Final Post 5.30.06 . . . a course reflection

While I have learned many useful and interesting things this quarter the most valuable thing I will walk away with is a more complete knowledge of how to conduct reliable research. It’s amazing to think that I went through my college career unfamiliar with how to utilize the resources in a traditional library setting and in an online format to their full potential. I now feel confidant in my ability to find relevant, reliable, and interesting information on any topic. Additionally, I previously had little experience with the blogesphere and now feel comfortable searching out blogs that pertain to my interests and keeping a blog of my own. Overall this course has been more useful than most in terms of real world application and my interests.

While I feel quite content with my choice of research topic I have a considerable interest in issues surrounding the digital divide. In picking a topic for more exploration I would choose issues like those discussed in week eight of the course. Our in class discussion and presentations on the necessity of internet and cell phone access in impoverished areas was particularly interesting. Best (2003) and his research on trends in communication reform really sparked my interest with discussion of distributing wireless access as a means to bridging the digital divide. I feel that providing free internet access is a necessary part of facilitating conversations of both a business and political nature in addition to connecting people to new ideas, those with similar ideas, and allowing family and friends separated by distance to remain in constant contact. This discussion of markets as “conversations” as discussed by Levine, Locke, Searls, and Weinberger (1999, 2000) cemented the importance of being online to participating in the global marketplace and being a part of the future.
No one topic stands out as least interesting I feel I benefited from all the lessons and discussions. If anything the more technical readings like the one on how an email gets sent could have been left out because I still don’t really understand how that all works and don’t particularly care to know.

Comments on Week 9 : (1) "How Voice-over-IP Works" from HowStuffWorks by Jeff Tyson and Robert Valdes (nd) http://computer.howstuffworks.com/ip-telephony.htm/printable . . .

I had never heard of VoIP, the acronym, although I have heard of placing free calls over the internet, and find this quite interesting. After figuring out that anyone who wanted to get a hold of me would call my cell phone and growing tired of paying for a landline I never used, I eliminated my home telephone service. Since then I have relied solely on my cell phone for the past three years. This transition has been relatively smooth. The only times I have wished for a house phone have been when I lost my cell phone and I had to keep going down to the germ infested pay phone, or when something went wrong with the service tower in my area and I had to drive over and up four blocks for service every time I needed to make a call. Being able to make a phone call utilizing my ISP connection would have been great. Of the ways VoIPs work I think the most promising and personally appealing are the computer to computer networks, only need to buy software and then have access to your home number and line wherever internet access is available is quite appealing. The possibilities for changes in infrastructure as a result of this emerging technology are quite revolutionary in that they will completely change the way in which telephone service is both regulated and charged for by the phone companies. Being able to bypass the phone companies completely will most like result in their offering some sort of additional services, what, I don’t know, that will encourage people to involve them in some way that produces capital by keeping them tethered to a company in a more traditional sense. As someone who has no home phone and I relies on my cell phone, the idea of having telephone access down for 30-min doesn’t really matter, although if I was without a cell phone and this happened I would be quite frustrated.


Discussion Questions

1. What percentage of the population is already using services like vonage to place calls using their internet connection?

2. How do you feel about switching to a system that is free, yet has some unreliability issues?

3. How could and will and this technology be regulated?

5.15.06 Reading Comments and Discussion Questions

Comments on "Wireless Revolution and Universal Access" from Trends in Telecommunications Reform 2003 by Michael L. Best, MIT (nd) [PDF] . . .

Currently, inaccessibility plagues the majority of the world in terms of their inability to connect to the web. The “wireless: revolution” discussed in this article talks about accessibility standards including the implementation of wireless internet connections utilizing radio frequencies in rural areas throughout the world. The article supports the bringing of internet technologies to those currently without access. The author cites price cuts in the cost of infrastructure, community based “micro and small enterprises that provide locally tailored value-added services,” and “a supportive public policy as a means of achieving a sustaining, profitable, and empowering system. Currently cyberspace lacks the criteria of being a public space in that accessibility is extremely limited and relatively closed. While we already have many of the capabilities to make cyberspace available to many if not all we are limited by financial incentives of large companies wishing to profit on individually packaged connections. The article states that the “small-scale, entrepreneurial approach may become a central element in bridging the digital divide and making universal access pay for itself,” meaning that people learning how to and being willing to share and broadcast internet connections is a remedy for the currently outrageous price of connectivity. I know for example that many people in my building pay for network access when in reality we could all being using the same connection significantly lowering the price and of connectivity and increasing.

Discussion Questions

1. When can we expect the cost of internet network access to decrease or internet access to become a free part of the public space?
2. What impediments other that financial and security exists in these models?
3. How willing would you be to share you connection with others?

