Sunday, June 12, 2011

In conclusion





I have learnt the importance and influence that new media has. 


The blogosphere is like any other form of media. It requires design, journalistic insight and the power to publish. Its been a real joy to write for the subject of Publication Design. Although, I may not have the best eye when it comes to Publication Design, this weblog has thought me a thing or two and the discovery of numerous photo blogs have certainly sparked up an interest to photography. It is a very pleasurable pastime to take and view beautiful pieces of time. Frozen for that split second. Not only that, I too can share my photo's and learn.
 
That's not all. I have also learnt:
  1. Basic elements in composition like informational value, salience and framing (Kress & van Leeuwen, 2006)
  2. Importance of where things are placed on a document and why. (Bernhardt, 1986) 
  3. Designing for print and designing for online documents are completely different.Print is designed in 2-dimension, with much attention paid to layout, while web designs are ‘1-dimensional and N-dimensional’ which causes readers to scroll up-and-down as they read the document. (Nielson, 1997)
  4. Why visual aids are equally as important as text. (Shriver, 1997)
  5. Blogs may be more popular than traditional newspapers but newspapers are still needed because of its credibility and accuracy in information reporting.
  6. The importance of being ethical when it comes to information being put out.
These principles have served me well and will definitely be put to good use in future endeavours.


A big thank you to Miss Jenny of Taylors University for being really patient with me, at times the subject has been perplexing and her attention to detail certainly gave me a better understanding of what the subject is and requires. So for that Miss J, thank you very much.


Sincerely, 
Amelia Ho Hui Ping 
110072597 


301 words.


References
  1. Kress, G & van Leeuwen, T 2006, "Reading Images: Grammar of Visual Design," Routledge, London 
  2. Kress, G & van Leeuwen, T.2006, "Reading Images: Chapter 1: The semiotic landscape: language and visual communication".
  3. Nielson, J 1997, "The Difference Between Paper and Online Presentation," online, retrieved 18 November 2009, from http://www.sun.com/980713/webwriting/wftw1.html
  4. Bernhardt, Stephen A, 1986, ‘Seeing The Text,’ in College Composition and Communication, vol. 37, no. 1, p. 66 –78.
  5. Schriver, K.A. 1997, Chapter 6 in Dynamics in document design.
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Ultraman vs Tsunami



Earlier this year, a Malaysian newspaper, Berita Harian posted this caricature that depicted Ultraman running from a Tsunami. This picture was published right after Japan experienced one of the most devastating Tsunami's in years. The tsunami was brought on by Japan's most powerful earthquake recorded.

The 8.9-magnitude earthquake triggered a deadly Tsunami that washed far inland, swamping towns, sweeping away a train and sparking massive fires that burned through the night. The death toll was not immediately clear, but there were reports of 200-300 bodies found in the north-eastern coastal city of Sendai alone. Numerous are missing. (CBC News, 2011)

This begs the question, how insensitive were the team that allowed the publishing of that particular caricature. During a time of crisis, they choose to release a picture as such? Is it ethical?

Following that, Berita Harian has issued a public apology over its publication of a cartoon depicting the devastating tsunami and earthquake that swept Japan and killed thousands.



The Malay daily published the apology on its website, Twitter and Facebook accounts Sunday after several quarters demanded that the newspaper apologise for the publication.
“We apologise for the publication of the cartoon in Berita Minggu. We had no intention of poking fun at the disaster that has befallen the nation of Japan and its people.
“In fact, we greatly sympathise with their plight and share the sorrow of the Japanese people,” the daily’s editor wrote. TheStar.com.my (Wong Pek Mei, March 2011)
That very morning a little while after the caricature was posted, many Malaysians took to social networks such as Twitter to voice out their outrage and disgust with the Berita Harian. Some even called for a boycott and an online petition page that was set up garnered 571 signatures within several hours. 
Several politicians have also slammed the cartoon, calling it 'tasteless' and 'insensitive'.

Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar  tweeted: "Berita Harian should apologise over the publication of the cartoon which is completely insensitive towards the Japanese.
In my opinion, the paper should have known that publishing such a caricature would inevitably harm their reputation. It was an insensitive call on both the editor and artists side. A little sympathy would have been a nice touch. 
Let's learn from this and never allow such a disgrace to befall us again. The fact that it was posted by a national newspaper not only harmed themselves but Malaysia as a nation as well. 
These are headlines of a unwanted kind. 

412 words.

References

  1. Japan quake, tsunami cause 'major damage' - World - CBC News. 2011. Japan quake, tsunami cause 'major damage' - World - CBC News. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/03/11/japan-quake-tsunami.html. [Accessed 12 June 2011].
  2. Berita Harian gets knuckle rap for Ultraman cartoon - The Malaysian Insider. 2011.Berita Harian gets knuckle rap for Ultraman cartoon - The Malaysian Insider. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/berita-harian-gets-knuckle-rap-for-ultraman-cartoon. [Accessed 12 June 2011].
  3. Berita Harian slammed for distasteful Ultraman-tsunami cartoon. 2011. Berita Harian slammed for distasteful Ultraman-tsunami cartoon. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=8951:berita-harian-slammed-for-distasteful-ultraman-tsunami-cartoon&Itemid=2. [Accessed 12 June 2011]
  4. Berita Harian apologises over insensitive Ultraman cartoon. 2011. Berita Harian apologises over insensitive Ultraman cartoon. [ONLINE] Available at:http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/3/13/nation/20110313224851&sec=nation. [Accessed 12 June 2011].




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Thursday, June 9, 2011

No Plastic Bag Day VLOG

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Mobile gaming!



Now who doesn't know angry birds!

A complete gaming phenomenon, that's what it is. Angry Birds can safely say that they are the top grossing gaming app hands down. Angry Birds, the best-selling mobile game, is developed and published by Rovio Mobile Ltd. (Rovio, 2011)

So big they even made a movie about it. 
The cross-over from game to big screen was definitely not an expected one. How will the audience react to it? I'm pretty sure fans of the mobile app will be thrilled. And what's more, maybe they'll come dressed as their favourite characters. 

What will the audience expect? With a star studded cast consisting of Anne Hathaway and Jesse Eisenberg, audiences are rev-ed up for a blockbuster of epic proportions. 

Check out the trailers here: 


How did Angry Birds get so popular?

I too use an iPhone and have every version of Angry Birds. Angry Birds Original, Angry Birds Seasons, Angry Birds Rio and all the free versions provided. If its Angry Birds, I've got it. Even the plush toys and other merchandise are irresistible. Just looking at them can cause a person to visualize real life angry birds. And I'm not alone, check out this video.

Created by T-Mobile. 


According to Charles L. Mauro of MauroNewMedia.com, the products become massively successful based on their user experience design – think iPhone, iPad, Google Instant Search, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Kinect. (Charles L.Mauro,2011) So this means that the way we play angry birds makes it so addictive. The fact that we can touch the screen and fling a bird into those green pigs. This does make sense as the feeling of playing angry birds on a pc does not have the same effect. There is a PC version of Angry Birds, its less popular. 

Angry Birds is a game spread by word of mouth. Much like any other app, one person plays and if a friend see's them playing it, will probably ask to try. This is the Angry Birds form of viral marketing. 

Mobile gaming is huge, and besides games like Angry birds, you have games such as Infinity Blade. 
When the iPhone went HD, the games with graphics such as Final Fantasy, Infinity Blade and Pocket God made a killing. 

These games are even available on the iPad. Although simple, the gaming world is definitely here to stay. With smart phones becoming easily accessible, its safe to say; even our kids will be playing Angry birds. 

409 words.


