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This is a TEST
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Category Archives: New Media Production
My Digital Reflection
As I plan to reflect in our team paper, this class has greatly influenced the way I immerse myself in new media. I have not withdrawn myself from digital media nor altered any of my interactions with new media, but I am more aware of how the world is represented to me via media and, reversely, how I am represented to the world via media (social media in particular.)
The relationship between this class and new media reminds me of the quote: “Fish don’t know they’re in water until they’re taken out of water.” I didn’t realize how heavily skewed representations of gender and sexuality are in new media until I was granted access to the readings and discussions relevant to this course. Previous to this course, when I flicked through magazine advertisements I glanced at them without much thought (except perhaps, Wow I wish I looked like her or Wow I wish I could afford that purse.) Now, however, my perception of these advertisements (and other forms of advertising as well, this is not limited to just magazine/paper ads) has completely morphed. This course has equipped me with the tools necessary to analyze just how disturbing contemporary advertising in new media can be. For example, take the Dolce & Gabbana advertisement below:
This SCREAMS of issues relating to gender and sexuality in new media that we’ve discussed throughout this semester. First of all, hello hypersexuality of both the male and female form. Do regular human beings walk around this scantily clad, fit, and dripping in oil? I wasn’t aware (sarcasm.) Second of all, to me this looks like a rape scene. One woman is being pinned to the ground by a man while a bunch of male onlookers stare admirably, perhaps waiting their own turns. Before taking this class, I would have just flicked by this ad without a care in the world. Now I analyze it for what it truly is: an artifact primarily relating to objectification of the female gender taking place in new media.
As I said before, this class has not only informed me of aspects of new media that I am more unfamiliar with (such as topics of gender and sexuality in video games, example: Assassin’s Creed Freedom Cry) but it has also gone beyond the series of the digital culture I once thought I knew but clearly do not. I now question my digital life, as demonstrated in my battle with the Dolce & Gabbana advertisement above. I’m not sure if that is a good or bad thing…
The assignments in this class were never tedious nor boring nor uninformative. Literally every reading/in-class discussion we’ve done has informed how I think about digital culture. As I grew up with digital technology, (it advanced as I advanced and vice versa), I take it all for granted. Although I likely still take new media for granted as it is so deeply ingrained in my life (twitter addict!!), I am very confident that I am better equipped to analyze gender and sexuality misrepresentations and problems in new media because of this semester.
Reflecting Digital: A Digital Reflection
I’m a cable lover. In fact, I just ordered cable service for my new apartment next year. It’s not that I love cable programming. It’s the convenience that cable provides. I sit down, click that “on” button, and relax. There is no searching for shows online or video buffering. My entertainment is there whenever I need it.
Choosing from this:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyLatih2HwA[/youtube]
versus this:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPnufnUeeLI[/youtube]
I typically did not prefer the latter.
Before taking “Race, Gender and New Media,” this was pretty much my outlook. For me, it was cable or nothing unless I missed a show on television that I really wanted to see. It’s not like the course makes me feel differently about having cable, but it did give me perspectives. There are other entertainment sources. There is new media, and Google is not the consumer’s best friend.
As a computer science major, it isn’t too often that I can find pleasure in using the computer. I do so enough for work. But as we transition more into the digital era, it is only inevitable that television follows suit. Is cable really just a thing of the past? As I dialed up AT&T ready to make my service purchase, I hesitated. New media had gotten under my skin (as did the suspected AT&T price tag), and I second-guessed myself. After understanding the value YouTube offers, and the passion web series creators put into their series, I felt this sudden impulse to put down the phone, invest only in Internet, and show the support I knew I should for these emerging medias. I knew that web series could suffice my entertainment needs, and it didn’t hurt that they were good too – just maybe too short! However, something about the computer as both work and play did not sit well for me. I ended up getting both — the best cable and Internet package that my budget could allow.
In thinking about my hesitation, it wasn’t that much of a surprise to me because I enjoyed these new medias we discussed in class. With the topics discussed in “Race, Gender and New Media,” I can understand my connection with the material. I can now understand how race and gender can play such a grave role in media enjoyment. The web series my group researched were great because I related to a few of them. Being both a female and a minority, I can understand the want for content that appeals to both my gender and culture. I had never really put much thought into that before. Although, I grew up as a gamer with the latest systems, and I’ve watched a lot of television in my life thus far, I never strived for better content or representation – for less hypersexualization or gender and race neutrality. I never noticed a problem. As I leave the course, I am coming out with a greater awareness of these representation problems. Although, I’m still stuck with old technology and cable programming for now, the hesitation is a good sign that being a cord-cutter, a person without cable, is imminent. The hesitation is a good sign that I’ve taken something valuable from the course.
