Reflecting back, this weblog has taught me quite a few essentials about the virtual realm of blogging and the internet. I have always been a loyal devotee in the blogosphere ever since I was fifteen, be it reading blogs or posting entries myself. However, I have never explored critical issues affecting the media industry like what I accomplished through this assignment.
I had dreaded starting this assignment in the beginning because the thought of having to apply theoretical concepts into my chosen issues discouraged me. But as I scan through the written papers by Kress and van Leeuwen, Schriver, Walsh and all the other experts in document designs, I began looking at media issues and blogs in a different light. I learned to analyze these issues with a professional mind.
Last but not least, I also realized that it is possible for us to rely on blogs for credible and unbiased information nowadays, even though sometimes they may be restricted by the government. My interest in media and publishing issues has definitely grown since I began writing this weblog. This will greatly benefit me in the future as I strive towards being a professional media practitioner.
This weblog will not be left untouched from now onwards as I will continue update concerns affecting the media industry from time to time.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Censoring Search Engines
“Google it!”. I am sure you have heard this phrase many times when you are looking for a certain piece of information. Search engines like Google, Yahoo and MSN have played a significant role in our tech-savvy era today, especially for me as a university student with assignments piling up constantly.
According to a news report on CNET (2008), recently Google and Yahoo are facing challenges by Argentina judges to censor search results on celebrities and public figures through their search engines. Since last year, internet users in Argentina have been experiencing difficulties finding accurate information about prominent individuals in the country because only shortened results were found. Search engines are responsible for the content of other web pages.
However, this rule should not be enforced. Federal law in the United States generally mentions that search companies are not held accountable to web contents (Condon, 2008). Website administrators themselves should be responsible if the information provided is considered an invasion of privacy.
Search engines are only performing their most fundamental role, which is helping users to search for specific information easily by providing links to different websites. They interpret words typed in the search bars and displays results of users may be looking for. This is a form of intertextuality. Schirato and Yell (1996, p. 110) define intertextuality as “the process of making sense of texts in reference to their relations with other texts”.
Without search engines, internet users will never be able to navigate around the entire cyberspace with no boundaries. I will definitely feel lost. Therefore, I hope that our Malaysian government will not decide to censor search engines in the future like what Argentina did.
References:
Condon, S 2008, ‘Argentine judge: Google, Yahoo must censor searches’, CNET News, viewed 12 November 2008, <http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10094597-38.html>.
Schirato, T & Yell, S 1996, Communication and cultural literacy: An introduction, ‘Chapter 5: Framing contexts’, Allen and Unwin, New South Wales
Source: Google
According to a news report on CNET (2008), recently Google and Yahoo are facing challenges by Argentina judges to censor search results on celebrities and public figures through their search engines. Since last year, internet users in Argentina have been experiencing difficulties finding accurate information about prominent individuals in the country because only shortened results were found. Search engines are responsible for the content of other web pages.
However, this rule should not be enforced. Federal law in the United States generally mentions that search companies are not held accountable to web contents (Condon, 2008). Website administrators themselves should be responsible if the information provided is considered an invasion of privacy.
Search engines are only performing their most fundamental role, which is helping users to search for specific information easily by providing links to different websites. They interpret words typed in the search bars and displays results of users may be looking for. This is a form of intertextuality. Schirato and Yell (1996, p. 110) define intertextuality as “the process of making sense of texts in reference to their relations with other texts”.
Without search engines, internet users will never be able to navigate around the entire cyberspace with no boundaries. I will definitely feel lost. Therefore, I hope that our Malaysian government will not decide to censor search engines in the future like what Argentina did.
References:
Condon, S 2008, ‘Argentine judge: Google, Yahoo must censor searches’, CNET News, viewed 12 November 2008, <http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10094597-38.html>.
Schirato, T & Yell, S 1996, Communication and cultural literacy: An introduction, ‘Chapter 5: Framing contexts’, Allen and Unwin, New South Wales
Stop complaining!
“I hate the new Facebook!” was seen in the status of Facebook users all over when the website embraced a new look recently. The new format allows registered users to divided mini-applications into segments and also helps to prioritized updates pictures, new messages and latest “feeds” on the main profile page (Australian IT, 2008).
