is unfortunately true and proves to be the ugly truth that will only get less and less attractive as more and more people jump onto the streaming of entertainment rather than buying direct from production. this article is all about warning us that yes, it may be cheaper now, but in the long run, we will pay.
How will the excellent shows continue to run? Quite simply they won't. The well of money will eventually run dry if we continue to exponentially stop pouring money into it. It is true what they say, you pay for what you get. Right now we are cheating the system and not paying for our quality. Soon enough we will have no choice but to pay cheap for a cheap product. And we will have no one to blame but ourselves.
"Pay Day for Virtual Goods"- 100% margins.... That is all that needs to be said. It makes perfect sense. The product costs virtually nothing to produce, the profits are unmistakably growing each year.
I am skeptic however. I see this as more of a fad than a trend. There are not currently enough avenues that this market can be taken. They exist in social networks and games.... but where else. I do not see the magnitude of possible avenues that I would need to in order to completely endorse a product like this. It is extremely limited and will remain so and will eventually die out as consumers will see these limitations.
What they do have going for them though is that these are so cheap for the consumer to purchase that even during these tough financial times, this artwork should fall under a category that is not effected because the price range is so reasonably low.
"Envying the Multitasker"- I pride myself in being able to multitask. It saves me a lot of stress that I unfortunately see many other non MT'ers go through. I ask the same question that this article asks... Why isn't it taught? It is a skill just as is writing and reading. What we need to do is figure out how to tangibly teach and understand what goes into productive mulitasking. What are the deterrents to an effective multitasker?
The sooner we can accept this as a viable skill, the sooner we can take advantage of its various uses, and make the best of it we can.
"Swiss Sue"- "The service allows people to view street-level pictures over the Internet and already has been criticized in several European countries for allowing individuals to be identified without their knowledge or consent - potentially exposing embarrassing facts about their private lives to the world."
Really? Really? .... Private lives? They are in public streets aren't they? How can they expect full privacy? I don't understand that at all. What exactly is it that they are doing in the streets of a European City that they wouldn't want some random person from Madagascar to know about? I don't get it. Why do people care about privacy to this extent? Shouldn't you being conducting yourself responsibly enough in public that even if you were photographed, it wouldn't matter?
I say get over yourself and realize that no one really cares about your life. they don't know you, they don't care. they care about the business'. they care about the streets. They care about the cities. They care about the people as a mass... not as individuals.
Today we continued our discussion on the spoken word. But instead of focusing on Story Corps and the notion of storytelling, we focused on pod casting and the art form we know as documentary. it was emphasized that in order to create a successful documentary one must extend themselves out of their comfort Zone; tap into the experiences and knowledge of their community.
Key points that were emphasized were the ability of the creator to show people doing what makes them newsworthy; and show the impact of their lives on their community.
The last point we stressed as a class was that we are inheriting the power to communicate through new media. Since I am a mass communication major, I have been immersed in the subject of communication my entire college career. And it is definitely true, we have been transformed by our new media. There are so many more expressive and diverse ways we can communicate than even 4 short years ago when I arrived here on campus.
Wednesday 11-4
Today we transformed our discussion from the spoken word to the photograph. As this was your area of specific expertise I was expecting to be shown moments in photography that i had never experienced before.
Although we eventually got to that point, I found the precluding lectures extremely dry and hard to focus on. For the most part we studied past historical advances in the technology behind photography. From camera obscura to camera lucida to the Daguerre Camera to the collodion process and the stereopticon, I struggled to maintain my interest in the subject.
But eventually we made it through the background information and we got to the point of what made photography as powerful as it could be. We talked about how photography was used as a maker of myths, and a righter of wrongs in terms of child labor.
in this way, the media of the time transformed how society functioned. It showed the world it's injustice and unbiased views of the world's corruption and problems.
Friday 11-6
Today was a direct continuation on our discussion about how photography transformed society. Subtopics covered in this discussion included realism, war photography and amateur photography.
Alfred Steiglitz showed the world how no one had even seen before in photographs. his photos focused on the honest and real approach to capturing history. Andre Kertesz continued this vision by not sugarcoating his view of the world. No matter how gruesome or horrible it may be, these photographers showed the world what they saw.
War photography soon had a huge impact on popular opinion. Journalists were allowed to capture the footage from the front lines of the offensive. Without these photographs, the people could only imagine what it was like. This technological advancement helped citizens understand what exactly was happening across the world.
The last topic we covered was amateur photography. Culture had never experienced this before and with the advancement and production of new technologies in the field of photography, it became a big issue in the world of professional photography.
Readings
"The Price of Free"- This is unfortunately true and proves to be the ugly truth that will only get less and less attractive as more and more people jump onto the streaming of entertainment rather than buying direct from production. this article is all about warning us that yes, it may be cheaper now, but in the long run, we will pay.
How will the excellent shows continue to run? Quite simply they won't. The well of money will eventually run dry if we continue to exponentially stop pouring money into it. It is true what they say, you pay for what you get. Right now we are cheating the system and not paying for our quality. Soon enough we will have no choice but to pay cheap for a cheap product. And we will have no one to blame but ourselves.
"Pay Day for Virtual Goods"- 100% margins.... That is all that needs to be said. It makes perfect sense. The product costs virtually nothing to produce, the profits are unmistakably growing each year.
I am skeptic however. I see this as more of a fad than a trend. There are not currently enough avenues that this market can be taken. They exist in social networks and games.... but where else. I do not see the magnitude of possible avenues that I would need to in order to completely endorse a product like this. It is extremely limited and will remain so and will eventually die out as consumers will see these limitations.
What they do have going for them though is that these are so cheap for the consumer to purchase that even during these tough financial times, this artwork should fall under a category that is not effected because the price range is so reasonably low.
