QotW5: Excuse me, is that ME?!

Identity plays a key role in virtual communities. In communication, which is the primary activity, knowing the identity of those with whom you communicate is essential for understanding and evaluating an interaction. Yet in the disembodied world of the virtual community, identity is also ambiguous. (Donath, 1996)

Ambiguity is the key in online identities.

The Internet is the only place where you can 'roam' free and explore your inner identity. In a way, we are able to paint our own potrait of ourselves to others. Mostly strangers we 'meet' via the virtual world. True, in life, we assume our roles as who we are. Be it a student, a teacher or an actor. It is a totally different ballgame online.

Essentially, we are made of so many things. A definitive answer to who we are is almost impractical.

There are two ways how users identify themselves online. Some people prefer to use their real names online, whereas most Internet users prefer to identify themselves by means of pseudonyms. (“Online Identity,” 2007)

Personally, I do not like to use my own name online. I go by various aliases. Each created for a specific reason. For instance, my first alias was detroit. The reason behind the name was the movie, Detroit Rock City. Then, I set up an e-mail account on Yahoo with the username, mypaintedsmile. The phrase coming from a song by the band, Mono. There is a pattern on how I come up with my multitude of 'identities'. Most of them are based on my varied interest. It is painstakingly hard to remember all of the different usernames that I came up with. Somehow, I managed perfectly. I guess it is in my nature to not reveal too much of myself. Especially online, where you do not really know the true nature of the individuals you are communcating with.

Currently, I have been using 'wideeyedmuse' as my online identity. I derived this nickname purely based on my interest in Greek mythology. The idea of muses fascinates me. As for the reference to wide-eyedness, that was added to give it a touch of character.

To illustrate, I am known as wideeyedmuse in Il Divo's Online Forum.

In this forum, fans of the operatic group, Il Divo, knows me by my nickname, 'wideeyedmuse'. Initially, I was identified as, “Hey, wideeyedmuse..” in comments posted by fellow forum members. It was weird being addressed by my nick. As we get to know each other, everyone came to know my real name. Perhaps, due to the sense of familiarity. From commenting on each others post regarding updates on our favourite band, we became real life friends. Meeting at their concert or having drinks together, talking about our idols.


In terms of building reputation, I was one of the very first few Singaporean member of the thread. There were several of us present in the forum. Regularly updating each other on concerts or television tapings. Judging by the number of posts each of us has, others can roughly gather how active we are in the forum. Right now, members of the forum that originates from other parts of the world, recognises me as one of the pioneering Singaporean fan. The label itself attaches a sense of importance. Why? Others actually approach you when they need information regarding any happenings in Singapore. For example, if the band is featured in a local magazine. As members of the thread, we will share the information by scanning the article or produce a short write-up to keep each other updated.

I cannot imagine someone stealing my online identity. I picture a popular blogger like Xiaxue getting her online identiy stolen due to her popularity. In a sense, those who does indulge in robbing someone's online identity, ultimately craves some kind of attention. What about someone like me? I do not think so. I possess an online identity because I need a username to create e-mail accounts and blogs for my personal use. As they say, never say never. In the event of someone stealing my identity, they could possibly go around posting comments using my nickname. Maybe at the same time, signing off as me. The trick is pretension. For example, the person can go around proclaiming that he or she is me. Claiming credit for the photos that I took during Il Divo's concert last January. If that happens, I would feel violated.

The thing about online identity is, you only know what the person tells you. Most of the time, this occurs through instant messages, online communication and also by viewing someone's profile.

Lackaff (2003) mentioned that identity is often more difficult to establish and maintain. I agree.

In in the online world, you are the perception of others.

References

Donnath, J (1996). Identity and Deception in the Virtual Communication. Retrieved February 22, 2007, from MIT Media Lab Web site: http://smg.media.mit.edu/people/Judith/Identity/IdentityDeception.html

Lackaff, D. (2003). Norm maintenance in online communities: A review of moderation regimes Unpublished master's (preliminary) thesis, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia. Retrieved 21, February 2007 from http://lackaff.net/node/20

Online Identity. (2007, February 15). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved February 20, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_identity

QotW4: I come bearing GIFTS!

