Jessjahart’s Weblog
It’s Jess’ blog!!Orlando Sentinel vs. the Virginia Pilot
My initial response to both news sites was that the Virginia Pilot is most visually appealing and the Orlando Sentinel is most dull and less colorful.
When you first enter the website it is plain like most news sites seem to be, but then when you click on the “media, entertainment or video” tab, you will find much more interesting and high tech videos to watch.
The Orlando Sentinel had on its video page, a huge screen where you could watch short or long clips of several news stories. This section was very easy to follow in a sense that there were tabs listed with cateogories such as: Top video, News, Sports, Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Weather. There were lots of pages of videos listed for the audience to view and I felt like this was a more extensive video selection than most news sites I have visited!! I was pretty impressed with the layout and selection of the videos present in the Orlando. The quality of the videos were also impressive.
I did however also like how Virginia Pilot had flashy videos to play that switched to different stories while you were viewing the front page! And then when you click on “Video” it directs you to a video screen. The video player is small but clear and there are many cateogories to choose from under the video player such as: New, Entertainment, local life, News, Viewer video, Traffic cams, local experts, autos, career, real estate. And you can type in a search in the search engine and look for videos within the last 90 days. I was very impressed with this use of media!
Overall, I would have to say that these two have been the best of the new sites in terms of video media. Both sites have a clear video player, sound quality sounded great, and selection was large and relevant to what the audience wants to see! Aside from the video’s The Orlando Sentinel was also impressive in their multimedia section in that there were gallaries, slideshows, photos, historical videos, and there were images of Florida and places around the world that were updated throughout the day. So I guess I would have to say that I most enjoyed the Orlando Sentinel for its variety it offered.
Providing opporunities overseas with technology
There is currently a gap between people who enjoy the benefits of technology and those whose lives could be significantly improved by it. Inveneo, a non-profit organization believes that access to communications has the ability to save lives.
In order for people in underdeveloped countries to advance with faster services and more opportunities, they need a stronger connection to the outside world. It will take the rich countries who are already experiencing the benefits of technology to do something major in helping those who do not have this luxury. Inveneo, a non-profit organization that was developed in 2004, is doing just this. Inveneo’s goal is to send out tools for Information Communication Technology to people in organizations worldwide who can benefit from this advancement. They identify, recruit, train and certify ICT partners to help lead and maintain their projects in foreign countries and Inveneo leaves the revenue in these rural areas for the citizen’s benefit. “Since mid-2006, when Inveneo released its first product, Inveneo and our partners have supplied gear to or completed more than 45 projects in Uganda, Rwanda, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Burkina Faso, South Africa and Mali” (1). Inveneo is making it a point to use a dependable product and service without punishing the environment; keeping things natural, safe, and inexpensive for the people in these poor rural areas.
Although I understand that there is controversy with companies like Inveneo going into foreign countries and introducing their technological practices onto them; at the same time, I understand and approve more, the benefits of this service. Many countries, especially the younger generations that have a long road ahead, want to become involved in the new technology that the western cultures like America find to be a number one gain in society. In order to become involved, it typically takes higher earnings to be able to afford a computer and its service provider. With Inveneo, people are able to experience technology first hand in their current conditions. While navigating Inveneo’s website, it appears that those cultures taking on these computer projects and labs, etc. seem to greatly enjoy the opportunity that has come knocking at their door!
Having computer access in poor rural areas Worldwide is beneficial in more ways than just one. It goes beyond the surface of just surfing the net, e-mail and chat. With the improvement in technology, people are now able to educate themselves, which in turn will advance them in their future opportunities. Some remarkable key issues that Inveneo focuses on are: helping save lives (rural healthcare and relief), providing better economic opportunities in agriculture and market access, helping enforce human rights by making it more able to monitor and report cases, offering a better future for children through education. Also, open source software can be viewed by everyone without the expensive software license issues. “Each of the Inveneo Communications System’s components low-power design make them cost effective to deploy using solar or other types of alternate power with battery back-up (e.g., wind, partial grid, micro-hydro, etc.)” (1). Saving money through this cost-effective method will enable people in underdeveloped countries to focus more on furthering themselves through this new window of opportunities.
