It is not a mystery to anyone that digital is the way that everything is moving toward. Courses are being taught digitally, music is being downloaded digitally, conferences are conducted online, and much much more. As this is happening it seems that everyday there is a new way to convert an older analog version to something digital and easier to access. It might be hard to remember having DVDs and CDs, but I am only 21 and I know those discs were definitely a part of my childhood. I remember awaiting the day when the newest *NSYNC album was going to be released and saving up my money, or begging my parents, to buy it that day. Sadly those days are long gone, and people are welcoming this new digital format according to another blog by the Digital Crave Contributor.
According to this article, there is a company titled Murfie that is serving as a green option for users to send in their old CDs and DVDs, with a kit they provide, and have them converted to a digital format of the users' choice. I have to give it to Murfie on this one. This has the potential to be an incredible targeted marketplace that could thrive if the right audience is targeted, and if the conversion can be done in a timely fashion. People have become so eager to have everything in digital formats so they do not have to deal with the hassle of losing or scratching a disc. The only problem with digital space is that the storage is automatically limited by what either a computer or some other form of storage can hold.
I personally enjoy keeping the CDs and DVDs I have bought over the years because I think they hold some type of sentimental value. I just think about how down the road, when I look back at a CD I can physically hold and remeber exactly where I bought it, what the cover looks like, and the time of my life that the music was played during, I think that will have more meaning than a digital file that could be erased. I know that actual discs can get lost or scratced or cracked just as easily as technology can fail, but to me there is something so special about holding an artifact in your hand, even if it is your first *NSYNC CD.
To read the entire Digital Crave blog, visit http://shopping.yahoo.com/blogs/digital-crave/those-old-cds-dvds-204847150.html
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Wikipedia
As I sat in class soaking up all the information regarding Wiki sites, all the things started running through my head about how unreliable my professors had told me that Wikipedia, in particular,was. The lecture continued and editing these entries was discussed as an aspect that users could do themselves, but also that there was an overseeing editor that would essentially have the say of what got published on the web. Hearing these things gave me mixed reactions about Wikis as a whole. In one sense, I got a peace knowing that there was an "all-powerful" editor, but on the other hand I got this uneasy feeling that anyone could post information and when someone else goes to search that subject they will most likely make the assumption that the information is accurate. While there is a sceptical aspect about using Wiki sites, I do think that they serve as a useful tool for a starting point in the research process.
While discussing Wiki sites, the example was given of the Colorado State University site so I decided I would visit it and explore what was offered. One aspect of Wikipedia that I find especially useful is the 'Contents' page that is listed in the center of the page. Instead of having to scroll through every part of the page, it is made very easy to find exact information about the subject. Also within each aspect of information are links that lead to other sites that are strictly dedicated to that highlighted word or subject.
One of the most fundamental and useful tools that I think Wikipedia has to offer is the sidebar snapshot that is provided on the right side of the page. This serves as an area where quick facts can be obtained without even having to look through the actual document text. For CSU specifically, it provides the location, the number of students, the founding date, the school colors and the mascot. Along with this information some of the categories are linked so they will take the user to an additional site, that will most likely be a privately administered site rather than open to the public for editing.
The overall consensus about Wikipedia I was able to reach after learning and exploring Wikipedia is that it is a reliable source to an extent, and that further research may be necessary prior to findings on Wikipedia. It is not a bad place to start but it is not the most effective for scholarly work.
While discussing Wiki sites, the example was given of the Colorado State University site so I decided I would visit it and explore what was offered. One aspect of Wikipedia that I find especially useful is the 'Contents' page that is listed in the center of the page. Instead of having to scroll through every part of the page, it is made very easy to find exact information about the subject. Also within each aspect of information are links that lead to other sites that are strictly dedicated to that highlighted word or subject.
One of the most fundamental and useful tools that I think Wikipedia has to offer is the sidebar snapshot that is provided on the right side of the page. This serves as an area where quick facts can be obtained without even having to look through the actual document text. For CSU specifically, it provides the location, the number of students, the founding date, the school colors and the mascot. Along with this information some of the categories are linked so they will take the user to an additional site, that will most likely be a privately administered site rather than open to the public for editing.
