Major Assignment 4: Digital Media Distribution

Many incoming college freshman don't know what they're getting into. This was the case for me. Because I had no one to discuss with and teach me what to expect from the college lifestyle I don't think I was prepared. If I could go back to my freshman year with the knowledge I know now, I think I would do things differently. I wanted to create a platform where my thoughts and ideas of college life could be shared and read by others. I also wanted to be able to answer questions and gain from the receivers of my information.

I am generally a shy person. This doesn't mean I don't have interesting thoughts. I may not speak out verbally but I do have opinions. This is why I enjoy blogging. Blogs allow me to write my thoughts and opinions down in any matter I choose and at any pace I choose. A blog post can be written in 1 minute or it could take hours to write. They allow me to spill my thoughts as they come to me. O'Reilly touches on this in his reasoning as to why blogging is a major feature of Web 2.0:

"If an essential part of Web 2.0 is harnessing collective intelligence, turning the web into a kind of global brain, the blogosphere is the equivalent of constant mental chatter in the forebrain, the voice we hear in all of our heads. It may not reflect the deep structure of the brain, which is often unconscious, but is instead the equivalent of conscious thought. And as a reflection of conscious thought and attention, the blogosphere has begun to have a powerful effect." 

Because blogging allows me to organize my ideas easily and allows connectivity through commenting and sharing, I thought that a blog would be the perfect place to publish my digital media project on advising incoming college freshman and parents.

I used the blogging platform, Blogger to create my blog and organize my ideas. I chose this platform because it is popular, I had a bit of experience with it, and I liked the way it was set up. In my opinion, one of the greatest features of Blogger is that it is owned by Google and is therefore connected to the user's Google account. For example, I can create contacts, subscribe to other blogs, read those other blogs with Google reader, and search for other blogs with Google Blog Search with ease. Blogs created with Blogger are also conveniently viewable through mobile devices. This creation of an easy-to-read, mobile version of the service ("Software Above the Level of a Single Device") is another feature O'Reilly uses to define Web 2.0. Through the use of an RSS feed, users who follow my blog can get instant updates whenever I post something new. Again, instant distribution in the form of a stream can be considered a feature of Web 2.0.

I decided that for now, Facebook is probably the best means of advertising my blog on my own. As Boyd suggests, we are living in a time where our information is accessed through a stream. I can distribute my blog on my feed so my friends can access it through their streams. When I post the hyperlink I can tag friends of mine whom I know are going to be incoming college freshmen in the near future so that I can make a pretty good assumption that part of my audience was reached. I understand that by distributing through facebook, I will only be reaching a fraction of my audience. I am unaware of better options at this time, however. Tagging my brother (who will be attending college next fall) and telling him to pass it on to his friends seems to be the most attractive method of reaching my audience right now. Facebook is now designed so that often when someone "likes" or comments on something posted by "friend 1", the content will show up on "friend 2"'s feed even though the "friend 1" and "friend 2" aren't friends. This means that I could reach a large amount of incoming college students even if my brother didn't share but simply liked the post. 

I feel that in my case, the success of reaching a large audience will be completely based on user distribution and sharing. I believe if incoming college freshman and parents appreciate my help and learn from my blog, the information will spread. I think that my blog could become a place of discussion among users. This participatory culture and participatory learning is discussed in more detail by Jenkins. I believe that the best case scenario would be if my blog eventually became a well known source for students and parents to gain knowledge, ask questions, and add input.

References:

O'Reilly, Tim. "What Is Web 2.0." O'Reilly Media. N.p., 30 Sept. 2005. Web. 20 June 2012. <http://oreilly.com/pub/a/web2/archive/what-is-web-20.html?page=1>.


"Web 2.0." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 20 June 2012. Web. 22 June 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2.0>

Suthersan, Vinod. "5 Best Blogging Platforms 2012." 5 Best Blogging Platforms 2012 ~ Internet Tech Column. ITechColumn.com, 21 Feb. 2012. Web. 20 June 2012. <http://www.itechcolumn.com/2012/02/5-best-blogging-platforms-2012.html>.

Gillmor, Dan. "Google Buys Pyra: Blogging Goes Big-Time." SiliconValley.com. N.p., 15 Feb. 2003. Web. 20 June 2012. <http://web.archive.org/web/20031008161432/http://weblog.siliconvalley.com/column/dangillmor/archives/000802.shtml>.

Pilgrim, Mark. "What Is RSS." Xml.com. O'Reilly, 18 Dec. 2002. Web. 20 June 2012. <http://www.xml.com/pub/a/2002/12/18/dive-into-xml.html>.

