We watched the movie and all I can think is how can they do that. I think that it is very interesting that the Internet has turned into a giant web where almost anything can happen. In the movie they had a web site that was like the so people thought that they were the WTO. I was surprised to see that they were taken so seriously. People were listening to what they were saying and laughing at the suggestion that they were offering. Where are the values here. Why do they think that is ok to misinform people. But then again why does the WTO think that is ok to use them to get more for their organization.
I find it interesting while talking about values and in the book they discuss the people that flashed the cameras at Disneyland and then those photos were posted online. There is a disconnect somewhere, we have become a society that need extreme events for us to do things collaboratively and the internet seems to at times exploit people and not show what its actual purpose is. We spoke of myths and who creates them. I originally thought that certain groups can create the myths that we live by but it is everyone they just need the chance to do it. I think that watching this movie reminds me of Borat. Along the same lines he goes around America and does things that most people would find very offensive but as a society we spend money to go see it in the theaters. It is so interesting that we have progressed from having simple juno email accounts, to people having ten email addresses. Is there a limit to what we can do? Are we breaking down our values by continuing with these new trends?
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
Novelty of Technology
For me this reading was a little difficult. Starting out reading the quote is presented " the US economy likely will not see recession for years to come. We dont want one, dont need one, and, as we have the tools to keep the current expansion going, we wont have one. This expansion will last forever." (Henwood pg 3) In reading this quote, I can see exactly how right that this statement is. As a society we are always looking for the next best thing. For example, working in the cell phone business we just launched a new device. People are coming into the store and changing and upgrading their phones just for the sheer fact that the new phone has new technology and is above what the other cell phones do. This is such an interesting trend to grasp that there is so many people that are willing to spend big money on something that is the next best thing.
When the quote states that we have to tools to keep the expansion going. That most of what the economy is based on is fantasy and product of American triumphalism. (pg 6) I feel that that a lot of the ways that we do business is based on fantasy and the fact as long as we dont see it happening and it is not hurting us then it must be good. But then there are instants like Enron where so much was happening behind closed doors that even the employees thought that it would just be safer to leave it as it is. We associate information with money and as long as we are making the money then it doesnt matter how we are getting there.
With thinking that as long as we are making money it doesnt matter how we get it, goes the same way for spending the money. We have created a society that only wants to wear name brand clothing and only have things that are at the highest tier. We are getting smarter and finding new ways to do things that companies would not have been able to do years prior. But sometimes it seems as though we are not using our knowledge for good. We have to have certain things so we have to develop faster ways of getting them. Such as ebay and amazon. We now can sit at home and get whatever we want without thinking.
When the quote states that we have to tools to keep the expansion going. That most of what the economy is based on is fantasy and product of American triumphalism. (pg 6) I feel that that a lot of the ways that we do business is based on fantasy and the fact as long as we dont see it happening and it is not hurting us then it must be good. But then there are instants like Enron where so much was happening behind closed doors that even the employees thought that it would just be safer to leave it as it is. We associate information with money and as long as we are making the money then it doesnt matter how we are getting there.
With thinking that as long as we are making money it doesnt matter how we get it, goes the same way for spending the money. We have created a society that only wants to wear name brand clothing and only have things that are at the highest tier. We are getting smarter and finding new ways to do things that companies would not have been able to do years prior. But sometimes it seems as though we are not using our knowledge for good. We have to have certain things so we have to develop faster ways of getting them. Such as ebay and amazon. We now can sit at home and get whatever we want without thinking.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Information Ecology Individual Proposal
The primary ecology that I intend to observe is the place where I work T-Mobile. I work at a corporate store that sells phones, and assessories. In the book information ecology is defined as a system of people, practices, values, and technologies in a particular local enviroment.
By choosing the palce that I work I am able to fully assess the surroundings. T-Mobile is considered an information ecology because we are a system of people using information in different patterns working with each other. We have a set of company policies, and we all have the same products to sell but we do not all sell the same way. I have found it interesting to observe the different ways that the other reps sell.
We also have a very interesting work life. We are all close at work and but when we are working we are competing against each other. By observing this ecology I can learn how we are helping our customer and the ways that we are selling our product. In a business that is customer oriented and the customer is the number one prioity we should be customizing our practices to fit their needs.
System: Our system is working together to sell the customer the product. When we have a new product comes out it changes the presentation that we offer to the customer. As a team we have to be up with the changes that occur in the market and make sure that customer is fully briefed.