Vice-President of Marketing, Chamath Palihapitiya, explained that the change was due to the increasingly popular trend in sharing videos and pictures over the internet. They want to ensure that users are able to obtain “bite-sized content” quickly and easily (Palihapitiya, quoted in Australian IT, 2008). The revamped Facebook produced more interactive and organized pages that help users to navigate and install application easily (Australian IT, 2008).
However, Facebook members around the world were protesting against this new look. Forums like “Who hates the new Facebook format” were created and thousands of users responded. People started comparing both formats.
Old Facebook: All You Remember?
New Facebook: Too Far?
Source: YouTube
In my opinion, I prefer the new format compared to the previous one. Firstly, the segmented information definitely made it easier for me to navigate through the pages. As agreed by Walsh (2006), it is common to find segmented frames of information in websites. Users will choose their own reading pathway as they click on menus and hyperlinks within the frames (Walsh, 2006). Profile pages in the old Facebook were complicated because all the mini-applications were cramped into one profile page. There was no navigation pathway within the page.
Besides that, the new Facebook also shows consistency. Reep (2006, p. 136) refers to consistency as “presenting similar features in a similar style”. This was seen in terms of the placement of navigation buttons, search bars, logo and other hyperlinks. Facebook users can easily be directed to different pages within the network.
Therefore, for those who are not satisfied with the new Facebook layout, you should familiarize yourself with the new features before jumping to conclusions. Then you will find that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. So stop complaining!
References:
The Australian 2008, ‘Facebook makeover leaves some devotees fuming’, Australian IT, viewed 12 November 2008, <http://www.australianit.news.com.au/story/0,24897,24328928-15318,00.html>.
Reep, DC 2006, Technical Writing, 6th edn, ‘Chapter 6: Document design’, Pearson Longman, New York.
Walsh, M 2006, ‘The ‘textual shift’: Examining the reading process with print, visual and multimodal texts’, Australian Journal of Language and Literacy, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 24-37.
Source: WeCite Blog
Vice-President of Marketing, Chamath Palihapitiya, explained that the change was due to the increasingly popular trend in sharing videos and pictures over the internet. They want to ensure that users are able to obtain “bite-sized content” quickly and easily (Palihapitiya, quoted in Australian IT, 2008). The revamped Facebook produced more interactive and organized pages that help users to navigate and install application easily (Australian IT, 2008).
However, Facebook members around the world were protesting against this new look. Forums like “Who hates the new Facebook format” were created and thousands of users responded. People started comparing both formats.
Old Facebook: All You Remember?
New Facebook: Too Far?
Source: YouTube
In my opinion, I prefer the new format compared to the previous one. Firstly, the segmented information definitely made it easier for me to navigate through the pages. As agreed by Walsh (2006), it is common to find segmented frames of information in websites. Users will choose their own reading pathway as they click on menus and hyperlinks within the frames (Walsh, 2006). Profile pages in the old Facebook were complicated because all the mini-applications were cramped into one profile page. There was no navigation pathway within the page.
Besides that, the new Facebook also shows consistency. Reep (2006, p. 136) refers to consistency as “presenting similar features in a similar style”. This was seen in terms of the placement of navigation buttons, search bars, logo and other hyperlinks. Facebook users can easily be directed to different pages within the network.
Therefore, for those who are not satisfied with the new Facebook layout, you should familiarize yourself with the new features before jumping to conclusions. Then you will find that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. So stop complaining!
References:
The Australian 2008, ‘Facebook makeover leaves some devotees fuming’, Australian IT, viewed 12 November 2008, <http://www.australianit.news.com.au/story/0,24897,24328928-15318,00.html>.
Reep, DC 2006, Technical Writing, 6th edn, ‘Chapter 6: Document design’, Pearson Longman, New York.
Walsh, M 2006, ‘The ‘textual shift’: Examining the reading process with print, visual and multimodal texts’, Australian Journal of Language and Literacy, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 24-37.
Is there really Freedom of Speech?
