destiny's friend

The Reality Club: Digital Maoism

2006-12-14T17:15:00.000-08:00

These are the points that I thought were signifcant in this article:

1. The author has some concerns with the way that wikipedia has been elevated to such importanct and how it has come to be used and regarded. The collectivism that is utilize online is more of a resurgence of the collective being all-wise, influential, and authoritative. The author states that this is very different from a democracy or meritocracy. He also contends that there are other site that have concentrated on channeling the collective and have become the most
"Meta" site. The author refers to the "so-called" artifical intelligence and the need to erase personality and become meta.

2. Core belief that whatever is created in the wiki world can be incrementally corrected as it unfolds. The author further states that accuracy in a text is not sufficient. A text has to have more than a collection of accurate accounts; there needs to be an expression of personality as well.

3. Trends have appeared in which content on the Web is giving the appearance as if it is emerging and speaking to us as a supernatural phenomena. The author argues that this is where the internet crosses the line into delusion.

4. Author is fustrated with sites that have been unwilling to be critical of content on the web for in order to make the Meta-aggregator site appear to be coherent. What we are seeing today is a rise in fallacy of the collective.

5. Blogging is not simply writing; it involves stating your perspective that is not in response to yesterday comments on gaining a large audience.

6. Paritcipating in wiki world tends to foster a loss of insight and subtlety and a disregard to considered opinion.

I thought that the author provided and extensively detailed argument of the digital maoism. I read the article and made some notes of what I basically thought were important point to share on my blog.

My Blog

2006-12-14T16:59:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking as the semester has been winding down, that I probably will not continue this blog; for the very reason that I don't have the writing style nor the courage to share very personal details about my life. However, I am very happy that I had the opportunity to take the "Blogging On" course, since I feel that I have learned a tremendous amount about all aspect of the Web. I will continue reading popular blogs that I have come to enjoy and I will search for blogs that have purpose of mission for sharing information. If I am fortunate enough to locate a cause that is of interest to me, then I may decide to create another blog as an advocate for awareness, change, funding, etc.

Being an information seeker, I will not only continue reading blogs and visiting some of the site that we reviewed in class, I may even post comments as well. Based on what I have read in certain blogs, commenting on post can be somewhat addicting. I don't feel at this point in my life, I have the time to spend more than five hours daily on blogs.

Basically, I wanted to share that I really enjoyed the class and that I do feel like a more informed citizen. Thank you.

Blogs Into Blooks

2006-12-10T20:30:00.000-08:00

This is interesting to me about blogs turning into blooks. Is the only criteria for blogs turning into blooks based on the large audience they attract? How is a blogger notified that the blog will be considered a blook? I am curious to know whether these panel of judges that awarded the first Blooker Prize experts in both blogging and publishing books. I can definitely see how Julie/Julie Project blog evolved into a book. I most certainly would visit this blog site and possibly consider purchasing the book. I would assume these blogs that turn into blooks are minimal beacuse it has to take a great deal of time and effort to create such a successful blog to attract thousands of people and eventually become a blook. The majority of bloggers don't have the amount of time to design a blog site that would attract the masses. I am interested in the topic and plan on researching it more tomorrow-of course to blog.

Social Networking Sites

2006-12-06T20:27:00.000-08:00

I decided to join the friendster and Live Journal sites and have been trying to navigate my way through the rules of engagement. I feel that the content on Live Journal provides more support to new users than friendster. I also felt that when I was attempting to set up my profile on friendster that I was joining a dating site than a community that encourages participants to interact with people of similar interst. I am somewhat uncomfortable on the friendster site; the format and content reminds too much of site that assures consumers that they can indeed find their soulmate on a particular site. I have decided not to create a blog on friendster; although I did post on a communal group that listed their interest being health and fitness. I prefer to spend more time at the Live Journal site. I did set up my account and profile, read through the frequently asked questions and recent news on the site. I will start a journal with some friends, and venture out to groups that have similar interests. I will blog about it in a few days...

Based on some of the readings on social networking, I found one point interesting in terms of how participants project themselves into the internet with the hopes that other people will find them interesting and will interact with them. Additionally, participants will write their community into being through friending. I would think that this could be somewhat intimidating to a new user, if they fear that other participants may not want to interact wiht them.

I found this blog that discusses the ten stupid things that Friendster user do.

Community Values

2006-12-03T19:37:00.000-08:00

Since I am a novice to online communities and the logistics as to how they are formed and sustained; I really do not have much to say in response to the list from the Shirky’s article. I will summarize what I read for me to better understand online community building. I did my own search to familiarize myself with the topic and I found an interesting site that focuses on creating online communities and connecting people.

My summary of online communities:

Communities grow as a result of interconnected membership.
Communities are either small and focused or large and unfocused.
The internet is edited all the time by users posting the most popular and successful sites. Additionally, there are sites that will edit there web page and allow there readers to post comments as well.
There is an automatic filter that sort through the content of what is good quality and what is mediocre.
Community is valued by the infrastructure of participants and the attitude of the users.
Innovative Live Journals are good examples of communal interface in which the environment is modified to replicate the community that uses it.
Weblogs and Live Journal are self-creating and draw many like-minded people together into a cohesive community.
A successful online community is able to maintain internal cohesiveness despite the environment.
It will take a substantial amount of hardwork to create and maintain an online community than those necessary to run a good broadcast site.

