http://screencast.com/t/v7M4BwwJoI
Title: Drew Curtis' It's not news...it's Fark.com
Site Description: This website is defined by its creator as "a news aggregator and an edited social news site" where subscribers submit stories that they find through other global news site sources that are may be funny and weird; however, are simply not news. Editors handpick the submissions that they feel are most notable, categorize them, add a snarky description, publish the link, and make it the not-news of the day. Members of Fark are encouraged to comment on published postings.
Discussion: Drew Curtis’ Fark website is unique in that it is supposed to look like a news site; however, it is a site that encourages its users to contribute stories that are not. It is the compilation of stories that the global mass media uses to fill space when there is not enough hard news stories to report and, because ad space has already been sold, have to satisfy their clients. Each post links to the source of the story that has a place for readers to comment or share the link thus encouraging participatory content. The inception of Fark has engaged a community of users that utilize forums and blogs to share ideas and encourage agendas. For example, particular stories posted on Fark can be discussed in detail in the Fark Forum where users can not only comment, but share links concerning the issue at hand. The community has also created niche forums including the Sports Forum, Showbiz Forum, Geek Forum, Politics Forum, and Photoshop Forum for specific discussion on a variety of subjects.
Summary: As far as effectiveness, Fark has been impressive with its ability to engage ordinary users and facilitate a community of active participants. The readership of this site contribute over 2,000 submissions a day and visitors are given the opportunity to decide, discuss and contribute to what they constitute is “not news” which in turn, fosters a democratic, socially equal environment that spurs involvement.
Discussion: What is unique about this page is simply that it is a worldwide common interest group created solely to discuss the issues and politics surrounding the global warming issue on the social network of Facebook that was originally started in 2004 as a way for Harvard University students to get acquainted. Members of the group come from every corner of the globe and share links to sites to promote their political standing about global warming. It is also unique in that its members are not always in full support of global warming and often post negative comments about its reality based upon the weather in their area. The group also has a related post link where the bulk of the comments from its users are shared.
Summary: The effectiveness of this common interest group is difficult to gauge as some users simply publish postings that are often silly and not necessarily gathering support for the global warming cause. There do seem to be serious users who have responsible posts; however, I have to wonder how many new members join on a daily basis or if the bulk of them simply joined when the page was initially created. Furthermore, I have to question the validity of a page that borrows its description from Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia that anyone can contribute to. Often it seems that common interest groups created on Facebook lack the credibility necessary to be taken seriously. Although it is democratic in that any Facebook member can join the group and share posts and links to support the position of global warming, I have to wonder if it is truly effective for promoting real information on this controversial issue.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Global-warming/108151362545870
Title: "Global Warming" -- Interest Group on Facebook
Site Description: This is a common interest group that has created a Facebook page in order to gather support for global warming. Its members join by "liking" the group and may share links and post comments about the issue.
Discussion: What is unique about this page is simply that it is a worldwide common interest group created solely to discuss the issues and politics surrounding the global warming issue on the social network of Facebook that was originally started in 2004 as a way for Harvard University students to get acquainted. Members of the group come from every corner of the globe and share links to sites to promote their political standing about global warming. It is also unique in that its members are not always in full support of global warming and often post negative comments about its reality based upon the weather in their area. The group also has a related post link where the bulk of the comments from its users are shared.
Summary: The effectiveness of this common interest group is difficult to gauge as some users simply publish postings that are often silly and not necessarily gathering support for the global warming cause. There do seem to be serious users who have responsible posts; however, I have to wonder how many new members join on a daily basis or if the bulk of them simply joined when the page was initially created. Furthermore, I have to question the validity of a page that borrows its description from Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia that anyone can contribute to. Often it seems that common interest groups created on Facebook lack the credibility necessary to be taken seriously. Although it is democratic in that any Facebook member can join the group and share posts and links to support the position of global warming, I have to wonder if it is truly effective for promoting real information on this controversial issue.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jU7fhIO7DG0
Title: YouTube: "We are Better than That!"
Site Description: YouTube is a video sharing site owned by Google in which registered members can upload video content and visitors (both registered and unregistered) can view videos on virtually every topic imaginable.
Discussion: This particular campaign video is made to support Republican candidate Dale Peterson who is seeking the nomination for Agriculture Commissioner in the state of Alabama. To date, this video has been viewed by 1,908,750 visitors. I chose it because I wanted to illustrate how YouTube has contributed to a democratic environment by fostering a participatory culture that allows ordinary individuals to upload videos thus contributing to a new equal playing field. YouTube is unique is because it is a low-cost alternative for individuals like Dale Peterson to rally support compared to more expensive means such as television advertising or newspaper advertisements. YouTube allows its users and visitors to be expressive via vlogs and videos while still being informative, educational, and entertaining.
Summary: Utilizing YouTube is a highly effective website because of its user-generated content and its unique participatory culture. The high number of viewers of the Dale Peterson video proves that this type of site is what visitors want to see and be able to contribute whether by uploading their own videos or by commenting on someone else's.
