Produser A produser is the act of being both a producer and a user on the internet. A produser is someone who produces their own videos, blogs (new media products) and that contribute to aspects of the internet off their own back. They also use the internet to research information, shop and just browse the internet. Both of these aspects of being a produser are usually for pleasure and sometimes they are an aspect in their field of work. Examples of producing your own works are blogging, social networking and being a produser is a very popular thing at the moment as it allows people to discuss issues and opinions online in particular fields of interest that the user may have. It allows the user to have an aspect of free expression which is controlled mainly by them. It also enables them to create their own kind of culture which people can involve themselves in.
This can also relate to the idea of 'Open Architecture' as anyone can contribute into helping the internet to develop. The idea of 'Architecture' also implies that the internet may be a continuing construction. I personally think that the ideas of being a produser are going to do nothing but continue to develop along with the continual development of the internet. This however makes me wonder what can come next for the produser? Any ideas guys?
Friday, 27 February 2009
Sunday, 22 February 2009
Week 5: Meikle F
I feel that the idea of the Net facilitating new types of media institution is very interesting to discuss. I personally agree with this view idea; the internet has bought so many new institutions to our lives already such as social networking sites, music downloading and avators. In the past these has never been heard of and probably would never have been used if it wasn't for the deveolpment of the internet. It is hard to imagine what life would be like without the internet and it's facilities as most of us depend upon the internet on a daily basis. The list of facilities on the internet are endless and will continue to develop as the internet progresses. I think the world would seem a very simple place if we didn't have the luxury of the internet and its accessories.
The internet bought a new way of promoting businesses and products at an afforable rate, which we have now discovered to be highly important as we are going through an economic downfall. I personally feel that internet gives you a modern feel and makes people and companies to feel modern and professional when using institutions based around the internet. You could also suggest that an istitution of 'free expression' has been created by the internet as there is finally a place where people can comment and express their own personal opinons without being bombarded by negativity. The success anf popularity of the internet can only increase if these institutions are allowed to be created and continue to develop.
The internet bought a new way of promoting businesses and products at an afforable rate, which we have now discovered to be highly important as we are going through an economic downfall. I personally feel that internet gives you a modern feel and makes people and companies to feel modern and professional when using institutions based around the internet. You could also suggest that an istitution of 'free expression' has been created by the internet as there is finally a place where people can comment and express their own personal opinons without being bombarded by negativity. The success anf popularity of the internet can only increase if these institutions are allowed to be created and continue to develop.
Week 5: Meikle D & E combined
There is so much ‘open news’ on the internet that sometimes it is hard to decipher what is accurate what isn’t so accurate. As I mentioned in week 4’s blog: I think its the fact that because we’ve grown up with professional media companies such as the BBC, CNN and ITV, we consider these to be far more reliable and better quality than others. When looking at ‘open news’ you have to question who wrote the article and how reliable the source is. The idea of people being able becoming their own journalists and applying their own personal views (which may or not be biased) to a subject also makes you question the reliability of the source, especially when you know they are not being processed by professional editorial companies. However I suppose you could say that language is an important factor when looking at the quality of open news; if an article is well written, well structured and significantly accurate are you more likely to find it credible?
The idea of open news also made me consider ideas around the quality of the news on television. There are always rumours of the news being filtered by the government so stories are manipulated and interpreted in a different way. Even though this is taking place, the news on the television still remains popular- could you say that the quality of the news doesn’t seem to matter to some audiences anymore, as they kind of believe what they read is in fact ‘true’ and don't want to question or don't have the ability to do so?
The idea of open news also made me consider ideas around the quality of the news on television. There are always rumours of the news being filtered by the government so stories are manipulated and interpreted in a different way. Even though this is taking place, the news on the television still remains popular- could you say that the quality of the news doesn’t seem to matter to some audiences anymore, as they kind of believe what they read is in fact ‘true’ and don't want to question or don't have the ability to do so?
Week 5: Meikle C
Even though DIY internet news is found both online and offline, I personally feel that is far more effective online. DIY is a way of various audiences and individuals to express themselves. As indymedia continues to develop it is highly significant in our society and culture. In a way it is almost as if the DIY internet is a separate culture to our own, but somehow they can both join together? (If you kind of understand what I’m saying) When I think of examples of DIY news I instantly think of blogging. This is a simple way of numerous people who research and start their own news allowing it to develop with various comments and opinions from other bloggers. You could almost suggest that it is far easier to adapt to online DIY news as it can be accessed easily by a larger audience, what do you guys think? I also think that by keeping update with DIY news you are always keeping up with new media technologies which will continue to develop online rather than in meatspace. This makes me wonder where DIY news will head in the future.
Sorry if you guys found this blog confusing! It’s a little difficult to express the point I was trying to make.
Sorry if you guys found this blog confusing! It’s a little difficult to express the point I was trying to make.
