Convergence

Convergence is the idea that old media and new media come together. Henry Jenkins wrote a book on the convergence culture. Jenkins says, “convergence describes technological, industrial, cultural, and social changes in the ways media circulates within our culture." He has this idea that the consumers are the participates. Jenkins says, "The question is whether the public is ready to push for greater participation or willing to settle for the same old relations to mass media." We live in a "participation culture" where people love to communication online. People are so active over the Internet and it is the way of our society today. This convergence culture is important to use the past media to help with future improves to new media.

 

Creative engagement is when companies use creative ways to market to their audience. An example would be companies having social media accounts and offering giveaways. A popular technique used is a giveaway through Instagram. If users will "repost" a picture they are entered into a competition. This is a great way to get people involved and allow for more people to find out about the company. An engagement online that is used in a creative way to provide more participation from the consumer would be considered creative engagement. 

Long Tail Theory

The Long Tail Theory is the idea that more of the economy is heading toward niche markets instead of mainstream. This theory has a high number of goods, low cost of reaching the market, tailoring of personal tastes, and flattens out the demand curve for mainstream hits. A good example of the Long Tail Theory is Netflix. Netflix has a wide variety of movies and shows for viewers to watch. People can go on the website and watch their choice of show instantly. They get you hooked by offering a free trial and then charging you when you forget to unsubscribe. During the free trial people start watching their favorite show and do not want to stop so they end up subscribing. The cost is only $7.99 a month so most  people can afford the service since it is so reasonable. Another way Netflix goes along with this theory is by personalizing the movies and shows to the user. After watching a show on Netflix, the next time you sign on it will recommend different shows to watch based on what you previously watched. Netflix is a great example of the Long Tail Theory.

I would describe my online consuming behavior to be a surfer. I like to look at Pinterest, online clothing stores, or social media but I rarely purchase anything online. If I have a specific need for an online product then I will purchase it, otherwise I enjoy browsing. I just like to see what is out there. 

New Media & Technology Article

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/09/technology/popular-yik-yak-app-confers-anonymity-and-delivers-abuse.html?ref=topics&_r=0 

I found an article relating to the new app known as Yik Yak. Most of y'all have probably heard of it and/or have the app. This app is completely anonymous and allows for anyone to post anything at any time. Yik Yak believes that the app allows people to "Share your thoughts with people around you while keeping your privacy." According to this article, Yik Yak has become the "most frequently downloaded social app in the Apple App Store." People, especially students enjoy reading about the comings and goings around them. This app only shows posts that relate within a 1.5 mile radius, which makes them so interesting. Most of the posts are funny and entertaining, but there are also a ton of threatening and mean posts. 

This article is about a teacher who found out about this app and found many demeaning posts about her. She talked to the administration about these posts, but due to the privacy policy there was nothing that could be done. "The app’s privacy policy prevents schools from identifying users without a subpoena, court order or search warrant, or an emergency request from a law-enforcement official with a compelling claim of imminent harm." This app is completely anonymous but anything that imposes immediate danger, Yik Yak is willing to cooperate with the authorities.

This app has its pros and cons. "Since the app was introduced a little more than a year ago, it has been used to issue threats of mass violence on more than a dozen college campuses, including the University of North Carolina, Michigan State University and Penn State." These threats are close to home and it is dangerous. “It’s a problem with the Internet culture in general, but when you add this hyper-local dimension to it, it takes on a more disturbing dimension,” says Elias Aboujaoude, a Stanford psychiatrist and the author of “Virtually You.” “You don’t know where the aggression is coming from, but you know it’s very close to you.” Everything said on the app is anonymous but its local. An app started to for good is turning to be harmful.

Our society today loves social media and being connected. But is it ok to be mean for the entertainment of another? No. We live in this constant state of being connected and wanting to share our thoughts with the world but some things are better left unsaid. If you don't have anything nice to share, just don't share it. In my opinion, this app should be used for entertainment and connection and it should stay that way in a positive light.  

Information & Networks

Recently, we heard a lecture about information and networks. We learned about three different network laws known as Sarnoff's Law, Metcalfe's Law, and Reed's Law. I agree most with Reed's Law. This law explains the power of social media and the various groups that form because of network affiliations. Reed's network law is all about social networks and relates to the Web 2.0. Social networks are ingrained in every part of our lives. We are constantly connected with everyone and everything. The more people that use the Internet and social media the more important the network is. I agree with this law because it is so relevant in my life. I use social media daily and believe that the more people that use it, the more important it becomes. No one wants to miss out on anything, so people rely heavily on social media. 

In five years, our society will be much more advanced than it is today. Everyday new technologies are being created. I think that we will be able to receive information even faster than we do today. We will have more technology that will make life easier. I think social media usage will continue to increase especially with products and businesses. Whenever you have a question about a business or product you can look on Facebook to find out more about the product and see reviews that others have posted. This is a great way to receive new information and it can only continue to grow. It will be exciting to see how technology continues to improve in the upcoming years.  

Why We Blog

In today's society, blogs are very popular. They allow people to express their thoughts and feelings to the world through the Internet. In the article Why We Blog it states, "Bloggers are driven to document their lives, provide commentary and opinions, express deeply felt emotions, articulate ideas through writing, and form and maintain community forums." This article explains that after a research study on bloggers, they believe these are the main reasons that bloggers blog. Two of the motivations on why people blog stuck out to me: documentation and commentary.

The first motivation to blog mentioned in the article was to document your life. I think this is a great way for people to keep in touch with one another. Blogging about your life will allow friends and family who live far away to stay updated on your life without directly talking to them. People get busy and do not have time for hour-long phone calls, so instead they can go online and read blogs to get updated.

The second reason people enjoy blogging is because they want to provide commentary about a subject. People are passionate about different subjects. Everyone has a different passion and that is what makes blogs so great. If you just saw a movie and wanted to describe it to someone you could make a movie blog. People who were about to go see a movie could go on your blog and see what is the best one to go see in your opinion. There are many other types of blogs that provide commentary this is just an example.

            Blogs are an ideal way to express yourself. I like how the article states, “Part of the allure of blogs is the easy way they move between the personal and the profound.” You get to know others by reading their blog and listening to their opinions. I enjoy reading blogs and finding new ideas.