Week 1 -- 3 articles

1. As We May Think
by Vannevar Bush, July 1945

Summary:

Bush worried that since human got sharper tool than before to observe and to exploit the world, knowledge was ever expanding, which was hard for individuals to handle with current technology.

Thoughts:
I like what the editor pointed out: "For years inventions have extended man's physical powers rather than the powers of his mind", this was to imply that reasoning is more important than knowledge itself.

Mr. Bush might be amazed by current technology on the way individual communicate and the power of mega calculator (computer, of course) and the future technology is far more striking. If some day all individual can plant in a bio-chip which stores all knowledge of the world, is that a dream?

In that case, man's reasoning power will be highlighted.

2. The Cultural Logic of Media Convergence
by Henry Jenkins, 2004

Summary:
The development and application of new media has changed the shape of our world and culture. However, people hold contradictory view on new media. In a scholar's view, Jenkins listed nine sites where heavy change for media producers and consumer may occur.

Thoughts:
Well this article is about the new media's change on culture. What I pay attention to is the power shift, which I had exchanged with John. You guys perhaps did not think of that current media (TV, radio and newspaper) is at hands of capital and no news which will slam the face of capital would allowed. Consider the high entrance barrier of such media, the Internet provide a cheap way for us to utter "unfiltered voice", as John said. I agree with that. So I applause to the Internet on this point.

I appreciate Jenkins' summary about potential cultural change (some of the points were mentioned by others as well, such as copyright).

3. Toward a Connective Ethnography of Online / Offline Literacy Networks
by Kevin Leander

Summary:
The topic of this book chapter is self-explaining. Leander collected he Internet / off Internet ethnography studies, trying to explain and build up the validity of the mixed Internet / off Internet studies, or Internet environment alone.

Thoughts:
Great, this is the first time I am seriously consider the validity of mixed or Internet alone ethnography studies. To be honest I need to read more and think more on this topic.