Week 5: Meikle B
I think it definitely correct in saying that there are new kinds of journalists online. “...newsgroups and weblogs are considered as additional sources of information retrieval, rather than as new avenues for new kinds of journalists to develop and publish new kinds of news” (paragraph 9). I think Meikle has an interesting approach here as my perception of new journalist revolves around audiences attempting to be professional writers. Like discussed in previous weekly blogs audience have access to become their ‘own’ producer, writer, investigator, director etc. By having this freedom on the internet the audience can feel as if they have more power in the virtual world than in meatspace as there is no one to stop them from doing so. As Meikle states the “audience members are transformed into researchers”(Paragraph 8). By being their own writer they also can express their own views and opinions into their articles and manipulate things that may have been said before. This is suggested by Meikle as he suggests “These researchers become comfortable with getting their news from a broader range of sources, to establish some as more legitimate than others” (Paragraph 8). Also on the internet they do not need any professional qualifications to write what they want.
However, you have to acknowledge the fact that these new kinds of journalists and their articles may be particularly biased. They may not be taken as seriously as other websites with stories written by trained writers.
However, you have to acknowledge the fact that these new kinds of journalists and their articles may be particularly biased. They may not be taken as seriously as other websites with stories written by trained writers.
Friday, 20 February 2009
Week 5: Meikle A
When I think of News on the web I think of websites like BBC News, CNN and ITV News. These examples are informative websites discussing headlines and current affairs that are going on around the world. These sites that I assume to be ‘news’ on the web adapt from their television counterparts. I feel that nowadays many people find it easier to find out news on the internet than buying a newspaper or watching it on television. The internet is updating every second so you know that you are accessing the most recent news, it is easy to check on a daily basis and is easily accesible from the home. Websites such as BBC, Sky, CNN etc also have video footage and audio articles to help entice the audience into viewing particular stories. With having extras like audio and video stories on their sites it is also a way of combining Radio, TV and the internet into one site. What do you think?
These sites have a good repuation of broadcasting appealing stories to their audiences. They have high standards of video, photography and journalistic input implying the high standards which they wish to obtain in all sectors of the media. Personally this makes me think that they are more reliable, as I would not expect regular members of the audience to be the writers/journalists. They most probably have a forum which allows their audeicne to express views and be the writers (indymedia).
Indymedia is based around the idea of the audience being the writers/investigators and writing their own opinions and stories. These are less reliable than the other new sites that I mentioned in the previous paragraph as many of the auidence will not have any journalistic/written experience. Although like most journalists they may have an air of bias in their stories.
These sites have a good repuation of broadcasting appealing stories to their audiences. They have high standards of video, photography and journalistic input implying the high standards which they wish to obtain in all sectors of the media. Personally this makes me think that they are more reliable, as I would not expect regular members of the audience to be the writers/journalists. They most probably have a forum which allows their audeicne to express views and be the writers (indymedia).
Indymedia is based around the idea of the audience being the writers/investigators and writing their own opinions and stories. These are less reliable than the other new sites that I mentioned in the previous paragraph as many of the auidence will not have any journalistic/written experience. Although like most journalists they may have an air of bias in their stories.
Monday, 16 February 2009
Week 4: Music Sharing Online
Sorry for this being a little bit long guys!
It’s hard to keep up with the whole concept of music sharing online nowadays. Back in the days of CD’s and cassettes the only way of accessing or purchasing music was to head down to your local Woolworths (R.I.P) or reputable music store and buy them. Nowadays there has been a dramatic change in accessing and consuming music.
Once again new technology has changed the consumption of music. Thanks to the internet you no longer have to go to the shop and buy an album or wait for it to be released. You can now download entire albums at the click of a button, access them for free and even download them before they’re meant to be released in this country. The idea of being able to download music for free on programmes such as ‘Limewire’ may sound appealing, but it is illegal. There are some legal websites which you can buy music from such as ITunes and Napster. These sites usually sell songs/albums at a cheaper rate than in shops which makes them much more appealing to their audience. I have an Itunes account where I buy most of my music. It is cheaper than buying a single or album in a shop, but sometimes you can get carried away and overspend as all you have to do to purchase a song is click ‘buy’. 79p per song seems cheap but it can easily mount up! One thing I do miss when buying songs of the internet is that you don’t have a CD case. Sometimes it’s nice to have the actual CD and its case as you can lend them to friends and it’s nice to have a browse through the album sleeve.
Radio has to be mentioned here also. You can now access radio stations on the internet and through I-player. You can also buy DAB radios. This suggests that other medium are keeping up to date with this new popular way of music consumption and distribution.
There is also a legal music site called Spotify. Spotify enables you to listen to songs (but not download) without having to pay for them. It is legal as in-between each song they play advertisements. This is a way for people who cannot necessarily afford to buy albums from a shop or from internet sites to listen to their favourite music legally.