As I review the summary above, I realize that based on my previous readings of weblogs, I do have some knowledge of how online communities are formed. I do not feel that I currently possess neither the skills nor the attitude to create a communal site similar to Slashdot and other popular sites.

Pharyngula Rebuttal

2006-12-03T18:01:00.000-08:00

Sharon’s critique of Nielsen’s article does not provide me with substantial arguments to dismiss the ten points that were made in reference to constructing successful blogs.
There is merit to what both authors stated in these articles. However, I do think the users will decide if indeed they would like to vary the topics of randomness, submit photos, embrace anonymity, and publish blogs frequently or not. I believe that it has more to do with the bloggers personal preference, comfortability, and technological expertise than the ten factors suggested by web designers. Although I think that in the beginning the ten points will be use; as the users gain an audience and allow their own unique personality to evolve along with the blog, all rules go out the window. The blogosphere and the community of bloggers that frequent the site are the one’s that drive the content.

The Labryrinth Unbound and Weblog Usability

2006-12-02T19:27:00.000-08:00

I reviewed the Labyrinth Unbound article andI thought that some of the arguments in support of considering weblogs as literature were pretty interesting. On the other hand there were soem poingts that I did not agree with; specifically about every weblog being considered literary in the sense of how it is read. I would disagee with this statement simply because many blogs are personal in nature and the content does not take have a distinct literary form. Many bloggers utilize the blogosphere to express their thoughts, ideas, and to form a connection to a community that has similar viewpoints. Professional blogs have a tendency to take on a more literary and creative form, but I feel the majority of personal blog should not be considered literature. The weblog does resist the commoditization in the ways in which certain blogs are constantly being altered by new post and never completed. Most of what we consider literature is contained and commodified, in addition to various guidelines for publishing great works of literature.

In regards to the Weblog Usability article, most of the information is what we have been reading over the course of the semester. I thought it was helpful to review the material and the point of providing a photo was interesting to me and I have noticed this moreso with professional blogs. I would agree that it offers a more personal impression to the author. I can see how mixing topics on a blog could detract attention from the blog itself regarding specific topics; however, if the topic is personal in nature it would make sense to create another blog that focused on technology.

MySpace

2006-12-02T11:17:00.000-08:00

I really enjoyed reading the MySpace article. The author's comments on anonymity and how the Web has enabled some users to become soliosist, when under normal circumstances they are introverted and modest. I do beleive that many popular blogs take on a life of there own, based on readership and what a particular audience finds interesting or even outrageous about the content. This lends me to surmise that many of the blogs are not authentic. Even somc of the very personal blogs or diaries appear to be searching for an audience.

The author states that many of the successful blogs have abandoned anonymity and still have created unique personalities online. I can definitely see how successful bloggers would eventually reveal their identity, but is it always advantageous? Not for those bloggers that have been fired from their jobs, due to the content on their blogs. I realize that as the users comfortability level increases as they continue to blog and their audience expands, some egos expand as well. I think it is beneficial for those users who can reinvent themselves on the
Web, find their creative source, and of course advertise on their blogs.

Underexposed...

2006-11-26T13:46:00.000-08:00

I would agree that most bloggers use fictious names when creating their blogs do so in part to maintain some element of privacy. Additionally, prior to creating a blog, many prospective bloggers navigate through the blogosphere and are aware that since most bloggers use a pseudonym they in turn will assume the same format. I think that fear is another reason why bloggers assume pseudonyms; there is always the possibility that even with anonymity, readers could recognize the blog and negative consequences could follow. This is especially true, if bloggers decide to blog at their job, specifically about co-workers and superiors. There have numerous employee terminations due to blogs and e-mails that were posted while at work for non-work purposes.

I also think that when bloggers assume a pseudonym, there is higher level of comfortability, creativity, and reckless abandonment, because you are not constantly worried about your true identity being exposed. Although, I do wonder if these blogs are authentic in content, since accountability is lost with the use of fictitious names.

Monday's Class

2006-11-17T13:55:00.000-08:00

During Monday night’s class, I thought to blog about Spazeboy, since I found him most intriguing as he appeared to me, to be the least comfortable discussing the evolution of his blog. I was surprised to see how young he was- early twenties, and based on his blogger profile he is a full time student with various interests. I am curious to know if he is majoring in the computer science/tech field. From what I understood about Spazeboy and the comments he made, he found the My Left Nutmeg site and began reading the blogs. Spazeboy had and opportunity to meet Ned Lamont on January 17, 2006, took pictures of him and started blogging about the campaign in June. What motivated him to continue blogging about Lamont was the increase readership/comments on his site. I would consider Spazeboy to be a very effective spreader of information blogger who enjoys having an audience comment on his perspective about politics and topics that interest him. He does a great job engaging his readers with multiple links-however not overwhelmingly so, videos, and writing style. I would think that because he has such a popular blog, some of what he writes to sustain and expand readership.

