Thoughts of my project

- My project is asking how technology and social media have helped soldiers overseas stay connected to their loves ones here. I can see it on facebook, youtube, and other similar sites.
-I like my idea for 2 reasons. First, it's a great way to show how we can stay in touch with our loved ones even from worlds away. Second, it shows how far we've come in technological advances to be able to do so. I think the home videos on youtube of soldiers homecoming surprises and also of their lives while in a warzone that they upload to show their friends and family is a great example of this. There's also the fact that so many have access to computers too and can log into their facebooks or skype with people back home.
-Looking over youtube one can see numerous videos relating to this topic. It's a very popular section that many people view. There's also many aritcles, news videos, and stories about this that could be used as well.

project

My project is going to be about the usage of technology and social media in the life of soldiers today. Before, letters and the occasional telephone call was the only way to stay connected to love ones at home. Now there's numerous outlets to use from facebook, skype, and sending home videos.

My Trailer!

Finished product :)

Lessig Chp. 6-8

I really liked Lessig's section about the three successes from the internet. Amazon, Google, and Netflix are definitely the biggest names out there right now. Though Netflix is fading fast, it still made a huge impact on the internet before they decided to change their prices. He really touches on the fact that these giants have become what they are today due to the fact that they allow regular people to have an input in their companies. No matter how big they are, they are still a personal company that people love.
I also liked his section on Wikipedia. Since this site is used by basically everyone at least once a day, it's important to notice what a difference it's made on us. Though it's not a "credible" source, they are good at making everything pretty much legit and correct. It helps us have the information we need or are curious about at the quick click of a mouse.

Lessig Chps. 3-5

Lessig makes a good argument about the different ways to use "text" and "writing." He argues that just because something isn't written down, it doesn't mean that it's any less a work of writing. This is something I can agree with because in today's world, we use so many different media outlets to tell our stories. Songs, videos, and recordings are just a few he mentions in addition to the original works or writing. It is a showing of how we are evolving with technology to change the way we do things.

I'm A MovieMaker :)

       For the first big assignment in this class I get to play the big hollywood director and make a trailer for my fake movie. I'm pretty excited about it since I'm the one who shows up early to movies so I can make sure I see all the upcoming previews. I love to watch trailers, so it's going to be really fun making my own. I've played around with moviemaker before, but there's still plenty I have to learn. I'm looking forward to seeing my finished product.
       As far as ideas go I'm stuck between some themes for my trailer. I want my trailer to be flashy and catch peoples attention, so making it about something interesting is key. Some ideas floating around in my head are the 9/11 memorial that just happened, soldier homecomings, and even just making a trailer for a book that could be made into a movie. If I go with the patriotic themes, my phrases would probably be about America and other small words or catch phrases to tell about the story.  If I use the book idea it would depend on what book I chose to come up with phrases. Finding the right type of media clips is going to be key in making the trailer look appealing. Also, not focusing too much on one video clip, most trailers jump around very quickly so I think that would be important as well.

Copyright Gone Crazy (Response to Lessig)

I felt like Lessig's stories were easier to follow and read than Lethem's. He told the story like it was just a conversation, instead of a work of academic writing. I really liked the standpoints he made about some of the crazy copyrights and legal actions that have been made over time. Specifically the issue with Stephanie Lenz and her son's dancing to Prince. It was outrageous that the record company and artist would cause such a stir over something as simple as a child dancing. Shouldn't they be happy that someone was listening to the music? Why would someone's child dancing to your music be an unhappy thing? It really should be seen as good publicity. This woman was actually spreading the song to people, not to download but maybe to catch their attention as they watch the baby.
I think the whole essay brings to light how copyrighting is and will change. It has to with the growing technology and our abilities to share things so much easier with people all over the world.