The overall consensus about Wikipedia I was able to reach after learning and exploring Wikipedia is that it is a reliable source to an extent, and that further research may be necessary prior to findings on Wikipedia. It is not a bad place to start but it is not the most effective for scholarly work.
Friday, April 27, 2012
"Fast beautiful photo sharing" is what the Instagram slogan reads. According to the actual definition on its site, it is a place where users can take photos and then choose a filter to put on the photo. Instagram also makes it possible to share these photos that you've edited on Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr.
Now it has been a few weeks since this has happened, but as we all may know Facebook purchased Instagram for about $1 billion. This is very interesting to me because Facebook is not a site that needs more users but there could be a potential for Facebook feeling threatened by Instagram because of it's growing popularity. The Instagram app allows its users to share their photos via Facebook, so the two were already somewhat indirectly linked, now that linkage is just official. I think that this move was very strategic for Instagram due to their great reputation and user basis that Facebook has, and now that can also be the case for Instagram.
I can honestly say that I have loved using Instagram and it may have even become a borderline obesession. And this is where an app like this can get dangerous, when it becomes addictive or a main concern in life. I know that I personally am guilty of taking photos specifically for the purpose of using the filters that Instagram provides, and then posting it on the feed to see how many of my followers will like it. This is where it becomes about seeing how popular you are with other users rather than doing it purely as a photo editing application. The question I must continue to ask myself and I will pose to all you "Instagrammers" out there is this: Are you only living certain parts of your life to document them or would you still do that activity if the camera lens wasn't involved?
Here is an example of a picture I took, and the one below it has had the 'Toaster' filter applied to it through Instagram.
Through a simple filter an image can now convey a completely different meaning. The many filters you can choose from are: Amaro, Rise, Hudson, X-pro II, Sierra, Lo-fi, Earlybird, Toaster, Brannan, Inkwell, Walden, Hefe, Valencia, Nashville, 1977, and Kelvin.
Now it has been a few weeks since this has happened, but as we all may know Facebook purchased Instagram for about $1 billion. This is very interesting to me because Facebook is not a site that needs more users but there could be a potential for Facebook feeling threatened by Instagram because of it's growing popularity. The Instagram app allows its users to share their photos via Facebook, so the two were already somewhat indirectly linked, now that linkage is just official. I think that this move was very strategic for Instagram due to their great reputation and user basis that Facebook has, and now that can also be the case for Instagram.
I can honestly say that I have loved using Instagram and it may have even become a borderline obesession. And this is where an app like this can get dangerous, when it becomes addictive or a main concern in life. I know that I personally am guilty of taking photos specifically for the purpose of using the filters that Instagram provides, and then posting it on the feed to see how many of my followers will like it. This is where it becomes about seeing how popular you are with other users rather than doing it purely as a photo editing application. The question I must continue to ask myself and I will pose to all you "Instagrammers" out there is this: Are you only living certain parts of your life to document them or would you still do that activity if the camera lens wasn't involved?
Here is an example of a picture I took, and the one below it has had the 'Toaster' filter applied to it through Instagram.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Another issue of privacy
I went to the bottom left-hand corner of my screen and clicked the 'e' icon for Internet Explorer. It redirected me to MSN, as it always does, and as I was paroling through the news stories of the day I came across a very interesting case. This article I found was titled "Olympian Outs Stalker on Facebook, triggers debate". Instantly I became interested especially because of all the rising concerns regarding privacy on Facebook and other social media sites. So naturally I clicked the bolded title so that I could read more.
A woman who is training for the London Olympics this year, Adriane Friedrich, has an alleged stalker and she has decided to post his full name, explicit emails he has sent her, and his hometown on Facebook for all her friends to see. Not only is there controversy arising over her decision to take his privacy into her hands, but Friedrich is also a police officer. Since she is a police officer, I believe she should be held to a higher standard when it comes to citizens and their rights when being accused of a crime. I think this time she not only shamed herself as a woman of law enforcement but also shamed that man. Without possibly presenting the whole information, her Facebook supporters now have the right to make inaccurate assumptions.
