And so ends my epic blogging task.
No more late night research about the benefits of open source vs. commercially produced software. No more annoying blogger spell-check...because 'internet' is not spelt 'inter net'. Stupid computer. But most of all no more lengthy and emotional discussions on exactly how to write a scholarly/personal blog. It’s done.
In the famous words of Julius Caesar
"I came, I saw, I conquered."
So until I am lured back to the creaky black keyboard, which I can guarantee will be a long time coming…
Peace out precious!
Monday, May 12, 2008
All over red rover
Food for thought...
Thank you James for your comment on my blog “I better not get in trouble for this...”. I feel James really highlights the moral dilemma that exists in certain social circles about file sharing. I have friends in unsigned bands who actively seek peer-to-peer sharing of their music, in the hope that a music producer will discover and sign them.
(Just a small plug)
Shouting at Mary is an awesome Brisbane based band who are currently unsigned. They’ve uploaded many of their tracks to their Myspace site where users can download songs and lyrics. I think this is a creative and innovative way to seek out a support network, and build a reputation.
Axel Bruns also describes a shift towards the use of converged media, and file-sharing.
“It is now becoming possible to suggest that rather than perceiving and analysing streaming media, YouTube, video filesharing, and IPTV from a perspective shaped by half a century and more of television production and consumption, a reversal of focus may be in order: this would position the emerging Internet-based video distribution models as the core exemplars in relation to which conventional broadcast, cable, and pay-TV models may be described and understood.” (2008)
I interpret this to mean that traditional media comes across “second-rate” (Bruns 2008) compared to the internet which allows mass communication and sharing of knowledge between its members and co contributors. I could further extend my blog to include Axel’s interesting research, however will refrain from doing so at the risk of regurgitating his entire essay.
Overall I believe my statement that file sharing is social unacceptable, has been well challenged. While I still believe that in my immediate friendship group file sharing is unacceptable, it would be worth researching other social circles and their reasons for illegal file sharing.
Bruns, A. 2008. Reconfiguring Television for a Networked, Produsage Context. Beyond Broadcasting 126. http://snurb.info/files/Reconfiguring%20Television%20for%20a%20Networked,%20Produsage%20Context.pdf (accessed May 12, 2008).
(Just a small plug)
Shouting at Mary is an awesome Brisbane based band who are currently unsigned. They’ve uploaded many of their tracks to their Myspace site where users can download songs and lyrics. I think this is a creative and innovative way to seek out a support network, and build a reputation.
Axel Bruns also describes a shift towards the use of converged media, and file-sharing.
“It is now becoming possible to suggest that rather than perceiving and analysing streaming media, YouTube, video filesharing, and IPTV from a perspective shaped by half a century and more of television production and consumption, a reversal of focus may be in order: this would position the emerging Internet-based video distribution models as the core exemplars in relation to which conventional broadcast, cable, and pay-TV models may be described and understood.” (2008)
I interpret this to mean that traditional media comes across “second-rate” (Bruns 2008) compared to the internet which allows mass communication and sharing of knowledge between its members and co contributors. I could further extend my blog to include Axel’s interesting research, however will refrain from doing so at the risk of regurgitating his entire essay.
Overall I believe my statement that file sharing is social unacceptable, has been well challenged. While I still believe that in my immediate friendship group file sharing is unacceptable, it would be worth researching other social circles and their reasons for illegal file sharing.
Bruns, A. 2008. Reconfiguring Television for a Networked, Produsage Context. Beyond Broadcasting 126. http://snurb.info/files/Reconfiguring%20Television%20for%20a%20Networked,%20Produsage%20Context.pdf (accessed May 12, 2008).
Monday, May 5, 2008
Living the Second Life
Her name is Dena. I’ve known her since I was 16. She’s everything I’m not. She’s beautiful, tall, blonde, tanned and skinny. She earns more money than I ever could, and she’s Mayor of her town. She lives in a perfect house, the house I created. Everyone loves her.
Dena is a Sim. A character in a video game, a virtual creation or avatar (Bente et al. 2008, 288). I created her when I was 16, short, fat and brunette. I wasn’t comfortable with the way I looked and I made her everything I wanted to be. I’m now 19, tall, red-head, average build and I love my curvy body. I look at Dena and I laugh.
