The Video Game Draft of 2009

Awhile back in a class discussion, opinons were exchanges about online games and virtual worlds. There was an open class discussion about the United States Army's website in releasing a video game to the public. Some individuals in class believed that a video game couldn't possibly motivate someone to peruse a career in the military, whereas others differed. Coming from a psychological standpoint I believe strongly that children and young adults can be manipulated by the contents of video game graphics.

The market for video games has been growing enormulsy since the 1970s. Every new year brings more advance video games. Assuming if a random survey were to be conducted...a prediction may lead to a high probability of individuals from the ages of 8 years of age to 30 will have known or heard of The Super Mario Borthers, Mortal Kombat, or Grand Theft Auto. These video games have touched and moved peole's lives because of the content and theme of these historic games. If these popular video games were to make historic influences on gamers why not persue other tactics to influence them to persue a career that may benefit them.. or for that matter, their country?

There is now solid evidence to suggest a relationship between exposure to violent television and movies to aggressive behavior (Although there is still psychological research being conducted on the topic). Researchers have found that some children are more physically and verbally aggressive immediately after watching violent television and movies. It is also clear that aggressive children and teens watch more violent television than their less aggressive peers.

But what about non-aggressive children and young adults?
Coming from another class discussion, it's be said that video games can become extremely addicting. Anything that relaxes the mind (in access)--whether its considered healthy or not is an addiction. Individuals who play an access of hours of video games daily (I believe) can be considered an addiction. Process of perception can fool the mind to believe these individuals are experiencing a new form of reality. I wouldn't necessary call it "trippin' on video games shrooms" or "Virtual Acid Trip," but people loose contact with the outside world for hours and don't realize what's essentially goind on in their natural surroundings.

The army wants to recruit more people to serve their country, and question is how? An opinion that I received from a friend suggest that the army like to recruit younger adults who are prone to take orders and be easily manipulated by the senior staff. He told me "you wouldn't make it far into the service because you have an education and you see things in a different perception." However, younger adults searching for that answer, "what they want to do with themselves," may consider the armed forces. If a video games can create aggression and change the perception on an individuals cognitive functioning skills, I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT AN ARMY VIDEO GAME WOULD BRING IN MORE POTENTIAL SOLDIERS.

My final thoughts on this topic would be the psychology behind the eyes of a natural killer. Serial killers and murders have been mentally conditioned and reinforces psychology with good vibes coming from negative aspects. If a video game can train an individual to become a solider...what about a potential candidate for a killer?

Cyber Bullying in Ireland

Irish Gov't Seeks To Rein In Cyber Bullying

An anonymous reader points out a story on the Irish Times that says "the Irish government is looking for ways to combat 'cyber-bullying' after data indicated that a significant percentage of young children are subjected to this kind of abuse via their mobile phone and popular social network accounts. The industry has been asked to come up with solutions for this problem and a government office is due to publish a guide on the issue in the near future. Surely this is a problem faced by children in all developed countries these days." (Slashdot.org)

http://news.slashdot.org/news/08/11/14/0230256.shtml

When I received the assignment I was a little skeptical about writing something from Slashdot.org because of the news content and not visiting the site before. When I saw the content from Cyber-Bullying I remember the documentary/ news report we watched in class. The Government of Ireland has absolute right to consider the possible dangers of bullying online. More and more children, teens, even adults are becoming constant users of the Internet. Does the social aspects of Internet Networking make people more vulnerable to act more aggressively to others? Considering the possibilities that this may in fact be true. People seem to have no fear leaving feedback on someone's profile.

Having my own Facebook, as well as a Myspace page, communication between others is relativity limited because their is no non-verbal communication to interact with. Non-verbal communication is largely misunderstood.A hand gesture or facial expression can lead to another to believe the person in sending negative messages to them. Although "nonverbal communication" is limited these web pages have multiple accesses to use to talk and stay in touch with your friends. You can message, post blogs, and even chat live with your friends.

It's when a few bad apples that take away the fun and make socializing online difficult. I have to agree with bigtomrodney (993427) who is pro government control over online bullying. I am very happy that someone is taking the step to control this bad behavior. It's not even the kids anymore. Adults online are just as guilt as their kids. Sending bad emails or making posts around work is bad for business and creates tension in the workplace.

Didn't your mother tell you "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all."

I don't know exactly how the government plans to take action over this predicament, but bullying isn't so much on a computer anymore. It's on cell phones and mobile communication devices that allow online access. How is it the government plans to watch every bad cellphone message, or follow rumors or gossip about someone.

If I could propose a solution it would be to explain the dangers and harmful effects of online bullying. Kids these days are growing up with new technological advancements, which allow them to socialize differently. Communicaiton has changed dramatically over the past 20 years because of the access to the Internet, emails, and cell phones. Coming from someone who was once bullied the "old school" was I would NOT want anyone else to feel the same I did. Especailly when online commiction changes your perspectives and limits your ability to control what happens.

Net Neutrality? Like What? About Whom?

Net Neutrality has been on many people's mind's for the last few years. I was in the library the other day working on another project and was telling one of my friends about the class I was in (COM 125). I was explaining to him about the blogs I have to write every week and told him I was writing my next one on "Net Neutrality." He immediately stated talking about the topic like he had to take an exam on it that day. I was baffled because I knew only a little bit about Net Neutrality--coming from another one of my previous classes taken with Trebor Scholtz in the Media Department. In this blog I set out to learn more about Net Neutrality.

Considering what is going on in the world today with the "Economic Crisis" I found some answers.

What are the current debate over network neutrality?

The current debate over network neutrality is basically over who gets see what and who can access what on the Internet. To me it all started just like how most political arguments start.... Money. How can we make another dollar?
I call this the "lemonade stand technique." Example. If Jimmy and Sally are selling Lemonade on the same street at the same price, how can Jimmy make more money than Sally? This works the same way with business and other conglomerate companies world wide. It's shallow, but remember its just business. If an internet company wants to restrict people from accessing some information it becomes more valuable? Right? (I'll give my opinion later).

