Article from: ABC Media Report
Title: A POOL of creative commons
Presenter: Anthony Funnell
Date: August 21, 2008
Link: http://www.abc.net.au/rn/mediareport/stories/2008/2342255.htm
In this segment, Anthony Funnell speaks to the Executive Producer of a new user generated interactive website started by the ABC called Pool. This website has introduced new licensing to protect the rights of people over the content they choose to post on the site. This licensing is called Creative Commons licensing and it allows the user to place their own restrictions on what can be done with their work.
I found this issue very interesting as the idea of copyright laws has been a hot topic since the internet boom. Everyone seems to be using everyone else's ideas, images and whatever else they can get their hands on. This is a result of this new technology which makes the avaliability of information so accessible; there are bound to be problems regarding this issue. At least with a website like this, the user's rights can be protected if they so wish, and at the sametime we can all experience and share each others creativity and ideas.
After reading the transcript of this conversation, the movie Be Kind Rewind came to mind. This movie deals with issues of both copyright and creativity and links in to what this segment is talking about. I highly recommend it, even if just for the entertainment value, as it discreetly discusses some of these ideas.
I think it is great that people have a place to go to share their ideas and pick the level of copyright that suits them. This encourages the expression of ideas and talents in a fair and protected way and I think that's always a good thing. I might just have tp try it out for myself...
Other Links:
POOL website: http://www.pool.org.au/
Watch the trailer for Be Kind Rewind at: http://www.bekindmovie.com/#
Monday, August 25, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Week Four: ABC Media Report
Article from: ABC Media Report
Title: Txtng Rls!
Presenter: Anthony Funnell
Date: August 14, 2008
Link: http://www.abc.net.au/rn/mediareport/stories/2008/2330972.htm#transcript
In this article, presenter, Anthony Funnell, talks to a linguist about the language of text messages. They discuss concerns that people, especially children, who frequently text each other using shortened versions of words and abbreviations are destroying the english language and disadvantaging themselves when it comes to their literacy. Linguist, David Crystal, has conducted a study which clearly contradicts this theory.
David Crystal suggests that only 10% of text messages are abbreviated and the other 90% is plain and simple normal english. He also says that the more we read and write, even text messages, the better our vocabulary, literacy, reading and writing skills will be.
I had not thought about text mesaging this way before reading this article and a lot of what Mr Crystal is saying makes sense. I looked back through some of the text messages in my phone and found that he was right, most of the language used by both myself and people who have messaged me is not abbreviated.
Perhaps there is more to text messaging than meets the eye. If this is a way we can engage people in reading and writing who would not normally do so, then why not use it to our, and their, advantage. I can think of many of my friends who do not read books or do not write for pleasure, but who spend hours text messaging people on their phones. If that is a medium in which they find reading and writing both fun and beneficial then why not tap into that. I can think of a similar example with new technology such as internet blogs (like this one) or interactive social networking sites, such as facebook or myspace, which encourage reading and writing. 'Check out my blog!', 'Leave me a comment on myspace!', 'Comment on my pictures on facebook!'. These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to using new media to encourage literacy. And I think one of the best things about these new forms of communication is that people don't even realise they are learning. It's not a chore and they don't feel as though they have anything to rebel against. If that's not a way to reach people who don't respond well to traditional lerning techniques then I don't know what is!
There is also the matter of organisations and companies using text messaging to reach a new clientele. It seems even ad's on TV are starting to use text messaging as a form of communication more frequently. Just the other day I saw an ad for an insurance company which offers quotes by text message for both car and home insurance. This is a convienient and cost effective way to communicate and another option for both individuals and big business. Gone are the days when it was only possible to write a letter, use the telephone or even visit a business or person in order to recieve the information you needed. Now, there are more possibilities than ever and I believe choice can only be a good thing.
Title: Txtng Rls!
