What is the most significant thing you've learned about digital publishing?
I've learned many new things about digital publishing through this class that I never questions prior to gaining this knowledge. For one thing, remediation is a concept that I never thought of in terms of digital publishing prior to this class. Everytime a new technology came out or something newer and better hit the market, I never stopped to wonder why this happened, if their was a need for it, and what was it "remediating".
What are the strengths of your project?
I believe that my project has strength in illustrating the different forms of the self and how they can be displayed through digital media, as well as how they can adapt to new and emerging technologies
What will you do with your new knowledge?
I will look at digital publications much differently. I have already seen a change in the way I look at new products, social media, websites, etc. Now, I question what it has remediated, and look at in terms of the goal it is trying to achieve.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Final post
Wow, how time flies! It is hard to believe our last class is tonight. This is my very last class as an MAPC student, and I want to say I am very glad I chose this to be my last course. I say that because this course has enabled me to learn new software and technology that I otherwise would not have pursued. Instead of being relieved the orals and the project defense are over as my last reflection of the program, I have a new perspective on my objectives in my working environment here at Clemson.
1. What is the most significant thing that you've learned about digital publishing?
I think for me that it's that we should understand the "why" that is behind the choices that we make in design, so when we are at the point to truly understand our goals in a project, we are theoretically equipped to proceed. Also, it is not so much about what we want to produce (or produced) but why we made the decisions we made along the way. When developing a project we should always have a "because" to answer every "what."
Our audience should be the focus when we answer "because." If we have not taken the time to give the user what they need are we not simply trying to teach a body of information we want to publish? I think it is important for me to always keep in mind it is my responsibility as a digital publisher to provide information that the audience needs to know versus what I want to tell them in order for my publications to be successful.
2. What are the strengths of your project?
I believe the strenghts are the on-camera interviews with faculty members about proposal development. I feel that if faculty members are able to gather information from watching a short clip of their peers that have gone through the process, they may be more receptive to the information rather than reading it on-line. Hopefully this remediation of print to film will be a stepping stone to more interactive and collaborative forms of information that is disseminated about research.
3. What will you do with your new knowledge?
The possibilities are endless for the AAH Research website. I would like to continue to talk to the faculty members in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities and listen to what they would like as far as information about research and proposal development. I also believe the possibilities are endless for me as a digital publisher. However, in order to provide cutting edge material, it is critical to stay current with new technology. Learning new software and technology enables an individual to own that knowledge. What I have learned in the few short weeks has prompted me to want to learn more about new technology and ways to apply it in my career. I look forward to what lies ahead of me, and what I am able to do with different applications.
1. What is the most significant thing that you've learned about digital publishing?
I think for me that it's that we should understand the "why" that is behind the choices that we make in design, so when we are at the point to truly understand our goals in a project, we are theoretically equipped to proceed. Also, it is not so much about what we want to produce (or produced) but why we made the decisions we made along the way. When developing a project we should always have a "because" to answer every "what."
Our audience should be the focus when we answer "because." If we have not taken the time to give the user what they need are we not simply trying to teach a body of information we want to publish? I think it is important for me to always keep in mind it is my responsibility as a digital publisher to provide information that the audience needs to know versus what I want to tell them in order for my publications to be successful.
2. What are the strengths of your project?
I believe the strenghts are the on-camera interviews with faculty members about proposal development. I feel that if faculty members are able to gather information from watching a short clip of their peers that have gone through the process, they may be more receptive to the information rather than reading it on-line. Hopefully this remediation of print to film will be a stepping stone to more interactive and collaborative forms of information that is disseminated about research.
3. What will you do with your new knowledge?
The possibilities are endless for the AAH Research website. I would like to continue to talk to the faculty members in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities and listen to what they would like as far as information about research and proposal development. I also believe the possibilities are endless for me as a digital publisher. However, in order to provide cutting edge material, it is critical to stay current with new technology. Learning new software and technology enables an individual to own that knowledge. What I have learned in the few short weeks has prompted me to want to learn more about new technology and ways to apply it in my career. I look forward to what lies ahead of me, and what I am able to do with different applications.
Final Post - Final Thoughts
1. What is the most significant thing that you've learned about digital publishing?
The most significant thing that I have learned about digital publishing in this class is probably the theories of remediation and hypermedia/transparency. Although these theories have crossed my mind for specific situations before, I had never thought about them as universal principals in design or as part of the creative process. I think that Bolter and Grusin discuss the theories in a variety of situations very well, but they did have a tendency to focus on what was ultramodern at the time of the book's publication. These ideas are present in all forms of art and publication and I think they are important to consider when thinking about what a publication means, who it's audience is, and what it is trying to accomplish. These are all very important as parts of rhetoric and parts of communication.
2. What are the strengths of your project?
The strengths of my project are in its theoretical concept and in its future. By this I mean that I am not yet happy with what it has achieved, but still feel proud of what it represents as an idea and what it may grow into in the near future. I feel that the ideas that it represents are very important: spreading the creative process and discussion to new people and gathering individuals together as part of a community.