"Envying the Multitasker"- I pride myself in being able to multitask. It saves me a lot of stress that I unfortunately see many other non MT'ers go through. I ask the same question that this article asks... Why isn't it taught? It is a skill just as is writing and reading. What we need to do is figure out how to tangibly teach and understand what goes into productive mulitasking. What are the deterrents to an effective multitasker?
The sooner we can accept this as a viable skill, the sooner we can take advantage of its various uses, and make the best of it we can.
"Swiss Sue"- "The service allows people to view street-level pictures over the Internet and already has been criticized in several European countries for allowing individuals to be identified without their knowledge or consent - potentially exposing embarrassing facts about their private lives to the world."
Really? Really? .... Private lives? They are in public streets aren't they? How can they expect full privacy? I don't understand that at all. What exactly is it that they are doing in the streets of a European City that they wouldn't want some random person from Madagascar to know about? I don't get it. Why do people care about privacy to this extent? Shouldn't you being conducting yourself responsibly enough in public that even if you were photographed, it wouldn't matter?
I say get over yourself and realize that no one really cares about your life. they don't know you, they don't care. they care about the business'. they care about the streets. They care about the cities. They care about the people as a mass... not as individuals.
Week 11
Monday 10-26
Today we were delighted to have the ever engaging and enthralling Joline Blais come in and talk to us about home. It was confusing at first because none of us were expecting to hear what she was talking about. I found myself writing down notes that I wasn't sure I would ever use. But now as I look back on them I realize where she was going with her presentation. It is the importance of realizing how much home means to us.
It is scary to see how much we are advancing as a culture, and at the same time as we delve exponentially into this endless future, we must keep our hearts in the place in which we came from. Most technologies today don't appreciate and use the advantages that our indigenous roots can give us.
The portion of her talk that really hit home for me was her discussion on touching and the importance of physical contact. it seems that we have gone away from these important values. We fear touch. It makes us uncomfortable and sexually, it is harming our culture. Sex is seen as something taboo and is not to be talked about. In terms of sexual education, this is the main reason we are struggling as a country.
Friday 10-30
Today we talked about the spoken word. I loved today's class. The first thing we did was check out Story Corps. What an ingenious idea! People have the most amazing stories and insights to share but for the most part, they are unable to share these experiences with mankind.
New Media gives these people that opportunity. That is the key point I took away from today's lecture. This documentary art form gives us access to stories that the general public would never else have heard. It is a teaching tool that is used for the betterment of mankind, and I couldn't think of something much more useful and effective as this.
Readings
"Privacy is Dead and Social Media Hold Smoking Gun"- Interesting concept. I don't entirely see the reason for it, or would in no way want it to be part of my life but I can see how some people are obsessed with their daily lives enough to want this. During the article they mention Flickr, and mention how it was initially ambitious of them to make pictures public by default. And how we look back on it now and it is a no-brainer... that is how we see pictures now-a-days... they are useless unless other people can see them.
This makes us think of privacy... is it such a bad thing that it is dead? Sure, there are places you can go for privacy. I choose not to be a member of a social networking site. the choice to keep your life private is still yours. That right has not been taken away from us. It is still our choice what we choose to involve ourselves with.
"Augmented Reality"-"We need to run and fall and get up again and get going." In other
words, get ready for augmented reality everywhere. And after that, we'll see AR where it
makes sense.
This quote makes complete sense to me. I have seen AR in many places and particularly during football games that I watch on TV. It works there. It serves a purpose. But in order to get people aware of, and truly appreciate it, I agree with the article. We need to be integrated into it. I would call it awareness through submersion. Put AR in any place you can, once we can all recognize it and associate with it, we can find where we need it most, and it will flourish in those spots.
This certainly may not be the model for all emerging technologies out there but it certainly has its place in AR.
"Decline of the Hollywood System"- Since I have taken such classes as the history of mass communication, and various other communication history classes, I have heard and read through this time in history before. the times of the 1940's seemed too good to be true. We had come out of the depression so fast and so furiously that there just had to be someone out there who was cheating and getting an unfair advantage.
Given that the Nickelodeons had just came out during the 20's, it is no surprise that the American Film Industry were the ones to take the bait in terms of cashing in on an opportunity to completely monopolize the arena of film.
Although the FTC sent them into a downward spiral that it seems they still will never recover from, it is all for the best as others have risen to the occasion without the need to use dirty tactics such as were used before by the Hollywood system.
"Sony to offer film on Internet TV, then DVD"- I love this article. this is just what I want to see in terms of the future of entertainment. New Releases for movies, games, music... it should all be made available online. We have a culture that obsesses with getting things as quickly as we possibly can. This allows for those users to be fully satisfied. We all have busy lives. We can't afford to take a trip out into the city to go buy the latest entertainment.
Not even to mention the possible traffic. No one wants to deal with that anymore. Our world is hectic and many would like to avoid the hectic city as much as they possibly can. I can't remember the last time I've actually sat in a movie theater... it is relatively unheard of now-a-days in my generation. We can stream everything as fast as we want, whenever we want, wherever we want.
it's everything we have had in the past, except personalized. Sony is hitting on this, and that is precisely what everyone else should be doing.
Today we continued our viewing of the last powerpoint presentation from the first portion of the semester. We covered topics such as historical people in the media, concentration of ownership, "MoJo's" (mobile journalists), corporate journalism and citizen media. These topics really hit home for me given my background in the CMJ department here at UMaine.
Mainly we discussed the pros and cons of the debate between corporate journalism and citizen media. While corporate media can give you expertise and strong professional values, you can get a more diverse range of coverage and enthusiasm from citizen based media coverage.