It can be suggested that these ideas have greatly changed popular music. Networking sites such as MySpace enable unknown artists from all over the world to create a profile and upload their music for everyone to listen to. This idea implies that anyone has a chance in the music industry. It also allows artists to create an online fan base. The days of having to send in a demo to a music company is being forgotten. Well known singers and bands such as Lily Allen, Arctic Monkeys and Sean Kingston were all founded on MySpace, managed to get record details and have now taken the music industry by storm. Sites such as Youtube also help these artists to show their talents as they can create their own independent music videos and show gigs that they may have taken part in to wider audiences. Our society seems to revolve around music the moment, especially when it comes to television shows such as The X-Factor, Pop Idol and Orange Unsigned acts, as these too all enable people who think they have musical talent to show what they can do.
I personally feel that media companies will always be needed. Many of the artists that showcase their music on sites such as MySpace are aiming to get music deals with these companies. These networking sites are merely just a way of promoting their material quicker and to a wider audience. Also these companies have the knowledge of how to promote bands positively and accordingly enabling artists to get the best media coverage. This can only make you question what may be in store for the music industry as the Internet continues to develop; will it continue to change popular music?? Do any of you guys have any crazy ideas as to what may happen to music industry? Here’s a question for you, do you think any of this will it affect radio stations. Fair enough you can now access radio stations on their websites but could this be the actual end to the radio that we used to know and love before the digital change?
It’s hard to keep up with the whole concept of music sharing online nowadays. Back in the days of CD’s and cassettes the only way of accessing or purchasing music was to head down to your local Woolworths (R.I.P) or reputable music store and buy them. Nowadays there has been a dramatic change in accessing and consuming music.
Once again new technology has changed the consumption of music. Thanks to the internet you no longer have to go to the shop and buy an album or wait for it to be released. You can now download entire albums at the click of a button, access them for free and even download them before they’re meant to be released in this country. The idea of being able to download music for free on programmes such as ‘Limewire’ may sound appealing, but it is illegal. There are some legal websites which you can buy music from such as ITunes and Napster. These sites usually sell songs/albums at a cheaper rate than in shops which makes them much more appealing to their audience. I have an Itunes account where I buy most of my music. It is cheaper than buying a single or album in a shop, but sometimes you can get carried away and overspend as all you have to do to purchase a song is click ‘buy’. 79p per song seems cheap but it can easily mount up! One thing I do miss when buying songs of the internet is that you don’t have a CD case. Sometimes it’s nice to have the actual CD and its case as you can lend them to friends and it’s nice to have a browse through the album sleeve.
Radio has to be mentioned here also. You can now access radio stations on the internet and through I-player. You can also buy DAB radios. This suggests that other medium are keeping up to date with this new popular way of music consumption and distribution.
There is also a legal music site called Spotify. Spotify enables you to listen to songs (but not download) without having to pay for them. It is legal as in-between each song they play advertisements. This is a way for people who cannot necessarily afford to buy albums from a shop or from internet sites to listen to their favourite music legally.
It can be suggested that these ideas have greatly changed popular music. Networking sites such as MySpace enable unknown artists from all over the world to create a profile and upload their music for everyone to listen to. This idea implies that anyone has a chance in the music industry. It also allows artists to create an online fan base. The days of having to send in a demo to a music company is being forgotten. Well known singers and bands such as Lily Allen, Arctic Monkeys and Sean Kingston were all founded on MySpace, managed to get record details and have now taken the music industry by storm. Sites such as Youtube also help these artists to show their talents as they can create their own independent music videos and show gigs that they may have taken part in to wider audiences. Our society seems to revolve around music the moment, especially when it comes to television shows such as The X-Factor, Pop Idol and Orange Unsigned acts, as these too all enable people who think they have musical talent to show what they can do.
I personally feel that media companies will always be needed. Many of the artists that showcase their music on sites such as MySpace are aiming to get music deals with these companies. These networking sites are merely just a way of promoting their material quicker and to a wider audience. Also these companies have the knowledge of how to promote bands positively and accordingly enabling artists to get the best media coverage. This can only make you question what may be in store for the music industry as the Internet continues to develop; will it continue to change popular music?? Do any of you guys have any crazy ideas as to what may happen to music industry? Here’s a question for you, do you think any of this will it affect radio stations. Fair enough you can now access radio stations on their websites but could this be the actual end to the radio that we used to know and love before the digital change?
Sunday, 15 February 2009
Week 4: Lister D
Net users can easily become producers of different cultures, especially when you consider the ideas of virtual communities. Various people from all around the world can discuss issues and opinions online and collect an amount of feedback. These opinions can be accessed easily by anyone. By having this free expression you can almost say that people are able to create their own kind of culture rather than having to go along with others which they may not completely agree with. However, where do these ‘new cultures’ come from?? Can they be spontaneously thought of from scratch or do they take on characteristics from other cultures? Any opinions guys, I feel this question is a great one to discuss!
