Saturday, April 7, 2007
Bonus Mission #2 : Game or no game, it sure is fascinating
Second Life is a 3-D virtual world entirely built and owned by its residents. Since opening to the public in 2003, it has grown explosively and today is inhabited by a total of 5,316,688 people from around the globe (www.secondlife.com). Abbreviated SL, Second Life residents can personally express themselves through an avatar. It is so personalized that it allows residents to intricately change their avatar from the tip of the nose to the tint of the skin. SL boasts many features from setting up one’s own business to dancing in a club of one’s choice. It is really not very different from real life. Residents can engage in practically everything they do in real life and the one difference would be that instead of the real ‘you’ a virtual you in the form of an avatar would be living in second life.
In the article discussing if World of Warcraft(WOW) is a game, it states that players of the game enjoy a form of community rarely seen in the real world; higher-level players go out of their way to tutor newbies and accompany them on quests. Deep friendships are forged. Relationships begin that flower into marriage (Levy, 2006). Likewise in SL residents are able to choose from a vast list of activities which include discussions, sports, commercial, entertainment, games, pageants, education, arts and culture and charity/Support Groups (SL, 2007). In SL residents are also able to communicate with each other through local chats and IM’s. Thus, I would consider SL to own a feature of an online community as well.
Games are played for amusement, diversion and entertainment. SL does not have points, scores, winners or losers, levels, an end-strategy, or most of the other characteristics of games (Second Life, 2007). Although people do play SL for entertainment and diversion they are also able to earn real money by opening a virtual shop and converting their Linden Dollars (L$) to real currency. Many real world companies also advertise and have set up virtual headquarters in SL like Adidas and Reebok (Businesses and Organizations in Second Life, 2007).
In SL residents can do what ever they want (apart from flying!). You would not have anything to hold you back and people really do things that they would not do in real life. Residents meet fascinating people, fulfill long buried fantasies and pretty much live a second yet, fantasized life.
Games are played for amusement, diversion and entertainment. SL does not have points, scores, winners or losers, levels, an end-strategy, or most of the other characteristics of games (Second Life, 2007). Although people do play SL for entertainment and diversion they are also able to earn real money by opening a virtual shop and converting their Linden Dollars (L$) to real currency. Many real world companies also advertise and have set up virtual headquarters in SL like Adidas and Reebok (Businesses and Organizations in Second Life, 2007).
In SL residents can do what ever they want (apart from flying!). You would not have anything to hold you back and people really do things that they would not do in real life. Residents meet fascinating people, fulfill long buried fantasies and pretty much live a second yet, fantasized life.
The mere fact that over 60 of us are arguing whether SL is a game or not in this class alone, should be a major factor in determining if SL is really more than a game. For some of the SL residents who live life on SL more than they do on real life, I suspect SL is definitely more than a game. However, how much more can ‘more than a game’ be? Although people do confuse virtual reality and actual reality, SL, WOW or any other virtual world cannot be compared to the real world. Therefore, with all its innovative structure and realest of virtual realties, SL in the end is still a game.
Reference:
Businesses and Organizations in Second Life, (2007). Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved April 7, 2007 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Businesses_and_Organizations_in_Second_Life
Steven Levy (2007). Newsweek Technology, MSNBC.com. Retrieved April 7, 2007, from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14757769/site/newsweek/page/3/print/1/
Second Life, (2007). Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved April 7, 2007 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_life
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
QotW9: Can ‘Stomp’ stomp out newspapers?
As I have reiterated in every blog assignment I have posted so far, the Internet has become a highly dependable tool for people today. Of one of the many services it offers, it has helped us look for information through our computer screen without having to shuffle through a million books or sources and has opened doors for a whole new communication era. The Internet has not only taken over early technology like the television and the telephone but is now on its way to over take newspapers and other reliable sources of news.
Citizen journalism has paved the way for citizens to contribute to journalism without professional training (Citizen Journalism, 2007). Due to the advancement of technology today, such citizens are able to capture news and distribute it globally.
Stomp a Straits Times Interactive website, is a Singapore-based online portal by Singapore Press Holdings. Through the three platforms of online, mobile and print, Stop is said to enable Singaporeans to interact and engage in current affairs of Singapore (Wikipedia, 2007).
Stomp enables Singaporeans to SMS, MMS or E-Mail with any news to be posted on the website. It also boasts features like Star Blog where viewers comment in reaction to blogs posted by bloggers, live webchats and TalkBack, which invites readers to post their views in threads ranging from technology to food.
Some of the hot topics it features range from ‘J-Pop babes walking down the street’ and freak accidents to ‘Talk of the Town’ topics like ‘noisy students at library tells other to shut up.’
Stomp enables Singaporeans to SMS, MMS or E-Mail with any news to be posted on the website. It also boasts features like Star Blog where viewers comment in reaction to blogs posted by bloggers, live webchats and TalkBack, which invites readers to post their views in threads ranging from technology to food.