I understand where she is coming from on this situation, because no one, especially a woman wants a stalker. The problem, however, I do have with her response is that the alleged stalker had no chance whatsoever to control his privacy within this. She has the rights to use all of what Facebook offers and she put those rights into practice, but this time against the well-being of another person. Facebook cannot control what people choose to post to their site, they can only control generic settings, so because of this there unfortunately is free reign, even if that does include demeaning another individual.
Now I want to set this straight, in no way am I saying that what the stalker did is okay because that is a crime and he should be dealt with accordingly but I am saying that this could have been handled in a more discreet way as to protect both parties involved. Social Networking Sites are dangerous for this specific reason. Not only do those who are friends with both parties on Facebook know, but now those who have read any online news today are also informed. Online is a dangerous avenue to share any information on, let alone private. This story can serve as an example to be on guard with what you choose to share and also who you choose to associate with in the online world.
To read the full story, follow this link Olympian Outs Stalker on Facebook, triggers debate
A woman who is training for the London Olympics this year, Adriane Friedrich, has an alleged stalker and she has decided to post his full name, explicit emails he has sent her, and his hometown on Facebook for all her friends to see. Not only is there controversy arising over her decision to take his privacy into her hands, but Friedrich is also a police officer. Since she is a police officer, I believe she should be held to a higher standard when it comes to citizens and their rights when being accused of a crime. I think this time she not only shamed herself as a woman of law enforcement but also shamed that man. Without possibly presenting the whole information, her Facebook supporters now have the right to make inaccurate assumptions.
I understand where she is coming from on this situation, because no one, especially a woman wants a stalker. The problem, however, I do have with her response is that the alleged stalker had no chance whatsoever to control his privacy within this. She has the rights to use all of what Facebook offers and she put those rights into practice, but this time against the well-being of another person. Facebook cannot control what people choose to post to their site, they can only control generic settings, so because of this there unfortunately is free reign, even if that does include demeaning another individual.
Now I want to set this straight, in no way am I saying that what the stalker did is okay because that is a crime and he should be dealt with accordingly but I am saying that this could have been handled in a more discreet way as to protect both parties involved. Social Networking Sites are dangerous for this specific reason. Not only do those who are friends with both parties on Facebook know, but now those who have read any online news today are also informed. Online is a dangerous avenue to share any information on, let alone private. This story can serve as an example to be on guard with what you choose to share and also who you choose to associate with in the online world.
To read the full story, follow this link Olympian Outs Stalker on Facebook, triggers debate
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Audience: What does that really mean in an online world?
I am currently in a Composition 300 class where we read articles from a book titled Rhetorical Readings for Advanced Writers. As I was reading one by Andrea A. Lunsford and Lisa Ede called "Among the Audience": On Audience in an Age of New Literacies, it struck me how different writing is now because of all the social media aspects that contribute to a majority of the media world. In the 80's they had originally wrote an article that discussed the importance of the relationship between text, author, and audience. However, with this new article they discuss that context must now be added as a critical aspect when discussing online writings.
Another idea they mention is that how now anyone can become a writer due to things such as Twitter, Wikipedia, or blogs just like this one. Comments can be left, interactions can occur, and a group of followers can be established just by publishing one interesting article or idea. This type of writing does not require much ability or a publisher or anything of that sort, which literally mobilizes anyone to be able to post online and even get recognized on a local, national or global level.
I think that this is a great way for new writers to get recognized, but however I think it can be dangerous in some areas because it could be hard to determine whether or not the source is credible. Online can sometimes be a sticky place due to the fact that things can be cut and pasted or misrepresented. This really causes me to be skeptical of information that I find online and websites which I find them on. Since this line is blurring so much between audience and author, I personally have begun intently researching authors and their credentials so that I am not mislead. And I would suggest everyone do that as well, so that authors (such as me) are not just strictly taken for what they post online without additional needed background.
This picture is what I think of when thinking of the normal representation of a reader/speaker presenting their information to an audience. It is an active listening audience.
Another idea they mention is that how now anyone can become a writer due to things such as Twitter, Wikipedia, or blogs just like this one. Comments can be left, interactions can occur, and a group of followers can be established just by publishing one interesting article or idea. This type of writing does not require much ability or a publisher or anything of that sort, which literally mobilizes anyone to be able to post online and even get recognized on a local, national or global level.