It is imperative to realize that both kinds of media have there drawbacks and selling points, but together, they create a competitive environment that can only benefit readership in the future.
Two key points were brought up at the end of the lecture; the first being that peer to peer will dominate the future of journalism and the second was posed in the form of a question: How are the forces of media effecting us?
To answer this question I would refer back 4 years ago to my freshman year here in cmj 100 with Paul Grosswiler. In that class we underwent a 24 hour media free experience. For an entire 24 hours students were required to not use any form of electronics, print, or technological devices such as laptops, cellphones, email, newspapers, books... It was a wild experience because most of us realized we simply couldn't. Our technology runs our life, and the media uses that technology to influence our daily decisions.
Wednesday 10-28Mainly we discussed the pros and cons of the debate between corporate journalism and citizen media. While corporate media can give you expertise and strong professional values, you can get a more diverse range of coverage and enthusiasm from citizen based media coverage.
It is imperative to realize that both kinds of media have there drawbacks and selling points, but together, they create a competitive environment that can only benefit readership in the future.
Two key points were brought up at the end of the lecture; the first being that peer to peer will dominate the future of journalism and the second was posed in the form of a question: How are the forces of media effecting us?
To answer this question I would refer back 4 years ago to my freshman year here in cmj 100 with Paul Grosswiler. In that class we underwent a 24 hour media free experience. For an entire 24 hours students were required to not use any form of electronics, print, or technological devices such as laptops, cellphones, email, newspapers, books... It was a wild experience because most of us realized we simply couldn't. Our technology runs our life, and the media uses that technology to influence our daily decisions.
Today we were delighted to have the ever engaging and enthralling Joline Blais come in and talk to us about home. It was confusing at first because none of us were expecting to hear what she was talking about. I found myself writing down notes that I wasn't sure I would ever use. But now as I look back on them I realize where she was going with her presentation. It is the importance of realizing how much home means to us.
It is scary to see how much we are advancing as a culture, and at the same time as we delve exponentially into this endless future, we must keep our hearts in the place in which we came from. Most technologies today don't appreciate and use the advantages that our indigenous roots can give us.
The portion of her talk that really hit home for me was her discussion on touching and the importance of physical contact. it seems that we have gone away from these important values. We fear touch. It makes us uncomfortable and sexually, it is harming our culture. Sex is seen as something taboo and is not to be talked about. In terms of sexual education, this is the main reason we are struggling as a country.
Friday 10-30
Today we talked about the spoken word. I loved today's class. The first thing we did was check out Story Corps. What an ingenious idea! People have the most amazing stories and insights to share but for the most part, they are unable to share these experiences with mankind.
New Media gives these people that opportunity. That is the key point I took away from today's lecture. This documentary art form gives us access to stories that the general public would never else have heard. It is a teaching tool that is used for the betterment of mankind, and I couldn't think of something much more useful and effective as this.
Readings
"Privacy is Dead and Social Media Hold Smoking Gun"- Interesting concept. I don't entirely see the reason for it, or would in no way want it to be part of my life but I can see how some people are obsessed with their daily lives enough to want this. During the article they mention Flickr, and mention how it was initially ambitious of them to make pictures public by default. And how we look back on it now and it is a no-brainer... that is how we see pictures now-a-days... they are useless unless other people can see them.
This makes us think of privacy... is it such a bad thing that it is dead? Sure, there are places you can go for privacy. I choose not to be a member of a social networking site. the choice to keep your life private is still yours. That right has not been taken away from us. It is still our choice what we choose to involve ourselves with.
"Augmented Reality"-"We need to run and fall and get up again and get going." In other
words, get ready for augmented reality everywhere. And after that, we'll see AR where it
makes sense.
This quote makes complete sense to me. I have seen AR in many places and particularly during football games that I watch on TV. It works there. It serves a purpose. But in order to get people aware of, and truly appreciate it, I agree with the article. We need to be integrated into it. I would call it awareness through submersion. Put AR in any place you can, once we can all recognize it and associate with it, we can find where we need it most, and it will flourish in those spots.
This certainly may not be the model for all emerging technologies out there but it certainly has its place in AR.
"Decline of the Hollywood System"- Since I have taken such classes as the history of mass communication, and various other communication history classes, I have heard and read through this time in history before. the times of the 1940's seemed too good to be true. We had come out of the depression so fast and so furiously that there just had to be someone out there who was cheating and getting an unfair advantage.
Given that the Nickelodeons had just came out during the 20's, it is no surprise that the American Film Industry were the ones to take the bait in terms of cashing in on an opportunity to completely monopolize the arena of film.
Although the FTC sent them into a downward spiral that it seems they still will never recover from, it is all for the best as others have risen to the occasion without the need to use dirty tactics such as were used before by the Hollywood system.
"Sony to offer film on Internet TV, then DVD"- I love this article. this is just what I want to see in terms of the future of entertainment. New Releases for movies, games, music... it should all be made available online. We have a culture that obsesses with getting things as quickly as we possibly can. This allows for those users to be fully satisfied. We all have busy lives. We can't afford to take a trip out into the city to go buy the latest entertainment.
Not even to mention the possible traffic. No one wants to deal with that anymore. Our world is hectic and many would like to avoid the hectic city as much as they possibly can. I can't remember the last time I've actually sat in a movie theater... it is relatively unheard of now-a-days in my generation. We can stream everything as fast as we want, whenever we want, wherever we want.
it's everything we have had in the past, except personalized. Sony is hitting on this, and that is precisely what everyone else should be doing.