Week 4: Lister C
As I mentioned in week 1’s blog, the idea of negative aspects of the internet need to addressed. Various ‘dangerous materials’ such as pop ups, spam, fraud and children’s safety all make you question how safe the internet really is. Views around the safety of the internet are highlighted every day. These ‘materials’ are easily accessible on the internet as you can access them much easier on the web than in real life. For example in real life a 16 year old can be asked for ID proving their age when wanting to buy an 18 rated DVD , whereas on the internet many sites just have a pop up or a block saying ‘Only access this site if you are over 18’ but still allow them to continue you as there is no way to determine how old they actually are.
Most users don’t realise that they have to have software such as antivirus software, firewalls and blocks to prevent these ‘dangerous materials’ being explored by the wrong people. Luckily nowadays anti-virus software is offered to you when puchasing a computer. There are also adverts on the TV, radio and the internet warning you of the dangers of the internet.This just goes to show that the so called ‘freedom’ of the internet isn’t always a good thing, as the wrong people can access things that they shouldn’t. It also implies that companies and businesses are trying to overcome this negative aras of the internet by warning you of the various security issues. Ideas based around identity fraud, bullying and paedophilia can also be mentioned here as these too are seen as ideas of dangerous materials. People can easily hack your computers and find personal information out about yourself such as bank details, your address etc and use them to in a negative way. It is weird to think that the ‘freedom’ that you have on the internet actually can be negative when it comes to people accessing your details and using them against you.
Most users don’t realise that they have to have software such as antivirus software, firewalls and blocks to prevent these ‘dangerous materials’ being explored by the wrong people. Luckily nowadays anti-virus software is offered to you when puchasing a computer. There are also adverts on the TV, radio and the internet warning you of the dangers of the internet.This just goes to show that the so called ‘freedom’ of the internet isn’t always a good thing, as the wrong people can access things that they shouldn’t. It also implies that companies and businesses are trying to overcome this negative aras of the internet by warning you of the various security issues. Ideas based around identity fraud, bullying and paedophilia can also be mentioned here as these too are seen as ideas of dangerous materials. People can easily hack your computers and find personal information out about yourself such as bank details, your address etc and use them to in a negative way. It is weird to think that the ‘freedom’ that you have on the internet actually can be negative when it comes to people accessing your details and using them against you.
Week 4: Lister B
When considering the idea of a ‘public sphere’ I once again think of social networking sites, IM, blogs and forums. People from all over the world can easily contact each other. Before the internet the only means of communication was through things such as letters, telephone calls and telegrams whereas with thanks to new technologies nowadays it is so much easy to keep in touch and engage with people wherever they may be. Being in a particular public sphere enables you to discuss topics and interact with people who have the same interests as yourself, almost like an entertaining deabte. This relates to the idea by Habermas: “the mass media has played a key role in the dissolution of a healthy public sphere by replacing a discourse of critical reason with entertainment and spectacle” (Habermas cited in Lister et al (2007);177) This idea also argues against the idea of public spheres as it is implying that the idea of a public sphere use to be quite serious and professional where as now it seems to be taken less seriously.
I know I’ve mentioned this in previous posts but I really think we take this fantastic technology for granted. Most of us just sign on to social networking sites, IM or check E-mails daily without thinking how lucky we are to have such a technology. Would any of you guys be able to live without? Because I personally don’t think I could, pathetic as it sounds I’m pretty hooked on the whole social networking malarkey!
When the Internet first arose there may have been a few set backs or limitations which prevented from engaging with others as much as you would like to. However as technology has improved our means of communication on the internet has also developed. Equipment such as webcams, Skype, and file sharing has enabled the public sphere to be closer than ever before. I also feel that you still have to consider what is ‘real’ on the internet and what isn’t. False identities or false information could be seen as limitations of being in a public sphere as you don’t necessarily know whether all the information you access is true.
I know I’ve mentioned this in previous posts but I really think we take this fantastic technology for granted. Most of us just sign on to social networking sites, IM or check E-mails daily without thinking how lucky we are to have such a technology. Would any of you guys be able to live without? Because I personally don’t think I could, pathetic as it sounds I’m pretty hooked on the whole social networking malarkey!
When the Internet first arose there may have been a few set backs or limitations which prevented from engaging with others as much as you would like to. However as technology has improved our means of communication on the internet has also developed. Equipment such as webcams, Skype, and file sharing has enabled the public sphere to be closer than ever before. I also feel that you still have to consider what is ‘real’ on the internet and what isn’t. False identities or false information could be seen as limitations of being in a public sphere as you don’t necessarily know whether all the information you access is true.