The internet was never easy to control due to the unlimited virtual space. Although the cyberspace encourages freedom of speech, bloggers face obstacles regarding this matter, especially political blogs in Malaysia.
A few days before the country marked its 51st independence, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) ordered all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block access to Malaysia Today, the controversial political website by Raja Petra Kamaruddin. However, the Commission’s action had stimulated uproar because they broke a commitment made when the country first launched the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) plan back in 1996. They had promised no internet censorship. Malaysia Today was not the first as the government had shut down another prominent political website, Malaysiakini, back in 2003 (Woodier, 2002).
Source: the Star Online
MCMC explained that the reason they blocked the website was because some contents published were offensive and insensitive which could stir up controversies. They claimed that it is their responsibility to take action when such defamatory contents are posted because they are obliged by the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
If that is the case, then to what extent can we practice freedom of speech? VanFossen (2007) stated that freedom of speech does not equal saying whatever we want. We have to be prepared of the consequences should others be offended or laws prevent. In Malaysia, laws like the Sedition Act and the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) restrict writers in fully utilizing their freedom of speech.
It is crucial to consider what you are about to write in the readers’ shoes because people interpret texts differently based on their attitude, knowledge, culture and background (Schriver, 1997). Anderson (cited in Putnis and Petelin, 1996) pointed out that a good document design not only helps readers interpret the content efficiently, it also allows readers to feel comfortable with the information they are digesting.
Bloggers must remember that they are no longer invisible. Anybody, from students to politicians, can stumble upon your website anytime. Be careful of what you write, because you will never know when you might offend someone unintentionally without realizing.
References:
Lee MK 2008, ‘M'sia govt breaks promise, censors Net’, ZDNet Asia, viewed 10 November 2008,<http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/internet/0,39044908,62045527,00.htm>.
Putnis, P & Petelin, R 1996, Professional communication: Principles and applications, ‘Chapter 7: Writing to communicate’, Prentice Hall, Sydney.
Schriver, KA 1997, Dynamics in document design: Creating texts for readers, ‘Chapter 6: The interplay of words and pictures’, Willy Computer Publishing, New York.
VanFossen, L 2007, ‘Blogging freedom of speech: Can you really say what you want?’, The Blog Herald, viewed 9 November 2008, <http://www.blogherald.com/2007/03/27/blogging-freedom-of-speech-can-you-really-say-whatever-you-want/>.
It is crucial to consider what you are about to write in the readers’ shoes because people interpret texts differently based on their attitude, knowledge, culture and background (Schriver, 1997). Anderson (cited in Putnis and Petelin, 1996) pointed out that a good document design not only helps readers interpret the content efficiently, it also allows readers to feel comfortable with the information they are digesting.
Bloggers must remember that they are no longer invisible. Anybody, from students to politicians, can stumble upon your website anytime. Be careful of what you write, because you will never know when you might offend someone unintentionally without realizing.
References:
Lee MK 2008, ‘M'sia govt breaks promise, censors Net’, ZDNet Asia, viewed 10 November 2008,
Putnis, P & Petelin, R 1996, Professional communication: Principles and applications, ‘Chapter 7: Writing to communicate’, Prentice Hall, Sydney.
Schriver, KA 1997, Dynamics in document design: Creating texts for readers, ‘Chapter 6: The interplay of words and pictures’, Willy Computer Publishing, New York.
VanFossen, L 2007, ‘Blogging freedom of speech: Can you really say what you want?’, The Blog Herald, viewed 9 November 2008, <http://www.blogherald.com/2007/03/27/blogging-freedom-of-speech-can-you-really-say-whatever-you-want/>.
The Power of the Photograph
The phrase ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ is frequently heard everywhere. But most of the time, people underestimate its meaning. Have you ever wondered how one picture can actually impact thousands of people?
Pictures have the ability to lure people out of curiosity and interest, and often stay in people’s memory for a long time (Nickerson, cited in Schriver, 1997). Findahl et. al. (cited in Schriver, 1997) believed that still photographs can impact people just as much as learning from the news on television.
