COM257: Media History and Theory

In "What is Web 2.0" O'Rielly attempts to uncover exactly what the software Web 2.0 is, which was set in motion to be created after the 2001 dot com crash.  Web 2.0 most popular definitions have been nothing put groups of "buzz words" thus far. O'Rielly explains that although their are  millions of citations on google trying to define it, the list includes only such words as "blogging, Flickr, and wikis." However, these words do not, and cannot fully contain the definition of what Web 2.0 is.

O'Rielly opens his version of a definition with explaining that first and foremost Web 2.0 is a software that has the web platform as its center. This is similar to the failing Netscape and Akamai, which at first made creators uneasy, but with a few adjustments to the Web 2.0 system, all was at ease, and now Netscape and Akamai can be seen as the pioneers of Web 2.0. Out of this web platform Google was able to flourish as a web aplication, that is not sold, nor packaged. It is a database dependent on software, and software dependent on a database. Unlike Netscape, their is no subscription, and you do not pay for updates.  Web 2.0 learnt from Google, and Overture that customer service was key to its success. Another key concept in Web 2.0 is centered around blogging. This abilitity to post information, creates the idea of the wisdom of the crowd, collectively discussing issues and topics. This ability to post these links and make them predictable found its roots in the failed project, Xanadu.

With the intelligence of Web 2.0 we are able to surf the internet seamlessly, accessing new updated information, and add own own. However, this system does not just stop at the desktop. It is slowly making its way to phones, and cars. It is so interesting to see the growth of the internet. We reach a point and think to ourselves, this is it, it cannot do any more. Yet with creations such as google maps, and flickr, we are proving ourselves wrong every day.

In Abbate's "Popularizing the Internet" the emergence of the internet is explained. When it became popular in the 1990's, the internet seemed to appear and flourish overnight, but as Abbate explains, this phenomenon of the decade had actually been in the making since the 1970's. Starting small, with only a few network connections, the Internet grew to contain numerous connections, computers, and became a vast source of information when it was released from the private military use, and became publicized, also aiding in its growth was the addition of the World Wide Web.   

So who created this technology? Although the Internet was undoubtedly started by the ARPA, the rest remains a muddle, with several operartors and inventors playing a part in its creation, keeping in mind the original vision of the ARPA. However, there were diffenernt opinions between the many tying finish the creation of the internet. This lead to almost a state of anarchy due to the "competing interests and visions." However, due to the commitment of its users, the Internet still managed to succeed. However, this did not happen without the internet taking on many transformations over the years. Also, with the popularization of personal computers in the 1980's as well as the introduction of USENET, networking, and online servicing became more popular, and possible.

The internet started as a tool for conducting research, and grew into a popular medium. As soon as the military decided to release the internet to the public changes were already in motion. First, computer scientists needed to figure out a logical network solution, so that the general public could be granted access to the internet. Soon ARPANET, CSNET, Telenet, and Phonenet became the hosts of the internet. However, once ARPANET divided into two separate networks (one military, one civilian) the internet became even more civilian friendly, increasing its use and popularity.

Another reformation in the internet world was the introduction of domains. The problem of having contol over specific types of information on the internet was solved by placing groups in charge of their domain. The were the .gov (government) .edu (education) .org (other organizations) .net (network resources) .mil (military) and .com (commercial.) This also decentralized the naming process.

Later the NSFNET project was introduce to be the concept of regional networking, and would later take ARPANETS place as the "backbone" of the internet once ARPANETs technologies became outdated. Later NSFNET achieved taking the internet out of government control, allowing for the internet to become even more popular.  It was able to be used more in the commercial world, entertainment world, and social world. Later MERIT took over as the backbone, adding new features to make the internet more user friendly. Also, the inroduction of the World Wide Web, and the hyperlink technology, allowed for even more linking, and more users.