Week 4: Lister A
Online communities can also be known as a ‘virtual community’. They are groups of people that “...communicate on the internet and share a common interest, whether it is work, voluntary activity or play” (Abercrombie & Longhurst, 2007; 358). Each person in this community has similar interests which enable them to discuss particular areas and view opinions based around this. This can imply that the internet can be empowering as it allows groups of people to be confident and talk impartially about a particular topic/subject.
Personally I think that online communities can be both empowering and disempowering. It can be empowering in the sense that you can have your own personal profile with details about yourself. You also have things such as usernames and passwords which only you can use. In addition to this you have the ability to create your own profile and a representation of yourself which may be true or as mentioned in last week’s blogs be a ‘false identity’. These methods enable the user to have an element of power or authority over what is on their person page.
However the idea of disempowerment also has to be addressed when looking at online communities. It can be argued that online communities can expose various details of yourself such as your date of birth, address, telephone number etc. These can be easily accessed by other people in virtual communities which implies the idea of online communities being disempowering. The idea of things being perceived differently can be considered to be disempowering as people can interpret comments/opinions wrongly which is often out of the users control. It is quite easily for you to write something down jokingly in an IM conversation but the user who is receiving the comment could quite easily take it the wrong way as there isn’t some kind of ‘tone of voice’ to help imply what is being expressed. The idea of members of your online community not talking to you can be a little disheartening which could also apply an element of disempowerment.
Abercrombie N & Longhurst B.(2007) ‘Dictionary of Media Studies’, London, Penguin Books Ltd
Personally I think that online communities can be both empowering and disempowering. It can be empowering in the sense that you can have your own personal profile with details about yourself. You also have things such as usernames and passwords which only you can use. In addition to this you have the ability to create your own profile and a representation of yourself which may be true or as mentioned in last week’s blogs be a ‘false identity’. These methods enable the user to have an element of power or authority over what is on their person page.
However the idea of disempowerment also has to be addressed when looking at online communities. It can be argued that online communities can expose various details of yourself such as your date of birth, address, telephone number etc. These can be easily accessed by other people in virtual communities which implies the idea of online communities being disempowering. The idea of things being perceived differently can be considered to be disempowering as people can interpret comments/opinions wrongly which is often out of the users control. It is quite easily for you to write something down jokingly in an IM conversation but the user who is receiving the comment could quite easily take it the wrong way as there isn’t some kind of ‘tone of voice’ to help imply what is being expressed. The idea of members of your online community not talking to you can be a little disheartening which could also apply an element of disempowerment.
Abercrombie N & Longhurst B.(2007) ‘Dictionary of Media Studies’, London, Penguin Books Ltd
Monday, 9 February 2009
Week 3: Topic 3
https://www.look.co.uk/fashion_forum/thread.cfm?MessageBoardID=4&page=9
I decided to analyse 'Look' magazines fashion forum/message board. When first logging on to the site I found that you didn’t have to register to view the blogs only to comment on a particular blog. There are various forums that you can view according to what you are interested in. This helps to attract a wider audience to the forums, and you can also create your own for other people to view and comment on. It is very easy to access various parts of the site as well as the forum. It also has appealing adverts to the right hand side of the page to entice the female audience to these products.
The Forums are very modern and are surrounded by feminine traits and colours as the website is specifically designed to appeal to a female audience. When looking at the Usernames of the members of the forums people can sign in with their own personal user name or as a guest. Many of the user names appear to be the personal first name for example ‘Ella’ where as some surprisingly have used their full names. There are also members who have experimental/unique user names such as ‘missapplehead’ and 'addictedtofashion'. These unique names help to conceal the real identity of the person.
From the forums that I have opened none of the participants have a profile picture, which has made me assume that it is not an option that you can have on this site. Although you can insert smiley faces and other emotions to or express some form of emotion towards your comments. When reading a couple of the comments on the forum everyday colloquial language is used which helps to imply a relaxed tone to the conversation. Also people appear to be very friendly to each other, almost as if they have known each other for a long time, when they probably have only just started speaking to each other. Many of them seem very confident and have a specific opinion. This may or may not be how they are in real life. But as mentioned in a previous post speaking on the internet can give you an air of confidence as you are talking to a screen and not a person face to face.
It is very simply to post or reply a comment back. As it is a fashion magazine most of the comments are of course about fashion. Most of the questions seem to be women needing help from others. One example is a lady is asking where she can get a specific item of jewellery from that she has seen a famous person wear. People have gladly commented back or given her some advice to help find what she is after. The people that use this forum seem to be here to help/advise each other, not cause disagreement but purely just enjoy discussing the topic of fashion. This relates back to the previous topic question of people ‘fitting’ into a group in a digital presence.
