Lindsay's Blog

Final Project

2005-06-05T21:43:00.000-07:00

My Final Project Portfolio is available at:
http://portfolio.washington.edu/ljv42/lindsay-jeanne-vrabek/

Assignment Three: Society

2005-06-03T12:59:00.000-07:00

Assignment Three: Society

1) The research I have selected is the field of public relations, focusing on the changes in the field as a result of Internet blogging. In addition, I will be researching the history of the field as well as the opportunities within the field. In the end, I will have produced an online portfolio which will showcase skills, capabilities, and work samples.

2) Overall, both Public Relations and blogging have had a huge impact on our society. People’s personal blogs contain everything from daily journals to political debates and opinions. Blogging gives regular people the chance to be heard, and to have their opinions and views listened to and commented on. It has opened up discussion between all kinds of different people and it has erased geography as a barrier to communication.
Blogging has also changed the field of Public Relations. According to experts blogging has made PR into a more honest profession. According to Shel Israel and Robert Scoble blogs are changing the way businesses talk with customers. In Israel and Scoble’s book they feature a man by the name of Mike Manuel who has identified three major trends driven by blogging. One is that blogs are democratizing the media. That is, people who are blogging are participating in the news cycle and their voices are being heard. The second trend blogs are driving is corporate transparency, trust is being withered away and if companies want to go anywhere the blogosphere causes them to have to be honest. Lastly, blogs are challenging traditional public relation practices. Blogging is completely changing the field because it gets information out so fast, both good and bad information.
All across the world blogging is causing an uproar. Various countries have even gone to great measures to try and control blogging. The ability for people all over the world to share ideas so easily and quickly carries great power within society.

3) Annotated list of URLs
1 a Naked Conversations
b Shel Israel and Robert Scoble
c This book provides information about how blogs are changing the way businesses talk with customers. It interviews various different people in the public relations industry and asks them to go into detail about blogging. The book talks about the main effects blogging has had so far and it offers specific examples.
d I know that it provides useful and credible information because it is a book that has been cited by other well-known public relations practitioners.
e Israel, S., & Scoble, R. (2005, May 19). How Blogs are Changing the Way Businesses Talk with Customers. Naked Conversations, Retrieved May 24, 2005, from http://redcouch.typepad.com/weblog/2005/05/chapter_7surviv.html

2 a The Internet and Public Relations: Investigating Practitioners’ Roles and
World Wide Web Use
b Lance V. Porter and Lynne M. Sallot
c This article is an analysis of a study which examined the link between the status of the public relations practitioner and his or her use of the World Wide Web.
d I know that this article provides accurate and useful information because it is a peer-reviewed article and it gathers information from real public relations practitioners.
e Porter, L. V., & Sallot, L. M. (2003, Sept 01). The internet and public relations: investigating practitioners' roles and the world wide web use. Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly, 80. Retrieved May 13, 2005, from ProQuest Database http://proquest.umi.com.offcampus.lib.washington.edu/pqdweb?index=4&did=515788281&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=6&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1116036940&clientId=8991.

3 a Online Journalism Review: Iranian Bloggers Protest Government Crackdown on Reformist News Sites
b Mark Glaser
c This article talks about the Iranian judiciary arrested a few online journalists (bloggers) and how the government is trying to ban the reformist news sites. It goes into detail about how the Persian blogosphere fights back and tries to get Internet freedom using blogs.
d I know that this site provides useful and credible information because this is one of the articles we read and discussed in class. In addition, the online journalism review is a well known source.
e. Glaser, M. (2004, Sept 22). Iranian Bloggers Protest Government Crackdown on Reformist News Sites. Online Journalism Review, Retrieved Jun 02, 2005, from http://www.ojr.org/ojr/glaser/1095807595.php

4) If I was to pick another technology to research I think that I would choose Apple’s I-Pod. This is because I find it fascinating how relatively quickly the new technology caught on. I think it would be interesting to see the statistics of how many people have the I-Pod, and to learn a little bit more about the technology itself as well. I am also curious to know where they are going with the I-Pod, what advancements will be made, and what experts project the future of the I-Pod to hold. I am also interested in the downloading music issue which directly ties in with the I-Pod.

