Technology is changing media. Media is changing culture. These seem to be the core points that Marshall is making. OK, I won’t disagree. But for each statement, there is something missing. No-one denies that new technology has had a profound effect on TV and film. However, media consumption depends on a certain element of entertainment. While technology can enhance or provide new forms of entertainment, it cannot provide the subject. Good writing and imagination will always be needed to sustain audience engagement. You many catch their attention with a new trick, but to hold the audience attention requires more than just impressive effects. Just ask George Lucas.
With the second assertion that media is changing culture, there is an understanding that media also reflects culture. New media seems to have the potential to better reflect culture than traditional media. I think this is important because as we examine the shift in media and the shift in culture, we should be aware that these shifts are related but not one-to one shifts. There seems little reflection on how the monolithic nature of traditional media failed to accurately reflect or cater to society in the wider sense. Vast segments of modern society were never represented nor targeted as audiences. As such, part of the discussion must be to what extent new media is reflecting a changing culture or simply reflecting previously ignored aspect of culture which have been here the whole time.
As for the other readings, I enjoyed Lessig, although he is a little more communist than I am. Each of the readings from TSMR and ANS highlight issues and opinions about copyright. A big part of the problem is that technology is changing faster than the old farts in Congress can move. Although it looks bleak for the freedom fighters of the digital age, I have faith. We don’t have a good policy on copyright, but we are having a good discussion, and that alone is enough to keep hope alive.
FYI: Being the last post of the class, I tried to come up with some blacksmithing reference or relevant cat video, but I got nuthin’. Sorry to disappoint.
“As such, part of the discussion must be to what extent new media is reflecting a changing culture or simply reflecting previously ignored aspect of culture which have been here the whole time.”
Yes this! In my undergrad class we read Chris Anderson’s The Long Tail book, and he talks a lot there about niche culture, and how, while people have always had niche interests, new technology now a) makes those niches easier to find and satisfy and b) concordently gives these niche cultures more exposure in the wider culture. So basically, now we see what weird stuff our friends have been into.
I think new media has got lot of impact on society especially the internet. Now-a-days it’s playing a major role in shaping up the people’s life. It was nice reading, thanks for sharing!