Johnson makes a pretty convincing argument that the content of tv, games, et al. have actually become more engaging. Many forms of popular culture have evolved past entertainment as something that just washes over us, the outcome of games and even television programs are controlled by our input. Although I don't know whether it actually matters that we as an audience are there, have an opinion, vote, buy into good old-fashioned voyeurism repackaged as reality - we believe it matters which makes it real enough.
While it is true that the delivery has grown more sophisticated, I think the content is at least keeping pace.
27 April 2008
choosing a gaming console
Since this is uncharted territory for me, I would start with research and evaluations online so I could get a basic understanding and working knowledge/vocabulary to be able to compare the differences, benefits, predictions about the useful lifespan for the console and the particular platform.
I would go to the websites of public libraries with similar demographics to see if they were promoting a particular system, I would without hesitation contact staff at other libraries to see if they had any experience or advice to share.
I would take a look at the circulation stats for the games available from the library, see whether there's some sort of discernible pattern, which among the selection of xbox 360, ps3 or wii games seem to be the ones circulating the most, and speak with the circ staff to see if they have a feel for why one platform is more popular than another. If the ps3 games are getting the least play, it may be that too few of our patrons have the players, but the circ staff talks to patrons up to 12 hours every day, I would ask them what the people borrowing the games are saying.
I would survey patrons, online, on paper and in person.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
what would I buy?
wii, I think. Based on my readings and just a surface understanding of the differences and benefits, the wii is the most bang for the buck. The console itself is not terribly expensive and the games seem to be more reasonable.
for what it's worth, the library system I work in just bought ps3's for each location, but I don't know how much of this was fueled by the largish collections of blu-ray's that were perhaps a bit premature since they seem to be spending more time on the shelves than actually circulating.
I would go to the websites of public libraries with similar demographics to see if they were promoting a particular system, I would without hesitation contact staff at other libraries to see if they had any experience or advice to share.
I would take a look at the circulation stats for the games available from the library, see whether there's some sort of discernible pattern, which among the selection of xbox 360, ps3 or wii games seem to be the ones circulating the most, and speak with the circ staff to see if they have a feel for why one platform is more popular than another. If the ps3 games are getting the least play, it may be that too few of our patrons have the players, but the circ staff talks to patrons up to 12 hours every day, I would ask them what the people borrowing the games are saying.
I would survey patrons, online, on paper and in person.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
what would I buy?
wii, I think. Based on my readings and just a surface understanding of the differences and benefits, the wii is the most bang for the buck. The console itself is not terribly expensive and the games seem to be more reasonable.
for what it's worth, the library system I work in just bought ps3's for each location, but I don't know how much of this was fueled by the largish collections of blu-ray's that were perhaps a bit premature since they seem to be spending more time on the shelves than actually circulating.
screencast best practices
- unplug the phone
- leave enough time, trying to do screencasts at the last minute will invariably produce poor results
- invest in a good headset
- do a couple of dry runs to make sure the screen capture encompasses everything it should and any other necessary pages are tabbed and ready to go
- warn those with whom you share living space that interruptions will not get a warm reception
- expect that they will get better and easier with time and practice
interactive game
Yet another benefit of having a 13 year old in the house......
We played Dubloon Disaster at Neopets; so far the only assignment I've laughed uproariously while doing.
Link to the screencast of the game being played
We played Dubloon Disaster at Neopets; so far the only assignment I've laughed uproariously while doing.
Link to the screencast of the game being played
20 April 2008
ning
Advantages include the ease with which groups can be formed and joined, how personal pages/profiles can be shared selectively or exclusively among group members, and, in contrast to the accumulation of friends in MySpace or facebook that are relationships that often already exist, Ning groups are people linked by common interest(s), providing opportunities for new connections on an international level and across all socioeconomic lines (although I suppose this might be a disadvantage as well, new connections are more tenuous/less cohesive).
The only disadvantage I can see are that some people may be reluctant to sign up and join.
