Presentations 4/22

Michelle: Human Computer Interaction

Interesting topic - User friendly interfaces and designs of computers are helping creating a seamless transition from the real to the virtual space.

I like the idea of building stronger employee relationships within companies by using Second Life or something like it for meetings etc. I felt a little weirded out thinking that one day I could be sitting in an office having a meeting virtual avatar to virtual avatar and how I might forget to perceive that other person (who is possibly on the other side of the world) and never REALLY feel connected because I don't know what they really look like. Okay, a bit of a tangent but you get the idea. I wasn't really clear on your thesis bc I couldn't get my laptop up and running fast enough, but your examples were good in showing the transition from real to virtual to real.

Brittany Bogenreif: Mobile location based advertising

Although I can see (from your thorough researched examples) of new media advertising becoming more and more prevalent, I have to agree with others that I for one would not like to receive that advertising on my cellphone. It's bad enough that I get it in snail mail and in my email in box and website pop-ups and...well, you get the idea. I think pointing out the negatives of mobile location based advertising could really strengthen your argument.

Mark Belben: World of Warcraft – the cost of access

Although I was able to follow your presentation and reasoning well despite not being very savvy on the WoW stuff, I'm a little confused as to what your actual argument is. You have a lot of supporting evidence for why Blizzard shouldn't (or shouldn't have) changed the overall community feel of the game, but you might want to consider elaborating a bit more on why 3rd party companies are benefiting from Blizzard's draw back and Blizzard might do to gain a little bit of credibility back?? Do you want guild/community back? Is there something else that could be done to bring back that "learning" feeling? (ha! that sounds funny!)

Kris M.: A growing Digital Divide

I think you make a very good point in saying how the digital divide will still exist but by way of fragmented community. It never occurred to me that this could be the case. In my mind's eye it made sense that fragmented community and identity wouldn't be so much an issue if the access gap was bridged. You had some very good examples and I think you're on your way to a great paper.