2nd half of My Journal
Due to your request of restructuring the journals so that you can read them in sections of weeks instead of individual lectures this half of my journal will be structured like this:
-Comments on lecture Notes
-Weekly Reading Responses
-Comments on lecture Notes
-Weekly Reading Responses
-Comments on lecture Notes
-Weekly Reading Responses
-Comments on lecture Notes
-Weekly Reading Responses
-Comments on Monday lecture Notes
-No Weekly Readings
-Comments on lecture Notes
-Weekly Reading Responses
ENJOY!
- Week 11
-Comments on lecture Notes
-Weekly Reading Responses
- Week 12
-Comments on lecture Notes
-Weekly Reading Responses
- Week 13
-Comments on lecture Notes
-Weekly Reading Responses
- Week 14
-Comments on lecture Notes
-Weekly Reading Responses
- Week 15
-Comments on Monday lecture Notes
-No Weekly Readings
- Week 16
-Comments on lecture Notes
-Weekly Reading Responses
ENJOY!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Updated Links
Hello Bill,
As far as I know, the links are fixed for the most part. I have gone through each on and double checked, and there are still one or two that don't seem to match up. Also, I have noticed that some of my writing isn't being recorded by the pen. You will notice that a few words get cut off, and in some instances, whole sections are not visible.
This is an extremely frustrating circumstance, and unfortunately, I feel at a loss for any sort of control. Would you recommend that we tried something else for our next journal?
As far as I know, the links are fixed for the most part. I have gone through each on and double checked, and there are still one or two that don't seem to match up. Also, I have noticed that some of my writing isn't being recorded by the pen. You will notice that a few words get cut off, and in some instances, whole sections are not visible.
This is an extremely frustrating circumstance, and unfortunately, I feel at a loss for any sort of control. Would you recommend that we tried something else for our next journal?
Friday, October 23, 2009
NOTE TO BILL
Hi Bill, I just wanted to let you know that Derek and I are working on fixing the links for the actual notes. Something is happening with the LiveScribe program that is not allowing the notes to be downloaded properly. If you would like to see the hard copy of the notes please just let me know. I'm sorry for the inconvenience.
Welcome to my NMD 100 Journal
- This journal will be made in to two separate parts.
- The first, being a section on lecture responses, which include summaries of the lectures, responses to those lectures, and links to notes that were taken on each lecture.
- The second part will be a section dedicated to reading responses.
Readings "The Song Decoders"
"The Song Decoders"- Bob Walker
This article explores the technology that goes behind Pandora. Pandora could not exist if it wasn't for the ability to store, sort and manipulate millions of pieces of data ranging from chords hit to beats per minute.
Using data collection devices and databases filled with search able and constantly updating information, the musicologists at Pandora, can effectively find music for you based on your preferences. they to the success of the company relies on their ability to do everything for the user. All the user has to do is "thumb up" or "thumb down" a suggested song and Pandora's library of data will save and update their personalized data for the specific user.
This brings a unique ability for a company with millions of users to still maintain a personal level of customer satisfaction with their users. It is this ability to relate to users as individuals that spells success for Pandora. As a consumer myself, I can say that I don't like being generalized and stereotyped. I like to feel like my business is special and that I am getting information and services that are tailored just for me. That is what companies like Pandora can continue to offer consumers for many years to come.
This article explores the technology that goes behind Pandora. Pandora could not exist if it wasn't for the ability to store, sort and manipulate millions of pieces of data ranging from chords hit to beats per minute.
Using data collection devices and databases filled with search able and constantly updating information, the musicologists at Pandora, can effectively find music for you based on your preferences. they to the success of the company relies on their ability to do everything for the user. All the user has to do is "thumb up" or "thumb down" a suggested song and Pandora's library of data will save and update their personalized data for the specific user.
This brings a unique ability for a company with millions of users to still maintain a personal level of customer satisfaction with their users. It is this ability to relate to users as individuals that spells success for Pandora. As a consumer myself, I can say that I don't like being generalized and stereotyped. I like to feel like my business is special and that I am getting information and services that are tailored just for me. That is what companies like Pandora can continue to offer consumers for many years to come.
Readings "Real Time Counting of Social Media"
"Real Time Counting of Social Media"- Gary Hayes
At this website, Gary Hayes has provided the visitor with a social media counter. At the very instant you access the site, the counter starts updating itself with live counts of numbers of users on specific social networks, number of downloads for certain apps, and various other live counting statistics.
It is interesting to see how something that is so simple can fully represent exactly what it means to live and exist in our day in age of technological advances.
I actually showed this to a few friends and they couldn't stop watching the numbers climb. it is fascinating to see an example of the fact that we are well aware of how much we use technology, but when you actually see the staggering numbers, it is that much more remarkable.
At this website, Gary Hayes has provided the visitor with a social media counter. At the very instant you access the site, the counter starts updating itself with live counts of numbers of users on specific social networks, number of downloads for certain apps, and various other live counting statistics.
It is interesting to see how something that is so simple can fully represent exactly what it means to live and exist in our day in age of technological advances.
I actually showed this to a few friends and they couldn't stop watching the numbers climb. it is fascinating to see an example of the fact that we are well aware of how much we use technology, but when you actually see the staggering numbers, it is that much more remarkable.
Readings "Red Kayaks- Hidden Gold"
"Red Kayaks- Hidden Gold"- John Kelly
This article discusses the challenges that face modern journalists because of the rise of available technologies that assist civic journalists. We no longer have to rely on professionals to show us the news. Because of the availability of information sharing systems, we have created a global village that allows for news to spread much quicker through peers than if you waited on the news at 6 pm every night.
In this sense, the journalism industry is in a lot of trouble, but there are ways for the media to compete with the civic journalists.
