We The Media 4

Chapter 10 touches on a very sensitive issue especially in regards to the blogosphere. Libel law has always been something all journalists had to fear and keep in mind especially when they publish critical information. So how does this connect to blogging? Gilmour explains that he intends not to scare us with his stories of numerous internet journalists  who have been charged with libelous content. The author reiterates this chapter is not to be deemed as legal advice but rather as examples how libel law has affected web based news content. Bloggers have to be especially careful in assuming that they are completely protected by the 1^st amendment against libel law. I feel this chapter serves as a warning to always keep libel law in mind, even when you are harmlessly blogging.

Chapter 11 tells us to be keen to how the government and other authorities are rapidly changing the web to become more restricted. The author tells us to say goodbye to all the notions we had of having the web as a completely free and protected forum of free speech. With the activation of libel laws and other regulations the web is becoming a controlled forum rather than an open one. In fact Gilmour argues that the increase of such regulations has and will limit the growth of grass-roots journalism. I agree with the author that the web needs to remain a forum for free speech without concern of libel laws or restrictions. It is important for us to be able to speak our candid voices especially on the web.

The combination of media and journalism through technology has made the web the most important invention since the printing press. Chapter 12 attempts to tie in all previous chapters to make one clear point. The media has evolved because of the web. Now those who fail to jump on board to the digital renaissance will be left behind. It is important for every media journalist to understand the impact of the web and its implications on journalism. The media have to adapt to the technology in order to stay relevant but at the same time face many ethical and moral issues.

We the Media 3

Chapter 7 presents some interesting discussions involving the role of bloggers in providing news coverage. When an important Iraqi march was failed to be covered by any major news outlet, its only coverage was presented by bloggers. Gilmour argues that every day citizens turned bloggers have become just as big a part of journalism as actual professional journalists. Even though in countries like our own, most bloggers involve themselves in trivial matters, bloggers from countries like Iran have influence on far more serious matters like politics, and even revolution. I agree that bloggers have become a necessary part of journalism today.

Chapter 8 argues for major news sources on the web to consider bloggers more intently. Web news filters and engines like Google News offer new innovative ways to not only retrieve news, but also to filter and organize news. However a major flaw of these web based news resources are that they neglect grass roots journalism and only consider a minor fraction of the blogosphere as credible or relevant. I disagree with the author because it is too difficult to find credibility in blogs which are based on subjective content.

Chapter 9 discusses the use of spin and falsified media and how its evolved from conventional news media to the web. With so many people having access to produce their own professional looking blogs, websites, and media, how are we to tell if it is fraudulent or legitimate. The author argues that in fact media had been forced to face this dilemma head-on as many web based resources are called into question by conventional media resources.

My Media Blog

My Website

Final Project Plan

My final project will be a three episode podcast entitled, “Gambling 101″. The premise will be centered on mentoring inexperienced gamblers in three different areas: Sports Betting, Texas Holdem Poker, and Blackjack. Each episode will concentrate on one of these areas and provide information on how to play, odds, and winning strategies. Since it is a tutorial for novices, I will only be going over basic concepts and instructions in each episode. By no means will I attempt to persuade people to gamble in my podcasts. My podcast will be focused towards people who already have an interest in gambling but are beginners. I will use a HD Flip camera to film the footage and I will use IMovieHD to make the actual podcast.

My Lunch

Midterm Newsletter

We the Media 2

In chapter 4 Gilmor quotes Tom Murphy, a public relations pro, as saying, “Blogging is an opportunity for Public Relations, not a threat.” I agree that blogging is a unique way of connecting an audience to an organization. Gilmor explains how most corporate websites are just as mundane and jampacked as an annual report. This creates a disconnect between the audience and the personality of the organization. Mark Cuban, a successful billionaire and popular owner of the Dallas Mavericks has been blogging since 2004. Gilmor claims that Cuban’s blogging has only enhanced his success with the media and in the business world. Cuban is connecting himself with the audience in a unique manner.

In chapter 5, Gilmor explores the use of online-resources in the world of politics. Apparently right-wing activists have been utilizing this strategy even before the internet was introduced. Bulletin boards and massive message spreading (word of mouth,telephone) have been incorporated and important to political parties for a long time. The web has gone to work for politicians. In 2000, John McCain was the first to utilize the web as a fund-raising tool, raising over 6.4 million dollars online. Within a couple years, weblogs were being used for political strategy and exposure. What better way for a campaign to connect to the voters. I see parallel with Gilmor, in how the web has changed political campaigning.

In chapter 6, Gilmor explores the concept of linking, or pointing to other people’s work. Though Gilmor feels linking is the way to go for journalists, he feel it is simply not enough. He believes in the importance of content and quality. Gilmor feels it is his responsibility to direct his readers to the source with the highest quality of work, even if it is one of his competitors. His reasoning for this lies in his belief of providing more context. GIlmor believes the more the merrier when it comes to sources. I agree with Gilmor that the most important source is the original source regarless of writing style or quality.

Did You Know 2.0

by Jason Yang

I feel hopeful for the future in terms of technology and science. However this video fails to touch on pressing issues like global warming, poverty, and war. The numbers speak for themselves. Our planet has quickly become digital, and those that cannot keep up get left way behind. I see why this video is important. Young people need to adapt and learn to master this digital revolution.

This video makes me feel optimistic about the future. More people are connected to each other around the globe. Networking has become limitless and incredibly fast. I see this as potentially enriching to the advertising industry. My only concern is for those who aren’t able to become digitally literate due to conditions beyond their control.

I feel I will be faced with challenges involving diversity both cultural and economical. As we continue to network on a global scale, diversity of people’s beliefs and bank accounts will pose as a challenge of cohesion. However I don’t see this as a bad thing. It will force people to become more open minded and thus shift their attitude just as we’ve shifted in technology.

Introduction – Jason Yang (from 8/29/09)

(sorry about the re-post. I realized I had this in the wrong folder)
8/29/09
Hello all. My name is Jason and I am a senior advertising student at SJSU. I am excited to say that I will be graduating this December. I am Korean-American and I was born in Santa Clara. I am currently working for CNA Capital Corp part time. I am also interning for Halo Guitars, which is awesome. I am a music enthusiast to say the least. I play the guitar and I used to MC when I lived in LA. I also DJ as a hobby. I pretty much just love to hang out with cool folks and go to shows when I have free time.

I am a creative track student with aspirations of becoming a creative director. I am a writing addict. From poetry to short stories, I am an avi d writer.I am also very interested in film. Some of my favorite director’s include: Quentin Tarantino, Judd Apatow, David Lynch, Wes Anderson, and of course Stanley Kubrick. I listen to all sorts of music. As of right now I am a huge underground hip-hop and acid jazz fan. I also am a huge fan of Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana among countless others

I am excited about this course. I look forward to the final project. I haven’t had much experience in producing podcasts but it sounds intriguing. I have heard good things about this course from my peers. I’m definitely ready to get my hands dirty.