All rights reserved: photosteve101
In the lab this week, we discussed the confusing topic of neutrality. When discussing amongst small groups, we defined neutrality as technology not being responsible for the outcomes it produces, but rather the trigger using the technology as being responsible for what the technology can produce. This is particularly relevant in relation to the iCloud hacking scandle.
Although in a class discussion, we furthered this idea and explored it from a different perspective. We considered that nothing is neutral. Everything has a purpose, or something that it is defined by. One of the major take aways from this discussion was the idea that everything may not be neutral, but that is only because once we identify something as having meaning and a purpose, its neutrality disappears. Therefore, what we do not know can be considered neutral until it is discovered.
Fellow blogger and classmate George discussed the issue of who is to blame in the iCloud candle. He pointed the finger at the hacker, not the victim of the hack and I tend to agree. Why should the innocent people who have put trusted their personal content on the Cloud, take the blame for their content being shared all over the world? Although one does wonder why they would store their personal content on the Cloud and trust that it would not be hacked. Nonetheless, it is not their fault.
Jane discussed the issue of ‘sad shaming’, something that I had not considered before. She talks of the dangers of people sharing their personal and hearbreaking stories online for all to see, and how this would make people in similar situations who don’t want to share their story feel. I have always wondered, why do we feel the need to write an RIP post for a family member that has passed away, particularly if they don’t have Facebook!
Nethaniel has a humourous way to look at last week’s Apple announcement. Why do we feel the need to watch special events and announcements as they happen. FYI, I was in that 8.30 class and still got the same information you did at 6.00am. Bless you sleep.
So as most people know, I am a crazy book lover/nerd/enthusiast, whatever you want to call me. Last night I had the privilege of going to a roadshow held by a book supplier to see what new titles are coming out for Christmas to sell to my customers. And more importantly, which of these new titles I want to read!
Little did I know I got to leave with a special surprise. A special surprise worth over $100. Let’s just say I will be eagerly watching my mailbox over the coming months.
All rights reserved: Nathan Penlington
In the reading this week from David Shiels, he talks about how narrative is a collage, as parts of the story are stuck together to make a narrative. The parts of this narrative do not necessarily make sense on their own, but together form a meaning.
This made me think of the choose your own adventure books I read as a child. As a whole, narrative makes sense as the pieces that you choose to read form a story. Although on their own, the pieces with no context and no story are complete nonsense.
I liked the imagery that Shiels used to describe a mosaic piece. A mosaic piece is formed together by broken tiles and gives new meaning to the original object/s. I might have to consider narrative in a new light now.
