cyborgs. final post!

Its late, I'm pooped. But I thought I best be doing a quick last coms blog before its finito. I think Warwicks a freak - just going to put that out there. From his research to his persona; he gives me the heebie geebies. I think he is thinking pessimistically about the future of the human race and seriously undermining our natural instincts. Communication is a fundamental aspect of human life; cyborg communication would mean completely changing the way we live today. Call me old fashioned but I'm completely anti the entire operation involving microchipping and RFID thingybobs, even watching Kevin having the chip inserted in class made me a little squeamish; he hardly sold it to me. I think with a better pitch I could be more open minded towards the idea because the benefits are obvious. Although, like many of us have stated, the pros are definitely outweighed by the cons. I think it will be a pretty whacked out society when everyone around you has been inserted with a microchip - i certainly hope Proush's Law does not apply in this case. It would feel like real life big brother, or something like that Ewan McGregor film; The Island. I'm falling asleep and having a major rant and I'm sure I don't make any sense, best be taking myself off to bed. See you in class!

Convergence

The internet has quickly become apart of our everyday activities, not only has it become an information resource but I have noticed (particulalry in the last year or so) that it has begun to take the place of other technology devices. My mobile phone has been shafted as a means of getting my bank balance; instead the net provides a quick and easy way to check my sad balance and statements (often depressing on a Sunday morning) minus the automatic voice service that drives me nuts and classic hits playing while I'm casually put on hold for fifteen minutes. It has also become a common, and very distracting way to communicate with friends - facebook has been and will continue to be a tool that is extremely detrimental to my study. It does, however allow me to stay in touch with mates overseas with no cost involved, as oppose to a phone call which costs both parties money they don't have and avoids 3am wake up calls from mates on contiki in Europe!
The progression of the internet has been quick. From the tedious tune of dial up, to wireless, now it can be accessed on your cell. Cellphone access is however, a bit of a tax - pricey and hard to figure out for a techno gimp such as myself. Reading over Byron's blog however, I did get interested in the iphone! My friend has one and I did have a quick squiz, wasn't overly tricky to work and looked very suave in my hot little hand. The iphone is the ultimate example of convergence with cell, mp3, camera, video and web browser all compacted into one wee device that can be carried around in your pocket. Josephine makes a good point in the importance of durability and reliability of such a product, there would be nothing more frustrating (as I'm sure we are all familiar with laptops freezing or no signal on Sky digital...) than it crapping out on you. But more to the point, I think that the internet is definitely apart of everyday life, we barely even notice it as a tool anymore, its just there... and when its not, its sorely missed ie; when there is absolutely nothing on television - no wireless in my flat :(
Thats it from me, I'm off! One more blog down (playing catch up sucks big time)

The Digital Divide

I feel torn about the One Laptop Per Child project. I think that the concept is innovative and a fantastic way to narrow the technological differences and socio economic hardships that people in third world countries face. Porush's Law "Participating in the newest communications technologies becomes compulsory if you wish to remain part of the culture" provides a valid argument for the OLPC project as it has been proven time and time again throughout the history of technology that people adapt and incorporate technological advances into everyday life. Although it is the last part of his theory that I have trouble with; part of the culture. Lifestyles in developing countries and most Western countries are two different extremes; one is absorbed in and surrounded by technology on a daily basis and the other barely knows what it means. I didn't end up keeping a log on how much I use technology over a day but I know its a lot. I don't have wireless in my flat but that doesn't stop me checking my emails at the library, cellpphone useage-rather substantial (although I'm hardly a yupi phone freak) and television - the bain of my life. I watch far too much tv. I'm actually glad I didnt't keep a log, it would have been far to depressing! The point I'm trying to make is that our needs are polar opposites to that of a person living in poverty, therefore does Porush's Law really apply in this instance? My initial reaction is to say no - the essential provisions to live are what children in these countries need from people that are better off. However up until now, such a project has not been attempted and there has been minimal progression in breaking the proverty cycle to date. In the global information economy that we currently live in, bringing technology into the lives of young people could make a serious impact on the long term effects of poverty and make a change for the better. There are ofcourse a few flaws in the project; one of which is a lack of teachers, as the project is non profit, noone can stay and teach the basics of the XO laptop as there is no pay involved. This can prove somewhat challenging to maintaining the interest of young users, although children are quick to pick up new things and learning is all part of the process. After having a squiz on the net and thinking about our lecture I do agree that OLPC is a new and exciting way to teach the underprivelledged. There are different needs that they require such as food and water which are ofcourse a priority, but OLPC is taking a different course of action which could have rewarding long term benefits in their bid to bridge the digital divide.