A number of studies have explored the idea that avatars are online substitutes for offline interaction and a replacement for personality and body traits (Lin 2008, 47). While this is an interesting topic, I am more interested in the increase in the opinion that online interaction is replacing offline interaction.
In tutorial the other week, a student brought up the fact she believed people who played online networked games were socially retarded. I beg to differ. There is some evidence to suggest that excessive video game consumption has been correlated with violent and antisocial behaviour (Huesmann and Taylor 2006, 393). However as Lachlan, Smith and Tamborini point out “although these findings are informative, they are based on survey data. As such, we have no way of knowing if playing violent video games is actually causing aggressive behaviour” (2005, 314). Causation is a measurement of probability, and very rarely is something ever thought to be 100% cause-effect (Paltridge and Tang 2006). Furthermore these studies do not take into account personality deficiency and other environmental factors such as parental conditioning and peer interaction (Lachlan, Smith and Tamborini 2004).
It frustrates me when people seem to believe that just because an individual plays a simulated real-world game that they are somehow social inept. I have particular sensitivities to the topic because I play a number of video games such as Sims and Grand Theft Auto, and have also played MMORPG's (Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) Second Life and World of Warcraft. I would hate to think that I am socially retarded because I play these games.
I understand that in the context of the argument, that playing games for numerous hours daily, with limited interaction with peers in an offline social environment, leaves the participant at risk of social isolation (Sanger et al. 1997, 64). However with the development of online social networks within these games, social interaction is continuous and almost as regulated by norms as offline communities (Flew 2004).
Overall I believe that there are many misconceptions about the socialization of individuals on the internet. The internet, in my opinion, is a very different platform from reality, however the way we act on this platform is fundamentally the same.
Bente, G., S. Rüggenberg, N. C. Krämer, F. Eschenburg. 2008. Avatar-Mediated Networking: Increasing Social Presence and Interpersonal Trust in Net-Based Collaborations. Human Communication Research 34 (2): 287–318. http://www.blackwell-synergy.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1468-2958.2008.00322.x (accessed May 7, 2008).
Flew, T. 2004. New Media: An introduction. Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
Huesmann, L. R. and L. D. Taylor. 2006. The Role of Media Violence in Violent Behavior. Annual Review Public Health, 27: 393-415. http://gateway.library.qut.edu.au/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/pqdweb?did=1040921501&sid=4&Fmt=2&clientId=14394&RQT=309&VName=PQD (accessed May 7, 2008).
Lachlan, K. A., S. L. Smith and R. Tamborini. 2005. Models for Aggressive Behavior: The Attributes of Violent Video Characters in Popular Video Games. Communication Studies, 56 (8): 313-329. http://proquest.umi.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/pqdweb?index=0&did=989459261&SrchMode=2&sid=5&Fmt=6&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1210561042&clientId=14394 (accessed May 7, 2008).
Lin, A. C. 2008. Virtual Consumption: A Second Life for Earth? Brigham Young University Law Review 2008 (1): 47-114. http://proquest.umi.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/pqdweb?index=19&sid=2&srchmode=2&vinst=PROD&fmt=6&startpage=-1&clientid=14394&vname=PQD&RQT=309&did=1451350371&scaling=FULL&ts=1210560265&vtype=PQD&rqt=309&TS=1210560314&clientId=14394 (accessed May 7, 2008).
Paltridge, A. and T. Tang. 2006. Quantitative Analysis and Finance. Milton: John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.
Sanger, J., J. Willson, B. Davies and R. Whittaker. 1997. Young Children, Videos, and Computer Games: Issues for Teachers and Parents. London: Falnor.
Dena is a Sim. A character in a video game, a virtual creation or avatar (Bente et al. 2008, 288). I created her when I was 16, short, fat and brunette. I wasn’t comfortable with the way I looked and I made her everything I wanted to be. I’m now 19, tall, red-head, average build and I love my curvy body. I look at Dena and I laugh.
A number of studies have explored the idea that avatars are online substitutes for offline interaction and a replacement for personality and body traits (Lin 2008, 47). While this is an interesting topic, I am more interested in the increase in the opinion that online interaction is replacing offline interaction.