2006 Online Politics

2006-11-16T13:48:00.000-08:00

I think that Daily Kos and e.politic present great opportunities to further expand communication about politics as the initial gateway for mainstream media to spread news to the masses. I was surprised to read that e-mail distribution list is the best way to inform voters of campaign updates and fundraising efforts. I thought that the mass mailing we receive leading up to election was the most effective way to capture supporters with a particular message.

I think that as more people become familiar with popular political blogs like the Daily Kos, and the audience continue to expand, online site will be consider as a powerful tool to supplement communication from the mainstream media.

My Relationship to Information…

2006-11-15T18:54:00.000-08:00

I would consider myself to be an information seeker. I prefer to have access to new information on a daily basis that is easily obtainable. I have subscribed to several online newspapers including my favorite-the Washington Post.com, and thoroughly enjoy there press releases. The e-mails that I receive from this site include content from articles that are well-organized and not loaded with massive amounts of information. I have some difficulty reading blogs with a lot of links. Being the information seeker that I am, I feel compelled to open ever single link for additional information on the topic, and this causes me to spend an exorbitant amount of time reading and less time blogging.

Back to the Washington Post website, I am relatively confident that this is a credible site and that the information I get is factual. Ideally, I would prefer not to ponder and research particular sources of information from sites that are less credible. There political trivia questions are absolutely wonderful. I must receive at least two questions daily and really feel as if I am gaining valuable knowledge of the historical and social context of politics.

If I had to choose between being an information seeker or an information spreader, hands down I would love to gain as much knowledge as possible, since it brings me great pleasure in learning something new each day. I have to say that the Metafilter site is one of my favorites as well, since it structurally is well organized, I can quickly skimp through the highlighted topics, and find information that interest me. Additionally, the site is clear and succinct, the content and topic vary.

I obviously have more experience being and information seeker. Becoming a person who spreads information is a little disconcerting for me, since I tend to seek information that interest me and what I would share with others would be totally subjective and biased. Reminds me of something…Blogs.

Going forward, I think that I will evolve into an online advocate for a cause. I would like to blog and find sites that are concerned with the public good of society. I surmise that I would be more inclined to spread information about a particular cause/interest if I am passionate about the topic.

Learning from Lamont-In these Time

2006-11-13T12:54:00.000-08:00

I think that David Sirota article does a great job in analyzing some of the structural challenges that lead to Ned Lamont’s loss of the U.S. Senate race. He articulates very well a list of factors-strong incumbency, Democratic Party’s abandonment of Ned Lamont, Lieberman’s denial of political record, and the weakest Republican nominee in CT history. I fully understand the causes that resulted in the loss of Lamont’s campaign efforts and view Sirota explanation of the argument that Lamont abandoned his Iraq message after the primary as plausible and forthright in his defense to refute the claim. Additionally, I would agree with the statement that many Lieberman supporters that I spoke to said that they were not clear his platform-but were loyal to him nonetheless.

I was surprised to read that millions of dollars were raised online and that thousands of volunteers agreed to support the Lamont campaign. In addition to the 86,000 new registered voted as a result of the Internet’s ability to reach a growing number of users. I don’t think that in the future the Internet will ever be underestimated again regardless of the wins or losses-it still had a tremendous impact on the U.S Senate race and will continue as a powerful tool politically, socially, and economically.

The Fundmental Truth...

2006-11-11T16:36:00.000-08:00

I would agree that the various links do add to the credibility of the content in blogs and other internet sites. However, links can not guarantee that the information being posted is accurate even with reputable sources. I prefer to consider and review the sources as I am gathering information. I am aware that many people would rather have reputable/authoritative source so that the do not have to spend additional time researching the validity of the information.

I would think that the ultimate goal is to allow these communities at Wikipedia, Digg, Google, to perserve the authenticity of social linking activity on the web, while encouraging these communities to create a culture in which the fundamental truth can not only be found in Encyclopedia Brittanica, but in more links and in the content of the posts as well. Within the rules in policies of these sites, there could be incentives for those who post with accuracy and speed. I do think that there is a need for more truth to the web, since many people rely on it as their main source for obtaining knowledge.

ETHICS

2006-11-06T17:44:00.000-08:00

During the class tonight we discuss our perspective on ethics as it relates to blogs and the internet sites. There was consensus that creating a blog that is more of a personal journal of someone's daily life, does not necessarily require ethical guidelines. Additionally, the students agreed that blogs and internet sites that promote organizations, provide educational and technical base information should provide full disclosure of there processes for obtaining and disseminating information. Journalistic sites should also follow a code of ethics when providing information to the general public. Since most blogs are personal in nature, it really does not seem to make sense to have policies since their audience will probably review and comment on blog moreso for entertainment purposes.