References

  1. Creators of Angry Birds plan to publish cookbook - Food & Drink, Life & Style - The Independent. 2011. Creators of Angry Birds plan to publish cookbook - Food & Drink, Life & Style - The Independent. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/creators-of-angry-birds-plan-to-publish-cookbook-2295812.html. [Accessed 12 June 2011].
  2. Rovio - Blog. 2011. Rovio - Blog. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.rovio.com/index.php?mact=Blogs,cntnt01,showentry,0&cntnt01entryid=55&cntnt01returnid=58. [Accessed 12 June 2011].
  3.  YouTube - ‪Rio Trailer‬‏ . 2011. YouTube - ‪Rio Trailer‬‏ . [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf6zeRwk5LE&feature=player_embedded. [Accessed 12 June 2011].






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Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Issues in Online Media : New media ecosystem; new media qualities & freedom of speech & public sphere

Is print media as credible?
With sites like The Onion creating parody news, have journalistic ethics been thrown out the window?

Recently, there was a particular piece of news circling the online world, that caught my eye.
Online news has the upper hand with breaking news, heck; I for one live a life that revolves around the internet.

When the connection is down, one wants to cry. It also drives me nuts not being able to use applications on my smartphone or laptop. Basically, you are rendered handicapped.






back to the news mentioned, it was regarding the British Royal Family.
The headline read "Prince William Divorces Kate Middleton after 5weeks"

The article said:

"LONDON—Barely a month after marrying 29-year-old Kate Middleton in a royal wedding ceremony watched by an estimated 2 billion people worldwide, Prince William announced Tuesday that he and Middleton have divorced and that the entire marriage was "a tremendous mistake in every possible regard." "I really don't know what I was thinking—we're a terrible match, I don't love her and never have, and, to be honest, I never really had any interest in being married in the first place," announced the now unattached Prince William to a dead-silent British press corps. "People thought our wedding was some sort of fairy tale, but I assure you it was all just some ghastly ceremonial farce that got out of hand. I'm just relieved it's over, frankly. And I'm glad I'll never have to see that awful woman again." Prince William then told the assembled reporters, "Well, see you all later," smiled, and walked back into Buckingham Palace"


So ladies and gentleman, what do you think about all this sensational head-liners? Do they destroy the ethics and standards that real journalist set? In my opinion, the recent parody news released by the Onion is extremely offensive.

For one, it can be considered as slander, do they really want to be sued?
Two, it is defamation of a public figure, yet another lawsuit.
Three, Fake news can mislead the reader.

Do take into account that because of online news we in Malaysia know exactly what's happening half way across the world in real time.

As stated by Jim Brady, the editor of the Washington Post.com
I think the argument about bloggers vs. journalists has been over for years. We've all co-existed just fine for a while now, and the truth is, the distinction is less relevant every day. There are thousands of journalists who now blog, and there are lots of bloggers who are trained journalists." (Jim Brady, 2008)

Brain McNair believes that online media is an evolution of traditional media. McNair states that journalists, journalism and traditional media will not experience any form of death, because they are needed on so many social, political and cultural levels worldwide. (McNair, 2009)
For your account;
www.thestar.com.my
www.themalaysianreserve.com
317words



  1. Digital Dilemmas: Ethical Issues for Online Media Professionals (Media and Technology Series) by Robert I. Berkman | LibraryThing. 2011. Digital Dilemmas: Ethical Issues for Online Media Professionals (Media and Technology Series) by Robert I. Berkman | LibraryThing. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.librarything.com/work/789357. [Accessed 07 June 2011].
  2. Online Media: Legal, Business and Content Issues - Summer Schools in Europe - Directory of summer courses. 2011. Online Media: Legal, Business and Content Issues - Summer Schools in Europe - Directory of summer courses. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.summerschoolsineurope.eu/index.php?action=showcourse&id=400. [Accessed 07 June 2011].
  3. The Onion - America's Finest News Source. 2011. The Onion - America's Finest News Source. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.theonion.com/. [Accessed 08 June 2011].
  4. Kress, G & van Leeuwen, T 2006, "Reading Images: The Grammar of Visual Communication," 2nd edn, Routeledge, New York
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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

New Media what? Oh NEW media!