3. What will you do with your new knowledge?
With my new knowledge, I hope to keep doing what I've been doing, only perhaps more effectively. All of the theories that we have discussed in class can shape my communication habits. I have a new appreciation for "the little guy" in our national media, a new found understanding of how ideas change and adapt to different media, and also new insight into how good group decisions can be made. These ideas will come into play in my final year in MAPC when I write my thesis about the Obama Infomercial near the end of the last presidential election. I would be very interested in McChesney's thoughts on the infomercial as it expresses many of his same beliefs through a completely controlled message with no citizen input. I can also address the idea of remediation as the Infomercial is an adaptation of the traditional political commercial and an adaptation of a news magazine-style segment.
The most significant thing that I have learned about digital publishing in this class is probably the theories of remediation and hypermedia/transparency. Although these theories have crossed my mind for specific situations before, I had never thought about them as universal principals in design or as part of the creative process. I think that Bolter and Grusin discuss the theories in a variety of situations very well, but they did have a tendency to focus on what was ultramodern at the time of the book's publication. These ideas are present in all forms of art and publication and I think they are important to consider when thinking about what a publication means, who it's audience is, and what it is trying to accomplish. These are all very important as parts of rhetoric and parts of communication.
2. What are the strengths of your project?
The strengths of my project are in its theoretical concept and in its future. By this I mean that I am not yet happy with what it has achieved, but still feel proud of what it represents as an idea and what it may grow into in the near future. I feel that the ideas that it represents are very important: spreading the creative process and discussion to new people and gathering individuals together as part of a community.
3. What will you do with your new knowledge?
With my new knowledge, I hope to keep doing what I've been doing, only perhaps more effectively. All of the theories that we have discussed in class can shape my communication habits. I have a new appreciation for "the little guy" in our national media, a new found understanding of how ideas change and adapt to different media, and also new insight into how good group decisions can be made. These ideas will come into play in my final year in MAPC when I write my thesis about the Obama Infomercial near the end of the last presidential election. I would be very interested in McChesney's thoughts on the infomercial as it expresses many of his same beliefs through a completely controlled message with no citizen input. I can also address the idea of remediation as the Infomercial is an adaptation of the traditional political commercial and an adaptation of a news magazine-style segment.
Final Post
1. What is the most significant thing that you've learned about digital publishing?
I have learned quite a bit in this class. I had never really considered digital publishing to be a subject that had much weight to it before I began this class, but have completely changed my opinion. I now know how important digital publishing is and will become as our media landscape changes. We must look at our audience like never before as their online habits and needs may differ quite significantly from their offline counterparts. The Internet has given the public the opportunity to connect with people all across the globe, bringing our globalized world ever closer. As I move into a career in advertising where my job will be to connect with consumers both online and offline, Bolter and Grusin's virtual and networked self provide the theory I will need to make strategic informed media decisions.
2. What are the strengths of your project?
Once again, questions regarding my project have to be approached a little differently. My project outlines the elements of a viral campaign from start to finish. The strength in my project is from showing the numerous ways that the Internet can be used to connect with the public. It provides a good case study for effective online digital campaigns.
3. What will you do with your new knowlege?
Like I mentioned above, this knowledge I have gained from this class will be extremely useful as I begin a career in advertising, especially as an entry level media planner. There is will be my job to chose the media that will be most successful and efficient in connecting with consumers. Knowing what motivates the public online will allow me to better select the media that should be used in an online campaign.
I have learned quite a bit in this class. I had never really considered digital publishing to be a subject that had much weight to it before I began this class, but have completely changed my opinion. I now know how important digital publishing is and will become as our media landscape changes. We must look at our audience like never before as their online habits and needs may differ quite significantly from their offline counterparts. The Internet has given the public the opportunity to connect with people all across the globe, bringing our globalized world ever closer. As I move into a career in advertising where my job will be to connect with consumers both online and offline, Bolter and Grusin's virtual and networked self provide the theory I will need to make strategic informed media decisions.
2. What are the strengths of your project?
Once again, questions regarding my project have to be approached a little differently. My project outlines the elements of a viral campaign from start to finish. The strength in my project is from showing the numerous ways that the Internet can be used to connect with the public. It provides a good case study for effective online digital campaigns.
3. What will you do with your new knowlege?
Like I mentioned above, this knowledge I have gained from this class will be extremely useful as I begin a career in advertising, especially as an entry level media planner. There is will be my job to chose the media that will be most successful and efficient in connecting with consumers. Knowing what motivates the public online will allow me to better select the media that should be used in an online campaign.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Final Post: Reflections and lessons
Dear class,
Thank you for a very pleasurable learning experience. I cannot wait to present my final work tomorrow...and see what the class was able to produce. It's been a privilege working with you this past term.
Without further ado...
What is the most significant thing that you've learned about digital publishing?
It is rather difficult to reduce this question to a blog entry response. We’ve reviewed four books this semester – McChesney, Sunstein, Bolter & Grusin and Williams as a group. Independently I studied Powazek’s Design for Community, Prezi, Captivate and HTML. It’s been a lot to absorb…but a rewarding process.