The Wal-Mart employees should be held accountable and suffer the consequences when they decided to blog about the customers they met in the Wal-Mart parking lot and not disclose to the company their decision to "Wal-Marting Across America. I think a thorough evaluation of which blogs and internet sites need to have a code of ethics based on the accountability, integrity, and truth to the readers and the general public.

Wonkette and Three Bulls Sites

2006-11-05T14:37:00.000-08:00

I thought that the site dedicated to mocking political elites-Wonkette.com, was much more clearly and humorous than the Three Bulls site. I did read most of the blogs on the latter site and was not impress. Maybe I do not have clarity on the point is being made here. There are numerous photos that most would consider comical, links to articles pertaining to politics, and some bizarre blogs. The Wonkette site, which did mock politicans, had very funny photos, and the blog itself is structured in a way that engages the reader. It is more of a site that provides more of political gossip in Washington than addresses policy issues and new about the election.

I realize that the Three Bulls site is mocking everything...However, when I read some of the comments many readers were not impressed with the blogs either. I would not say that in the past I would seek out humor from the internet. If I would stumble across a funny article I would share it with others, but I would not bookmark the site and revisit it at a later time. Going forward, I probably would visit both sites again, just to keep myself abreast of what is being posted on the sites.

I searched for other sites with political and general humor and this is what I found: The Poor Man Institute blog, and The Onion site that I will review.

YouTube Politics

2006-11-03T11:22:00.000-08:00

I am registered with washingtonpost.com and read the “YouTube politics” article today and I thought it was great. The article discussed how YouTube and Google Video have many embarrassing political moments on tape. From Senator Kerry’s botched jab at President Bush, to Sen. Burns “blunder” when he implied that some workers might be here illegally. These embarrassing moments caught on YouTube can be viewed by the public within hours of the actual statement have completely changed the political network of communication forever. Since many people are able to shoot and upload clips from their digital camera and cell phones, the traditional media gatekeeper in some cases no longer necessary. I got a much needed chuckle of President Bush clips, in which he mangles an old adage and his hesitancy about what to call State of the Union Address. These embarrassing videos of political blunders can be viewed countless times, but most importantly it was referenced in the article that every politician has to check not only YouTube, but also Google and Wikipedia.

Additionally, the washingtonpost.com has the best political/technical trivia questions located at the bottom of the homepage. Half of the time I answer wrong, but I do enjoy getting my daily dose of knowledge.

Slashdot Comments

2006-11-02T19:47:00.000-08:00

Slashdots is more for technologically incline users and the news articles reflect this. There is an online registration process to submit an article. However, there are editors evaluating news with very nerdy responses. Most of the summaries posted are by their own readers. It is comparable to the modern blog, except for that it is more robust. Most of the articles are posted and removed i a few days. I must admit that this site does not fascinate me like metafilter did.
There is more of a formality, technical feel to the site. I am not that interested in the content of what is being posted on the site and feel that this particular online community is more exclusive as to who join in and contributes to the site.

There is a moderation system that prevents abusive comments in the use of a point system. The core audience of Slashdots consist of Linux supporters and other techie's. There is trolliong and spamming on this site-which results in repetitiveness and obsence comments. There is a subculture within Slashdots that exist mainly for redudant jokes and gags.

Critics believe that the credibility of the content on Slashdot has declined. There are articles that have typos and misleading titles. Additionally there has been and increase in repost of articles that have been slighlty reworded and the editor have some difficulty catching the repost in a short period of time.

Overall, I think the site is and will continue to be useful to many software enthusiasts and the readers of the site.

More Coffee Rhetoric...

2006-11-02T19:24:00.000-08:00

I briefly read the most recent blogs from Coffee Rhetoric and I still feel as if her blogs are intensely personal and melancholy. Her blogs do remind me of journal entries and do make me slightly uncomfortable. I think she is very courageous though to share so much about her life-especially with men and the links she includes to older blogs she has published.

She has not changed much since her sabatical. Her blogs are still introspective, self-absorbed and slightly depressing. The blog seems to be even darker from when I initally visited her site.
I hope it is not reflected of her attiude; however I believe it does. Coffee is relateable to many, based on the comments she recieved from her recent blog on love.

I think that her blogs are still therapeutic for her and her readers. It is amusing to me that the comments she received were not only empathic but encouraging as well. I think other could sense her frustration and despair as she asserted herself with a man who did not interest her.

BoingBoing's Linking Policy

2006-11-02T19:10:00.000-08:00

I am highly suspect of the BoingBoing linking policy since there are four to five links in each sentence. All of the links seem to promote NPR and there linking policy as well. I don’t think that the average reader/blogger would frame a website, since most of the comments I’ve read about the linking policy, were from high tech media guru’s. They know exactly the damage that is caused from framing…Especially how confusing it can be for some users who decide to frame.

I was surprised to read that there are linking policies for certain websites. It seems to go against the main purpose for blogging, YouTube, and other internet sites-to give people easy access to information sharing without restrictions and policy. At the same time, I feel that it is inevitable as more people have access and control to post/edit on these sites that policies (ridiculous ones) would be created.