More and more newspapers, and news stations are switching to web based forms, user comments, up-datable stories, and live feeds. They have realized that in order to survive in our markets today, they must evolve into something that is more available, more customizable, and more aware of the general public.
This article discusses the challenges that face modern journalists because of the rise of available technologies that assist civic journalists. We no longer have to rely on professionals to show us the news. Because of the availability of information sharing systems, we have created a global village that allows for news to spread much quicker through peers than if you waited on the news at 6 pm every night.
In this sense, the journalism industry is in a lot of trouble, but there are ways for the media to compete with the civic journalists.
More and more newspapers, and news stations are switching to web based forms, user comments, up-datable stories, and live feeds. They have realized that in order to survive in our markets today, they must evolve into something that is more available, more customizable, and more aware of the general public.
Readings "Advertising Age"
"Advertising Age" -Michael Learmonth
This article covered the announcement that Facebook has now become profitable in their second quarter, which is ahead of schedule. Although their nascent marketing plan was slow moving and unproven, this social network has proved that it can offer free admission and still make profits off of advertising.
Again, this is all made possible through the advancements in New Media. These new technologies such as social networking and information sharing allow marketers and advertisers to hit consumers in a less direct, more desirable way.
When I entered the field of New Media I had an impression that it was in itself, its own field, but the more and more i dive into the routes of new media, the more I realize that it exists in almost all other fields. new Media provides all other fields with the backbone to make business possible.
This article covered the announcement that Facebook has now become profitable in their second quarter, which is ahead of schedule. Although their nascent marketing plan was slow moving and unproven, this social network has proved that it can offer free admission and still make profits off of advertising.
Again, this is all made possible through the advancements in New Media. These new technologies such as social networking and information sharing allow marketers and advertisers to hit consumers in a less direct, more desirable way.
When I entered the field of New Media I had an impression that it was in itself, its own field, but the more and more i dive into the routes of new media, the more I realize that it exists in almost all other fields. new Media provides all other fields with the backbone to make business possible.
Readings "Flat World- Supply Chaining"
"Flat World- Supply Chaining"
In this chapter, Friedman discusses supply chains to the fullest and the ever-increasing business that exists within it. He starts by showing the reader just how these supply chains are made possible through an example of Wal-Mart and transitions into how companies like Google operate within defined supply chains.
It is amazing to see how this entire business was built around, and in fact, because of the field of New Media. Without the evolution of technology and the transformations of databases and up-datable, manageable logistics, this entire enterprise would cease to exist.
In this chapter, Friedman discusses supply chains to the fullest and the ever-increasing business that exists within it. He starts by showing the reader just how these supply chains are made possible through an example of Wal-Mart and transitions into how companies like Google operate within defined supply chains.
It is amazing to see how this entire business was built around, and in fact, because of the field of New Media. Without the evolution of technology and the transformations of databases and up-datable, manageable logistics, this entire enterprise would cease to exist.
Readings "Flat World- Just In Time"
"Flat World- Just In Time"- Thomas Friedman
In this article, Friedman addresses the global village issue that McLuhan speaks of in his visionary works. Unfortunately, with the advents of sensational tools such as open sourcing and global supply chains of information sharing, there are going to be people who use this exciting technology to aid them in unruly means. Friedman raises the issue of Al Qaeda using these abilities to create mass murder and destruction.
To this end I believe that information technology is a double edged sword in that it allows us the ability to create and accomplish unimaginable feats in global commerce and information sharing but likewise, unimaginable acts of horror and distaste.
Is the technology worth it? Absolutely. No matter what we do, there are going to be horrific events that occur on earth. It is only human nature. That is out of our control. But however, what is in fact, within our control is the use of these technologies to benefit society.
In this article, Friedman addresses the global village issue that McLuhan speaks of in his visionary works. Unfortunately, with the advents of sensational tools such as open sourcing and global supply chains of information sharing, there are going to be people who use this exciting technology to aid them in unruly means. Friedman raises the issue of Al Qaeda using these abilities to create mass murder and destruction.
To this end I believe that information technology is a double edged sword in that it allows us the ability to create and accomplish unimaginable feats in global commerce and information sharing but likewise, unimaginable acts of horror and distaste.
Is the technology worth it? Absolutely. No matter what we do, there are going to be horrific events that occur on earth. It is only human nature. That is out of our control. But however, what is in fact, within our control is the use of these technologies to benefit society.
Readings "The New Media Reader"
"The New Media Reader"- Marshall McLuhan
Marshall McLuhan defines media as either being hot and cold. A hot medium is something that is high in definition and low in participation, such as reading. A cold medium is described as being high in participation and low in information, such as television.
I am quite receptive to this perspective since I have been immersed in it for the past four years. I am a CMJ major and have had Paul Grosswiler for many classes so I have had my fair share of Marshall McLuhan influence.
Transformation also appears in McLuhan's definition by the way of a global village. Because of the transforming technologies, our current culture is saturate with information from around the globe. This saturation creates a theoretical global village that is quite exciting in terms of information sharing.
Another part of McLuhan's theories is the idea of auto-amputation. We as a society are harming ourselves by submersing ourselves so much in our technology. With each new technology we are amputating another useless body part or brain function. Soon, we might not even have to walk anywhere.... SCARY!
Marshall McLuhan defines media as either being hot and cold. A hot medium is something that is high in definition and low in participation, such as reading. A cold medium is described as being high in participation and low in information, such as television.
I am quite receptive to this perspective since I have been immersed in it for the past four years. I am a CMJ major and have had Paul Grosswiler for many classes so I have had my fair share of Marshall McLuhan influence.
Transformation also appears in McLuhan's definition by the way of a global village. Because of the transforming technologies, our current culture is saturate with information from around the globe. This saturation creates a theoretical global village that is quite exciting in terms of information sharing.
