I cannot describe the relief i feel now that i have finally finished this assignment. Yes, learning about online communities, citizen journalism and web 2.0 was interesting, unfortuntely its just not my thing.
Unfortunately I will not be blogging again.
It was a good experience...
...If you want to go insane.
Peace.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Open Source software - Our Future?
Open Source software can be considered to be the strongest potential rival to its the ever dominating power of Microsoft. This ever changing and developing form of technology, developed under the control of user, has enabled the control of a force to be reckoned with.
"Open source software emerged to a significant extent in response to the shortcomings in commercial software development, addressing fields of innovation and forms of software which for various reasons had not been covered sufficiently by the industrial process" (Bruns, 2008).
Open Source software has exploded into today’s technological realm. Companies using Open Source software have an obvious advantage over proprietary users.
Open Source software is developed under the control of users, whereas primary software places the users in a position to be controlled by the creators. These freedoms found in Open Source software enable the user to gain control and create communities where people are interactive.
“Open Source software means software that gives you four essential freedoms:
Freedom 0: the freedom to run the program as you wish.
Freedom 1: the freedom to study the source code, and change it to make the program do what you wish.
Freedom 2: the freedom to redistribute copies of the program when you wish.
Freedom 3: the freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions when you wish” (Free Software Magazine, 2008).
The obvious benefits of Open Source including costs, speed, ownership of features and functionalities far exceed those of proprietary software,
"Open source has numerous benefits, including breaking the relentless hold of technology lock-in, and cost savings in acquisition and life-time support costs" (Agosta, Forrester Research qtd in. Walker, 2004).
Despite all the challenges that Open Software faces, I predict that this new form of technology with its advanced methods will clearly conquer over proprietary software.
“Already, research laboratories have adopted the Open Source model because the sharing of the information is essential to the scientific method, and Open Source allows software to be shared easily” (Perens, 2008).
Another positive that comes along with the use of Open Source software is that businesses are slowly finding this form of technology gives them the ease of solving problems, without the threats of anti-trust lawsuits.
Open Source software proves to be a promising and history changing technology for the computing industry. Millions of users have solved many different problem through the use of this advanced software and there is obviously no stopping it.
References
Bruns, A. (2008). Blogs, Wikipedia, Second Life, and Beyond: From Production to Produsage. Peter Lang. New York https://cmd.qut.edu.au/cmd//KCB201/KCB201_BK_163501.pdf (accessed 4 May, 2008).
Free Software Foundation. (2008). http://www.fsf.org/about/what-is-free-software (accessed 4 May, 2008).
Perens, B. (2008). The Open Source Definition. Open Source Initiative. http://perens.com/OSD.html (accessed 4 May, 2008).
Walker, T. (2004). The Future of Open Source in Government. gOSapps LLC http://www.oss-institute.org/newspdf/walker_oss_white_paper_2292004.pdf (accessed 8 May, 2008)
"Open source software emerged to a significant extent in response to the shortcomings in commercial software development, addressing fields of innovation and forms of software which for various reasons had not been covered sufficiently by the industrial process" (Bruns, 2008).
Open Source software has exploded into today’s technological realm. Companies using Open Source software have an obvious advantage over proprietary users.
Open Source software is developed under the control of users, whereas primary software places the users in a position to be controlled by the creators. These freedoms found in Open Source software enable the user to gain control and create communities where people are interactive.
“Open Source software means software that gives you four essential freedoms:
Freedom 0: the freedom to run the program as you wish.
Freedom 1: the freedom to study the source code, and change it to make the program do what you wish.
Freedom 2: the freedom to redistribute copies of the program when you wish.
Freedom 3: the freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions when you wish” (Free Software Magazine, 2008).
The obvious benefits of Open Source including costs, speed, ownership of features and functionalities far exceed those of proprietary software,
"Open source has numerous benefits, including breaking the relentless hold of technology lock-in, and cost savings in acquisition and life-time support costs" (Agosta, Forrester Research qtd in. Walker, 2004).
Despite all the challenges that Open Software faces, I predict that this new form of technology with its advanced methods will clearly conquer over proprietary software.
“Already, research laboratories have adopted the Open Source model because the sharing of the information is essential to the scientific method, and Open Source allows software to be shared easily” (Perens, 2008).