Presenter: Anthony Funnell
Date: August 14, 2008
Link: http://www.abc.net.au/rn/mediareport/stories/2008/2330972.htm#transcript
In this article, presenter, Anthony Funnell, talks to a linguist about the language of text messages. They discuss concerns that people, especially children, who frequently text each other using shortened versions of words and abbreviations are destroying the english language and disadvantaging themselves when it comes to their literacy. Linguist, David Crystal, has conducted a study which clearly contradicts this theory.
David Crystal suggests that only 10% of text messages are abbreviated and the other 90% is plain and simple normal english. He also says that the more we read and write, even text messages, the better our vocabulary, literacy, reading and writing skills will be.
I had not thought about text mesaging this way before reading this article and a lot of what Mr Crystal is saying makes sense. I looked back through some of the text messages in my phone and found that he was right, most of the language used by both myself and people who have messaged me is not abbreviated.
Perhaps there is more to text messaging than meets the eye. If this is a way we can engage people in reading and writing who would not normally do so, then why not use it to our, and their, advantage. I can think of many of my friends who do not read books or do not write for pleasure, but who spend hours text messaging people on their phones. If that is a medium in which they find reading and writing both fun and beneficial then why not tap into that. I can think of a similar example with new technology such as internet blogs (like this one) or interactive social networking sites, such as facebook or myspace, which encourage reading and writing. 'Check out my blog!', 'Leave me a comment on myspace!', 'Comment on my pictures on facebook!'. These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to using new media to encourage literacy. And I think one of the best things about these new forms of communication is that people don't even realise they are learning. It's not a chore and they don't feel as though they have anything to rebel against. If that's not a way to reach people who don't respond well to traditional lerning techniques then I don't know what is!
There is also the matter of organisations and companies using text messaging to reach a new clientele. It seems even ad's on TV are starting to use text messaging as a form of communication more frequently. Just the other day I saw an ad for an insurance company which offers quotes by text message for both car and home insurance. This is a convienient and cost effective way to communicate and another option for both individuals and big business. Gone are the days when it was only possible to write a letter, use the telephone or even visit a business or person in order to recieve the information you needed. Now, there are more possibilities than ever and I believe choice can only be a good thing.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Week Four: The Australian
Article from: The Australian
Title: Club Penguin suits Disney's virtual world aims
Author: Lara Sinclair
Date: August 7, 2008
Link: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,24139146-7582,00.html
This article highlights a current issue involving children and interactive media. Disney has recently purchased the virtual community, Club Penguin, and is loooking to start similar websites based on other Disney stories in which children play in a virtual online world.
Although Disney claims to have recruited staff who are employed to oversee the running of these websites and monitor security, these virtual worlds still raise some concerns for me. Although I feel it is important for children to gain computer skills and be aware of current technology, I also think that exposing children to virtual worlds at younger and younger ages for extended periods of time can not have positive results. By encouraging children to play on the internet instead of reading a book or playing a sport, we are denying them basic skills such as reading and social skills, not to mention general health and well being. I fear that if we continue to let children over-indulge in internet virtual worlds, we will produce a generation of people who cannot interact with each other without a computer.
These online worlds also encourage children to move away from traditional media such as books, magazines and newspapers which could have disatarous effects on these industries. Another article which appeared in The Australian titled 'Turning the web into a girlfriend' (see link below) discusses the teen magazine Girlfriend's problem of trying to lure readers back to their magazine. To do this they have included pages on digital media, including blogs and profile pages from MySpace, to try to reach the computer savvy market. This is an issue shared by many magazine publishers today. The popularity of the internet has has affects on all other forms of media, as it inevitably would, and is a dominant force in today's media.
In managing this issue, I propose the answer is to teach children from a young age that everything in moderation is good. Spend some time interacting with friends in a virtual world then read a book or magazine and go for a run or kick the footy. The internet is new and exciting but old or traditional hobbies can be just as much fun if you give them a go.
