This summer I invested in a Netflix account. We have Dish Network because nothing else is available at our house in the country. I streamed Minority Report to my TV via the Wii and the internet.
I think the competition between video rental places is an example of Red Queens. Thornburg explains that Red Queens occurs when two competitors move ahead of the others because of the competition between them. Netflix and Blockbuster are prime examples of this. Netflix has not late fees and depending on which package you decide to purchase determines how many movies you have at one time. Also, movies can be transmitted through the computer or a Wii. It is a great source in the classroom when trying to find movies that relate to content you are teaching or a current book you read. To compete with Netflix, Blockbuster had to revamp their rental system. Now similar to Netflix, blockbuster has a movie in the mail program that is also free of late fees. Netflix and Blockbuster are the leading movie rental stores in my area.
I think DVD’s and videos on demand fall in the emerging category of the Tetrad. They are by no means obsolete. I don’t really think they have rekindled much that I can think of. I feel that there will be more changes with the availability as they progress. I cannot tell what changes will occur, but I am certain that the DVD’s and on demand will continue to evolve.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Disruptive Power of Second Life
Virtual worlds something I do not quite understand. I have a facebook account and loved it while I was in college when it first gained popularity. Then all these new additions were added. It seems each day a new tool was added; things like FARM, and create your family, and have a pet all on facebook were not for me.
Virtual worlds have been a craze for many internet goers. People create an Avatar in a virtual world that might have a complex the developer wishes he/she could have. Often the Avatar reflects traits in a person that the developer did not experience in their childhood or young adult life, or a trait they are afraid to experience in real life. From researching virtual worlds, the Avatar and the human behind it, are often nothing alike.
Many people become addicted to this virtual world and forget the reality that awaits them when they sign off the internet. Second Life is a disruptive tool because many loose touch with reality and become consumed in the alter ego of the Avatar.
I think Second Life will continue for awhile. I see it becoming more advanced but not being replaced.
Many that participate in a place similar to Second Life lack true social skills. All the socializing they see is through the Avatar and Second Life. In some cases it becomes so extreme that the human behind the Avatar becomes confused and does not know the difference between the virtual world and “real life”. This is not true in all cases, but unfortunately it consumes some and destroys lives.
Virtual worlds have been a craze for many internet goers. People create an Avatar in a virtual world that might have a complex the developer wishes he/she could have. Often the Avatar reflects traits in a person that the developer did not experience in their childhood or young adult life, or a trait they are afraid to experience in real life. From researching virtual worlds, the Avatar and the human behind it, are often nothing alike.
Many people become addicted to this virtual world and forget the reality that awaits them when they sign off the internet. Second Life is a disruptive tool because many loose touch with reality and become consumed in the alter ego of the Avatar.
I think Second Life will continue for awhile. I see it becoming more advanced but not being replaced.
Many that participate in a place similar to Second Life lack true social skills. All the socializing they see is through the Avatar and Second Life. In some cases it becomes so extreme that the human behind the Avatar becomes confused and does not know the difference between the virtual world and “real life”. This is not true in all cases, but unfortunately it consumes some and destroys lives.
Rhymes of History Technology
Dr. Thornburg discusses how technology can assist in rekindling a past time from history. The technology is not the focus; the technology changes the way the event occurs.
A past time of young girls that seems to have almost dwindled away is playing with paper dolls or the old fashion mansion of a doll house. Barbie becomes the replacement with all of the accessories available. Barbie has friends, a dream house, various cars, and of course Ken. Barbie too started to sit in the closet more or more.
The internet and handheld gaming systems have replaced this with virtual worlds. The internet has an abundance of virtual playgrounds where children can essentially do the same thing that was done with Barbie and other dolls. There are fashion worlds where the dolls can accessorize and shop. The virtual worlds also meet the needs of various age groups. SimCity allows teens to create virtual world where they choose hobbies, clothes, activities, and other aspects of life. Finally there are Avatars for adults to essentially play with dolls. The pastime of dressing up the doll and using the imagination is still there, but the user goes about doing a different way due to technology advances.
Link to SimCity: http://simcitysocieties.ea.com/index.php
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