Diversity: We have many differents types of customers that have different types of needs. So when these different customers come in we have to be able to help them. We have a rep that can speak both english and spanish so he is able to better help those customers that do not speak english. It is important to offer services that will help any type of customer.
Coevolution: When a new product launches we have to change what we are offering the customer. We also have to be briefed on how the device works and the benefit to the customer. So as a unit we have to make the product more appealling to the customer and find new and interesting ways to sell it. This can be by changing the way that the product is displayed or offering complimentary features.
Keystone Species: The customer is one of the key components, if there were no customers then we would have no need to sell our product. The managers, and reps are also key to the working of the system. The manager is there to make sure that the day to day activities are done correctly and that the store is up to date with the latest products and services. The reps are essential in getting the product to the customer. Without the sales rep telling the customer what is new and the product features they can be mislead and not get what they need.
Locality: Name: TMobile. Since we are using information that is tied to customers we will be using information that is very confidential. We have passwords and procedures on how we do things. The systems are very complex and need training to use. This is to ensure that the customer is getting the protection that they deserve.
By choosing the palce that I work I am able to fully assess the surroundings. T-Mobile is considered an information ecology because we are a system of people using information in different patterns working with each other. We have a set of company policies, and we all have the same products to sell but we do not all sell the same way. I have found it interesting to observe the different ways that the other reps sell.
We also have a very interesting work life. We are all close at work and but when we are working we are competing against each other. By observing this ecology I can learn how we are helping our customer and the ways that we are selling our product. In a business that is customer oriented and the customer is the number one prioity we should be customizing our practices to fit their needs.
System: Our system is working together to sell the customer the product. When we have a new product comes out it changes the presentation that we offer to the customer. As a team we have to be up with the changes that occur in the market and make sure that customer is fully briefed.
Diversity: We have many differents types of customers that have different types of needs. So when these different customers come in we have to be able to help them. We have a rep that can speak both english and spanish so he is able to better help those customers that do not speak english. It is important to offer services that will help any type of customer.
Coevolution: When a new product launches we have to change what we are offering the customer. We also have to be briefed on how the device works and the benefit to the customer. So as a unit we have to make the product more appealling to the customer and find new and interesting ways to sell it. This can be by changing the way that the product is displayed or offering complimentary features.
Keystone Species: The customer is one of the key components, if there were no customers then we would have no need to sell our product. The managers, and reps are also key to the working of the system. The manager is there to make sure that the day to day activities are done correctly and that the store is up to date with the latest products and services. The reps are essential in getting the product to the customer. Without the sales rep telling the customer what is new and the product features they can be mislead and not get what they need.
Locality: Name: TMobile. Since we are using information that is tied to customers we will be using information that is very confidential. We have passwords and procedures on how we do things. The systems are very complex and need training to use. This is to ensure that the customer is getting the protection that they deserve.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Effects of Technology
“Technology is in effect accidental”. (Pg 12) It is hard to believe that something that is so influential is accidental in any way. In this article Williams discusses the effects of technology on society and the masses as a whole. There is one question I have to ask, is technology really the driving force of social change or does society have to change for technology to thrive?
Williams brings up a similar question on pg 14. “It is either a self acting force which creates new ways of life, or it is a self acting force which provides materials for new ways of life.” While reading this passage I began to think about the direct affect that technology has had on me. I remember as a young person I had a need for the television and my computer that I do not have now. I have found the balance between TV time and time to go out and do things with other people.
Williams also discusses that new technologies can create limits on society. I think that this is very true. We spoke of myths in class, and technology is a big myth that is continued throughout history. Now that we have television,, which Williams uses in the article we are now limited to thinking that our big source of entertainment should be the TV. “Consumer durables” as Williams describes on page 26, society becomes dependent on the new technology and expect a certain level of quality from them.
The creators of this new technology make the society believe that they have to keep up with the newest technology. Just as when television was coming out in color, the marketing companies made it seem as all people should get color TVs. Now the trend is that people have to have the most expensive model. People are made to believe that they have to have the LCD screen or plasma to get the highest quality picture.
What is the intention of making people believe that they have to have the most expensive TV? This feeds into the definitions of ideology, a group of people thinking or believing the same way. I hardly want to believe that a TV is an ideology, but it fits the definition. This draws me to my conclusion that technology is a driving force to social change. That without technology we do not challenge the status quo and do not try to go out and make new things happen. There are still beliefs and traditions that have been around for centuries and we still hold these true even through new technological advances.