In tutorial the other week, a student brought up the fact she believed people who played online networked games were socially retarded. I beg to differ. There is some evidence to suggest that excessive video game consumption has been correlated with violent and antisocial behaviour (Huesmann and Taylor 2006, 393). However as Lachlan, Smith and Tamborini point out “although these findings are informative, they are based on survey data. As such, we have no way of knowing if playing violent video games is actually causing aggressive behaviour” (2005, 314). Causation is a measurement of probability, and very rarely is something ever thought to be 100% cause-effect (Paltridge and Tang 2006). Furthermore these studies do not take into account personality deficiency and other environmental factors such as parental conditioning and peer interaction (Lachlan, Smith and Tamborini 2004).
It frustrates me when people seem to believe that just because an individual plays a simulated real-world game that they are somehow social inept. I have particular sensitivities to the topic because I play a number of video games such as Sims and Grand Theft Auto, and have also played MMORPG's (Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) Second Life and World of Warcraft. I would hate to think that I am socially retarded because I play these games.
I understand that in the context of the argument, that playing games for numerous hours daily, with limited interaction with peers in an offline social environment, leaves the participant at risk of social isolation (Sanger et al. 1997, 64). However with the development of online social networks within these games, social interaction is continuous and almost as regulated by norms as offline communities (Flew 2004).
Overall I believe that there are many misconceptions about the socialization of individuals on the internet. The internet, in my opinion, is a very different platform from reality, however the way we act on this platform is fundamentally the same.
Bente, G., S. Rüggenberg, N. C. Krämer, F. Eschenburg. 2008. Avatar-Mediated Networking: Increasing Social Presence and Interpersonal Trust in Net-Based Collaborations. Human Communication Research 34 (2): 287–318. http://www.blackwell-synergy.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1468-2958.2008.00322.x (accessed May 7, 2008).
Flew, T. 2004. New Media: An introduction. Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
Huesmann, L. R. and L. D. Taylor. 2006. The Role of Media Violence in Violent Behavior. Annual Review Public Health, 27: 393-415. http://gateway.library.qut.edu.au/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/pqdweb?did=1040921501&sid=4&Fmt=2&clientId=14394&RQT=309&VName=PQD (accessed May 7, 2008).
Lachlan, K. A., S. L. Smith and R. Tamborini. 2005. Models for Aggressive Behavior: The Attributes of Violent Video Characters in Popular Video Games. Communication Studies, 56 (8): 313-329. http://proquest.umi.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/pqdweb?index=0&did=989459261&SrchMode=2&sid=5&Fmt=6&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1210561042&clientId=14394 (accessed May 7, 2008).
Lin, A. C. 2008. Virtual Consumption: A Second Life for Earth? Brigham Young University Law Review 2008 (1): 47-114. http://proquest.umi.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/pqdweb?index=19&sid=2&srchmode=2&vinst=PROD&fmt=6&startpage=-1&clientid=14394&vname=PQD&RQT=309&did=1451350371&scaling=FULL&ts=1210560265&vtype=PQD&rqt=309&TS=1210560314&clientId=14394 (accessed May 7, 2008).
Paltridge, A. and T. Tang. 2006. Quantitative Analysis and Finance. Milton: John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.
Sanger, J., J. Willson, B. Davies and R. Whittaker. 1997. Young Children, Videos, and Computer Games: Issues for Teachers and Parents. London: Falnor.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
I better not get in trouble for this...
Kazaa is a free file sharing website enabling users to upload and share music. In 2005 Kazaa was taken to the Australian Federal court by numerous record labels for infringement of copyright acts (AustLII 2005). The judge ruled Kazaa had breeched the copyright act, and was ordered to pay damages to the record companies (AustLII 2005). Stories saturated the media about consumers as young as 12 years old arrested for using Kazaa to illegally download music (FOX News Network 2003).
At the time I was regularly using Kazaa. I didn’t realise it was illegal and in a panic I went to my dad and explained how I could be arrested for downloading music. He immediately uninstalled the program and that was the end of it.
During a recent tutorial discussion the issue of copyrighting emerged. It struck me again how such an innocent mistake on my behalf could have such ramifications. I thought I would take this opportunity to explore the issue of regulation and the internet, focusing mainly on the problems that arise from the collaborative nature of this format.
