My friend, Michel

I just realised that the oldest blogger I know is 74 years old. He's probably one of the first few who was with me when I started blogging eons ago. Wow. That's amazing. It'll be cool if I get to visit him when I do reach France. Three years from now maybe.

ka-ra-NOT-okay

i tried. really.

QotW10: Meet Elsa Maertens

I think I am not the only one having problem with Second Life. The system seems to lag everytime I log on. When I want to open it on my Macbook, I forget I don't have wireless connection. Dang!

I managed to escape Orientation Island. Bless the souls of those who are still stuck there. I flew around aimlessly. Made some new friends. Mainly my real friends in my first life. That was corny.

Everyone, meet Elsa Maertens.

I choose the name Elsa because it reminds me of a flapper's name. Very 1920's. Very me. As for my surname, Maertens, is it just me or does it sound German to anyone? It has a nice ring to it. Besides, I love Germany so it is kind of like a mini tribute.

As for the clothing, I was not left with much choice. I am sure I look like most of those who choose this character when they started Second Life. Boring. I had a tough time altering my look. I went as far as editing my skin colour, less freckles, getting redder lips etc. While looking around for a new look, the computer went dead on me. So I am stuck with this look till I figure something out. For now, I am wearing my favourite red flats! Also, my hair is all poofy which is unlike my usual straight, always in place hairdo. A change from my real persona.

I managed to teleport myself to Silverscreen, a Sparta build. I wanted to grab myself the free female costume. It looks something like the one Queen Gorgo wore in the movie but I cannot find it.

My current favourite place in Second Life. As you can see, I am staring intently at the 300 posters. Particularly to the one of King Leonidas. Sigh.


There was a conference held here a couple of weeks ago. Apparently the director of 300, Zack Snyder along with the cast (Gerard Butler, Lena Heady, David Wenham) were here to do some press work. I regret not knowing. I could have gotten Gerard Butler's autograph!


Looks like I am in Sparta! It looks just like the movie. Had fun exploring this 'island'. Even though I got stuck in a water fountain. I managed to fly my way out of the sticky situation though. Note: Do not jump into water if you do not know how to swim.


Before I left, I managed to 'meet' a Spartan warrior. Maybe it is just some guy wearing the Spartan uniform. I said, 'Hi' but he ignored me. Bruised my ego a little bit. Considering the bulk of people who came up to me sound leery.

To illustrate,

Random Guy: Hi there!

Me: Hello. I'm new here.

Random Guy: I'm Juan from Brazil. [starts to walk around me as if I'm a toadstool]

Me (thinking to myself): That's weird. Move along.

Random Guy: Brazil is a beautiful country. You must come and visit.

I was already walking away by then.


Guys, add me in Second Life! You too Kevin Suisei. I want to go to those clubs you were telling us.

QotW9: Reporting the news

Citizen journalism, also known as "participatory journalism," is the act of citizens "playing an active role in the process of collecting, reporting, analyzing and disseminating news and information" (Citizen Journalism, 2007).

It is when ordinary folks like you and me get down to disseminating news to the general public. The way its done is generally open. We have blogs where individuals write about issues that is happening around them. We also have places like STOMP, to share our stories.

I remember when STOMP first started its massive advertising. They had everyone buzzing. A friend of mine was telling me how anyone can post up news to the website. News is thus, not limited to journalists. Ordinary folks like commuters on the public transport or someone walking down the street can take a photo from their handphones, send it via sms and the information is up. I guess, the ease of reporting the news is one of its attractions. One can contribute news to STOMP via SMS or MMS at 75557, or via email 75557@stomp.com.sg. It is highly accessible and fast.

The word 'participation' is they key idea in the notion of citizen journalism. It is the collection of 'news' that anyone who has access to it can share to the mass. As to whether or not STOMP makes an ideal form of citizen journalism for Singapore, I think it is. STOMP allows it's users the available resources to publish news without the usual red tape. In a way, anyone can be heard. There are instances whereby the reporters and journalists are not present to document what is happening. Those who are present, live to tell the story. With the aid of gadgetry like videos, news travel faster via citizen journalist. Moreover, news coming from the mass is often straight from the person. There is no alteration and often the element of 'truth' remains.