My most important learning has been that the media and message must be aligned with the exigence. The problem being addressed dictates the appropriate response. It begins not with learning something nifty about technology (although we did that!), but instead understanding the possible contributions of digital production to the rhetorical situation. Whether using a digital or traditional media, always explore exigence first. Then the exigence will dictate the design and content parameters…Also, from this approach, the parameters for how to select the media are determined ahead of time.
On a closing note, I think Dr. Fishman raised an excellent point in class discussion directly relevant to this question. Technology has the equivalent of a “born-on” date. The continuous software and hardware innovations make it impossible to rest on our e-laurels. Less important than technological proficiency is the ability to learn new technologies. This class brings me current in several areas. However, I feel there’s much more I can (and will need to) learn!
What are the strengths of your project?
I’m proud of my project. Much of my time was spent considering the product not as a publication, but a new organizational entity entirely. I went off the course to do it. Budgeting…reviewing the process of incorporation…looking at the current state of film patronage in SC…and crafting community rules and vision were some of my steps. Design became the last priority to review this material first.
The society design is a novel approach. Using a community design, I created a project for film conversation remediated by a wiki, blog, and several support sites. This group, if successfully formed, will also produce funding for South Carolina film charities. In short, the society meets the needs for virtual collaboration on an enterprise of public benefit and cultural awareness.
I used several modalities to accomplish this…including a blog, wiki, prezi, video on Utube, twitter presence, and several html. documents. It was an ambitious undertaking for the time available. I’m proud of the idea…interaction design…use of digital media theory…and level of technological comfort I gained from the process.
What will you do with your new knowledge?
Learn more. I’ve got my eyes set on Adobe certifications and active involvement with MMUG group the year ahead. I’d like to see if I can get the Film Society off the ground. And I’m not done with my formal education . In short, this is not the end of the learning process for me.
Thank you for a very pleasurable learning experience. I cannot wait to present my final work tomorrow...and see what the class was able to produce. It's been a privilege working with you this past term.
Without further ado...
What is the most significant thing that you've learned about digital publishing?
It is rather difficult to reduce this question to a blog entry response. We’ve reviewed four books this semester – McChesney, Sunstein, Bolter & Grusin and Williams as a group. Independently I studied Powazek’s Design for Community, Prezi, Captivate and HTML. It’s been a lot to absorb…but a rewarding process.
My most important learning has been that the media and message must be aligned with the exigence. The problem being addressed dictates the appropriate response. It begins not with learning something nifty about technology (although we did that!), but instead understanding the possible contributions of digital production to the rhetorical situation. Whether using a digital or traditional media, always explore exigence first. Then the exigence will dictate the design and content parameters…Also, from this approach, the parameters for how to select the media are determined ahead of time.
On a closing note, I think Dr. Fishman raised an excellent point in class discussion directly relevant to this question. Technology has the equivalent of a “born-on” date. The continuous software and hardware innovations make it impossible to rest on our e-laurels. Less important than technological proficiency is the ability to learn new technologies. This class brings me current in several areas. However, I feel there’s much more I can (and will need to) learn!
What are the strengths of your project?
I’m proud of my project. Much of my time was spent considering the product not as a publication, but a new organizational entity entirely. I went off the course to do it. Budgeting…reviewing the process of incorporation…looking at the current state of film patronage in SC…and crafting community rules and vision were some of my steps. Design became the last priority to review this material first.
The society design is a novel approach. Using a community design, I created a project for film conversation remediated by a wiki, blog, and several support sites. This group, if successfully formed, will also produce funding for South Carolina film charities. In short, the society meets the needs for virtual collaboration on an enterprise of public benefit and cultural awareness.
I used several modalities to accomplish this…including a blog, wiki, prezi, video on Utube, twitter presence, and several html. documents. It was an ambitious undertaking for the time available. I’m proud of the idea…interaction design…use of digital media theory…and level of technological comfort I gained from the process.
What will you do with your new knowledge?
Learn more. I’ve got my eyes set on Adobe certifications and active involvement with MMUG group the year ahead. I’d like to see if I can get the Film Society off the ground. And I’m not done with my formal education . In short, this is not the end of the learning process for me.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Post 12: "Paper" Proposal Main Argument
For the "paper" accompanying my final project, I will be creating a short video which will address the interaction of theory and practical application on the Clemson Online Film Festival website. I plan on using screen shots of my website as I discuss the theories that came into play during its creation and its use. I have decided to use all 4 of the books that we have read in class, but I feel that my main argument would be about how my project relates to and bolsters the claims of McChesney's book: Communication Revolution. My paper will not only show the need for a grassroots form of media, it will also show the barriers of such an alternative media.
Communication Revolution has a clear connection to my project’s goal of encouraging creative output outside of the corporate media system. I think McChesney would be pleased to see a grassroots film effort like this, but perhaps disappointed in its limited scope. I for one, would welcome a government grant to help me build such a website and connect it with a local television station, and even video production courses here on campus. Theoretically there is a great deal more that I could do to strengthen the areas of film production and criticism in the Clemson community, however a lack of time and money will most likely keep this a small operation. It is only due to the availability and relative inexpense of current technology (the availability of the internet, the advent of internet video and of social networks) that my modest site is even possible. I agree with McChesney that these new technologies have given us an opportunity to include small-time productions as part of the media, but disagree that the window is closing on us. It remains to be seen, though.
