Filtered Reality and Serial Selfies by Jill Walker Rettberg

In Jill Walker Rettberg’s discussion of filters, she reminds us of their many functions; coffee filters, cigarettes, even the clothes dryer. Things we don’t give a great deal of thought to, just accept as the norm. But filters extend beyond these simple purposes as an active part of our culture. Technological filters such as the baby journals she mentions, are one example. I remember trying to fill in all the correct areas in those books, when I had my kids. Sometimes, there were sections that did not apply to our experiences, so I did exactly what she said—placed photos or other memorabilia over them, to record what was really going on. But as a new Mom, I was concerned we were missing important firsts for our baby daughter; luckily, I had other moms at work who reassured me those sections were not for everyone. That made me feel better, and looking back, the “firsts” it contained were helpful prompts and the ones that didn’t apply made me try and create them for that book!

As for Twitter, it really does inhibit long-form writing—says the long-winded newcomer who quickly saw the need for brevity in my tweets. That is not just a filter but a constraint on my thoughts; sometimes I have trouble saying my peace in 140 characters. I am, however, trying…Other technological filters refer to self-representation, often through photos and the filters applied to express ourselves as we want others to perceive us. Possibly because of my age, I do not partake freely in this; I was never happy with my photographed self as I felt the person in the picture was not the person I perceived as me. When I saw a photo I liked of myself, I readily saved that one! If I were a younger lady, I would probably be taking many selfies until I could capture that version of “Debbie” I wanted the world to see. These chapters actually put in words what I have seen with many of my fellow students, especially younger theatre friends, and my nieces. My own children must be more like me, as they rarely post a new photo (unless they are holding a baby or two). But the ability to freely take photos until you get a good one is quite a treat after waiting to get your pictures developed only to find out you look like Frankenstein’s bride instead of your favorite Cover Girl model...

I liked the concept behind “365 Grateful” as I too believe there is beauty in many things we see in our everyday experiences; this should remind all people to be grateful for these little things, lest they be gone. Filters added to them perhaps create something far more beautiful than the ordinary, or simply draw focus to the grace of simplicity. This idea relates to Victor Shklonsky’s theory of “defamiliarisation” and the purpose of art in general. Making something unfamiliar—out of the ordinary—changes one perception of it’s worth. Cool idea.

 “Skinnee Pix” sounds like my generation having their photo air-brushed or touched-up by the studio; I guess if it helps to improve one’s self-image, people will use it. One thing I found fascinating was the problem with lighting pictures for the best results; lighting does not work the same for light-skinned people as for dark-skinned people. This seems like an obvious detail, but how to take pictures of both skin types together?

Evidently, people accepted this as being a scientific problem; the film‘s fault. Although the problem was noted as far back as the 1950’s, nothing was addressed until the 1970’s when Kodak developed their Gold Max film which worked for all skin tones. One would think this could have been corrected sooner, but looking at the racial issues of the time, the delay is self-explanatory and very sad. What was far worse was the “stereotypical drawings of Africans in the mid-twentieth century” (29) which distorted images in an unflattering way. Such negative cultural filters were an impetus for people, like McFadden, to perfect taking their own picture rather than trust any other photographer with getting their photo the way they want it to be seen.

Genres as filters directly relates to what we are doing with these blogs, making it of interest to me. The ability to go back through our posts and see if our opinions or our growth as writers has changed, the knowledge these entries are documented and dated—is all exciting. But the words are only what we choose to share--filtered. Many customs, traditions, and rituals are filtered to avoid cultural misundertandings or prejudicial treatment. Our culture is filtered in many ways that we never think about, but simply accept as our norm.

I love the self-presentations discussed in Chapter 3; Szucs kept with it for fifteen years, from Polaroids (my Dad’s favorite) to selfies. Such cumulative self-presentations are not new, but one has to be thick-skinned enough to see themselves every day, looking whatever way, and feel strong enough about the statement they are making to be public with their pics!