Boyd, Danah. ""Streams of Content, Limited Attention: The Flow of Information through Social Media"" "Streams of Content, Limited Attention: The Flow of Information through Social Media" N.p., 17 Sept. 2009. Web. 20 June 2012. <http://www.danah.org/papers/talks/Web2Expo.html>.


Jenkins, Henry. "Why Participatory Culture Is Not Web 2.0: Some Basic Distinctions." HenryJenkins.org. N.p., 24 May 2010. Web. 20 June 2012. <http://henryjenkins.org/2010/05/why_participatory_culture_is_n.html>.

Art Form for the Digital Age

I agree with the points Jenkins makes in his discussion of video games as art. I have noticed that this has become a highly debated subject. I don't think it's fair to state that games cannot be art but cinema can be because games are pixelated images. As Jenkins refers to in his mention of Bambi's mother, animated films get the same respect as live action films. How are games any different? Jenkins states that games aren't able to bring tears to our eyes. I would have to disagree with this statement. As the player you tend to become attached to the characters you control and interact with. If, for example one dies or gets taken out of the story, it can be very emotional. This can be illustrated by the death of Aeris in the game Final Fantasy VII. Her complex character structure, background and story line coupled with the unexpectedness of her death affected many gamers.

I think in the coming years critics will come to accept games as art. The evolution of technology and digital media will be the driving force behind this movement.

Dream Machines

Will Wright seems to know exactly what he's talking about in his article, Dream Machines. When I realized it was Wright who wrote the article this became very clear to me. It is easy to relate what he discusses about personalization and customization to the products he produces. His "Sim" games have always embraced these concepts. His games allow customization and this leads to learning.

One passage I could relate to was:

"Just watch a kid with a new videogame. The last thing they do is read the manual. Instead, they pick up the controller and start mashing buttons to see what happens."

This is very true. I don't think I ever read an instruction manual as a child. Wright's point that this leads to experimentation and learning is valid in my opinion. Some adults don't even bother with instruction manuals. My mom always jokes that my dad's first step in constructing something (furniture, toys, equipment) is to throw out the directions.

O'Reilly

O'Reilly's list of Web 2.0's defining features in his article, What Is Web 2.0 doesn't make the most sense to me. I understand that he is making comparisons between "web 1.0" and "web 2.0" but I am so familiar with web 2.0, I have trouble understanding. I guess I was too young in the days of web 1.0 to really understand its qualities.

From what I understand, web 2.0 is basically more streamlined. Things are instant and connected. Companies offer services that make things easier on the user or searcher. One defining feature O'Reilly mentioned that I agreed with was "Software above the level of a single device." I agree that today's web can be defined by the devices that access it. New innovative devices have completely changed the way we view things.

Boyd

When I began reading Boyd's "Streams of Content, Limited Attention: The Flow of Information through Social Media" I immediately thought of Twitter and the piece I had written on it. I then found it fitting that he referred to Twitter in the next group of sentences I read:

"Those who are most enamored with services like Twitter talk passionately about feeling as though they are living and breathing with the world around them, peripherally aware and in-tune, adding content to the stream and grabbing it when appropriate. This state is delicate, plagued by information overload and weighed down by frustrating tools."

This group of sentences beautifully illustrates what Boyd is talking about.

As I continued reading, one thing began to bother me. This may be me being picky but it seemed as though Boyd assumed everyone in the world has access to the internet:

"Internet technologies are fundamentally dismantling and reworking the structures of distribution. Distribution is a process by which content creators find channels through which they can disseminate their creation. In effect, they're pushing out the content. Sure, people have to be there to receive it, but the idea is that there are limited channels for distribution and thus getting access to this limited resource is hard. That is no longer the case."

I understand the point he is trying to make but I don't think it's correct to allude to the fact that obtaining internet access is easy for everyone.

My favorite part of the piece:

"Figuring out how to monetize sociality is a problem. And not one new to the Internet. Think about how we monetize sociality in physical spaces. Typically, it involves second-order consumption of calories. Venues provide a space for social interaction to occur and we are expected to consume to pay rent. Restaurants, bars, cafes… they all survive on this model. But we have yet to find the digital equivalent of alcohol."

Very true.

