Last VLOG - Most Interesting Concept

Licklider Re-Post Review

Licklider’s analysis on the man-computer symbiosis was one of our initial class readings that discussed how the future would hold the close inter-working of computers and man.  He theorized that as computers improved beyond performing simple computing functions and expanded its hardware, file storage structure and, most importantly, its language, humans and computers would began to interact cooperatively in a manner that would demonstrate the computers as an extension of man.

I chose this reading because it was the basis for much reflection throughout the year on how computers and the various forms of technology have become more intertwined in our lives, and how interesting it was that this concept was considered over 50 years ago.  With the recent and ongoing development of smartphones, tablet devices and online applications it has become more apparent for me to notice that Licklider’s theories are becoming a reality.  Interestingly, many people already uses their IPhones as an extension of themselves through their constant use and the keeping of their daily lives on it.

--CG

What I learned / favorite / least favorite?

One of the greatest things that I learned, and was exposed to, is the amount of research and exploration that has been conducted over the past six decades regarding technological communication.  Dating back to the writings of Licklider and his theoretical analysis of the man-computer symbiosis, it was interesting to compare what was thought to become reality and was has actually become a reality.  As the readings progressed through the current time period and we looked at the expanse of blogging, impact and ability to control self-representation and the various means to explore a virtual world, it was enlightening to understand how we interact with the society and how that has changed our traditional interpersonal communications.

I really enjoyed the opportunity to read my classmates posts about current media communication articles because it provided multiple eyes tracking various media and providing a summary and analysis with the same class content filter we all had.

The least favorite was searching blog posts to perform ongoing writing and commenting.  With various people posting at their convenient times, some not posting during the week, or some dropping out of class as it progressed it became somewhat frustrating to have a portion of my grade dependent on commenting on others postings.

--CG

W3 Post

This article focuses on the explanation of what the common elements of the World Wide Web (W3) are, how they interact and how this relates to future growth.  As a quick related story, in 1992 my family had purchased our first home computer, an Apple Macintosh, and we had no idea how to make it do anything else then act as an electronic typewriter.  So all of the language, tools, background, indexing and ISP’s were so scientific to us that no one felt remotely qualified to even begin to understand it.

I say that today because I am now able to comprehend how interesting this article is when I have a context to understand it.  As the authors explain the HTML language of the W3 and how the URI is an address of pages and documents it means something that I can hang my experience on.  The HTTP is now the understandable means for transferring data from the site to the computer requesting it.

Interestingly, at the end of the article it expands on some of these technologies and how they could be expanded upon in the future; some of which are already in place.  For example, our Internet is now fully engrossed with various means for charging us for use, content and product.  It also provides images with varying levels of data attached, and even software that allow us to view a virtual reality.  These are always amazing to consider, when just over 15 years ago the W3 made them seem actually possible.
-- CG

Verizon 4G Network is Fastest

In our ongoing discussion of new technology and the uses of new media, our thoughts are inevitably tied to awareness of the speed with which our devices are able to process data and our requests.  So, with Android, Google and Apple phones flooding the market and becoming the technology of choice to film riots, get instant advice for restaurants in the area or read about how a hurricane in Indonesia will affect California, knowing that they have the speed to deliver data quickly has become expected.  RootMetrics put the common competitors to the test, and Verizon reigned supreme by providing the most reliable and available 4G network.  The 4G network offers download speeds over 3 megabits per second, which equates to a 30 minute video being able to download in less than 10 minutes.  Data showed that it well outperformed AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile on a strictly 4G network.  Although, when dropping back to the 3G network AT&T was the most available and reliable.  Ultimately, the goal is to have a wireless connection that allows us to view pictures, download music, stream movies and connect to other people in the most interactive way possible.  Verizon has shown they are clearly in the lead.
--CG

Blogging and Privacy - Post

After reading through the Blogging article, there were a couple elements that really stood out.  First, to know that many bloggers actually exercise a bit of thoughtful caution before posting is welcoming to hear.  It offered me the chance to evaluate why this was.  At the surface level it became an obvious no-brainier, many of the authors wanted to avoid embarrassment and the potential of polarizing their intended audience.  But beyond that, my hypothesis is that in attempting to mimic or create a journalistic style, authors were inevitably drawn to an ethical code that most authentic reporters follow.  It is no small accident that this occurred, because many of the respondents are honest about these actions.  Secondly, as an extension to this privacy consideration, bloggers are ultimately attempting to remain anonymous.  As they expect their message to reach the masses, they would prefer to remain unnamed to avoid any potential of clouding the message.  Again, another reason why journalists try to stay out of the news - they do not want to take away from the impact of their stories.
--CG

Books...Ending...What?

It what seems to bee an over dramatized reaction to the changing media landscape, The End of Books explores how the newest form of writing, hypertext, will eventually displace the ever stable print media.  There was a similar reaction, as an extension of this concern, when cities doubted whether the existence of libraries would still be necessary or the daily paper would be delivered to your door.  Granted, in 1992, most of this was new and very exploratory for the general public, so theories of how technology would displace common industry staples were appropriately prevalent.

Interestingly, it is becoming clearer to notice the pattern throughout the readings related to new media.  It consists of a cycle including: thought/idea, development, internal critique/support, production, external critique/support, then slow acceptance into full acceptance and ending with the spurring of a new thought/idea.  This is not different than most idea creation processes, but it serves to point to the time when most of these transformations hit rocky roads-at the point of change.

Most technology is serving to challenge how we perform services, operate more effeciently and interact on a day-to-day basis.  Although we have become more accustomed to it, there are still concerns that an investment in a technology that changes our lifestyle too much should be avoided.  Ultimately, with time, fears will usually subside and technology that improves us will rise to the top.

--CG