Another positive that comes along with the use of Open Source software is that businesses are slowly finding this form of technology gives them the ease of solving problems, without the threats of anti-trust lawsuits.
Open Source software proves to be a promising and history changing technology for the computing industry. Millions of users have solved many different problem through the use of this advanced software and there is obviously no stopping it.
References
Bruns, A. (2008). Blogs, Wikipedia, Second Life, and Beyond: From Production to Produsage. Peter Lang. New York https://cmd.qut.edu.au/cmd//KCB201/KCB201_BK_163501.pdf (accessed 4 May, 2008).
Free Software Foundation. (2008). http://www.fsf.org/about/what-is-free-software (accessed 4 May, 2008).
Perens, B. (2008). The Open Source Definition. Open Source Initiative. http://perens.com/OSD.html (accessed 4 May, 2008).
Walker, T. (2004). The Future of Open Source in Government. gOSapps LLC http://www.oss-institute.org/newspdf/walker_oss_white_paper_2292004.pdf (accessed 8 May, 2008)
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
The Second Life Craze
Second life. What do people really think of it?
I had been looking forward to the tutorial on this subject and I found it to be the most interesting that I had done all week.
“Second Life is a 3-D virtual world created by its Residents. Since opening to the public in 2003, it has grown explosively and today is inhabited by millions of Residents from around the globe.” (What is Second Life, 2008)
After watching a 60 Minutes episode on second life, what it was and how popular it had become I had always been interested in learning more about why people would choose to live out their perfectly good lives to play a computer game. I will come back to that statement later on…
Much to my surprise, after the program ended, my mum stood up, went upstairs to the study and started a new life on Second Life. Looking at my mum, she would be the last person you would think who would be interested in such a game. Is it really a game though? For some it has been labelled a lifestyle. Being able to change the way you look, your hairstyle and the way you act.
This online world allows you to be whoever you want to be. It give its users the opportunity to meet new people with similar interest. Like any other social networking site, Second Life enables interaction between its particiapants. Unlike other social networking sites, it brings this to a whole new level of interaction.
Personally, I can understand why some people have been totally consumed by this craze and have adapted it as an actual way of life. This ‘perfectly good’ lives that people live on the surface are not necessarily anything like that underneath. Being able to live through such a thing as Second Life enables people to delve into the unknown. It enables them to create a character unlike themselves that they have always wanted to be.
I find it fascinating that this program has attracted so many people from all over the world and from all walks of life. The line Your World Your Imagination are the signifying aspects of Second Life.
There are many sceptics however, who feel as if the concept is a joke and who are somewhat against this activity.
Featured below is a Youtube video mocking Second Life and looking at this game in more of a comical light.
Although it does not have the best animation, nor the best graphics, it really is an incredible world to belong too.
I decided to give this Second Life experiance a try and logged onto my mum's pre existing account. I have to say the experiance is somewhat surreal. I was on there for about two hours and it became somewhat addictive.
In my opinion, Second Life is one of the most amazing experiences. It somewhat saddens me when people who have not even tried this game make assumptions about the game itself and its users. I look at it as a new and exciting way for people to interact and become something they otherwise could not.
References
(2008).Second Life : What is Second Life. http://secondlife.com/whatis/ (accessed 4 May, 2008).
(2008), Second Life: Do You Feel Like A Rock Star? http://blog.secondlife.com/2005/11/03/do-you-feel-like-a-rock-star/ (accessed 4 May, 2008).
(2007). second life. http://youtube.com/watch?v=flkgNn50k14 (accessed 4 May, 2008).
I had been looking forward to the tutorial on this subject and I found it to be the most interesting that I had done all week.
“Second Life is a 3-D virtual world created by its Residents. Since opening to the public in 2003, it has grown explosively and today is inhabited by millions of Residents from around the globe.” (What is Second Life, 2008)
After watching a 60 Minutes episode on second life, what it was and how popular it had become I had always been interested in learning more about why people would choose to live out their perfectly good lives to play a computer game. I will come back to that statement later on…
Much to my surprise, after the program ended, my mum stood up, went upstairs to the study and started a new life on Second Life. Looking at my mum, she would be the last person you would think who would be interested in such a game. Is it really a game though? For some it has been labelled a lifestyle. Being able to change the way you look, your hairstyle and the way you act.
