As I begin to write this post I examined my title and thought, "how dramatic!". It is though. This has been a long and rough semester. It has been filled with trials (both in my personal and academic world), but it has also been filled with joys and triumphs (once again, in my personal and academic world). One of the biggest triumphs was my multimedia class.
When I first began my journey into the Web I was fearful and had no real knowledge of the cyberworld and what it had to offer. I couldn't imagine that I could tweak pictures, create movies, blogs, vlogs, a website, and so much more! It all seemed too far out and unattainable. Week by week, however, I realized that this wasn't something unreachable. I had moments where I realized, "I can do this!".
Some of these "aha!" moments were any time I opened an account (blog, Twitter, weebly, delicious, etc.), anytime I understood how to embed something, or being able to tweak a photo or video. These were all things that I was aware of, but I always thought that I wasn't tech savvy enough to do them. I can though, and I did! I have learned that I am capable of so much especially as a tech-learner. I am no longer afraid of computers, the Internet (to a certain degree!), or experimenting and entering classes that I have no knowledge about.
I want to know further develop my skills in the multimedia world and begin to incorporate all that I've learned in this class to my personal life (making slide shows, animated gifs, vlogs, etc.), into my work (slide shows, screencasts, animotos), and into other classes that I may take. Multimedia can add so much to and for a project or to help others understand who I am, and what's my "cloud".
This class has really helped me expand as a learner by forcing me to try new things I never would have such as Twitter and animated movies. I don't think that there is anything I've learned in this class that I really want to stay away from except for creating podcasts (they weren't my favorite). Everything else was incredibly enjoyable. Once classes are over, and I'll have more time!!!, I want to go more in depth with the concepts, tools, and websites I've learned about in my multimedia class.
What a semester! I hope everyone else has had a great learning experience through this class, and I wish everyone the best in all their future endeavors!
Satisfyingly,
Stacy
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
You Really Want Congress to Worry About This?
Lawrence Lessig does not understand why Congress is so concerned about remixes. He believes that Congress should be worried about more important issues than copyright concerning remixes. Stephen Colbert does an interview with Lessig, Stephen Colbert Interview, where Lessig clearly expresses his frustration over this issue. I enjoyed how Colbert throws in his various opinions, how he "doesn't really care" about this issue, and invites everyone to create a remix of his interview.
I do not really know where I stand on this issue. I understand that an artist wants money and recognition for their song being used, but I also understand how many people enjoy making remixes (it's a form of artistic expression). I'd really appreciate comments in regards to which way you swing. Should Congress worry about this? Is it that big of a deal? Or should everyone continue to make remixes and parodies because it's not really a big deal?
I do not really know where I stand on this issue. I understand that an artist wants money and recognition for their song being used, but I also understand how many people enjoy making remixes (it's a form of artistic expression). I'd really appreciate comments in regards to which way you swing. Should Congress worry about this? Is it that big of a deal? Or should everyone continue to make remixes and parodies because it's not really a big deal?
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Generation F: Future or Failure?
I personally am not a fan of the Facebook generation. It saddens me to think that people my own age can't have a conversation in person, but they can type, text, or tweet about it. I'm all for technological advances, but I think that it's gone too far when people can't speak face to face.
I'd be a liar and a hypocrite to say that I don't take advantage of the online world. In my own life I find Facebook and texting to be handy, but I find that it becomes addicting. As my fellow classmate, Bernice, pointed out last week: texting is dangerous while driving! Are we so lost and consumed in our other world (Generation F) that we are willing to risk our lives and "reply" or "update a status" while driving? I think we are.
Even at my job this week my children were complaining that an employee spends all of his time on the phone "texting and tweeting". We can't even work without being attached to our phones and the online world. These things can be helpful and save time, but they can also have negative consequences as well.
What are your thoughts? Is Facebook a good or bad thing? What parts are really helpful about the online world? Or would we be better without it?
I know it's been great for me, but I also know how negative it has been as well. Millions of people survived without having an online world, so we should be able to as well. Right?
I'd be a liar and a hypocrite to say that I don't take advantage of the online world. In my own life I find Facebook and texting to be handy, but I find that it becomes addicting. As my fellow classmate, Bernice, pointed out last week: texting is dangerous while driving! Are we so lost and consumed in our other world (Generation F) that we are willing to risk our lives and "reply" or "update a status" while driving? I think we are.