5) Over this quarter I learned so much about new media it is hard to pick out what is the most important thing. I have come to the realization that in the beginning of the quarter I was pretty much “new media clueless.” I think that maybe the most important thing I learned is more of a realization and that is that new media does not necessarily replace old media but that new media causes older media to adjust. I think that this is an important concept to realize and understand, its implications are abundant. If you think about it: the entrance of TV did not do decimate radio, online journalism has not replaced print news, cell phones have not completely replaced landlines, Cable TV is not the only TV and so on. All of the new media just shapes the old media in different ways.

Assignment 15

2005-05-22T17:53:00.000-07:00

How do you expect VoIP to impact cable and telephone networks?
I think that VoIP has the potential to greatly affect our communication. People who communicate with people in other parts of the world will be extremely interested in this new technology. As it is right now, using your land line to talk to someone in another country is very expensive, so the idea that VoIP will make the communication free is very enticing. I think that this new technology will force long-distance companies to come out with more appealing rates and possibly benefits to their users in order to keep their customers, especially as the quality and availability of VoIP increases! This new technology will take a while to catch on though. In general, I think that people have a hard time trusting new technologies, especially when concerning vital things like communication.

Assignment 14

2005-05-17T19:14:00.000-07:00

What is the relationship between cyberspace as a public space and accessibility standards?
If you want to consider cyberspace as a public space you have to make it accessible to everyone, which relates to the accessibility standards. The American Disabilities Act (ADA) requires state and local governments to keep public places furnished to accommodate effective communication with those who have disabilities. So I guess if a website is not accessible to everyone then it cannot be considered public space. I have never thought about the Internet in this way, but I guess it makes sense.

Assignment 13

2005-05-10T21:19:00.000-07:00

How does internet technology impact political activity?
Technology has had a major impact on politics. For instance, in our recent election there was so much activity online regarding the presidential candidates. Everything from people’s personal blogs to Democratic and Republican sponsored websites helped to inform people about the candidates. Technology made the information so readily available, and there was so much of it, that people were able to find out every little bit of information about each candidate. People from all over the country were able to share their personal opinions and ideas about the election candidates.

People were able to go to sites, whether it be Democratic or Republican, and find positive information about the candidate they already supported and negative aspects of the candidate they already did not support. I think that this may have been a negative aspect, it caused people to see the issues from only one side and never open their minds up to the other side.

Extra Credit

2005-05-08T19:03:00.000-07:00

Curbing the Commercialization of Public Space
Unfortunately, people are taking advantage of the Internet and its incredible advertising capabilities. Pages are flooded with advertisements. Its hard to view a webpage without being inundated by ads, pop-ups, banner ads…they seem to take up half the page. Programs like Google's AdSense make it very simple for people to put adds on their own pages. It is entising because the creator of the page then receives some money for the ads on their sites.

Assignment 12

2005-05-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

What does the concept of public space in cyberspace mean to you?
In my opinion cyberspace should be treated as public space. It should be a place where people are able to share ideas and gain information for their own personal use. As a public space, everyone should have equal access to the internet and an equal opportunity to create and add information. I had no idea that there are countries that limit their citizens access to the Internet. Before reading this article I didn’t even know it was possible to “restrict” access. I understand the reasoning behind countries wanting to restrict access, but I don't think that that should be possible.

Midterm Report

2005-05-06T14:50:00.000-07:00

I am currently working to expand/change my project to allow for scholarly sources while at the same time link it back to new media. That said, I have a lot of work ahead of me. I have changed my project idea drastically from day one (when our project proposal was due) so now I am working to catch up.