I think that this is a great way for new writers to get recognized, but however I think it can be dangerous in some areas because it could be hard to determine whether or not the source is credible. Online can sometimes be a sticky place due to the fact that things can be cut and pasted or misrepresented. This really causes me to be skeptical of information that I find online and websites which I find them on. Since this line is blurring so much between audience and author, I personally have begun intently researching authors and their credentials so that I am not mislead. And I would suggest everyone do that as well, so that authors (such as me) are not just strictly taken for what they post online without additional needed background.
This picture is what I think of when thinking of the normal representation of a reader/speaker presenting their information to an audience. It is an active listening audience.
This next image I believe is a representation of how there is not just one central author or speaker but rather they are all intertwined and interconnected.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Newest iPad: Is it worth it?
Apple is notorious for coming out with products that are cutting edge and cause everyone to flock to the store to buy them. The latest iPad is no exception either. According to another source, 3 million people have already purchased the iPad 3 and it was just released March 16!
After reading an article written by Sarah Halzack on her critique of the iPad, I came to the conclusion that this iPad is more about status rather than the actual quality of the product because it does not differ that much from the iPad 2.
Apple has just made minor improvements, that in my opinion only technology buffs would notice. And I would be willing to go out on a limb and say that most likely 2.9 million of those who bought them do not fit into that category. I know if I got an iPad 3 I wouldn't even know half of the capabilities on it, so all the extra energy poured into those technological benefits would be wasted on a consumer like me.
Here's a problem I have with the new iPad: it overheats after you use it for an extended period of time. I'm sorry but if I am going to pay that much money for a product like that, I don't expect to be prepared to get burned while I use it. I don't want to be worried about that when I'm trying to enjoy my new apps, or my camera, or the Internet. There is a new Retina Display aspect to this version. This sounds pretty fancy to me so I would assume that it would work faster and more efficient, but apparently it takes more processing power and therefore genrates more heat.
I personally think this new version is overrated and once more complaints start to flush in I think everyone will start to think this way. Obviously no technology will be flawless, but for a prominent company such as Apple I have high expectations and I think the entire public does as well.
Final thought: I would not upgrade to this new version unless you care solely about the status that the name brings with it.
After reading an article written by Sarah Halzack on her critique of the iPad, I came to the conclusion that this iPad is more about status rather than the actual quality of the product because it does not differ that much from the iPad 2.
Apple has just made minor improvements, that in my opinion only technology buffs would notice. And I would be willing to go out on a limb and say that most likely 2.9 million of those who bought them do not fit into that category. I know if I got an iPad 3 I wouldn't even know half of the capabilities on it, so all the extra energy poured into those technological benefits would be wasted on a consumer like me.
Here's a problem I have with the new iPad: it overheats after you use it for an extended period of time. I'm sorry but if I am going to pay that much money for a product like that, I don't expect to be prepared to get burned while I use it. I don't want to be worried about that when I'm trying to enjoy my new apps, or my camera, or the Internet. There is a new Retina Display aspect to this version. This sounds pretty fancy to me so I would assume that it would work faster and more efficient, but apparently it takes more processing power and therefore genrates more heat.
I personally think this new version is overrated and once more complaints start to flush in I think everyone will start to think this way. Obviously no technology will be flawless, but for a prominent company such as Apple I have high expectations and I think the entire public does as well.
Final thought: I would not upgrade to this new version unless you care solely about the status that the name brings with it.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Going Viral
I don't think I fully realized the capacity social media contained in carrying weighted messages, until one recent occurence. Kony 2012.
This video was uploaded to Invisible Children's website on March 5 and went public March 7. It is a video made to raise support to arrest Joseph Kony, one of the world's worst war criminals. According to one source, there had already been 30 million views the very next day. I originally had no idea what it was or had no knowledge of who Joseph Kony was until one of my friends posted the link on my Facebook wall. This is where I think publicity blew up in regards to this.
By the end of that day, my entire news feed was filled with comments and links to watch this video that had suddenly become a phenomenon. College students were now sharing information with each other about a serious international issue and becoming passionate about it. When college students start caring about something, you know it has to be good. Curiosity is now sparked and information must be obtained on whatever the subject matter is, because being uneducated on the timely matters of Facebook can be like social suicide in the college arena.