With a computer people are able to make sense of the world and stay connected. It makes it possible for people to design a resume, apply for jobs, contact businesses, trade with business, make faster transactions when ordering products or banking, get an education online, consult articles and online information for medical cures, or find answers to any dilemmas in their life. I think it is healthy to give every individual who is suffering from lack of income or resources a computer. Through organizations like Inveneo, the individual can advance his or her own knowledge and continue to share this knowledge with others.
(n/a) http://www.inveneo.org/ (2007) Inveneo
Pittsburgh Post Gazzette and The Star Ledger (NJ).
I chose to analyze both Pittsburgh Post Gazzette and the Star Ledger (NJ). I am comparing and contrasting the two and making note as to why I did not like either of them too much. Both were VERY plain and dull. Lack of color, especially on the main page where I feel that it matters most!
My initial response to both sites where that Pittsburgh Post Gazzette is mpre presentable. I liked the latest local news coveraged up top where you can scroll down to exactly what you want to view. There is only one picture on the front page and pretty much no color other than that on the page except for the weather. I was impressed with the multimedia section that Pittsburgh had; they had a large index of articles, especially sports. I was surprised when I saw that they had podcasts as an option because very few had that option. Overall, a dull site, but great multimedia with podcasts.
The Star Ledger, looks as though I was re-directed to a false advertising site. You have to put your zip code, birthdate and gender in before you can even be fully directed to the correct site, which discouraged me from even continuing on to the site. I was shocked that this was a website for a newspaper, like the Pittsburgh paper, it was very unprofessional. I did however, enjoy the many photos with color on the page under entertainment. I also thought that this was a great social site with forums and blogs. I will have to say that I did like this site better out of the two. I did not see any podcasts, but their multimedia section was also extensive. Overall, both newsites were okay and after this being my second blog on newsites, I am beginning to wonder if newsites are not allowed to have color and spunk and must keep in plain and simple?
Voice over Internet Protocol
How do you expect VoIP to impact cable and telephone networks (both are regulated infrastructure industries) ?
After reading the Introduction to How VoIP Works by Robert Valdes I was greatly informed about this current technological advancement in using the internet to make phone calls for free. I feel that this would definitely hurt both cable and telephone companies because they would not be needed as much in our everyday lives. Having the telephone through the internet would cut out some of the cable and telephone companies business, especially when it free of charge through an alternative method. This will lead to a more competitive environment and for the landline based companies to remain in business they would have to either significanlty lower their prices or enhance their services in such a way that it appealed more to their audience. Lower prices and better service is what people want and I think that is what is happening through this new voice over internet. Although I do think it will impact these companies, not everyone is going to want to only have internet phone conversations. Some people find it more pleasing and comfortable to have access to an actual telephone. Some even like the sound quality of a landline; something that they are used to.
Furthermore, the article states that there are disadvantages to VoIP. What happens when there is an emergency and you need to call 911 immediately on the spot? ”There’s no way to associate a geographic location with an IP address. So if the caller can’t tell the 911 operator where he is located, then there’s no way to know which call center to route the emergency call to and which EMS should respond”(Valdes 1). This would be my main concern, I do understand that many people have regular cell phones now and could use this to make an emergency call; however, there will always be a minority of individuals in society that are not technologically advanced and choose not to be and enjoy living the old way through a landline telephone and that is it. With cell phones and the internet combined, the individual making calls will still be charged a monthly service fee. Although it will be beneficial to have a less expensive way to communicate across paths (long distance), I do believe that the reliability of making phone calls through the internet will not measure up to the oldschool landline telephone.
Questions:
Do you think eventually it will get to a point where we only have cell phones and the internet to make phone conversations?
What about sound quality? Will the sound quality be the same if we are going through an Ip address on the internet?
Universal Access to the Internet
What is the relationship between universal access and
economic/political/cultural freedom? In other words, how might they be
different without having universal access to the internet?
It may be different for those having no access to the internet because from an American stand point we can say that those without the net are getting left behind. In America we have had the internet for about ten years or more now making it easy to obtain information worldwide and understand what is happening all around us. I believe that having universal access to the internet is a necessity and Michael L. in his essay The Wireless Revolution and Univeral Access discusses ways in which we can make the internet accessibile to people in impovershed countries. He has several methods that I agree with in terms of attempts to get WiFi in other countries such as India. I was impressed with VAN (village area netwrok) making it easy for people in village areas to stay connected to the world.