Williams brings up a similar question on pg 14. “It is either a self acting force which creates new ways of life, or it is a self acting force which provides materials for new ways of life.” While reading this passage I began to think about the direct affect that technology has had on me. I remember as a young person I had a need for the television and my computer that I do not have now. I have found the balance between TV time and time to go out and do things with other people.
Williams also discusses that new technologies can create limits on society. I think that this is very true. We spoke of myths in class, and technology is a big myth that is continued throughout history. Now that we have television,, which Williams uses in the article we are now limited to thinking that our big source of entertainment should be the TV. “Consumer durables” as Williams describes on page 26, society becomes dependent on the new technology and expect a certain level of quality from them.
The creators of this new technology make the society believe that they have to keep up with the newest technology. Just as when television was coming out in color, the marketing companies made it seem as all people should get color TVs. Now the trend is that people have to have the most expensive model. People are made to believe that they have to have the LCD screen or plasma to get the highest quality picture.
What is the intention of making people believe that they have to have the most expensive TV? This feeds into the definitions of ideology, a group of people thinking or believing the same way. I hardly want to believe that a TV is an ideology, but it fits the definition. This draws me to my conclusion that technology is a driving force to social change. That without technology we do not challenge the status quo and do not try to go out and make new things happen. There are still beliefs and traditions that have been around for centuries and we still hold these true even through new technological advances.
Technology Metaphor
When watching the clip it is hard to believe that people who do not really know the uses of the internet for the intent that it is used. The senator gave us a metaphor saying that the internet was like a system of tubes that information is trying to get through. This metaphor does not describe the internet well and would limit who people perceive the internet. Metaphors are strong in that they can easily inhibit people from seeing the big picture.
Last class we talked about the myths that surround technology and those who create them. I think that many times people just want to have a way of connecting things together. So the myth is created that if we develop the internet that we will be able to cure diseases, metaphors help you understand the topic and relate it to other things but then what happens when you get the wrong conclusion. Now the technology is not moving forward it is sitting still and not able to create an accurate picture.
My metaphor for technology is like a car race. When the people are racing, if they are racing correctly then they will have a good chance to win the race. Those who just want to get to the end will crash and not get the information that they need. The racers that are on top are those who have trials and errors and know what works. The internet is a fast paced information center and if you know how to correctly navigate then you will get the information that you need!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Myths of cyberspace...
“ The invention of the computer was a pivotal point in the history of civilization”. This is a quote that starts out the article. I find it so interesting that one thing can be so influential to so many groups of people. Computers have brought many people together and have enabled countries to do things that they would have never been able to do. But it brings up the question of power. Technology such as the computer has control over how people think things should be.
People have expectations on how things should be. Having computers created a bigger monster. There is a need for things to be faster or more convenient so that they have what they want when they want it. With this revolution I have to wonder what is next. With computer becoming more high tech everyday how deep will society get before there is no turning back. The article describes that people have put their faith into something just because they think that it is a reliable source. How can we put so much into faith into something that we cannot see? I find it very hard to go on a limb and just get something without seeing it first.
Cyberspace is a place that promotes myths and misconceptions. I find that I am old fashioned in thinking that I have to be able to physically see something before I buy it but money into it. I feel that it goes back to basic personal interaction as well. The internet makes more people less interactive with other people. Computers and new technologies bring people together but that can only bring them so far.
Cyberspace is a lot of hype and fantasy… the article states and I believe that this is true that many people but so much into the internet and the technology that they don’t really know what is real anymore. But it is all just a bunch of services that people most likely will never use, or not willing to pay for.
We spoke in class about the inevitability of technology that it is something that is going to happen no matter what. But I feel that society is using this as a crutch, to be connected without really doing the work. Although, technology has allowed for many good things happen, such as peace talks and finding lost people. Technology is not always used as a tool, but as a replacement for the actual person.
People have expectations on how things should be. Having computers created a bigger monster. There is a need for things to be faster or more convenient so that they have what they want when they want it. With this revolution I have to wonder what is next. With computer becoming more high tech everyday how deep will society get before there is no turning back. The article describes that people have put their faith into something just because they think that it is a reliable source. How can we put so much into faith into something that we cannot see? I find it very hard to go on a limb and just get something without seeing it first.