Individual Digital Reflection
In time I spent in this class, I came to realize that there was more then meets the eye when it came to New Media, and all of it’s various forms. More so than just websites, these were communities, with their own culture. This realization hit me in the very beginning, when we were talking about memes. While a cat meme that says “I Haz Cheezburger” may seem like any old thing you would find mindlessly surfing the web, a meme is so, so much more than that. It’s simply anything than can be replicated. Memes are everywhere, anything from a table to a style of clothing or the hairstyle on one’s head. In essence, memes are everywhere. When understanding that there was so much depth in such a small little thing is really when this class started to catch my imagination.
Being an avid watcher of YouTube, I was naturally very excited when we got to the YouTube unit. As I hoped, we discussed what it was like to be a YouTuber, to be a part of that community, and why or why not it could be perceived as a real job. After all, people do make real money from it. Considering that this, to me, is one of the most exciting facets of New Media, this was a very interesting discussion. Is YouTube the new television? Much like any sort of TV show, subscribers tune in to see their favorite personalities whenever they upload a new video. Understanding this transition of New Media was fascinating for me. It seems that the digital age has so entirely changed the world, and in regards to YouTube, it has definitely impacted the way entertainment is watched by the masses. Yes, of course, TV is still an option, and many people still watch it, but is it as popular as it once was? I distinctly remember the discussion we had when Professor Russworm told the class that she no longer had cable anymore. A Media teacher, no less. I realized then, “isn’t that simply a sign of the times?” When you can watch TV shows on such platforms like Netflix or Amazon, why pay 90 dollars for a cable package? It seems that the Internet is indeed taking over, changing entertainment one person at a time, and that discussion sticks out in my mind as the moment when I truly realized that.
Of course, Race and Gender was a large component what we learned this semester as well. I was very excited to see that Lara Croft: Tomb Raider was going to be of the subjects to be learned, and I was not disappointed. One of the most interesting aspects of the discussion was comparing the old Lara Croft to to the Lara Croft from the 2013 game. Hypersexuality was decreased immensely in the 2013 game, much to the combined amusement and happiness of myself. I began to hope that maybe sexism is decreasing slowly, thanks to a more socially conscious and interconnected world. This may very well be the case, and it certainly was for Miss Lara Croft.
So to reflect: What did I truly learn from this class? In short, the digital world is a whole lot bigger than people might think. There are layers and nuances to this New Media Age that we’ve only scratched the surface on. I’m excited to grow up in a world that is changing so drastically technologically, and this class certainly opened up my eyes to that reality.
Digital Gaming Culture
Digital gaming culture: As implied by its title, digital gaming culture is the alternate reality that exists within the realm of digitized video games. In the context of this article, the author asserts that this culture shifts power relations to put women in a vulnerable position in comparison to men. Digital gaming culture refers not only to the hypersexualization of victimization of women within video games, but also the existence of the trend/belief that men are better than women at actually playing video games. This culture emphasizes gender stereotypes by portraying women largely as objects of sexual desire with little focus on positive skills that women maintain. However, it is not all negative. Digital gaming culture, on the flip side, can also create realities in which men and women can assume any identity they want through the creation of custom characters, etc. The “Women and Games” article also cites an interview recording in which many women state that gender-neutral games allow for a space where equality is achieved through competition and skill, i.e. if women are better than men at certain video games they feel more powerful than they do outside of virtual realities and inside of the reality of human society.
Taken from “Women and games: technologies of the gendered self”
YouTube Partner Program
Per the YouTube website, the YouTube Partner Program is described as a program that allows creators to monetize content on YouTube through a variety of ways including advertisements, paid subscriptions, and merchandise. In addition to joining the Partner Program, Creators can take advantage of the variety of resources, features, and programs that YouTube provides to help you build your channel(s) and your audience.
Basically, to make money off of YouTube, you have to be a part of this partner program.
Not just anyone can join, however. Criteria to be admitted to the partnership program is as follows:
“Your YouTube channel may be eligible for the YouTube Partner Program if it meets the following criteria:
- The program has launched in your country.
- Your account is in good standing and hasn’t previously been disabled for monetization.
- You upload original, quality content that is advertiser-friendly.
- Your video content complies with our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines.
- You have reviewed our copyright education materials.”
There are also some stipulations regarding what kind of content one can post when using the program, as to avoid copyright issues. Examples are listed below:
- Music (including cover songs, lyrics, and background music)
- Graphics and pictures (including photographs and artwork)
- Movie or TV visuals
- Video game or software visuals
- Live performances (including concerts, sporting events, and shows)
Additionally, through the article we read for class today entitled “How Much Money Do YouTube Stars Make?” we learned how much one can realistically make off a “YouTube career.” YouTube gives its content partners, that is those that participate in the program, 55% of the ad revenue that they bring in (while YouTube gets 45% of the profits.) The types of ads that are used to sponsor their videos are a factor in how much money they earn. Pre-roll ads (ads that lead into the beginning of the video) bring in an average of $5 for every 1,000 views. Banner ads bring in an estimate $.80 cents per 1,000 views. 1,000 views is a lot, so clearly to make money off this partnership, the user’s content must have to attract a huge number of viewers.