Many believe that the internet should use formal, traditional regulation in order to create order and stability within the online environment (Harvard Law Review Association 2008, 1387). In the music industry record companies are reporting losses due to the increase in sales of pirated CDs as well as illegal file sharing (Easley 2005, 165). I believe lack of regulation makes it hard to judge the quality of material produced on websites, as producers have a hard time standardising and monitoring all information created (Bruns 2008a). For example Wikipedia is open to public collaboration, nevertheless it is monitored by the Wikipedia community panel in order to remove offensive content and maintain a consistent level of quality (Wikipedia 2008).
The open source format of the internet makes regulation difficult (Bruns 2008b). Some believe that regulation will hinder the creative flow of information, and halt collaboration and interaction (Harvard Law Review Association 2008, 1405). Furthermore the argument is made complicated by claims that there is a fine line between file sharing being illegal or just immoral behaviour (Easley 2005, 166). Amid the ethical dilemmas and strong push for deregulation, strict governmental standardization and regulation of the internet would be a challenge (Harvard Law Review Association 2008).
Another view is that the internet, through its self-governed and evolving nature, is creating its own form of regulation (Harvard Law Review Association 2008, 1388).
"The Principles show that cyberspace is evolving toward a model of negotiated self-governance against a background of legally enforceable rules. The very need for the Principles illustrates the failure of traditional law as a sole, sufficient solution to the problem of online copyright infringement, but the Principles nevertheless build upon traditional law" (Harvard Law Review Association 2008, 1388)
I believe this statement adequately sums up the model of internet regulation. Even though file sharing still occurs within my social network, I have noticed that it is no longer socially acceptable. Now that users are aware they are breaking the law, even though their chances of getting caught are remote, they’re still reluctant to participate because of the moral and social ramifications.
AustLII. 2005. Universal Music Australia Pty Ltd v Sharman License Holdings Ltd (with Corrigendum dated 22 September 2005) [2005] FCA 1242 (5 September 2005). http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/cases/cth/federal_ct/2005/1242.html (accessed April 30, 2008).
Bruns, A. 2008a. KCB201 Virtual Cultures: Week 10 Podcast: Citizen Journalism. http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_29175_1 (accessed April 30, 2008).
Bruns, A. 2008b. KCB201 Virtual Cultures: Week 9 Podcast: Open Source Software.
http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_29175_1 (accessed April 30, 2008).
Easley, R. F. 2005. Ethical Issues in the Music Industry Response to Innovation and Piracy. Journal of Business Ethics 62 (2): 163-168. http://proquest.umi.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/pqdweb?index=54&did=936338271&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=6&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1210148533&clientId=14394 (accessed April 30, 2008).
FOX News Network. 2003. 12-year Sued for Music Downloading. FOX News. September 2003. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,96797,00.html (accessed April 30, 2008).
Harvard Law Review Association. 2008. The Principles for User Generated Content Services: A Middle-Ground Approach to Cyber-Governance. Harvard Law Review 121 (5) 1387-1408.
http://gateway.library.qut.edu.au/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bsh&AN=31392588&site=ehost-live (accessed April 30, 2008).
Wikipedia. 2008. Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia (accessed April 30, 2008).
At the time I was regularly using Kazaa. I didn’t realise it was illegal and in a panic I went to my dad and explained how I could be arrested for downloading music. He immediately uninstalled the program and that was the end of it.
During a recent tutorial discussion the issue of copyrighting emerged. It struck me again how such an innocent mistake on my behalf could have such ramifications. I thought I would take this opportunity to explore the issue of regulation and the internet, focusing mainly on the problems that arise from the collaborative nature of this format.
Many believe that the internet should use formal, traditional regulation in order to create order and stability within the online environment (Harvard Law Review Association 2008, 1387). In the music industry record companies are reporting losses due to the increase in sales of pirated CDs as well as illegal file sharing (Easley 2005, 165). I believe lack of regulation makes it hard to judge the quality of material produced on websites, as producers have a hard time standardising and monitoring all information created (Bruns 2008a). For example Wikipedia is open to public collaboration, nevertheless it is monitored by the Wikipedia community panel in order to remove offensive content and maintain a consistent level of quality (Wikipedia 2008).
