For our CS400H final project, one of my classmates Jill created this great online magazine 'The Revolution Will Be Digital'. I really like how she included a Letter from the Editor, where she states how she feels about print vs. digital texts. It demonstrates an important aspect of citizen media, where it is normal and somewhat expected that the author disclose his/her bias. I also like the different graphics and fonts, especially the magazine cover. My only question/critique is regarding the "master plan" font and if it is supposed to be spaced awkwardly. It could be that it shows up differently on my mac than intended, or perhaps it's supposed to be like that for effect.
The articles are well written and I think you did a great job, Jill!
As a student participating in the online public sphere, I think it is important to make use of my alternative media channel as I am inspired, but most importantly, when mainstream news outlets report poorly. (Which I guess does inspire me ;). According to Henry Jenkins, alternative media (like YouTube) have an essential place in our contemporary culture when it can challenge the mainstream (as do blogs). In his article titled Nine Propositions Toward a Cultural Theory of YouTube, Jenkins states that on YouTube, “Amateur curators assess value of commercial content and re-present it for various niche communities of consumers”.
In this case, the commercial content I am choosing to highlight is footage of NBC discussing who will be participating in opening ceremonies. In the footage, not only does the reporter confuse Michael J. Fox’s name in place of Terry Fox, but the network even shows a picture of Michael J. Fox after the reporter has spoken about Terry and his mother. No more comments needed here, other than- HOW ON EARTH DO YOU CONFUSE THOSE TWO? You just don't... especially when you are NBC. Thank goodness alternative media caught this mistake, because it needs to be pointed out for the sake of Terry Fox’s memory. I have yet to find an article or any correction from NBC apologizing for this outrageous error. Here’s the clip.
I do want to take this time to link to the foundations related to both Terry Fox and Michael J. Fox. Please check out the Terry Fox Foundation for Cancer Research and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
This blog was created in my fourth year of university for a required blogging assignment. I was required to use a pseudonym and chose Alexis Woods, although have since decided to keep it that way.
All the posts prior to and including April 2010 were for marks!