Nowadays, photographs are no longer just a documentation of events which are newsworthy. Many photographers use symbols to exemplify the significance of the issue itself (Kress and van Leeuwen, 2006). In a report about a war photo gallery in Dubrovnik, Gollard, the gallery curator, mentioned that he trusted photographers more compared to journalists because they were the ones who experienced the events firsthand with all five senses. In the media, news stories broadcasted or published would have been passed through the hands of editors and journalists who may have their personal views on the issue.
The picture above shows one of the world's most famous photographs captured by National Geographic photographer, Steve McCurry, in 1984. She is an Afghan woman, Sharbat Gula, who was 12 years old at the time. This is a very precious picture because foreigners seldom get the opportunity to photograph Afghan women. The picture on the right shows her when she was discovered again in 2002. (World's Famous Photos, 2007)
Besides that, photographs are used to create awareness about the critical issues and conflicts happening in our world today (Goddard, in ABC Media Report 2007). Photographers are motivated to cover such issues when they witness injustice and violence affecting us (Heizmann, in ABC Media Report 2007). Some may feel that publishing images that show graphic details is disrespectful, especially towards the victims. However, this is how photographs make a difference. Imagine reading about how a certain war caused massive bloodshed and compare it to actually seeing pictures for yourself. Which one affects you more? Pictures will most likely do the job.
There was an ongoing debate in Malaysia regarding Nurin Jazlin’s case. The picture of her dead body when she was found in a sports bag was seen in newspapers all over the country. Some felt that the picture was disturbing and that it was disrespectful towards Nurin’s parents. Others thought that the picture served as a good wake-up call. I agree with the latter. Ever since that kidnap case, Malaysia parents are beginning to make the effort to know their children’s whereabouts and to always keep an eye on them. This truly proves the power of the photograph.
World's Famous Photos 1997, 'Afghan Girl 1984', viewed 12 November 2008, <http://www.worldsfamousphotos.com/tag/greatest-photos-ever-taken>.
Pictures have the ability to lure people out of curiosity and interest, and often stay in people’s memory for a long time (Nickerson, cited in Schriver, 1997). Findahl et. al. (cited in Schriver, 1997) believed that still photographs can impact people just as much as learning from the news on television.
Nowadays, photographs are no longer just a documentation of events which are newsworthy. Many photographers use symbols to exemplify the significance of the issue itself (Kress and van Leeuwen, 2006). In a report about a war photo gallery in Dubrovnik, Gollard, the gallery curator, mentioned that he trusted photographers more compared to journalists because they were the ones who experienced the events firsthand with all five senses. In the media, news stories broadcasted or published would have been passed through the hands of editors and journalists who may have their personal views on the issue.
Source: Sanity Island Gallery
The picture above shows one of the world's most famous photographs captured by National Geographic photographer, Steve McCurry, in 1984. She is an Afghan woman, Sharbat Gula, who was 12 years old at the time. This is a very precious picture because foreigners seldom get the opportunity to photograph Afghan women. The picture on the right shows her when she was discovered again in 2002. (World's Famous Photos, 2007)
Besides that, photographs are used to create awareness about the critical issues and conflicts happening in our world today (Goddard, in ABC Media Report 2007). Photographers are motivated to cover such issues when they witness injustice and violence affecting us (Heizmann, in ABC Media Report 2007). Some may feel that publishing images that show graphic details is disrespectful, especially towards the victims. However, this is how photographs make a difference. Imagine reading about how a certain war caused massive bloodshed and compare it to actually seeing pictures for yourself. Which one affects you more? Pictures will most likely do the job.
There was an ongoing debate in Malaysia regarding Nurin Jazlin’s case. The picture of her dead body when she was found in a sports bag was seen in newspapers all over the country. Some felt that the picture was disturbing and that it was disrespectful towards Nurin’s parents. Others thought that the picture served as a good wake-up call. I agree with the latter. Ever since that kidnap case, Malaysia parents are beginning to make the effort to know their children’s whereabouts and to always keep an eye on them. This truly proves the power of the photograph.
References:
ABC Media Report 2007, ‘The power of the photograph’, viewed 9 November 2008,<http://www.abc.net.au/rn/mediareport/stories/2007/2051819.htm>.