The open source format of the internet makes regulation difficult (Bruns 2008b). Some believe that regulation will hinder the creative flow of information, and halt collaboration and interaction (Harvard Law Review Association 2008, 1405). Furthermore the argument is made complicated by claims that there is a fine line between file sharing being illegal or just immoral behaviour (Easley 2005, 166). Amid the ethical dilemmas and strong push for deregulation, strict governmental standardization and regulation of the internet would be a challenge (Harvard Law Review Association 2008).
Another view is that the internet, through its self-governed and evolving nature, is creating its own form of regulation (Harvard Law Review Association 2008, 1388).
"The Principles show that cyberspace is evolving toward a model of negotiated self-governance against a background of legally enforceable rules. The very need for the Principles illustrates the failure of traditional law as a sole, sufficient solution to the problem of online copyright infringement, but the Principles nevertheless build upon traditional law" (Harvard Law Review Association 2008, 1388)
I believe this statement adequately sums up the model of internet regulation. Even though file sharing still occurs within my social network, I have noticed that it is no longer socially acceptable. Now that users are aware they are breaking the law, even though their chances of getting caught are remote, they’re still reluctant to participate because of the moral and social ramifications.
AustLII. 2005. Universal Music Australia Pty Ltd v Sharman License Holdings Ltd (with Corrigendum dated 22 September 2005) [2005] FCA 1242 (5 September 2005). http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/cases/cth/federal_ct/2005/1242.html (accessed April 30, 2008).
Bruns, A. 2008a. KCB201 Virtual Cultures: Week 10 Podcast: Citizen Journalism. http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_29175_1 (accessed April 30, 2008).
Bruns, A. 2008b. KCB201 Virtual Cultures: Week 9 Podcast: Open Source Software.
http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_29175_1 (accessed April 30, 2008).
Easley, R. F. 2005. Ethical Issues in the Music Industry Response to Innovation and Piracy. Journal of Business Ethics 62 (2): 163-168. http://proquest.umi.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/pqdweb?index=54&did=936338271&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=6&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1210148533&clientId=14394 (accessed April 30, 2008).
FOX News Network. 2003. 12-year Sued for Music Downloading. FOX News. September 2003. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,96797,00.html (accessed April 30, 2008).
Harvard Law Review Association. 2008. The Principles for User Generated Content Services: A Middle-Ground Approach to Cyber-Governance. Harvard Law Review 121 (5) 1387-1408.
http://gateway.library.qut.edu.au/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bsh&AN=31392588&site=ehost-live (accessed April 30, 2008).
Wikipedia. 2008. Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia (accessed April 30, 2008).
Friday, April 25, 2008
further...
To elaborate further on the points made in the previous blog, I thought I should highlight the fact that on top of a significant increase in the use of YouTube by political candidates, this forum has also enabled voters to get active and voice their political opinions.
There are many online sites dedicated to political and social commentary, mostly in the form of spoof videos. I believe that while candidate-sponsored videos provide great insight into the strategies and positioning of politicians, these spoof videos provide insight into the minds of politically active voters, and how they utilize this technology. It is interesting to note the different strategies employed by voters to get their message out to others on the internet.
Sites such as JibJab feature comic skits of President George W Bush, other previous presidential candidates, as well as spoofs of campaign slogans and debates.
While this communication is not commissioned by the presidential candidate, it can have significant impact on the views and opinions of certain demographics such as youth who find ‘traditional’ communication techniques dry and boring (Gibson and Ward 2002).
My favourite video is one of the ‘Classics’ from JibJab outlining the Bush v Kerry campaign of 2004.
Gibson, R. K. and S. Ward. 2002. Virtual Campaigning: Australian Parties and the Impact of the Internet. Australian Journal of Political Science 37 (1): 99-129. http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp02.library.qut.edu.au/ehost/pdf?vid=2&hid=105&sid=7fb71dd8-b37b-484b-bfa2-b7a18826f587%40sessionmgr109 (accessed April 24, 2008).
There are many online sites dedicated to political and social commentary, mostly in the form of spoof videos. I believe that while candidate-sponsored videos provide great insight into the strategies and positioning of politicians, these spoof videos provide insight into the minds of politically active voters, and how they utilize this technology. It is interesting to note the different strategies employed by voters to get their message out to others on the internet.