This online world allows you to be whoever you want to be. It give its users the opportunity to meet new people with similar interest. Like any other social networking site, Second Life enables interaction between its particiapants. Unlike other social networking sites, it brings this to a whole new level of interaction.
Personally, I can understand why some people have been totally consumed by this craze and have adapted it as an actual way of life. This ‘perfectly good’ lives that people live on the surface are not necessarily anything like that underneath. Being able to live through such a thing as Second Life enables people to delve into the unknown. It enables them to create a character unlike themselves that they have always wanted to be.
I find it fascinating that this program has attracted so many people from all over the world and from all walks of life. The line Your World Your Imagination are the signifying aspects of Second Life.
There are many sceptics however, who feel as if the concept is a joke and who are somewhat against this activity.
Featured below is a Youtube video mocking Second Life and looking at this game in more of a comical light.
Although it does not have the best animation, nor the best graphics, it really is an incredible world to belong too.
I decided to give this Second Life experiance a try and logged onto my mum's pre existing account. I have to say the experiance is somewhat surreal. I was on there for about two hours and it became somewhat addictive.
In my opinion, Second Life is one of the most amazing experiences. It somewhat saddens me when people who have not even tried this game make assumptions about the game itself and its users. I look at it as a new and exciting way for people to interact and become something they otherwise could not.
References
(2008).Second Life : What is Second Life. http://secondlife.com/whatis/ (accessed 4 May, 2008).
(2008), Second Life: Do You Feel Like A Rock Star? http://blog.secondlife.com/2005/11/03/do-you-feel-like-a-rock-star/ (accessed 4 May, 2008).
(2007). second life. http://youtube.com/watch?v=flkgNn50k14 (accessed 4 May, 2008).
Citizen Journalism
Citizen journalism is an interesting concept. I was discussing my university course with a friend of mine and mentioned this subject to see whether he could give me any insight into the ‘general’ opinion of citizen journalism and how he thinks it works. He brought up a really interesting point and mentioned the fact that it shouldn’t be called ‘journalism’ as the term does not connect with what is actually being written.
"Citizen journalism is a concept that advances the idea that consumers or everyday citizens take a more active role in the news. It is often referred to as the “new media” and includes everything from passionate letters to the editor and comments on blogs and news sites, to bloggers scooping stories or exposing doctored or omitted facts from mainstream media reports. The sharing and collaboration of information through online communities is inevitably part of building common viewpoints between citizens " (Holetzky, 2008).
Speaking with this friend of mine he brought up the question of, instead of citizen journalism it should be referred to as ‘citizens using other’s hard earned research to re write and claim as their own’.
He ignited a question in me that made me thing that the majority of citizen journalism should be referred to as meta-journalism reporting on existing reports.
After igniting these questions, I decided to conduct research into this subject. Technology obviously plays a large part in the distribution of this knowledge and without it; this concept would merely be a theory. Citizen Journalism and technology enable people to communicate their theories and opinions with speed. This phenomenon is starting a new trend where news coverage is considered to be a partnership between journalists and citizens.
"Journalism is also significantly transforming under the pressure of network-era convergent and participatory culture. Evolving digital communication tools and practices are clashing with those of traditional news media, resulting in paradox and contradiction" (Russell et al, 2006).
This online adoption of journalism can also be a very positive thing. Enabling stories, pictures and events to be released that may not have normally been captured with traditional forms of journalism.
“People are everywhere and when disaster strikes, someone usually has a camera” (Cohn, 2007).
Citizen Journalism, when handled properly can be a very positive and useful thing. It adds the ability to share information and allows everyday people to capture and write about extraordinary things.
After speaking with my friend and reminding him of all of the positives that come out of citizen journalism, he then turns around and tells me that he always thought it was a great thing to be involved in. Making me feel like all of this research and attempting to understand this concept was all done for nothing.
I now appreciate how ridiculous people sometimes are and how, with just a little nudge for a new opinion, they change their minds in an instant.
References
Cohn, D. (2007). Time citizen journalism pulled its acts together. http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=39443 (accessed May 8, 2008).