Post #8 Surveillance

I missed the lectures for this particular topic, my bad, 9am start was asking a bit much first week back. So I'm currently sitting in the Burns computer lab, gazing around in procrastination and I spot a little laminated poster on the bulletin board that reads; This room is under video surveillance at all times. Creepy. And now I've just spotted the camera and gave it a wee smile and wave. Surveillance is everywhere, and its doesn't just come in the form of hidden cameras. Companies track our spending habits, movements and activities. A simple item such as the 'Foodtown card,' appears to be a discount card for loyal customers. This is not the case, the card is set up for Foodtown to find out the demographics such as age, location and spending patterns of their customers. David Lyon writes of surveillance as the provider of identity and eligibility. This is true, passports, drivers licenses are all apart of a surveillance system to keeps tabs of people's whereabouts and how fast they are driving...
But when it comes to technological surveillance, there are pitfalls. Information exchanged can be extracted and then traded which can then be used to later change our lives. In reading the lecture notes, one case study stuck out, should bosses be able to read staff emails? No! I understand that there are issues surrounding office hours spent on the internet, but surely there is a better way of preventing wayward internet surfers. Firewalls etc. Emails are a personal interaction, work related or otherwise.
I tried to read up on the Echelon ting but it was just a bit much. Its cold, I'm off home. Peace.

Copyright Week Seven

The intention of copyright laws are to protect the work of the creator and prevent others taking credit. This is a simple concept that aims to stop piracy etc. But then why doesn't it work? Why does most of this class (I'm going to assume) have limewire and pirated dvds in their collection? Because its accessible, cheap and easy. We are a lazy generation and if it's for free then why not?
"The Internet has been characterized as the largest threat to copyright since its inception. The Internet is awash in information, a lot of it with varying degrees of copyright protection. Copyrighted works on the Net include news stories, software, novels, screenplays, graphics, pictures, Usenet messages and even email. In fact, the frightening reality is that almost everything on the Net is protected by copyright law. That can pose problems for the hapless surfer." ("The Copyright Web site" http://www.benedict.com/)
And I just casually copied and pasted this wee quote! Apparently you can paraphrase limited amounts but who is there to regulate this electronic material. The recent concept of the Creative Commons liscense (established in 2002) allows copyright holders to grant some or all of their rights to the public. This aims to eradicate some of the restrictions that come with copyright.
It is all good and well to use information for general inquiries and such but when it becomes detrimental to the creator, that is when the line is crossed. As many of us have already discussed, the music industry is suffering because of music downloads. Just recently Sounds music store, one of the largest music store chains in the country went into voluntary liquidation blaming illegal downloads as the cause. Although this may have been unfair to solely blame the lack of trade on downloads, the issue remains important. I think that until the actual source of the downloads; such as Limewire etc, is shut down, then illegal downloading will continue because a guilty conscience is clearly not enough.
See you in class!