The rise of the citizen journalist will help us listen. The ability of anyone to make the news will give new voice to people who’ve felt voiceless—and whose words we need to hear. They are showing all of us—citizen, journalist, newsmaker—new ways of talking, of learning (Gillmor, 2004).

How would I improve it?

Here's my suggestions for STOMP.

1) The webpage looks a tad cluttered to me. The first thing I see is alot of different 'boxes' with all kind of topics. For example, right now I cannot decide what to look at first. Too many images are flashing at the same time. I am distracted by the images on the side. Imagine the frustration. Perhaps some form of organization will help visitors navigate through the site. Place all the sponsors at the side. News and updates at the top.

2) Discretion should be enforced. Certain topics and pictures need to be viewed and checked by administrators prior to its posting for approriateness. I know this measure would go against the idea of posting your news freely. However, I believe that teenagers make a bulk of the users of STOMP and some topics should not be easily exposed to them. Maybe those issues can be placed under links or prompts like 'Are you over 18?' can be added.

References

Citizen Journalism. (28 March 2007). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved March 29, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizen_journalism

Gillmor, D. (2004, July). We the Media: Grassroots Journalism by the People, for the People. Retrieved March 29, 2007 from http://download.nowis.com/index.cfm?phile=WeTheMedia.html&tipe=text/html

QotW8: Order! Order!

This week's blog mission is a relatively new concept to me. Political blogs. Personally, I find the whole business a rather sticky subject. Considering the state we are in. As much as we like to think that Singapore is becoming an open society with an elevated tolerance towards issues regarding the discussion of political issues, there is some form of censorship being practiced which is why when I came across The Kway Teow Man's blog, I was pleasantly surprised.

Why?

For starters, Kway Teow Man wrote that he is neither pro- nor anti-Government. This, I find appealing since I myself choose not to align myself with any inclination towards any sides. It is nice to know that Kway Teow Man respect's the opinions of others and does acknowledge the presence of critics. I get the sense that he is non-judegemental.

He informs the readers that he is a Char Kway Teow Man in Ang Mo Kio by day and a political correspondent wannabe by night. Giving us the impression that he's the 'everyday' man. It is so much easier to relate to what he is saying if other's feel some kind of affinity.




Blog’s Title: The Kway Teow Man
Blog's URL: http://kwayteowman.blogspot.com/
Blogger’s Name: kwayteowman/
Blogger’s Occupation: Citizen Blogger + Chef and also Towkay
Blog’s Date of Birth: 3rd December 2005
5. Technorati Rank: Unfortunately, none. Maybe he will gain recognition through this post? :)

His approach is a mix of formality and a tinge of casualness. There are instances where he describes what is happening in the local political sphere. For example, commentary on the 2007 Budget, the issue on Medisave. I noticed that he mentions other political bloggers occasionally. Incorporating his thoughts with theirs to provide some form of assertion.

In this blog entry (I took a snippet), Kway Teow Man was talking about the elections and how it went down. Although very blunt when offering his views on the opposition party, he was candid when discussing about how Singaporeans do not really care about the long term effects of the elections which is SO true. I cannot help but smile when he used the word, 'Garmen' and list our generally passive attitude towards the way we are living in Singapore. Basically, sitting back and hoping to be spoon fed. We are at peace when everything is made easy for us. How true!

"The opposition has no vision. What's strange to me is that the ruling party did not use the elections as an opportunity to showcase our national strategies for continued growth and security (which I know exists). Then again, perhaps the KTM doesn't understand politics. Perhaps the majority of Singaporeans really doesn't care about thinking long term. Perhaps all they care about is that the Garmen will keep things cheap and provide them with jobs. Then hor, everything else, leave to the Garmen loh -- since the PAP seems to have been doing a decent job anyway."

KwayTeowMan

Question. Do blogs allow for greater democracy in Singapore?

The meaning of the word 'democracy' itself is relative. Democracy is the rule of the people (Democracy, 2007). Political blogs provide an outlet for individuals who feel like they have something to say but are not able to vocalise it in their daily lives, fearing that they might offend others or get into trouble. The ability for individuals and smaller groups with fewer resources to present their points of view to a large number of people is much more viable (Thornton, 2002).