Pollard (1999) stated that, the 'gift economy offers us a means to learn, to understand, to take charge, and to change our world'.

Online communities exist within a radically different environment. The setting is a (1) network of (2) digital (3) information, and each of these three features drives important changes. It is a world of information rather than physical objects (Kollack, 1999).

Everything I need is on the Internet. Especially information that are not readily accessible here locally. Forums, online communities are among the ideal places to gather information through like-minded individuals who share similar interest. Personally, I visit such sites mainly because they normally focus on a particular set of interest. Hence, it is more specific and concentrated. Most importantly, these places have a community of people that will share the same notion as me. Very unlike a search engine; where you can only get sites that links to the keyword.

I gather latest news, updates and information from others who post them up regularly in sites like Livejournal and forums like Yahoo Groups. When you type a word that describes your interest, the chances of coming across a forum or an online community that talks everything about that particular interest is highly probable.

MEOW!

I am a member of the MSN Group, Singapore Cats. The online group serves several purposes. Mainly, acting as a 'forum' for all cat lovers in Singapore. The members makes up of regular feeders, volunteers at animal welfare organisations like Cat Welfare Society (which I am also a member of) and anyone who loves cats. There are messages posted by members regarding anything ranging from stray cats looking for homes and the right way to feed a stray. Basically, everything under the sun. The concept of gift economy takes place when members exchange information with one another. Sometimes, people post news articles or pictures regarding an issue which might spark an interest with the rest. I try to do my best as a citizen journalist when I am asked to update the others regarding the strays around our area. Thus, the communication is two-way with both parties benefitting from each other's output.

The online group is not only insightful since it proves to be highly interactive as well. An example is when I wanted to help out with the strays in my residential area. I heard that there were a group of women who feed the stray cats daily who needs additional help. Especially with trapping the cats for sterilization. Through the group, I learn of several ways to get involved. I was listed in the list of feeders in the Jurong East area. If any strays need to be trap or requires medical attention, fellow feeders will contact each other.

Participating in the online group not only provide me with various information on cats. I benefitted largely when others share their experience and knowledge regarding the best vet to visit, the affordable animal clinics to go to. At times, there are perks when you are identified through association. Just the other day, I was given discount for buying cat food from a particular pet store. Why? I was a part of the Singapore Cats MSN Group and was automatically referred.

At the end of the day, what do I get from the online group? Invaluable information is the key point in this whole business of the gift economy. In the era of digital information, we are able to assess knowledge which is available in abundance. The Internet is a pool of information. The gift economy can be of use to anyone. How do I contribute then? Any message typed in a forum, viewable to the public is a service. I provide data thorough my knowledge or facts that I learn around me. It is apt to say that, individuals and groups can use resources governed under different types of constraints than those imposed by property law (Aigrain & Gonzalez-Borahona, 2003).

As Kollack (1999) stated, 'it becomes easy and very cheap to distribute information across the Internet'. Whether or not, the information serves as personal or beneficial purposes, is another issue.

References

Aigrain, P. & Gonzalez-Barahona, J. M. (2003). The Political Economy of Commons. The European Journal for the Informatics Professional, 4(3). Retrieved February 8, 2007, from http://www.upgrade-cepis.org/issues/2003/3/up4-3Benkler.pdf

Kollock, Peter (1999). 'The Economies of Online Cooperation; Gifts and Public Goods in Cyberspace" Retrieved February 8, 2007 from http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/soc/faculty/kollock/papers/economies.htm

Pollard, Dave (2005). "The Gift Economy" Retrieved February 8, 2007 from http://blogs.salon.com/0002007/2005/04/17.html

QotW3: Maybe it is alright to share!

