Convergence Culture

Jenkins' understanding of convergence culture is simply an idea of all media coming together to be controlled by one simple "box." He also believes that "convergence is an ongoing process occurring at various intersections of media technologies, industries, content and audiences." It just means when old and new media collide into one, like the title states. All people, as a whole, come together and help technologies circulate. Jenkins also understand convergence culture as the flow of technology between different platforms. Though I wasn't in class for this discussion, I believe that creative engagement is being creative in a useful and productive way. Technology is always changing new things are being developed. It comes down to "participatory culture" which is mentioned in the book. Its all about a greater diversity and various means of interaction. Overall, when it comes to convergence, participation is necessary when trying to understand. Same with creative engagement. When you are engaged and creative, you also get a better understand of everything.

Online Consuming Behavior

Personally, the Long Tail theory was a tad confusing. After doing further research after class, I realized that the theory is simply that if a product is low in demand, it can make up a market share if its being sold in the right stores. Amazon is a perfect example of the Long Tail Theory. Like we discussed in class, Amazon is a universal place where you can buy almost anything, anywhere. If there's an old product, like a movie or CD, you wont be able to find it at Walmart most likely because Walmart keeps up with the newest, high demand products. You can most likely find it on Amazon and have it in your possession in a few short days. That's the beauty of technology these days! I would say my own, personal online consuming behavior is bargainer. I hardly ever online shop but if I do, I always make sure I find the absolute best deal. I am also the kind of person that likes the see things in person before I make a purchase. I take my money very seriously so when I buy things online, its usually just phone accessories or things of that matter that I know I wont be wasting my money on and that I can really use!

New Media and Technology + Internet Communication

Hello again! New media and technology is always a fun topic! There is always, always, always something new coming out that trumps over the latest technology already out. I chose an article from the LA Times about Nintendo making games for smart phones. Now, I am sure most of us remember playing on the Nintendo at some point or another during our childhood so this article hit close to home. I recommend this article for a few reasons: one, LA Times is a great company that provides great news and 2, since most people own a smart phone and some use it as a lifeline, anything that has to do with them is a must read! Nintendo, already being the giant company it is, is expanding into what’s new and popular right now in the technology world. Partnering up with a Japanese mobile gaming company, they hope to announce more details sometime next year. This is related to internet communication because smart phones and most games played on those phones use internet. With these games, people can connect with each other and play with each other whilst playing games. Personally, I am excited for the games to be on smartphones! http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-nintendo-dena-20150317-story.html

Information & Networks

The network law that I most agree with out of the three laws (Sarnoff’s, Metcalfe’s, and Reed’s Law) is the Sarnoff Law. All three laws talk about different ideas of how networks have more value with the larger number of members but in simpler terms, Sarnoff’s Law is an idea that the value of a broadcast network is directly proportional to the number of viewers. I agree with this law because it applies to traditional television and radio networks and this was also the first network law out of the three. I also agree with this one the most because it makes more sense to me. After studying each law carefully, I realized that even though this is a simpler law, it is just as effective. The scale of the members and the value of the network is exponential with the size of the network itself. It correlates with ratings so the number of people tuned in, also increases the value of the network. Out of the three laws, I believe that Sarnoff’s law will hold through into the future even through our quick progression of technology. Five years from now might seem like a long time, it honestly isn’t. Personally, I was sixteen and a sophomore in high school five years ago and a lot has changed technology wise. I do believe that people will continue to use technology and networks to get their information but via different and new technologies that can access these networks in different ways than they do already. With net neutrality in the mix, the power that networks have over Internet can change, but overall, I do not see much changing with out people access information in five years.

"Why we Blog"

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this article about blogging. Personally, I have always wanted to get into blogging and I have tried, it was just difficult staying committed and making progress with it. I do read a few blogs every now and again and I think it’s a great way to express your feelings that you might not be able say out loud. I like how to article broke up into parts of why people blog. From experience of reading a few blogs, I found those categories very true. Everyone might have a different reason for blogging, but they all usually fall under one of those motivations. I also liked the article because of some blog examples that were given, particularly the post from the college student. It was kind of insightful in a way to know that students get noticed, via their blog entries. What I liked best about Why We Blog is the section about Blog as a Commentary. Before I go out to eat to a new place, or go to the movie theatre or anywhere new to me, I like to look up reviews. Even though they might just be random people, I like to read opinions on thing before I spend my money there so I am glad that blogging is used to express opinions on various things. Blogging is an outlet for so many different things and I find it useful way to express yourself in this day and age we are in with advanced technology.

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