Sites such as JibJab feature comic skits of President George W Bush, other previous presidential candidates, as well as spoofs of campaign slogans and debates.
While this communication is not commissioned by the presidential candidate, it can have significant impact on the views and opinions of certain demographics such as youth who find ‘traditional’ communication techniques dry and boring (Gibson and Ward 2002).
My favourite video is one of the ‘Classics’ from JibJab outlining the Bush v Kerry campaign of 2004.
Gibson, R. K. and S. Ward. 2002. Virtual Campaigning: Australian Parties and the Impact of the Internet. Australian Journal of Political Science 37 (1): 99-129. http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp02.library.qut.edu.au/ehost/pdf?vid=2&hid=105&sid=7fb71dd8-b37b-484b-bfa2-b7a18826f587%40sessionmgr109 (accessed April 24, 2008).
Monday, April 21, 2008
To Tube or not to Tube, that is the question
Politics and the internet. There are two main points to consider when discussing this “new phase in political communication” (Farrell and Webb 2000; Norris 2000, in Gibson and Ward 2002, 99). Firstly why has there been such a push in recent years for virtual campaigning, and secondly what are the relevant issues to creating a successful e-campaign? This blog will focus mainly on political campaigns and the use of YouTube.
As mentioned previously, the phenomenon Web 2.0 has enabled a participatory culture (Jenkins 2006), from which a number of subcultures have emerged (Bruns 2008). While I often think of subcultures as those who listen to the same music or like Latin dancing, subcultures can also include political parties or factions, able to get their message across on a cheap and flexible forum (Bruns 2008). Not only do parties have access to this online forum, the internet allows political parties to access certain demographics that may be harder to reach through more traditional methods. “Narrowcasting” (Gibson and Ward 2002, 102) can be used to target segments such as youth who are more accessible through the internet (Norris 1998, 1999, in Gibson and Ward 2002, 102).
Saunders explains that the success of the internet lies in the “broadening of political perspectives, broadening of contributors [and the] broadening of styles” (2008). Gibson and Ward claim its success in that the internet allows parties “twenty-four-hour access and instant updating [it] also allow[s] for the continuous distribution of campaign news and rapid rebuttal of opponents’ attacks” (2002, 102). Either way you look at it, the internet has the potential to be a highly successful communication tool if used efficiently and effectively.
There are two examples of virtual campaigning on YouTube I will focus on: John Howard and Barack Obama. The success of these campaigns has been under serious public scrutiny. Howard posted a video on YouTube in July 2007 tackling the issue of climate change. The video (below) was received with mixed reviews. Some believed this was an effort to counter claims that Howard was “getting on and out of touch” (Bannerman in Tobin 2007). Others believe it was simply the right message on the wrong forum (Tobin 2007). I agree with the latter. To me, Howard looks uncomfortable in this medium, and as an internet user pointed out “YouTube is meant to be some funny videos, but not some serious thing” (Tobin 2007). Within hours of the original posting users got their "funny videos" as thousands of spoofs began to emerge (see Clarke and Dawe below). Lorann Downer, campaign speech writer for the Queensland Government, states Howard was attempting to bring an "old product into a new environment" (2008). This, she explains, is probably why he had little success. With this in mind overall I think it was a valiant effort, but probably damaged his credibility within the youth demographic, more than it helped his campaign.
John Howard’s 2007 YouTube Campaign
Spoofs Clarke and Dawe: YouTube spoof
Applying the same logic, Barack Obama brings a new product to a new environment, successfully promoting his 2008 campaign for American president on YouTube. In my opinion his most mentionable video was a video called “Yes we can”, featuring a number of celebrities supporting his campaign.
“Yes we can”: Barack Obama
Unlike Howard’s campaign Obama does not directly speaking to his audience, rather he relies on an emotive appeal with an entertainment value. As an avid supporter of Barack Obama, I was thrilled to see how well this emotive and effective piece of communication was received in the wider community. A comparison of both campaigns demonstrates that while the internet is a growing platform for promotion of political messages, it is neither a simple nor always effective communication avenue.
Bruns, A. 2008. KCB201 Virtual Cultures: Week 6 Podcast, Online Communities. http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_29175_1 (accessed April 24, 2008).
Downer, L. 2008. KCB302 Political Communication: Week 10 Lecture, Political Campaigning. http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_29177_1 (accessed May 12, 2008).