Facebook is a world of it's own, and when information enters that world it is for one of two reasons. Either everyone is beginning to make fun of it or they have become really passionate about it and want to share it with their friends so they can join in too.
In this case, the publicity for this video generated a fairly positive response amongst college-aged students who may now have discovered a passion for this type of work that they might not have found out about if the webs of YouTube and Facebook were not so interconnected.
In my opinion this video conveyed such a strong message and was effective in how it recieved so much unpaid promotion from curious college students who know they have to ability to initiate change.
Here is the link so that you can decide the impact for yourself.
http://www.kony2012.com/
This video was uploaded to Invisible Children's website on March 5 and went public March 7. It is a video made to raise support to arrest Joseph Kony, one of the world's worst war criminals. According to one source, there had already been 30 million views the very next day. I originally had no idea what it was or had no knowledge of who Joseph Kony was until one of my friends posted the link on my Facebook wall. This is where I think publicity blew up in regards to this.
By the end of that day, my entire news feed was filled with comments and links to watch this video that had suddenly become a phenomenon. College students were now sharing information with each other about a serious international issue and becoming passionate about it. When college students start caring about something, you know it has to be good. Curiosity is now sparked and information must be obtained on whatever the subject matter is, because being uneducated on the timely matters of Facebook can be like social suicide in the college arena.
Facebook is a world of it's own, and when information enters that world it is for one of two reasons. Either everyone is beginning to make fun of it or they have become really passionate about it and want to share it with their friends so they can join in too.
In this case, the publicity for this video generated a fairly positive response amongst college-aged students who may now have discovered a passion for this type of work that they might not have found out about if the webs of YouTube and Facebook were not so interconnected.
In my opinion this video conveyed such a strong message and was effective in how it recieved so much unpaid promotion from curious college students who know they have to ability to initiate change.
Here is the link so that you can decide the impact for yourself.
http://www.kony2012.com/
Monday, February 27, 2012
Privacy. This is something people, including me, value as a fundamental right. It has been a concern within the last year regarding Facebook and the Internet in general. And what's next you may be asking? Well the answer is a search engine we have all come to know and love.....Google.
Apparently with this new proposed policy, Google would be able to compile more data based on the activity of their users online. According to this article http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/27/tech/web/google-privacy-clarified/index.html?iref=allsearch their aim is to make things simpler for their consumer. It is their claim that they will not be collecting any more data than they already have before, which is supposed to reassure those with any concerns.
However, I have many concerns when it comes to this topic. I understand that we as consumers want access to online information to be simple and instant, but at the same time I do not want to give away some of my most personal information for that to be possible.
Every site visited, every purchase made, every link clicked. I don't think those are details a search engine needs to know and I honestly find it somewhat creepy if Google brings up search results specifically catered to a site visited a few hours prior. Simple does not have to mean creepy. Even though deep down we know that the Internet is very public and so are the things we choose to do on it, but for our own peace of mind we would like to believe that some sort of privacy can and still exists.
Apparently with this new proposed policy, Google would be able to compile more data based on the activity of their users online. According to this article http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/27/tech/web/google-privacy-clarified/index.html?iref=allsearch their aim is to make things simpler for their consumer. It is their claim that they will not be collecting any more data than they already have before, which is supposed to reassure those with any concerns.
However, I have many concerns when it comes to this topic. I understand that we as consumers want access to online information to be simple and instant, but at the same time I do not want to give away some of my most personal information for that to be possible.
Every site visited, every purchase made, every link clicked. I don't think those are details a search engine needs to know and I honestly find it somewhat creepy if Google brings up search results specifically catered to a site visited a few hours prior. Simple does not have to mean creepy. Even though deep down we know that the Internet is very public and so are the things we choose to do on it, but for our own peace of mind we would like to believe that some sort of privacy can and still exists.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
The wonderful word of Facebook. Facebook is a great social networking site, and also serves as a good cyber location to connect with peers. Many people post status updates to talk about what they are doing or what is on their mind, but this raises a question for me.
When do Facebook posts become too personal? And Tommy Jordan seemed to have thought his daughter went too far when she complained about her chores over Facebook. He reacted by shooting her computer with a gun to convey his message that what she was doing was not acceptable.
