Assessment Three - “Essay-in-lieu-of-examination”

Question Two

2. "But what’s happening today – the mass ability to communicate with each other, without having to go through a traditional intermediary – is truly transformative." (Alan Rusbridger, Editor of The Guardian newspaper, ‘The splintering of the fourth estate’, http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/nov/19/open-collaborative-future-journalism/print .. via http://www.fglaysher.com/Post_Gutenberg_Publishing.html). How is the diminution of traditional, and often hierarchical, “authoritative” intermediaries changing the role of publishing in social life?

Social and technological developments have challenged and changed the role of publishing in social life in the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. This change has been most notable in two sectors; firstly, on a personal level, publishing has gone from a privilege held by the authorities, to the means by which the common person has a voice. Secondly, the use of social media in the political domain has become a force for radical and revolutionary challenges to traditional government and social structures.

The ability to publish has always been available to any person, by simply talking out loud in conversation, one is publishing. Traditional publishing differed from publishing as a whole  as it focused on garnering an audience which in turn gained mass attention and profit. Publishing undertaken by the common person was on a small-scale, and therefore held little social power. This high level of attention gave traditional forms of publishing, such as newspapers and television, a form of social authority over the populous as the people were dependent upon the traditional intermediaries for information and knowledge. However, with society entering the twenty-first century ‘iGeneration’, traditional intermediaries have begun to lose their authority as the changing role of publishing has put the audience at the top of the hierarchy; the audience is no longer dependent on intermediaries, the intermediaries are now dependent upon the audience. Knowledge is power, and the traditional intermediaries used this concept to maintain social authority as they had the knowledge, and would publish it to an audience, who on the whole would accept whatever information was published. However, in recent years, the role of publishing in social life has changed to allow the common person to publish beyond their previous means. Whilst each individual always had the ability to publish, each person can now publish material on a global scale and gain a wide audience. 

Figure 1: New Technology
Image by: ciosuconstantin 
Source: http://www.toonpool.com/cartoons/New%20technology_44850

People are now more connected virtually. With the incessant need to be ‘hooked up’ to the online network, the format of publishing has had to shift dramatically in a small space of time. Most traditional forms of media have had to remodel themselves in accessible, online formats at the risk of disappearing from the new social media market. Newspapers such as The Sydney Morning Herald  and The Daily Telegraph  have had to create online newspaper formats, whilst television and radio channels such as the ABC and Triple J have begun streaming their content online in bid to maintain their audiences. Similarly, the book industry has had to alter the way in which it publishes, now developing software such as Kindle to appeal to the modern virtual market. As John Naughton states in The Guardian “The concept of a "book" will change under the pressure of iPad-type devices, just as concepts of what constitutes a magazine or a newspaper are already changing. This doesn't mean that paper publications will go away. But it does mean that print publishers who wish to thrive in the new environment will not just have to learn new tricks but will also have to tool up. In particular, they will have to add serious in-house technological competencies to their publishing skills" (Naughton 2010).

In most societies, the diminution of traditional intermediaries has led to an increased access to knowledge. In past societies, access to information and knowledge was a privilege, a right reserved only for those at the top of the social hierarchy. Through the dismantling of the traditional, hierarchical intermediaries, any body can now access, create and publish information. This has had created numerous benefits for social life, including increased value  being added to a work as multiple sources can contribute, an increased availability of a variety of information, and greater affordability for those accessing the information. Importantly, access to information has been increased in areas which are not only geographically isolated, but socially and economically isolated as well. As Michael Bhaskar explains, the decreased role of traditional publishing, and an increase in access has been highly beneficial for countries like Africa, “Ebooks in Africa could be a way of massively increasing people’s exposure to books, people who historically have been denied the opportunity to read" (Bhaskar 2009).

Publishing, in the form of social media, has fueled revolutionary expression.The ability of the common person to publish on a global level has had a profound impact on the structure of society, with institutions that were once viewed as an authority losing their ‘power’ in society and the ‘common person’ rising to take greater power in social life. This shift in power has been dramatic; the opinion of the common person is now viewed as more significant as he is able to challenge the once powerful authorities of government and media through his own ability to publish. Modern publishing has shifted the traditional power constructs. Power is no longer concentrated in the hands of a few publishing bodies, which are vulnerable to government censorship and manipulation. It is now more egalitarian being dispersed among those who have access to social media, as evidenced in the current instability of countries such as Egypt, Libya and Syria. In these regions, the clash between traditional values and modern media is sparking social upheaval and political reform. The ability for the common person to publish has allowed protestors to claim power from the authorities and demonstrate the severity of their situation to audiences around the world. Similarly, the Russian Blue Bucket demonstration removed the power from the law enforcement authorities, and the Russian citizens were able to use publishing to not only alter their social life, but in some instances, to actually save their life. By publishing their protests on social media sites, the protestors were getting both their message out, but also images of the faces of the people involved as well as the police conduct surrounding the event, so the entire world could see. In doing so, the protestors were able to monitor the behaviour of the police and prevent them from engaging in police brutality and the secret removal of protestors, for which Russia is infamous. For people oppressed by regimes in countries like Egypt, Russia and Syria, the changing role of publishing has allowed them to become socially free as they can use new forms of publishing to inform the world of their cause, something which could previously not be done; albeit to their personal well being.