File sharing is the practice of making files available for other users to download over the Internet and smaller networks. Usually file sharing follows the peer-to-peer (P2P) model, where the files are stored on and served by personal computers of the users. Most people who engage in file sharing are also downloading files that other users share. (“File Sharing,” 2007, para. 1)

A relatively unknown method of getting files online, file sharing was only exposed to the mainstream audience in the year of 1999 when Shawn Fanning and his friend, Sean Parker first released the original Napster on the 1st of June. (“Napster,” 2007)

It started when heavy metal band, Metallica discovered that a demo of their song, 'I Disappear' had been circulating around the internet even before its release. Much to their chagrin. It eventually led to their song being played in radio stations across America. In 2002, the band retaliated by filling a lawsuit against the service Napster offered. (“Napster,” 2007) The brouhaha ignited the controversial lawsuit against Napster which ultimately signaled the banning of mp3 downloads.

The line between sharing and stealing is grey. Downloading music is deemed as illegal. A rather serious felony considering that ripping off someone's work is a form of illusive theft. More like a creative robbery. The problem lies in the concept of copyright and intellectual property. While content creaters fight hard to protect their rights, there are others who disagree. Bands like Ten Mile Tide would tell you that peer-to-peer file-sharing services aren't really the great evil that music moguls and wealthier bands like Metallica are making them out to be (“Spreading the love,” October 11, 2006). According to Ten Mile Tide, “Online file sharing has connected us with music fans around the world and increased our album sales ten-fold.” In this scenario, the content creaters themselves embrace sharing their music online. It even helped exposed them to the masses and boost their sales. It seems that content sharing can be described as a double-edged sword. Risk piracy or risk plummeting album sales.

The sharing of information, particularly the proliferation of illegal sharing of copyrighted materials on peer to peer networks, has made the entertainment industries very nervous. Copyright law, some believed, did not adequately deal with digital content. In response, Congress passed several laws, including the No Electronic Theft Act and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (Ovalle, 2005).

The question is, “How can we project the interest of both the content creater and the public good?” The debate is aptly addressed through Borland (2000), “The company is stuck in a difficult position, attempting to abide by the strictures of copyright law while trying to please its members as much as possible. Under federal rules, Internet companies have to remove content or links identified by copyright holders as potential copyright infringements or face legal liability.”

The key is to compromise. By balance things out, both parties will be provided with what they want. Accommodate both interest and cater to all if possible. Thing is, how do we achieve such a feat? There are several factors that can be undertaken. It just boils down if both parties are willing to compromise.

Socially Ethical

Don't mind paying for a track? I personally think that this will work. Especially in the long run. Why? Basically, the artistes get a fraction of the profits so their hard work would not go to waste. They cannot complain that the fans are sponging on their songs without paying a dime. As for the music listeners, they are free to download songs but are charged at a relatively affordable price. For example, users can purchase songs for 99 cents and $9.99 a movie from iTunes. Socially, both content creaters and the public get what they want. Its legal and very ethical.

Law Abiding

The issue regarding intellectual property is basically respecting someone's ownership of content. The risk of file sharing is piracy. When the public go on a rampage and loads up on everything they can access online, it's wrong. Wrong to take away something without the owner's permission and most importantly, acknowledgement. If we address this issue, the probability of getting both content creaters and the public to respect each other's position will work.

Its the basic idea of give and take. Content creaters need to allow the public access to their files. Approval is the main factor here. As for the public, they are not to abuse their freedom and rights in obtaining the contents. Owners should always be given credit.

The internet is a pool to retrieve data. It is ironical when laws are imposed to curb the ability to obtain important information.

Maybe it is alright to share.

References

Borland, J. (May 11, 2000). Is Napster's Metallica ban weakening? CNET News.com. Retrieved January 31, 2007, from http://news.com.com/Is+Napsters+Metallica+ban+weakening/2100-1023_3-240445.html

File Sharing. (January 29, 2007). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved February 2, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File_sharing

Heng, E. (October 11, 2005). Spreading the love. CNET News.com. Retrieved January 31, 2007, from http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/techbuzz/audio_arsonist/0,39041384,39276805,00.htm

Napster. (January 31, 2007). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved February 2, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napster

Ovalle, C. (2005). “What is copyright?”. University of Texas at Austin, Course INF 312. Information in Cyberspace. Retrieved on February 1, 2007, from
http://sentra.ischool.utexas.edu/~i312co/3.php