Saturday, November 21, 2009

Flutter: The New Twitter

This video is a mockumentary on Twitter and the social internet. Don't go trying to sign up for a Flutter account, it doesn't exist. But some of the objectives of Flutter seem fairly plausible. My favorite is around the 2:00 mark when the guys says that the internet world is so fast-paced, as soon as he finishes reading a tweet it's irrelevant.
It also makes some overt points on how internet is basically taking over our lives, and the omnipresence of advertising. Now I'm going to go tweet it!

My dad is a citizen journalist... but im not sure he knows it.

My father has become an internet junkie in the past few years. He's basically broadcasted my entire childhood via facebook photo albums, and he's been writing on this site for a while now. It's basically a bunch of middle-aged folks from our area posting rantings about the town, their life, and anything else they feel like sharing. It's become a kind of social club for my parents. They go to events each year to do exactly what they do online except with drinking and face to face contact. I always found it a little silly, but today I actually took a look at the site. Next to the family postings and chit chat, there is some solid citizen journalism going on. There are forums on local politics, and some of the 'minions' attend town meetings and events to share with the others. They facilitate change in the community, and balance out the one-sided media that exists in Canandaigua, NY. (There is only one newspaper).
It's more than I expected. And even though some of them might be a little crazy, it's pretty solid reporting.

I really want to visit the Newseum in Washington D.C.

It's like the Jerusalem for journalists. Our Holy Grail, where many of the most important elements of journalism's history lives. But the Newseum in Washington, D.C. has proved that it does not just reflect on history, but also looks towards the future.
A 10 part television series title 'The Future of News' has been produced by the Newseum to be distributed by none other than American Public Television. It discusses "the evolution of news reporting in the internet age" with interviews alongside prominent journalists of our time. I only wish they had included at least one independent media newshound like Arianna Huffington or Glen Greenwald, I think it's going to be a noticeable missing gap in the program. Either way, it airs early next year and I can't wait to see it!

Fox news reporter loses objectivity on air... and probably her job at the same time.

If you haven't seen this yet, you should. Shirley Phelps-Roper reminds us that we are all human. We all have emotions, we all have opinions, even if we might have the title 'journalist' stuck next to your name, it doesn't change the fact that moral compass do exist, or we might *gasp* react to a story. This video is a few years old, but still relevant in proving how transparency can exist even in the most profession journalistic settings.

Hey Obama, are you forgetting something?

It's been a year since Barack Obama was named the 44th President of the United States. He may be recognized best for being the nation's first black president, but there are more notable firsts he has brought to the white house. Obama has recognized more than any other president prior how powerful a tool the internet is both for him and the people.

Obama repeatedly put net neutrality as a prime issue during his campaign. He brought the issue to the attention of millions of Americans. But where is it now? Take a look at his issues page. There's technology... I see some key elements for broadband access... net neutrality? nothing.

I'm not saying he hasn't done anything good for the internet. He created positions in his office specifically for technology, that's a step in the right direction. And his website does discuss the importance of broadband internet: "For America to lead the world in the technologies of the future, President Obama believes that all Americans must have affordable 21st century access to the Internet." That's good stuff! But the internet will not be the same powerful tool that it is today if nothing is done about corporations like Time Warner and AT&T trying to control access.

First things first Obama.

extremely helpful

savetheinternet.com has a list of FAQ's that I found worthwhile to read to better understand net neutrality and its endeavors.

public broadcasting is a counterweight to commercial media - but will it survive?

Growing up I always thought of channel 21 WXXI (Rochester, NY) as "the boring channel". It rarely had any "cool" shows on. Perhaps the occasion NOVA program would catch my eye, or when I was even younger, the afternoon cartoons were there when the networks were broadcasting their overly dramatic soap operas. I also occasionally enjoyed an episode of 'Antiques Roadshow', thinking maybe there was something in our basement that would thrill the appraisers.
Yes, I suppose I did not grow up a normal child, with only five television channels to choose from. Looking back, I relied on public broadcasting during the networks commercial breaks, or when absolutely nothing good was on. I didn't have Nickelodeon or MTV. Instead I would find myself learning how to make a good lasagna with Lidia or how to install a new window on 'This Old House'.
Back then I never realized the value that public broadcasting had for television. I didn't know about the corporate censorship that had a hold on the networks programming or that there was more concern for making money than showing a solid program. Public broadcasting provides the type of alternative media outlet that is supported by its audience, therefore is producing for its audience. A symbiotic relationship.
Yet with the popularity of cable television, and now the internet, I'm not sure how much longer public television can survive in the United States. Always known for not having commercials, there are now underwriting spots grouped together after each program for some advertising revenue, but it may not be enough. Most of my generation and those after grew up with over 500 channels, public broadcasting wasn't even on their radar. Will it be lost as the generational pull continues?