On a reasoning level, I agree with Jordan because his daughter was sharing very personal information with many people that may not know her on that level and now that opinion is etched into their minds of her father. He expressed that he felt he could get through to his daughter any other way and that this was something she needed to understand.
Sometimes I understand we want a place to express our feelings and receive feedback from our 500 closest friends, I do it too. But at the same time we are opening up that door into our personal lives that may not need to be opened with our Facebook friend group.
Facebook is something future employers may look at and could sadly judge you by content that is present on your page. So instead of trying to hide what has already been released to the Internet world, rethink your purpose behind your posts and think about those who will be on the receiving end of them and those who the posts could include.
Final thought: Private information becomes public with just one click, so think before you click.
You can find the whole story of Tommy Jordan and his daughter here: http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/father-shoots-daughters-laptop-after-facebook-chores-complaint-20120213-1t0c6.html
When do Facebook posts become too personal? And Tommy Jordan seemed to have thought his daughter went too far when she complained about her chores over Facebook. He reacted by shooting her computer with a gun to convey his message that what she was doing was not acceptable.
On a reasoning level, I agree with Jordan because his daughter was sharing very personal information with many people that may not know her on that level and now that opinion is etched into their minds of her father. He expressed that he felt he could get through to his daughter any other way and that this was something she needed to understand.
Sometimes I understand we want a place to express our feelings and receive feedback from our 500 closest friends, I do it too. But at the same time we are opening up that door into our personal lives that may not need to be opened with our Facebook friend group.
Facebook is something future employers may look at and could sadly judge you by content that is present on your page. So instead of trying to hide what has already been released to the Internet world, rethink your purpose behind your posts and think about those who will be on the receiving end of them and those who the posts could include.
Final thought: Private information becomes public with just one click, so think before you click.
You can find the whole story of Tommy Jordan and his daughter here: http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/father-shoots-daughters-laptop-after-facebook-chores-complaint-20120213-1t0c6.html
Sunday, February 5, 2012
'Hanging out'. A term that once meant being in camaraderie with those that you had a close or trusted relationship with. Now sadly, I believe the times have changed and are continuing to change. The term 'hanging out' now involves another crucial aspect--technology.
Technology. It seems like such a simple term but yet it can imply numerous aspects. Technology can include things such as computers, iPhones, any form of a smart phone, iPods, MP3 players, any cell phone, and bsically any device that is used to interact with the cyber or entertainment world.
It has recently been brought to my attention that spending time with my friends always involves them bringing along someone else, commonly known as their iPhone. It has become a crucial part of a person's well-being and they seem to feel 'naked' without it. It is attached to our hip and some may say it is our companion.
Why is this a problem you may ask? Because our entire relationships and 'hanging out' time now revolves around what is going on in various social media worlds and how we can prove what we are doing is 'cool enough' to talk about on those sites. It is never just about enjoying the company of those we are with but always worrying about what is going on that we are not involved in at the time.
Instead of embracing those little awkward moments that happen with human encounters, we resort to looking at updates on our phone, on Facebook, on Twitter, or whatever site you may choose.
Final thought: The little priceless moments of life and friendships can be lost if we base them upon the iPhone world instead of the real world. Technological interaction is replacing our original view of human interaction.
Technology. It seems like such a simple term but yet it can imply numerous aspects. Technology can include things such as computers, iPhones, any form of a smart phone, iPods, MP3 players, any cell phone, and bsically any device that is used to interact with the cyber or entertainment world.
It has recently been brought to my attention that spending time with my friends always involves them bringing along someone else, commonly known as their iPhone. It has become a crucial part of a person's well-being and they seem to feel 'naked' without it. It is attached to our hip and some may say it is our companion.
Why is this a problem you may ask? Because our entire relationships and 'hanging out' time now revolves around what is going on in various social media worlds and how we can prove what we are doing is 'cool enough' to talk about on those sites. It is never just about enjoying the company of those we are with but always worrying about what is going on that we are not involved in at the time.
Instead of embracing those little awkward moments that happen with human encounters, we resort to looking at updates on our phone, on Facebook, on Twitter, or whatever site you may choose.
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