Figure 2: Protestor in Egypt (2011)
Source: http://news.icanhascheezburger.com/2011/02/02/political-pictures-best-egyptian-protest-signs/ (2011)

Figure 3: Russian Blue Bucket Protests. 
Picture: WSJ 
Source: The Australian

With these examples of shifts in power, important questions begin to develop. Traditionally, the media was seen as the fourth estate, responsible for monitoring and scrutinizing the behaviour of the authorities; the government, courts and religious institutions. However with the actions of the media now being often heavily controlled and censored (by media moguls such as Rupert Murdoch, or politically leaders such as KIm Jong Il), is the average blogger now becoming the fifth estate? As more people are embracing various forms of  social media, they are empowered by their own production of information. The Huffington Post is a prime example of a civilian-published work which has garnered mass support and is now viewed as one of the most reliable sources of information online. The average person now holds the power to implement social change and rally against the traditional power structures. Held in both high esteem, and high distain, Wikileaks has been at the forefront of the changing domain of publishing. Wikileaks has used new formats of publishing to shift the power from the governments to the people by exposing and scrutinising the the actions of governments and other authorities in the public domain. The authority once held by governments and other establishments is being rejected by society, with the new forms of publishing allowing citizens to challenge the hierarchy of authority. Programs such as Q&A on ABC effectively use the social media tool Twitter to allow the general public to publish their opinions about the program directly to an audience that ‘hot seats’ government and other authority figures on the panel. 

The explosion of technology has dramatically altered the way in which publishing can be accessed, used and produced. Some traditional sources of publishing have begun to recoginse the role that the common person, and their technology, plays in the process of publishing. Multiple news outlets, including The Sydney Morning Herald, Channel Ten News and Ninemsn, have begun appealing to readers to share their accounts of news events, to submit their own news stories and to submit images or videos they have taken of a news event. Many news stories, such as the school yard bullying, are coming to light because of the average person’s ability to capture events and then publish them globally, from their phone, as The Daily Telegraph reported "A Sydney schoolboy has become an internet sensation after video emerged of him body-slamming another student during a verbal and physical attack" (McDougall 2011).

News of the violent incidents of school yard bullying first came to the attention of the public when onlookers to the fight recorded the event on their phones, and then published it on sites such as Youtube. The videos went viral on line, thus drawing the attention of the news corporations. With the technology they carry, each individual is now a self-sufficient, mobile publishing unit. As a result of this, the news has now become more personal. The news has now started to stem from images, stories and videos submitted by the public, especially for stories involving wars and protests in countries like Egypt and Libya. The democratisation of publishing has spread over the entire realm of publishable material, with common people now able to publish their work anywhere, from a personal blog, to the evening news. This social development in the role of publishing has meant that the role of the journalist, a traditional publisher, has also changed. Most journalists used to commonly be associated with a specific newspaper or television program, however now, many journalists spread their published work across a variety of publications, and many, in keeping with the social trend, even maintain their own form of personal publishing, including political editor for The Age Michelle Grattan, freelance journalist Dan Warne and New York Times journalist Aron Pilhofer. 

Whilst there are immense benefits in increased accessibility of information and the ability of the oppressed to use the changing role of publishing to fight the authorities, are there any negative implications to the changing role of publishing? With the publishing of information by traditional, ‘hierarchical’ establishments, much of the conetnt that was siphoned down to the masses was censored. There is a catch-22 problem that arises; whilst the changes in publication have allowed for a greater access to information, are we gaining greater access to valid information? Now that anyone can publish a blog, it becomes very difficult to assess which opinions are researched, credible and legitimate. Traditionally, media corporations would censor publications from the general public, weeding out fake, unverified or inappropriate material. With such a level of open access to publishing, there is the risk that pathways to resources will become clogged with opinions and information which is unnecessary and invalid. Another problem that arises is that of human nature; just because there is a greater amount of information available, does not mean that we will always look for credible information. Human beings, by nature, will seek out opinions that reinforce their own and reject those that challenge them. WIth the vast amount of information available, audiences will only further reinforce their opinions, and be less likely to source information that challenges them to reevaluate their perspectives. A survey of the most popular websites reveals that, in fact, most people are not accessing sources for knowledge, but rather social interaction and entertainment, with sites such as Ebay and movie streaming site Sina rating higher than news sites such as CNN (Most Popular Websites 2011).