Other links:
The Australian 'Turning the web into a Girlfriend' - http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,24157469-7582,00.html
Title: Club Penguin suits Disney's virtual world aims
Author: Lara Sinclair
Date: August 7, 2008
Link: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,24139146-7582,00.html
This article highlights a current issue involving children and interactive media. Disney has recently purchased the virtual community, Club Penguin, and is loooking to start similar websites based on other Disney stories in which children play in a virtual online world.
Although Disney claims to have recruited staff who are employed to oversee the running of these websites and monitor security, these virtual worlds still raise some concerns for me. Although I feel it is important for children to gain computer skills and be aware of current technology, I also think that exposing children to virtual worlds at younger and younger ages for extended periods of time can not have positive results. By encouraging children to play on the internet instead of reading a book or playing a sport, we are denying them basic skills such as reading and social skills, not to mention general health and well being. I fear that if we continue to let children over-indulge in internet virtual worlds, we will produce a generation of people who cannot interact with each other without a computer.
These online worlds also encourage children to move away from traditional media such as books, magazines and newspapers which could have disatarous effects on these industries. Another article which appeared in The Australian titled 'Turning the web into a girlfriend' (see link below) discusses the teen magazine Girlfriend's problem of trying to lure readers back to their magazine. To do this they have included pages on digital media, including blogs and profile pages from MySpace, to try to reach the computer savvy market. This is an issue shared by many magazine publishers today. The popularity of the internet has has affects on all other forms of media, as it inevitably would, and is a dominant force in today's media.
In managing this issue, I propose the answer is to teach children from a young age that everything in moderation is good. Spend some time interacting with friends in a virtual world then read a book or magazine and go for a run or kick the footy. The internet is new and exciting but old or traditional hobbies can be just as much fun if you give them a go.
Other links:
The Australian 'Turning the web into a Girlfriend' - http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,24157469-7582,00.html
Week Three: ABC Media Report
Article from: ABC Media Report
Title: The Gruen Division?
Presenter: Antony Funnell
Date: August 7, 2008
Link: http://www.abc.net.au/rn/mediareport/stories/2008/2323653.htm
This segment, broadcast on ABC radio national, involves a discussion between advertising industry professionals and ABC presenter, Antony Funnell, on the effects the TV show, The Gruen Transfer, has had on the industry. The guests talk about the interest the show has generated amoungst people looking to enter the advertising industry and also discuss whether the show has had positive or negative impact on the industry itself, in particular relation to whether or not the show has presented members of the advertising industry in a professional light.
Personally, I loved The Gruen Transfer. I found it an insightful look into the world of advertising and it definately entertained and informed me. I thought it was interesting to see the process the advertisers go through when promoting an issue, event or product and I feel I got more out of it than simply being entertained. It wasn't just about invading New Zealand or selling whale meat, it also touched on some important and controversial issues. I feel it helped the audience to understand why they feel the way the do after watching or reading a piece of advertising and I believe this is very important. Instead of producing a country of mindless drones who only buy products or support events or issues because advertising tells them too, through the expose of advertising techniques, this show has helped the general public become somewhat more advertising literate.
I also felt the the industry professionals who appeared on the show were quite honest and this allows the public to form their own opinions on the industry. I found they conducted themselves professionally and talked openly about the techniques they use, shattering (at least in my mind) the image of the heartless advertiser. All in all, I was very impressed with they show and, whether you loved it or hated it, it has obviously sparked discussion about the industry and that can only be a good thing. The more something is talked about, the more it has the opportunity to be analysed and understood.
Title: The Gruen Division?
Presenter: Antony Funnell
Date: August 7, 2008
Link: http://www.abc.net.au/rn/mediareport/stories/2008/2323653.htm
This segment, broadcast on ABC radio national, involves a discussion between advertising industry professionals and ABC presenter, Antony Funnell, on the effects the TV show, The Gruen Transfer, has had on the industry. The guests talk about the interest the show has generated amoungst people looking to enter the advertising industry and also discuss whether the show has had positive or negative impact on the industry itself, in particular relation to whether or not the show has presented members of the advertising industry in a professional light.