Communication Revolution has a clear connection to my project’s goal of encouraging creative output outside of the corporate media system. I think McChesney would be pleased to see a grassroots film effort like this, but perhaps disappointed in its limited scope. I for one, would welcome a government grant to help me build such a website and connect it with a local television station, and even video production courses here on campus. Theoretically there is a great deal more that I could do to strengthen the areas of film production and criticism in the Clemson community, however a lack of time and money will most likely keep this a small operation. It is only due to the availability and relative inexpense of current technology (the availability of the internet, the advent of internet video and of social networks) that my modest site is even possible. I agree with McChesney that these new technologies have given us an opportunity to include small-time productions as part of the media, but disagree that the window is closing on us. It remains to be seen, though.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Post 11: Group Success
Both of the reasons for group failure which I discussed in my last post, can also lead to group success. Groups do need to stick together and work in unison towards a common goal. Social pressures can ensure that everyone gets along and ensure that a hierarchy remains intact. A very strong group structure, like that in the military, can be used to make sure that everyone is moving in the same direction.
Informational influences can benefit a group in a similar way. Without any informational momentum, a group would spend days or weeks exploring every single one of their options. Eventually an idea (hopefully a good one) needs to gain traction and get team support to go forward and get the actual project finished. The key is to find the balance between having too much or too little social and informational influence and to decide what is appropriate to the project at hand. For example, I know how frustrating it is when a group of people can't decide where to eat for dinner. In this case, they have too little social and/or informational influence. If almost everyone really wants Mexican, than this works out much better. However if everyone in congress suddenly decides that building a bridge across the Atlantic is necessary, this may not lead to a desirable outcome.
Informational influences can benefit a group in a similar way. Without any informational momentum, a group would spend days or weeks exploring every single one of their options. Eventually an idea (hopefully a good one) needs to gain traction and get team support to go forward and get the actual project finished. The key is to find the balance between having too much or too little social and informational influence and to decide what is appropriate to the project at hand. For example, I know how frustrating it is when a group of people can't decide where to eat for dinner. In this case, they have too little social and/or informational influence. If almost everyone really wants Mexican, than this works out much better. However if everyone in congress suddenly decides that building a bridge across the Atlantic is necessary, this may not lead to a desirable outcome.
Post 10: Group Failure
Group failure is a common problem, and according to Sunstein actually becomes more and more common as groups get larger. This because of two reasons: Informational and Social Influences. Informational influences may convince an otherwise skeptical decision maker about a particular course of action, simply through the inertia of the idea being repeated and build upon. Social influences work in a very similar way but depend on the person's need to fit into a group, as opposed to their ideas themselves being changed by "logic."
I would imagine that social influences are easier to recognize and in some situations fairly easy to fix. If a company discourages their employees to think outside the box or even think out loud, then they obviously have this problem. Some corporate cultures, or even individual manager's temperaments can add to this problem. If employees believe that "the nail that sticks out is the one that gets hammered down." than this is definitely a problem. To fix this, managers need to be convinced that encouragement of new ideas is a necessary step to improve their company's ability to survive in a changing environment.
Informational influences can remain less of a problem if decision makers are encouraged to play "devil's advocate" and by comprising decision groups out of diverse backgrounds to result in a wide variety of thoughts and opinions coming to the group.
I would imagine that social influences are easier to recognize and in some situations fairly easy to fix. If a company discourages their employees to think outside the box or even think out loud, then they obviously have this problem. Some corporate cultures, or even individual manager's temperaments can add to this problem. If employees believe that "the nail that sticks out is the one that gets hammered down." than this is definitely a problem. To fix this, managers need to be convinced that encouragement of new ideas is a necessary step to improve their company's ability to survive in a changing environment.
Informational influences can remain less of a problem if decision makers are encouraged to play "devil's advocate" and by comprising decision groups out of diverse backgrounds to result in a wide variety of thoughts and opinions coming to the group.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Final Paper
Here is a section from my paper to give you an idea of the theme:
The buzzwords viral marketing and viral advertising refer to marketing techniques that use pre-existing social networks to produce increases in brand awareness or to achieve other marketing objectives (such as product sales) through self-replicating viral processes, analogous to the spread of pathological and computer viruses. It can be word-of-mouth delivered or enhanced by the network effects of the Internet. Viral promotions may take the form of video clips, interactive Flash games, advergames, ebooks, brandable software, images, or even text messages. The goal of marketers interested in creating successful viral marketing programs is to identify individuals with high Social Networking Potential (SNP) and create Viral Messages that appeal to this segment of the population and have a high probability of being passed along. The success of viral marketing campaigns can be partially attributed to the use of hypermediacy to satisfy the publics need for immediacy in their media environment today. This paper will seek to establish a link between Bolten and Grusin’s remediated self and viral campaigns by investigating the marketing of Warner Brother’s The Dark Knight.