Even at my job this week my children were complaining that an employee spends all of his time on the phone "texting and tweeting". We can't even work without being attached to our phones and the online world. These things can be helpful and save time, but they can also have negative consequences as well.
What are your thoughts? Is Facebook a good or bad thing? What parts are really helpful about the online world? Or would we be better without it?
I know it's been great for me, but I also know how negative it has been as well. Millions of people survived without having an online world, so we should be able to as well. Right?
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
More Tail, Less Mainstream
What is the Long Tail? I had no idea what the long tail was until this week! The Long Tail is exactly what I'm interested in. It's all about what isn't mainstream yet still incredibly popular. It's those books, movies, music that hardly anyone ever hears (or even knows about!), BUT it's a favorite and many people love it but just don't know about it... yet. The article I read, The Long Tail, was extremely helpful in allowing me to understand what the Long Tail is, how it works, and why it's so important to know about.
I always assume that I'm a mainstream type of person. Whatever is on the radio, whatever the newest book or movie is (that I'm aware of), is what I'm listening to, reading, or watching. I realized though that for me and many others "As we wander further from the beaten path, we discover that our taste is not as mainstream as we thought (or as we had been led to believe by marketing, a lack of alternatives, and a hit-driven culture)" (The Long Tail). In fact, as the article explains, I may click on an artists, listen to a song on YouTube, click on suggestions, find new artists, until I find one I really like who is definitely not mainstream! It's a great process, and the Long Tail is very interesting and exciting--"what's really amazing about the Long Tail is the sheer size of it. Combine enough nonhits on the Long Tail and you've got a market bigger than the hits" (The Long Tail). It means that I may start mainstream and end up in a very different location which can be a very positive thing.
I always assume that I'm a mainstream type of person. Whatever is on the radio, whatever the newest book or movie is (that I'm aware of), is what I'm listening to, reading, or watching. I realized though that for me and many others "As we wander further from the beaten path, we discover that our taste is not as mainstream as we thought (or as we had been led to believe by marketing, a lack of alternatives, and a hit-driven culture)" (The Long Tail). In fact, as the article explains, I may click on an artists, listen to a song on YouTube, click on suggestions, find new artists, until I find one I really like who is definitely not mainstream! It's a great process, and the Long Tail is very interesting and exciting--"what's really amazing about the Long Tail is the sheer size of it. Combine enough nonhits on the Long Tail and you've got a market bigger than the hits" (The Long Tail). It means that I may start mainstream and end up in a very different location which can be a very positive thing.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Podcasting for Dummies (like me)
I am so challenged when it comes to technology and anything computer related really. It takes me a while to understand and be able to perform any function involving a computer. This week I've been learning not only about computers, but specifically the audio world. Even more specifically: podcasts.
I listened to a podcast, Podcasting for Dummies. I listened to episode 1: "how to make a basic podcast". It didn't sound very basic for me. Podcasts really take a lot of time, software (such as Audacity), and even money. They can become even more complicated with a co-host or trying to create a podcast with multiple recordings!
On a positive note there are millions of podcasts out there which gives a large selection. Anyone can find something that appeals to them. Also who doesn't love something that's free? Subscribing for free to podcasts is a major plus.
Overall I am not the biggest fan though. They're very popular and there are millions of podcasts out there. I think I'll stick to blogging, vlogging, and screen (not pod!) casts.
I listened to a podcast, Podcasting for Dummies. I listened to episode 1: "how to make a basic podcast". It didn't sound very basic for me. Podcasts really take a lot of time, software (such as Audacity), and even money. They can become even more complicated with a co-host or trying to create a podcast with multiple recordings!
On a positive note there are millions of podcasts out there which gives a large selection. Anyone can find something that appeals to them. Also who doesn't love something that's free? Subscribing for free to podcasts is a major plus.
