Tuesday, April 1, 2008
P2 Context
Safeguarding Privacy in a New World of Hyper Surveillance
According to wikipedia.org, which is constructed by the voice of the people, Net Neutrality is defined as “a broadband network free of restrictions on the kinds of equipment that may be attached on the modes of communication, where communication is not unreasonably degraded by other communication streams.”
Breaking down and analyzing this context of this quote is the fundamental basis of our video research podcast. Many large companies are data mining information about consumers and selling it off to other companies for mass profits. Such information consists of personal addresses, contact addresses, consumer purchases, and much more. All this data created and sold for what? Companies want market data to analyze and predict consumer trends.
Are companies safeguarding the data they are collecting or are they exploiting them to other firms globally? What about the thought of companies knowing more about you than you know about yourself?
It is easy for companies to data mine behind our backs since they hold all the keys. In exchange for offering ‘free’ services (We say ‘free’ because there is an opportunity cost), we must forgo personal information. Some individuals are unaware of what the consequences are. May we refresh your memory of telemarketers. Using a contest form as an example; Before the internet, one would have to fill out a sheet in which you place your name, address, and phone number. After the contest is done, this information is sold off to telemarketing companies, which in turn call your house or send ads in your mail. Similarly today, filling out online contests forms or downloading software that requires some sort of registration is collected, organized, and marketed off to other companies-Which coincidentally, your new e-mail inbox is later cluttered by advertisements and viruses. This example is minimal compared to the power these companies have with this information.
The real question we, as users, are faced with is, how much is too much is too much before our identities are completely lost in translation over the internet by money hungry fascist corporations? Our time to act is now.
Works Cited
Amazon. 1 Apr. 2008 "http://380ne.com/logos/amazon.jpg".
Blogger User Terms. Blogger. 1 Apr. 2008 "www.blogger.com".
Dollar Sign. 1 Apr. 2008 "http://www.hwdsb.on.ca/delta/departments/Family_studies/FS/Images/Dollar%20Sign%203.jpg".
Ebay Logo. 1 Apr. 2008 "p://www.xtour.at/ebay_logo.jpg".
Facebook User Terms. Facebook. 1 Apr. 2008 "http://www.facebook.com/terms.php".
Free Money. 1 Apr. 2008 "http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=ltkNlM6ofrE".
Google Logo. 1 Apr. 2008 "http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9zkWh3ktrn8/R1FpIO__AaI/AAAAAAAABf4/zyVEqQrX7Ac/s1600-R/google_logo.jpg".
Hmmm. 1 Apr. 2008 "http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=TmzuSeCIEEI".
Lithgrow, Michael. "Net Neutrality in Canada Under Siege: Bell Implements “Traffic Shaping” Service to Throttle Internet Access." 31 Mar. 2008. 1 Apr. 2008 "http://artthreat.net/2008/03/net-neutrality-canada-under-si".
Mel's Video Blog #1: Flight of the Conchords (HBO). 1 Apr. 2008 "http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=tyTM9hG9ePM".
"Net Neutrality in Canada." The It Nerd. 1 Apr. 2008 "http://itnerd.wordpress.com/2008/03/28/net-neutrality-in-canada-the-debate-starts-now/".
"Net Neutrality." Wikipedia. 1 Apr. 2008 "www.wikepedia.com".
Pak, Tony. "http://www.yorku.ca/dapina/lw2970/ip/?p=185." Osgoode Law School (York). 1 Apr. 2008 "The beginning of the end of net neutrality?".
Piere Intro. 1 Apr. 2008 "http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=BQnj6SN3OaA".
Privacy Google Agreement. 1 Apr. 2008 "http://www.google.com/accounts/TOS".
Rogers Logo. "http://www.telephonestogo.ca/images/rogers_logo.gif".
Sorensen, Chris. "TheStar.Com | Business | Rogers Website Messages Irk Google." The Toronto Star 29 Mar. 2008. 1 Apr. 2008 "http://www.thestar.com/Business/article/284761".
Tim Berners Lee. 1 Apr. 2008 "http://www.edht.org.uk/Images/people/TimBerners-Lee1.jpg".
Yahoo User Agreement. 1 Apr. 2008 "http://info.yahoo.com/legal/us/yahoo/utos".