Time-lapse selfies were another approach; one has to be committed to their art to accept people’s ignorant comments. But both Ahree Lee and Noah Kalina also received positive feedback, and an exorbitant response through YouTube; this became so popular, they now have apps to help one create such videos. Karl Baden’s twenty-years of daily photos was even more of a statement, as he remained expressionless, bare shouldered, and in front of a white wall. And the progression of Rebecca Brown as she grew from a happy 14 year-old to a young woman of 21, documenting her depression, hair loss and regrowth, complete with explanatory notes, really is an inside view of this girl’s visual and emotional identity over time.

Which brings up profile photos and visual identity. Are they coercive, or used to connect oneself to a group or cause? That would depend on the person, and what they want their picture to express. danah boyd’s intervention for the young man who had photos on his MySpace account is a great example. He posted pictures to insure acceptance in his neighborhood, but the profile he created almost ruined his chance for college admittance. Defining oneself through photos, and social media, can be unacceptable in many situations. Luckily, boyd spoke in the young man’s defense, but not everyone is that lucky. Filters can work both ways.

Automatic portraits or the photo booth will always remind me of Woolworths. These were a lot like selfies, because people felt free to act any way they wanted behind the privacy of the photo booth curtain. Inside, couples kissed, people looked sexy, silly, tried new hairdos, poses or anything they could think of—just like selfies. The control was less—the camera might flash before you were ready—but the feeling was the same. Once you put the coin in the slot you were the one in charge of the camera—at least until the flashes began. You were in: “The curious combination of intimate, hidden space within a public setting” (44), getting ready for your private photo shoot. With selfies, there is the same line between what one decides they will make public, and what they will keep private. The freedom to express the real person, and then discard the picture if it is not what you wanted, is a throwback to the photo booth, only better!

White Flight and Ferguson Revisited; Isn't it Finally Time for Change? authors danah boyd and Robert P. Jones

My thoughts after reading danah boyd’s enjoyable, enlightening piece.

 So, kids still separate into groups or cliques like they’ve always done once they reach puberty, if not sooner. By then they know who they feel more comfortable with, who shares common interests and values, and establish themselves—to some extent—within a group of peers. This is normal and expected; as a teen, it is essential to identify with others who not only think but also feel the same about important “teen” issues—boys/ girls, dating, sex, drugs, sports, school, clubs, music (STOP ME PLEASE!) Now, these are often kids from similar backgrounds, families, religions, locales, expectations and rules, which is not unusual either. BUT, if kids are purposely labeling specific groups as the “other” it suggests they are voicing perceptions of their society. Sadly, but not always, this begins with parental suggestions, but when that is not the springboard, the actions and reactions of their peers—who they identify with—help to create this self-segregation process.

The idea of moving from one social media network to another is comparable to my generation moving from AM radio (loud, popular, accepted and endorsed) to the subcultural draw of FM radio (heavier rock & roll, less commercials, coolness personified…). Most teens want to be as “in” as their peers, and now that involves social media choices. Sadly, even they carry social stigma and seem to be race-based to many teens across the country. Luckily for me, growing up in Hudson County has always provided me a diverse variety of friends, schoolmates, and lifetime peers up to and including my present co-workers—my “friends” on Facebook look like a league of nations!

This is a marvelous mix of wonderful people who all have the same beliefs and concerns despite different backgrounds. I never really gave it much thought until reading boyd’s paper. I grew up during a period where segregation was being battled and cheering for its demise was the obvious choice; at least to me, as a young person who saw it as hateful and stupid. Current events reflected this mentality by many—but not all—and the explosive nature of everything on the evening news displayed wrong things going on and the need for immediate change. As an older person who works and goes to school with a delightful mix of people from so many rich, diverse cultures, I still see (on the evening news) so many parts of our country, including people I never suspected, never progressed beyond those narrow minds and wrong things I witnessed in my youth. Racism and reverse-racism is alive and well; I am thankful it does not impact me personally but I look at my children—who I raised to treat all people as they hope to be treated—and my grandchildren, who will be impacted by this lingering stupidity.