When this effect happens in a large spectrum were numerous companies restrict people some people are left defenseless and have no access to information. Traditional allies and foes have rearranged themselves to form strange new alliances and divisions. Even the founders of the Internet and the World Wide Web -- including some who worked alongside each other -- are at odds over how to move forward (Jones, K.C., (2007).

The Internet may run on a phone line or cable line, but it shouldn't be argued over who has the better version. It's nonsense already people are judged from what they own and what they have. I can't leave my apartment without seeing acts of displays and forming trends. You aren't cool if you have this or you should have this because its the latest thing.

Whose interests are at stake, and what are these interests?

The people! The everyday common human being is at stake. Yes this answer sounds a little dramatic and every answer that's controversial and political seems to be the people first. Yes, I believe strongly that the people should come first anywhere around the world. Web 2.0 was built based on the common human being and their answers to the world. Not by NASA, or the FBI. People like you and me who shop at the same grocery store on the weekends.

(I just thought of a last minute contribution for this blog). What if you had to make a certain amount of money a year to have access to Facebook or Myspace? How many millions of people would be working overtime just to have it? How many people would it take to over-through the issue of dividing the Internet into High and Low SES networks. My guestimate would be between the number of people on Facebook and the number of people on Myspace. Interest like dramatic online chats and the little things (on the social network sites) that people use to access online would be like "waking a huge sleeping giant."

Why do you support or oppose network neutrality?

If I can speak liberally about what's happening with computers nowadays, and at the same time not being to flexible (considering were the money is coming) from I would have to support Net Neutrality. People have the right to their own educaiton and knowledge. When I was a kid growing up I heard constant happy stories of growing up, going to high school, and then going to college and grad. school. I was in a mind set (when I was younger) that when you grow up everybody goes to college. WRONG! What ended up happening was everyone I grew up with failed out of school or never went in the first place. This limited their ever-expanding process of education and information. Now just because not everyone can go to school based on whatever the reason may be: Money and finances, not enough devotion to go, other jobs, and military careers. I'm not saying any of these are bad--no way!! You are who you choose to be.

Here's where I am going to make my point. The people who DON'T decide to go to school and work alternative positions are giving back to the ever-growing support the ecomony. Information is still gathered and they still contribute a large amount to the world. The people who DO go to school give back the informatics and knowledge WE ALL REQUIRE TO FUNCTION AS A SOCIETY. Restricting the internet to certain people based on money and economic status is a terriable idea!!! It's like tying a knot in a fire hose, while the water is still running. Eventaully the restriction is going to overpower the knot and the hose will break.
We as a society have to work like the fire hose allowing the flow of information and contribution of information to channel and flurish so everyone has access to the power of ever-expanding answers.

***Jones, K.C., (2007). Information Week: Net neutrality debate remains contentious. (Accessed November 13th, 2008)

***Network Neutrailty. (2008). Wikipedia.com. (Accessed November 13th, 2008)

Artard issues with 2nd Life & World of Warcraft

Is World of Warcraft and Second Life really just an online game? Some may say "yes", but others might have a slight disagreement. I've seen kids, as well as adults, put many hours into these virtual worlds. Their lives are sucked up by this false reality and they form a new one where they can interact with other people around the world. The community of these groups has grown so large that they have formed play groups and economies, which work together and form an alliance to cooperate and function like a real world. Whether its casting a spell or flying aroud chatting with your virtual buddy the virtual life seems to be endless....but where do we draw the line?
Second life is program, which allows you to create a character an enter the 2nd life world and interact with others around the community. You can purchase clothes and develop trades to interact with more online players. With Second Life you can actively play online; buying and selling: Land, homes, clothing, etc. It's almost like living inside of the Matrix--for those who haven't played, minus the gun fights and physiology. World of Warcraft is an MMORPG that allows you to interact with your friends in a mid-evil time, were your stats increase with experience. World of Warcraft doesn't allow the selling of online products and discourages this form of virtual interactive economy. With both games comes a purchase. You have to buy the program and pay monthly as a subscriber. World of Warcraft is $15 a month, were 2nd life is a one time payment $9.95 for a basic plan and $9.95 a month for the premium plan.

Putting money into virtual worlds arises many economic issues with people from the "Real World." First of all, if you charge something in a virtual world it cannot be taxed by the federal government. It's basically like going back to "Old School" economics with buying and trading styles were a simple exchange. (If you dis-consider the use of paypal and credit card exchange, but that's beyond the concept).

Some of the benefits of selling virtual goods is it allows people to have an extra currency coming in. It may not be something you can live on, though a few people have managed to live of the currency they've made off of Second Life. But its definitely using intelligent marketing skills. Perhaps someday, modern day businesses will evolve into a more Second Life characteristic were people don't have a choice and must purchases quality goods off the Internet. The traffic in virtual goods, after all, isn't just another new market. It's a whole new species of economy - perhaps the only really new economy that, when all has boomed and crashed, the Internet has yet given rise to (Dibbell, J., 2004). If the Second life program begins to take off, like what happened to World of Warcraft, the MMORPG might be in trouble. Due to online competion of market value and fight for property the World of Warcraft might need to evolve and change some of its guidlines to keep up with its ecomonmy.

This could very well lead to the end of the world.... of warcraft.

>Levy, S. (2006) World of warcraft: Is it a game? Newsweek, MSNBC.com (Sourced November 6th, 2008)

>Barboza, D. (2005, Dec. 15th) Orge to slay? Outsource it to chinese. The New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com. (Sourced November 6th, 2008)

> Dibbell, J. (2004). Weird. The Conde Nast Publication Inc. (Sourced November 6th, 2008)

Comparing Newspapers and Websites (Kinda)

Comparing Newspapers and Websites (Kinda)

New York Times Friday October 31st (Newspaper)

I like to pick up a NY-times Newspaper frequently because of the content and physical touch of the paper.  I don't have to worry about it every going away or changing (updating) as I read through the paper.  What I really like about the NY-Times is how I receive a email updating me on late-breaking information about what's happening in the world.  Thomas jefferson once said that if he were given the choice of newspaper or government, he'd take the newspapers (Chaper 1, From Tom Paine to Blogs and Beyond).  I myself would choose newspapers over government because a newspaper is coming from multiple sources and its channel of communication is designed to let you interpret your own personal beliefs about the nation and what happens in the world.