The buzzwords viral marketing and viral advertising refer to marketing techniques that use pre-existing social networks to produce increases in brand awareness or to achieve other marketing objectives (such as product sales) through self-replicating viral processes, analogous to the spread of pathological and computer viruses. It can be word-of-mouth delivered or enhanced by the network effects of the Internet. Viral promotions may take the form of video clips, interactive Flash games, advergames, ebooks, brandable software, images, or even text messages. The goal of marketers interested in creating successful viral marketing programs is to identify individuals with high Social Networking Potential (SNP) and create Viral Messages that appeal to this segment of the population and have a high probability of being passed along. The success of viral marketing campaigns can be partially attributed to the use of hypermediacy to satisfy the publics need for immediacy in their media environment today. This paper will seek to establish a link between Bolten and Grusin’s remediated self and viral campaigns by investigating the marketing of Warner Brother’s The Dark Knight.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Companion paper
For my companion paper I would like to explore the juncture that externally funded research in AAH has reached, how we arrived here, and what forms of communication will aid in the navigation of this juncture for the success of future researchers in our College. My primary audience for my project is faculty and graduate students in the College of Architecutre, Arts and Humanities at Clemson University.
In order to successfully navigate this juncture, communication on externally funded research needs not only to be useful, but credible. Remediating the current AAH Research website is a starting point. Providing a variety of ways to access information will enable diverse individuals to access information to his or her preference. The remediation will hopefully project a professional and credible author that is concerned enough to tailor the site to multiple preferences. Below is a proposed outline for the paper.
I. Critical juncture in the research culture at Clemson University and the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities.
a. Why are we at this juncture?
b. What means of communication that have been, and will be ,effective to address the past and look forward to the future?
i. Possible social influences and informational pressure
II. Remediation of the AAH Research website will attempt to begin the remediation of a research culture.
a. Why attempt to remediate the website?
b. What are the potential obstacles?
c. What is the possible impact on the current research culture?
III. What social and informational influence does the current research culture have on this project?ie
a. Group failure
b. Cascades
IV. Future projects
In order to successfully navigate this juncture, communication on externally funded research needs not only to be useful, but credible. Remediating the current AAH Research website is a starting point. Providing a variety of ways to access information will enable diverse individuals to access information to his or her preference. The remediation will hopefully project a professional and credible author that is concerned enough to tailor the site to multiple preferences. Below is a proposed outline for the paper.
I. Critical juncture in the research culture at Clemson University and the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities.
a. Why are we at this juncture?
b. What means of communication that have been, and will be ,effective to address the past and look forward to the future?
i. Possible social influences and informational pressure
II. Remediation of the AAH Research website will attempt to begin the remediation of a research culture.
a. Why attempt to remediate the website?
b. What are the potential obstacles?
c. What is the possible impact on the current research culture?
III. What social and informational influence does the current research culture have on this project?ie
a. Group failure
b. Cascades
IV. Future projects
Main Argument
My target audience: people from all different cultural, ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds who consider themselves "smart phone users" & who wear clothing (...you never know).
A 2008 article written in Information Week titled "Smartphone users want to have more fun" stated that smartphone applications that kill time are more often downloaded by users than productivity applications. On March 27, 2009, ABC News' Ned Potter reported on the "Top 7 Smart Phone Applications to Make Your Life Easier," listing them as follows:
A 2008 article written in Information Week titled "Smartphone users want to have more fun" stated that smartphone applications that kill time are more often downloaded by users than productivity applications. On March 27, 2009, ABC News' Ned Potter reported on the "Top 7 Smart Phone Applications to Make Your Life Easier," listing them as follows:
1. Booty Cellar - the application that lets you receive tips on getting pregnant in "fun, digestible text messages"
2. Scan Life - this application lets you scan just about anything with your phone and it will immediately look up user reviews, sale prices, sale locations, or just about anything else you want to know about a particular thing or product.
3. Financer - it is an application that acts as a portable electronic ledger and instantly lets you export your transactions.
4. i-Fitness - suggests work-out routines to keep you in shape
5. ReQall - uses speech-recognition and GPS-tracking to record notes and to-do items and send you a reminder as you get closer to a location where you need to go. ex- pick up dry cleaning -> as you approach your dry cleaners, your phone would remind you to stop there.
6. Fast Food Calorie Counter
7. i-Breath - application that lets you check your breath's alcohol level before getting in the car and driving over the legal limit
After seeing all of these application that were rated as the "top" ones, my main argument for this project became even clearer to me, and I have broken it down into the following points:
- people are in a hurry and life is hectic, so why not have an application that can take the stress out of dressing each morning and therefore allow them extra time to spend doing something else.
- Smart Phones are extremely popular world-wide. People from all different background use them everyday. By making an application that is useful for people everywhere and from every background, I am able to tap into this huge market of phone applications and potentially have a great selling product that is useful to everyone.
- Through this application, people can think outside the box! People tend to wear the same combination of clothing over and over again. With this, they will be able to see a wide range of different clothing combinations, allowing them to think of the clothes in their closet as exciting again and full of endless possibilities (this is also a good thing in a time of economic crisis, when people don't have as much money to spend on new clothing).