Boyd’s essay reflects a certain snobbery among Facebook users towards an implied ghetto/ low-class following on MySpace. Only having joined Facebook recently (2014), I turn to my older son who was that teen who had to follow the popular trends. MySpace was his thing; a cool page with pictures and music UNTIL he met a “girl” who turned out to be an older, LARGER, toothless, white woman in the Pine Barrens. She lured him with false information (and false photos) to a trailer littered with beer cans and trash; he made excuses and escaped through a bathroom window (he was quite trim) into the woods and ran like hell to Route 9 and safety. Despite his comical recount, I was relieved when he left MySpace for the newer, cooler Facebook. Because many teens are like my son was back then, whatever is deemed "newer or cooler" among ones friends/ connections is the way to go, regardless of race, color, or society.

The comparisons listed to compare digital white flight among teens across the nation bears much truth; again, I am thankful my kids were raised in an area where they had multi-racial friends and their norm was diversity. When we moved to the shore to be close to my Mom, (inadvertently, our white flight) we were all astonished at the obvious racial divide in that area. Which brings my attention back to the disturbing story of Ferguson. After following this so closely on the news, I was only a little surprised at the intentional blind eye so many white-Americans turned on this event. What I see is only sadder because of the hard work and sacrifices of many who have fought to break this type of thinking, it nonetheless still exists. Capehart’s column was especially disturbing. As a Mom, but a white Mom, I have told my sons to not talk back to police; this after we moved to South Jersey where we were not members of the “old-boys club.”

That experience was eye-opening and my friends at work, African-American friends, were able to offer advice and sympathy. No parents should have to face those fears for their children and only be able to hope that their child will be “obedient” instead of a responsible, self-reliant young adult. Respect should be given to all and if one loses it through their own fault, they must find how to regain it respectfully. Color, ethnicity, and diversity are what make us a melting-pot we call USA; isn’t it finally time to embrace that?

Elizabeth Losh: Selfie Pedagogy in Four Parts... Who would have Ever imagined this was a valuable source for Study!

                As I looked at this week’s discussion, and opened the various links, I asked myself how we have gotten to this place in both academia and sociality where we "study selfies."  Of course, I then read what Elizabeth Losh was doing, the fascinating stories, essays, a class syllabus, blogposts, signed up for the NYU’s Theresa Senft website and was sent her PDF “Microcelebrity and the Branded Self.” This all made it very easy to grasp the potential. Many scholars are actively studying the effects of selfie culture and the reasons for both its wide acceptance and mass popularity. I come from a generation of taking pictures to remember special moments—and then waiting impatiently for them to be developed, hoping you came out looking good, and managed to capture the essence of the moment (without cutting anyone’s head off, having sun glare destroy the whole thing, or accidentally putting your thumb on the lens). Of course, if you owned a Polaroid Instamatic, you could have a photo in 60 seconds---WOW! Quick pictures were at Woolworth’s photo booth, four poses for a quarter---but only in black and white. Don't be frightened at the old photos...

My generation also hoped to capture special moments OR make a statement with our look or style, and having somebody want to photograph us was quite flattering. BUT, rarely (if ever) could we record our own face anytime we felt so compelled, and would have been thought vain if we did. Being involved in the performing arts as a young woman meant I needed a photo portfolio or at least a headshot, and these were expensive tools. Now, one can take their own "headshot" each time they have a new haircut, try some new makeup, or think they look particularly dazzling. We have come a long way baby! Miriam Posner’s UCLA course specifically addresses young adults in this digital age, addressing the use of social media and selfie culture. Liz Losh does a remarkable job of showcasing all these important scholars, their interest and active investment in this new phase of scholarship. There was so much information I felt overwhelmed at times but was amazed at the potential for new pedagogical tools through this seemingly simple facet of social media.