Is new media the only media?
Seeing as to how our new generation flips a webpage faster than an actual newspaper page, it might seem a valid argument. 


Still, how valid is it really? After all, newspapers and CNN have been around a lot longer than TheStarOnline hasn't it?


Well, according to Jason Shultz of Marketing, Interactive , more and more companies are spending on ads or internet videos. In addition, many sites provide interactive services. Spending on these sites will grow 389 percent, to $12.2 billion, in the next three years.(Shultz,2008)

With the internet being so easily accessed now, this isn't surprising. At the touch of a finger, smart phones are connected to the internet, wherever you are. Provided of course, you have a connection.


Twitter, is another phenomenon,  a series of short messages called "tweets" are sent back and forth like a conversation. Just like in Facebook you can tag your friends using the "@". 

This diagram is a perfect example of how we are influenced by social media. 
Personally, I do find this to be true. No matter where I go, I'm surrounded by social networking.
Foursquare, Facebook, Blogger, Emails and Twitter are right in my hand.

So, is new media taking over? Definitely. 
Will it replace traditional media? Don't think so.



Now, we know for sure new media is taking over. Or at least, making a big splash right now. McNair states that journalists, journalism and traditional media will not experience any form of death, because they are needed on so many social, political and cultural levels worldwide. (McNair, 2009) 


According to Adam Ostrow, old media still triumphs over new media, in 2008, the highest rated media outlet was ABC news network. The survey was run over a 3 year period. With that said, media consumption habits are quickly changing. New media is however performing better than other.(Ostrow, 2009)

  • Blogs are now used by 24% of Internet users, up from 13% in 2006
  • Social networks are now used by 26% of Internet users, up from 17% in 2006
  • Videocasts are now used by 11% of Internet users, up from 6% in 2006


Slower growers include:
  • Business news sites: flat at 8%
  • RSS feeds: growing from 5-7%
  • Podcast: growing from 5-7% 

 The above chart shows the decline and rise of media usage in 2006, 2007 and 2008. 

Now in my opinion, I believe that even with the rapid progress shown by new media, I believe that it has actually caused traditional media to improve and progress even further, as with sites like TheStarOnline, ABC, CNN, and Al-Jazeera, all have stepped it up and created websites with breaking news. Shorter than the actual news pieces but every bit as informative. Besides that some traditional media outlets have even created app's for smart phones and you can access the sites quicker. Some even have tweets you can subscribe to, thus creating a immediate response from the receiver of the tweet. Instant and at your fingertips.
A good example is BREAKING NEWS & BBC NEWS. Both are twitter links. Click! 

On the side of bloggers, we can definitely agree that they have an upper hand when it comes to speed. They can publish an article much quicker than a news publication. According to findings by the Project for Excellence in Journalism, barely 12 % of Internet users find blogs a trustworthy news source. (Walden, 2007). To make sure they keep up, bloggers have started to adopt a higher standard of journalism. 

At this point in time, it does seem that new media is taking over the world. And I for one am pleased at the speed we can get information today. We live in a fast paced world and we do have a demand to meet. With that said, I do feel that somehow, traditional media won't be phased out just yet. We all enjoy flipping a page and reading news off a paper. Plus it doesn't hurt the eyes.
849words

REFERENCES.


Is New Media Taking Over?. 2011. Is New Media Taking Over?. [ONLINE] Available at: http://videos.webpronews.com/2007/10/17/is-new-media-taking-over/. [Accessed 26 April 2011].


Stats: Old Media’s Decline, New Media’s Ascent. 2011. Stats: Old Media’s Decline, New Media’s Ascent. [ONLINE] Available at: http://mashable.com/2009/01/29/stats-old-media-decline/. [Accessed 26 April 2011]




Is New Media Taking Over?. 2011. Is New Media Taking Over?. [ONLINE] Available at: http://videos.webpronews.com/2007/10/17/is-new-media-taking-over/. [Accessed 26 April 2011].