Holetzky , S. (2008). What is Citizen Journalism. Wise Geek. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-citizen-journalism.htm
Russell, A et al. (2006). Cuture: Networked Public Culture. http://networkedpublics.org/book/culture (accessed 12 May, 2008).
"Citizen journalism is a concept that advances the idea that consumers or everyday citizens take a more active role in the news. It is often referred to as the “new media” and includes everything from passionate letters to the editor and comments on blogs and news sites, to bloggers scooping stories or exposing doctored or omitted facts from mainstream media reports. The sharing and collaboration of information through online communities is inevitably part of building common viewpoints between citizens " (Holetzky, 2008).
Speaking with this friend of mine he brought up the question of, instead of citizen journalism it should be referred to as ‘citizens using other’s hard earned research to re write and claim as their own’.
He ignited a question in me that made me thing that the majority of citizen journalism should be referred to as meta-journalism reporting on existing reports.
After igniting these questions, I decided to conduct research into this subject. Technology obviously plays a large part in the distribution of this knowledge and without it; this concept would merely be a theory. Citizen Journalism and technology enable people to communicate their theories and opinions with speed. This phenomenon is starting a new trend where news coverage is considered to be a partnership between journalists and citizens.
"Journalism is also significantly transforming under the pressure of network-era convergent and participatory culture. Evolving digital communication tools and practices are clashing with those of traditional news media, resulting in paradox and contradiction" (Russell et al, 2006).
This online adoption of journalism can also be a very positive thing. Enabling stories, pictures and events to be released that may not have normally been captured with traditional forms of journalism.
“People are everywhere and when disaster strikes, someone usually has a camera” (Cohn, 2007).
Citizen Journalism, when handled properly can be a very positive and useful thing. It adds the ability to share information and allows everyday people to capture and write about extraordinary things.
After speaking with my friend and reminding him of all of the positives that come out of citizen journalism, he then turns around and tells me that he always thought it was a great thing to be involved in. Making me feel like all of this research and attempting to understand this concept was all done for nothing.
I now appreciate how ridiculous people sometimes are and how, with just a little nudge for a new opinion, they change their minds in an instant.
References
Cohn, D. (2007). Time citizen journalism pulled its acts together. http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=39443 (accessed May 8, 2008).
Holetzky , S. (2008). What is Citizen Journalism. Wise Geek. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-citizen-journalism.htm
Russell, A et al. (2006). Cuture: Networked Public Culture. http://networkedpublics.org/book/culture (accessed 12 May, 2008).
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
DIY Media
A few years ago I was researching for an assignment i decided to go onto Wikipedia for a standard defintition. When i handed the assignment in, my teacher politely explained that she did not like student using Wikipedia as it is not considered a reliable source. This was the moment that I realised the effect DIY media had on the world.
I was going through the lecture notes trying to find something to speak about when it comes to DIY media. The process of sharing and gathering knowledge is incredibly intruiging to me as until i started this subject i did not give a second thought to the forms of media that are actually developed, published and maintained by 'ordinary' people.
Although the "idea of DIY media making on an individual level...is no longer new" (Axel Bruns, Blackboard), it is still a very difficult concept to come to terms with. That the internet gives people such power to place what they believe to be true online is a very intimidating thought. This access to DIY media can be seen in both positive and negative lights.
"With participatory media, the boundaries between audiences and content creators become blurred and often invisible." (Asia Media, 2006) This kind of media enables the initial audience to become the creater of a new idea or the publisher of information.
I used to take everything I read on the internet as factual. Not because I thought that everyone that published information knew everything, but I never actually considered the fact that there was just another person who discovered something that they found to be useful and decided to publish it.
I had never given thought to the people who may just be publishing opinon or hearsay. This point made me realise that like me, i am sure that there are others out there still taking what they read to be factual.
The responsability of teaching and educating people on a subject should not be taken lightly. So if we give people the ability to publish what they believe to be true on the internet how do we know that we can take it as fact?
Although this is a burning question, the internet has been an incredible resource for the world to access. According to Asia Media "...access to and use of digital media technologies such as PCs, the Internet, computer games, mobile telephones, etc., have become a normal aspect of everyday life in the world community country."