It is hard to belive that the internet was a new creation, still in development when I was a child. I thin back to my first computer experiences which included taking 15 minuets to turn the darn thing on (the black screen with the white letters/numbers/symbols never seemed to fade) then my first game, where the little circle man tried to eat the dot around the maze, and of course everything was that green color with a black background. And finally the old dial-up internet, that you would get so mad at 15 minuets later when that little box popped up saying "connection failed." This system now seems so dinosaur age, yet at the time it was such an eye opening new technology, a majucal box allowing for connections around the world. If we have come this far in internet technologies since those dark ages, I cannot wait to see  what is in store for the future versions of the internet.

Nicole Moering 

In the second  part of Briggs and Burke's "The Age of Television" the authors begin by explaining the somewhat rocky start to television. Due to the war and depression, it took a while for  the Television to get the attention it deserved. Radio broadcasting were not advocating the T.V, and the general public were apprehensive towards it. However between 1947 and 1952 sales grew by 134%, resulting in over 15 million homes and bars with television sets despite the misconception that the TV was only for the wealthy.

However, this growth in T.V popularity had its consequences. Hollywood hit a rough spot in its sales. People did not want to leave the comfort of their home to go pay for a ticket to see a movie. This decline of sales greatly impacted  "The age of cinemas" success. Later this was remedied by selling movies to the T.V companies. Also, with the growth of T.V BBC had an even larger monopoly in the industry, extending from radio to T.V

However, this monopoly was put to a halt in 1955 with the "white paper" document, that prohibited monopolies in either radio or the T.V industry. However, BBC still stayed competitive in the market with many successful sitcoms on air. Also the BBC was the fist to introduce satire. With hits like these BBC and some U.S stations stayed large and strong well into the 60's when color T.V was brought about, along with more expensive color T.V licenses.

Even though the BBC was a strong provider in europe, CBS looked to expand its version of T.V to Mexico, Puerto Rico and Havana. Unlike the BBC where they advertised mainly themselves, CBS looked to give viewers what they wanted, aiding in the spread of their popularity.

 To think of the Television as "new media" is so strange. I turn on my T.V every morning, and evening, without a single thought. Heck, I don't even touch the T.V, my remote does the trick. To read and understand the history of the T.V is such an interesting experience. The reaction that people can have to new media seems so unreasonable looking back at it. Afraid of a T.V? It is a crazy thought now, yet our actions are truly predictable. 70 or so years from now, we are going to be able to look back and say, we responded How to What??? 

In Briggs and Burkes "Information Education and Entertainment" the two authors discuss Radio and Television broadcasting. They begin with a brief history, explaining the importance the radio played in society prior to the invention of televised broadcasting. Radio broadcasting played a particularly large role in the war, speaking the "truth" to it's listeners. Never mind that both Hitler, and Roosevelt used the radio. Regardless, the radio made people feel more connected to society, and understood more of what was happening in the world around them. This was also greatly attributed to the broadcaster Ed Murrow who is considered to be one of the greatest radio war broadcasters.

Although the people thought they understood all of what was occurring, especially during the time of the war because they listened to the radio, they were still actually very much in the dark. This is because the government had control over the radio, and what it did and did not broadcast, therefor creating a bias in each story. Then starting with Reith of BBC, broadcasting was restructured, where the government had no control, only the broadcasters themselves. This format quickly became popularized, and spread amongst stations, However, the US started to use a sponsorship method, and advertisments withing their broadcasting.

 I listen to NPR almost every day. It is interesting to me to sit back and think about the early years of families huddling around their radio, listening to the fuzy reception, anticipating the words of their countries leader. What a different age we live in, yet here we are, many years later, using the same tool (although renovated), to gain the same thing-information.

In "Technology and Ideology" Carey discusses the importance of the creation of the telegraph, as well as the effects it has had in the U.S.  Although the telegraph is commonly labeled as "old media" Carey argues that this industry changing machine still deserves the title of "new media." He first approaches the topic of the telegraph by explaining that the telegraph opened doors for the electronic goods industry, in fact, Carey claims that the telegraph started the industry. Also the shift from using the first telegraphs as a toy, to a communication device re shaped the "nature of language, of ordinary language, and of general awareness."