Traditional Media vs. New Media – Times they are a changin’…quickly - Blog Center - Share - Versant . 2011. Traditional Media vs. New Media – Times they are a changin’…quickly - Blog Center - Share - Versant . [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.versantsolutions.com/share/blogs/?id=2147483820. [Accessed 26 April 2011].


MediaShift . Distinction Between Bloggers, Journalists Blurring More Than Ever | PBS. 2011. MediaShift . Distinction Between Bloggers, Journalists Blurring More Than Ever | PBS. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2008/02/distinction-between-bloggers-journalists-blurring-more-than-ever059.html. [Accessed 26 April 2011].


McNair, B 2009, ‘Journalism in the 21st century: evolution, not extinction,’ Journalism, Vol. 10, No. 3, pp. 347-349.


Glaser, M 2008, ‘Distinction Between Bloggers, Journalists Blurring More Than Ever,’ online, retrieved 26 April 2011, from http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2008/02/distinction-between-bloggers-journalists-blurring-more-than-ever059.html


Walden, R 2007, ‘The Blogger as Journalist: Codes of Ethics in the World of Blogging,’ online, retrieved 26 April 2011, from http://web-journalism.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_blogger_as_journalist





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Monday, April 25, 2011

c. Blogging communities and Methods to build them.



THE QUESTION:
c. Explain briefly types of blogging communities & methods to build blogging communities. Then, discuss the structure of  one blogging community in brief, eg. Global Voices.

MY ANSWER: 

All bloggers are part of an online community which is a group of people who interact with each other via the Internet. (Tuomi, 2001)
In Malaysia, we have www.lowyat.com.my, its a popular site for people to find just about anything. You can research about your iphone, computers, cars and chat with dealers. You can even buy clothes and books from lowyat. Its extremely that you cannot find something on lowyat.

Also take into account SPILL a website purely for movie bloggers. As for other blogging communities, we have Nuffnang and Advertlets, the 2 biggest blog advertising communities in Malaysia.

Globally, there are sites such as MyBlogLog and Technorati. Both are sites in which can convene.


Nuffnang
Advertlets

--

How does one build a blog community?

  • Have a website that is relevant to a specific field in blogging. (Rowse, 2009)


Take for example SPILL, it common denominator is the topic of movies. Movie buffs and movie bloggers can convene on Spill and comment, discuss and even debate movies.

  • Start with comments. (Rowse, 2009)


People love having opinions, so ask them what they think. Make them feel important and let them have a say. It brings the reader into the topic and makes them a part of the group. Ask questions in your post and interact with your readers. 

  • Make sure you have a "Join As Member" option. (Rowse, 2009)
Once a reader joins, make sure they have constant updates. This way, they won't lose interest and will instead become a long term reader or member. Loyalty from readers is crucial.



  • Be a part of the community yourself. (Rowse, 2009)
Get involved, join in to what the readers are doing. Don't play God and just tell them what they should do, take an active role in the blogging world as a whole. 

  • Reader centred post. (Rowse, 2009)
Have post that speak to the reader, when they read it; it should feel as if someone is speaking to them. This creates a sort of intimacy with the reader, usually this is lost through mediums of mass media. Have a interactive manner of blogging. Ask questions and expect some answers.

One example of a Malaysian blogging community thats been buzzing alot lately is Churp Churp.



Churp Churp can schedule post, tweets and even provide bloggers with jobs. This platform brings bloggers together by providing direction to bloggers through "assignments" or jobs. And through tweets, bloggers can contact each other even easier, quicker and more efficiently. 