Overall I am not the biggest fan though. They're very popular and there are millions of podcasts out there. I think I'll stick to blogging, vlogging, and screen (not pod!) casts.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Multimedia Magic
I really do not care for statistics, data, and information about poverty and wealth. It's confusing, depressing, and boring to me. This video, Hans Rosling shows the best stats you've ever seen, featuring Hans Rosling was all about statistics, data, and information about health and wealth in the world, but it was not confusing, depressing, and definitely not boring. I was thoroughly impressed with this video. He was able to use technology to make an exciting presentation. He used bright colors that were pleasing to the eyes, and fun shapes to keep the viewer appeased and interested. He also used colors that complimented each other and contrasting colors to bring significant points to attention.
He showed many graphs that weren't plain and boring. One example was a graph that changed the date (1970, 1971, 1972, ...) on its own while moving points on the graph so the facts would be in sync with the year. It made it so the viewer could see the drastic changes that would be taking place. He also formatted it so that the points on the graph could rise, move around, and split to give more detail and specific facts about different countries. This was very helpful.
There were multiple comparisons without clutter, Rosling made his points very clear, it was understandable, and it was enjoyable. I'm hoping to incorporate the bright colors, organized information, and enthusiasm that Rosling demonstrated to my own presentation this week.
He showed many graphs that weren't plain and boring. One example was a graph that changed the date (1970, 1971, 1972, ...) on its own while moving points on the graph so the facts would be in sync with the year. It made it so the viewer could see the drastic changes that would be taking place. He also formatted it so that the points on the graph could rise, move around, and split to give more detail and specific facts about different countries. This was very helpful.
There were multiple comparisons without clutter, Rosling made his points very clear, it was understandable, and it was enjoyable. I'm hoping to incorporate the bright colors, organized information, and enthusiasm that Rosling demonstrated to my own presentation this week.
Friday, March 11, 2011
"Kindle Swindle" or Petty Bettys
I felt a little torn about this topic. I realize that there are audio rights, and I understand why the Guild feels this way. On the flip side I also understand why there are comments like, “Guess we need to stop reading to our kids.” The Guild wants to protect writers in a legal and appropriate manner. They’re concerned about products like e-books, and Kindle because they threaten writers and their works. I get that—makes sense. The Guild has the right to be worried about Kindle.
Kindle is making a ton of money, and it’s a great device. It’s easy to carry, it has many options so that anyone can use it, and although it’s a bit pricey, a buyer will get their money’s worth. The audio that the Kindle offers is a great feature, and I do not think that they’re breaking any copyright laws. It’s not an actual voice and if a writer has a problem with this, then they need to take care of that legally and not allow their books to be sold via Kindle.
It sounds to me like people are getting greedy over money, and they need to specify what belongs to them, and what they want done, or not done, with it. It seems petty at the moment, but it could escalate into something much bigger.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Fairey Fairey Fair
So I hadn't heard about Shepard Fairey and his contribution to the Obama campaign. I've done some research this week, and I don't think he was trying to do anything wrong nor should he be going through this trial. He took an image and used it to support someone he admired, someone he wanted to help out. He wasn't trying to benefit from it, and "he wasn't paid to do it, and he wasn't convinced to do it"--completely harmless (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jason-pollock/the-importance-of-shepard_b_167926.html). "He was just an aware and engaged citizen who used his talents to try and influence the electorate the way that he saw fit," and sadly, he is now being criticized and is facing a battle with the AP.
I was glad to learn to hear that instead of him being in a heap of trouble "the AP and Mr. Fairey have agreed that neither side surrenders its view of the law" (http://www.ap.org/iprights/fairey.html). Fairey is being a trooper and continuing to show how he really meant no harm by " agreeing that he will not use another AP photo in his work without obtaining a license from the AP" (http://www.ap.org/iprights/fairey.html). Fairey and the AP are even amiable enough to "agree to work together going forward with the Hope image and share the rights to make the posters and merchandise bearing the Hope image and to collaborate on a series of images that Fairey will create based on AP photographs," and it appears that things can be just peachy between the two (http://www.ap.org/iprights/fairey.html).
In my opinion Fairey could have used Creative Commons for sure and then he wouldn't be in this mess at all. I understand that he didn't think he was doing anything wrong, but there are laws and just like the rest of us he has to obey them as well. Check out Creative Commons Mr. Fairey and keep on doin what you do!
