The Next New Thing

A new type of "new media" could be telepathic technology that will be able to read thoughts by interpreting the movement of eyes through hand held devices. This would help identify the brain activity of semi comotosed individuals.The device should work as a scanner and enable doctors to communicate with patients who appear to be in a vegetative state.

P2P File Sharing

File sharing is the exchange of information through downloading and uploading files such as music and movies.

P2P file sharing is peer-to-peer exchange of files where one computer user uploads a file that the recipient will later download. Downloading is a faster process as uploading requires more space and checks.

As stated in "The BitTorrent Effect" by Clive Thompson, traditional P2P file sharing examples are Kazaa and Morpheus, which are slow processes due to the uploading "bottleneck" method. The same source is responsible to feed the information to transfer to requesting systems. Bram Cohen developed BitTorrent as a faster means to transfer files, he constructed it like a puzzle using numerous parts to complete tasks. Each user is involved in providing bits of the files making the sharing process readily available. This process demonstrates team work at its best as no one user carries a hefty load that weighs down or delays the job.

Privacy & Confidentiality

Issues of privacy and confidentiality are related to new media because the ease to give information allows users the feeling of security on internet sites. Users share feelings and ideas on blogs and Facebook that are viewable by strangers. Mashups are reproductions of written or produced documents that may need consent if copyright laws are in place. Examples may include "remixes" of music where artist samples music and layover their lyrics to produce a new record. The distortion of work may change the intended meaning but creates an alternative message.
New media technology can allow better tracking of information through search engines on the internet. These search engines may lead to information not just posted by the user but also by third party applications. Identity theft and scams are sometimes the negative aspect of new media as users disclose full names, ages, background, hometown and phone numbers.

Blogs vs. Wikis

Before this class the terms blogs and wikis were in my opinion outlets to gossip and start research on topics. After the readings I can see more importance for each tool with similarities and differences between both.

Blogs are a discussion about topics that originate from one person's interest. In the article "Brooklyn Blog Helps Lead to Drug Raid", a simple grievance from the community through a blog created attention to the unwelcomed crack house that was bringing down the quality of the neighborhood. While some responders were afraid, others used the blog publicly to show their displeasure of the activity occuring at the address.

Wikis are pages that "allows groups of users to create, edit and comment on online documents". In regards to group projects wikis can allow each team member the ability to contribute and have access to updated information as the project progresses. The current information leads to better decisions and faster turnaround, as stated in "Wiki While You Work". The article also explains a wiki "is not meant only to be used for information storage, but for conversation and reference."

Ultimately the difference between a blog and a wiki is a blog publishes opinions and debates about specific topics while wikis are considered important for sharing and collaborating information - it is an online encyclopedia. The format differs as a blog is similar to text posts and a wiki organizes information to keep the subject updated and projects streamlined. Both are arranged and edited by the end user to improve a situation or educate others.

Convergence is important in today's networked world in respect to the ability to merge technologies and create mulitfunctional device. People can search and view movies through television sets using internet sites. Video games consoles are equipped to access the web. There is also mention in the article " Who Needs a TV? I'm Watching on a Laptop" the shift from traditional set box TVs to streamed video through computers. Although manufacturer are not in favor for convergence as stated in the research report "Consumption Convergence", consumers see the necessity for the combination as we continuous multi-task.

Blogs can be used for collaboration as seen in the presidential race, voters were able to view Obama's blog and learn his stance on many political issues.

A new use for a wiki may be video documentation of each task to help inform team members of the project plan.

The use of social networking has dramatically changed the way people communicate providing an open forum with a purposeful loss of privacy. I will explore the level of security available through social networking. This topic interests me as I personally do not have membership to Facebook, Twitter or LinkdIn. I am curious about how much information is exposed and the use by outside vendor and companies. I will give detail to my findings first hand and through other sources such as friends and expert findings. I want to have an open mind to know why and how much privacy is lost.