REFERENCES


  1. Schwartz, B 2007, "Building Your Blog Community," online, retrieved 25 April 2011, from http://searchengineland.com/building-your-blog-community-10556
  2. Tuomi, I 2001, "Internet, Innovation and Open Source: Actors in the Network,"First Monday, Vol. 6, No. 1, retrieved 25 April 2011, from http://firstmonday.org/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/viewArticle/824
  3. Rowse, D 2009, "8 Tips for Building Community on Your Blog," online, retrieved 25 April 2011, from http://www.problogger.net/archives/2009/02/28/8-tips-for-building-community-on-your-blog/
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Sunday, April 24, 2011

b. Classification of blogs & opinion about the most appropriate classification approach


There are a few ways to classify blogs (searchwindevelop.com), for today; I'll explain some of the most basic forms.
   
In the previous post, I've set out a few examples. Lets use them alright?
  • Personal Blog
 a shared on-line journal where people can post diary entries about their personal experiences and hobbies) "postings on a blog are usually in chronological order" - (2011:princeton.edu.)


Chuckei blogs about her life and happenings.




  • Gossip blog
Perez blogs about Hollywoods latest news. 
Also known as a Celeblog Celeblog – A blog written about or by a celebrity. Usually focuses on news, gossip and often contains embarrassing or revealing paparazzi photos.
(2011:webdesignseo.com)

  • Art blog
Consisting of art works from the blogger/artist.



  • General Blog
A blog about everything and anything. (


www.theblogabouteverything.com


  • Photo Blog
A blog who's primary content is photos (webdesignseo.com)


http://www.cgzoom.com/


  • Political blog 
A blog that focuses on politics and may or may not influence the public(2010: The Guardian: Al Franken)




http://chedet.co.cc/chedetblog/

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Personal Opinion

From a blogger's standpoint, I find that there are 3 main ways to classify blog. First there's the personal blog, second the general or everything blog and thirdly there are the genre specific blogs. If one was to tag all blogs to a specific label, there would be no end. 

Under personal blogs, there's nothing much to explain, just people blogging about their lives and sharing it for the web world. 

With general or everything blogs, they blog about the universe. Literally! Well anything and everything under the sun, is blogged about. There is no specific genre and possibly no specific direction. These are bloggers who just want to talk about everything. Or should I say blog about,... well... everything.

And finally, with genre specific blogs, there are countless possibilities! You can blog about movies, you can blog about food or fishing or games or anything you want. And the list goes on and on and on... Well it can go on forever in fact. Mainly because we find new things everyday, hence there are more topics to blog about.

That's my personal opinion on the matter though, what's your?

527words 

References

  1. What is blog (weblog) ? - Definition from Whatis.com. 2011. What is blog (weblog) ? - Definition from Whatis.com. [ONLINE] Available at:http://searchwindevelopment.techtarget.com/definition/blog. [Accessed 25 April 2011].
  2. Web Design, Seo, Blog Marketing Tips » Blogging Definitions: Types of Blogs – Part 1. 2011. Web Design, Seo, Blog Marketing Tips » Blogging Definitions: Types of Blogs – Part 1. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.webdesignseo.com/blog-marketing/blogging-definitions-types-of-blogs.php. [Accessed 25 April 2011].
  3. cgzoom » latest . 2011. cgzoom » latest . [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.cgzoom.com/. [Accessed 25 April 2011].
  4. Celebrity gossip juicy celebrity rumors Hollywood gossip blog from Perez Hilton. 2011. Celebrity gossip juicy celebrity rumors Hollywood gossip blog from Perez Hilton. [ONLINE] Available at: http://perezhilton.com/. [Accessed 25 April 2011].
  5. ♥ www.chuckei.com. 2011. ♥ www.chuckei.com. [ONLINE] Available at:http://chuckei.com/. [Accessed 25 April 2011].
  6. Che Det. 2011. Che Det. [ONLINE] Available at: http://chedet.co.cc/chedetblog/. [Accessed 25 April 2011].
  7. WordNet Search - 3.0. 2011. WordNet Search - 3.0. [ONLINE] Available at:http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=blog. [Accessed 25 April 2011].
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