Like most popular news today the political campaign is coming less than 96 hours from now.  Obama and McCain are gathering up the last few voters around the country before the big day.  The article contains the story on how Obama spreading out over the country  As Obama adds the finishing touches for the last 26 hours of his campaign he scheduled to visit at least 8 states across three times zones focusing on liberal and conservative regions from Nevada to Florida.  His main goal is to turn the almost liberal (Blue) stats to FULL BLUE.  

The Onion Friday October 31st (Online News Website)

The online website I choose to compare to the NY-Times was The Onion.  The Onion is a humorous website that contains news and information about what's going on in the world today.  Not as long and detailed as the NY-Times paperback its short but well contented news looks like a legitimate news website.  The article was called, "Obama's Record-Breaking Fundraising Effort Bankrupting NPR, World Wildlife Fund, ACLU."  Onion is actually a parody web-page designed to look like a nationally recognized website for late-breaking news.  

What I enjoy about The Onion is it has no intentions of controlling its points politically.  Let me clearly state what I am trying to say.  In most political news sites--this goes for television stations, and radio stations--is they are heavily commercialized corporations built on profit.  They accommodate their status and authority by what the produce to the nation/ world.  Ever notice how a story can be carried out for weeks at a time and everyone doesn't seem to care anymore.  I my personal believe news stations have to make money.... and in order to make money they have to produced news that is going to sell.... now if something that sold a lot yesterday might sell better today.... Right?  Well what happens if you have a new story and its not as big as the PROFITED story from yesterday?  If it were me I wouldn't take my chance and air something thats going to flop.  Thats just an opinion of mine.  

>  www.NYTimes.com

>  http://www.theonion.com/content/news_briefs/obamas_record_breaking

>  Chapter One:  From Tom Paine to blogs and Beyond, (Retrieved October 25th, 2008) 

>  Chapter Three: The Gates Come Down: (Retrieved October 25th, 2008)

You Trust Larry Don't Ya?

Hi-ya Folks! Larry Earl here to tell ya a little about this up coming election and maybe i'll cut ya a deal on that Ford Taurus over there!  

With the 2008 political election on its way, two mavericks from different cultural backgrounds, in the United States, are competing for the race to the white house. Hi folks!  Well here's a little information on me; my name is Larry Earl Buttgrinder and I'm here to give you guys a little info on the two candidates that are running this November.  Now I've been working in my daddy's garage for the last 35 years and I've seen some pretty fancy things in my time, but whooee.... these boys take the cake.  I don't know too much about government, however, I know a lot about cars and trucks.

These candidates have been working like machines and living on the road for many months gaining support from all over the country.  Now I don't know much about fancy schools or anything like that, but I've been selling used cars off of the corner of Niagara Falls Blvd. for some time now and I've seen some things in my time--Lemmie tell ya somethin'. 

In some aspects these political titans represent an automobile. Barack Obama is comparable to the new 2008 Dodge Challenger R/T, where as John McCain is similar to your grandfather’s 1968 Lincoln Continental Mark III. When the November election reaches it final lap these two American classics are going to come flying off the highway and only one is going to make it to the White House.

Obama is metaphorically comparable to the new 2008 Dodge Challenger R/T because of its sleek, new era design, which is guaranteed to turn heads. The media has been talking about Barack Obama ever since he was elected senator for Illinois. When this new aged muscle car comes down the road you’ll hear him coming. You see that fresh coat of paint, hear roaring of the motor, and you think “I want that in black.” Although color is just a feature its what’s under the hood that really counts. Obama’s main objective is foreign policy, believing in political negotiations, and coming to terms with other countries. Considering he is a new American sport model, other European and Japanese models might be skeptical about his ideas. His plan about the War in Iraq has everyone hyped up on his “promise to the nation” to end the war after putting so many miles on it already. Obama's car is able to avoid propaganda with those “Rev. Jeremiah Wright” slow Sunday driver’s. By maintaining focus on the campaign he passes on by simply giving a friendly wave and smile. Having beaten that Chevy Diesel 3500 Silverado pickup truck, Hillary Clinton, in the Democratic Derby, Obama has managed to hop in the fast lane to the November Election. With barley a winter’s worth of driving, voters and delegates are concerned about what this model has to offer for the country. It looks great in the driveway, it’s fun to ride, but how is this model going to handle come the harsh seasons the country has to endure. Another one of Obama’s drawbacks is not having someone riding shotgun with him. How is one to manage the democratic election without a running mate? Whomever he chooses as a running mate, he is entitled the “pink slip” for the white house.

With the pealing vinyl top and all the original parts, John McCain is a perfect representation of your grandfather’s 1968 Lincoln Continental Mark III. One of the older generations of luxury cars, heads still seem to turn when he rolls into church every Sunday. McCain a war hero and a leader by heart, making him an excellent candidate for the upcoming election. His promising theme, “change is coming,” warms every delegate’s heart, but still isn’t guaranteed under warranty. Considering what the country has been through in the last decade, maybe change is a necessity. Being a prisoner of war, he has experienced many miles in combat, and has the scratches on his bumper to prove it. His views on the War in Iraq are similar to Obama’s, nevertheless; he wants to ensure victory of the U.S. Though the fluids have been changed constantly and the tires have been rotated, the car has definitely seen better days. McCain may have seen many upstate winters and has had enough flat tires to fill a junkyard, but seeing how your grandfather still puts that final coat of wax on it every time, why bother selling it for scraps? 