            I really enjoyed the section on NYU’s Theresa Senft; perhaps the fast response added to my curiosity. She put selfie scholarship on the fast track by creating a Facebook group for scholars to join and share “bibliographies, curate images and disseminate new work.” The response was so overwhelming, she had to create a smaller network! “Selfies Research Network” was the result in collaboration with Miriam Posner (UCLA) and Fordham’s Alice E. Marwick. The outcome is a learning environment, creating and researching the Pedagogy of Selfies. This work proves of interest in the fields of psychology and ethnography (to name a few) as well as the value of self-expression. Marwick points out the way people, particularly the younger group growing up in this digital age, use media in strategic ways to increase their popularity. This can be narcissistic, and border on exhibitionism but if they are trying to market themselves professionally (or their strategies will eventually mature into that) they are using these tools wisely. Below is a rare sister selfie.

If instead, they are posting selfies each time they put on new lipstick or wear a sexy dress, the former conclusion may stand. Self portraits are an old concept but not everybody feels comfortable about having one. With today's trend towards selfies, that is rapidly changing. The discussion of Twitter by Marwick and danah boyd talks about “Context collapse and imagined audience.” These are real issues, as people rely on followers, short witty remarks, likes or re-tweets, and (of course) pictures.. Everything must be quick, and visual artifacts have to please an “imagined audience.” Theresa Senft recognized this potential for students to pay attention through pictures instead of “reading in isolation” and used it as a tool. Selfies develop a form of online identity, can work as either self-promotion or self-absorption, star-seeking tool or professional promotion. Camgirls—a term I just learned---seem to have gained popularity, are less subject to scrutiny, and easier to create effectively. On this note, Amanda Todd’s suicide received 19 million views; this sad, vulnerable girl misused the Web once and then suffered consequences beyond her ability to handle. Senft notes: “An image in networked space has value beyond its visual presentation.” Mark Marino and his Code literacy Week from 2010 and its innovative approaches to service learning and selfies fits in with our tentative plans for the final project! And I truly love the concept of Netprov and can easily see where selfies could enhance the improvisational nature of these online presentations. Cannot wait to try that out…

Chapter 5: Social Has a Shape: Why Networks Matter AND Chapter 6: How (Using) the Web (Mindfully) Can Make You Smarter by Debbie Bagnato

Howard Rheingold, in his imitable style, covers a lot of important areas that impact our online space and daily live, in these final two chapters. Networks—like communities in the old-fashioned sense—have structures which influence both people and their online behavior. Think of Facebook or Twitter and how their similarities and differences identify them. Modern social networks maintained through voice and human connection, place them beside the roots of civilization. Our technologies today expand that reach so one’s voice can be heard, or more directly, read and responded to globally. Online networks that support social networks, which is most of them today, share unique characteristics of both people and network interaction.

A line from the John Guare 1990 hit play, Six Degrees of Separation, suggests that humans are all separated by six people. This concept originated with social scientist Stanley Milgram’s 1967 study. He proved through his “path length”, it took each person an average distance of 5.5 steps to get information, via the US mail, to one contact person in Boston. His study later prompted Duncan Watts and Steve Strogatz in 2001 to recreate Milgram’s test using email instead. The outcome also proved about six steps, validating both the original study and the new one which substituted online resources. This illustrated that our world is a large network BUT with our connections added, becomes far more manageable. Watts and Strogatz even demonstrated how large networks appear much smaller by bridging them together.

A spinoff of the Framingham Heart Study entitled, “Dynamic spread of happiness in a large social network: longitudinal analysis over 20 years in the Framingham Heart Study” is devoted entirely to discovery of what makes and keeps people happy both in online and traditional communities. The study is based on 4739 participants tested from 1983 through 2003, using a four item scale with a broad array of attributes involving social networks and diverse social ties. The outcome was clusters of happy and unhappy people, dependent on relationships within the study. Happiness or its opposite, extends up to three degrees of separation. Ultimately, those surrounded by happy people who themselves were central in their network, indicated current happiness and probability of future happiness. Happiness breeds happiness both online and in real time. “The surprising implication is that due to online resources, at least part of your happiness might depend on people you never met” (198).