Currently there is a digital divide between those who have computers and those who do not. Having this divide can make it more difficult to achieve political, economical and cultural freedom. Rich schools in the 1990’s were able to provide students with the internet. Also, countries with a wide availability of internet access can advance the economics of that country on a local and global scale. Now days, in America, jobs and education are both related to the internet (wikipedia).
Although there is a digital divide between people in this world, I do believe that there is a lot of research and programs out there that are providing help in underdeveloped countries to bridge this gap. In his article. Michael discusses how because of more research and acheivable programs through non-profit driven small-entreprenerial operators, univeral access is coming to exist more rapidly at a smaller cost to those in need. One lap top per child is a key example of a program trying to help close the gap of digital divide. Other organizations that I researched that are also trying to overcome this gap are: Geekcorps, EduVision, and Inveneo.
In the end, I couldn’t help but ask myself, is it so bad to be digitally unconnected. Is this really a problem? Maybe what you don’t know can’t hurt. What if people in third world countires like to be diconnected form the world and live in their own little bubble of life. Maybe families and friends like to just simply work on a farm, coffee shop, restaurant, market, etc. Maybe they do not want stimulation form rich countires outside of their own!
Questions:
Do you think it truly is an issue that technology is not available in all countries or should we be making this a concern?
Do you think it ever occurred to anyone that maybe underdevoloped countries may enjoy living the slow pace lifestlye and do not need technology to get by and may not want to progress rapidly into the future?
Discussion leader blog post
I chose an artile on ProQuest titled “Online is great, but physical is powerful ” from the Bismarck Tribune. This article talked about the pros and cons of both online commerce and “real world commerce” (store shopping, trading). This was an overall great article that got me to think about both sides of the spectrum because before I did my research I thought that online shopping, trading and banking was the only way to go!!
“In real world commerce, product verification and problem resolution is quick. You drive to a store to buy an item. You bring it home, try it out. If it doesn’t work or it’s not what you expected, you can drive back to the store for a replacement or refund, a turnaround process usually measured in hours”(2007, 1).
“In online commerce product verification and problem resolution is slower – there are several days shipping time between when you buy an item and its arrival. If the item doesn’t work or isn’t what you expected, you have to pack up the item and ship it back to the business for a replacement (more shipping days) or a refund”(2007, 1).
(n.a). Bismarck Tribune. (2007, Dec 10). Online is great, but physical is powerful. Retrieved Feb. 27, 2008 from http://proquest.umi.com.offcampus.lib.washington.edu/pqdweb?did=1396104501&sid=1&Fmt=3&clientId=2302&RQT=309&VName=PQD
Comparison between Hilary and Obama’s websites
It is very important to catch the audience’s eye in the initial glance of a web site. Looking at both Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama’s presidential websites, I was able to compare and contrast the two and see which one was more visually pleasing, user friendly and appeared to be most credible.
Throughout my research I was able to compare and contrast the content on each political web site of Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton, focusing on form, content, and writing style. Then I focused in on the web sites structure and design to find out if it was helpful in search of political information. My initial reaction while browsing through both Clinton and Obama’s web page was surprising. I was surprised because I am not familiar with politics online and noticed that both sites were set up very similar; both user friendly from the start and the design was very square, bold and simple. Clinton and Obama both had big bold tabs up top where you can click on where you want to be directed. Both sites used the American colors of red, white and blue and had everything simplified for its audience.
Form and Content
Surprisingly again, the content of both websites is similar in that the focus is on making contributions and up to date information on the standings of each political leader in each state. Both sites list where the race is at thus far between the democratic candidates. While dissecting Clinton’s page, I noticed that she has, in order of importantance, issues that she would like to step in as a leader and take charge of such as: strengthening the middle class, providing affordable and accessible health care, ending the war in Iraq, improving our schools, etc. While reading these key issues that need to be resolved in America, I felt that Clinton’s committee who designed this web page did an excellent job of presenting these issues and organizing them. Obama’s form and content is also strong like Clinton’s and focuses in on important issues; however Obama has his issues of concern in a different order of importance. Obama mentions civil rights, disabilities, economy, education, energy and environment, ethics, faith, family, fiscal, foreign policy, healthcare, etc. Although on these sites it does not say that these are in order of importance, as an audience member I would assume that they may be organized in such a matter.