Discussion Leader

As a discussion leader this week I presented on an artilce titled, "CREATING VALUE THROUGH MANAGING KNOWLEDGE IN AN E-GOVERNMENT TO CONSTITUENCY (G2C) ENVIRNOMENT." Here is a document summary as given on the ProQuest website . . . .

"Electronic government (e-government) has the promise of changing how citizens interact with their government by increasing accessibility to information, enhancing efficiency, and facilitating greater access to government officials. New opportunities for involvement and collaboration are possible. However, challenges exist because of the size and complexity of governmental structures and the vast amounts of information that these governmental agencies often maintain. A proposal is presented that governmental agencies go through an evolutionary path as they progress from an introductory digital presence to more complex forms of interactions with constituents. Through an in-depth case study, this path is explicated, and key enablers that facilitate this progression are highlighted."

Discussion went relatively well, although we didn't spead much additional time talking about my topic. Instead the discussion moved toward electronic voting. We talked about thoughts, problems, and concerns surrounding recent elections.

If you would like to view my powerpoint presentation visit . . .

http://students.washington.edu/mcelrc/com300/ppt_online_politics/mcelrc_ppt_onlinepolitics_files/frame.htm

Extra Credit 5/08

Comments on Extra Credit : "The Race of the Web Sites 2004" from ACM Interactions by Kathy Gill (November-December 2004) http://faculty.washington.edu/kegill/pub/gill_ACM_2004.pdf . . .

I found Kathy’s breakdown of website usability and structure particularly interesting, as each website clearly makes nonverbal statements unintentionally and intentionally with the format and usability of their website. I found most interesting comments on the blog portions of these websites, noting that the Bush blog was hardly a blog at all. Based on what I have learned from reading on this topic it is clear that those truly interested in the type communication blogs facilitate are not fooled by these pseudo-blogs which I feel harm the campaign to the discerning eye.

Extra Credit 5/08

Comments on Extra Credit : "The Race of the Web Sites 2004" from ACM Interactions by Kathy Gill (November-December 2004) http://faculty.washington.edu/kegill/pub/gill_ACM_2004.pdf . . .

I found Kathy’s breakdown of website usability and structure particularly interesting, as each website clearly makes nonverbal statements unintentionally and intentionally with the format and usability of their website. I found most interesting comments on the blog portions of these websites, noting that the Bush blog was hardly a blog at all. Based on what I have learned from reading on this topic it is clear that those truly interested in the type communication blogs facilitate are not fooled by these pseudo-blogs which I feel harm the campaign to the discerning eye.

Reading Comments and Discussion Questions 5/08

Comments on "Organization Man: Joe Trippi Reinvents Campaigning" from The New Republican Online by Noem Scheiber (10 November 2003) http://tinyurl.com/3leu3 . . .

In a race where the most organized campaign takes the lead, according to Noem Scheiber, internet technology acts as the ultimate organizer. Having read both “Organization Man: Joe Trippi Reinvents Campaigning,” and Trippis’ book, “The Revolution Will Be Not Be Televised” I have a good idea just how powerful an organization tool the internet can be. The internet allows exponential gains in the support of candidates uniting those separated by distance in conversation over shared beliefs and interests. The Howard Dean campaign was revolutionary in its use of the internet as a source of gathering supporters and raising funds. What is most important as noted in both Scheibers’ article and Trippis’ book is the fact that the campaign is in the hands of people when politics and political organizing play out over the internet. The site meetup.com may have been the biggest catalyst propelling the Dean campaign as it united those interested in just getting together and talking about politics and important issues, something that doesn’t happen very often anymore. I strongly agree with Scheiber that internet unlocks potential of organization never before seen.

Comments on “The Role of the Internet in National and Local News Media Use” from Journal of Online Behavior (2003) http://www.behavior.net/JOB/v1n3/riedel.html . . . .

This article takes an analytical approach looking at the various sources by which people seek information regarding politics. The authors discuss the use of new media technology in tandem with traditional media resources, “In addition to complimenting existing media, the Internet also offers direct access to primary sources of information, allowing citizens to bypass print and television media altogether. These sources include "newsgroups" and chat rooms, where the politically engaged offer their own political analysis (Hill & Hughes, 1998). They also offer information on political campaigns (Selknow, 1998) and government agencies' Web sites (Groper, 1996). All of these sources offer an interactive aspect not found in traditional media.” I would agree with the authors in pointing out that these “politically engaged” have a profound effect in educating the less informed in ways traditional media sources cannot, by opening dialoging and encouraging conversation vital to a healthy democracy.

Discussion Questions:

1. It will be interesting to see how the internet comes into play in the next presidential election. How will candidates utilize the internet in their campaigns?