Wikiproject: Countering Systemic Bias

2006-10-29T17:58:00.000-08:00

Wikiproject: Countering Systemic Bias: Focuses on remedy omissions of topics or of particular materials within an existing article.

Origins of Bias:

1. The average Wikipedian is a white male, technically inclined, and educated. They are between the average age of 15-49, speak English, intellectual and predominately Christian.

2. User must have access to both a computer and Internet access to u se them. Most people in developing countries minority/ethnic groups have less access to information technology and education than majority group.

3. English Wikipedia is dominated by editors in industrialized nations.

4. Have available time to participate in project.

5. Overrepresented by people who are intellectuals, college professors, and computer programmers.

6. Those with strong opinions elicit more comments and edits than those who do not have strong opinions.

7. Contains a large amount of material form 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica, Catholic and Nuttall Encyclopedia. This material contains ingrain biases, inaccuracies, and other problems.

8. It takes a great deal of time (6mos.to a year) to edit and old article.

The Bias:

Each editor contributes to an article based on his/her interest and knowledge. Can be subjective and result in unbalanced coverage of topics in global context.

Two Major Forms of Bias:

1. Lack of articles on neglected topics

2. Internal bias to articles that is universal in aspect.

Many articles include religious view pertaining to Christianity, Islam, and Judaism while neglecting other religions. Articles that discuss the use of torture in recent times tend to dwell on the relatively few. The size of the article is often based on the interest of the Wikipedian. Recent events attract more attention and are edited more than older articles.

The Guardian

2006-10-29T17:35:00.000-08:00

It is amazing to me that the information from Gullible.info, a fake trivia site, was found in Wikipedia and later in the Guardian article. I agree with the comments from Kyle Stoneman that the nature of information should be shared and interpreted online as accessible information that may not be one hundred percent accurate, but based on the need for a quick reference. I would also agree that the information sharing online should not be used to make major decision that could impact someone’s like in terms of costing them money and damaging their health.

Additionally, the information online should not be considered valid until there is a sufficient amount of time to research the information to see if it is indeed factual. Gullible info. does not appear to me to be a site is trying to provide the user with factual information. It strikes me as odd that information from this site that mcould end up in Wikipedia and then would appear in the Guardian article. Does the need to have quick, and accessible information overide our responsibility to inform the public with information that is as accurate as possible?

My Thoughts on MeFi

2006-10-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

About MeFI, I think it is one of the most interesting community weblogs I have visited so far. It had tons of information about various topics. It gives people the opportunity to learn and share information at random. As I reviewed the broad range of topics, I was compelled to read the article on performance enhancing drugs, computerless e-mail printer, etc, I realize that the site titles tend to draw the reader in to review archive articles and to ultimately register and start posting comments as well. There are numerous links even more comments in response to the weblog.

I have to say that when I clicked on the Muskrat Lovely competition link I was horrified as to the graphic nature of the documentary and was unprepared to see how literally cutthroat the competition really is at the show. I guess I am weak at heart…I am more than certain that I will continue my vegetarian diet. It definitely works best for me.

Traditional weblogs provide a valuable filtering service, Free-style blogs are more concerned with self-expression. Most post encourages that the information is interesting, most people have not seen the info, and will get the readers to comment. Bad post are those that are posted to homepage and asking for feedback is a bad post.

The MeFi format is easy to navigate and links really draw and audience. There does not apprear to be strict guidelines/regulation as to who can become a member of the weblogs. User must register for a week before allowed to post to the links. The site encourages the users to post information to links that are fascinating and enlightening for the readers. There does not seem to be any restriction on the content or format of what is posted on the weblog. It is a free form interface commentary, personal stories, and, historical references. The most recent link and comments are placed at the top of the page and listed by dates.

Voting Rights Act & Wikipedia

2006-10-24T11:12:00.000-07:00

I was helping my brother with a research paper about the Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendment of 2006. I immediately went to Google to quickly find some information to help him begin his paper. I was surprised to see Wikipedia listed as a reference. When I completed my non-expert comparative analysis of the political sites to Wikepedia, I found the content, and references very in-depth and quite similar. As I continue to gather information, I realize that I would stress to my brother that all three sites should be used as reference tools to help him with his outline for the paper. I am not convinced that the information is not entirely credible since Wikipedia is constantly being update/revised. I do feel that Wikipedia is a good reference point to start a paper in terms of laying the foundation and generating ideas; however, I would prefer to cite scholarly journal online.