Another part of McLuhan's theories is the idea of auto-amputation. We as a society are harming ourselves by submersing ourselves so much in our technology. With each new technology we are amputating another useless body part or brain function. Soon, we might not even have to walk anywhere.... SCARY!
Readings "What is New Media"
"What is New media"- Vin Crosbie
The key concepts of Vin Crosbie's definition of New Media is that the traditional mediums are not what they appear. For example, magazines and television are traditional mediums but Crosbie says that try not to think of these as so. Instead, think of them as vehicles for the media.
There are three avenues upon which media can be transported (land, sky, water)
And through these three avenues, communication media has three means to which it can occur.
The key concepts of Vin Crosbie's definition of New Media is that the traditional mediums are not what they appear. For example, magazines and television are traditional mediums but Crosbie says that try not to think of these as so. Instead, think of them as vehicles for the media.
There are three avenues upon which media can be transported (land, sky, water)
And through these three avenues, communication media has three means to which it can occur.
- interpersonal (one to one)
- mass media (one to many)
- 3rd "New" Medium (many to many)
Readings "The Language of New Media"
"The Language of New Media"- Lev Manovich
This reading fit in with our first week discussions in which we defined New Media through they eyes of Lev Manovich who categorizes new media by:
The most important part of this reading that I took away was the section on transformation. Through numerical representation, modularity,automation, and variability, transformation of culture is made possible through the language of New Media.
This reading fit in with our first week discussions in which we defined New Media through they eyes of Lev Manovich who categorizes new media by:
- numerical representation
- modularity
- automation
- variability
- cultural transformation
The most important part of this reading that I took away was the section on transformation. Through numerical representation, modularity,automation, and variability, transformation of culture is made possible through the language of New Media.
Lecture 10/21/09
Brid-A, a collection of artists, came in to speak to our class today. There main goal was to create alternative ways to create art. A question they presented the class was, "what other tools can be used to create art?"
They focused on the collection of scientific data, then processed that data and transformed it into data pixels.
Listening to these artists express their creativity in such unique ways was quite inspirational in terms of opening up the possibilities of what we are capable of.
This is a perfect example of how the transformation of technology is shaping what we as artists are capable of producing. New Media is limited only by the human mind and thanks to people such as the folks of Brid-A, that boundary is apparently quite high.
They focused on the collection of scientific data, then processed that data and transformed it into data pixels.
Listening to these artists express their creativity in such unique ways was quite inspirational in terms of opening up the possibilities of what we are capable of.
This is a perfect example of how the transformation of technology is shaping what we as artists are capable of producing. New Media is limited only by the human mind and thanks to people such as the folks of Brid-A, that boundary is apparently quite high.
Lecture 10/19/09
Today was used as another review session in which we covered the types of font that changed the way our culture operated and functioned. From bold and italics, to drop capitals and HTML script.
We also reviewed important events in history as they pertained to media such as the John peter Zenger trial, The Penny Press and Harper's Weekly.
This humanized Lincoln so that the common man could relate to him and see him as more than what he was believed to be
We also reviewed important events in history as they pertained to media such as the John peter Zenger trial, The Penny Press and Harper's Weekly.
- Zenger
- Harper's Weekly
This humanized Lincoln so that the common man could relate to him and see him as more than what he was believed to be
- Penny Press
Lecture 10/15/09
Today's guest speaker was Alan Stubbs of the psychology and art departments. He spoke to us about the topics of perception and pictures. We used a "stereo viewer", "magic eye" and "red/blue" glasses to view various types of three dimensional images in photography and art.
This talk is what actually inspired me to write my research paper for the 295 class about 3d visualizations in air craft control and television as emerging technologies.
This talk is what actually inspired me to write my research paper for the 295 class about 3d visualizations in air craft control and television as emerging technologies.
Lecture 10/13/09
Today, Owen and Velma came in to talk with us about registration for spring. Being that this was generally a first year class, I felt that this tactic of active support was extremely helpful and unfortunately unique to the New Media Department. Back when I was a first year I would have loved this type of guidance and it really made me feel like this department cared about their students in a different way than other departments.
Lecture 10/9/09
Today was a simple lecture. We took the time to go over the expectations of our upcoming sound image projects.
After a quick discussion on what needed to go into the projects, we took the rest of class time to watch a select few of the top projects from previous years. There were a broad range of talents exhibited in these projects but what stood out to me were tho ones in which the creator was able to convey a meaning behind creativity. They used their creative and artistic abilities to recreate a feeling that the entire audience could somewhat relate to.
After a quick discussion on what needed to go into the projects, we took the rest of class time to watch a select few of the top projects from previous years. There were a broad range of talents exhibited in these projects but what stood out to me were tho ones in which the creator was able to convey a meaning behind creativity. They used their creative and artistic abilities to recreate a feeling that the entire audience could somewhat relate to.
Lecture 10/7/09
Today was the third and final day of the historical powerpoint presentation slides. And if I may say, thankfully so. Although I can see how it was important to see the historical background to New Media, lets just say, it wasn't the most inspiring and invigorating content we could have been covering.... But never the less, all together necessary.
We again, stressed the importance of Gutenberg's movable type, and then brought up an interesting point of how non violent protests were made possible through the technologies of new media.
We again, stressed the importance of Gutenberg's movable type, and then brought up an interesting point of how non violent protests were made possible through the technologies of new media.
Lecture 10/5/09
As was mentioned in my last post, today was a continuation of the previous powerpoint presentation. We continued to move through history as technologies evolved and how those evolving technologies shaped the changing cultures.