Some of the hot topics it features range from ‘J-Pop babes walking down the street’ and freak accidents to ‘Talk of the Town’ topics like ‘noisy students at library tells other to shut up.’
As Gillmore (2004) states in his book ‘We The Media’, journalism is traditionally one of the least transparent industries. However, because the public demands more transparency from this field, they report on their own when journalists fail to respond in satisfying ways.
There would be two contradicting factors answering the question of whether Stomp is an ideal form of citizen journalism in Singapore.
Firstly, I feel that the content in Stomp lacks a certain kind of reality. In a country where there seems to be little or no unrest (which is a great thing), it is understood that the opportunity for exciting or controversial news is scarce. However, by posting superficial articles like mentioned above, I believe that people would still prefer the old fashioned newspaper to Stomp, to get their daily doze of trustworthy and significant news.
On the other hand, it is an interactive site and the first of its kind in Singapore. Credit should be given to the fact that the initiative was taken to jump start this new era of journalism. Stomp might carry more significance and cater to a bigger audience if it reduced on its frivolous content and concentrated on more controversial and substantial news.
On the other hand, it is an interactive site and the first of its kind in Singapore. Credit should be given to the fact that the initiative was taken to jump start this new era of journalism. Stomp might carry more significance and cater to a bigger audience if it reduced on its frivolous content and concentrated on more controversial and substantial news.
Personally, with the term citizen journalism I would expect trustworthy and significant news, content that I would not have access to in other print media due to filtering or censorship issues. However, if Freak accidents and Hoax shark attacks in Sentosa are what Singaporeans want to read, then I suppose that Stomp would be an ideal form of citizen journalism in Singapore.
References:
Citizen Journalism, (2007) Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved March 31, 2007, from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizen_journalism
Stomp, (2007) Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved March 31, 2007, from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STOMP_(online_portal)
Gillmor, D. “We the Media: Grassroots Journalism by the People, for the People” (July, 2004). Retrieved March 31, 2007 from
References:
Citizen Journalism, (2007) Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved March 31, 2007, from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizen_journalism
Stomp, (2007) Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved March 31, 2007, from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STOMP_(online_portal)
Gillmor, D. “We the Media: Grassroots Journalism by the People, for the People” (July, 2004). Retrieved March 31, 2007 from
STOMP (2006) From Singapore Press HoldingsRetrieved March 29, 2007 from
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Bog fact
In England, up to half of all adult men and a quarter of adult women don't wash their hands after they've been to the toilet. Eeeeyuuuuuuu!!!!!!!!!!!!! - Bog Standard
QotW8: Death Penalty for Political Blogs? - PAP Style!!!!!!
URL: http://rockson.blogspot.com
Title – Talk Rock
Blogger’s Name- Rockson Takumi Tan
Occupation- Citizen Blogger
Blog’s Date of Birth – May 8th 2005
Rank: 22,784 (277 links from 167 blogs)
Most of the Singaporean political blogs I found online were quite satirical and sadistic. This I believe is due to the fact that many citizens mock what they cannot express aloud. In this case, it is the actions of the government.
In the blog ‘Talk Rock, Rockson goes to ‘diss’ everything from fellow political bloggers like Mr Brown to the Singaporean politicians and the day to day happenings in the country. Although the posts are written in pure ‘singlish’ and filled with crude language, Rockson manages to cover the political arena in Singapore in a rather unconventional manner.
To show an example of a post of Talk Rock , Rockson posted on May 1st, 2006, on his post titled, ‘(Singapore Election coming, time to f*** off from A...)’,
“I try to read the internet news website of Channel News Singapore (but not Strait Time one, because they charge money what the f*** who want to pay to read their sh**). But the more I read the more I toolan. How come out of 10 news, 9 news is PAP one? And the 1 news of Opposition is say their bad thing? Might as well they call themself Channel News PAP!”
*(certain words have been censored their vulgar nature).
Out of the 152 comments for this post some of the more decent comments said,
“nice to finally be able to read about some other kind of view other then wat is always repeated in the PAPers...”
“we need a change. don't vote the PAP. Finding underhand means to blackmail the opposition. tt ain't right”
I would not attempt to talk much about the government of a country that I am not familiar with. However, it is apparent that the government and politicians of Singapore have quite a stand (ahem ahem) on how the country should be run. Therefore, I feel that bloggers like mrbrown and Rockson, although making a mockery of situations, actually do help the masses to interact with each other in a political context without any restrictions.
The Internet has paved the way for the silent voices of Singaporeans to be heard. It has helped them push the political boundaries and attempt for greater democracy.
Most forms of media that bring information and news to the public is government owned, thus, the content has been filtered to such an extent that people no longer regard its content to be accurate and unbiased.