Crunch time: Week 5 post 2
Dear Class,
Our session is running surprisingly short on time. Gone are the grandiose visions of sweeping and revolutionary projects. I’m now confronted with a basic reality…I’ve got six days to “get it done.”
I don’t view this final project submission as the end of the road for my little brain child. Instead, I view it as the end of its infancy. I’m hoping you will provide your feedback and possibly author an article for the wiki. As members of the class in which the Palmetto Film Society was birthed, I think it’s fitting I waive the “Palmetto Patron” contribution of $1 for the first six months :). The first project is a “People’s Guide to 2009 Film.” Each entry provides an overview of the film, the reasons for its inclusion (including what made it noteworthy, to what audience would it appeal, and background on the film).
My vision began with a very broad picture…to remediate the concept of the film patron and raise funds for artistic and cultural activities in South Carolina. I became convinced by my research that there are not enough forums for people who appreciate film (aka patrons) to explore and discuss it. Sunstein’s comments regarding Wiki’s and solutions to social influences and Powazek’s design principles for the community heavily influenced me. I am in the process of engineering the home site of the Palmetto Film Society as a result. Be on the lookout for the “grand unveiling” on Monday.
Essentially, my core audience is anyone with an interest in good film. I cannot define what constitutes good film to others besides me. Using Sunstein’s arguments, a large enough aggregate can produce knowledge as an alternative to the market system currently employed. In short, provided I cast a wide enough net, appeal to the “right” membership, and set an appropriate environment for conversation, an alternative to the corporately controlled free market system may result.
After all, who better to dictate a list of films worth watching than the patrons themselves?
My central argument contains three conclusions. First, that the patrons can aggregately explain film value effectively using a wiki. Further, through the appeals I establish to the potential patron pool through my digital design and content, I can develop a membership base which will self-police and produce a quality product. Finally, that this enterprise can be self-sustaining financially and generate resources to share with artistic and cultural outlets in South Carolina.
Our session is running surprisingly short on time. Gone are the grandiose visions of sweeping and revolutionary projects. I’m now confronted with a basic reality…I’ve got six days to “get it done.”
I don’t view this final project submission as the end of the road for my little brain child. Instead, I view it as the end of its infancy. I’m hoping you will provide your feedback and possibly author an article for the wiki. As members of the class in which the Palmetto Film Society was birthed, I think it’s fitting I waive the “Palmetto Patron” contribution of $1 for the first six months :). The first project is a “People’s Guide to 2009 Film.” Each entry provides an overview of the film, the reasons for its inclusion (including what made it noteworthy, to what audience would it appeal, and background on the film).
My vision began with a very broad picture…to remediate the concept of the film patron and raise funds for artistic and cultural activities in South Carolina. I became convinced by my research that there are not enough forums for people who appreciate film (aka patrons) to explore and discuss it. Sunstein’s comments regarding Wiki’s and solutions to social influences and Powazek’s design principles for the community heavily influenced me. I am in the process of engineering the home site of the Palmetto Film Society as a result. Be on the lookout for the “grand unveiling” on Monday.
Essentially, my core audience is anyone with an interest in good film. I cannot define what constitutes good film to others besides me. Using Sunstein’s arguments, a large enough aggregate can produce knowledge as an alternative to the market system currently employed. In short, provided I cast a wide enough net, appeal to the “right” membership, and set an appropriate environment for conversation, an alternative to the corporately controlled free market system may result.
After all, who better to dictate a list of films worth watching than the patrons themselves?
My central argument contains three conclusions. First, that the patrons can aggregately explain film value effectively using a wiki. Further, through the appeals I establish to the potential patron pool through my digital design and content, I can develop a membership base which will self-police and produce a quality product. Finally, that this enterprise can be self-sustaining financially and generate resources to share with artistic and cultural outlets in South Carolina.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Info. Pressure & Social Influence
Information Pressures & Social Influences
Negatives implications:
- Deferring all of the answers to a few people, instead of hearing the thoughts of the entire group can be a big mistake
- People influence each other and even though the answer might not be the correct one, others will not speak-up against it due to information and social pressures
- Leads people to not say what they believe is right and to not share their knowledge with the group
- Cascade effects
- Group polarization
Positives implications:
- Some people should not express their opinions because what they say is untrue
- They allow people with bad ideas to be silenced and therefore allowing those who know better to do all of the talking
- It can help lead people in the right direction by avoiding "bad signals" (Sunstein, 216)
Even with all of these various positive and negative implications that are tied to social influences, as well as information influences, the members of the group will be the determining factor of how the group 'unit' works or fails. Depending on the space they are using to accomplish their goal, the goal itself, and those involved, many different and unpredictable results can take place.
Social influences and informational pressure
I suppose informational pressure and social influence all depend on what type of group environment we are participating in as well as our own personalities. Some individuals like to work in groups while other prefer to work alone. Some like face-to-face settings and others prefer an on-line environment.