In a work environment, Jing groups could be used like a wiki, acting as a forum to track and complete some short-term project or goal, or in a more open-ended way for members connected an ongoing interest or commonality. For example, a Jing group could be formed for new employees at a large institution or organization, giving people who might be scattered across departments or even locations, an opportunity to connect with eachother, share experiences, arrange to meet in person, etc. In a library, a Jing groups could be formed for patrons interested in specific genres, or programming such as parents who attend storyhour but are not able to have meaningful or uninterrupted discussions during or after events.
The only disadvantage I can see are that some people may be reluctant to sign up and join.
In a work environment, Jing groups could be used like a wiki, acting as a forum to track and complete some short-term project or goal, or in a more open-ended way for members connected an ongoing interest or commonality. For example, a Jing group could be formed for new employees at a large institution or organization, giving people who might be scattered across departments or even locations, an opportunity to connect with eachother, share experiences, arrange to meet in person, etc. In a library, a Jing groups could be formed for patrons interested in specific genres, or programming such as parents who attend storyhour but are not able to have meaningful or uninterrupted discussions during or after events.
information/lessons libraries should take away from boyd
Specifically, libraries might observe that not only are social networking sites here to stay, but that they provide opportunities to connect and stay connected with diverse groups, particularly older teens/young adults.
In a broad sense though, libraries, seeking a heterogeneous mix of the population they serve, should observe that our virtual meeting places and congregating online reflects the same social stratification that exists in the physical world. In order to connect with and remain relevant to a wide range of people, libraries need to have a presence in multiple areas and sites.
In a broad sense though, libraries, seeking a heterogeneous mix of the population they serve, should observe that our virtual meeting places and congregating online reflects the same social stratification that exists in the physical world. In order to connect with and remain relevant to a wide range of people, libraries need to have a presence in multiple areas and sites.
19 April 2008
what makes sns sticky?
MySpace reminds me so much of a fair midway, it is an unrelenting assault on my senses; it is visual chaos, flashing lights, spectacle often without substance. In fact, the only thing missing is odor. (perhaps there should be a parenthetical addendum of so far). The fact that it's sticky just completes the image.
However, thinking about why social network sites attract and retain visitors, a couple of questions come to mind........Is it the content? Is there something about members and/or visitors that makes them more likely to get stuck?
Yes, and yes.
Visitors return because there are new things to see, there is a dynamic quality to personal pages, reflecting shifting moods, new interests, events, and fluctuating favorites and dislikes, compounded by how interactive having friends and belonging to groups can be. Of course, all of this presupposes that members are spending time updating, creating and bolstering their presence, adding and interacting with friends and groups.
As to commonality among users, I think by virtue of the fact that people go to these sites either by invitation or their own prerogative, and reflecting on boyd & Ellison (2007), the networks parallel users more 'real' lives, "primarily communicating with people who are already a part of their extended social network."; the sns is not the fundamental link between users, it is the medium.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
as for myself, sns are kind of an interesting phenomena, and while I am all over social software tools that make work easier and more efficient, I am not looking for ways to substitute the virtual for real contact in my personal life. And to that end, of the social networks I tried, I liked Ning the most - I found a whole lot easier to navigate and understand, visually it was less confusing.
However, thinking about why social network sites attract and retain visitors, a couple of questions come to mind........Is it the content? Is there something about members and/or visitors that makes them more likely to get stuck?
Yes, and yes.
Visitors return because there are new things to see, there is a dynamic quality to personal pages, reflecting shifting moods, new interests, events, and fluctuating favorites and dislikes, compounded by how interactive having friends and belonging to groups can be. Of course, all of this presupposes that members are spending time updating, creating and bolstering their presence, adding and interacting with friends and groups.
