Timur+Khamitov+Labs

=**Week 2**= =**Week 3**= http://www.ischool.utexas.edu/~adillon/Journals/genres.html

Why are new genres created? Why is the definition of genre controversial and not so applicable to the formation of digital genres?
=**Week 4**= Do you agree with McLuhan when states comics are an extension of photographic media? Why or why not?

I agree with Marshall Mcluhan on the fact that comics are extensions of photographic media. Based on his description of the 'cool' vs 'hot' media, I understand why he would place comics in the former as well as photographs. Both forms of media provide very little information on the context of the image and information about it generally leaving the author to fill in many gaps and find his own explanation for certain details found in the images. This is opposed to hot media such as TV where the view/reader passively consumes the actions with out much creativity or imagination. Comics, like images, use still visual communication often iconic to represent certain actions, motions etc. This is not unlike images which are often intentionally unclear, blurry or in other words step away from literal and detailed representation. As mentioned in Scott Mcloud's book; a basic drawing of a smiley face represents a face; any face, the viewer fills in the details. Similarly with photographs, although the viewer no longer has to fill in the details of the face (they are there already presumably) he is left to fill the missing/invisible details such as the person's story and personal character.

=**Week 5**= Do you see that conventional means of mass media advertising can translate into Second Life? Provide reasons why or why not?

I feel that conventional means of mass media advertising can indeed translate into Second Life but not literally (as-is), rather I feel, these means will evolve and adapt to the specific nature/characteristics of the media.

Similarly, when the world had taken a step into E-Business and the traditional advertising methods have adapted and made a presence in the internet with a twist, this should happen with virtual worlds as well. I beleive there are two main reasons why this is inevitable, perhaps if not in the immediate future, definitely in the long run. They are:

1) Communication in all media forms still reflects human nature. This 'human nature' is the basis for advertising which aims to exploit it. 2) The capitalistic nature of our modern society, namely the 'buy-sell/promote' model will not go away and will therefore adapt.

I do beleive however, that this will not happen immediately. An example of such a failed attempt is displayed by Nissan who have given the users of one of the virtual realities opportunity to own an exact replica of their cars. This is kind of absurd since in the virtual world where anythign is possible, it is unlikely that any of the users will want to spend their time on a middle-class sedan which is to reminicent of the real, boring world. This is a perfect example of how conventional means of mass media advertising will have to understand the nature of this new reality and tailor a solution to fit it.

It is important to add that certain products will simply lose any purpose of wasting advertising money in the virtual world, e.g; Nissan cars.

Perhaps if Nissan designed an uber cool cyber car that could fly, they could truly expand themselves into the virtual reality.

Comic Analysis**
 * WEEK 6

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Group members: Dasha Kablash, Timur Khamitov, Tarek Elsaad

Colour: -Lighter colours are used for backgrounds and there are no black contour lines; lighter colors are used for outlines -Foreground colours have a higher intensity and generally brighter; black lines are used to emphasize the characters

Format: -one page comic; there is no need to flip through the pages -the comic is square-shaped, sized just so it fits in a browser window; there is no need for scrolling -buttons on the bottom of the comic to help the reader navigate through different comics

Tone and resolution: -very high resolution; not pixelated -no small details; most objects are very large, therefore, one would not have to zoom in, making it easier for web reading -no cross-hatching or feathering; solid colours are used

=**Week 7**=

Lab Members; Timur Khamitov, Dasha Kablash

Photoshop done by Dasha Kablash.

Concept: Self-explanatory :-)