Writing Style
Both Clinton and Obama’s writing style is easy to read and comfortable in a sense that the average American can relate to it. To be honest, I was most impressed with Barack Obama’s writing style on key issues because he always starts with an inspirational quote and then he stated the current problem in bold first, following with his plan of action in detail listed second. Clinton’s was written in paragraph form on how she will lead this nation to solve the problem within that particular issue. I preferred Obama’s method because he made it easy to follow and read in a way of listing and his quotes were thoughtful and to the heart and it is the first thing that the reader reads before continuing on with his lecture on changing the future.
Structure of Information
The structure of both sites I found extremely helpful and easily accessible. On each page, there are options to easily re-direct you to another page that may be of interest to the audience. Plus, as an audience member I felt that I was in the loop with the constant updates on each politician’s current involvement. Also, they have the other communities that you can get involved with like facebook and MySpace, UTube, Flicker, etc. in case you would like to follow up in a more fun and friendly manner. Some prefer communities like this where they can post comments on politician’s pages, especially the younger generations. I feel that the structure of both Obama and Clinton’s web design appeals to all audience types and gives the audience plenty of options to choose form in becoming more involved and part of the campaigning process. Again, both web designs are set up in a way that makes it easy to navigate and successfully find the information needed.
Hillary for President. http://www.hillaryclinton.com/
Obama ‘08. http://www.barackobama.com/index.php
Reflection post on discussion leader project
On Wednesday I presented my powerpoint on Online Commerce and had a great experience. I was pleased with the discussions that came out of my presentation. I felt that each group had alot to bring to the table and alot of great points to make. I mentioned the difference between online commerce and “real world” commerce. I mentioned the pros and cons of each and I felt like I was very informative and got my classmates to think about issues regarding different types of online commerce. I really enjoy the approach that this class has on small group presentations. I felt that this was a more comfortable setting and I had more to bring to the table in a small group presentation setting.
Should social networking sites team up with online commerce?
I do not think that online commerce sites like Amazon should be able to advertise and allow people to buy on Facebook or MySpace at all. Social networking is already way too involved in people’s personal life and to have more involvement in buying, selling, trading, would just be beyond my acceptance. This is my personal choice and thought on this matter!! Recently, I deleted my MySpace account because there were too many advertisements and too much involvement in people’s lives that I was not close with and I felt like I should be physically interacting with my friends who I want to see instead of writing about it and interacting online. I personally feel that social networking and e-commerce can be a little much; therefore, combining them together may discourage people from having MySpace, Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Contra Costa News Vs. Dayton Daily News
While I was observing both news sites on-line I found that both Contra Costa and Dayton Daily News felt similar. As I was navigating on one and then the other, they both felt very close in comparison. I like Contra Costa better overall because in the end it came across as more user friendly. I liked how the RSS search was in the upper right hand corner like I was expecting whereas in the Dayton News, it was at the very bottom in small print with about ten other options below making it slightly more confusing. Both sites had upper tabs where you can just click on a subject like news or sports and below it automatically pulls up sub categories to choose from. I found this very efficient. Both sites had blogs sites, but it was hard for me to determine how to post a blog myself if I wanted to. I feel that Contra Costa was interesting in that as a reader you can post comments to articles that you read. I have never seen this before or have actually paid attention to this in the past, but now I will since I have seen it done on Contra Costa News. Surprisingly I did not see any podcasts available on both news sites, but I may just not have been able to find them. I even went under entertainment to search and came across nothing. I did a general search on both sites for podcasts and it came up with websites that I could go to and order podcasts. Lastly, I thought both sites were plain and blue and could use some more color and spice. Not necessarily more pictures or video, but more colors added to make it more vivid and drastic.
Overall, I was very surprised that both a CA news site and Ohio News site were similar in their format and structure. I enjoyed a few things about each that were different; those being, the bold letters on the main page of Dayton News and the Rss button and color coded sections on the main page of Contra Costa. Both sites did seem easy to use making it user friendly to a large audience.