Each network is influenced by how much connectivity occurs between its nodes or connections.  David Reed, one of the original architects of the Internet, clarified Sarnoff’s, Metcalfe’s, and his own law regarding the value of connectivity. Group-forming networks grow faster because they serve the special interests of many. Hence, Reed’s Law:”…shows the value of the network grows proportionately not to the square of the users, but exponentially” (199).

Social Network Analysis (SNA) can be a form of both socialization and centrality crucial to business opportunity. Being a bridge or one who links two networks can benefit all connected. Marc A. Smith explains that people give their time, talent, and support online in exchange for: “Social capital, knowledge capital, and communion” (204). Mark Granovetter further elaborates and explains how this tie is strengthened by: “…the amount of time of the emotional intensity, the intimacy…and the reciprocal services which characterize the tie” (206). Through Rheingold’s discussions with Wellmann, the importance of densely and sparely-knit ties is clarified. As in traditional associations, some “heterogenerous ties” are essential to cover needs our close-knit alliances cannot. Despite our societies and lifestyles becoming networked, we the individual are central to our society. Many different connections result in our centrality.

A major parental concern is Networked Individualism, which began with the portability of phones, and the breakdown of connection to our children’s callers. In the early days of cell phones, we often inquired where our callers were; the novelty of being somewhere other than home was a new feature. It was an exciting time but also an end to knowing who was calling for our kids, and that sense of control. Now we must accept our children hold the world of online devices in their hands and can tweet, email, and Facebook anywhere or time they choose.

Social capital is beautifully described in Rheingold’s recollections of Philcat and the friendship which grew out of their online community. True social capital was established through their friendships that evolved naturally online. Reciprocity is also an essential element for online communities, networks, and collaborations as are trust and cooperation. Rheingold states: “Unlike financial capital, trust increases when you use it and becomes depleted if not used” (220). Bonding, bridging, and linking are all different but necessary aspects of connecting networks and people from different communities with diverse talents.

Growing a PLN is simplified into steps one might confidently try as the process is completely demystified. The facts of Facebook and its lasting power and traceability are showcased.  The importance of privacy and being mindful about what we put on the Web—especially Facebook--is made simple; persistence, replicability, scalability, and searchability. Because of social media, things can almost always be found. So we must always remember the invisible audience, context collisions, as well as public and private convergence.

Looking at the final chapter, Rheingold reviews all the tools he has given us through this journey. We take a look at dataveillance through playbor, Facebook, and Google clicks, and pay attention to important issues like identity theft and personal privacy issues. The public sphere must always be understood and respected as it will bring private into the public realm.

Habermas theory that well-funded public relations can change or mold public opinion is questioned by Rheingold, with the advent of online resources. His question is ignored by Habermas, leaving one to question his position. But the point is proven by recent online efforts and persuasive social media results that: “Powerful forces most certainly do influence public opinion” (242). Remix ethics are also discussed as we remember Napster and the days of free music and movies, prior to the Digital Millenium Copyright Act. While the artist’s rights are protected, the creativity of others is stunted. Technological enclosure is far more problematic as it leaves the door open for even greater restrictions on all Web activities.

Parents fears are allayed by both Rheingold’s insight of digital culture and danah boyd’s sound advice, stressing communication and remembering what really concerns parents the most. Open dialogue is recommended and the ability to listen and connect to your kids. In closing, Rheingold reminds each reader of the lessons he gave throughout this delightful guide; his five literacies in a nutshell. Then he reviews attention, crap detection, participation, collaboration and network smarts. These tools coupled with literacy, our greatest tool, can protect and advance each of us in our digital world of today.