I am working to find articles that I think will be useful, and scholarly. I have begun outlining my paper and making changes to it as I find different articles and therefore more information to add. As for my portfolio website...the layout of it is coming along, the challenge will be putting it on the computer! I have decided for now that I will focus more heavily upon my paper!

So, I am going to keep working, but it is coming along!

Revised Citations

2005-05-04T16:57:00.000-07:00

Public Relations. (2005). Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved May 4, 2005, from Encyclopedia Britannica Online. http://www.search.eb.com.offcampus.lib.washington. edu/eb/article?tocId=9061796&query=Public%20Relations&ct=#cite

Resume Samples. (2002). Attard Communications, Inc. ( Retrieved April 24, 2005, from http://www.careerknowhow.com/resumes/samples/pr.htm

Reed, J. (2005, March). Resume. Retrieved April 23, 2005, from http://pilchuck.reedmedia.net/jeremy/resume.html

Dennison, L. (2004, January). Resume. Retrieved April 23, 2005 from http://www.animaladvocacy.net/resume.html

Mogel, Leonard. (2002). Making It in Public Relations: An Insiders Guide to Career Opportunities. Mahwah, N.J.: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Retrieved April 23, 2005, from University of Washington. University of Washington Libraries. Website: http://www.lib.washington.edu/

Assignment 11

2005-05-03T18:02:00.000-07:00

Do you see any relationship between the ideas in these readings and the open source software movement? Why or why not?
There were a few similarities that I saw between the open-source network and the readings for today. This idea of community was one of the most prevalent. People are being connected in these various ways, creating social networks. These people are all connected by similarities that they share or have in common with other people. The “second superpower” people are brought together by their concerns about the United States government. In the case of the open source network all of these people are looking for a program to use/run on their computers that is not owned and distributed corporately.

Another similarity that I saw is in both cases everyone has the ability to put in their input. In the open source movement people are able to help create the software and in these readings people are able to create profiles and make thier own social networks based on their interests and opinions. And...they are both free of charge!

Assignment 10

2005-05-01T21:28:00.000-07:00

How does blogging software facilitate community?
The opportunity to blog gives the average individual the opportunity to share his or her own opinions with a seemingly unlimited amount of people. It gives a “voice” to the average person. Since there are more “average” people in this world it makes sense that the average person’s opinions should be readily available.

What are some challenges?
I think that the biggest challenge is that information found on blogs is not always credible. If people are not careful about this it could lead to some problems. In addition, people could be offended by some of the material they find on someone’s personal blog.

Assignment 9

2005-04-26T16:56:00.000-07:00

What are the implications of WI-FI technology for communication scholars?
It is very apparent that the WI-FI technology is going to allow people to be better connected and a lot lower cost. This more prevalent connection between people, towns, villages, cities, etc. will open up communication in a whole new way. The opening of communication has huge implications. Aside from creating a sense of community, people who wouldn’t normally have the means of communicating with each other will be able to share ideas.

In a world that is so large, technologies like this almost erase our sense of distance. When we are able to have instant communication with people that are miles away the debilitating distance is overcome.

Assignment 8

2005-04-24T20:17:00.000-07:00

Why shoud communication scholars study the open software movement?
I think that it is important for communication scholars to study all new types of communication. Although at the present moment it doesn't seem as if these open source technologies have really taken off...who knows what the future may bring. All "new" types of communication eventually become "old" and it is important for communication scholars to study and grasp concepts of the "new" before they are completely outdated and "old."

The way we communicate is continuously changing. Everyday it seems there are new ways of communicating, cell phones, text messaging, E-mail, IM-ing, and the list goes on. It is hard to tell what will become popular and what will quickly be replaced. Therefore it is important for communication scholars to stay up on whats new even if it is not for sure going to have a profound influence.

