WEEK SEVEN

YOU TUBE and FLICKR

I have added a Flickr gadget to my blog, check it out on the left hand side!! It lets me post all my fav. pics that used to be (an will remain for a brief period) at the bottom of this blog. I also have added a YouTube Feed Gadget at the bottom of the page along with a fav. you tube video. Setting up both of these accounts was simple. The YouTube account let's you change the design of the page as well, which I enjoy; As well as finding videos from other accounts, I can upload my own and share them on social media sites like Facebook, embedding them in actual post.  I have found Flikr's content very useful for images and art history during my undergrad studies. Although the image quality on Youtube is not always the greatest, it can an interesting way to share information, ideas, and independent film.

WEEK SIX

RSS FEED...

I signed up for 'Bloglines' as suggested but honestly didn't find it too exciting. It seems like an interesting place to maybe seek out other blogs, subscribe to regular feeds, or have them emailed to me. You can do the same sort of thing on iGoogle as well. What I do find exciting about RSS Feeds is the ability to post them on a blog/website or allow others to subscribe to your blog via a 'gadget'. These can be found by clicking on 'add gadget' under 'layout'. I placed this above my profile section on the left hand side. I have also subscribed to a feed I enjoy and inserted the feed on my blog through the same process, it just required the feed ulr, which is available on the site I was interested in or can be searched for using sites like 'Bloglines'. This feed can be placed anywhere on your blog using the Blogger Layout actions. So, yes I find the feed interesting and a plausible way to stay upto date on this feed, as well as sharing it with others. I have placed mine at the top of my site for this week, but will probably move it to the bottom of my posts for aesthetics next week. - jb

WEEK FIVE

IT IS A GOOGLE UNIVERSE ...    

I have often used the Google 'Books' applications for academic studies and have found it very useful to find specific sections of information in a larger text. I often think it should be called 'Library' as it has publications that are occasionally difficult to find or inaccessible. There could be features like 'Google Librarian'. It is an easy to use app, and I am all for it! The storage and preservation of material is constantly being done by libraries through digitization. Truly, there are so many books available and just not enough places to put them. Furthermore, easy access to knowledge should be encouraged not litigated. Since when did knowledge become only for those who can afford to purchase the book, as opposed to those who are solely interested. Does this mean the end of libraries? I definitely think not. The comfort, tangibility, and mandate of lending libraries are encouraged through free information and the love of a real book. It would be great if Google Books had a 'find at your local library' option. Don't ya think?

So to answer the questions: I like it the idea of it and have found it useful, I think it could encourage free information even further by connecting people with local resources, as opposed to saying things like 'instead of finding it at your local library'--this I do not like or encouraging purchasing vs. public access, I would recommend it to fellow students.

WEEK FOUR

FACEBOOK...                     

For myself, Facebook is mostly useful. As an event planner, audience surveys have shown that event goers hear about events more often via socialmedia sites like Facebook rather than radio, print, or even word of mouth. This makes it a very useful resource for marketing and spreading the word on grassroots sort of movements. Alternately, it is a medium that can be flooded by events, invites, and 'faux' supporters who are not interested in supporting outside of Facebook. That said, it has effectively changed communication for Cultural Industries and other industries alike allowing different groups to connect more pubilically than without, just another facet of the revolutionary internet.

My Favourite Facebook Groups:

Show Us Your Shorts - A Festival of Short Films

Sled Island Film

Give Back The Calgary Tower

Libraries