The point of particular interest for this lecture was the introduction of the movable type by Gutenberg's printing press. This allowed for mass production, which changes religion all together. the power of the church was greatly reduced as people could now purchase printed copies of the bible and practice their religions in their own homes rather than relying on the church for all their information.
The point of particular interest for this lecture was the introduction of the movable type by Gutenberg's printing press. This allowed for mass production, which changes religion all together. the power of the church was greatly reduced as people could now purchase printed copies of the bible and practice their religions in their own homes rather than relying on the church for all their information.
Lecture 10/2/09
For the next three classes we focused on the history of new media. At first that expression may sound like an oxymoron, but the understanding of the concept behind the expression is paramount.
New Media can be seen as being relative to the time in which is being focused on. At the time in which the technology came out, and the idea was used to further society, the medium can be considered part of new media.
Culture has transformed through the years and has gone through many different forms. The earliest forms could be considered languages such as alarm calls of monkeys which then transformed into body languages and more sophisticated means of communication.
New Media can be seen as being relative to the time in which is being focused on. At the time in which the technology came out, and the idea was used to further society, the medium can be considered part of new media.
Culture has transformed through the years and has gone through many different forms. The earliest forms could be considered languages such as alarm calls of monkeys which then transformed into body languages and more sophisticated means of communication.
Lecture 9/30/09
Today, Mike Scott and Ian Larsen came in to speak about our future in New Media as it pertains to the capstone.
Mike stressed the importance of using your passion to create ideas on your topic, then throughout the years, building relationships that can potentially be beneficial to you. Combined with this idea, is the notion that we should all start thinking about our capstone as soon as possible. the more we can consume ourselves in something we are passionate with, the better off we will be when the time comes.
When Ian spoke to us he shared with us his passion for native languages and shared his capstone that he had done. He stressed the importance of creating field research and keeping doors open for opportunity
Mike stressed the importance of using your passion to create ideas on your topic, then throughout the years, building relationships that can potentially be beneficial to you. Combined with this idea, is the notion that we should all start thinking about our capstone as soon as possible. the more we can consume ourselves in something we are passionate with, the better off we will be when the time comes.
When Ian spoke to us he shared with us his passion for native languages and shared his capstone that he had done. He stressed the importance of creating field research and keeping doors open for opportunity
Lecture 9/28/09
Today was used as a review session for the term's previous discussions.Although there were many different views of New Media that differed in many different ways, as a collective group, we managed to find a couple of similarities that rang true through all definitions:
- Challenge Everything!
- Transformation
Lecture 9/25/09
Raphael Diluzio was our guest speaker again today. After 10 minutes or so of technical difficulties vie skype, we managed to get the class up and running. Our first topic of discussion was identity. Raphael certainly has a unique view on identity given his loss of short term memory. He talked to us about the feeling of waking up and having to identify yourself everyday... having to convince yourself that you are you and that you are living the life you want to live.
That is a bizarre experience that I can't even pretend to understand. However, this concept led into his point that "identity changes through moments". This, I feel is the inspiration for his interest in generative art. At every moment in time, the art piece has a new identity, just as he feels he does.
That is a bizarre experience that I can't even pretend to understand. However, this concept led into his point that "identity changes through moments". This, I feel is the inspiration for his interest in generative art. At every moment in time, the art piece has a new identity, just as he feels he does.
Lecture 9/23/09
Today was an interesting day at the very least. Raphael Diluzoio, professor of New Media here at UMaine came in to speak to the class and was quite inspiring.... After being hit by a truck a few years back, which took away most of his motor skills and short term memory, he managed to fight his way back to making art and doing what he knew he always loved to do.
his views on art we very revolutionary in that he challenged the concept of modern art. "Why be limited to a medium that is fixed in time?" he asked us. This led us into a discussion on time based art that he has recently been working with. We would meet with him again next class via skype where we would continue this discussion to the fullest.
his views on art we very revolutionary in that he challenged the concept of modern art. "Why be limited to a medium that is fixed in time?" he asked us. This led us into a discussion on time based art that he has recently been working with. We would meet with him again next class via skype where we would continue this discussion to the fullest.
Lecture 9/21/09
Today was an unfortunate day for me. Paul Grosswiler, head of the CMJ department came in to guest speak today. I have had Paul for many classes in the CMJ department and I must say that I am not partial to his speaking techniques. The atmosphere is always dry and monotone.
However, the content on which Paul spoke on really hits home for me. I have been hearing it for the past four years now, so it was one of those concepts that I am aware of through submersion you could say. Paul spoke of his idol, Marshall McLuhan, whom he is certainly considered an expert on. There are many views that McLuhan has that I appreciate and relate to. For example, his views on hot and cold media, the global village, and auto-amputation, all make complete sense and I have learned to adopt them as views of my own as well.
Auto-amputation in particular is what excites me. I can see just what McLuhan was alluding to when he said that we are amputating ourselves by becoming dependent on our technologies. Are we "dumming" down, or being resourceful? The debate continues...
However, the content on which Paul spoke on really hits home for me. I have been hearing it for the past four years now, so it was one of those concepts that I am aware of through submersion you could say. Paul spoke of his idol, Marshall McLuhan, whom he is certainly considered an expert on. There are many views that McLuhan has that I appreciate and relate to. For example, his views on hot and cold media, the global village, and auto-amputation, all make complete sense and I have learned to adopt them as views of my own as well.
Auto-amputation in particular is what excites me. I can see just what McLuhan was alluding to when he said that we are amputating ourselves by becoming dependent on our technologies. Are we "dumming" down, or being resourceful? The debate continues...
Lecture 09/18/09
In today's lecture we continued our discussion on Lev Manovich. More specifically, we directed our focus on the cultural transformation aspect of his theories. At the end of the lecture you posed the personal opinion of Manovich that the database and narrative are natural enemies, then asked us how we can challenge this thought.