Assignment 7

2005-04-19T18:56:00.000-07:00

What is your opinion about electronic voting after reading these articles?
After reading these articles, I think that the simple electronic voting that was used in India, with a few minor adjustments to allow for our larger number of candidates, would be beneficial. After reading the articles about how confusing our ballots are, when they don’t have to be, I think that it is time that we made a change. It is ridiculous to me that ballots are not designed by graphic designers who could improve their usability drastically.

I liked the idea that was brought up by the group who presented in class. An electronic vote that was printed out and approved before it was accepted. I think that this would help to ensure that people are casting their votes correctly and would cut down on errors considerably. Although this method may be expensive and time-consuming I think that the positives would outweigh the negatives especially considering something as important as choosing the leaders of our country.

Assignment 6

2005-04-17T23:15:00.000-07:00

Being Analog
How have these readings changed your view of the man-machine relationship?
After these readings my view of the man-machine relationship has not changed. I think that technology and new technologies have become a necessary part of everyday life for many Americans. While it may be easy to criticize technology, much of what America has been able to accomplish in the last century has been made possible by technology. Technology has enhanced the world we live in. We are able to do so many things today that were not possible not that long ago. From the light bulb to the Internet and beyond, lives have been enriched.

People like Frederick Taylor have left a lasting impression on our society. His plan for efficiency has changed American industries forever. While some may argue that his need for efficiency was out of line, he paved the way for an industrialized country. America has made so many advances and discoveries and many would argue the importance of this.

Assignment 5

2005-04-12T22:59:00.000-07:00

"Role of the Internet in National and Local News Media Use"
One part of the authors' conclusion was that as of right now people tend to use the Internet to supplement their news acquisition, but in the future they believe that online news will substitute for traditional newspapers. I tend to agree with this view. I think that as people get more and more familiar with the Internet and the availability of "free news" they will be more likely to cancel their newspaper subscriptions and rely soley upon the Internet. I think that this is especially true for the upcoming generations who rely heavily on the use of computers and the Internet. Looking at how many things have become dependent upon the Internet in the last couple of years, it is obvious that we are spending more and more time on our computers and on the Internet anyway.

It is amazing to me how much I rely on the Internet, especially with school. I do not think that it is possible to attend a University and not be computer literate. Everything relys on the internet, registration, class information, E-mails, research, turning in assignments...The Internet has become such a huge part of our environment.

Assignment 4

2005-04-08T00:37:00.000-07:00

Explain how your life is affected by information (too much? too little? just enough?)
After reading the definition of “information overload” (the inability to extract needed knowledge from an immense quantity of information for one of many reasons…) I have been convinced that there is, without a doubt, way too much information thrown at me every single day. Although I do believe that I have become a way better navigator on the internet throughout the past couple of years. I have become an expert at Google, I “Google” just about everything and am a huge fan of the site. I find that when I put in my search word and get about ten thousand different sites that match my subject search I get extremely overwhelmed. There are so many issues to consider: is this the exact information that I am looking for, how can I tell if this information is truthful, is there a better place to get more information…etc.

But I’m not complaining. I actually think that it is extremely amazing that there is so much information available to us! It is pretty incredible if you think about it! The fact that you can log on to one website, type in one or two words, and be presented with hundreds of websites all willing and waiting to provide you with information! I can’t deny it, I am pretty impressed!

Extra Credit 2

2005-04-06T00:07:00.000-07:00

Medium is the Message
I do not agree with Tocqueville when he says that America is simple. I feel as if the diversity in our country has created one of the most complex cultures in the world. I do not think that America is comprised of a bunch of "straight roads." Rather I feel as if choices in our country have increased and the boundaries have been broken down. I think that a lot of opportunities in America come from technological advances. The availiblity of technology has created a country which is going so many directions at once.

Assignment 3

2005-04-05T11:03:00.000-07:00

Networks of Remediation
I found the contrast between the economic stand point on remediation and the entertainment stand point on remediation to be very interesting. It makes sense that from an economic view each new medium has to replace the old medium in order to find its economic place. And in order to do this the new medium must gain popular acceptance by convincing consumers that the new medium is somehow better than the old. On the other hand, the entertainment industry sees remediation as "pouring a familiar content into another media form," in an attempt to spread the content even further. In using new mediums the entertainment industry does not hope to replace old mediums, rather they want to use all facets available to them to spread their content.