New Yorker Review of Wikipedia

2006-10-21T13:38:00.000-07:00

The New Yorker Articles about Wikipedia suggest that the site has less credible information sharing than Britannica and although the site has thousands of people making edits it is more of and online tool for self-expression and peoples opinions. Wikipedia is an all inclusive site which inevitably has a high occurrence of misinformation and vandalism. There are internal processes in place to monitor and regulate these occurrences. However, the legitimacy aspect of the site weighs in when you have so many people with access and the opportunity to update/edit information that has already been posted. I was surprised to read that the oversight function is not being used unless there are extreme articles that are slanderous or private in nature. I would have the expectation that if false information is posted for the masses to use that the information when it is identified, would be removed immediately. This leads me to believe that the site is reluctant to penalize or ban the members at the expense of sustaining factual and credible information on the site. I surmise that the goals of the founder and his employees is to have information that is easily assessable than reliable. I am surprised that the site does carry any advertisement covers expenses with large donations. I would be curious to know the financial sponsors for this site, since it continues to have great mass appeal, due to its open access policy; the legitimacy of the site seems to be diminishing.

Wikipedia

2006-10-19T19:29:00.000-07:00

I read the content on the Wikipedia site and did my best to examine the rules and regulations of the information that is updated, edited, and posted on in this free online encyclopedia. Although the eidtor encourage anyone to be bold and edit article themeselves, there are processes in place that if the posted information is inaccurate and offensive will be removed from the site. This is not an immediate process and could take time for inaccurate information to be removed from the site. It operates specifically with a internal resolution process when editor can not agree on content and approach which can take some time to resolve.

Wikipedia is constantly being updates and encourages anybody to contribute and update the information currently available to the masses. The more recent articles have a tendency to be subjective and not well-balanced and in contrast the older articles tend to obtain valid information and have less inacurracies. Wikipedia is suppose to be completely up to date wiht articles on topical events that is being posted and created within minutes/hours rather than in an extended period of time.

Many of the projects are ongoing in which to expand the knowledge base. The content section of the site clear list the nbest practices when exploring, editing, and getting feedback and questions about Wikipedia.

There are many links within an article in addition to reference materials, web sites and other dictionary definitions. Since the articles are never complete-they are continously being edited and improved over time. Ideally, most articles would be neutral, objective, and well-balanced. many articles reach this standard over time, but it can take months, and maybe even year to get there. Since Wikipedia has a large contributr base it is subject to bias, more easily vandalized, and inaccurate information will be posting for a length of time, due to the lack of regulations.
Most articles reflect the point of view of the author and most people that utilize the site are young males with higher socioeconomic status, and either Christian or Jewish.There are tens of thousands of people that edit the site. Additionally there are mechanisms that help community watch for bad edits, and a judicial committee will decide on withdrawls or restrictions when needed. Formal guidelines and policies for neutrality when creating/edting an article, what valid information is, and citing information. There are also disclaimers on the site as well.

Wikipedia went online in Jan.15, 2001 after being founded after the defunct Nupedia which was also a free encyclopedia. I believe that the code is anyone who visits the site can edit it, and this fact has encouraged contribution of tremendous amount of information. Although bad edits/misinformation will be identified eventually most people have free will to create or edit articles and that it is encourages to do so.

This Post...

2006-10-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

Overall I liked the post. It is exciting to me that there are many different ways to represent oneself on the Internet. I don't agree that the vlogging is preferable to some people because they do not like writing or are not good spellers. I think it has to do with gradual advancement of technology and the extensive demand and usage of the Internet that we have progressed to audio/video etc.

I would agree with her comments about Michelle Malkin and the video that was removed, due to it being offensive. I think Malkin is a smart woman who realize the impact she would have based on her professional infulence and the content of the video. I would agree that most likely the video well-thought out tool to spread get her message out to the masses.

Comments on Art-Video Blog

2006-10-13T19:28:00.000-07:00

The Art blog strategically has various photos and headings to draw their audience in to viewing the videos. There are multiple links and many of the videos although amusing, have a socially conscious message and a goal in improving the online communications in other countries. The photos and content on the site are very liberal and suggestive. The backgroung color is dry for and artsy blog; however, the language is very persuasive and provocative to draw in/entice the audience to view the video. I think this blog does a good job with persuasion...The actual message itself, when there is an underlying message, I am not entirely convinced is making an impact. I will continue reviewing the blog to see if I will change my opinion.

YouTube/Controversy

2006-10-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

Found the site to have some very amusing and silly videos. The comments from most respondents were brief and personal in nature of their like or dislikes of the videos. I did not find video that were socially conscious with a message like the controversy link. Which I would agree although the message is filled with hate, there were multiple links and more serious/consciously driven video. There seem to be more restrictions in the videoblogs than there are in general blogs, due to the content of nature of the videos. That is to be expected. However, I keep mulling over the 1st Amendment and what constitute offensive in nature. I think that the public does have the right to be informed of the war in the Middle East. Videoblogs appear to be a powerful tool in depicting the devastation of war, terriost groups, and various non-related topics. YouTube can also serve as a means for certain groups of people to get their message across to the masses, whether offensive or not -the information spreads. The videoblogs that I observed stated that the site/information is authentic. How would we know this? The videos provide images that are portrayed to evoke strong emotions and reactions and to think that the videos are misleading and inaccurate is distrurbing with the thousands of people that view the videoblogs.

