Data modulation and the new insight about lines

           The reading and lecture for this week is centred on the topic of visualisation. As has been discussed in week 7 by the guest lecture, visualisation of data is closely related to archive fever. In this case, our engagement and commitment with this fever is portrayed in the form of visualisation. In addition, the examples of contemporary, various visual forms of expression and content are also being presented.

              In week 8, the focus is more towards the modulation in visualisation, conversion between different forms of data, functions of the visual and images as sign. First of all, modulation in visualisation can enhance our experience and engagement with the information that are being presented. Usually, attractive images and vibrant colours are employed to provide added value of the data. Furthermore, this technique have been widely used in publishing, especially digital publishing. A good example of modulation is shown in the lecture, which can be accessed through this link.

      http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/2010/how-much-do-music-artists-earn-online/

            In  my opinion, modulation is really effective as human mind is better in comparing things in relation to size rather than figures. This link here provides information about how much money does music artist earn online. In this case, the pink dot and the figure represent the same data. However, changes in the size of the dot provide a better comparison between the data rather than the figures itself. Despite the fact that data are represented effectively, in certain cases, modulation in visualisation can makes it too complex and difficult to understand. In addition, there is no fixed framework of data modulation, so we could expect different and various form of data representation which not all are understandable.

             Other than that, one of the reading for this week discuss about the application of lines (double-lines, solid, dashed, or dotted) in various situations, including its usage in publishing. According to Dave Gray, various forms lines have the similar purpose in the same way as different types of fonts.     

‘I think of lines: double-line, solid, dashed, dotted Similar to typeface conventions such as black, bold, regular, light. It’s a matter of emphasis. The thicker and more solid the line, the stronger the emphasis.’

                                                                                                    (Dave Gray in The dashed line in used 2006) 

           In general, we come across different types of lines every day. There are several lines on the road which divert the traffic correctly and straight lines together with arrow on the signboard at UNSW to show directions. In term of publishing, lines can be found in manuals of equipments, it links the entity in a cycle of events and in publications which involves geometrical process. Other than that, lines represent movements, paths, and ephemeral material (The dashed line in used, 2006).  In this context, lines serve as a simple yet effective way of representing information. A movement and path in a manual, for example, is better represented in forms of lines rather than words. Furthermore, the application of lines will provide an interactive interface between the reader and the data. On the other hand, lines can be misleading if it is not properly understood. In addition, in certain cases, lines itself is not sufficient and must be accompanied by words for further explanation. Furthermore, lines in printed and digital publishing is different, since lines in printed materials could not be made to move compared to its counterpart on the computer screen.

Last but not least,this video demonstrates my points about lines and arrows that did not work successfully in explaining a process. This is because there is no explanation at all in form of words and text. 

Reference :

 The dashed line in used 2006, Touch, accessed 21 April 2011,                                                                      < http://www.nearfield.org/2006/09/the-dashed-line-in-use >

Affiliations between archives and its destructive fever

        Nowadays, we live in the world of archive. Archive is a way of storing and arranging information and data, so that data can be retrieved in the future. The most common examples of archives are library, book, journals, e-mails, Facebook and even YouTube.

                     

Image 1- All sorts of archive around us

       What is the relationship between all the archives involved? First of all, the emergences of some particular archives are dependent on the existence of its predecessor. For example, ‘snail mail’ is the antecedent the current electronic mail, whereas the iPad are the successor form of books, journals, and clay tablets.  Besides, each set of archive completes and access information from each other. For instance, the UNSW library websites provides information about the location and availability of particular resources, whereas the library shelves act as the ‘house’ for these items. However, in certain cases, new form archive may cause its predecessor to be disregard and threaten its subsistence. In week 2, the topic of transition between paper-based and electronic publishing have been discussed. In this case, the future of contemporary modes of publishing has been given a greater concern since e-reader makes its debut a couple of years ago.

Image 2 - Snapshot of Omeka, a web publishing system where you can create various types of online digital archives

         

       Furthermore, Jacques Derrida, a French philosopher is concern about the phenomena of ‘Archive Fever’. Basically, this situation is closely related to our desire to rearrange, rebuild, and customizing archives.   

Image 3 -Jacques Derrida and his book, Archive Fever

“The archivist produces more archive, and this is why the archive is never closed.”                         

                                          Jacques Derrida, Archive Fever, 1994

                    Derrida also argue that archive fever is detrimental, violent and destructive to the culture. This is because frequent addition and changes to existing archive could alter and modify the generally-accepted model into a new form which may not be understood by each member of the public.          

             In conclusion, archive can be destructive and preservative. It also deal with the issue of ‘dead memories’ and at the same time relieving the pain of memorizing a particular subject.

Simplifying Actor -Network Theory and Metaphor as a Double-edged Sword

             The dynamism (of ideas, concepts, technologies and practices) and metaphor are two significant elements that shape the current world of publishing. These topics have been addressed successfully by the lecturer in the class.

            Nowadays, there are various media theories and models that are applied throughout the globe. One of the theories, which are addressed by the course reading, is known as actor-network theory (ANT). This theory focus on the ’material-semiotic’ method. It explores the relationship between material (things) and semiotic (concepts).   In my opinion, there are a lot of examples ANT in our daily life, form the simplest situation to the most complex connection. In addition, in order for a particular ANT to work perfectly, the presence of material and semiotic is compulsory. A simple example to illustrate this situation is a LCD Projector could not establish its connection with a laptop computer without human effort to join the cable and accomplish necessary setup.

Figure 1 - Some important element of the actor- network theory .Source = Wikipedia

         Other than that, the usage of metaphor is the important aspect of theory. Metaphor can be applied in a lot of situations, such as to express opinion, contentment, critics, and sympathy. Nowadays, metaphors are conveyed in the form of text, image, and even video.