Principles of New Media
I did not know that the World Wide Web was completely modular! I didn't know that each element of the Web page could be accessed on its own! Then after thinking about it I am pretty sure that is why "Google Images" works, because to use "Google Images" you type in whatever you are searching for, example I-Pod, and several different pictures of only the I-Pod will show up rather than the Website from which the image was found. Maybe I am completely wrong, but it makes sense to me!

Extra Credit 1

2005-04-03T23:46:00.000-07:00

As We May Think
It seems that we have come so far since Leibnitz' "counting machine," taking photographs seems like second nature, cell phones and I-Pods have become increasingly popular accessories, and E-mail in most cases has replaced what is now referred to as "snail mail." What I found particularly interesting about this reading was the following sentence: "Mendel's concept of the laws of genetics was lost to the world for a generation because his publication did not reach the few who were capable of grasping and extending it; and this sort of catastrophe is undoubtedly being repeated all about us, as truly significant attainments become lost in the mass of the inconsequential." This part really made me think, how many inventions or technological advances have been put on hold for this very reason? And beyond inventions and technological advances I began to wonder about the medical field. How many cures have individual people been so close to finding? How many lives could have been saved if the information got to the right person?

Assignment Two

2005-04-03T23:01:00.000-07:00

Intro to Internet Architecture and Institutions
Wow! I have to admit...I had absolutely no idea how the internet worked, and to be honest it is still extremely confusing to me. What I did take away from the reading was the fact that every internet page, site, etc. has its own call number called an IP (Internet Protocol address) that corresponds to its DN (Domain Name). I guess I never knew that every site even had an IP, I was only ever aware of its Domain Name. I can't imagine if sites didn't have Domain Names and you had to remember all of those call numbers, the internet would not be nearly as "user-friendly" as it is. I also never knew that E-mails went through so much before getting to the right place, I was unaware that they might have to go through various country's data bases.

Introduction
Before reading this I was under the impression that we were living in the midst of an "Information Revolution". Every turn I take these days I seem to stumble upon some new piece of technology, each one seemingly more amazing than the other. But after learning about the steps of an invention from an ideation to a prototype (rejected, accepted, parallel, partail) to an actual invention I am surprised to see how much more evolutionary it is than I had once thought. An "invention" does not just suddenly appear, there are many factors, including social factors, that play a role in the development of the new invention. And when new technologies are created many times they are not used for their original purposes.

Assignment One

2005-04-01T16:36:00.000-08:00

There are so many ways in which technology has really changed our perception of the world. Like the article said, it has completely "abolished time and space in human awareness." Something that happens in another country or on another continent thousands of miles away is almost instantly reported on. I remember a few years ago when Seattle had that earthquake and before I was really aware of what had just happened my relatives in Canada were calling to make sure we were okay. I think TV has had an extremely heavy impact on us, in that it has enforced the idea of having to see something in order to believe it. An example of this for me is on 9/11. I was listening to the radio that morning and they started talking about a plane going into the World Trade Center and in my head I thought "no way" and I immediately turned on my TV. It wasn't until I saw the video footage of the plane hitting the World Trade Center that I could even begin to believe what had happened and I think that this was true for the majority of people.

When reading the steps of the theory of Diffusion of Innovations I found myself in complete agreement. If I relate it those steps back to my own life they are completely true. A long time ago I had a Sony WalkMan, then CDs came out and I went through all of those steps before buying my Sony DiscMan and more recently I went through those steps again before purchasing my mini I-Pod. I had never really thought about it before, but I think that this model fits so well for so many of the new technologies that come out.

just checking...

2005-03-31T00:34:00.000-08:00