 

Jenkins

I wasn't quite sure what point Jenkins was trying to make in his post, Why Participatory Culture Is Not Web 2.0: Some Basic Distinctions until the final paragraph. He seemed to contradict his title up until then. I guess I may not know what web 2.0 really is. From what I gathered he appreciates the fact that people with similar interests are able to learn through producing artifacts collaboratively but he doesn't think the web sees it that way. He thinks that the web sees users as consumers and nothing more. I'm not sure if I agree with this or not. I'll have to think on it and hear the class' opinion tomorrow.

Uncomfortable Silences

In class today while someone was preparing their presentation we had a short discussion on silence. Our professor made the point that as the teacher she has the power to talk about nothing ("bullshit") and as students we would listen to it. While we were discussing this a scene from one of my all time favorite films came to mind. I thought I would share the scene. (Warning: there is some explicit language).

I've often thought about this scene and the point Mia makes. As a generally shy person I find myself agreeing with her. When I'm with my friends or family I can appreciate a comfortable silence but when I'm in the company of people who are acquaintances or people who I'm not the most comfortable with I often feel the urgent need to discuss something, anything, just to break the silence. I don't know why I must "feel it's necessary to yak about bullshit in order to be comfortable." As Vincent says in the video, "[It's] a good question."

Major Assignment 3: Digital Media Paper

While brainstorming a topic for Major Assignment 3 I needed to make sure I chose a topic with which I could meet all of the assigned requirements. I began thinking about a purpose. I really struggled to find a purpose for about a week or so. I fell behind because I couldn’t find exigency in anything I was experienced with or interested in. I couldn’t decide on something to argue for or against. I finally decided to meet with my professor and see if she could give me any advice or spark any ideas. After talking it over with her, I decided that I wanted to educate and inform students and families who are inexperienced with or uneducated about the college lifestyle.

The primary reason I chose this topic was because I am the first in my immediate family to attend college. I was unaware of what to expect when I got there. Unlike many students, I didn’t have parents to tell me how to act in new situations that would arise as a result of the college lifestyle. My parents didn’t have access to this information and therefore were illiterate in it. I believe that this illiteracy possibly contributed to some of the choices I made (and didn’t make) while attending college. I wanted to create something that would inform, educate, and entertain students who were excited yet nervous for college. I decided that I was going to create a blog to document my thoughts, experiences, and pieces of advice regarding this topic.

As the first in my family to attend college I think I was a little reluctant to travel too far away. This was something else I wanted to try to address through my blog. I named my blog 80 Miles from Home because I thought it reflected the fact that I was a first time college student living somewhat close to home. I wanted to illustrate that my parents had influence on me even though I was gone to college. I chose to use a blog template with a “highway” background because I felt it went along with the traveling theme that comes with the subject of college life.

My primary audience was originally supposed to be students who had been the first in their family to attend college. I soon realized that many of the things I included in my project could apply to all incoming college students. Some of my blog posts seem to be aimed towards first time families while others could be taken as good advice for any incoming college student. When I was deciding on which topics to include I had to think about my audience and ponder which topics would be important to them and which would capture their interest. I believe that part of the class audience will be made up of students who are either first year or will be first year students in the fall so I think it is important to consider what they think is important and reflect and remember how I felt as a first year and the types of things I wish I would have known back then.

I felt that context was important. I wanted my audience to be college students at any university. The problem was that I was only experienced with Michigan Tech University. I tried not to limit my audience by using too many examples in the context of Michigan Tech. I attempted to write each piece in a general, unbiased way so that any student would understand my references and points.

I think that my piece turned out pretty good. I was extremely nervous about it when it was first assigned. When I fell behind I was sure that I wasn’t going to be able to produce a quality piece. I am fairly satisfied with the work I have done. I wish that I had gotten more feedback on it, however. I am not sure what others in the class think of it because I wasn’t able to test it in class and no one gave me feedback outside of class. I have shown it to a few friends who aren’t in the class but I can’t help but feel that their feedback isn’t as valuable as feedback from those who truly understand the assignment.

More In Class User Testing

Sarah
What is the major argument?
The main theme involves running from something; continuing and staying strong when you are tired or when you fall.

What is done well?
Good environmental setting. I also thought using a vehicle to move alongside the characters while they ran through the woods was a good idea.

Suggestion(s):
It may have been because you were having a bit of technical difficulty in class but it seemed like some of the transitions were choppy. Consider smoothing them out.

Greg
What is the major argument?
Copyright and fair use laws are confusing and lengthy and most people don't have the time or attention to read through and understand them. This site was created to simplify and educate.



What is done well?
The scrolling wheel at the top was a great way of presenting your topics. Easy to read and follow.