Cyberspace is a place that promotes myths and misconceptions. I find that I am old fashioned in thinking that I have to be able to physically see something before I buy it but money into it. I feel that it goes back to basic personal interaction as well. The internet makes more people less interactive with other people. Computers and new technologies bring people together but that can only bring them so far.
Cyberspace is a lot of hype and fantasy… the article states and I believe that this is true that many people but so much into the internet and the technology that they don’t really know what is real anymore. But it is all just a bunch of services that people most likely will never use, or not willing to pay for.
We spoke in class about the inevitability of technology that it is something that is going to happen no matter what. But I feel that society is using this as a crutch, to be connected without really doing the work. Although, technology has allowed for many good things happen, such as peace talks and finding lost people. Technology is not always used as a tool, but as a replacement for the actual person.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Ideology
Definition: Ideology to me is a weighted term, often associated with a religion. Others have defined it as the belief in which individuals, and groups follow.
When thinking about ideology I have to wonder how I define mine. Is it by my religion, political affiliation, or my surroundings? I have a hard time saying that my idelogy is a basis for what I believe or what I choose to follow. I believe that people are products of their surroundings and that the way that people react to things are generally a natural reaction.
Sometimes I have to wonder why people are so willing to label that things just for the sake of saying that they believe in something. I feel like technology is sort of a ideology. People out so much faith into technology and believe that it is going to give them everything that they need. This is why I find it hard to put a definition to ideology. Should technology be something that people put so much faith into?
When thinking about ideology I have to wonder how I define mine. Is it by my religion, political affiliation, or my surroundings? I have a hard time saying that my idelogy is a basis for what I believe or what I choose to follow. I believe that people are products of their surroundings and that the way that people react to things are generally a natural reaction.
Sometimes I have to wonder why people are so willing to label that things just for the sake of saying that they believe in something. I feel like technology is sort of a ideology. People out so much faith into technology and believe that it is going to give them everything that they need. This is why I find it hard to put a definition to ideology. Should technology be something that people put so much faith into?
Daily Show Clip and Information Ecologies Ch 1 & 2
Information Ecologies 09/06/07
Daily Show Clips/Readings
In the clip they show us how we have become acquainted to the new technologies that connect people together. Myspace, for example is one of the networking tools that people of all ages are able to use. I find it very interesting that people have a distinct want to be connected with so many people. The guy in the clip had 9000 friends. This is something that actually happens, I have had friends that add people as friends due to their looks or only based on the fact that they have something in their profile that is similar to their own.
In the reading it talks about society being a friend to technology, we are looking for programs that are user friendly. We want technologies and programs that work and that we are able to use with great ease. It also states sometimes the thought is that using technology is inevitable, I find that with all the websites such as facebook and myspace that it is making it way. There is a constant need to be connected and internet networking is the fastest way to be connected.
With advancements in technology there is still a certain amount of people that are afraid to go out and use it. “Only the human brain can process and store information more easily, cheaply and rapidly. Than a computer.
HOW CAN I INFLUENCE HOW TECHNOLOGY IS USED!
Business World:
Organizational tool:
• Schedules
• Meeting
• Uniform/professional look
Connection
• Email
• Advertisement
• Public Announcements
Daily Show Clips/Readings
In the clip they show us how we have become acquainted to the new technologies that connect people together. Myspace, for example is one of the networking tools that people of all ages are able to use. I find it very interesting that people have a distinct want to be connected with so many people. The guy in the clip had 9000 friends. This is something that actually happens, I have had friends that add people as friends due to their looks or only based on the fact that they have something in their profile that is similar to their own.
In the reading it talks about society being a friend to technology, we are looking for programs that are user friendly. We want technologies and programs that work and that we are able to use with great ease. It also states sometimes the thought is that using technology is inevitable, I find that with all the websites such as facebook and myspace that it is making it way. There is a constant need to be connected and internet networking is the fastest way to be connected.
With advancements in technology there is still a certain amount of people that are afraid to go out and use it. “Only the human brain can process and store information more easily, cheaply and rapidly. Than a computer.
HOW CAN I INFLUENCE HOW TECHNOLOGY IS USED!
Business World:
Organizational tool:
• Schedules
• Meeting
• Uniform/professional look
Connection
• Advertisement
• Public Announcements
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