Kress, G & van Leeuwen, T 2006, Reading images: The grammar of visual design, 2nd edn, ‘The semiotic landscape’, Routledge, London.
Schriver, KA 1997, Dynamics in document design: Creating texts for readers, ‘Chapter 6: The interplay of words and pictures’, Willy Computer Publishing, New York.
ABC Media Report 2007, ‘The power of the photograph’, viewed 9 November 2008,
Kress, G & van Leeuwen, T 2006, Reading images: The grammar of visual design, 2nd edn, ‘The semiotic landscape’, Routledge, London.
Schriver, KA 1997, Dynamics in document design: Creating texts for readers, ‘Chapter 6: The interplay of words and pictures’, Willy Computer Publishing, New York.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Latest Media Trends
As more people are turning to online media, media practitioners are embracing new forms of media publishing to convey their message. Advertisers are moving from traditional media like newspapers, radio and television, to alternative media. Mobile phones and the internet are key forms of new media being used today.
Firstly, new forms of blogs like moblogs and vlogs are emerging. Moblogs are mobile blogs consisting of published blog entries using cell phones (Wikipedia, 2008). One of the most discussed new media is podcasting. Torrone (2005) defines podcasting as a new way to deliver online media. Selected audio or video files are uploaded onto the internet and available for download through web feeds (Wikipedia, 2008).
Another interesting addition to the trends is consumer-generated media, also known as user-generated content. Wikipedia (2008) defines it as “a reference to posts made by consumers within online venues such as internet forums, blogs, wikis, discussion lists and etc”. Some of the widely known consumer-generated media are Facebook, YouTube, MySpace, and Flickr. These forms of media are popularly used to spread information which is unavailable in traditional media.
Predictions of new media trends that could transform the media industry were made on Toostep. Mobile Live Video will be available soon. This feature enables users to stream live video from anywhere in the world without having to open their notebooks. Micro-blogging is also slowly being introduced to people. Audio and video functions will be included, allowing users to post short video messages while forming their own personalized social network (Ashok, 2008). This feature is similar to that of Seesmic.
Wikipedia 2008, Podcast, viewed 11 November 2008, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcast>.
Firstly, new forms of blogs like moblogs and vlogs are emerging. Moblogs are mobile blogs consisting of published blog entries using cell phones (Wikipedia, 2008). One of the most discussed new media is podcasting. Torrone (2005) defines podcasting as a new way to deliver online media. Selected audio or video files are uploaded onto the internet and available for download through web feeds (Wikipedia, 2008).
Another interesting addition to the trends is consumer-generated media, also known as user-generated content. Wikipedia (2008) defines it as “a reference to posts made by consumers within online venues such as internet forums, blogs, wikis, discussion lists and etc”. Some of the widely known consumer-generated media are Facebook, YouTube, MySpace, and Flickr. These forms of media are popularly used to spread information which is unavailable in traditional media.
Predictions of new media trends that could transform the media industry were made on Toostep. Mobile Live Video will be available soon. This feature enables users to stream live video from anywhere in the world without having to open their notebooks. Micro-blogging is also slowly being introduced to people. Audio and video functions will be included, allowing users to post short video messages while forming their own personalized social network (Ashok, 2008). This feature is similar to that of Seesmic.
References:
Ashok, P 2008, ‘New Media Trends and 2008 Predictions: What's Coming’, viewed 11 November 2008, <http://toostep.com/trends/new_media_trends_and_2008_predictions_whats_coming>.
Torrone, P 2005, ‘What is podcasting’, O’Reilly - Digital Media, viewed 11 November 2008,<http://digitalmedia.oreilly.com/2005/07/20/WhatIsPodcasting.html>.
Marcom Interactive 2008, Modern Media, viewed 11 November 2008, <http://www.marcominteractive.com/about/index.htm>.
Wikipedia 2008, Consumer Generated Media, viewed 11 November 2008,<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consumer_generated_media>.
Wikipedia 2008, Moblog, viewed 11 November 2008,<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moblog>.
Torrone, P 2005, ‘What is podcasting’, O’Reilly - Digital Media, viewed 11 November 2008,
Marcom Interactive 2008, Modern Media, viewed 11 November 2008, <http://www.marcominteractive.com/about/index.htm>.