If McCain doesn’t win your vote with his loud muffler, his running mate will. Being stored in a Northern Alaskan Garage Sarah Palin is every American, soccer mom’s, dream ride. Like the new 2008 Honda Pilot, with all those features, moms and politicians love, insures quality of control of the driver. Coming standard, it seats eight for those ever-expanding families and is great on gas, considering she’s in the heart of oil country. McCain’s political campaign is as strong as a V8 engine giving him much potential to ensure victory for presidency.

Obama and McCain are two very unique individuals who are perusing a job as the next president of the United States. This is an earned position and should not be taken for granted, no matter how these political advocates speak to the people. Driving up a hill shouldn’t be a chore for the next candidate. Whoever takes the presidency should always put their best foot forward and put the people first! 

A car is a car to some people’s perspective, getting them from point A to point B. Considering what this country has been through the last eight years, a nice calm ride though the country would be pleasant.

"Ya-All Come Back Now Ya Here!"

Web Application Review

There can only be one.....YOUTUBE

I am obsessed with watching video's on this website. YouTube.com has definitely revolutionized video and multi-media art over the last decade. YouTube is a video sharing website where users can upload, view and share video clips. During 2006 YouTube was the fastest growing website on the web. Alson in 2006 Google agreed to buy San Brunom, a video-sharing site including YouTube, in an all-stock deal worth about $1.65 billion.

Youtube has also inspired Internet celebrities to show off their stupidity.

Here's a list of a few:

Tourette's Guy
The Dramatic Chipmunk
Chocolate Rain
My New Haircut
Ask a Ninja
Afro Ninja
Shoes
Muffins
Kid From Brooklyn
Lonely Girl
The Winnebago Man
Star Wars Kid
Numa Numa kid Fat Kid on Roller Coaster
Myspace Movie GI Joe Parody Commercial
Quiznos Commercial
Dick in a Box

YouTube is a social networking site, which allows you to upload your videos and watch other videos as well. You can see podcast and web cams in full action, recieving information and news all over the world.

The site was created by three guys Chad Hurley, Steve Chen and Jawed Karim, who were all early employees of PayPal. They were a couple of computer geeks who loaded a bunch of videos online and started networking them so anyone could access them. YouTube made it possible for anyone who could use a computer to post a video. The wide range of topics covered by YouTube has turned video sharing into one of the most important parts of Internet culture.

Some of YouTube's latest newsbreaks... McCain proteseted the Youtube remove all of his campaign videos online because he is recieveing alot of negative feedback. McCain's campaign sent a letter (Monday) to YouTube, protesting the removal of unnamed videos from the site after receiving take-down notices claiming copyright infringement under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). The McCain campign goes on to suggest that YouTube set up a special process for reviewing the legal merit of take-down requests for YouTube accounts associated with candidates or their campaigns.

Why Can't We Be Friends

Considering the development of the Internet was sprung, was the Internet destined to become a large community of social and informational access?

People today are becoming more and more sociable. Sitting in class you see students on their cell phones and computers talking to their friends. I disturbing to think how unaware people actually are of their surroundings and whats going on physically. No one really gives a shit who your dating and what to plan on attending this afternoon after class. I can understand the potential benefits of social interaction communities online, but to some extent people take things way too far. It's an irrelevant waste of time to keep updating one's status because something dramatic happened in your life. "Oh my goddness... I got my haircut, I better blog about it... Facebook status "So & so got a new haircut." Myspace status... is lovin' my new haircut. Considering how this person is linked to the same group of people, no matter the socail network, I think they've got the message.

One thing that's really sad is when a bunch of people are standing together waiting outside of class and none of them are socializing with one another. They are all on their cell phones talking to someone else. Why make new friends when all your friends are in the palm of your hand? Or considering you already made friends with someone last night who lives in Texas?

I think this is kinda sad... the other day I left my cell phone in the studio and drive home without it. I realized it was back on the soundboard and I thought "I can just get it later." But.... wait... I have my alarm set on it, I have to call my buddy in the morning, and I have to send texts to members for another group project. SHIT!!!! I had to drive back to get it. People rely so heavily on virtual communities we often feel helpless without the power in our hands.

Society today is more linked together where a person can walk away from their friends and family, and still be in contact with them wherever they choose to. I am actually watching and chatting with my sister as I write this essay on I-chat (she's back in Syracuse). Web 2.0 has definitely taken off... and their are no limitations to what is to become of the future in social interactions.

Online or virtual communities are a group of people that primarily interact via communication media such as newsletter, telephone, email, online social networks, or instant messaging rather than face to face (Wikipedia.com, 2008). From what I've studied in my communication classes "face-to-face" communication is the most essential form of communication to deliver (transmit) a message. What's the drive behind the interaction of online communities? The increase recognition and self efficiency of others is a strong drive to contribute more information and time to the Internet. With the development of the Internet, and with the increasing pervasiveness of communicaiton between networked computers, we are in the middle of the most transforming technological event since the capture of fire (Gulia, M., Wellman, B. 1997, August). Agreeing strongly with this statement, I beleive that we have yet to see the potentail of socail interactions via Internet communities. Considering we went from playing Donkey Kong (Arcade Version) to MMORPG's like World of Warcarft, i'd say the potentail of future modification is exponentailly relevant and probable. Collaborations of different websites like Facebook and Myspace have given people the opportunities to develop reputations. People think popularity develops by adding more friends and more interaction electronically. In some cases... yes! It does. Ebay and Amazon have profiles were the more you buy and the more you sell the more recogniton you get.

Internet communities have given civilization the benefit of staying on contact and organizing the people we know. It brings us self efficency and fills in the little holes of loneliness we go through time after time. I hope the future brings better bits of technology so someday we may all be connected and share the net. Maybe someday we'll move towards Web 3.0. However, I hope to see that people don't give up their lives and sell themselves to a reality that doesn't exist.


