Thoughts on Project #5

I have been thinking about mapping something (a specific geographical area, or similar components in a larger area) using photos, text, sound. I thought a little about something like this for project #4, but couldn't really come up with anything to fit the prompt. I also love the "bird's eye view" idea of looking at maps. I was addicted to Microsoft World for a while, just "flying around," and noticing how very different geographical placement really is, compared to how I think it is while on the ground, using roads. I also might just do something like "a day in my life." I have a lot of different ideas, I just need to focus on one and come up with a plan!

Blogs...

Start class on your blog, responding to the following: It is common to speak of the "blogosphere" or the collective space of all blogs and their interconnections. Time magazine named "user-generated content" (such as blogging) as the 2006 "person of the year." Political and journalistic blogs supposedly influence the direction of policy and opinion. Do you read blogs? Why are blogs so important today? Why are people excited about them as a form of writing? Is there something new, different, and specific about blogs? Are blogs in any way more cooperative or democratic or open or participatory? As you think about this, you might look at blog art for alternative uses of blogs (i.e. must blogs inherently be about reporting/content/commentary?). If you want, extend your thoughts to the web in general - is it really open and participatory?

I personally have not spoken much about the "blogosphere" or the collective space of all blogs and their interconnections. Before this semester, I only browsed a few blogs. A lot of blogs out there seem to be too "cutesy" or personal, and do not interest me. I have looked at blogs for the past few months for a political science class that I am taking, and have really enoyed the more political ones that I have come across.

Have to wrap it up per Dr. Baldwin... more to come!

Project #4 Metatext

For project #4, I have used the required “everyday” and “personal”, and have involved other people. I have used a series of text messages from a six week period. They are both sent and received messages between my family and friends and me. They show the everyday, sometimes mundane and utilitarian, the emotional, sometimes touching, and also the humorous and absurd.

The involvement with others is apparent, but I have decided to blur the line between different people and different chunks of conversation by using a consistent design throughout. This adds a mysterious element, and makes for some strange juxtaposition between different messages and ideas.

My project turns the uncreative (text messages from my phone) into something creative, presented in a multimedia fashion. With Windows Movie Maker, I have incorporated the text, with is inherently a modern and highly digitalized way of communicating, into a simple, “reminiscent of the past” type of presentation. I have used a simple, traditional font, grayscale colors and a grainy texture, along with the sound of typing, to purposefully clash with the contemporary idea of text messaging.

My project presents the identities of my correspondents and me, which may, or may not be, difficult to determine. The “chatter” is streamed into one big conversation, with some conversation boundaries clear, and others not.

I enjoyed this project a lot. It was fun to try and creatively express the everyday in a new way. It involves the reader in way that makes them wonder, perhaps bores them a bit, but hopefully entertains them in some small way!

Project #4 Final Draft (FINALLY!!)

Technical difficulties... Project #4 coming!

I have been trying to post my video since 9am this morning, and I am having a terrible time. I am tring again now... sorry for the inconvenience. It shoud be viewable soon!

Boring? Stupid?

I don't know if I like mine or not. I don't know if it is interesting enough. I do like the flow, and how it is visually presented. I was experimenting with sound effects last night, which I think might liven it up a bit... Not sure about the project overall, though! Any comments appreciated.

Comments on Project #4 Draft...

Below is a draft for the upcoming project. It is a glimpse into my (and others') mundane, everyday life through text messages. Dry, boring, but personal, with a few funny, weird, touching parts. I plan on adding some audio, perhaps sound effects. Is it too long? Should I trim it down? Do you like the colors? Or would black and white be better? Thanks in advance for and suggestions.

Project #4 Draft