Web 2.0

With information and data being more valuable then software on today's interent, it lead me to the question, "Is the World Wide Web ready for WWeb 2.0?" Mind you, web designers on the world wide web are the one's who have been actively pushing towards the new development online. But what about everyone else. As content management systems keep growing, and slowly creeping into every aspect of the internet world, it makes me wonder what the new World Wide Web is going to be like. The new wave is coming, and the Apple Iphone is the perfect example. All forms of multimedia are capable with this new piece of technology, and it isn't just the software that enables this "machine" to harness the technology it does. It's the entire platform. It serves as a standard, flexible, light-weight, multi-device platform, and proves that Apple and iTunes are ahead of the Internet curve. Web 2.0 is coming, and I pray that the world prepares themselves, and is ready for the "boom."

Blog, Blog, BLOOOOG!

So, it finally occurred to me. I discovered blogging is a more intricate part of today's society, in obtaining credibility in the business world. I was first assigned these blogs as a part of the class assignments. We were to blog on topics related to graphic design and what we learned in class. I was skeptical and did barely enough to get by. This last month, I've practically fallen off the radar, and even wrote this whole experience off completely. Then I came in contact with a good friend of mine through a social network. A status update I had placed caught his attention, and he decided to shoot me a message. As we were conversing, I discovered he is in the industry, and knows quite a few people around the country. Recently, he has put me into contact with a few people that are working professionals and has been very crucial to me trying to find employment after college.
People, the metaphorical light bulb that hangs over my head is officially turned on, and I do "see the light". Had I not participated in the social network, he would not have remembered to even contact me. Had I not put something credible in my status, he wouldn't have thought twice to ask me what I'm trying to do after my degree. Its the same for other things. Blogging, tweeting, social networking. All can give the ability to people, to network themselves and build their credibility amongst their peers. I feel revamped about everything I've learned to this point, and am regretful it took this long to see the potential in what I wasn't even attempting.

File Sharing and Piracy

While researching for my page on file sharing and piracy, Ive started a debate within myself. The point of the web site I was creating was to influence the user who would be viewing my page. But instead of caught myself arguing my own thoughts and opinions. With each and every article I read, I would go back and forth. One moment I was anti file sharing and all for the rights of artists and performers. Then I would read some more, and want to fight against the corporations for the attempts at constricting the internet because it doesn't fit their own agenda. Then it came to me. Everything involved in this conflict (and with many others as well) depends on your own agenda. Everyone has something to gain or something to lose, and depends on your perspective as to which side you would take. Is file sharing stealing? Sometimes. Is it wrong? Sometimes. Are all forms of file sharing piracy? No. So in all the time I have spent researching articles, and reading other people's facts and opinions I have finally come to the conclusion that I have no real side to take. In some aspects I agree, while in other aspects I disagree. It doesn't seem to be a topic where a lot of people straddle that fence, but I think believe it takes a mentally stronger person to realize this and take their stand.