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!