I have personally found these tools and the depth of information very helpful. I have also enjoyed Howard Rheingold’s comfortable and direct style. Thriving online is crucial in today’s society, and the more comfortable one is with online practices, the better they can function. The following are just some thoughts I would like to throw out for thought and discussion.

1.      Because of the proven effects of others in my networks on my happiness, should I strive to be the central force to promote happiness or remove myself from groups that are devoid of happy and upbeat relationships?

2.      Based on the amazing story of Rheingold’s Virtual Community, and the social capital that grew from their friendships, would you aspire to form your own community? Or if you are involved in one, do you feel inspired to take it to a more personal level?

3.      Because of the transparency of Facebook and the likelihood of comments, photos, and relationships to be traced, are you still comfortable with posting regularly or do you feel compelled to rethink your account settings?

Mozilla, Computers, Kids, and the Mystery of The Kracken! by Debbie Bagnato

Where do I begin with this topic? I thought this was such a fantastic program, and had trouble making up my mind on which activity to follow through to the end. After dabbling in a couple, I followed through on “Kracken the Code” and had my own virtual classroom with myself—I did well though guys, because I followed the suggestions on the Legit-o-Meter (which is simply crap detection for kids) and was not hoodwinked! The reason I landed here was mainly because my oldest grandkids are eight years old and that is the suggested age for this “Web Literacy Basic.” Also, let’s face it, if I want to teach something I better know how to answer all questions; some of the other activities, I would have had questions of my own…But, looking up the Kracken was great fun, and I was impressed with its colorful history and the amount of scholarship written on this big old squid. Lord Alfred Tennyson, The Kraken (1830) is pretty important stuff, not to mention the references in Moby Dick! This gigantic sea urchin has been written about since the late 13^th century; however, there is no concrete evidence—not even in the London Magazine or Gentleman’s monthly Intelligence (straight out of Harvard College Library). The bottom line is that in the twenty minutes allotted, I was able to quickly locate these sources, check for dates, authors, sites, spelling, publish dates, domains, and judge the validity of all the above. That is an amazing feat, when I recall the hours it used to take to track information sitting in the library and scanning through books, periodicals, and gaining access to old magazines which could not leave the reading room! More importantly, it was fun; this was like a game to try and prove the big fish OR disprove its existence. The outcome was a draw, due to its legendary but unproven history, but the practice was entertaining and educational.

If this simple lesson could attract me, I am sure it would be much more fun to do with young students, split into groups and given the same instructions for their task. What I don’t understand is why this is not a regular part of the curriculum for elementary school students. When my children started grammar school in the late 1980’s, they had computer class a few days a week. By the 1990’s, the classes were in a different school, but they still had to attend and were not as thrilled by any of it as I would have thought. The reasons were simple; not enough time to really learn how to do many things on there, all of the computers were not equal in how they worked, and the lessons they might have benefitted from were simply not there. This may have been there school(s)—I had four children so they would have had different experiences over the years. Or, it may have been the mentality that it was not as important a course so, therefore, was not given the necessary time and attention by anyone. What I found so astounding was in Laura’s blog, she describes the same mentality towards computer literacy by elementary schools today as my children experienced over twenty years ago. Yes Laura, I believe you have nailed it completely; Computer education most definitely should be the fourth “R.” Because of the necessity of computer skills, each school should have this course of study implemented as a regular part of their curriculum. Instead, however, this is not the case in most areas, and when children could be learning the tools they will need to master as they grow, they are only getting a very basic introduction to computers with little opportunity to grasp the potential they have in their hands.