As much as I like to think that the emergence of blogs have helped paved the way for greater democracy in Singapore, that does not mean it is actually generating radical changes to the way our country function. Why the cynicism? Perhaps it is the lack of 'voice' I am hearing. True, there are more bloggers airing their views. The problem is, are their thoughts and opinions being heard? People reading your blog is nothing compared to others taking what you said in your blog and formulating it into a discussion. A change is what that makes the difference.

Perhaps, there will be a shift in how blogs are accepted and viewed by the mass.

According to an article in The Straits Times (2006), the next general election could feature more political news and freer discussion on the Internet, as the Government plans to ease up its watch over political happenings in cyberspace. It intends to review the way it manages new media, and adopt what it called a "lighter touch approach" at the next polls.

Until something that was written in a blog ignites mass reaction from others (something like the effect of The War of Worlds), I remain skeptical. I do hope more individuals are coming up with blogs that tell the truth. Freedom of speech is not easy. Most people are afraid to say what they truly feel. Their fears are understandable. It is always safer to keep your mouth shut. However, in order for Singapore to gain greater democracy, the people need to speak up. I think I shall start. Once I decide on what I want to say, that is.

References

Democracy. (2007, March 23). In Wikipedia, The Free encyclopedia. Retrieved March 23, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy

Koh, L. (2006). Blogs and podcasts may get more leeway at next GE. The Straits Times. Retrieved March 23, 2007, from http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=47025

Thornton, A. (2002, October). Does Internet Create Democracy. Retrieved March 23, 2007 from http://www.zip.com.au/~athornto/thesis_2002_alinta_thornton.doc

QotW7: What the TWEET?!

I have Twitter on another tab while I am working on this blog entry. Everyone on my friend's list is busy typing away, adding new messages. It is chaotic but highly entertaining at the same time. I wonder if the name, Twitter has it's roots from all the twittering that all of us are making right now. Just like little chicks. In our farm, going around making noises and getting everyone's attention. That is possibly the closest metaphor I can come up with right now. Maybe it's the name Twitter. It has been giving me visions of little chicks. Weird. I am enjoying the twittering though.

What exactly is Twitter?

Twitter is a social networking service that allows members to inform each other about what they are doing and what they think. It allows users to send messages via phone or instant messaging (Twitter, 2007).

Fernbeck and Thompson (1995) stated that in Internet Relay Chat (IRC) users type words on their screens which instantaneously reach other users. I feel that Twitter is almost similar to IRC. The first thing that greets you when you login is a text box that prompts you, 'What are you doing?' Somehow you feel oblige to answer that question. At the same time, you are reading whatever others are thinking or feeling. Sometimes they are silly, random thoughts. At times, they are conversations between people. Both friends and strangers alike. In a way, you are having multiple conversations with different people. Commenting on what others have posted is another way of communication via Twitter.

I have been posting random thoughts on my Twitter. Typically, not someone who discloses what I am thinking or feeling readily. That changed almost instantly when I created my Twitter page. Perhaps it is because I enjoy being random and Twitter allows that freedom of expression. I have friends reading my musings but not having to question why I wrote what I wrote a few seconds ago. The reason is simple. I am answering the question. What am I doing? It works simply as an online instant messaging site. It feels like getting a short message service (SMS) but via online. I personally feel that it is a refreshing take on establishing an online community.

Twitter is in fact an online community. I feel like I am in a little kampung. Everyone is sharing their thoughts and I am receiving updates from friends that I don't get to see often. It is a nice feeling. Distance is diminished and little work need to be done. All you need is to login and type whatever is happening or what you are thinking at that moment in time. As mentioned by Wellman and Gulia (1996), the ease of group response and forwarding can foster the folding-in of formerly separate Net participants into more all-encompassing communities.

Twitter works.