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Week 6: Project 2 Proposal
Introduction
The concept of the video will be the notion of hyper-surveillance, with a specific focus on the issue of privacy. Other areas of discussion will include references to Legislation, the Bill of Rights, and the current-day similarities to George Orwell's 1984.
Concept
The video podcast will focus on how privacy is infringed upon in many areas of one's daily life and activities. Throughout the course of our research for this podcast, as well as in the presentation of the podcast itself, we intend to answer the following question regarding surveillance and breaches of privacy: How far is too far? Our intention is to convey the concerns and precautions that one must take when it comes to their personal privacy, not only online, but with any technologically related medium. An important issue is that in today's surveillance society, one is constantly being watched, but if we are doing nothing wrong, then should there be a reason to worry? Nearly all of the technologies in today’s society consequently also have methods of surveillance. Cellular phone conversations can be overheard, instant messaging conversations are routinely archived, and built in webcams on personal laptop computers can be controlled remotely. The methods by which our actions can be recorded are endless, and it is our goal through the video podcast to bring attention to these methods.
Also, corporations such as Facebook, Google, and Microsoft often take great lengths to obtain our personal information, but what guarantees do we have that this information is dealt with accordingly? It may be possible that Facebook sells our information (such as who we talk to, our relationship status, etc) to advertising companies. Google always crawls the web to capture any information it can, but just how powerful are their web crawlers? Microsoft requires personal information for most installations, and with the introduction of ActiveX, are there any more barriers to that information? These topics as well will be covered by our video podcast.
Research Approach
The basis of our research will involve a combination of field research and a variety of conventional research to further support our arguments. We will include live interviews with random subjects and incorporate supporting evidence from scholarly journals and other personal blogs or video podcasts to show opposing views about the issue. Some of the video podcast we will be using will be taken from www.current.com. One of the main articles that we will focus on is “public surveillance functions of private security” by Alison Wakefield. We would also be looking at different articles on the infringement of privacy involving internet. Lastly, we would also assess different major corporations and their methods of gathering data.
Treatment
The podcast will incorporate a hit television show ‘24’ type theme, where multiple segments of events are happening at once during a specific duration. The camera will play a neutral roll, capturing our interaction with each other. Many shots will be filmed from the shoulder to not only capture dramatics, but also carry good audio quality. The type of atmosphere we are trying to generate would be action pact and adventurous to draw the attention of the audience as well as keeping it formal to come off as factual.
Our footage would contain research that will be placed in dialogue, which is backed up by visual aids. Interviews of individuals as well as other extended metaphors will be placed to further emphasis our story. Much effort will be placed on ‘what makes a good blog’ by including comic relief and emotion.
The concept of the video will be the notion of hyper-surveillance, with a specific focus on the issue of privacy. Other areas of discussion will include references to Legislation, the Bill of Rights, and the current-day similarities to George Orwell's 1984.
Concept
The video podcast will focus on how privacy is infringed upon in many areas of one's daily life and activities. Throughout the course of our research for this podcast, as well as in the presentation of the podcast itself, we intend to answer the following question regarding surveillance and breaches of privacy: How far is too far? Our intention is to convey the concerns and precautions that one must take when it comes to their personal privacy, not only online, but with any technologically related medium. An important issue is that in today's surveillance society, one is constantly being watched, but if we are doing nothing wrong, then should there be a reason to worry? Nearly all of the technologies in today’s society consequently also have methods of surveillance. Cellular phone conversations can be overheard, instant messaging conversations are routinely archived, and built in webcams on personal laptop computers can be controlled remotely. The methods by which our actions can be recorded are endless, and it is our goal through the video podcast to bring attention to these methods.
Also, corporations such as Facebook, Google, and Microsoft often take great lengths to obtain our personal information, but what guarantees do we have that this information is dealt with accordingly? It may be possible that Facebook sells our information (such as who we talk to, our relationship status, etc) to advertising companies. Google always crawls the web to capture any information it can, but just how powerful are their web crawlers? Microsoft requires personal information for most installations, and with the introduction of ActiveX, are there any more barriers to that information? These topics as well will be covered by our video podcast.