In conclusion, the diminution of traditional intermediaries has altered the role of publishing in social life on numerous levels. This change has had the most profound effect on the private and public aspects of social life. Privately, the changes in the role of publishing have allowed the common person to create and publish their own media. The ability for people to use technology has made each individual a self-sufficient publishing unit that can use their private publishing skills to challenge authorities and hierarchical bodies which may keep them oppressed. In the public domain, the changing role of publishing has altered the format that traditional intermediaries take. Traditional media forms, such as newspapers and television have had to develop online publishing formats to keep up to date with modern society. Publishing has developed from an action of the authorities to a right of the people as the democratisation of media has allowed for increased access to information for all of society. The shift in publishing power from established authorities to the people is demonstrated by media organisations such as Wikileaks and The Sydney Morning Herald now relying on the submissions of stories and images from the general public for their published content. The role of publishing has evolved to keep up with the constantly developing social life of modern society, and will continue to change as modern social life continues to grow. 

Sources


Australian Broadcasting Corporation iView Website, accessed May 28, 2011 < http://www.abc.net.au/tv/iview/>




Bhaskar, M. (2009) ‘E-books in Africa’, The Digitalist, accessed May 28, 2011 <http://thedigitalist.net/?p=577>




CNN, accessed May 29, 2011 < http://edition.cnn.com/>




Ebay, accessed May 29, 2011 <http://www.ebay.com>




Figure 1: New Technology (2009), accessed May 28, 2011 <http://www.toonpool.com/cartoons/New%20technology_44850>




Figure 2: Protestor in Egypt (2011), accessed May 28, 2011 <http://news.icanhascheezburger.com/2011/02/02/political-pictures-best-egyptian-protest-signs/ >

Figure 3: Russian Blue Bucket Protests (2010), accessed May 28, 2011,  <http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/russian-traffic-police-crush-blue-bucket-protests/story-e6frg6so-1225858711686>

Grattan, M. (2011) weblog, accessed May 29, 2011 <http://twitter.com/#!/michellegrattan>




Hassan, N. (2011) 'Syria: How social media is defending a town from the regime's wrath', The Guardian, accessed May 28, 2011 <http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jun/08/syria-hide-uprising-internet>




Huynh, T. (2011) 'Egypt Protests: Social networking sites blocked, journalists beaten, anonymous threatens govt', Tech Geek, accessed May 28, 2011 <http://techgeek.com.au/2011/01/27/egypt-protests-social-networking-sites-blocked-journalist-beaten-anonymous-threatens-govt/>




Krishnappa, S. (2011) 'Internet, Social Media may trigger change in Libya, Iran, Bahrain as protests continue', International Business Times, accessed May 28, 2011 <http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/113101/20110216/bahrain-libya-protests-anti-government-revolutions-egypt-tunisia-internet-social-media-facebook-twit.htm>




Marquardt, A. (2010) 'Drivers Use Buckets to Fight Russian Double Standards', ABC News, accessed May 28, 2011 <http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/International/moscow-drivers-blue-buckets-protest-migalki/story?id=10486616>




Most Popular Websites, accessed May 29, 2011 <http://mostpopularwebsites.net/>

McDougall, B. (2011) 'Victim of school bullying a web hero', The Daily Telegraph, accessed May 28, 2011 <http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sydney-nsw/bullied-boy-at-chifley-college-dunheved-campus-suspended-after-fighting-back/story-e6freuzi-1226022076411>

Naughton, J. (2010) ‘Publishers take note: the iPad is altering the very concept of a ‘book’ The Guardian, accessed May 28, 2011 <http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/dec/19/ipad-publishing-kindle-books-apple>




Ninemsn, accessed May 28, 2011 <http://news.ninemsn.com.au/newswatch>




Pilhofer, A. (2009) aronpilhofer.com, weblog, accessed May 29, 2011 <http://www.aronpilhofer.com/>




Q&A 2011, television program, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Sydney, accessed May 28, 2011 <http://www.abc.net.au/tv/qanda/>, <http://www.abc.net.au/tv/qanda/join-the-discussion.htm>




Sina, accessed May 29, 2011 < http://www.sina.com.cn/>




Ten News, accessed May 28, 2011 <http://ten.com.au/ten-news-roving-reporter.htm>




The Daily Telegraph, accessed May 28, 2011 < http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/>