The people that write on this forum site, obviously all have the knowledge of fashion in common. The magazine is aimed around women so I feel it is fair to say that the website is designed for females. The magazine is appealing to the younger/mid thirties age threshold so I would say the website is also. Both the website and magazine and popular and modern suggesting that their viewers/members are too like this. This is also reflected in the structure of the forum as it is easy to navigate around. Also from the pages and questions I looked at there were no male comments or attributes. Many of their screen names include fashion names or brands. As there are no profile pictures it’s hard to assume what these people are like. However they all seem to talk in a very friendly manner towards each other as let’s face it they’re all just women that want to have a good gossip about fashion.
I decided to analyse 'Look' magazines fashion forum/message board. When first logging on to the site I found that you didn’t have to register to view the blogs only to comment on a particular blog. There are various forums that you can view according to what you are interested in. This helps to attract a wider audience to the forums, and you can also create your own for other people to view and comment on. It is very easy to access various parts of the site as well as the forum. It also has appealing adverts to the right hand side of the page to entice the female audience to these products.
The Forums are very modern and are surrounded by feminine traits and colours as the website is specifically designed to appeal to a female audience. When looking at the Usernames of the members of the forums people can sign in with their own personal user name or as a guest. Many of the user names appear to be the personal first name for example ‘Ella’ where as some surprisingly have used their full names. There are also members who have experimental/unique user names such as ‘missapplehead’ and 'addictedtofashion'. These unique names help to conceal the real identity of the person.
From the forums that I have opened none of the participants have a profile picture, which has made me assume that it is not an option that you can have on this site. Although you can insert smiley faces and other emotions to or express some form of emotion towards your comments. When reading a couple of the comments on the forum everyday colloquial language is used which helps to imply a relaxed tone to the conversation. Also people appear to be very friendly to each other, almost as if they have known each other for a long time, when they probably have only just started speaking to each other. Many of them seem very confident and have a specific opinion. This may or may not be how they are in real life. But as mentioned in a previous post speaking on the internet can give you an air of confidence as you are talking to a screen and not a person face to face.
It is very simply to post or reply a comment back. As it is a fashion magazine most of the comments are of course about fashion. Most of the questions seem to be women needing help from others. One example is a lady is asking where she can get a specific item of jewellery from that she has seen a famous person wear. People have gladly commented back or given her some advice to help find what she is after. The people that use this forum seem to be here to help/advise each other, not cause disagreement but purely just enjoy discussing the topic of fashion. This relates back to the previous topic question of people ‘fitting’ into a group in a digital presence.
The people that write on this forum site, obviously all have the knowledge of fashion in common. The magazine is aimed around women so I feel it is fair to say that the website is designed for females. The magazine is appealing to the younger/mid thirties age threshold so I would say the website is also. Both the website and magazine and popular and modern suggesting that their viewers/members are too like this. This is also reflected in the structure of the forum as it is easy to navigate around. Also from the pages and questions I looked at there were no male comments or attributes. Many of their screen names include fashion names or brands. As there are no profile pictures it’s hard to assume what these people are like. However they all seem to talk in a very friendly manner towards each other as let’s face it they’re all just women that want to have a good gossip about fashion.
Sunday, 8 February 2009
Week 3: Topic 2
Withholding your identity can be seen both as both ethically right and wrong. I find it strange how you can withhold aspects of your identity on the internet, where as in real life it can be seen a bad thing to withhold information about yourself or somebody else especially if you are involved in law breaking. On the internet withholding your identity can be seen to be okay as there is the idea of having to be more aware or cautious with your identity on the internet to help prevent incidents such as fraud.
This links to the idea of using your full name on the internet. With the high popularity of the internet incidents such as internet fraud, paedophilia and plagiarism are only a few aspects that need to be highlighted. It is very easy to type in someone’s full name on a search engine browse a few websites and end up finding information about them online such as where they live, their date of birth and so on. I too am very careful when using my full name on the internet or any of my details on the net for that matter. I have no E-mail addresses that include my surname and instead resort to using my hotmail address which has a nickname in it. On social networking sites and instant messaging sites you don't really have to use your full name as the people who you are talking to will know who you are and either have a nickname for you or something. Also these methods are more laid back and if you called people by their full names all the time your friends may think its a little strange and it seems very professional especially when you're having a casual conversation. I personally don’t have an online banking account as even though the sites are said to be ‘safe’ you can question how safe they actually are. The only time I use my full name is when I’m paying for something online, but even then I am still cautious as it is so easy for other companies to obtain personal information about you. I have my name on my Facebook page, but that is set to private and I only have people that I know added.
I feel that sometimes when you are online you can feel more confident and want to express yourself in various ways. For example when talking on social networking sites you may speak in a certain way towards other people so that you fit in with them and the topic of conversation. However I wouldnt necessarily speak the same way to my friends as I would lecturers or my family. Also I would probably speak about different topics that engage the various groups of peope that I talk to. This also fits in with the ideas of fitting into a group to shape ideas and expressions around the particular group. For example I wouldnt discuss some of my favourite mucis with my parents as they probably wouldn't have a clue who I was talking about. I feel it is nice that you can mix and involve yourself in all of these groups, I suppose its just a new way of socialising online.