References

Barry Wellman and Milena Gulia. (April, 1996). Net Surfers Don’t Ride Alone: Virtual Communities as Communities. Retrieved March 15, 2007, from http://www.acm.org/%7Eccp/references/wellman/wellman.html

Fernback, J., & Thompson, B. (May, 1995). Virtual Communities: Abort, Retry, Failure?. Retrieved March 14, 2007 from http://www.rheingold.com/texts/techpolitix/VCcivil.html

Twitter. (2007, March 14). In Wikipedia, The Free encyclopedia. Retrieved March 15, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twitter

QotW6: Be Careful Kids!

Privacy is the ability of an individual or group to keep their lives and personal affairs out of public view, or to control the flow of information about themselves. (Privacy, 2007)

How does one maintain privacy online?

Perhaps revealing small amounts of personal information to strangers. Sometimes you are not even aware that you are revealing so much of yourself to others. The culture of revelation has enforced the need to expose oneself.

Rosen (2004) stated that, it's impossible to know someone on the basis of snippets of information; genuine knowledge is something that can only be achieved slowly, over time, behind a shield of privacy. There are instances whereby people feel as if they know the other well enough, even if it is through a computer-mediated communication. Reading someone's blog regularly provide the reader a sense of knowlegde about that individual. Especially through their entries on daily happenings and their views on various topics.

I have been wary when it comes to revealing my true identity online. Mainly because I am a private person by nature. I adopt several pseudonyms for different purposes. Why? I still do not know why. I guess, it is the cynical side of me that is on defense mode. I have read and come across too many instances of invasion of privacy. Leaking of personal photographs, home videos being posted online. The content does not really matter here. The thing is, when this happens it is as though someone has taken your possession and claim it as their own. I shudder to think of such things happening to me.

As an avid online shopper, I deal with online banking all the time. It has come to a point where I am so comfortable at dealing with daily transactions that sometimes I don't really check for proof of authenticity. During Ian Loe's talk about phishing and pharming, my blood froze. A couple of days back, I received an e-mail from Ebay asking for reconfirmation. The e-mail mentioned that the are updating their system and that they will be needing my credit card information. I went to check the site out. It seemed 'authentic' at first but I soon realise that the e-mail was in my spam folder. Before I clicked anything, I noticed that my personal information was listed on the page. Although I did not provide them with my credit card number, I wondered if whoever it was that send me the e-mail saw my details and kept it. I have taken measures to safeguard my online accounts though.

Sullivan (2006) mentioned that someday a stranger will read your e-mail, rummage through your instant messages without your permission or scan the Web sites you’ve visited — maybe even find out that you read this story. Perhaps it is happening without our knowledge. Now, that's scary.

References

Privacy. (2007, March 9). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 17.25, March 9, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Privacy

Rosen, J. (2004). The Naked Crowd. Retrieved March 8, 2007, from http://www.spiked-online.com/Printable/0000000CA5FF.htm

Sullivan, B. (2006). Privacy Lost: Does Anyone Care?. Retrieved March 9, 2007, from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15221095/print/1/displaymode/1098/

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

COM 125 Week 2: Search Engines - Finding What You Need

A search engine is an information retrievel system designed to help find information stored on a computer system, such as on the World Wide Web, inside a corporate or proprietary network, or in a personal computer.(Wikipedia, 2007)

So how does a search engine work? When one visits popular sites like Yahoo, MSN and Google, there will be a textbox along with a button that says, 'search' located somewhere in the page. Some sites operate wholly as search engines while others add one in to aid Internet surfers with the ease of finding information in the comfort of being in their website. It is kind of like killing two birds with one stone.

In the textbox, users can type any word or phrase that corresponds to the subject they are looking for. For example, when I type the words, 'search engine' in any search engine (pun intended), there will be a list of search engines such as Alta Vista, MSN Search and popular ones like Yahoo! and Google. One word to sum up the whole idea of search engines is 'links'. Why 'links'? Mainly because the whole concept of search engines is the interconnectedness of websites. It is the links that greet us when we type something to be searched. Basically, other websites that provides some kind of relation to the text that was typed in the search engine.

Search engines plays a pivotal role in the advent of Internet. What began as a way of organizing the Internet, has transformed into a fast and efficient method of obtaining information. According to Search Marketing Info (2004), the first search engine created was Archie, created in 1990 by Alan Emtage, a student at McGill University in Montreal. The original intent of the name was "archives," but it was shortened to Archie. The program downloaded the directory listings of all the files that can be found on public anonymous FTP (File Transfer Protocol) sites, creating a searchable database of filename.