Suggestion(s):
I couldn't fine a "home" link that goes back to the welcome page. This might be something you could add for ease of use.

Kay
What is the major argument?
Son has grown over the past year. School progress.



What is done well?
I liked the transitions while flipping through the number/alphabet work and art work. Good presentation. Some of the themes from the music match what is happening on screen (swings).



Suggestion(s):
I'm unfamiliar with the song used in this piece. I may have imagined or misinterpreted it but I thought I had heard some swearing in the music. While I agree that rock music over a more tame song is a good idea, your audience (teachers, principals, other parents) might not agree that it is a good idea to use a song with swearing in it to present your child and his accomplishments.

Kyle
What is the major argument?
Presentation of himself, experience, portfolio, etc.



What is done well?
Cool logo banner. Good quote. I think it's a good idea to include links to things like NHL.com and Lids.com that subtly highlight some of your outside-of-school interests.



Suggestion(s):
Consider making the picture on the main page a link to somewhere even if it just enlarges it. I really wanted to click it.

Jifu
What is the major argument?
The player is talented at this game. It is a showcase of their skills.


What is done well?
Music goes well with the video. You seem to have some good videos of talented game play.


Suggestion(s):
I thought the piece got a bit boring after a minute or so. It was very repetitive. I would consider adding some depth to the piece. Also, I think a title would help clarify your argument and purpose.

Major Assignment 3

Here is the blog I've been working on for Major Assignment 3. A major problem I am having is that my time stamps are incorrect. They all say February 2009. I have tried messing with blogger's time settings but it didn't seem to do much. Any advice on this or any other feedback on the blog would be greatly appreciated!

In Class Project User Testing

Alex
What is the major argument?
Pro-tattoo mindset through his artwork.

What is done well?
Visuals appear in rhythm with the music.

Suggestion(s):
Possibly add more color. I'm not sure if you're planning on moving away from blue and black but including a variety of colors might be helpful.

Chris
What is the major argument?
We aren't in control. Nature and time control our lives.

What is done well?
Narration over video with music. The calm tone of your voice along with the classical music adds to the piece and fits well.

Suggestion(s):
I agree with what was stated in class. A moment of silence would be a good addition to this piece. You could also add something you don't think the audience will expect to further illustrate that they are not in control.

Craig
What is the major argument?
A montage is a useful way of illustrating events that occur over a period of time.

What is done well?
Video seems to be put together well. Pace of video matches the pace of the music. Comedy attracts the audience, draws them in, and keeps their attention.

Suggestion(s):
I'm sure you will be working towards this but try to figure out your technical issue with the higher quality video. I think that your video needs to be well put together because quality affects your credibility.

Steven
What is the major argument?
We may not be sure what we're looking for in life.

What is done well?
You obviously have experience with film. Very well put together.

Suggestion(s):
Some of the dialogue seemed a bit unclear to me. This may have been my fault but you could double check to make sure there isn't anything interfering with the clarity.


Ronnie and Stevie
What is the major argument?
Be yourself and do what you want to do.

What is done well?
The interview style works well. The effect of having the "record" symbol as if this were a rough cut or through an older video camera is cool and adds to this style.

Suggestion(s):
The beginning text sequence was bright and a bit difficult to read. I would darken the text a little so it is more clear.

Challenges

I have had a couple challenges while producing my digital media artifact.

My major challenge so far is determining the types of subjects and topics I want to write about on my blog. I don't want my writing to be interpreted as me complaining about my parent's inexperience with a college lifestyle. I want to continue to inform and advise new students. I want some of it to be like "If I could go back and start my college career over, this is how I would do it differently." I also want to discuss the issue in more depth. I want to relate it to our class discussion on access, fluency, and literacy.

Another challenge I've been concerned with is my blog design and layout. I'm inexperienced with site editing and I don't know too much about html. I would like to create a custom banner for my site that goes along with its theme. I haven't attempted to create one yet but with my experience with photo and image editing I know it will be challenging.

Design Plan

Statement of Purpose: I am a student who's hometown is only about an hour and a half away. I am also the first in my immediate family to attend college. Through this situation I have come to realize that there is a lack of knowledge and understanding in parents and family who are experiencing college life for the first time through their children. There is an absence of access, which leads to an absence of literacy, which leads to misunderstanding. I feel that there is an exigence for education and literacy of these families. As I am very familiar with this situation, I would like to share selected parts of my college experience in order to educate and inform.

Description: 

Medium: I would like to share my ideas and stories via a separate blog. I will be creating a  new blog using a blogging service I am somewhat familiar with, blogger.com.