The Huffington Post, accessed May 28, 2011 <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/>

The Sydney Morning Herald, accessed May 28, 2011 <http://www.smh.com.au/>




Triple J Media Player, accessed May 28, 2011 < http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/media/listen.htm?show=listen>

'Victim Fights Back In NSW Sydney School | 'Casey' '(2011), Youtube, accessed May 29, 2011

<http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=isfn4OxCPQs>




Warne, D. (2010) The Warne Account, weblog, accessed May 29, 2011 <http://danwarne.com/>




Wikileaks, accessed May 28, 2011 <http://wikileaks.info/>

Alexandra Potter z3334865

Tutorial: Monday 11am

Word Count: 2215

Tutorial 8 - Week 9

Before beginning my journalism degree at UNSW, I did two years of a Bachelor in Forensic Science and Applied Chemistry at UTS, and I know all too well the importance of visualising science. The visualisation of science is both important for the understanding of scientific concepts by the lay person, but also for the application of the science by scientists. I remember in one lesson we were instructed to create all the measurements to assess how a speeding car crashed through a billboard. Without being able to visualise our scientific measurements, there is a good chance no one would have realised my mathematical skills were so off, I had measured the 'speeding' car to be practically stationary.

I know from first-hand experience, science is hard. Scientific concepts and scientific language, when delivered in a theoretical manner, are very difficult for the ordinary person to understand. The visualisation of scientific concepts, such as in the Information is Beautiful reading help the average Joe to really see what impact issues like climate change are having on the world. The visualisation allows people to understand scientific processes and develop ways in which they can assist or delay such a process. Through visualisation people can see the greater impact scientific events are having on a variety of levels; locally, nationally and globally, such as in the CO2 Now reading.

This video demonstrates how the visualisation of the sonic boom allows people to easily comprehend what a sonic boom is, and how it works, by seeing this concept visualised.




I think visualisation is a very important tool for encouraging people to take decisive action in regards to issues such as climate change. I have found that when you deliver facts in the form of bulk text and complicated equations, it goes in one ear and out the other. Whenever I try to explain a chemical process to someone, I usually find they don't understand it unless I draw out all the interactions between the atoms. This visualisation explains the concept of 'cap and trade', whilst this video, titled "Inspiring Action" visualises the destruction of the earth to encourage people to take action.

It is really important that messages are conveyed through the publishing of visualised scientific messages. The visualisation of scientific concepts gives people a new perspective about the issues and events that are happening around them.


Whilst I'm on the topic of visualised science and global warming, here are lots of polar bears visualising science and science-based activism.

Source: http://media.nj.com/njv_shenemans_sketchpad/photo/climate-changejpg-848943ae7786e958.jpg

Tutorial 7 - Week 8

Visualisation is a very interesting aspect of publishing and it encapsulates a large variety of aspects. Modern society is very wrapped up in a 'visual culture'. People respond well to visual cues, and would seemingly rather look at picture or watch a movie than read text. Images are able to convey a greater message in a faster, more succinct way, and images (unlike language) are universal. Images do not always require an understanding of language and word devices to be understood. Even the simplest of images, such as the dashed line  can convey a variety of meanings and connotations, such as movement, direction, path, ephemeral material, etc. Images are able to provide the viewer with an understanding of physical data, data visualisation; like in the information aesthetics reading in which viewers can use the image to understand the value of 200 calories.

The combination of different images can create entirely new meanings, or (ironically) warp the perceived meanings of certain images:

Source: http://www.crainium.net/jdjArchives/StillMoreJuxtaposition.jpg

Source: http://www.crainium.net/jdjArchives/Juxtaposition.jpg

Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPSYaOGkXd5g2g-xPtHAMrtUjFa07_OnKRlzQcf1yxykyjl3oTU2NA_XnkpMUOQSMdJdl-S3OR0_F8D3VdKL4P3YrHoH0AQoIVfr-MwDrUtaMTiOKoDN-w2nn5OFHswG1zZM44EPNWlQ/s1600/jux2.jpg

I think one of the aspects I found really interesting was the way in which visualisation can make the invisible visible. It is often simply taken for granted that certain information is known, even though we can't physically see it or touch it. It's almost scary to know that data is transferred around us without our knowledge. Just to link back to ANT; I was slightly confused by how technology could be interacting without the human component in ANT, however, the visualisation of technology has really demonstrated to me just how technology can interact with limited human involvement. Images such as the one below really highlight the way in which technology can function alone.

Source: http://www.richardbanks.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/image4.png 

I just hope we don't find that this becomes our future:

Source: http://www.franksworkshop.com.au/Robots/isobot/isobot-city.jpg