Week 6: MMORG, augmented reality and virtual worlds

So I've been a bit slack, holidays and what not have set me back a couple of weeks...oops. I enjoyed Hardey's reading Life beyond the screen. I think it helped me to understand the concept of 'online identity' and avatars etc etc when he explained how the process of urbanisation has led to a decline in face-to-face social relations. Suburban life is generally not a 'Desperate Housewives' situation where everyone knows everyones business. People are continually finding themselves living among strangers. This process of urbanisation can also apply to the general living standards of people these days as it is safe to say that people living in large cities or close to, will own a home computer, with internet access. There is also an increase in people living alone, due to the change in society's expectations of marriage and family. In combining these different factors, we can see how online relations have become a way of socializing, and expression. As discussed in the lecture, people create online identities (avatars) separate from their actual self but with features and characteristics that they can relate to. This way it does not feel so foreign and they are still being exposed. Although I'm a firm believer in physical interaction, I can certainly see how this interaction appeals. The risk of initiating awkward relationships is massively reduced and features such as online dating can morph into real world. The internet must been seen as not only a communication tool, but a space for socializing, so instead of going to get coffee on the corner, meet in such and such chat room at such and such time (byo coffee). I don't think that 'Second life' or an online dating service will ever be apart of my daily internet search, but I can see how it has become an effective way of meeting people and interacting with others.

Weblog Week Five

Each week I'm feeling like more and more of an internet amateur. Slashdot, Twitter etc. Never heard if them, doesn't even ring a bell. Didn't actually think there was anything much beyond the realm of facebook or myspace. Good so I've established I know nothing about blogs. But here I am writing my own wee blog, which I would say is neither A, B or C class, more in the D area because if anyone reads it, its to help pass this assessment! It seems blogs have come a long way since the "computer savvy amateurs" of the 1990s. Blogs are now posted by all sorts of people, even celebs have their blogger pages to keep fans up to date. And if you're not already a certified celebrity, you can become one through the blogging world. Tila Tequila, developed a popular Myspace profile and just recently had her own show on MTV, 'A Shot at Love.' It was of course riveting television, and I'm sure that she and the winner are still together... But thats hardly the point, the fact is that through the popularity of her Blog, Tila was able to self promote so well that she merged into a real life celebrity and I'm sure she made a hefty sum whilst doing so! Jill Walker defines blogs as "personal and informal," like a diary entry that is confessional. I think that the concept of a blog is cool, and really quite ballsy. Blogs are posted to encourage a response, if you are to belt out an opinion for all to read, it could be met with mixed reviews. These comments are for the purpose of discussion, allowing interaction between the author and the reader, but what if you wrote something really crap? (I have an excuse-its compulsory) I guess thats half the point, 'constructive' criticism. I'd be scared though... O Baoill (I wonder how you would say that out loud...) writes of the "incestuous nature of the blogosphere" because of the tight bonds amongst bloggers. Blogging may not be my thing, but after this lecture I can see a little clearer why people use this as a tool for communication and publishing.
Cya next week, I really should start posting on time because it is already next week...

Post #4

To be honest, Wikipedia has hardly been a site that I have frequently visited. This is probably because I don't really use the internet for research. Yes there is the benefits of a search engine such as google, but my inability to determine what is legitimate, or relevant leaves me in a spot of bother. There is just so much information out there! Big chunky book with a good index suits me fine. However, the concept of Wikipedia or a "wiki" does appeal to me. It brings a variety and range of opinions to the web page. Although its lack of validity is a rather important factor, not to be overlooked. In Chesneys (haha can't help but think of the wee red head on Coro...) reading this week he develops this point further in that the lack of authority is questionable. The fact that this site aims to provide information, but openly admits to the possibility of being incorrect is much different to that of the older informative web sites such as Britannica Online. There has been a noted shift in authority, as Erika discussed in our lecture; the distinction between producer and consumer is blurred. Anyone can be an 'author' through using a tool like blogger or facebook, the hard bits getting the reader.
I think that online information (particularly Wikipedia) should be monitored for the obvious fact or fiction reason, but mainly because a communicative tool as useful as the internet should not support a reputation for its lack of truth. A resource that is universally appreciated by its users should really aim to provide an accurate service. Wikipedia is just one example of suspicious reliability, but if internet users are to seek information then I think that some form of authority should aim to maintain truth. Maybe then I could utilize it more!