This links to the idea of using your full name on the internet. With the high popularity of the internet incidents such as internet fraud, paedophilia and plagiarism are only a few aspects that need to be highlighted. It is very easy to type in someone’s full name on a search engine browse a few websites and end up finding information about them online such as where they live, their date of birth and so on. I too am very careful when using my full name on the internet or any of my details on the net for that matter. I have no E-mail addresses that include my surname and instead resort to using my hotmail address which has a nickname in it. On social networking sites and instant messaging sites you don't really have to use your full name as the people who you are talking to will know who you are and either have a nickname for you or something. Also these methods are more laid back and if you called people by their full names all the time your friends may think its a little strange and it seems very professional especially when you're having a casual conversation. I personally don’t have an online banking account as even though the sites are said to be ‘safe’ you can question how safe they actually are. The only time I use my full name is when I’m paying for something online, but even then I am still cautious as it is so easy for other companies to obtain personal information about you. I have my name on my Facebook page, but that is set to private and I only have people that I know added.
I feel that sometimes when you are online you can feel more confident and want to express yourself in various ways. For example when talking on social networking sites you may speak in a certain way towards other people so that you fit in with them and the topic of conversation. However I wouldnt necessarily speak the same way to my friends as I would lecturers or my family. Also I would probably speak about different topics that engage the various groups of peope that I talk to. This also fits in with the ideas of fitting into a group to shape ideas and expressions around the particular group. For example I wouldnt discuss some of my favourite mucis with my parents as they probably wouldn't have a clue who I was talking about. I feel it is nice that you can mix and involve yourself in all of these groups, I suppose its just a new way of socialising online.
Week 3: Topic 1 Questions D & E
d) As I mentioned in the previous question, cyberidentities allow people to escape from their own ‘real identity ‘and take part in fantasies that they may have which cannot be fulfilled in real life. Identity experiments in cyber space “...represent a retreat from, or an alternative to social reality” (Lister et al. 2003; 168). Being able to do this can be considered to be an alternative to normal social reality as you can get away with and try things that you cannot accomplish in reality. The idea of escapism is implied here as you are escaping into a different world for a few hours daily weekly or monthly before returning back to your every day activities.
e)When looking idea of online relationships being the same as offline relationships I feel there are an array of similarities and differences. When looking at e-mail, social networking sites and IM (instant messaging) the idea of an online relationship is similar to an offline one: You usually know the person you are communicating with and have no doubt spoken to them through other methods of communication such as telephones, letter form or face to face.
I feel communicating in an online relationship whether it be with friends, family or business colleagues etc can be different to offline relationships. As I mentioned in question B, having an online persona can make you feel more confident as you are not talking to the person face to face. By having this confidence, you may be more daring in expressing your opinions. Personally I prefer speaking to some people on the internet rather than face to face as you never seem to get an ‘awkward silence’ (unless someone doesn’t reply back straight away!) and the conversation seems to flow better. Another difference between online and offline relationships is that you have no facial expressions to look at which may affect the point how are trying to make/how you’re feeling. Also you can’t determine how some things are being implied to you over the internet as you don’t get any tone to a conversation or emphasis on words. It is simply just a line of text which is read on a screen that can be perceived in different ways. :)
e)When looking idea of online relationships being the same as offline relationships I feel there are an array of similarities and differences. When looking at e-mail, social networking sites and IM (instant messaging) the idea of an online relationship is similar to an offline one: You usually know the person you are communicating with and have no doubt spoken to them through other methods of communication such as telephones, letter form or face to face.
I feel communicating in an online relationship whether it be with friends, family or business colleagues etc can be different to offline relationships. As I mentioned in question B, having an online persona can make you feel more confident as you are not talking to the person face to face. By having this confidence, you may be more daring in expressing your opinions. Personally I prefer speaking to some people on the internet rather than face to face as you never seem to get an ‘awkward silence’ (unless someone doesn’t reply back straight away!) and the conversation seems to flow better. Another difference between online and offline relationships is that you have no facial expressions to look at which may affect the point how are trying to make/how you’re feeling. Also you can’t determine how some things are being implied to you over the internet as you don’t get any tone to a conversation or emphasis on words. It is simply just a line of text which is read on a screen that can be perceived in different ways. :)
Week 3: Topic 1 Questions B & C
b) By having an online persona the idea of not necessarily being your true self is appealing to some people. As you cannot be seen on the internet, unless you have pictures of yourself, then you may appear to feel more confident by putting on a different persona. People also have false images of themselves on the internet. If they’re speaking to random people from around the world in chat rooms or games etc then who’s going to know that the picture isn’t of the actual person?