>Virtual Community (2008, October 16th). http://Wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_communities

>Gulia, M., Wellman, B., (1997, August). Net surfers don't ride alone: Virtual communities as communities. University of Toronto. NY: Routledge & CO: Westview

"Bring A Garud Dog"

"On the Internet, no one knows you're a dog" is a quote taken from The New Yorker, back in 1993. The cartoon was created by a cartoonist named Peter Steiner, which proved to be very successful, earning him over $50, 000. In 1993 identity was a largely publicized problem, growing in the virtual world. Their were horror stories about internet stalkers and online perverts, but no one seemed to care about stealing someone's identity.

TRUE STORY: I had two friends in high school, which I don't associate with them anymore, who were charged with identity theft, robbery, illegal purchase and distribution of drugs, and under the influence. While they attended Syracuse University they hacked into a few online banking accounts and store a few thousand dollars (I don't know to the exact dollar, but I know it was enough to buy a car.) My one friends (Which I am going to leave anonymous) woke up the sometime later after with a nine millimeter pointed at his face! My other friend awoke to a shotgun pointed at his chest! I remember hearing one of them barfed because it was so intense. The Secret Service broke into their homes and placed them both under arrest. Now the money trail was hard to follow, but during the interrogation and later drug test, the Secret Service found the money was used for the purchase and distribution of drugs. During the trial they were threaten with 50 years in the state prison is found guilty and tried without a lawyer. I heard recently they did not go to jail, but went on probation and have frequent drug tests. They were both kicked out of Syracuse University, I believe one goes to the local community college, but now they have a serious criminal record for the rest of their lives.

With the everlasting growing popularity of the Internet people are contributing more and more information about themselves, without them knowing. Even if someone were to make a simple blog post about a particular topic they are revealing their thoughts and perceptions to the world--this is a minor case of revealing one's identity. In other scenarios, some websites like match.com, eharmony, facebook, and myspace all have requirements you have to meet before starting a page. They don't stress on addresses or income levels, however...they are still avaliable for someone to fill in. Websites are adding more and more slots to fill information in even if it seems unnecessary. Another annoyance of online identity is when you visit a past website, advertisements and web-banners will follow you around to different web pages. It's a little nerve racking having a company follow you around.

Identity on the Internet plays a unique role in the virtual world. It's almost like a big pool game of "Marco-Polo." When you go looking for someone you are virtually blind. You swim around splishin' and splashin' trying to find your friends. In order to find them you have to follow the information they give you to identify who's who and who's where. In some cases "calling fish outta water," you may know the majority of people in the pool. It's when a stranger decides to jump in your pool for a quick dip, were things start becoming complicated. Now, this persons been swimming for years and loves messing with people and their "Marco-polo" games. So they start shouting "polo" and you follow. You keep following this person around trying to find out who they are, but they keep swimming underneath you, just out of your reach. Every moment this person is in the pool, with you, they learn more about your moves and tactics. Eventually the person will know how to avoid you and convince all your friends to leave the pool, leaving you behind. The person has just run away with all you information.

The little analogy (Above) may seem humors to some, however, identity theft is a real serious matter. The Federal Trade Commission stated that their are 27.3 million cases of identity theft in the last five years and about half have been recorded from last year. The United States government has spent over $52.6 billion dollars, just from last year to prevent this serious matter (forbes.com). This information was documented in April of 2005. In more recent news, on October 1st, 2008 President Bush signed into law a bill making it easier for prosecutors to go after "cyber-criminal", while ensuring that identity theft victims are compensated for their time and trouble when convicted identity thieves are forced to cough up ill-gotten gains. The Identity Theft Enforcement and Restitution Act of 2008 has been approved by the senate and the house and is now an enforced act, hopefully easing the identity theft problem. The new law allows federal courts to prosecute when the "cyber-criminal" and the victim live in the same state. Under current law, federal courts only have jurisdiction if the thief uses interstate communication to access the victim's computer. In addition, the law also expands the definition of cyber-extortion. (Washington Post)

When I read through the Judith S. Donath article, "Identity and Deception in the Virtual Community," I thought the use of online signatures was a good idea to help prevent identity theft. If someone is given an enscripted code to follow and sign off on important documents, I believe it would be easy to track down criminals. "They can be used to anchor the virtual person to the real world person." (Donath) Instead of using a specific code on the computer I think the use of barcodes might aid more to the user either that or some sort of scan system, were you can scan your finger, to sign off on.

It's scary to think that people have access to all sorts of information and play pretend online just to make a few bucks. In my personal opinion, I believe anyone with a bank account and a computer can steal someone's identity, if they really put some thought into it. I mean these identity thefts are white collar crimes and don't require a college degree or certification to know how the process works. On the other hand, it's comforting to know that new laws are enforcing the public's right to their own identity, even in cyberspace and criminals are being punished for wrongdoing. Still the Internet is not a safe place to wonder about dropping off information about yourself. To prevent situations like this I keep a paper trail of my banking information and use different names on different web pages, excluding myspace and facebook (However they are set to private and friends only). People have installed security systems in homes and buy dogs to keep criminals out of their homes. Now it looks like programs are going to have to design a more suitable "watch dog" system.

References and Cited information:

> "New Federal Law Targets ID Theft, Cybercrime," Washington Post (Cited October 2nd, 2008)

>Analytica, Oxford, 2006, "Hooked on Phising" http://www.forbes.com/business/2005/04/29/cz_0429oxan_identitytheft.html (Cited October 2nd, 2008)

>Donath, Judith S., November 12, 2006, "Identity and Deception in the Virtual Community," http://smg.media.mit.edu/people/Judith/Identity/IdentityDeception.html (Cited October 2nd, 2008)

> Wikipedia, 2008 "Identity Theft" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Identity_theft (Cited October 2nd, 2008)

> "Text of H.R. 5938: Former Vice President Protection Act of 2008" http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h110-5938 (Cited October 3rd, 2008)

Mind Your Own Damn Business!

Everyone has somethings they choose to keep private. Whether it's a journal, diary, or maybe a shoebox with some pictures in it.

Philosophically thinking, however, what does one mean to be private? When someone wishes to be private it means, to which one within themselves there is something considered inherently special, personal, or sensitive.

