What is Podcasting?

A podcast is a digital media file, audio or video, delivered online via an RSS, or really simple syndication, feed.  With the correct software, they are as easy to produce as speaking into a microphone and as easy to receive as a click. And, unlike TV or radio, they allow the user to choose their own content and listen to or view it when and how they want.  Podcasts are created for a wide range of purposes, from the personally obscure to detailed professionalism in fields as diverse as entertainment, education, business, or social work.  Users can search for podcasts through communities, directories, podcatchers, such as Itunes, or through subscription. 

While the content for the most part is free, is the large volume of choice overwhelming or confusing? Is the content copyrighted, or is it public domain? Is choosing content to be played when you want convenient, or is something lost, like the element of surprise when you 'surf' for something that sparks your interest on TV or the radio?  Do you utilize podcasts? If so, do you find podcasts to be useful? How do you feel when your professors suggest utilizing the podcasting tool on Blackboard to make up for lost time or to allow you to listen to lectures at your own leisure? Would you find it helpful if professors utilized this tool to allow you to listen to previous classes or revisit lectures when studying or going over your notes?

MacKenzie Burke and Sarah Shaw

Making Your Visual Presentation

The ability to make videos has been around for years now. In 1951, the first video tape recorder captured live images from television cameras by converting the information into electrical impulses and saving the information onto magnetic tape. Since then the world has advanced drastically in its ability to stop and record time for a few minutes at a time. Now we have web cams, digital cameras, and even cell phones that have the ability to record pretty good videos incredibly quick. Most of these devices record in either the .AVI or .MPG formats, both of which make the video shot easier to upload directly from the device to a computer or any other source of memory.

The actual process of making a video hasn’t really changed much since the 1950’s, or has it? Do you think that now, because of all the utensils we have at hand, is easier to make “good” videos? What do you think would be the components of a good video? What do you think would be the components of a not so good video? What is it that keeps you watching it for its full length?

Also, how do you think you would a make a video? Would you use props? What exactly would you do to make your viewers interested for more?

Sound and Vision: The YouTube Phenomenon

Ever Since YouTube was introduced in 2005 it has become the most worldwide video sharing website. Before the launch of YouTube in 2005, there were few easy methods available for ordinary computer users who wanted to post videos online. The popularity of YouTube stems from several aspects of the website. The simple fact of its easy access to millions of videos on pretty much any topic you can think of is key to its success. There is no doubt that YouTube has made a social impact. Several videos have gone viral on YouTube not to mention a personal favorite that I'm sure most people have seen "Charlie Bit My Finger". YouTube has also aided in the discovery of new artists as well as their popularity such as Justin Bieber.

Why do you think so many people are drawn to YouTube? How much of a part do you think YouTube has played in the discovery of new artists? If you use YouTube, why are you drawn to the website?


Christine Stanners & Tracie DeGonza

Wiki Building

When the Wikipedia article isn't enough, there's always the chance of finding a Wiki article. Wiki articles provide more in-depth answers to whatever the searcher is looking for. Many heavy hitters of pop culture have their own Wiki pages. Here are some examples:

http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page

http://pokemon.wikia.com/wiki/Pokémon_Wiki

http://zoids.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page

http://twilightsaga.wikia.com/wiki/Twilight_Saga_Wiki

I thought it interesting that for the Twilight Wiki, not only is there the main article, but another Wiki for every main character. Wow. The above are just a tiny sampling of Wikis out there on the web. Apple has a Wiki, as does Baywatch and Nintendo.

Building a Wiki from scratch is a huge task. A legitimate Wiki engine can be downloaded, but as the examples above define, it might be easier to find a host site. Wikis are group efforts; there might be one head Admin and a bunch of Moderators. This helps establish what gets posted and if it stays there or not. The Geekgirls website says it perfectly; for those not technology savvy, building a Wiki from the start can be a painfully annoying process. If anyone has ever toyed with HTML and computer codes, I can tell you how long it took for me to create just a simple box.

Wikia is a host site, but all the Wiki articles look different. This is an easier way to make Wiki articles, and each topic looks unique. The Harry Potter Wiki has affiliates, fun facts, and tons of community links. The Pokemon Wiki has featured characters and polls. Each article is different to what the fanbase desires.

Building a Wiki isn't easy. It takes a knowledge of HTML and coding, a lot of time and a steady flow of people who want the article to work. The topic has doesn't have to be popular, but it needs to be decently well-known. Zoids aren't so big anymore, yet the Wiki still exists. Silly Bands are insanely popular yet no Wiki on them exists, because the demand isn't high enough.

Now for some questions. Do you personally think Wikis are useful? Should colleges and universities have Wikis, where students can post unbiased opinions about their school? Are Wikis becoming too numerous, and do you think some of them are flat-out ridiculous or just good intentions? (I personally think having a Wiki page for every Twilight character is a little much.)

CSR Wiki Entry

What have you changed/added/removed from the CSR wikipedia page? Post your edits here and link to the section.

Be sure to comply with Wikipedia's rules on neutrality.