Even though they are opposites in term of content, I would argue that they work hand in hand in creating a system of multiple mediums that allows for a broad range of possibilities. Although information is now popularly being processed through information databases, there is still a place for narrative in our world and always will be. It is the balance of the two that make them both individually powerful and effective.
Even though they are opposites in term of content, I would argue that they work hand in hand in creating a system of multiple mediums that allows for a broad range of possibilities. Although information is now popularly being processed through information databases, there is still a place for narrative in our world and always will be. It is the balance of the two that make them both individually powerful and effective.
Lecture 09/16/09
Today we focused on Lev Manovich's view on New Media. We reviewed what Vin Crosbie had to say, and then discussed how Manovich took another approach. He focused more on the ways we interact with the mediums, how they effect us, and how we effect them.
I took away two main concepts from today's lecture; the first being variability. Through the new media of today, we have developed a culture of on demand availability. Everything we do is made possible to be more and more efficient through technology. The second key concept is that of transformation which I alluded to earlier. We certainly have the capabilities to effect our technology but take that one step further and realize that technology has the very same capabilities to shape culture. I thought of this in terms of my daily routine. My life would be severely effected by the loss of my cell phone and laptop. I would not be nearly the same person that I remain today. That, to me, is the definition of transformation.
I took away two main concepts from today's lecture; the first being variability. Through the new media of today, we have developed a culture of on demand availability. Everything we do is made possible to be more and more efficient through technology. The second key concept is that of transformation which I alluded to earlier. We certainly have the capabilities to effect our technology but take that one step further and realize that technology has the very same capabilities to shape culture. I thought of this in terms of my daily routine. My life would be severely effected by the loss of my cell phone and laptop. I would not be nearly the same person that I remain today. That, to me, is the definition of transformation.
Lecture 09/14/09
We continued our conversation about file sharing today, again with Jon Ippolito. Today he introduced us to "The Pool", which is a network of file sharing within the new media department. At the end of the lecture he raised an interesting question to challenge our moral reasoning... "Is sharing dangerous?"
My response to this question would be that of course sharing has the potential to be dangerous. Anything that, when abused, can turn into an nonproductive means of communication. If professors gave students the opportunity to share all work then there would of course, be some students who would not do any of their own work. Humans are humans, some are motivated, some are not. Sharing is a wonderful concept but when put into action can produce dangerous results because of the nature of human beings. This heightens the possibility of the loss of creative individualistic approaches to learning.
My response to this question would be that of course sharing has the potential to be dangerous. Anything that, when abused, can turn into an nonproductive means of communication. If professors gave students the opportunity to share all work then there would of course, be some students who would not do any of their own work. Humans are humans, some are motivated, some are not. Sharing is a wonderful concept but when put into action can produce dangerous results because of the nature of human beings. This heightens the possibility of the loss of creative individualistic approaches to learning.
Lecture 09/11/09
Today, New Media professor Jon Ippolito came in for the first of two lectures. An important concept that I took from today's class is that 'what is information sharing'? Is it cheating? Is it sharing? Is it simply using your resources?
The idea that I took from Jon is that the academic world treats information sharing differently than the "real" world. Jon spoke of how in the workforce, employees and colleagues continuously work collaboratively to get assignments and projects done. Why is it that in the world of academia that students are taught to "shield their work from the views of others? Jon challenges this by saying that students should have the freedom, and learn the skills of collaboration. this is the basis for the Stillwater Lab in which new media students can post their work, get feedback, and encourage collaboration and the spreading of knowledge and ideas.
The idea that I took from Jon is that the academic world treats information sharing differently than the "real" world. Jon spoke of how in the workforce, employees and colleagues continuously work collaboratively to get assignments and projects done. Why is it that in the world of academia that students are taught to "shield their work from the views of others? Jon challenges this by saying that students should have the freedom, and learn the skills of collaboration. this is the basis for the Stillwater Lab in which new media students can post their work, get feedback, and encourage collaboration and the spreading of knowledge and ideas.
Lecture 09/09/09
Today we focused on Vin Crosbie and his views on new media. The main theme of his view is that the prototypical tools we may consider mediums, are in fact, not. These tools, such as magazines, newspapers and television are instead, viewed as vehicles that support a transportation of media through land, sea, or water.
According to Crosbie there are three types of communication media; interpersonal (one to one), mass media (one to many), and a third "new medium" (many to many). The Internet has allowed for the sharing of ideas across the entire globe. Nearly everything is available online, and because of this, our cultures way of sharing information has been transformed by this new medium.
As a communication major, I can appreciate Vin Crosbie's emphasis on the importance of multiple avenues of communication and idea sharing. I too feel as though this third "new medium" has completely revolutionized the future possibilities in creating a global village.
According to Crosbie there are three types of communication media; interpersonal (one to one), mass media (one to many), and a third "new medium" (many to many). The Internet has allowed for the sharing of ideas across the entire globe. Nearly everything is available online, and because of this, our cultures way of sharing information has been transformed by this new medium.
As a communication major, I can appreciate Vin Crosbie's emphasis on the importance of multiple avenues of communication and idea sharing. I too feel as though this third "new medium" has completely revolutionized the future possibilities in creating a global village.
Lecture 09/04/09
In today's class, we were asked the question, "What is new media?" To spark our imaginations, Bill presented to us, two "YouTube" videos. "Where the Hell is Matt?" and "Playing for Change" exemplified an important concept in New Media. This is that it is the idea that makes the two videos new media. The actual process and concepts are simple but the way in which the applications are used to inspire and influence culture is what makes them new media.
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