The word "private" has so many different meanings, its difficult to really summarize it into a specific definition. You can't term the word private unless you include the word "Public." The word private to me means to an extent of which someone, or something, is secluded and general or specific information is kept away from outsiders and trespassers.

A scenario, which I can recall, which invaded my privacy was back when I was a freshman. Young and stupid I was still experimenting with Myspace.com and other Social Networking sites. I posted some really goofy pictures of myself (with no shirt on) and though it would bring attention to my profile. Sure enough...it did and it wasn't the attention that I hoped to get. After that day I took the pictures down and set my profile to "friends only." Sometime later on I receive a post from one of my friends that had my picture, which I have taken down, weeks back, in his grasp! He posted the picture on my comments, and repeated it so if filled the whole web page! I was so pissed that people could actually take someones picture and manipulate it into , then re-post it however they please. I was really embarrassing because I knew, their must have been more people to have access to the pictures.

From then on, I make sure I know what I put on Myspace.com, Facebook.com, Youtube.com, and Photobucket.com so people can't hack in, copy or steal my stuff, and manipulate as they wish.

It terrifies me to know, the pictures or videos you post, become property of the website. Thinking logically its like selling yourself, FOR FREE, so these large corporations. These corporations can change you picture, as they please, to promote their website. In worse case scenarios some large companies may sell some pictures, to industries, that promote Pornography, STD/ STI awareness, Tobacco promotions, and other advertisements. It might be rare, but when you decide to search yourself and discover someone who resembles a familiar face. You may start to recognize a specific bodily features like birthmark, scare, or tattoo! If that day every does come and you stumble across on a pornography website with your picture on it... it may get just a little embarrassing. =(

When I read the Wikipedia.com blog about "Sorveillance" I was baffled to believe people actually walk around with mini cameras and record their activities throughout the day. It reminded me of the show on MTV called "Fear" were people would go to these haunted places and wear these huge cameras, which would face them, and record their facial reactions.

It does sound fascinating, considering you get to see what others are watching from somewhere else. You can mount these little mini cameras anywhere, and just go! It's very much invading, if one were to consider others privacy. There are people in this world that wish to not be on camera and will press charges if they are captured on film--believe me I know the routine. In United States, audio sorveillance is allowed in most states, and by U.S. Federal law, and this allowance for recording by at least one party is also true in most other countries (Wikipedia). In believing these kids and teenagers who are running around with small cameras (even cameras on their phones), do NOT have a "release warrant" is considered under penalty of law an invasion of one's privacy. On the bright side of the spectrum, someone may consider this somewhat new form of technical Media a live documentary reality show. Maybe this is the new direction of new reality TV?

As I continued to read the "Wiki Blog" I came across a statement, which really caught my eye--especially with the First Debate on Friday September 26th, 2008. Sousveillance of a state, by its citizens, has been credited with addressing many problems such as election fraud or electoral misdeeds, as well as providing good governance. This promotes people's security and insure fraud will be at a low.

I am not certain, which side to favor, on if this little portable camera. Even now cameras are being placed all around cities and highways contributing to "The Big Brother System." Whether we choose to accept it in society or not, it doesn't seem like this little gadget is going to be modified and NOT taken off the market anytime soon.

The dangers of Internet privacy can happen to anyone, however, its the younger generation who is largely at risk. I believe, children and pre-teens must be educated about the potential risks of uploading photos and bits of information on the Internet. They don't realize how many people their are in this world, who have access to the Internet, and love searching about people.

It is a little humorous to me, considering the situation of researching people. What was once, and still is considered at negative word, "stalking," has become a slang term on Facebook.com, which actually means searching someone out. Even people who are the best of friends search through each others profiles to look and see if something has changed with their life. To me Facebook.com is like keeping all your friends in a nice organized binder with information, photos, and resources, to which you might need to know about them. It's almost like a game of flash cards to some extent--reviewing faces and information about a certain person. Some people become so obsessed with Facebook.com when someone sees a "pop-up" in the information column--which is like late breaking news; people automatically assume someone has changed something in their life.

If I could support my topic with a research hypothesis... "More and more today people are becoming obsessed with reality shows and real life situations about other people lives. If people love to listen to gossip and drama, about other people's life, has this become an addicting manner to satisfy one's cravings to benefit their life? In terms of Internet use, does this easy accessible information make it more desirable to satisfy one's need for outside dramatic information?" If my hypothesis is along the line of correct, then what does this mean for the future privacy of our social identity?

• Boyd, Danah. 2007. “Social Network Sites: Public, Private, or What?”
  Knowledge Tree 13, May. (Sourced September 25th, 2008) http://kt.flexiblelearning.net.au/tkt2007/?page_id=28

• Wikipedia "Internet Privacy" (Sourced September 25th, 2008) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_privacy

• Wikipedia 'Sousvillance" (Sourced September 25th, 2008) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sousveillance

Online Gift Economics

Theirs a saying that's been around for sometime now, "The Best Things in Life Are Free." The quote is supported by MasterCard and other corporations that want to draw people's attention to things they want. I love free things, I'll bet the person next to me loves free things. We all love free things!!!

What would the world be like today if people were to give out more physical free economic gifts? Well, it would be awesome at first, but eventually I believe that our economy would plummet and humanity would restore its primal instincts and we would all start taking things from one another. THAT'S NOT THE POINT THOUGH!

However... What if people could access other things, but in a different state of manner?
Oh Wait their is! The Internet! Of course the World Wide Web as a butt load of information, multi-media channels, and enough photos and profiles to sink a battleship. But do people really give gifts over the Internet? What? That doesn't seem logically correct or even remarkably possible. Well my friends nothing is impossible nowadays, with the technological advancements society has made over the last fifty or so years.

Just to be curious about gift giving here a little something from yours truly just to show how much I love giving back to the community. I hope you enjoy the videos posted as you continue to read my blog....enjoy!....