Censorship casts a long shadow over the Internet's potential as a tool to revitalize the public sphere (Thornton, 2002).
Blogs have become the new newspapers; they have become the people’s voice. The information is not filtered and people are able to exchange their opinions freely.
Unfortunately, the government is trying its best to shut down anti- government blogs and free speaking individuals who blog and influence the masses.
While websites and blogs are already under strict control and must be registered with the government, BBC reported on April 6th 2007 that the government of Singapore has extended censorship laws to ban podcasts and videocasts that carry political content.
As such, although I believe that blogging would definitely allow for greater democracy, in a country tied together by stringent rules and control as Singapore, the goal for greater democracy through blogs seems unclear.
References:
Giam, Gerald (31st December 2006), Review- The politics of Singapore’s new media in 2006. Retrieved March 23, 2007 from
http://theonlinecitizen.com/2006/12/31/review-the-politics-of-singapores-new-media-in-2006/
Talk Rock (2006). Singapore Election coming, time to f*** off from Australia. Retrieved March 23, 2007 from
http://rockson.blogspot.com/2006/05/singapore-election-coming-time-to-fuck.html
Thornton, A. (October, 2002). Does Internet Create Democracy? Retrieved March 23, 2007 from
http://www.zip.com.au/~athornto/
Singapore attacked over blog gag (April 6, 2006). BBC News. Retrieved March 23, 2007 from
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4882746.stm
Title – Talk Rock
Blogger’s Name- Rockson Takumi Tan
Occupation- Citizen Blogger
Blog’s Date of Birth – May 8th 2005
Rank: 22,784 (277 links from 167 blogs)
Most of the Singaporean political blogs I found online were quite satirical and sadistic. This I believe is due to the fact that many citizens mock what they cannot express aloud. In this case, it is the actions of the government.
In the blog ‘Talk Rock, Rockson goes to ‘diss’ everything from fellow political bloggers like Mr Brown to the Singaporean politicians and the day to day happenings in the country. Although the posts are written in pure ‘singlish’ and filled with crude language, Rockson manages to cover the political arena in Singapore in a rather unconventional manner.
To show an example of a post of Talk Rock , Rockson posted on May 1st, 2006, on his post titled, ‘(Singapore Election coming, time to f*** off from A...)’,
“I try to read the internet news website of Channel News Singapore (but not Strait Time one, because they charge money what the f*** who want to pay to read their sh**). But the more I read the more I toolan. How come out of 10 news, 9 news is PAP one? And the 1 news of Opposition is say their bad thing? Might as well they call themself Channel News PAP!”
*(certain words have been censored their vulgar nature).
Out of the 152 comments for this post some of the more decent comments said,
“nice to finally be able to read about some other kind of view other then wat is always repeated in the PAPers...”
“we need a change. don't vote the PAP. Finding underhand means to blackmail the opposition. tt ain't right”
I would not attempt to talk much about the government of a country that I am not familiar with. However, it is apparent that the government and politicians of Singapore have quite a stand (ahem ahem) on how the country should be run. Therefore, I feel that bloggers like mrbrown and Rockson, although making a mockery of situations, actually do help the masses to interact with each other in a political context without any restrictions.
The Internet has paved the way for the silent voices of Singaporeans to be heard. It has helped them push the political boundaries and attempt for greater democracy.
Most forms of media that bring information and news to the public is government owned, thus, the content has been filtered to such an extent that people no longer regard its content to be accurate and unbiased.
Censorship casts a long shadow over the Internet's potential as a tool to revitalize the public sphere (Thornton, 2002).
Blogs have become the new newspapers; they have become the people’s voice. The information is not filtered and people are able to exchange their opinions freely.
Unfortunately, the government is trying its best to shut down anti- government blogs and free speaking individuals who blog and influence the masses.
While websites and blogs are already under strict control and must be registered with the government, BBC reported on April 6th 2007 that the government of Singapore has extended censorship laws to ban podcasts and videocasts that carry political content.
As such, although I believe that blogging would definitely allow for greater democracy, in a country tied together by stringent rules and control as Singapore, the goal for greater democracy through blogs seems unclear.
References:
Giam, Gerald (31st December 2006), Review- The politics of Singapore’s new media in 2006. Retrieved March 23, 2007 from
http://theonlinecitizen.com/2006/12/31/review-the-politics-of-singapores-new-media-in-2006/
Talk Rock (2006). Singapore Election coming, time to f*** off from Australia. Retrieved March 23, 2007 from
http://rockson.blogspot.com/2006/05/singapore-election-coming-time-to-fuck.html
Thornton, A. (October, 2002). Does Internet Create Democracy? Retrieved March 23, 2007 from
http://www.zip.com.au/~athornto/
Singapore attacked over blog gag (April 6, 2006). BBC News. Retrieved March 23, 2007 from
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4882746.stm
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