Paszkiewicz,+Justyna

Justyna's Page

Lab 2

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Video games can be considered a new mass media in that they perpetuate messages and ideologies that further increase the popularity and sales of associated products. Ex. the Pokemon video game perpetuates the sale of Pokemon cards, movie tickets, figurines, etc. The media of video games definitely qualifies as a mass media because it is available all over the world. The games themselves are often a hybrid of western and eastern content, style and technology.=====

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A major distinguishing feature between video games and other medias is that video games are interactive. A user is able to master his character and control the events that occur on the screen. This is one of the only mediums that are directly controlled by the users.=====

Lab 3

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New genres are created over time to classify certain styles of media and increase user recognition and understanding of these styles. The digital definition of genre is controversial because it would be very difficult to define. This article suggests that genre is defined by layout and function rather than content. It also suggests that genres apply to single webpages as opposed to entire sites. If a home page is considered a genre, then a single website could potentially have a wide range of genres.======

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Defining genre in this way is a departure from its usual definition. Normally the genre of a song, film or newspaper is indicative of its content (rock, romance, classifieds). In this case, genre is indicative of function and layout.======

Lab 4

Comics are an extension of photographs in that they both reach the audience in a similar way - through still images created with the use of angles, framing, composition, etc. However, comics have 2 obvious additional features over photography. 1- They use text to convey additional meaning and dialogue. 2- They usually involve a series of still images portraying action over time.

In light of these two factors I struggle with McLuhan's claim that comics are an extension of photography because I would sooner consider comics as an extension of film. Comics and film both share dimensions that photography simply does not have - they both involve action over time, a series of scenes and dialogue between characters.

If McLuhan argued that comics are an extension of photograhy //as opposed to film//, I would disagree. However, if he argued that comics //and film// are an extension of photography, I would happily agree.

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

Advertising today is entirely inescapable, even after escaping to a virtual world. Although mass media advertising may be approached differently in such an environment, this visual world populated with participants is a perfect conduit for mass media. It may be difficult for established companies to have their logo displayed in a virtual world without actually offering products to be consumed within that world. Virtual worlds have their own market demands and suppliers, whether it be a virtual bed, designer dress or sexual position.

It could prove damaging for certain companies to advertise in a virtual world because it would compromise their image. They can however, project ideologies into this space that will fuel the consumption of their goods in the real world. So finally, I don't think conventional media can readily enter Second Life but creative mass media could have found a new playground.