Carey continues to explain that the telegraph was the first tool in communication that allowed for the transportation of a message without any physical movement. A message could be sent form one coast to the next without moving from a room, and in essence allowed communication to function quickly, free from any geological constraints. However, this removal of geological constraints quickly altered the way communication took place across the nation. New forms of language were created, and old and rare forms died out. Carey broke down the effects into three major relationship shifts, one between the telegraph and monopoly capitalism,  the second between ideology and the telegraph, the the third the effect of the telegraph and ordinary ideas.

The introduction of the telegraph into industries, companies, and the general workplace caused a shift in the hierarchy. The once visible leading force, soon became the invisible, communicating through impersonal means, face to face information became a thing of the past. The telegraph also raised the hope of a country more bound together, spreading peace, harmony, profit, and efficiency. This was the start of the relationship between ideology and the telegraph. Christians also hoped for national improvements in the people, by using the telegraph to spread Christ's word cross country, quickly, and efficiently. Lastly, the effect the telegraph had on ordinary ideas was most clearly seen in the world of journalism where journalism that lacked detail eventually becam prominant, and cutting the middle man to deliver letters saved money.

 The telegraph has found its place only in history today, being labeled useless in todays fast moving techno savvy world today. However, this article really highlights the major impact this now seemingly ancient machine has had on todays society. I find it very interesting to see how technology has effected the culture it is created into, and the similarities it shares with more modern technology. For instance, Carey states that the telegraph lead to new forms of language, which can also be seen in todays cell phone via text message. Phrases such as LOL, IDK and vowelless  words such as THNX  now hold meaning to the every day reader.

Hayles opens up the article by defining virtuality as "the cultural perception that 

material objects are interpenetrated by information patterns," then continues to explain that this virtuality is something most people involve themselves with on a daily basis. Hayles also explains virtuality is two fold, both material (materiality) and information. Although materiality and infrmation of virtuality work together, they can and will still function as seperate entities. To explain this Hayes makes references to human genetics. an

Although these two parts function alone, the controlling half is considered to be the information. Without information, there is no need for the materiality. Also, the speed in which the information travels plays an important role. Information is  an intangible things that needs to be accessed,  so following a pattern, it is sent from one material place to another, however it is sent through many interfaces, and is sent as different codes. Hayles mentions that there is a pattern that is generally followed- information is gathered, it is put in code, it is tranfered trough interfaces, and eventually arrives at its destination and is decoded. However, she also mentions there is a randomness to the action also. This is because the location that the information is coming from is not always identifiable, or consistent. It may come form one of many of the possible interfaces.

I found this article very hard to read. It was very wordy and complex for something we interact with daily. I understand that when I send a message via my cell phone it is not physically traveling through air, but as Hayes explains is put into codes and travels through interfaces. However, it is also interesting to be reminded of how complicated such an easy task really is. 

In Manovich's  The Poetics of Augmented Space, Manovich defines physical space overlaid with dynamically changing information that is most likely in the form of multimedia, and is localized for the user. Manovich also makes the point that this overlaying is made possible by the tracking and monitoring of users, i.e people. Manovich gives malls, surveillance cameras, and cell space technologies as examples of augmented space. Augmented space originated mostly in the 90's, Manovich explains. He also states that this shift can be explained in part by geometry. With the ability to think beyond the straight line (line of sight, visible line,) the creation of devices such as blue tooth were created, aiding in augmented space. 

Throughout the article, Manovich continues to delve into this idea of Augmented space, and how it has become intertwined in every day life. You could be shopping at the mall, while accessing facebook on your phone. Manovich explains that an example like this is augmented not immersed because you are fully aware that you are participating in both activities.