Personally, I loved The Gruen Transfer. I found it an insightful look into the world of advertising and it definately entertained and informed me. I thought it was interesting to see the process the advertisers go through when promoting an issue, event or product and I feel I got more out of it than simply being entertained. It wasn't just about invading New Zealand or selling whale meat, it also touched on some important and controversial issues. I feel it helped the audience to understand why they feel the way the do after watching or reading a piece of advertising and I believe this is very important. Instead of producing a country of mindless drones who only buy products or support events or issues because advertising tells them too, through the expose of advertising techniques, this show has helped the general public become somewhat more advertising literate.
I also felt the the industry professionals who appeared on the show were quite honest and this allows the public to form their own opinions on the industry. I found they conducted themselves professionally and talked openly about the techniques they use, shattering (at least in my mind) the image of the heartless advertiser. All in all, I was very impressed with they show and, whether you loved it or hated it, it has obviously sparked discussion about the industry and that can only be a good thing. The more something is talked about, the more it has the opportunity to be analysed and understood.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Week Two: The Australian
Article from: The Australian
Title: Code for green ad claims on the way
Author: Simon Canning
Date: July 31, 2008
Link: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,24104576-17061,00.html
This article discusses the introduction of proposed new laws to regulate the use of "green" claims on products and product advertising; that is, claims which lead the consumer to believe that the product they are purchasing will be less damaging to the environment than a competitors product. Companies use "green" claims to differentiate themselves from similar companies offering similar products in order to boost sales. At the present time there are no specific laws to regulate the use of "green" claims and many people worry that these claims can be unethical and misleading.
In these environmentally aware times, poeple want to do what they can to help the environment. There is constant talk about global warming and the effects humans are having on the planet. But what does it mean to be "green"? "Green" is a symbol for environmentally friendly and is often used as a marketing ploy by businesses to sell more product. It doesn't really mean anything and there are no rules or laws to define the standards a product must reach to get "green" status. Therefore, I believe the introduction of laws to regulate environmental claims is a step in the right direction to correctly informing customers about what they are buying. Take the example mentioned in this article; the claim made by Coopers that it is Australia's greenest beer. It also has the slogan "big beer, tiny footprint" and I argue, what does this mean? There is no context and each person's interpretation of this slogan, including the terms "tiny" and "footprint", will be different. The company offers no explanation of this claim which could so easily influence consumers.
The new laws mentioned in this article would be benficial for us all and would help the average person make informed decisions about their purchases, rather than being mislead by advertising and claims which cannot be backed up with evidence.
Title: Code for green ad claims on the way
Author: Simon Canning
Date: July 31, 2008
Link: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,24104576-17061,00.html
This article discusses the introduction of proposed new laws to regulate the use of "green" claims on products and product advertising; that is, claims which lead the consumer to believe that the product they are purchasing will be less damaging to the environment than a competitors product. Companies use "green" claims to differentiate themselves from similar companies offering similar products in order to boost sales. At the present time there are no specific laws to regulate the use of "green" claims and many people worry that these claims can be unethical and misleading.
In these environmentally aware times, poeple want to do what they can to help the environment. There is constant talk about global warming and the effects humans are having on the planet. But what does it mean to be "green"? "Green" is a symbol for environmentally friendly and is often used as a marketing ploy by businesses to sell more product. It doesn't really mean anything and there are no rules or laws to define the standards a product must reach to get "green" status. Therefore, I believe the introduction of laws to regulate environmental claims is a step in the right direction to correctly informing customers about what they are buying. Take the example mentioned in this article; the claim made by Coopers that it is Australia's greenest beer. It also has the slogan "big beer, tiny footprint" and I argue, what does this mean? There is no context and each person's interpretation of this slogan, including the terms "tiny" and "footprint", will be different. The company offers no explanation of this claim which could so easily influence consumers.
The new laws mentioned in this article would be benficial for us all and would help the average person make informed decisions about their purchases, rather than being mislead by advertising and claims which cannot be backed up with evidence.
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