                                                  Video 1 - A controversial Australia Tourism Advertisement 

        Why theories and models do involves a lot of metaphor? Generally speaking, metaphor allows us to make a statement which has indirect subject or implicitly understood by the subject. The other point mentioned in the lecture is metaphor ‘naturalize ‘something that have been constructed. In this context, models and theories can be applied in different culture and society. However, there are some drawbacks of metaphor. In certain cases, it touches on sensitive issues which might make the subject feel embarrassed or discomforted. The image below shows an image from a local newspaper in Malaysia which is subjected of humiliating tsunami victim in Japan.

Image 2 - The Japanese icon, Ultraman is depicted as trying to run away from the devestating tsunami.

           In conclusion, ANT is the theory that can explain the complexity of a particular network, especially in relation to how actor-network is formed. In addition, each individual metaphor has to be reviewed critically in order to prevent misleading information and embarrassment.   

Author's Qualification and The Uncertain Future of Paywall

                  The reading for this week covers a lot of issue in relation to the topic of ‘transition from scrolls to  e-readers and contemporary events’. I notice that two of the reading deals with the procedure that must be followed by a particular author to publish his/her work at a publishing company like Pan Macmillan Australia and MIT Press. The flowchart below will explain the process in brief.

            In general, the system is appropriate and properly-designed in ensuring the quality and originality of the author’s work. Some of the compulsory information that are required from the author are education background, previous research carried out, and other preceding publications. In my point of view, this information is really important to determine whether the proposed work would be accepted or rejected.The mind map below briefly described the criteria necessary information that are required by The Mit Press(MIT Press Service Area 2001).

Figure 1- Compulsory information required by the MIT Press

         Other than that, the other interesting issue explored in the reading is the proposal of introducing paywalls to news websites. Recently, Richard Murdoch, the CEO of News Corporation reveals that the visitors to his news websites will be charged. This idea was criticised by Alan Rusbridger , the editor  of The Guardian ,a British national daily newspaper. Rusbridger argue that paywall would not bring much benefit to News Corp. It lead the company to a ‘sleepwalk of oblivion’, reduce online readership and have to compete with free news websites such as Sky Tv and BBC(Busfield, S. 2010).

Image 1-Snapshot of Newscorp Website which is the proposed paywall site by Richard Murdoch

Image 2 - Snapshot of BBC-free homepage. Note that there is  an advertisement on the top of the page.

            I am totally agreed with Rusbridger.  In my point of view, there are several drawbacks of paywall.To begin with; this would discourage the public to access news websites. In the world of digital revolution, a large number of people in developed countries access digital media in pursuit of current issues. Obviously, charging the public for information would leave them clueless about recent national and global news update. On top of that, diminishing online readership would result in withdrawal of digital advertising contract. This is a serious issue since the income from advertising make up  a fraction of the total revenue for News Corp.

          To sum up, the sector of book publishing and printing have undergo significant transformation, as well as the publishing procedure and requirements. Besides, charging the public for accessing digital mass media would bring detrimental effects to the industry.  

Reference :-

MIT Press Author Services Area 2001,accessed 18 March 2011                                  <http://mitpress.mit.edu/authors/Author-Questionnaire.pdf>

Busfield, S (2010) ‘Guardian editor hits back at paywalls’, The Guardian, accessed 18 March  2011 <http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/jan/25/guardian-editor-paywalls>

E-book : How does it shape the world of publishing



             In recent years, technological advancement had brought about abrupt changes and transforms the world of publishing to a state that has never been imagined before. Perhaps the greatest concern about this issue is the emergence of tablet PC and e-book such as Apple iPad, Amazon Kindle , Samsung Galaxy Tab and NOOK e-reader. In my point of view, both conventional paper-printed books and e-book have its own advantages and setback.



Amazon Kindle DX,Kindle 2, NOOK and iPad 



            To begin with, there are several good sides of e-book. Undeniably, it is more portable since a whole bundle of literature is compiled together as digital data rather than a collection of paperbacks.  Thanks to a great capacity of e-book memory, students do not have to carry heavy textbook around anymore. Besides, through the wireless function available on most e-book, we can gain access to digital media, such as websites, blogs, and social network sites.  On top of that, this feature also enable instant search about a particular topic to be accomplished instantly. However, not all people can afford for an e-book reader. For example, an iPad will cost you about $500, whereas the price for Amazon Kindle is around $260. Not only that, e-book seems to challenge the conventional process in the publishing and printing sector. This would pose economical threat to a lot of party, for instance author, publisher, and retailer that earn a living on the current publishing system.

Book vs e-book. Note how thick books are compared to the Amazon Kindle

             On the other hand, paperback book and paper-based publishing would not be affected by the automatic deletion of illegal publications by the content owner. This situation had been experienced by Amazon Kindle’s owner in July 2009 which left them shocked and speechless (Daughton 2009). Furthermore, we have more authority towards our hard copy book as it can be lent to anybody or sell it when it is not needed anymore. In contrast, an electronic form of book is constrained by regulations that prohibit any form of distribution, lease or trade (Daughton 2009). In spite of this, as has been mentioned before, it is not really practical to carry a whole chunk of book around which concerns the issue of lacks of portability for paperback books.

The Australian's digital version on Samsung Galaxy Tab



             In conclusion, the process of publishing has entered a new era with the invention of e-book. It has also affects the other sector related to publishing such as business, education, and newscast. Hopefully, e-book will bring about positive outcome in those areas in the foreseeable future.     

Reference:

Naughton, J 2009 , The Observer, The original Big Brother is watching you on Amazon Kindle , weblog, accessed 10 March 2011 , < http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/jul/26/amazon-kindle-book-deletions >