Check out my Obanization:
I was glad to learn to hear that instead of him being in a heap of trouble "the AP and Mr. Fairey have agreed that neither side surrenders its view of the law" (http://www.ap.org/iprights/fairey.html). Fairey is being a trooper and continuing to show how he really meant no harm by " agreeing that he will not use another AP photo in his work without obtaining a license from the AP" (http://www.ap.org/iprights/fairey.html). Fairey and the AP are even amiable enough to "agree to work together going forward with the Hope image and share the rights to make the posters and merchandise bearing the Hope image and to collaborate on a series of images that Fairey will create based on AP photographs," and it appears that things can be just peachy between the two (http://www.ap.org/iprights/fairey.html).
In my opinion Fairey could have used Creative Commons for sure and then he wouldn't be in this mess at all. I understand that he didn't think he was doing anything wrong, but there are laws and just like the rest of us he has to obey them as well. Check out Creative Commons Mr. Fairey and keep on doin what you do!
Check out my Obanization:
Friday, February 25, 2011
aRt on an iPod
Have you ever heard of using an iPod for art? Creating pictures that look like they were painted with paints and a brush when in fact they were all created with one finger on an iPod just amazes me. Artist David Lasnier replied when asked how long it takes him to make his paintings: "About one hour; for me, it's hard to spend more time on it" (http://www.wired.com/culture/art/multimedia/2009/02/gallery_brushes). In an hour a masterpiece can be created!
This made me wonder: what would great artists such as Michelangelo and Raphael say about this? Would they approve of this new way of creating master pieces? Artists were always learning more and more about how to make the best paintings. They were progressive and learned about perspective and making realistic paintings. During the Renaissance they thrived on what was new and better. Would they think that this was new and better? Or would they feel like they were being jipped?
In a way I could see them being excited about this new invention. A simpler way to create something just as good. On the flip side I could easily see Michelangelo going, "I didn't finish the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel 'in one hour because it's hard to spend more time on it'! I spent multiple hours and had to stop because it was physically straining to spend more time on it!"
As with most technology there are pros and cons. This new form of art is really captivating and unique, but I can't help but thinking that artists may think that this isn't truly art...
Torn opinions.
This made me wonder: what would great artists such as Michelangelo and Raphael say about this? Would they approve of this new way of creating master pieces? Artists were always learning more and more about how to make the best paintings. They were progressive and learned about perspective and making realistic paintings. During the Renaissance they thrived on what was new and better. Would they think that this was new and better? Or would they feel like they were being jipped?
In a way I could see them being excited about this new invention. A simpler way to create something just as good. On the flip side I could easily see Michelangelo going, "I didn't finish the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel 'in one hour because it's hard to spend more time on it'! I spent multiple hours and had to stop because it was physically straining to spend more time on it!"
As with most technology there are pros and cons. This new form of art is really captivating and unique, but I can't help but thinking that artists may think that this isn't truly art...
Torn opinions.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
I Must Be Under a Rock...
I have never heard of Creative Commons or Magnatune. Apparently this means I "must be under a rock". Regardless I'm slowly coming out from under my rock, and I'm learning quite a bit specifically about Creative Commons and Magnatune this week.
I was really impressed with Creative Commons. I like that it "allows them [artists] to retain their rights to the creative works, striking a balance between ownership, credit and use" instead of feeling like they have to give up their rights completely. I also think it's really cool that they're a non-profit organization. They seem like they really care about artists and gaining exposure. Creative Commons is flexible by offering several license options, but they also are acutely aware of what's legal and what isn't. I'm really glad that Creative Commons is in existence, and I am happy to learn about it.
I'm excited this week in general to be learning about artists works. I love how Magnatune recognizes that musicians do not always have money, and "they should keep their rights to their music" (Buckman). Music is a huge industry that is continually growing in the U.S. John Buckman shared that in the U.S. we have a "12 billion dollar industry"--that's huge! Magnatune is a great way to keep the industry going while not depriving artists of their music and money. I like that they focus on music that isn't mainstream. Magnatune wants to listen to alternative music that people can't find as easily and get it out in the world.
I'm definitely a fan of Magnatune now and its "open music sharing community"(Buckman). I'm glad to be out from under my rock!