As the web continues to grow, search engines were created as a form of trackback. Essentially, search engines allows people to locate things at a click of the mouse. The first full-text web search engine was Webcrawler in 1990. Previously, only web page titles were searched. Rather limited for the average Internet user in this current technological era. Where everything is almost expected to be 'found' at an instant. When I use the word 'found', I am referring to the idea that when we log on to the Internet we seek for information. It is often the need to know something or look for something that drives us to use a search engine. Thus, when we insert a title in the search engine, we expect a list of links that will lead us to a myriad of websites related to the subject in question.

Today, Google has transformed the way we use the search engine. While previous search engines have helped paved the way we find information from the Internet, Google is at the tip of everyone's fingers when it comes to search engines.

Google circa 1998

Google circa 2007

It is apparent that Google is leading the pack when it comes to search engines. It rose to prominence around 2001. Many changes were done to the Google interface judging by the two pictures attached above.

According to SEO Logic® (Search Engine Optimization and Placement Services), “Google is by far the most used search engine today”. In addition, research by SEO Logic® stated that Google does far more than 200 million (>200,000,000) searches every day through Google.com.

I even worked on this particular assignment with the help of Google! No surprises there. Considering I had to find external sources to cite from. Conveniently, I went straight away to Google.com to find information apart from the ones that I was suppose to read for class.

It is amazing how much information I managed to gather in the span of a few hours. Imagine the absence of Internet in this case. Where previously, students engage the help of library books to dig up for data. It would be time-consuming and rather infuriating to go through dozens of books. Internet searches are ideal for quick and recent information-gathering purposes. A couple of clicks and I am transferred from one page to another. I personally feel that search engines encapsulates the whole notion of seeking information through the web. “Google It”, as they say.

References

Google. (2006, December 9). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 26, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google

History of the Internet. (2006, December 9). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 26, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_the_Internet&oldid=70771572

Search Engine. (2007, January 24). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 26, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_engine

SEO Logic – Search Engine Optimization & Placement Services. (n.d) Which is the most used search engine? Retrieved January 26, 2007, from http://www.seologic.com/faq/most-popular-search.php

Wall, A. (22 January 2007). History of Search Engines: From 1945 to Google 2007. Retrieved January 26, 2007, from http://www.search-marketing.info/search-engine-history/#google

Title: The Social Impact of Blogging

1. Open with a question

What good is a blog?

2. Command

The next time you think about flaming someone in your blog, stop and think again.

3. Exclamation

Presenting the new social medium - blogs.

4. Blogging is an example of the social web. Blogs provide the writer an outlet to express their thoughts, opinions and ideas. For the last couple of years, blogging has emerged as a social phenomenon. For instance, they have predicted that the year 2007 would be the year of blogs. So, have you started blogging?

A blog for a class - ODD!

Hola everyone!

Finally, I've managed to get this blog up and going. Frankly speaking, the whole business of blogging is not a new concept to me. I first started back when I was in secondary school. That was like a gazillion years ago!

I guess, blogging is a form of release for me. I love words.

On with the introduction!

I'm Aliah. I believe I'm an old soul. I feel like an old fart stuck in a young body. Loves listening to classics like Cole Porter, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, The Platters etc. Looking at the titles in my Mp3 player, I think I'll fit perfectly in an old folks home. Reminiscing about the golden years. I've always felt that I was born in the wrong era. I would DIE to be in the 1920's.. Kind of like The Great Gatsby minus the torment.

I dig everything classic. Enjoy watching old movies. Judy Garland being one of my idols. I LOVE silent movies. Especially the sound of the film reel. The words between the scenes. The background music. I know it's silly to see the actors mouthing their lines when everything is mute. I enjoy it though.

I'm a self-confessed TV addict. I watch too much television. I should consider seeking help. I've got a clip of my all-time favourite show, Allo Allo. I'm wondering if any of you have seen this show? It's pretty old. Haha..


Thank you, YouTube.

Before I leave, everyone meet my lovelies!

From L to R: Putih, Manis, Cheaky, Spot