A NEW phone technology?? Monday, Feb 26 2007

With technologies constantly evolving, industries must coincide with their own developments. The “How VoIP Works” article explains the emerging of internet-phone communication. Companies, such as Vonage, have developed a new form of communication that links phone with your Internet. This way, phone companies are made obsolete. Using the Internet for phone calls makes calling free, and no need for monthly phone bills. There are some extra charges incorporated in this new industry including call waiting, caller ID, return call, etc.

The new industry of Internet-phone communication could potentially cancel out all phone companies if they refuse to evolve. Phone companies need to begin their own industry relating to on-line calling. Companies like Vonage have already started their company, and will only continue to grow as people become more and more dependent on their computer. Personally, I find this new development a little intimidating. The computer, and Internet has become the focus of almost every aspect of our life. With the Apple phone we have almost everything our computer does in one small devise. Now, landlines are essentially obsolete. With so much relying on our computers, what could some of the repercussions be? Then again, having zero phone bills would be nice!

#1: With so much relying on our computers, what could some of the repercussions be?
#2: Cell phones have already made a house line virtually obsolete. Do you think this new technology will make a huge difference?

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Internet in developing nations Monday, Feb 19 2007

The idea of a more accessible Internet has become a major issue. “The Wireless Revolution and Universal Access” discusses the importance of the Internet in developing nations. While many Americans have access to the Internet virtually anywhere and any time, millions throughout the world have no access. The author believes that the lack of accessibility to the Internet makes the gap between developing countries, and the rest of the world, even larger.

While I do believe that the gap between developing nations and the rest of the world is extremely large, I don’t know if the use of the Internet would make a substantial difference. The question arises of (#1) does a lack of instant information relate directly to a nation in poverty? Personally, I believe that a developing nation needs a great deal more help then Internet access. Many developing nations tend to place all of their money in one natural resource, financially ignoring other possible resources, or developments. For example, many countries in the Middle East have focused on solely on oil. While the oil brings in a great deal of money from trade, they have ignored any further development within their country. The Internet is a large step in the development of third world nations, but I do not believe it should be the first, and sole focus in aiding developing nations.

#1. Does a lack of instant information relate directly to a nation in poverty?
#2. How do you believe Internet access in developing nations will better their development?

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blogs Thursday, Feb 15 2007

After researching several different news websites, I noticed many differences and similarities. Blogs were common among all of the new sites, but the web structure of the blogs differed. Many blogs allowed you to few/post on a blog immediately, but some required you to register or log in. It seems like today, more and more websites are forcing visitors to register before using a particular function. Personally, I do not like registering, or signing up for anything. When a website asks me to do so, I generally leave even if I had wanted to use that website. While these methods of registering, may be helpful for the company (whether it be for a mailing list, or something else), I believe it drives visitors away.

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I’m changing pocast topics!! Tuesday, Feb 13 2007

I was originally planning on doing my podcast on professional athletics. I had an interview lined up with a couple of sonics players during an afternoon practice, but decided it was not quite right for my podcast. While I will do the interview anyway for work, I have decided to interview my sister who works for Amazon.com . She is responsible for Sony’s DVD purchases on the amazon website and is very involved in new media. I feel like this topic would fit much more then my original idea.

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Internet and Politics Monday, Feb 12 2007

The Internet, and the use of websites, has significantly impacted the political world. Politicians now rely on websites as a main focus for their political agendas. These websites can be vital for a candidate. Because of their importance, everything down to color, and image placement is scrutinized. The psychology of the movement of the human eye is taken into account when web designers create a website. The article, “The Rise of the Web Sites 2004”, discusses the differences between the websites of 2004 presidential candidates, John Kerry, and George W. Bush. Bush’s campaign head, Carl Rove, understood the importance of speaking, and catering to Bush’s supporters. He understood that in the deep south, a hot spot for Bush supporters, internet connection is much slower, and scarce in comparison to the north. Because of this, Bush’s media player allowed his demographic to still view videos. It gave visitors the choice within their preferences between different media players.

The authors focus on the differences between the websites, and how that affects its viewers. I agree with the author that small differences such as color, and image placement, can make a big difference in the appeal of a candidate. The Internet is the fastest and easiest way to connect people. Politicians are fully aware of the impact and importance of the Internet on politics. The Internet has added a whole new field of campaigning for the future.