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A gift economy is a social theory in which goods and services are given without any explicit agreement for immediate or future quid pro quo (Wikipedia). This means that you give something for something else. It's kinda like paying it forward, only no kids die from this. Providing public goods poses two key challenges, however, the first of which is motivation. Getting individuals to contribute to the provision of a public good despite the temptation of free-ride. The second is one of coordination, being if a group of individuals are motivated to contribute towards a public good, they will need to coordinate their efforts and this will involve its own set of difficulties and costs.

People upload videos, post blogs, and open new profiles on Facebook or Myspace everyday. They contribute so much to the economy by sharing their lives, photos, and friends to your dismay. But... do you really have to upload a video, or even start a new profile? No Way! Just by typing in a few words in Google you are contributing to the online economy because you are accessing someone else's information that they posted. If you wanted to give back you could post a comment or start something new.

Could you image actually walking around in the World Wide Web? It would be like a Giant Mall filled with stores that you could play free games, watch free videos, and check out cool photos. To some perverts out there...Yes This means pornography too!

Online information has become so accessible and so easy to get that an infant can access political information. We tend, however, to overlook what we really have going for ourselves though. Over the last decade technology has advanced so far that we simply don't notice it anymore. I mean what the Internet has to offer society, considering all the web pages their are, the only things we really would have to do is eat and get up to go to the bathroom. Everything else can be transmitted through cyberspace right into our brains.

Websites have advance so much and information as reliable as finding a screw for a broken toy can be solved by asking a question online. Whether its blogging or just web surfing the information, odds are you are going to find that missing screw.

If you made it this far in my blog congratulations! Most of the people would have stopped two videos back and commented on the videos rather than the point I was trying to make. I really hope that you enjoyed the gift of laughter and this made your day so much better. Like good neighbors should people should always look out for one another--even though you may not know them or see them in your life, it's still good to give back to the Community...The World Wide Web Community that is.

Kollock, Peter (1999). The Economies of Online Cooperation: Gifts and Public Goods in Cyberspace. Retrieved 16 September, 2008, from the University of California, Los Angeles Web site: http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/soc/faculty/kollock/papers/economies.htm

Wikipedia Site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gift_economy

Pinchot, Gifford. The Gift Economy. Retrieved on September 16th, 2008, Sourced from: http://www.context.org/ICLIB/IC41/PinchotG.htm

Barbook, Richard. (1998) The Hi-Tech Gift Economy. Retrieved on September 16th, 2008, Sourced from: http://firstmonday.org/issue/issue3_12/barbrook/

Copyright Conflicts...Why Bother?

If I could make a statement for myself, but let my word be heard, I would say "Downloading music and movies should NOT be restricted to the public." Times are changing rapidly and the media market is pushing people to adapt to new styles. People are sharing information about themselves and posting pictures with profanity and illegal practices. Lifestyles that consist of web browsing, pools of entertainment, and the latest information. Why is it that people are being restricted to file sharing?

People have access to just about anything on the World Wide Web, with a simple hypertext and a two "clicks," they are ready to go. People, nowadays, rarely go out to stores anymore for entertainment, they get them "on demand," by the power of their own hands. Technology is forcing people to access new forms of media without leaving their homes. It unethical to think that such a brilliant resource is being solid by a couple of bad seeds.

Being a fan of both movies and music I have done my share of downloading. "YES I said it!" "I download & upload, I steal online files, I copyright!" To me its more like sharing a CD with someone you don't know, and then uploading the songs on your computer so you can listen to them whenever you want to. I realize companies by into the making of these Cd's, recording labels, getting the band to sign, release dates, shipping, and store space all cost money. In fact design and layout of the CD typically costs an average of $4,000 (Cost and Sales). Taking this into critical thinking these companies have to be making quite the pocket change. Warner Brother Records estimated roughly 2.5 million dollars in sales in December of 2007 for the Instant Karma CD (Warner Brother Records). Now this may be just a "guesstimate," but why all of a sudden are these corporations attacking their buyers?

If I could compare this situation metaphorically, its similar to a mother telling her child "no cookies until after dinner." Well, if mother didn't put the cookies in reaching range, the little kid wouldn't try to go for them, and if mom didn't make so many cookies maybe she wouldn't notice one missing cookie. The problem becomes a hassle when mom has eight kid's and each kid starts taking cookies--maybe sometimes two cookies. This is when mother notices that cookies are missing and comes after the culprits. Well... when mother waits and see that Junior who loves those chocolate chips so much comes back for one last cookie. BAM!!! Junior is caught and gets put in time out. The same thing works with File Sharing and Downloading.

With the creation of RockBand and Guitar Hero more kids are learning about the older bands their parents grew up listening too. What to curious children do nowadays if they want an answer. They look it up on the Internet. They find out about these legends of rock and roll and download more of their songs. discover new opportunities of creating music and learning from old music.

The music industry has changed dramatically over the years finding more reasons to start suing and protecting their profits from the real talented musicians. The online infringement of copyrighted music can be punished by up to three years in prison and $250,000 in fines. Repeat offenders can be imprisoned up to six years. Individuals also may be held civilly liable, regardless of whether the activity is for profit, for actual damages or lost profits, or for statutory damages up to $150,000 per infringed copyright.

From what I have seen from "Music History 101" the obscenities went from complaining about obscene gesture on television (From Elvis), Revolution movements(from John Lennon), Boogie Nights (enough said), Lyrics and vulgar content destroying children's minds and school shootings (Marlyn Manson, Limp Bizkit), copyright infringement over Cd's and file sharing(Napster). The copyright infringement has been growing steadily since 1999 when Napster was first created at Northeastern University by Shawn Fanning. (Seth Green's character in The Italian Job "Lyle/"The Real Napster" claims that Fanning stole the idea from him--that was actually Fanning in the movie.)

I realize that I shouldn't fall to one side of this case. I thought to myself, "if I were a music producer I would want to protect my profits and slap the hands that tried to take money from my pocket." Even if these corporation wanted to they couldn't post a copyright label on an MP3 or MP4 file. Evolution plays a huge role in society, as well as an effect on big business. If they want to survive they have to find an alternative route to promoting music. If I were to make a suggestion to these companies I would invest more money into band promotions or music on demand.

