The Next New Thing

     The next new media I am thinking about is not "new" in the sense that virtual reality hardware already exists. However, I think the next new application of VR should be interactions between users in an environment where each person has an avatar. Currently the software VR products can run are limited to single-player games, and applications like galleries, movies / tv shows, or documentaries. There is no connection between multiple users that can see each other, or at least a representation of each other. I think VR companies should partner up with social media companies (much like how Facebook acquired Oculus Rift) and work to create a world where VR gear can support business meetings, or allow strangers to enter a virtual reality (in first person view), move around, talk, or play games together. It will be a whole new level of socializing where people from all over the world can "exist" in a reality in the same place. A lot further down the road, they can improve on this technology by linking the virtual reality gear to our nervous system to show our brain images, rather than a picture on a screen. We will perceive the environment to be more real than just having a 3D image close to our eyes.

Our Class Wiki - So Far

     So far, I have been learning more about the Twitch.tv platform for streaming games. I wanted to focus on this and similar platforms like Azubu because gaming has been one of my hobbies since I was in grade school. A service that promotes something that I love to do is something I can definitely get behind. The scene in e-sports is growing rapidly and these sites are creative ways for streamers to do what they love, and get paid for it. Twitch is also a good way for video game publishers to advertise their new releases because everyone always streams new games (WoW, Pokemon, FIFA, E3 conference). In certain channels, the regular viewers have built communities to laugh, discuss, and watch people play games. I see that we have a small section on streaming services, but I want to expand that because Twitch has added more features recently, as well as introduce other platforms. I have been around for all of the updates and know of many notable sponsored charity events that Twitch participates in.
     If possible, I would like to add to sections about gaming as well. We have a lot of sections about games, most of which I have played or know about.

P2P File Sharing

     File sharing is the copying of digital files and distributing them to other people. For example, I can send documents to a classmate, or send a media file to a friend. I can upload the files to a server where other users can download it, or I can send it directly from my device to theirs.
     The direct sharing of files between users without a server in the middle is P2P (peer to peer) file sharing. Files shared through P2P can have multiple peers sending and receiving at the same time as well in the form of torrents. Other forms on P2P file sharing include NFC (Near Field Communication) in smartphones, or any decentralized network with equal users (peers).
     One of the biggest uses of P2P file sharing is torrents, whether they are legal or illegal. Many users upload movies on torrent sites and violate the copyright laws of intellectual property. The act of uploading copyrighted material has been dubbed as "piracy." This is because people are in essence stealing the work of movie production companies, and their profits. Even if the "pirate" doesn't directly take the profits, they are preventing the companies from earning it. A large portion of the customer base will opt-out of purchasing $13 movie tickets or buying the DVD to watch a movie if they can just download it for free. According to Stelter and Stone, "In 2008, DVD sales, a huge source of revenue for film studios, dropped to their lowest levels in five years" (Stelter and Stone). Piracy became popular because it was easy and everyone was doing it, so it didn't seem wrong. In order to combat piracy, companies are beginning to offer on-demand service on platforms that customers want to watch it on. They want to offer convenience and affordability for people who don't have time to go to the theater, or don't want to spend too much on movie tickets and snacks.


Works Cited:
     Stelter, Brian, and Brad Stone. "Digital Pirates Winning Battle With Studios." The New York Times. The New York Times, 04 Feb. 2009. Web. 23 Nov. 2016.

Privacy

     New media brings forth a lot of privacy issues that deal with the confidentiality of user data. Information that is collected on our social media sites, online retailers, and other browser-related uses is data mined by companies and some are sold by information collection companies. Sometimes we wonder how these telemarketers have our numbers, and it's probably because some website we entered it in sold our information. There is also information stored in databases like our social security numbers, credit card information, bank information and our personal details to match those records. Every now and then we hear about cases of hackers stealing this information from banks or private companies. A few years ago I had a friend who was notified by Citi Bank that there was such a hacking incident and he had to make changes to his bank account. This is a big concern because it will be so easy to have our identity stolen (as well as money or our credit scores ruined) by individuals that specialize in identity theft. I did my term paper on the pros and cons of new media (most specifically social media), and privacy is definitely one of the top concerns and something that will always be at risk. Studies showed that with just a full name and address, your identity can be stolen. This kind of information is easily obtained on people's Facebook profiles and social media accounts. Many users give their personal information out either without knowing or caring about their privacy. This includes signing up for freebies when they ask for your phone number, email, and name. Once the companies get our information, we have no control over who has access to it anymore.

Advice

     One way to use new media in Baruch that I don't think we have (or at least I'm not aware of) is a social media where Baruch members can post things and chat. One example is a forum with categories for clubs, questions about subjects (homework), hobbies, sports, etc. I feel like there isn't a big social media presence right now, if you can even count Blackboard as a tool for communicating. People don't really get the opportunity to connect with others students outside their circle of friends or classmates. A forum dedicated to Baruch students and faculty (if allowed) to chat, hang out, and help each other will create a pretty awesome community. Clubs can post interest meetings and events on the forum instead of the bulletin boards across campus, which people rarely stop to read. There should also be a help section when students have a problem, so other students who have been in similar situations can suggest solutions. I have better experiences asking for information from my classmates and professors than asking the administrative offices (Financial Aid, Bursars, Registrar) because they are very busy with problems that only they can solve (changing majors, payments, etc). Baruch usually sends out emails for public speakers on certain industries, but with the removal of the mail forwarding feature, I don't know how often people actually check their Baruch email and read the events. A thread on the forum for these events can reach more potential attendees because if they like the forum, they will visit every day to check what's new.

Creativity and New Media

I recently learned about this site called "rabb.it" where you, and friends, or even strangers, can watch a show on the same screen. My friends and I watch movies, television shows, or anime just to have fun. There is a chat system, as well as voice chat so that we can discuss as we are watching. Sometimes it's hard to have everyone gather in one room to watch, especially if it's a short episode that airs once a week. But watching something with friends is always more enjoyable.

I also have a Twitch channel where I stream the games that I play. I haven't done it in a long time, but the games I play the most are: League of Legends, Counter Strike: Global Offensive, and Overwatch. I have some friends who stream digital art, and I follow a streamer that does drum covers of songs requested by subscribers/donations/followers.

Creativity

     New media allows people to share content in any way that they can imagine.They can create an all new idea of their own (painting, story, YouTube video, etc) or sample an existing work. Common methods are remixes to songs, covers, or parodies. In the article "Disney Tolerates a Rap Parody of Its Critters. But Why?" by Brooks Barnes of the New York Times, Barnes talks about the use of Disney characters in parody videos on YouTube. Disney is supposedly very strict in its copyrights, and will remove any use of their characters. Nickelodeon, on the other hand, welcomes people to create mash-ups using their characters. Dan Martinsen, a Nickelodeon spokesperson, says "Our audiences can creatively mash video from our content as much and as often as they like" (Barnes). People can use their imagination to frame the content in amusing ways and get it viral. This creates buzz for the original work, almost like advertising. There have been many times I've listened to a song in a user-made video, and wondered where the song came from and if the artist has other songs that I might like. The introduction of YouTube allows users to make videos about anything they want. Creativity is the key to standing out. Some people make video logs, cooking channels, make up tutorials, or gaming reviews. New media encourages the creativity of individuals by letting individuals share their work to millions, as long as they have internet access.


Works Cited:
     Barnes, Brooks. "Disney Tolerates a Rap Parody of Its Critters. But Why?" NY Times. The New York Times, 24 Sept. 2007. Web. 1 Nov. 2016.