Many people decide to experiment with their identities on the internet; some people decide to be themselves and be honest and feel that it is wrong to give false information on the internet, where as other people play around with their online persona for pure fun and enjoyment. Having a false persona on the internet allows them to escape from their own ‘real identity ‘and par take in fantasies that they may have. This is supported by the idea of Bolter and Grusin: “We can experiment with other parts of ourselves, take risks or express aspects of self that we find impossible to live out in day-to-day ‘meatspace’” (Bolter and Grusin cited in Lister et al, 2003;167)For example a 67 year old man can re-kindle his youth on the internet by having a persona that is 18 years old. I feel that the ideas of Poster and Turkles are supported by my examples as we both agree that the idea of identity can be changed and manipulated. However this made me think negative of ideas based around having a fake persona such as identity fraud, bullying and paedophilia. A ‘fake’ online persona can be fun and for most people it is just a different experience that they can enjoy but when identity fraud and children’s safety come to light it doesn’t sound as fun does it?
c) The idea of online, issues based around race, gender and class can be manipulated and ignored. Also unlike your real self you can have multiple personas of variations so you can actually pretend to be anyone you want to be which relates back to the fluidity of online identities. “ Identity is seen as anything but essential or fixed...identity is understood as a fluid process in which ‘self’ and environment are constantly interacting” (Lister et al 2003; 167). Some websites are designed around certain cultures and races, but on others you do not necessarily have to state your race gender or class and it is easy for you to lie and once again create a ‘false’ persona. Also when browsing sites there are little stereotypical views or comments as on most sites you only have to have a ‘username’ and your profile image can be false so there is no suggestion of your race or gender. This supports the idea of no identities not being fixed.
Many people decide to experiment with their identities on the internet; some people decide to be themselves and be honest and feel that it is wrong to give false information on the internet, where as other people play around with their online persona for pure fun and enjoyment. Having a false persona on the internet allows them to escape from their own ‘real identity ‘and par take in fantasies that they may have. This is supported by the idea of Bolter and Grusin: “We can experiment with other parts of ourselves, take risks or express aspects of self that we find impossible to live out in day-to-day ‘meatspace’” (Bolter and Grusin cited in Lister et al, 2003;167)For example a 67 year old man can re-kindle his youth on the internet by having a persona that is 18 years old. I feel that the ideas of Poster and Turkles are supported by my examples as we both agree that the idea of identity can be changed and manipulated. However this made me think negative of ideas based around having a fake persona such as identity fraud, bullying and paedophilia. A ‘fake’ online persona can be fun and for most people it is just a different experience that they can enjoy but when identity fraud and children’s safety come to light it doesn’t sound as fun does it?
c) The idea of online, issues based around race, gender and class can be manipulated and ignored. Also unlike your real self you can have multiple personas of variations so you can actually pretend to be anyone you want to be which relates back to the fluidity of online identities. “ Identity is seen as anything but essential or fixed...identity is understood as a fluid process in which ‘self’ and environment are constantly interacting” (Lister et al 2003; 167). Some websites are designed around certain cultures and races, but on others you do not necessarily have to state your race gender or class and it is easy for you to lie and once again create a ‘false’ persona. Also when browsing sites there are little stereotypical views or comments as on most sites you only have to have a ‘username’ and your profile image can be false so there is no suggestion of your race or gender. This supports the idea of no identities not being fixed.
Friday, 6 February 2009
Week 3 Topic 1: Selves and Others Online
What is ‘Open Architecture’?
I seem to have had some trouble posting my blogs this time round, i’m guessing this is just like the problem with commenting on posts last week and hopefully it won’t affect people commenting on my blog.
The term ‘open architecture’ can cleverly be applied to the internet as the net is a form of ‘open’ space online. Like architecture areas of the internet are constantly being built and constructed, with some areas continuing to develop and never finishing. Millions of people have helped to build the internet in to what it is today and will continue to help it develop. I personally think the term ‘open architecture’ is a good phrase to describe everything as ‘it does everything that it says on the tin’ so to speak. The word open suggests that absolutely anyone can participate in creating areas of the internet which is truer now than when the internet was first created. Architecture also implies that the internet is a medium that is continuing to be developed and improved every day.
I seem to have had some trouble posting my blogs this time round, i’m guessing this is just like the problem with commenting on posts last week and hopefully it won’t affect people commenting on my blog.
The term ‘open architecture’ can cleverly be applied to the internet as the net is a form of ‘open’ space online. Like architecture areas of the internet are constantly being built and constructed, with some areas continuing to develop and never finishing. Millions of people have helped to build the internet in to what it is today and will continue to help it develop. I personally think the term ‘open architecture’ is a good phrase to describe everything as ‘it does everything that it says on the tin’ so to speak. The word open suggests that absolutely anyone can participate in creating areas of the internet which is truer now than when the internet was first created. Architecture also implies that the internet is a medium that is continuing to be developed and improved every day.
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