Students should have this tool as part of their studies and it should be treated as an equal to the other core courses, with extra help available. Not all students may have parents who are computer-savvy at home, or the skills they need to master may not be things the parents are familiar with. The programs looked so intriguing and inviting on this website, my initial reaction was that perhaps many schools use them. In reality, that is not so. My granddaughter had little to no computer-time in her school in Manahawkin and only now, in private school, is she getting some training. My grandson’s school, down in Cherry Hill area, has about the same. Both programs are limited at an age when they would really benefit from programs like the ones we just explored here, on Mozilla. From the simple beginnings, such as navigation, and search tools through the crap detection, security (kids have to understand this!) and web mechanics, that I could use a class in, these tools are so important for young students to learn now so later, they can progress with ease to the more complex things.

Composing, remixing, and designing skills are far more complicated to master if one cannot easily navigate their way around a computer. Why would the precious time when students can easily master the basics being ignored, and then these same kids will have a harder time acquiring the skills later to move forward with their computer “know-how.” I wish I could have that sense of familiarity with all things online, and I think students today should be given that opportunity. The need for accessibility is growing and these students will need to be able to find their way around in this global, fast-paced world. Getting them started now, right along with the other needed classes to groom them for the world, should be without question. My vote is in for the fourth “R”…How about you?

Howard Rheingold's "Social-Digital Know-How: The Arts and Sciences of Collective Intelligence" By Debbie Bagnato

First and foremost, I would like to personally thank Tim Berners-Lee for his helpful idea back in 1989 (otherwise known as the World Wide Web).

I am eternally grateful for this time-saving medium, which has come to my rescue on many occasions for a variety of needs. The "Web" is so ingrained in our lives that we would be hard-pressed if we found ourselves without it. I reflect on the manner we had to prepare for assignments when I was a kid or in high-school, and see myself hopefully awaiting periodicals in the library, counting my coins for the copy machine, and lugging a stack of reference books, encyclopedias, and God knows what else--simply to begin. Yikes! The beauty of the Web is the variety available of scholarly articles, factual accounts, and diverse information on which one could build their discussion, research, or use for whatever their agenda entails. At one's fingertips. Also, the availability of other like-minded individuals who can enhance, challenge, and encourage the follow-up we might--alone and tired--avoid.
I really enjoyed the information from McGonigal on the International Olympic Committee. This really brought gaming to the forefront and exemplified its far reach! I have a few "gamer" buddies and respect their obsession even more after reading this than before.The dependency on others in a collaboration such as this is crucial. Participation and direct experience are invaluable to perfect online collaborations of this magnitude.

Collective intelligence is not a new phenomenon; simply broadened because of the global implications and availability the Web affords its "spoilers."
Virtual Communities was of great interest to me, as these participants became more than online confederates. They became friends, online, through their shared interests. Sociologist Barry Wellman defines it this way: "communities are networks of interpersonal ties that provide sociability, support, information, a sense of belonging and social identity" (163). That sounds like friends in a neighborhood to me! Albeit, their community is online, it still requires the time, attention, and participation any thriving community needs. In truth, it may serve more people because of the availability from one's very home at any time of day or night. I find this fascinating; the idea that Natural hosts emerge in these communities makes it more inspiring. Many who might function more confidently in semi-anonymity might truly blossom in this setting. There is also a need for caution by those involved, but all those outlines are simply stated. This is a wonderful forum for people to explore and befriend others who have similar interests, and take it to a somewhat larger level than a tweet!

Crowdsourcing hinges on big business practices and is an important way to raise money, create enthusiasm for many, create substantial followers, bigger endorsements and simply motivate the masses. If I ever need to do this, I will closely research its possibilities...And I can because it's on the Web! Social Production reeks of capitalism BUT there is money to be made on free collaboration. Quite simply, none of these are new practices but the simplicity of using them for the masses (we simple folk) all go back to the creation of the World Wide Web and Tim Berners-Lee idea. I am happy that Wikipedia got a good word--I have always looked there for other sources and to see what their basic overview looked like, usually to good advantage. The three C's: coordination, cooperation, and collaboration all have a hand in the fluidity of web-based EVERYTHING! They are useful tools in any capacity (another C...) but have proven invaluable in all matters on the WWW. I bet Tim Berners-Lee never thought this would be the outcome--he was just looking for a simple solution. I'd say he got that--as did we--and so much more! And that's all Debbie has to say--for now.