Gibson, R. K. and S. Ward. 2002. Virtual Campaigning: Australian Parties and the Impact of the Internet. Australian Journal of Political Science 37 (1): 99-129. http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp02.library.qut.edu.au/ehost/pdf?vid=2&hid=105&sid=7fb71dd8-b37b-484b-bfa2-b7a18826f587%40sessionmgr109 (accessed April 24, 2008).
Jenkins, H. 2006. Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture: Media Education for the 21st Century (Part One). http://www.henryjenkins.org/2006/10/confronting_the_challenges_of.html (accessed April 24, 2008).
Saunders, B. 2008. KCB201 Virtual Cultures: Week 4 Lecture, Cultural Diversity Online. http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_29175_1 (accessed April 24, 2008).
Tobin, M. 2007. PM: Howard joins YouTube generation. http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2007/s1981103.htm (accessed April 24, 2008).
As mentioned previously, the phenomenon Web 2.0 has enabled a participatory culture (Jenkins 2006), from which a number of subcultures have emerged (Bruns 2008). While I often think of subcultures as those who listen to the same music or like Latin dancing, subcultures can also include political parties or factions, able to get their message across on a cheap and flexible forum (Bruns 2008). Not only do parties have access to this online forum, the internet allows political parties to access certain demographics that may be harder to reach through more traditional methods. “Narrowcasting” (Gibson and Ward 2002, 102) can be used to target segments such as youth who are more accessible through the internet (Norris 1998, 1999, in Gibson and Ward 2002, 102).
Saunders explains that the success of the internet lies in the “broadening of political perspectives, broadening of contributors [and the] broadening of styles” (2008). Gibson and Ward claim its success in that the internet allows parties “twenty-four-hour access and instant updating [it] also allow[s] for the continuous distribution of campaign news and rapid rebuttal of opponents’ attacks” (2002, 102). Either way you look at it, the internet has the potential to be a highly successful communication tool if used efficiently and effectively.
There are two examples of virtual campaigning on YouTube I will focus on: John Howard and Barack Obama. The success of these campaigns has been under serious public scrutiny. Howard posted a video on YouTube in July 2007 tackling the issue of climate change. The video (below) was received with mixed reviews. Some believed this was an effort to counter claims that Howard was “getting on and out of touch” (Bannerman in Tobin 2007). Others believe it was simply the right message on the wrong forum (Tobin 2007). I agree with the latter. To me, Howard looks uncomfortable in this medium, and as an internet user pointed out “YouTube is meant to be some funny videos, but not some serious thing” (Tobin 2007). Within hours of the original posting users got their "funny videos" as thousands of spoofs began to emerge (see Clarke and Dawe below). Lorann Downer, campaign speech writer for the Queensland Government, states Howard was attempting to bring an "old product into a new environment" (2008). This, she explains, is probably why he had little success. With this in mind overall I think it was a valiant effort, but probably damaged his credibility within the youth demographic, more than it helped his campaign.
John Howard’s 2007 YouTube Campaign
Spoofs Clarke and Dawe: YouTube spoof
Applying the same logic, Barack Obama brings a new product to a new environment, successfully promoting his 2008 campaign for American president on YouTube. In my opinion his most mentionable video was a video called “Yes we can”, featuring a number of celebrities supporting his campaign.
“Yes we can”: Barack Obama
Unlike Howard’s campaign Obama does not directly speaking to his audience, rather he relies on an emotive appeal with an entertainment value. As an avid supporter of Barack Obama, I was thrilled to see how well this emotive and effective piece of communication was received in the wider community. A comparison of both campaigns demonstrates that while the internet is a growing platform for promotion of political messages, it is neither a simple nor always effective communication avenue.
Bruns, A. 2008. KCB201 Virtual Cultures: Week 6 Podcast, Online Communities. http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_29175_1 (accessed April 24, 2008).
Downer, L. 2008. KCB302 Political Communication: Week 10 Lecture, Political Campaigning. http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_29177_1 (accessed May 12, 2008).