Training Day

2006-10-10T17:49:00.000-07:00

I have just finished my last long training run in preparation of the Niantic Marathon on Sunday, October 22nd. I have yet to register for the marathon, just in case I decide not to enter... This will be my third marathon and each time I train and get myself psyched I always wait until either a week or two prior to the marathon to register. Although, I have never decided not to run, I want that option.

This is the first time in two years that I have not trained up to 24 miles, but have decided to take advice from a runner's magazine and train slightly different this year. As in every year, I train to finish, and if I can improve my time that would be great and if not then finishing is more than enough. I want to start running in marathon in other states besides CT. I have entered in the NYC marathon back in 2004 and was denied entry. I will register again for NY and I am hopeful that eventually, I will get in. There are other marathons in CA and FL that I would like to participate in within the next couple years. My best finish time for a marathon was 4:07:10. I hoping to cut some time off and finish right under 4:00. We will see...I definitely don't feel that this year, I will finish the marathon in Niantic within this timeframe.

I feel very excited and nervous about race day. I have been a member of the Hartford Track Club and have never had an opportunity to meet up with the different groups to run. Therefore, each year while training for either a marathon/half-marathon I tend to run in alone. Most of my friends would not even consider running a 10k let alone 26miles. They all think that I am weird to enjoy long distance running the way I do. I will evenually run in marathons in other states besides CT and will have the experience of running in a marathon with a buddy system.

Johnson's Interview

2006-10-10T17:45:00.000-07:00

Johnson interview help me tremendously in understanding emergence. I particularly liked the analogies Johnson provides with cities and the utilization of sidewalks in most large cities or system. I have read the referenced book by Jane Jacosb and can clearly see the connection of the organization of cities into neighborhood and how information is filtered that is independent of the city as a whole. The emergence network is similar to this process and becomes more organized with use. (similar to Jacobs text that encourages the residents to interact on neighborhood streets.

I will review the Slashdot site to see how information is gathered , filtered, and then disseminated. I would agree with Johnson, based on my limited review of blogs that they are very personalized and more so journal entries than contributory information for mainstream society. I will be interesting to observe what mechanism will store the data online in the blogosphere and organize / structure it for everyone to utilize.

Emergence

2006-10-07T19:20:00.000-07:00

I read through the information on Emergence and can see how information is gathered and distributed when blogging. Additionally, since there are no regulations for blogging as it relates to content, links, and consistency, the emergence process has value. I found the information to be interesting as we continue to learn more about blogs. I tried to find additional information about the emergence concept to deepen my understanding of how it relates to blogging. Thought this website was helpful as well.

Dooce

2006-10-05T11:47:00.000-07:00

I realized that I had not posted comments about Dooce's blog and recently revisited the site again and I am still convinced that it is the best blog I have read so far. She now has the breast cancer awareness information and the color pink throughout the blog; as a tribute for all of the women that will be or have been diagnosed with the disease. Also, her most recent blogs about her daughter and husband were hilarious and engaging. I think her blog continues to be though-provoking, extremely humorous, empathic, and personable. I do enjoy reading about how challenging and thoroughly rewarding raising a young child can be. Seeing that I am new to blogging, I find it quite amazing that she is being paid to blog and can support her entire family. However, based on the quality and content of the blog, I would say she deserves to be paid. I hope this isn't offensive... but I just thought that her blog reminds me of an quality reality TV show, except for it is an online blog.

Coffee's Rhetoric

2006-10-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

Had a chance to review additional blog entries from Coffee's Rhetoric. My review of the blog entries are that of African American female who finds creative expression through her self-exploration of her fears, insecurities and frustrations with daily life. I find at times that the blogger introspective writing content is somewhat dark and brooding. The blogger is very open with providing information about herself. I think she will continue to have an audience due to honesty about her life and the challenges she face. Although, I was not thrilled about some of the topics Coffee’s addressed-particularly the frustration she has with runner’s, I would probably visit her blog again-just to see if she has made progress in certain areas of her life. If Coffee did not provide such detailed information about her life,.I know I would not consider revisiting the blog. I would surmise that this is what draws the audience to her-we all want to see how the story/drama unfolds.

Kottke.com

2006-09-24T19:01:00.000-07:00

Overall, really enjoyed the blog. Thought the article on marathon running was quite funny and insightful. I have ran in two marathons, and am training for my third next month so I can empathize with Kottke's frustration at dinner parties and his support of Mr. Sherman. I thought the posting on eating cheap was informative and helpful to the blogger who requesting assistance while visiting NYC. I enjoyed reading through the numerous links and felt that Kottke was not just sharing his personal story, but seriously trying to share information about the life expectancy of young black men, his trip to Austria-beautiful picture, and informing his audience of the history of the legal pad. There is no stucture to the posting. Many posting are random in what is published and all seem to be highly sophisticated and engaging. I was able to read through the majority of Kottke's postings with ease and anticipation. Will definitely revisit blog.