Check out these sites to learn more and listen to the interview with John Buckman:
http://www.rss-specifications.com/creative-commons.htm
http://www.rulesfortherevolution.com/2007/07/10/episode-017-the-record-company-that-is-not-evil/
I was really impressed with Creative Commons. I like that it "allows them [artists] to retain their rights to the creative works, striking a balance between ownership, credit and use" instead of feeling like they have to give up their rights completely. I also think it's really cool that they're a non-profit organization. They seem like they really care about artists and gaining exposure. Creative Commons is flexible by offering several license options, but they also are acutely aware of what's legal and what isn't. I'm really glad that Creative Commons is in existence, and I am happy to learn about it.
I'm excited this week in general to be learning about artists works. I love how Magnatune recognizes that musicians do not always have money, and "they should keep their rights to their music" (Buckman). Music is a huge industry that is continually growing in the U.S. John Buckman shared that in the U.S. we have a "12 billion dollar industry"--that's huge! Magnatune is a great way to keep the industry going while not depriving artists of their music and money. I like that they focus on music that isn't mainstream. Magnatune wants to listen to alternative music that people can't find as easily and get it out in the world.
I'm definitely a fan of Magnatune now and its "open music sharing community"(Buckman). I'm glad to be out from under my rock!
Check out these sites to learn more and listen to the interview with John Buckman:
http://www.rss-specifications.com/creative-commons.htm
http://www.rulesfortherevolution.com/2007/07/10/episode-017-the-record-company-that-is-not-evil/
Friday, February 11, 2011
Ohhh Kevin
I love this guy. I think Kevin is really smart, he knows what's up, and he explained what my cloud will look like in the future in a way I can understand. While I enjoyed what he had to say, he also reinstalled fear into my life. It's scary to think how much The Cloud consumes my life especially because "in 5,000 days all this stuff has come and we would have said it was impossible" if someone had tried to explain The Cloud to us 10 years ago. We can open out laptops, cell phones, iPods, etc. and have the world right there. It's really unbelievable. Kevin said that "it's amazing and we're not amazed", and I have to agree. I know that I personally never really think about how incredible this is.
I am able to manage my life all by clicking on a link. This also struck me as a concern. Kevin made three points and the one that I focused on the most was "co-dependency". We are co-dependent on our clouds. When I think of co-dependent I do not think of it in a positive light. We are what make up The Cloud and the web. Doesn't that scare you? We're becoming one and soon will rely solely on the cyberworld. We don't even have to remember things and we lack responsibility because we know "we'll just Google it". I know that it's true that "we are going to be the machine", but I don't know if I'm ready to face that reality...
I am able to manage my life all by clicking on a link. This also struck me as a concern. Kevin made three points and the one that I focused on the most was "co-dependency". We are co-dependent on our clouds. When I think of co-dependent I do not think of it in a positive light. We are what make up The Cloud and the web. Doesn't that scare you? We're becoming one and soon will rely solely on the cyberworld. We don't even have to remember things and we lack responsibility because we know "we'll just Google it". I know that it's true that "we are going to be the machine", but I don't know if I'm ready to face that reality...
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Week Two-My Cloud?
I do not play games online, but I do have a social network (Facebook), I heavily rely on my email for work, relationships, and my social life, and I use it to manage my finances and school.
Five years ago my Web 2.0 experience was not this deep. I still used email and Facebook, but I really didn't use the Web beyond that. Now I depend on it! If I wasn't able to use the Web I wouldn't be going to school, I'd have to find another, and more difficult, way to manage my finances, and I wouldn't keep in touch with so many people.
This cloud is reassuring and frightening all at once!!!
Week One of Multimedia...
Here's what I posted originally in the incorrect location...
My goals for this class are:
1. To pass with an A (or a B) and learn as much as possible
2. To become more tech savvy
3. To not be so scared of computers and other multimedia tools
I'm really anxious about this class because I'm not very tech saavy. I have taken many online classes, and I find that they're definitely harder than onsite classes. This combination just leads to anxiety no matter what. I think once I become more familiar with the setup and schedule of this class the less I will worry about my lack of computer (technology) smarts.
Thankfully I have already dabbled in blogging before this class. I'm still anxious though... and already overwhelmed with my classes.
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