Virtual Communities

K I'm in a really weird mood... Have an accounting test this avo and a film essay due. rah. Woe is me. So this week was all about online communities. Again, kinda creeps me out but, what can you do? In Holmes' reading he acknowledges that due to the nature of informational culture, the geographical community suffers. I think this is why I get weirded out by the whole thing, the thought of people glued to the computer all day being 'technosocial' as oppose to being 'real-life social' (this is very much a generalization, I know) annoys me. I understand that virtual communication can create life long relationships and strong ties between different people, but I struggle to get the 'emotional investment' side of it all when you couldn't physically recognize the person...
This, however is just me being narrow minded, I'm sure theres much more to it. In our lecture Erika discussed the importance of strong and weak ties in a virtual community. These ties are the social bonds that an online community can create. There is a criteria for determining the strength of these bonds; time, emotional intensity, mutual trust and reciprocity. Heaps of different factors contribute to the success or failure of each relationship, or community as a whole. Language, religion, experiences, upbringing all determine how the ties will come together. The most imperative of these is language, a shared code as a tool for communication. This 'blogger' site involves us all in a virtual community. Despite the fact that my online behavior is probably very different to others in coms205, it is through this assignment that we have all been tied together. Quite nifty.
Cool cool so now I best be studying for that test...how exciting.

Hacking

Another week, another blog. Not my favourite past time but I'm conforming...slowly. So hacking, definitely had the image of a pubescent teenage boy tapping away at the keyboard - pre lecture. I now understand theres a little more to it. I like the fact that ethics plays a major role in the 'hacking' world, it makes the person behind the screen seem a lot more 'normal' slash easier to understand. In this weeks reading Thomas writes of Steven Levy's definition that hackers behaviour is based on the belief that computers could be used for "constructive social change." This meaning that hackers, back in the day, aimed only to access computers to judge on anothers skill and to broaden thier knowledge of other networks to improve the general accessing of information. The same beliefs still stand today as there are two major rules that seperate a 'hacker' from a 'cracker' - to never act maliciously (destroying data etc) and never to hack for financial gain. However, Thomas does discuss how the stereotype of the naughty hacker has come about, because the crimes committed are not physically visible, it can make anyone who isn't tech-savvy wary of a hackers intentions. Erika also informed us of the early interent adopters, one of which was banks - the temptation is blatant.
The whole 'hacking' culture remains very foreign to me (I have trouble logging into blogger...) but I did find it surprisingly interesting. Peace

First Post...

Hi all, my names liv.
Struggling with the assignment thus far as i have always been a little anti of the idea of 'blogging'. I think its rather self indulgent. I guess im being a bit of a hypocrite as i do enjoy the odd browse on facebook or bebo but mainly just for a laugh at photos and what not - not to share my life story. I don't know, I don't want to sound pessimistic but its just not my thing, I'd much rather chat face to face :)
But enough about that becasue this assignments worth quite a chunk, so i best get over it! Just had a read of David Berry's article. Quite enjoyed it. Berry emphasizes how the nature of the internet can very easily blur the boundary between 'public' and 'private' and how these terms apply differently to life online. Everything on the internet is public information, unless its barred by a password (not that that is always effective) because anyone can access it! Bebo, facebook, myspace are all mediums through which people communicate and interact but can also learn things about other people without them even knowing (hence why I'm a tad creeped out by it). I read in the Critic this week an article on John Keys latest attempt at getting the student vote, a facebook profile. So now the National party leader can prowl through face book profiles to get ahead in the polls. Good thing? or bad thing? Not to imply that Mr Keys is by any means a 'lurker' but it just goes to show how easy it is to access a particular group or community via the interent. There is no denying the convinience of this tool, but its also a little scary. Bakardjieva and Feenberg (2001) suggest that "respect for the intent with which online communities have generated content [and that] emerges as a fundamental ethical principle of social life online" meaning that internet browsers should be courteous of online communities. If everyone behaved this way it would be smooth sailing! Give credit where credit is due etc.
Alright I'm starving. See ya in class