Another solution for movie and music lovers would be to sponsor and create more bit torrent sites. Bit torrent is a P2P site that allow file sharing to take place. People upload their music and share with other users. The page is like a MP3, MP4 web page farm, which you can pick and pull music as you please.

People break the rules everyday, whether its from running a stop sign, cheating on a exam, or ripping the "Under penalty of Law Tag" from the pillow you sleep on. Whatever the case maybe people still get away with downloading and file sharing no matter the risks. It's only up to the consumer to put a stop to all this mayhem. As the consumer, the listener, and the fans people demand that they get their music.

COM125: Assignment 2, Emailanator

Over the last four decades a revolution has taken place, in which new ways of communication through the use of technological advancements. With the combination of little resources necessary email has sparked a new form of written communication that not only makes messaging easy, but also allows one to post and transmit messages to a large diverse group with no costs necessary. People have the capability of sending web-links, pictures, documents, and other forms of written composure without so much as lifting a pen. What is it that really makes email so special should not be the question on any one's mind, but how is it that email became to be and where does this direction of technology mean for possible future advancements?

Nowadays World Wide Web has a composite of many different email sites such as GOOGLE, YAHOO, and many more. Today, nearly all business and schools runtheir organizations on email. By facilitating an ethical, fast way to transmit messages, and important documents within the blink of an eye these corporations expanded their communication skills nearly 400 percent! What once took two days to a week to send a letter across the country now takes a matter of seconds.

But where did email really come from and how did development make it like it is today?

The first email system was designed at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1965 of a time sharing mainframe computer to communication (Email and Usenet, pg. 10). Email was first started as a file directory that was shared between network users in an office and it resembled more of a posted note more than a postal letter (Ray Tomlinson). Email wasn't exactly huge at its time of first use, but it was starting to become popular. More and more people wanted to contribute to email and make computers talk to each other. People would leave messages for others who were going to use that computer station next. The biggest problem of the electrical message was it only stayed on the one computer. Wouldn't it be exciting if someone were to get the message to another computer much like the postal service system.

Ray Tomlinson, a scientist from Massachusetts, was the mastermind behind the sending of the first email from one computer to another. Through use of the "@" symbol from the computer keyboard you could send messages from one individual to another. Soon afterwards, electronic mail messages were being sent, read, forwarded, and responded too by others. By 1974 there were more than a hundreds of military users of email because ARPANET encouraged it.

Email has revolutionized modern day society and made it apart of our everyday lives. It has become so powerful that it has secluded and denominated the use of faxing and writing formal letters. Email is so widely used that, nowadays, people can send messages through cell phones or any computer that connects to the internet. It has become so user friendly we can access it anytime we want to, save them, and obtain them later on. When we watch a commercial or see an advertisement we see email address just below the main medium. We receive messages everyday from all around the world from friends and large corporations. It fascinates me on how far we came from transporting messages from horseback, to mailing letters in envelopes, to sending messages through cyberspace. I strongly support that because of Web 2.0 and advancements in face-to-face cyber-media, email is going to become more formal in professional document signings as well as scholarly programs. This technological era, in which email is in current use, isn't even remotely close to what the possible outcomes could be.

The Down and Up Summer

Hello, my name is Edward Oliver and this is my first blog posting on Blogger.  I have written blogs before on film review websites and other sites like Myspace.  My first blog I am going to talk about was my summer adventure on how it went from terrible to terrific. 

From what I've seen, most people are excited when school lets out and the endless summer vacation starts.  People have plans for vacations, partying with their friends, or just making money.  I can definitely say I was thrown through a loop and this summer didn't exactly go as planned.  I originally decided to stay in Buffalo and take summer classes to catch up and hopefully graduate on time.  The very first day when the spring semester ended was a mark that would change everything I planned for this summer.

 

It first started out when my (summer) sub-leaser called-in and said "I can no longer afford your apartment for the summer.  My money situation has changed and unfortunately I am not going to be able to move in with you."  This what a big deal because I needed a summer leaser to help me pay for rent.  In March I had her sign an approved contract stating she would lease the apartment with me through the months of Mid-May to Mid-August.  I decided to let this problem go because of court fees and time I did not have.

Just when I thought my luck couldn't get any worse, it did.  My car wouldn't start unless

it was jumped and when I did get it to start it wasn't driving properly.  I had to call Triple A several times in one week just to get to work and school.  Things were just not looking up for this boy.  Basically because of the longer hours at work and the troublesome little car, which kept acting up, I was struggling with my summer classes.

When the month of July rolled around my vacation time at work came up and I got to go home for my little sisters high school graduation party and see my friends and family.  My family and friends immediately  noticed something was wrong with my image.  Being the outgoing and happy-go-lucky guy I was the light just didn't seem to shine on me.

My friends wanted to cheer me up so they brought me to one of the local bars 

in the back of town.  I didn't expect much that night, but the bar was oddly crowed.  It was really cool hanging out with some friends I haven't seen in awhile.  The DJ at the bar kept making announcements about winning prizes all night, one of which were movie tickets.  I ended up wining won two tickets to see The Dark Knight movie two days before anyone else could see it.  I was so excited to see the movie and rub it in everyone's face who had to wait two more days to see the movie. 

My uncle called my and asked me if I wanted to work for him out in California.  He knew I was struggling with money and wanted to see if I'd work for month at his company.  I took the

offer and flew out the same weekend.  He had me working on tractor trailers and giant forklifts around different parts of California.  It was an awesome experience for me because I learned the basic development of his organization on how its applied to everyday society.  I also worked with mostly mexicans on the job so my spanish has improved over the last month.  I learned a lot about the Mexican-American culture.  They are hard working, crazy people, who like to play jokes on white kids from New york.

This summer was definitely one for the record book.  I wasn't the greatest at first, but it really ended well.  I know I will be better prepared if I ever end up in a situation like I was in before and I should stress over money or other things that bring people down.