When a group is productive, it relies on its members to do their own part within that group. Sustein argues that groups are more productive if the members are told, before deliberation begins, that "different members have different, and relevant information to contribute" (212). Another option is for the leader to not voice his or her opinion in order to have a positive deliberative experience. If everyone in the group feels his or her opinion will have a positive impact they be more likely to share their thoughts.
On the other hand, if a group relies solely on the information from the group leader to make a decision, the end result may be failure. The influential individual in the group may not be correct in his or her assumptions, but are adverse to change because of their terministic screen. If the group relies solely on the information from the leader in making a decision, the end result may be failure. By doing so those individuals are conceding to the language of the majority, and not voicing their opinion in order to conform in order to be accepted.
The Internet (open source software, wikis, etc) have opened up the door for more individuals to share their knowledge and ideas on various topics. These formats provide a widely dispersed nature of information and collective most often are accurate. I believe we will see more of these types of group environments and open souce format in the future.
When a group is productive, it relies on its members to do their own part within that group. Sustein argues that groups are more productive if the members are told, before deliberation begins, that "different members have different, and relevant information to contribute" (212). Another option is for the leader to not voice his or her opinion in order to have a positive deliberative experience. If everyone in the group feels his or her opinion will have a positive impact they be more likely to share their thoughts.
On the other hand, if a group relies solely on the information from the group leader to make a decision, the end result may be failure. The influential individual in the group may not be correct in his or her assumptions, but are adverse to change because of their terministic screen. If the group relies solely on the information from the leader in making a decision, the end result may be failure. By doing so those individuals are conceding to the language of the majority, and not voicing their opinion in order to conform in order to be accepted.
The Internet (open source software, wikis, etc) have opened up the door for more individuals to share their knowledge and ideas on various topics. These formats provide a widely dispersed nature of information and collective most often are accurate. I believe we will see more of these types of group environments and open souce format in the future.
Week 5 Post 1: Wiki-freedom...wiki-tastic...and wiki-godfather
It’s hard to run any kind of internet search without crashing directly into one of the largest (and most controversial) websites on the internet: Wikipedia. Wikipedia, a massive open f/oss encyclopedia written by any and all wishing to contribute, provides a remarkable case study for dialog on informational pressure and social influence. For that reason, it is the subject of this blog posting’s response.
First, let us begin by revisiting the challenge of information pressure and social influence. According to Sunstein on page 86, information has an almost viral nature to it.
“First, information held by all or most group members is likely to influence individual judgment, and those judgments will in turn affect the judgments of the group. Second, shared information, simply because it is shared, is more likely to be explored during group discussion.” (86)
One infested with shared by a majority of group members as individual, the group has the metaphorical equivalent of the common cold. The group is constrained by and into the domain(s) already maintained by the majority members.
It’s democracy…by required assent. Or what the character Michael Corleone would call "an offer you can't refuse."
This can unfortunately mean that original thought is harder to come by. The group has a majority which has already “made up their mind” and is willing to impose that will. Diversity of thought suffers…through a desire to comply with the majority, the minority is “e-elbowed” out of the conversation. Further, through information cascades, the group consensus becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Rather than using dialog as a means of producing shared understanding, it becomes a blunt tool by which the preconceived majority opinion becomes the group’s opinion.
All is not lost.
Let’s now turn our attention to Wikipedia. As Sunstein notes on page 151, “Specialists are regularly surprised to see a great deal of accuracy, as well as astounding currency, in Wikipedia entries…” Wikipedia grows at a phenomenal rate, due to the active involvement of a large number of participants. Authorship is communal. Individuals are not recognized in the process. Any user can edit, create, or dispute the neutrality of a given piece. In this case, have we perhaps found our escape from the shackles of informational and social pressures?
I cannot speculate an answer to that question. However, I think this is a case where social pressure becomes a positive thing. In wiki-etiqutte, users are expected to share their knowledge. They can do so through authorship of new articles or correcting mistakes in existing ones. The pressure is not to conform to the existing presentation of information, but to build and nurture it. There’s a safe harbor for doing so. Between the environment and group ethic, Wikipedia has far more users working for it than against it.
In group settings, informational pressure and social influence can almost make existing beliefs viral. Groups become a means of reinforcing beliefs rather than creating new ones. That changes rapidly, one would hope, in the case study of Wikipedia. The information aggregation specific to a wiki can use these phenomena as a source of strength.
I do not like working in groups or teams. Well, at least large groups and teams. My ideal group size would be two people working as a team. Three or four or five heads is not always better than one or two and Sunstein provides some great insight into why this is the case. Sunstein argues that a person is wrong more often than is right, therefore, the more people working in a group, the likelihood of the group making the correct decision approaches zero. I was quite taken aback with this statement as this seems counterintuitive.
Also, informational influence and social pressure can limit the teams perspective. Remaining open to dissenting and diverse views is therefore critically important. This would seems easier with more group members as there would be a greater number of views and experiences from which to draw a solution or conclusion to the problem. The best group decisions, for instance, result in part from arguments spread between numerous individuals
Also, informational influence and social pressure can limit the teams perspective. Remaining open to dissenting and diverse views is therefore critically important. This would seems easier with more group members as there would be a greater number of views and experiences from which to draw a solution or conclusion to the problem. The best group decisions, for instance, result in part from arguments spread between numerous individuals
OAR (Of a Remediation)
Sometimes I think I have more fun with the titles of my posts than the actual post themselves. I guess this makes sense considering I want to be a copywriter, a master of the headline. Anyways, that was a bit of a tangent, my apologies.