Wikipedia 2008, Consumer Generated Media, viewed 11 November 2008,
Wikipedia 2008, Moblog, viewed 11 November 2008,
Wikipedia 2008, Podcast, viewed 11 November 2008, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcast>.
Print Design vs Online Design
Web pages are all about navigation. Nielsen (1999) called web pages a “scrolling experience” for readers and print media a “canvas experience”. The only navigation used in print media is simply page-turning. Web pages contain hyperlinks and menu bars to help users search for information quickly.
Walsh (2006) noted that websites are divided into various sections with headlines and sub-headlines. She also mentioned that readers select a certain reading pathway based on their interests or goals. Nielsen (2006) noted that readers of web pages follow an F-shaped pattern, reading information on the left column first, and then scanning through the body. He revealed that only 19 per cent of users read web content word for word.
Online readers look for “actionable content”, unlike print documents written with a “storytelling approach” (Nielsen, 2008). This is why websites seldom have complete sentences. KLE Designs (2008) states that each web page is “merely a landing in a staircase from where a person can take another flight in any random direction”.
Compared with print documents, web pages also contain more visuals because a proper balance of prose and graphics help readers interpret documents better (Schriver, 1997). Therefore, it is important for document designers to understand the dynamics of both print and online media to achieve optimum document design.
References:
Nielsen, J 1999, ‘Differences between Print design and Web design’, Jakob Nielsen’s Alertbox, viewed 11 November 2008,<http://www.useit.com/alertbox/990124.html>.
Nielsen, J 2006, ‘F-Shaped Pattern For Reading Web Content’, Jakob Nielsen’s Alertbox, viewed 11 November 2008,<http://www.useit.com/alertbox/reading_pattern.html>.
Nielsen, J 2008, ‘Writing style for Print vs. Web’, Jakob Nielsen’s Alertbox, viewed 11 November 2008, <http://www.useit.com/alertbox/print-vs-online-content.html>.
Schriver, KA 1997, Dynamics in document design: Creating texts for readers, ‘Chapter 6: The interplay of words and pictures’, Willy Computer Publishing, New York.
Walsh (2006) noted that websites are divided into various sections with headlines and sub-headlines. She also mentioned that readers select a certain reading pathway based on their interests or goals. Nielsen (2006) noted that readers of web pages follow an F-shaped pattern, reading information on the left column first, and then scanning through the body. He revealed that only 19 per cent of users read web content word for word.
Online readers look for “actionable content”, unlike print documents written with a “storytelling approach” (Nielsen, 2008). This is why websites seldom have complete sentences. KLE Designs (2008) states that each web page is “merely a landing in a staircase from where a person can take another flight in any random direction”.
Compared with print documents, web pages also contain more visuals because a proper balance of prose and graphics help readers interpret documents better (Schriver, 1997). Therefore, it is important for document designers to understand the dynamics of both print and online media to achieve optimum document design.
Source: [Re]Encoded.com
In the picture above, the left side displays The Guardian newspaper and the right side shows a collection of websites. As you can see, print documents mainly contains words with little pictures. In web pages, lots of colourful graphics are used in order to present the information efficiently. This makes it much easier for readers to read web content.
References:
KLE Designs 2008, 'Differences between Print design and Web design', viewed 11 November 2008, <http://www.kle-designs.com/articles/web_design/Differences+between+print+design+and+web+design.htm>
Nielsen, J 1999, ‘Differences between Print design and Web design’, Jakob Nielsen’s Alertbox, viewed 11 November 2008,
Nielsen, J 2006, ‘F-Shaped Pattern For Reading Web Content’, Jakob Nielsen’s Alertbox, viewed 11 November 2008,
Nielsen, J 2008, ‘Writing style for Print vs. Web’, Jakob Nielsen’s Alertbox, viewed 11 November 2008, <http://www.useit.com/alertbox/print-vs-online-content.html>.
Schriver, KA 1997, Dynamics in document design: Creating texts for readers, ‘Chapter 6: The interplay of words and pictures’, Willy Computer Publishing, New York.
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