2. And how will the public respond to the change in how we organize?

3. In future years will more people bypass traditional media sources and turn entirely to the internet for their political and news information?

Comments and Discussion Questions 5/1

Comments on Chapter 1, "From Tom Paine to Blogs and Beyond" from We the Media by Dan Gillmor (2004) . . .

The personalization of politics and the presidency has led to mainstream journalism free from descent. Those with views more diverse, honest, and insightful opinions then mainstream journalism would allow or those without the access to big publishing houses take to the internet as a way of both expressing their opinions and in doing so reigniting the types of conversations vital to our democracy. In the founding of our country coffee houses and early newspapers were the public sphere, today the media are, they are the ones holding the conversations, yet, it is a one way conversation that limits, not creates dialogue. With blogging technology we have seen the beginning of what I believe will be a revolution of the way we practice politics in this country. People are fed up with not being heard and are taking it into their own hands to get their voice and their message out to the population. The reading discusses the diversifying of the newsroom through the use of personal means of publishing while this isn’t blogging in the sense we have today it was the beginning of groups getting involved who had been shut out by the hierarchal nature of American press. One of the most important mentions in the reading is the fact the internet allows what ever kind of communication you wish, one-to-one, one-to-many, etc. in addition to allowing for the instant worldwide distribution (13). Like the Cluetrain reading, and with mention of it, this author again points out the notion of markets being conversations and the internet facilitating these conversations.

Comments on “Will NPR's podcasts birth a new business model for public radio?” from Online Journalism Review (29 Nov 2005) http://www.ojr.org/ojr/stories/051129glaser/ . . .

One of the biggest concerns with established media is the limited, censored look at the issues it brings us which lack diversity in themselves. The article discusses the repurposing of offline content as the material of many podcasts but looks at the positive note of original content “beyond the usual fare” (8). The biggest effect this article proposes is on the business model of radio which must operate quite differently in the world of podcasts which allows for more sharing and a greater circulation of information. “What they are compelled by is unique independent niche programming that appeals to them and allows them to develop a relationship that they can't forge with mainstream programming." In the quest for this programming that will satisfy the public demand for this type of broadcast media only those who adapt to the new business model will succeed forcing the use of original content on those who wish to be involved.

Discussion Questions . . .

1. Many of our readings as cause me to think about the digital divide. What happens to those who don’t have access to the blogesphere? Will they become further disconnect?

2. In the video we watched in class EPIC2014 I believe it was, we saw newspapers going completely online. Is the future of publishing and journalism completely online?

3. What do podcasts and these new business models mean for those who do not take part in the revolution? Will there still be a market for the mainstream?

Extra Credit 4/24

Comments on Extra Credit : "Social Software and the Politics of Groups" from Clay Shirky's Writings About the Internet by Clay Shirky (9 March 2003) . . .

I had never really thought about the rules, protocols or difficulties of group software functionality. How usable a software or how manageable a group, are important issues, as are who moderates or overseas these general issues of upkeep. What is surprising or not so surprising in light of this article is that there are many group sites that remain relevant and functional. This enduring nature is largely due to the fact that people generally comment and become a part of communities they have a real vested interest in, although it is important to have some barriers to membership as discussed in, “Social Software and the Politics of Groups."

Comments and Questions 4/24

Comments on Chapter 4 "Markets are Conversations" from The Cluetrain Manifesto: The End of Business as Usual by Levine, Locke, Searls & Weinberger (1999, 2001) and "The Second Superpower Rears its Beautiful Head" from The Berkman Center for Internet & Society by James F. Moore (31 March 2003) ; (3) "The GNU Manifesto" by Richard Stallman (1985). pub/gnu_manifesto.html . . .

Communication scholars should study the open source software movement because it a facilitator of conversations. As described in the The Cluetrain Manifesto, the open source software movement eliminates the hierarchal, coercive nature of conversations typical of traditional institutions. The new market requires new techniques in the delivery of the message. This message is something often studied by communication scholars and what we are seeing with open sourcing is a whole new way in which the message is presented, delivered, consumed and tinkered with. Consumers are no longer consumers in the typical sense; they play a much greater participatory role and have the option, where they previously did not, to make up their own mind on what’s being presented rather than being told. The Second Superpower Rears its Beautiful Head, discusses how “cyberspace-enabled interconnection among the members” and allows for instantaneous dialogue with the power to change the world. This notion of interconnectivity and the speed at which participants can act holds the possibility of completely rerouting the distribution of power in the world, all beginning with the way people communicate.

Questions . . .

1. What happens to those outside of the global market? Those separated by the digital divide?

2. What kind of counter movement can we expect as this rerouting of power goes into effect?

3. Are those who take themselves out of these global conversations completely out of the loop, or will some traditional methods of communications remains intact?