Gibson, R. K. and S. Ward. 2002. Virtual Campaigning: Australian Parties and the Impact of the Internet. Australian Journal of Political Science 37 (1): 99-129. http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp02.library.qut.edu.au/ehost/pdf?vid=2&hid=105&sid=7fb71dd8-b37b-484b-bfa2-b7a18826f587%40sessionmgr109 (accessed April 24, 2008).
Jenkins, H. 2006. Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture: Media Education for the 21st Century (Part One). http://www.henryjenkins.org/2006/10/confronting_the_challenges_of.html (accessed April 24, 2008).
Saunders, B. 2008. KCB201 Virtual Cultures: Week 4 Lecture, Cultural Diversity Online. http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_29175_1 (accessed April 24, 2008).
Tobin, M. 2007. PM: Howard joins YouTube generation. http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2007/s1981103.htm (accessed April 24, 2008).
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Site Under Construction … (still)
A lot of debate surrounds the difference between Web 1.0 and Web 2.0. It is not exactly clear when Web 1.0 evolved into Web 2.0. There was no precise moment that Facebook, Flickr or Myspace opened their sites to the public and said ‘produse me’. There was no fancy cocktail party, or long emotive speech about changing the face of technology and social interaction. More likely a bored teenager sat online reading about the Italian Renaissance and decided that rather than submit a photo of Michelangelo’s David, he would enhance poor David’s nether regions and post that instead. Finding this concept undoubtedly humorous one of his friends would then take his image and superimpose a picture of President George W Bush’s head on David…and so begins “produsage” (Bruns 2008a). A rather crude example I am aware, however it perfectly sums up not only my brother’s social life, but Bruns’ argument that “produsers engage not in a traditional form of content production, but are instead involved in produsage – the collaborative and continuous building and extending of existing content in pursuit of further improvement” (2008a, 1). In effect, these images and sites are always under construction.
With recent and rapid changes in technology consumers have begun to form and change to suit this new collaborative environment, thus forming the creation of social software or the phenomenon Web 2.0 (Bruns 2008b). The most significant change in the use of technology comes from the development of open source software (Bruns 2008c). Rather than software programs managed by software managers, open source software relies on “peer review and transparency of process” (Opensource.org 2008), developing programs as a community for the broader community (Bruns 2008c). This breaks down the commercial barriers, and enables users to contribute, feedback, collaborate and create (Bruns 2008c). Consumers are now “working towards collective intelligence” (Bruns 2008c). As Bruns explains this development is hardly surprising, as the net was created by people with these backgrounds, as technology changes so does peoples curiosity in how it works (Bruns 2008a).
The development of open source software enables the development of four distinct DIY communities. There are online publishing, media sharing and creative practice, knowledge management and reviews and viral marketing (Bruns 2008c). All actively participating in their communities, creating, sharing and redistributing work within the constraints of their ability (Bruns 2008a). This creates a “fluid role” (Bruns 2008a, 3) for the individual who is required to move through the stages of produsage in order to be a functioning member of the community.
For example, imagine if Wikipedia.org did not enable cross examination or development, once an entry was posted there would be no adjustment or correction. Students would be reading about information technology developments relevant when the site was first published in 2000. This would NOT include:
One point I strongly agree with is that online communities self organize and manage themselves, lending themselves to multiple leaders of expertise, whereas traditional labour jobs are run on a more hierarchical basis, sometimes regardless of individuals potential (Bruns 2008c). As a casual retail assistant I often find that I am more than capable of doing managerial roles and often pick up slack of full timers, yet I am never acknowledged as a co-contributor to my working community. As an online participant I organize social events and manage online tournaments, I am also a participant in some tournaments and attend social events and forums which I have not developed, lending myself as a produser and a leader. With such open creative lease this phenomenon poses interesting questions about copyright and license of intellectual property, and interesting discussion for another day...
Bruns, A. 2008a. KCB201 Virtual Cultures: Week 7 Podcast DIY Media and Collaboration. http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_29175_1 (accessed April 22, 2008).
Bruns, A. 2008b. Produsage: Towards a Broader Framework for User-Led Content Creation. http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_29175_1 (accessed April 22, 2008).
Bruns, A. 2008c. The Future Is User-Led: The Path towards Widespread Produsage. http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_29175_1 (accessed April 22, 2008).
Opensource.org. 2008. Open Source Initiative. http://www.opensource.org/ (accessed April 22, 2008).
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