Audience: My primary audience will be the students in my HU2642 - Introduction to Digital Media class. They will be viewing my presentation in the morning in the summertime. Other major audiences will be parents who have not attended college, prospective college students, Michigan Tech students and faculty, friends, and possibly my family.

Production Strategies: I hope this blog will allow me to be opinionated on specific topics related to its purpose. I would like to detail events, stories, and thoughts from my 4 years at MTU. A few major prospective topics which come to mind include: Orientation, Fraternity Life, work load, Graduation/Commencement, career search. I hope that this blog isn't viewed as an insult to my parents or means for me to vent frustration. It will be a challenge to make sure it doesn't turn into something of this nature. I hope that my points will focus on the fact that while my parents were inexperienced, so was I. While others had parents to compare and contrast experiences to, I didn't. Because I had access to this lifestyle the literacy gap grew quickly.


Arrangement: Unless a brilliant idea comes to mind while producing this blog, I don't really think there is need for special arrangement. If I am able to post enough on specific topics I may be able to arrange topics into groups for organization purposes.

Testing: I will share my project with some of my peers in order to gain prospective. I will be showing my blog to some of my friends, roommates, and possibly a couple fellow classmates before I give my presentation and make my blog public.

Statement of Purpose II

I have decided to scrap my last idea regarding change. I realized that I needed a more concrete and clear topic for this project. Also, the creation of a music video wasn't realistically feasible in terms of my competence with video and video editing software and the project due date.

After doing some quick brainstorming with my professor this morning I have decided upon a new topic idea. I am a student who's hometown is only about an hour and a half away. I am also the first in my immediate family to attend college. Through this situation I have come to realize that there is a lack of knowledge and understanding in parents and family who are experiencing college life for the first time through their children. There is an absence of access, which leads to an absence of literacy, which leads to misunderstanding. As I am very familiar with this situation, I would like to share selected parts of my college experience in order to educate and inform.

Purpose:

          -Educate first time college students and parents through stories, opinions, ideas.

Audience:

-Students enrolled and attending the 9:35 am section of Summer 2012 HU2642 (Track A).
-Professor
-Michigan Tech students and faculty who may not be in the class.
-Friends of Michigan Tech students and faculty.
-Parents of Michigan Tech students.
-Parents/Adults who have not attended college.
-Prospective and first year students (@Michigan Tech and elsewhere)

Context:

-Will be presented in class.
-After presenting in class I will most likely not be in attendance when this blog is viewed and the communication takes place.   

-I would like to present this in the form of a separate blog meaning that it should be able to be viewed via a computer with internet.

Statement of Purpose

I will be officially done with my undergraduate studies at Michigan Tech in July. Being a U.P. native my entire life I'm not sure how I feel about leaving. I'm not sure where I'll be in 6 months but there's a pretty good chance I won't be here or in my hometown of Negaunee. There aren't a lot of jobs for chemical engineers in the Upper Peninsula right now and I expect to have to relocate to other parts of the country/world in order to begin my career. Part of me is excited yet part of me is terrified.

I think I would like to base my project off of this experience I am having. I would like to argue that change can be depressing, sad, and scary. I'm not exactly sure of what type of media I'm going to use to portray this argument. My immediate thought is that I'll create a video for a song about change. I have a couple songs in mind but I haven't decided quite yet. If I decide to do a video I need to remember that it will require quite a bit of work because I am inexperienced with video and video editing.

One of the messages I may want to incorporate is to "seize the day." Major, inevitable change can occur at any time so enjoy your life today because you may be afraid of what comes tomorrow.

My audience will not only be the students in class but also any students at Michigan Tech and the surrounding area. If I am proud of my work and others enjoy it, it will most likely be shared on facebook or twitter so I can consider facebook and twitter users as part of my audience. Fans of the band or the song could be exposed to the video as well. My primary audience will be the students in class. They will be viewing my presentation in Walker 120A in the morning during a summer class. I will have to make this interesting if I want to appeal to this audience.


Summary:

Purpose:
                -Show that change can be scary, upsetting.
                -Communicate that change is inevitable so enjoy today.
                -Change is bittersweet.

Audience:
               -Students enrolled and attending the 9:35 am section of Summer 2012 HU2642 (Track A).
               -Professor
               -Fans of the music I choose to use.
               -Michigan Tech students and faculty who may not be in the class.
               -Friends of Michigan Tech students and faculty.

Context:
               -Will be presented in class.
               -Possibly facebook, twitter, youtube, vimeo, etc.