#1. How much does a comment on a blog affect your vote? Do you believe blogs should be closely considered when voting?
#2. How do you think politics have changed since the development of blogs, and other social networking websites?

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Discussion leader Wednesday, Feb 7 2007

I chose the article, “Social Media Changes the Rules” by Angelo Fernando. This article explained the importance of social networks such as YouTube and Facebook. Marketers and advertisers have taken advantage of these media networks. Consumers have become the driving force behind social networks. Facebook is the second most popular social network, with 7.5 million members, behind YouTube. Unlike old media, new social media gives its audience the control. They decide what they want on these websites. There is no need to be a credited journalist to write anything on these networks. Advertisers have begun marketing their products in hopes of reaching the larger audience. This journal has made me see how much control we, the consumers, really have. Our voices can be heard. My favorite quote came from the company Liveworld. They said, “All communities form a culture, even if left to themselves. The best of them develop cultures proactively guided to engage [their] members.”

I enjoyed being a discussion leader. While I was nervous at first that I did not have enough information to talk about, I quickly found once I had an audience, I had to much to say! Luckily, I really enjoyed my article, and its topic. Enjoying it made it much easier to talk about. After my powerpoint presentation, it was great to hear feed back. My peers and I were able to openly discuss how we feel about social networking sites, since we are all very familiar with them. While the article was written in a scholarly journal, as students, and users of social networks, we were able to voice our own experiences.

Fernando, A. “Social Media Changes the Rules”. Communication World; Jan/Feb2007, Vol. 24, p. 9-10, 2p.

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Blogging and media Monday, Feb 5 2007

Blogging has significantly changed the face of media as we know it. The two readings of this week show how much blogging as changed. While the term “blogging” is new to our vocabulary, it truly started hundreds of years ago. The article “From Tom Paine to Blogs and Beyond”, explores how “pamphleteer” Thomas Paine is one of the first true bloggers. Using his American right to protest and free speech, Thomas Paine distributed pamphlets regarding his beliefs. Newspapers, and print news still remained a main source of information for the people. Today, blogging has become increasingly popular. There are blogs about news, entertainment, fashion, or personal use, etc. While some of these sites are visited more frequently then larger websites such as cnn.com or msnbc.com, legitimate news sources are still widely used, ad high regarded. I think many people were scared that blogging, and the Internet would wipe out the field of journalism, however, I feel that now, more then ever, it is important to have true journalist. Blogs are a great way for people to voice their own opinions, just as Thomas Paine had done years before, however, trusted news sources still maintain an important role. Blogging has not destroyed print news, or other medias. I believe it has enhanced it by allowing people to become more involved, and voice their own thoughts and beliefs.

“Will NPR’s podcast birth a new business model for public radio?” article focused on NPR’s new method of podcasting. There idea to begin podcasts of their daily show proved correct, as it became the number one downloaded podcast on iTunes. I believe this is a revolution in the world of public radio. NPR is an extremely popular public radio station, if not the most. By using podcasts, NPR is able to reach a larger audience. For those who maybe don’t drive to work, they can now listen to NPR on their iPod as they walk, or ride the bus to work. People are able to listen to it whenever they like now, rather then waiting for a particular time. By doing this, NPR has vesting increased its audience. I believe more public radio stations should follow NPR’s lead by podcasting their radio shows.

#1. Do you think any large on-line media can survive today without a blog or podcast?
#2. What do you think is the next step for media? Blogs have brought the media closer to us. We have become part of the media world. What is next?

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Matt Rosenberg Friday, Feb 2 2007

Matt Rosenberg’s lecture was very interesting. He explained what it was like to be a blogger today. As a journalist for the Seattle Times, he was able to use the skills learned there to start his blog. One of the main aspects that I found interesting, and something that I have always wondered, is how do bloggers get paid? How do people make money off of websites? Matt answered my question by saying that it is mostly advertisments that pays for blogs. The better the blog, and the more people who read it, the more advertisers want their product displayed on the web site. Personally, I don’t think I could be a “professional” blogger. You have to constantly update your blog, and work hard to be seen by may people, and respected by many people.

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