Taking the time to consider all of the remediations we have encountered during the short semester, not many of them seem to be revolutionary. For something to be considered revolutionary, it must have had a profound effect on society, changing the way we operate in the world. Only one remediation comes to mind that fulfills these requirements. That, of course, being the Internet. The Internet has truly revolutionized the way we live today. We find our news online, buy clothing, books, music, etc. online, and connect with people all over the world in an instant. Nothing more revolutionary than that. In fact, the Internet has turned the great wide world into a global marketplace of ideas and information. This is something that has never been accomplished before.
Every bit of media, pictures, video, audio, etc. has been remediated in some way on the Internet. To me, the Internet is the remediation of all remediations.
Taking the time to consider all of the remediations we have encountered during the short semester, not many of them seem to be revolutionary. For something to be considered revolutionary, it must have had a profound effect on society, changing the way we operate in the world. Only one remediation comes to mind that fulfills these requirements. That, of course, being the Internet. The Internet has truly revolutionized the way we live today. We find our news online, buy clothing, books, music, etc. online, and connect with people all over the world in an instant. Nothing more revolutionary than that. In fact, the Internet has turned the great wide world into a global marketplace of ideas and information. This is something that has never been accomplished before.
Every bit of media, pictures, video, audio, etc. has been remediated in some way on the Internet. To me, the Internet is the remediation of all remediations.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Group failure
We have probably all been in groups that make great decisions and in groups that make poor decisions. How do we determine what went wrong when groups fail? Groups sometimes fail to make the best decisions based on the information the members of the group actually have. Sustein argues that group members often silence themselves based on the views of other in the group because of two reasons, information and social influences (65-69).
"If members are listening to one another, they might defer to leaders or to the apparent consensus and thus silence themselves" (67). A group will not be "smart" if its members imitate one another, be afraid to voice their own opinion, or wait for someone to tell them when and what to do. Groups tend to be wise only if individual members act responsibly and their own decisions. Incentive to make an individual decision is also productive. If each member is encouraged to voice his or her opinion and experiences on a subject, more often the group will keep an open mind about the subject.
In addition to information and social influence, some bad decisions are often the result of conditions outside of the groups control: time restraints, financial limitations and a host of other issues which encourage poor choices. These types of limitation should be recognized by the group and addressed. This type of acknowledgement could lead to more open discussion and possible options based on the limitations.
When a group is productive, it relies on its members to do their own part within that group. For those of us who sometimes wonder if it is really worth the extra effort to go that extra mile, to speak up in the last minutes of a meeting, or volunteer to take on a leadership role in a group, we need to keep in mind that the bottom line is that our actions matter, even if we do not understand the entire picture at the time. .
Got groupthink?
It seems like a simple task to work together. More heads...wider skill sets...more "man or woman" hours available for the task...
What could possibly go wrong?
Not a rhetorical question...answer: a lot.
I've seen many a group fail miserably and spectacularly. A part of me believes they fail more than succeed. Having reviewing Sunstein...and the many reasons in which a group can fail...I can see why!
Sunstein begins by recognizing that there are four basic means for eliciting and aggregating information. Each has the potential for failure. For instance, in deliberation, pre-existing biases can be reinforced (p. 48). The very start point of these discussions can be flawed (aka "anchored" p. 34). Throw in a bit of diversity suppression ala our previous discussions, and it's easy to see what can trigger the failures.
However...I'd like to talk about what can go "right." When does a group become functional? Sunstein offers several lessons...
First, from page 57, groups are limited. Deliberation does not always result in closer proximity to "truth." And they do not always do better than statistical groups. In short, teams "become" functional and are not born that way.
Next, informational infliuence and social pressure can limit the teams perspective. Remaining open to dissenting and diverse views is therefore critically important. Teh best group decisions, for instance, result in part from arguments spread between individuals (Sunstein p. 63).
On a closing note, there remains the vexing issue of the jury theory...if each individual in the group is wrong on average more often than right, the likelihood of the group making the correct decision approaches 0% as the group size increases.
So much for strength in numbers!
Group Failures...Oh My!
Group failures can be caused by many different underlying reasons – from the stars not aligning themselves right that day to fundamental character and belief system differences between members. According to Sunstein, there are two sources that cause group failures: informational influences and Social pressures (65).
Information influences prevent those of differing views from expressing their opinion and standing up for what they believe is right, just in the same way as social pressures do. Most people would not get up and say to a group of anti-gun supporters that they think children should have a right to carry weapons at the age of 15!
Ways to minimize the potential of group failures are talked about anytime a “group” of people come together and set up guidelines. In my opinion, group failures can only be reduced when all members involved are willing to give it their all and make any effort necessary to keep the end result in mind. If everyone is on the same track and not just floating around aimlessly in their own world, success is more likely to happen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)