As to commonality among users, I think by virtue of the fact that people go to these sites either by invitation or their own prerogative, and reflecting on boyd & Ellison (2007), the networks parallel users more 'real' lives, "primarily communicating with people who are already a part of their extended social network."; the sns is not the fundamental link between users, it is the medium.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
as for myself, sns are kind of an interesting phenomena, and while I am all over social software tools that make work easier and more efficient, I am not looking for ways to substitute the virtual for real contact in my personal life. And to that end, of the social networks I tried, I liked Ning the most - I found a whole lot easier to navigate and understand, visually it was less confusing.
how i'm spending my weekend
....mowing, cleaning, packing, throwing away and actually looking forward to some quiet time at my desk tonight. too many late nights lately, scattered thinking and limited concentration only a reflection of the more overall chaos.18 April 2008
13 April 2008
youtube favorites
lorri's contemplation and debate about shoes is a classic example of how a well-thought out idea and a sense of humor can elevate even something as simple as comparing shoes to a really entertaining video.
carina's how to make a dog sit is incredibly well done, easy to follow and understand.
laura g's how to dog-proof the house made me laugh aloud...we do exactly the same things at my house!
carina's how to make a dog sit is incredibly well done, easy to follow and understand.
laura g's how to dog-proof the house made me laugh aloud...we do exactly the same things at my house!
zoho database app creation and embedding a form
screencast (blip.tv)
In this screencast I ran through the process of setting up a zoho database application, creating a form and embedding it in a blog. After a dozen or so false starts, huge errors and thinking I'd mentioned something when I had in the previous and just discarded attempt, but neglected to in the current recording - this might have actually qualified as a comedy of errors. that is, if it had been funny.
if nothing else I have a whole new appreciation for the long list of screencasts every week. :)
Link to the video at blip.tv
In this screencast I ran through the process of setting up a zoho database application, creating a form and embedding it in a blog. After a dozen or so false starts, huge errors and thinking I'd mentioned something when I had in the previous and just discarded attempt, but neglected to in the current recording - this might have actually qualified as a comedy of errors. that is, if it had been funny.
if nothing else I have a whole new appreciation for the long list of screencasts every week. :)
Link to the video at blip.tv
zoho sign up (jing/screencast)
In this first screencast (3:09) I (somewhat hesitantly) describe the features of zoho in the broadest terms, and explain how to sign up for a zoho account. This is 1 of 3.
12 April 2008
how do I contact you?
this is a test for my screencast, but feel free to fill in the form.
enter your scils598s08 username (xxscils598s08) and a more permanent IM, and the other fields if you like, I was just playing with the features and possibilities at zoho.
and if, for some reason, I do not demonstrate zoho creator for my screencasts, have a look!
enter your scils598s08 username (xxscils598s08) and a more permanent IM, and the other fields if you like, I was just playing with the features and possibilities at zoho.
and if, for some reason, I do not demonstrate zoho creator for my screencasts, have a look!
07 April 2008
educational vs entertainment videos
Short answer: I think there's increasingly less distinction.
Longer answer: I think there's an expectation for video in general to be interesting, attractive, fun to watch and because the means to produce media is getting easier to use....I will come back and finish this in a bit.....
Longer answer: I think there's an expectation for video in general to be interesting, attractive, fun to watch and because the means to produce media is getting easier to use....I will come back and finish this in a bit.....
06 April 2008
educational/instruction vodcast
The blip.tv pop-up post.
A how-to-make-scones vodcast using both still and video files.
Click to play
A how-to-make-scones vodcast using both still and video files.
Click to play
entertainment video
these are images I shot in Ireland too many years ago.
Watch the video at YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU9KrOsuM0c
Watch the video at YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU9KrOsuM0c
our flickr similarities & differences
Clearly all of our lives are dominated by technology, books, and the places we work at work and home, and while I pretty much expected the consistencies, I think there are far fewer of the ones like those that seem to dominate flickr more generally - the friends, the meals, birthdays and travels....the images of the minutiae and monumental of our selves and days that are added naturally as those events occur, unrestricted by the confines of a semester and with a luxury of time few of us have. Whether it's due to the newness of the concept and habit of photo sharing, or overwhelming schedules and demands, I think the predefined theme sets suggest more in common than actually exists in our multi-faceted and busy lives.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