Crap Detection-Then, Now and Always and the Power of Participation in a Media-Based Culture by Debbie Bagnato

This week’s readings proved quite enlightening at times, and served as a review / reinforcement of online tools and practices I have become familiar with over the past few years as a returning student. Both Howard Rheingold and Scott Rosenburg recommend “whois” as an expert source for detecting “crap” and though I have never personally used it, I have heard of its potential for this sort of detection. The other tips I liked from Rosenburg’s “In the Context of the Web Context: How to Check out any Web Page” include; checking the site’s established date, paying attention to the ads, checking for feedback options, and plugging in pieces of the text to Google to check for originality. I also liked the idea of googling the URL or reaching out to the author/ site owner. Most of these are not new but can be effective when a site is questionable. His insight was appreciated and very much to the point. Neil Postman’s “Bullshit and the Art of Crap Detection” was my favorite of all the readings. Delivered originally at the National Convention of Teachers on 11/28/69, using the phrase coined by Ernest Hemingway, his words can be applied to the art of crap detection discussed in relation to web research today. Postman covers pomposity, and fanaticism in writing, often more visible now due to the broad spectrum of online “writers” we are faced with daily. I especially liked his reference to “inanity” as everyone has an opinion and people, particularly celebrities, seem to have more weight with the public and the media due to their following rather than their true understanding of the situation at hand. Postman said that crap detection is embedded in one’s value system. One needs to be aware of their own personal values/ beliefs so as not to be taken in by another’s. That is all that crap detection really is—whether online or in life! He goes on to say that one needs a keen sense of the ridiculous, and crap detection is inborn once anyone becomes their own person. His recommendation that children should be taught how to identify false communication, back in 1969, made me stop and think. Wow! Now, students need that ability both for everyday life AND to thrive online. Howard Rheingold’s Net Smart is a thoroughly constructed guidebook for working and playing on the web. He finally gets down to business in “Crap Detection 101” and the similarities between his and Postman’s dated yet timeless essay are numerous. Rheingold passes along some websites to verify the validity of search engines as well as tips for using the web to advantage while researching projects. Many of his suggestions are common knowledge, even to an older, returning student such as myself. But some sources prove helpful along with his personal process for checking credibility and being mindful when online. Students and all web users first need to apply the rules or ideas suggested in Postman’s witty, down-to-earth essay from 1969. If one learns how to detect bullshit in all aspects of life, particularly what people try to impose on you as a student, and then place personal values as the metronome for their personal crap-detector, they will discover that common sense goes a long way in all fields. If something seems wrong for you—or wrong as a scholarly source—then it deserves further investigation. Another point Rheingold made was the tendency of people to follow sources that “reinforce their own beliefs” (95). Better to research all information and try to challenge one’s own views, in an effort to truly grasp all aspects of a project. This is where infotention and mindfulness become important factors. Infotention is, sadly, a fact of life but one that can be remedied by blocking all distractions and placing focus on the present task. Easier said than done—yes, but far from impossible. Anyone who has children, or has babysat kids or pets knows it is a learned skill. Participation Power, after the negative connotations of detecting crap, felt like a breath of fresh air. The information on blogs, blogging and blogosheres was encouraging and curation—now that I understand its function—is a wonderful tool as well as an agent to help and in return, be helped. The reciprocity these online tools offer is something worth exploring. And I agree with Scoble’s advice to. “Pick something very specific and become the world authority.” In the world of online sources, better to be an expert in one small area then try to cover many places with little facts to back oneself up. I really liked Rheingold’s discussion of Twitter, as this is one forum which is still fairly new to me. I agree that the benefits derived from using it for a purpose such as promotion or connectivity can be a very beneficial experience. And Martha, the U.S. Department of Conspiracy Theories, IS a conspiracy…