Daily Kos

2006-09-24T18:50:00.000-07:00

Just finished reading the Daily Kos blog and can see that there is definitely a theme of politics and the war. The author does have a tendency to provide updates on the election, the primary in Hawaii, the patriot Act, and the intelligence report. I am not clear as to where the author of this blog is going with his posting. He does not explicitly state his opinion about each topic. Although each topic has its relevancy, I feel as if the author is providing factual data to his audience moreso than attempting to support his own opinions.

McLuhan Meets the Net

2006-09-24T18:11:00.000-07:00

I thought the excerpts from McLuhan's book were very interesting and were thought-provoking. I would not agree with his argument that the the electronic media is eroding disciplinary boundaries, and felt the university must change or disappear. It should not be enlarged, but we should "create numerous groups of autonomous colleges in place of our centralized university plant that grew up on the lines of European government and nineteenth-century industry." (71) He warns that if it does not adapt, the university will disappear as the oral Schools did when they did not create a synthesis with the Gutenberg technology. I think his argument is quite extreme, highly opinionated, and persuasive. Although, I do not think that embracing electronic media in university settings, will destroy the disciplinary boundaries; I think that it should be monitored and research in terms of its effects.

Another point I would like to mention about McLuhan's article is his comments about the Net will also slow the intellectual "brain drain." He goes on to add that the Net facilitates decentralization of economic activity, and allows professionals stay in touch after returning home. Capital and Information want to be free, and the Net increases entropy. I think that his argument provide the proper langage and analogy to draw the reader in either completely support or deny the claim. I feel that there is some validity in McLuhan article; however his strong language, and rawness does make me want to provide alternatives to his argument.

Comments on La Memessa

2006-09-24T17:20:00.001-07:00

I find the topic on meme somewhat diffcult to understand. I read the articles on Susan Blackmore's site at least three times and I do not feel as if I am quite getting it. I know that Memes are habits, skills, songs, stories, or any other kind of information that is copied from person to person. Memes, like genes, are replicators. That is, they are information that is copied with variation and selection. Because only some of the variants survive, memes (and hence human cultures) evolve. Memes are copied by imitation, teaching and other methods, and they compete for space in our memories and for the chance to be copied again. Large groups of memes that are copied and passed on together are called co-adapted meme complexes, or memeplexes. I guess I need to apply memes to how information is shared on blogs. However, I do not see the connection in full.

Comments on La Memessa

2006-09-24T17:20:00.000-07:00

Nonsense Now

2006-09-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

I read the blog for nonsense now and found the blog to be quite amusing and enjoyable to read. I thought that the bar mitzvah posting was hilarous and can found the style of writing fluid. The author seemed natural at engaging the reader-almost effortless. The posting on being addicted to blizzards from Dairy Queen was not thought provoking, but funny nonetheless. I could not stop laughing at the internal conflict the author was having as he attempted to assis two women in Stop& Shop. He justified his actions of not helping the women, due to their curt reply and scream of frustration. Althougth these are personal diary of his life with humour underlying every posting. The Sept. 11th posting was very serious in the sense that the author attempts to encourage the reader to adopt a new perspective/point of view when commemorating Sept. 11th. The 9/11 theme store posting is very raw, open, and candid about not getting caught in any political ploy of what occurred on 9/11/01. Again the author opinons of how we should percieve 9/11 going forward is reinterated.
Overall, really enjoyed reading the blog

My thought

2006-09-24T16:12:00.000-07:00

I read the my thoughts blog and immediately felt that this was more of a personal journal chronicling the life of a middle-aged, retired woman, adjusting to her new home and lifestyle.
The my thoughts blog is a very candid and honest portrayl of someone who need to share stories of the exterminator coming to rid her new home of crickets, her breakfast specials at IKEA, and her lack of organization she has as she unpacks in her new home. I will infer that the author of this blog is lonley and has some sense of fulfillment in posting her daily activities online. I did not find these blogs to be very engaging. Although the author does not have other bloggers commenting on her stories, she continues to blog daily. This leads me to believe that blogging is theraputic for her moreso than her blogging for others and having an online dailogue.

My thoughts blog

2006-09-24T16:09:00.000-07:00

I thought that the blog consisted of a middle-aged woman who enjoyed sharing her personal stories online. She share stories from her daily life such as her lunch with a friend, the exterminator to rid her new home of crickets, and the visits to IKEA for the breakfast special. I get the sense that the my thought blogger is lonely and find fulfillment in sharing activities in her daily life. The blogs are candid and honest exploration of the life of a woman who is retired and adjusting to her new home and lifestyle. I was not capitivated by the My thoughts blogs and probably will not visit the site after I complete this class.

Comments on the Nutmeg Grater

2006-09-24T14:51:00.000-07:00

Enjoyed reading the nutmeg grater. The author has a tendeny in his blogs to discuss politics and in another blogs comments on the use of children soliders, including a picture to outrage and gain the support of his reader. I noticed that many of the blogs were informative and attempted to engage the reader in the bloggers through the use of persuasive language and photos. The comments on spinach, the violence in Baghdad, thoughts on 911 art exhibit, and injured soliders provides me with bloggers strong opinions on the war and creative way he titles each blog to draw/attract the reader.