#YouTube #Media #NewMedia #Advertising
Websites used for information:
http://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html
https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72851?hl=en
My Life as Defined By YouTube
My YouTube Playlist
Basically my entire existence summarized by 17 videos… I couldn’t limit myself to just 15.
My first memory of life on YouTube is of one of the most classic viral videos of all time, “Shoes” by Liam Kyle Sullivan. This video was uploaded 7 years ago and has accumulated a mind boggling 52,493,699 views (probably 100 of those coming from me alone.) Liam Sullivan actually went to my high school, King Philip, and even sports a KP Varsity Track jacket in the first scene of the video. But this alumni-themed reason alone is not why I was hooked on YouTube the second the catchy beats of the “Shoes” song entered my eardrums. It’s hilarious! It’s addictive! It’s only the beginning! After watching “Shoes” obsessively, I browsed the rest of the videos Liam had already uploaded at the time. This included the timelessly quotable “Muffins” video which I included in my playlist as well. From here, I traveled around the YouTube space via channels Liam subscribes to and that is where my journey into the world of YouTube comedy began (see also: “Ball Champions” by Kyle.)
My exploration of YouTube via “Shoes” as a starting point emphasizes the unique community space that YouTube creates on the web. No other form of new media has been able to produce such a close-knit community of shared creativity, and that is why YouTube is so popular. If you find one video on the web that you enjoy, you can easily locate MILLIONS more of similar taste and theme via automated recommendations, similar channels, playlists, subscriptions, etc. — and thus, the YouTube community is born. One of the most special aspects of YouTube culture, in my opinion, is the way it digitizes ordinary aspects of life. In the pre-YouTube era (how horrific!), one could concoct a delicious cake recipe, serve it to friends, and provide a written transcription of the recipe to those who requested it. In contemporary times, that same recipe is now made accessible to billions of people instead of just close peers. Furthermore, not only is it available to billions, but it has been completely digitized. There could now be a step-by-step video SHOWING (instead of telling) you exactly how to follow the recipe to make that delicious cake. Without YouTube, this would not be possible. It’s crazy to think how simple life activities have been transformed into tangible information for people across the globe, connecting communities of people with shared interests that would never be able to engage or interact without this site. Amazing.
Clearly, I really recognize appreciate how YouTube has changed the web. I use it every single day, and my YouTube playlist basically summarizes my personality and life. I value humor as the top quality trait in a person, as displayed by my obsession for funny YouTube videos and channels. I love music of course, but I’m particularly fascinated by innovative covers and mashups such as DJ Earworm’s yearly mashup of Top 40 songs. I am an animal lover; I could watch videos of baby animals doing quirky things literally all day long — are you kidding me with Christian the Lion?! Most tearjerking video ever! Speaking of tearjerking videos, I’m a huge sucker for them. I love a good emotional cry via a cute viral video such as the military surprise compilation. And, I’m a novice cook just entering the culinary world. I basically have to resort to YouTube instructional videos every time I want to cook a meal. As you can see, YouTube has improved nearly every aspect of my life. It makes content of every kind from each corner of the globe accessible to me right at the click of my fingertips. I’d be lost without it.
Kinetic Typography Final
I wanted to experiment with text, animation, and music, so I came up with the idea of making a kinetic typography video. Since the length of the video would be the length of the music I used, the story is flash fiction. It can made into a longer story, but I wanted to capture and animate this particular scene.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mpz8-Ak4BH0[/youtube]
I used After Effects to do this animation. I was inspired to write this story after listening to this song with a friend.
The music is by Rick Clarke “Heading for Battle”
Free Music from: Music4YourVids.co.uk
To JK Rowling, From Cho Chang
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFPWwx96Kew[/youtube]
And this is a video response Rachel made to respond to all the criticism she received from the poem.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04qQ1eNGJwM[/youtube]
A Poem About Beauty
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgY6IRw4-EQ[/youtube]
Yes I’m Black
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhPdsDDfCTo&feature=my_liked_videos&list=LLYwMozbbzEq4Ny79sku6JRQ[/youtube]
Abdu Ali – “Banjee Musick”
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPeZ3UP31Vw[/youtube]
“I worships snakes/I fucks with Eve/Apples is what I need/Don’t feed me no bullshit/I ain’t down with no pulpit/Miss Cunt, I cut it up/True shit is what I want, cause…/I’m a Banjee bitch”