Research Approach
The basis of our research will involve a combination of field research and a variety of conventional research to further support our arguments. We will include live interviews with random subjects and incorporate supporting evidence from scholarly journals and other personal blogs or video podcasts to show opposing views about the issue. Some of the video podcast we will be using will be taken from www.current.com. One of the main articles that we will focus on is “public surveillance functions of private security” by Alison Wakefield. We would also be looking at different articles on the infringement of privacy involving internet. Lastly, we would also assess different major corporations and their methods of gathering data.
Treatment
The podcast will incorporate a hit television show ‘24’ type theme, where multiple segments of events are happening at once during a specific duration. The camera will play a neutral roll, capturing our interaction with each other. Many shots will be filmed from the shoulder to not only capture dramatics, but also carry good audio quality. The type of atmosphere we are trying to generate would be action pact and adventurous to draw the attention of the audience as well as keeping it formal to come off as factual.
Our footage would contain research that will be placed in dialogue, which is backed up by visual aids. Interviews of individuals as well as other extended metaphors will be placed to further emphasis our story. Much effort will be placed on ‘what makes a good blog’ by including comic relief and emotion.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Week 5: My Team
Team name: The A-Team
Team members: Clarianne Asuncion, James Purdy, Mark Shannon, Victoria Wighton
The initial concept for our video podcast is regarding Google and its relation to privacy in the online world. Features such as Google Analytics and Googlebots pry into the darkest corners of a website, and quite possibly, password protected information such as bank accounts and secure web sites.
Also, we will speak about privacy in regard to other applications which have yet to be determined, but may include cell phone conversations and ATMs.
Team members: Clarianne Asuncion, James Purdy, Mark Shannon, Victoria Wighton
The initial concept for our video podcast is regarding Google and its relation to privacy in the online world. Features such as Google Analytics and Googlebots pry into the darkest corners of a website, and quite possibly, password protected information such as bank accounts and secure web sites.
Also, we will speak about privacy in regard to other applications which have yet to be determined, but may include cell phone conversations and ATMs.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Week 4: "Siren Of Art" Review
"Siren of Art" tells the story of Tara McPherson, an illustrator from Brooklyn, New York, who has created posters and album covers for many notable bands. In this podcast, she speaks about working as a freelance artist and the methods by which she creates her art.
A combination of her loves for both music and art, McPherson believes that her unique style is what makes it stand out from others. Poster art has largely become a popular genre, so she has been fortunate by the large interest in her work. Her illustrations are not created on purpose - that is, the design is not thought out, researched, or studied - but rather she sees it as a natural evolution. McPherson draws what comes naturally to her, however, being a female is an added benefit to someone in her field. Although she is the minority gender in what she does, it may also be what has made her so successful.
Despite her success, McPherson finds it necessary to push herself past her comfort zone at times to capture what others cannot. As a freelancer in her field, she finds it is more difficult than if she were an hourly employee. Since there are no strict deadlines, she often must push herself to complete a work by a certain time in order to have it ready for the client.
Overall, the podcast is well filmed, edited, and presented, however there are areas that either succeed more than others or simply do not work for the story being told. Of note is the background music that is chosen, as it is quite reminiscent of a dark or gloomy tale. What sounds like long precise strokes on a violin or similar bowed instrument complements not only the art-centric story being told, but also the appearance and personality of the subject, Tara McPherson. This seemingly small detail plays a large part in tying the visual images of the story together.
Although the profile is only slightly longer than three minutes, it is presented in such a way to make it appear longer than it actually is. Under normal circumstances, this would not prove to be a good thing, however, in this case, it is reminiscent of a half hour documentary program. It opens on a brief cinematic piece out the window of a car, then visuals meet voice to introduce the subject of the profile. Within the story itself, there are several instances where the main narrative breaks off to explain the artists process of creation, or to simply showcase her art. These segues work wonderfully to keep the viewer engaged.
A negative aspect to the method of filming, however, is something that works in one situation, but not in another. The extreme closeups of the artists hands while she works on a piece conveys a feeling of involvement to the viewer. When this is done on the artists face, however, it simply appears in an awkward manner, and this would benefit more from a wider lens choice.