The role of DIY media such as Wikipedia enables people to have a voice. It is not only a way in which people can document information, but also places the power to change opinions, values and morals. The power of this media is constantly taken for granted and should be harnessed, appreciated and used to its full capacity.
I was going through the lecture notes trying to find something to speak about when it comes to DIY media. The process of sharing and gathering knowledge is incredibly intruiging to me as until i started this subject i did not give a second thought to the forms of media that are actually developed, published and maintained by 'ordinary' people.
Although the "idea of DIY media making on an individual level...is no longer new" (Axel Bruns, Blackboard), it is still a very difficult concept to come to terms with. That the internet gives people such power to place what they believe to be true online is a very intimidating thought. This access to DIY media can be seen in both positive and negative lights.
"With participatory media, the boundaries between audiences and content creators become blurred and often invisible." (Asia Media, 2006) This kind of media enables the initial audience to become the creater of a new idea or the publisher of information.
I used to take everything I read on the internet as factual. Not because I thought that everyone that published information knew everything, but I never actually considered the fact that there was just another person who discovered something that they found to be useful and decided to publish it.
I had never given thought to the people who may just be publishing opinon or hearsay. This point made me realise that like me, i am sure that there are others out there still taking what they read to be factual.
The responsability of teaching and educating people on a subject should not be taken lightly. So if we give people the ability to publish what they believe to be true on the internet how do we know that we can take it as fact?
Although this is a burning question, the internet has been an incredible resource for the world to access. According to Asia Media "...access to and use of digital media technologies such as PCs, the Internet, computer games, mobile telephones, etc., have become a normal aspect of everyday life in the world community country."
The role of DIY media such as Wikipedia enables people to have a voice. It is not only a way in which people can document information, but also places the power to change opinions, values and morals. The power of this media is constantly taken for granted and should be harnessed, appreciated and used to its full capacity.
References
(2008). Impact of New Media Technology on Society. http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=52164 (accessed 4, May 2008).
Online Communities
Online communities are useful ways for people to share, interact and discuss information. There is generally a common cause or interest for people to be apart of an online community. These online stepping stones provide an individual with with ability to vocalise their opinons, beliefs and thoughts with just a click of a mouse.
Online communities enable us to become "active publishers of content" (Axel Bruns, week 6 podcast) which in turn creates a power within itself. This source of power allows us to experience and transend any physical limitations which would have been normally placed upon us.
These online communities have no boundaries. Online the individual is simply whatever they choose to contribute and share with others.
There are a few factors in order to consider when looking at these communities and deciding which of these are succesfull. There needs to be a focus of topics within this community. Without this focus of information there can be no direction and therefore no development of knowledge within the community. Following on from this there needs to be a well respected individua to coordinate the online community, making sure each member is encouraged to share information not only to this community, but other online communities.
Online communities enable an individual to step out of themselves. Limitations that were once placed upon them are lifted and in turn online communities are very strong. They enable us to find people who are interested in similar subjects and allow information to be developed, evaluated and shared.
References
Alex Bruns (2008). Queensland University of Technology, http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_29175_1 (accessed 29 April, 2008).
Online communities enable us to become "active publishers of content" (Axel Bruns, week 6 podcast) which in turn creates a power within itself. This source of power allows us to experience and transend any physical limitations which would have been normally placed upon us.
These online communities have no boundaries. Online the individual is simply whatever they choose to contribute and share with others.
There are a few factors in order to consider when looking at these communities and deciding which of these are succesfull. There needs to be a focus of topics within this community. Without this focus of information there can be no direction and therefore no development of knowledge within the community. Following on from this there needs to be a well respected individua to coordinate the online community, making sure each member is encouraged to share information not only to this community, but other online communities.
Online communities enable an individual to step out of themselves. Limitations that were once placed upon them are lifted and in turn online communities are very strong. They enable us to find people who are interested in similar subjects and allow information to be developed, evaluated and shared.
References
Alex Bruns (2008). Queensland University of Technology, http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_29175_1 (accessed 29 April, 2008).
Thursday, April 10, 2008
First Blog Entry...ever
My first blog entry starts....now! I have never had a blog or had anything to do with blogging before so this is a pretty big step for me. Even though i am still stressing about our first assignment this concept of blogging seems very exciting.... although i am still pretty nervous.
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