This idea of augmented space means one can bring technologies with them, and almost not be able to escape them. This relates to other classes we have had, for it helps to describe our curent culture, and how we have over the years become not only technology savvy, but also reliant.  Where would we be without our ipods while working out? Or even sitting in class with our lap tops checking face book? Augmented space is something we all can relate to in todays society, however it is more of a matter of becoming aware of it.

In Kellermans article "Technologies" two "space transcending technologies" (Fischer, 1992, p.23) are juxtaposed in the beginning of the article. These two transportation technologies can be broken down into two categories, auto centered transport systems such as cars and trains, and also the technology names virtual mobility. This includes technologies such as the telephone, fax, and most importantly the internet. Each of these technologies were founded here in the U.S.A during the first part of the 20th century. However, for each of these new technologies to thrive, Kellerman explains that each one had to undergo some form of standardization. Examples of this are seen in state issued drivers licenses, and standardized electronic bits. Also, similarity between the two technologies can be seen even more between the effects of standardization, shown in the three communication layers that emerged from standardization: The Physical Infrastructure layer, the logical infrastructure layer, and the content layer. 

Continuing on the subject of mobility, Kellerman next addresses a more fundamental forms of space transcending- walking and cycling.  Kellerman points out that both walking and cycling require paths, destinations, and thought. However, there is an obvious decrease in the use of these forms of transportation, but is also relative to the culture. But regardless of culture, walking and cycling is still a personal free will form of transportation, much like the personal automobile, which brings Keller to his next point of automobility, the human and multi machine connection, allowing the individual to exceed personal human constraints, such as speed. 

Kellerman draws the readers attention back to virtual mobility by adressing telephony. Telephones provide society with instant communication, that is not bound by rules and regulations found on the roads. This personal virtual mobility has such a univeral cultural impact, that a set of cultural rules or norms have been developed. This can be obsereved in appropriate calling times, or proper ways to answer a call, or end one. Also, much like the telephone, the internet is also a form of immediate virtual mobility without any governing "road rules."

 Regardless of the form of virtual mobility, or physical mobility Kellerman makes it clear that personal pleasure and freedom are the two common threads throughout each and every form. I think it is clear in every individuals day to day life that these two threads hold true. Consider this class. You can choose to log onto this weblog and do the assignment, displaying freedom from boundaries of a classroom, or you have the freedom to check your facebook instead for personal pleasure. Physical mobility is also a major part of this class. We either walk drive cycle, or take the bus to class. But as you can see, and as Kellerman points out, virtual mobility, and physical mobility go hand in hand, complimenting each other not only in our class, but in daily life in general.  

In Manovich’s article, “What is New Media,”the history of media and how it has transformed over the years is explained. Manovich informs the reader that the computer age started in 1963 with the building of the machine that closely resembles a film projector, the "Universal Turing Machine." However, with the media revolution, society is moving far from the Universal Turing Machine, and now has a wide variety of methods in which it can, and does affect all the different parts of media, entitled "new media." To develop basic principles of New media Manovich looks at components such of these that compose new media: moving images, sounds, shapes, spaces and texts. From from these elements Manovich develops five principles of New Media which are: numerical representation (how all media objects are converted from analog media to digital code,) modularity (objects in new media consist of independent parts and elements,) automation (produces the ability to store, organize, and access,) variability (distinguishes permanent from non permanent copies,) and cultural transcoding ( turning media into computer data.) With this reformation of media, New media is now digital, accessible, fast, and interactive. Also, Manovich argues that New Media should be considered as a computer science because it contains concepts in media theory such as interfaces and databases.  

Media, and especially computer Media is very relevant to society in General. Cashiers at stores check out its customers using a computer, friends and family keep in touch, work is accomplished, as well as research. In my Com 240 class we discussed research methods. One methods was an online survey, simply sending out a questionnaire over a web sight, and having the data transfered to your data base via web server. Without the reformation of media, this quick and easy method of research would not be possible. However, old media is still relevant to our lives also. Class room quizzes on paper, or surveys filled out on paper are all methods constructed using old media.

 -Nicole Moering