The podcast is wonderfully produced to show that even the least likely hobby can turn into a profession, and as McPherson says, "It's really easy to just do what you want to do to follow your dreams". This story is truth of this. No matter how daunting it may seem, a good story can come from something as simple as the drawings of an artist in Brooklyn.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Week 3: Web 2.0 and Podcasting: Where is this heading?
Web 2.0, podcasting, and now video podcasting. Well, it can definitely be asserted that these conventions of the World Wide Web aren't going away any time soon. In fact, they appear to be growing in numbers, seemingly in larger proportions than there are users to access them. But What is the future of these technologies? In my opinion, integration is path that Web 2.0 has begun to take, and it will continue along this path for some time to come. Web 2.0 has successfully become a part of cell phones, MP3 players, and other technological devices, so it seems fit for this trend to continue forward. Not only that, but because of the large wealth of information that Web 2.0 offers (just look at Wikipedia for an example), more will turn to it for advice, tips, and the like.
One of the important things to remember is that the internet is a vast place. Indeed, with the introduction of applications such as Second Life, and online banking, the Internet has become a place, and in my opinion can no longer be seen as a thing. It is quite possible to find a podcast on almost anything, from technology to knitting, but the limitation is always the computer. Sure, you can put your favourite podcasts on your iPod, but you need a computer to get them there. Soon, iPods will be able to download podcasts wireless, allowing you to access them whenever you want and from wherever you are. Indeed, as Barney states, "the network society is 'always on'... [and] human beings experience time in the network society as timeless and space as placeless." (29). So, if the network is always on, shouldn't we always be able to connect to it. And if it is indeed timeless and placeless, it shouldn't matter where and when we access it, so long as we are provided with this access.
Surely, however, a talk about the future of Web 2.0 would not be complete without mention of the big man himself, Tim Berners Lee. In his testimony before the United States House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, Berners Lee mentioned the very topic of data integration, claiming that it is not only the general public that will benefit from this technology, but scientists and investors as well. As he says, "Successful investment strategies are based on finding patterns and trends in an increasingly diverse set of information sources" (Digital Future of the United States), and podcasting and video podcasting provide these information sources in innumerable amounts.
Web 2.0 is an ever growing creature, and given the right amount of time, will work its way into numerous other devices and technologies, be it a direct clone of Web 2.0, or an idea loosely based on it. Nonetheless, the success of this technology relies on the general public, so as long as we keep using it, it will keep working.
Citation:
http://dig.csail.mit.edu/2007/03/01-ushouse-future-of-the-web.html
Barney, Darin. "The Network Society". Malden: Polity Press, 2004.
One of the important things to remember is that the internet is a vast place. Indeed, with the introduction of applications such as Second Life, and online banking, the Internet has become a place, and in my opinion can no longer be seen as a thing. It is quite possible to find a podcast on almost anything, from technology to knitting, but the limitation is always the computer. Sure, you can put your favourite podcasts on your iPod, but you need a computer to get them there. Soon, iPods will be able to download podcasts wireless, allowing you to access them whenever you want and from wherever you are. Indeed, as Barney states, "the network society is 'always on'... [and] human beings experience time in the network society as timeless and space as placeless." (29). So, if the network is always on, shouldn't we always be able to connect to it. And if it is indeed timeless and placeless, it shouldn't matter where and when we access it, so long as we are provided with this access.
Surely, however, a talk about the future of Web 2.0 would not be complete without mention of the big man himself, Tim Berners Lee. In his testimony before the United States House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, Berners Lee mentioned the very topic of data integration, claiming that it is not only the general public that will benefit from this technology, but scientists and investors as well. As he says, "Successful investment strategies are based on finding patterns and trends in an increasingly diverse set of information sources" (Digital Future of the United States), and podcasting and video podcasting provide these information sources in innumerable amounts.
Web 2.0 is an ever growing creature, and given the right amount of time, will work its way into numerous other devices and technologies, be it a direct clone of Web 2.0, or an idea loosely based on it. Nonetheless, the success of this technology relies on the general public, so as long as we keep using it, it will keep working.
Citation:
http://dig.csail.mit.edu/2007/03/01-ushouse-future-of-the-web.html
Barney, Darin. "The Network Society". Malden: Polity Press, 2004.
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